🌤 Weather at Harry “Babe” Woodyard State Natural Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30–75 °F | 60–86 °F | 32–80 °F | 17–40 °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 Perrysville 4 WNW, 8 mi away, elevation 611 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🦌 Deer and turkey country — A wooded state natural area with upland prairie openings and a rocky creek, managed from nearby Kickapoo State Recreation Area.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Georgetown, Vermilion County, IL |
| Managed from | Kickapoo State Recreation Area, 10906 Kickapoo Rd., Oakwood, IL 61858 |
| Phone | 217-442-4915 |
| Huntable acres | 1,150 |
| Main use | Hunting (deer, turkey, dove, small game) |
As listed by Illinois DNR and its Hunt Illinois site page in October 2026.
About Harry “Babe” Woodyard
Harry “Babe” Woodyard State Natural Area is a wooded tract in Vermilion County, east-central Illinois, with upland prairie openings and a rocky creek that runs through a draw and cuts the area in two. Illinois DNR manages it from Kickapoo State Recreation Area, its parent site, and lists about 1,150 huntable acres. The mix of woods, openings and creek bottom is what makes the site good deer and turkey ground, with plenty of room to spread out. Expect active habitat management work on the site throughout the year.
Getting There
The area lies about 3 miles east of Georgetown and about 12 miles south of Danville (straight-line). For directions and current closures, call the Kickapoo SRA office at 217-442-4915. The park’s coordinates are 39.9642, -87.5763.
Hunting
Statewide regulations apply unless the site rules say otherwise. Deer archery, fall archery turkey, squirrel and woodcock hunting follow statewide rules. Firearm deer, muzzleloader deer and spring turkey require site-specific permits from the statewide lottery, and rabbits and upland birds a lottery-based Free Upland Game Permit. Dove season opens with an on-site drawing for the first five days. Hunters must display a windshield card on the dashboard and report effort and harvest by February 15. Only one portable tree stand or ground blind is allowed per deer permit holder. As of October 2026; check the current rules on the Hunt Illinois site page before you go.
Visiting Outside Hunting Season
The hunting area is closed to all other activities during firearm deer season, muzzleloader deer season and spring turkey season, so plan hikes and wildlife watching outside those dates. Illinois DNR lists no developed visitor facilities on the site page; ask the Kickapoo SRA office what is open before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit Harry “Babe” Woodyard State Natural Area during deer season?
Not for other activities: the hunting area is closed to everything except hunting during firearm deer, muzzleloader deer and spring turkey seasons (as of October 2026).
Who manages Harry “Babe” Woodyard State Natural Area?
Illinois DNR manages it from Kickapoo State Recreation Area, 10906 Kickapoo Rd., Oakwood; the office phone is 217-442-4915.
Do you need a special permit to hunt deer here?
Archery deer hunting follows statewide rules, but firearm and muzzleloader deer hunting require a site-specific permit issued through the statewide lottery (as of October 2026).
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Kickapoo State Recreation Area (a short drive away) or Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area (within about an hour’s drive).
Keep exploring: our full Illinois state parks guide.
🦌 Visit Harry “Babe” Woodyard State Natural Area
Check season closures and site permits before you go.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Harry “Babe” Woodyard State Natural 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 Harry “Babe” Woodyard State Natural 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
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