Changes announced for tree stands, trail cameras on Rivers Project property

By Managing Editor | August 8, 2025 |

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office, has announced a policy change regarding the use of portable tree stands, ground blinds, and trail cameras on Rivers Project property.

Hunters will now be permitted to temporarily place such equipment on public lands throughout the duration of the Missouri and Illinois deer seasons.

Portable hunting stands and ground blinds are defined as any portable hunting stands, climbing devices, steps, or blinds that are not nailed or screwed into trees and can be removed at the end of a day’s hunt. Such equipment will be permitted on Rivers Project lands when all the following conditions are met:

Portable hunting stands/blinds are temporarily placed on lands managed by USACE-Rivers Project only between Sept. 15 and Jan. 31 in Illinois; between Sept. 1 and Jan. 31 in Missouri.
Portable hunting stands/blinds are placed only in areas open to hunting.
Portable hunting stands/blinds must be permanently labeled with the owner’s name, address, and telephone number. Information must be legible from the ground level and remain legible throughout the hunting season.
Only one (1) portable hunting stand or blind per person.
Individuals utilizing portable tree stands or similar devices must use a Fall-Arrest System/full body harness as recommended by the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association.

Trail and game cameras are defined as any outdoor camera left unattended to monitor wildlife movement by taking photographs or video footage at regular time intervals, or whenever motion is detected. Such equipment will be permitted on Rivers Project lands when all the following conditions below are met:

Trail cameras must be affixed to trees with straps. Bark-penetrating mounts are not permitted.
Trail cameras are temporarily placed on lands managed by USACE Rivers Project only between Sept. 15 and Jan. 31 in Illinois; between Sept. 1 and Jan. 31 in Missouri.
Trail cameras must be permanently labeled with the owner’s name, address, and telephone number. Information must be legible from the ground level and remain legible throughout the hunting season.
Trail cameras cannot be placed withing 100 feet of hunter/fishing access lots, access roadways, or designated bike/walking trails.
Trail cameras cannot be utilized to monitor pedestrians or recreation use of public lands.

Non-compliance with the stated policy changes will result in the immediate removal and impoundment of the equipment, as well as a possible citation to the owner. Enforcement of this Regulation will be implemented by uniformed Natural Resources Specialists and Park Rangers in accordance with Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations. A map to USACE St. Louis District hunting grounds can be found by scanning the QR code included below.

For more information, contact the Rivers Project Office at (636) 899-2600.