Hunting

PARK/LAKE CLOSED TO GENERAL USE DURING FIREARM PORTION OF THE DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM:  Nov. 17-19 & Nov. 30-Dec. 3, 2023.

All of COMLARA Park/Evergreen Lake will be closed to general use November 17 - 19 AND November 30 - December 3, 2023 to allow for the Firearm portion of the Deer Management Program.  Exceptions: The Campground will remain open and fishermen wanting to fish from the SHORELINE ONLY can do so at the Pumphouse and Campground Cove.  Thank you.

ARCHERY DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM STARTING MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2023 - CERTAIN AREAS CLOSED TO GENERAL USE!

Starting Monday, October 2, 2023 certain areas of COMLARA Park will be closed to general use to allow for the Archery portion of the Deer Management Program.  Only permitted hunters will be allowed in these areas.  Areas closed to general use will have Flourescent Orange signs with marking tape detailing that an area is closed. 

Archery_Hunting_Zones

White Tail Deer Management Hunting Program

To meet the primary mission of the McLean County Department of Parks and Recreation, management of natural resources within the parks is necessary. Today, due to the lack of natural predators, natural resource management of white tail deer herds is necessary to ensure and improve natural habitat overall.

The use of public hunting at COMLARA Park's Evergreen Lake is recognized as an appropriate population control method. In addition, public hunting provides recreational and leisure opportunities for those that wish to participate.

Please note: Normally, seasons are announced and applications are available for Archery Hunting on June 1 and for Shotgun Hunting on July 1. Applications must be returned within 60 days.

Recent Area Deer Population

Research has documented populations at COMLARA County Park in excess of 60 deer per square mile. The ecological carrying capacity of various natural environments is 15 to 20 deer per square mile.

Without active management, the number of deer will continue to increase, possibly dramatically. The deer population levels threaten natural regeneration and environmental reclamation projects, due to browse levels.

Resources

You can also view Hunting Zones by using the Comlara Park interactive map.