Pleasant Valley Conservancy has always been an outstanding area for deer hunting. For many years a local family hunted on the property, usually taking from 3 to 8 deer (depending on license availability and state regulations). When chronic wasting disease (CWD) became an issue in 2002, interest by local hunters dropped off. However, efforts to control CWD led to a considerably extended deer hunting season in this area, so that hunting continued to be attractive to other individuals..

In recent years, hunters have successfully shot deer at Pleasant Valley Conservancy, including those of trophy size.

We continue to see deer daily at Pleasant Valley Conservancy, generally in the early morning or late afternoon. Deer trails across the snow are always seen. Deer presence is also evident from effects on some of our flowering plants and they seem to prefer certain species. We have noticed two species in particular that are heavily grazed by deer: ox-eye sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides) and Illinois trefoil (Desmodium illinoense).

Another attractive plant for deer is the wood lily (Lilium philadelphicum). Our efforts to restore this attractive species to Pleasant Valley Conservancy were thwarted until we began to put cages around existing plants.

Hunting at Pleasant Valley Conservancy

Limited hunting is permitted at Pleasant Valley Conservancy, by permission of the site managers Tom and Kathie Brock. We encourage deer hunting but because of the relatively small size of the preserve restrict hunting to only a few individuals. Also, hunting is permitted only during the regular deer hunting season during Thanksgiving week.

Hunting of turkey, grouse, pheasant, woodcock, and other game birds is not permitted at this time.