🌤 Weather at Devils Island Wildlife Management Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37–78 °F | 66–89 °F | 37–82 °F | 26–48 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport, 10 mi away, elevation 336 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Mississippi River Bottomland — Bottomland forest and farm fields near McClure in Alexander and Union counties — IDNR manages the site with active habitat work
Devils Island is an Illinois Department of Natural Resources site near McClure, in Alexander and Union counties, in the Mississippi River bottomland of southern Illinois. IDNR lists 2,741 huntable acres and describes the habitat as bottomland, hardwood forests and agricultural fields, with active habitat management through the year.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | McClure, Alexander and Union counties, IL |
| Entry Fee | No entrance fee is listed by IDNR (as of November 2026) |
| Habitat | Bottomland, hardwood forest, farm fields |
About Devils Island WMA
Devils Island Wildlife Management Area protects Mississippi River bottomland in southern Illinois. The island and surrounding backwater channels provide critical habitat for waterfowl, wading birds, and fish. The Mississippi River floodplain here creates one of the most productive ecosystems in the Midwest.
Things to Do
Hunting is the main use: IDNR lists waterfowl, deer and turkey seasons here under statewide regulations, plus trapping with a Site-Specific Permit. This is a walk-in area, so birdwatching and wildlife observation happen on foot too. The river island setting is scenic and wild.
Insider Tips
Before you go: Call the site at (618) 833-5175 for current access and hunting rules. Pro tip: Spring flooding creates excellent habitat for migrating shorebirds and wading birds. Local knowledge: No ATVs or bicycles are allowed, and motor vehicles stay on the access road or at the parking area. Blinds must be portable or built from natural vegetation and come down at the end of each day’s hunt. Stands may stay up unattended from September 15 to January 31 if they are marked with the owner’s name, address and phone number.
Best Time to Visit
Fall: Peak waterfowl migration. Spring: Shorebird migration and flooding creates unique habitat. Summer: Wildlife observation on foot. Winter: Eagle viewing along the Mississippi River.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hunt at Devils Island WMA?
IDNR’s page for this site says statewide regulations apply to waterfowl, deer and turkey hunting and mentions no lottery. Its Site-Specific Permit applies to trapping. You still need the license and stamps Illinois requires for your hunt, so check the IDNR site page for current seasons and rules.
More parks nearby: Cape Bend State Fish and Wildlife Area and Union County State Fish and Wildlife Area are both a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Devils Island Wildlife Management Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Illinois state parks and on trails as long as they are leashed at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required at all times; state code caps leash length at 10 feet
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in areas posted 'NO PETS', reserved for beach areas, concession areas and crowded campground/picnic areas (e.g. no dogs on the beach at Illinois Beach State Park)
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in campground cabins
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Leash rule exceptions for hunting dogs, field trials and dog training areas; pets must not be left unattended
Are dogs allowed at Devils Island Wildlife Management Area?
Pets are allowed in Illinois state parks and on trails as long as they are leashed at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.illinois.gov. More: Illinois state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
