Location: Jo Daviess County in Hanover, immediately North of the Apple River Bridge on Rt. 84 is West Blanding Road. Take this road 1/2 mile "Y" intersection of Blanding and Hanover Hill roads, turn left on Hanover Hill to parking area, 1/2 mile.
Description : Total Acres: 247; 231 Huntable acres. Water: 16 acres, Cropland: 4.5 acres , Open grassland: 30 acres, Timber: 196.5 acres. The area will provide good hunting opportunities for forest game species like deer, wild turkey and squirrel. Upland game opportunities will be limited as rabbits are the only species present in any number. The topography is very steep making walking difficult.

PLEASE NOTE: Do not use private road on western border to access State property. Also, there is a private residence located in this area. Because of the close proximity to our boundary, hunting is not allowed within 100 yards of the residence. Signs have been posted defining this restriction and are shown on the site map.

Area Regulations :

1. All turkey and firearm deer hunters must obtain a site specific permit, which will be issued through the Permit Office in Springfield. Permits valid for JoDaviess Co. will not be valid at Hanover Bluff Natural Area, except for youth hunts. A windshield permit will be issued by Apple River Canyon State Park and must be display during the hunt. Successful deer and turkey hunters must still follow statewide checking procedures as specified by the permit.
2. All other hunting is closed during the firearm deer season except coyotes may be taken by firearm deer hunters w/valid Hanover Bluff Natural Area permits.
3. All Statewide Regulations apply.
4. Hunters are required to sign in and sign out and record species harvested at the hunter registration box provided in parking lot 1.
5. Site is closed to non-hunters during firearm deer season, and until 1PM during Spring Turkey Seasons. Exceptions: Supervising adults during youth hunts.
6. It shall be unlawful to construct or to use any tree stand that utilizes nails, screws, wire or any device which pierces or cuts the bark of the tree on which it is installed. Any tree stand must be portable and removed from the tree at the end of each day.
7. It shall be unlawful for any person to possess or to consume beer, wine, or intoxicating liquors while hunting on the area.
8. No ground fires or camping allowed.
9. Jo Daviess Co. permit holders that contact the site office will be issued a windshield permit until quotas are reached.

For further information contact: Apple River Canyon State Park, Apple River, IL 61001; Telephone: (815) 745-3302.