As the firearm deer season approaches in Illinois, which runs from November 22-24, 2024, several areas at Rend Lake will experience temporary closures. These closures include the North Sandusky day use area, South Sandusky day use area, South Marcum day use area, Blackberry Nature Trail, North Marcum Archery Complex, and various bike trails. The closures will affect non-hunters on specified dates: November 22-24, December 5-8, December 13-15, December 26-29, and January 17-19, 2025. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which oversees the area, advises visitors to plan accordingly and contact the Rend Lake Project Office at 618-724-2493 for more information on the closures and hunting regulations [b972b0d5]. This seasonal adjustment is part of the broader hunting management strategies that aim to balance wildlife conservation with recreational opportunities for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike.