The ban includes all activities at state parks, fish and wildlife areas, recreational areas and historic sites.

Colleen Callahan, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, said in a statement that hunters and anglers aren’t allowed to receive refunds on state-issued permits or permit transfers due to administrative guidelines under the state wildlife code.

“We understand the problems these laws create for our sportsmen and sportswomen and are reviewing all possible solutions,” Callahan said.

As for hunting and fishing on private open properties, the state says that people can still do that, provided they have proper state authorization.

In southern Illinois, the federal government closed Garden of the Gods Recreation Area and Bell Smith Springs Trailhead in the Shawnee National Forest. Spring wild turkey season will start today (4/6) in the state’s south zone and April 13 in the north zone. The state's spring trout-fishing season begins on Saturday. Illinois sites will be stocked, but remain closed.

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