Permits applications available for opening day dove hunt at Lake Shelbyville

Permit applications are now available for an opening day dove hunt at Lake Shelbyville, Sept. 1.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville will be conducting two hunts at the Wilborn Creek dove field from 7 – 11 a.m. and 1 – 6 p.m.

Permit applications can be picked up at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday or online http://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Shelbyville/Wildlife.htm.

Applicants can indicate their preference for morning or afternoon hunt. 

The deadline is 4 p.m. on Aug. 14. 

A $30 permit fee will be charged to those who obtain permits. 

Youth hunters may donate 10 nonperishable food items to be donated to a local food bank in lieu of the $30 fee.

One permit will allow two hunters the use of a designated hunting blind. 

The public drawing for permits will take place at 8 a.m. Aug. 15 at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office. 

Applicants do not have to be present for the drawing.

Successful applicants will be notified by mail within 10 days.

Hunting blinds for both hunts will be drawn at the field before each hunt Sept. 1.

The youth hunt is limited to children 16 and under.

A hunting assistant who is a parent, legal guardian, or family member of at least 18 years of age must accompany each youth. 

The hunting assistant will be able to hunt with the youth.   

The Wilborn Creek dove field is approximately 27 acres in size and accommodates 30 blinds (60 hunters/hunt).

According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the sunflower crop at the site was better than expected considering weather conditions.

Following opening day, dove hunting will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hunting will only be allowed from designated blinds and statewide shooting hours (sunrise to sunset) will be in effect.

For more information, call Natural Resources Specialists Lee Mitchell or Ashley Florey at (217) 774-3951 Ext: 4.