Double T State Fish and Wildlife Area, Wildlife refuge in Fulton County, Illinois, US.
Double T State Fish and Wildlife Area is a refuge in Fulton County near Canton with a lake, wetlands, and grasslands across its roughly 1,961 acres. The main waterbody spans about 26 acres and supports diverse bird species alongside other wildlife habitats throughout the site.
The land served as a coal strip mining site until 2001, when the Illinois Department of Natural Resources converted it into a wildlife recreation area. This transformation from industrial extraction to habitat protection represents ecological restoration of previously mined terrain.
The area serves as a gathering place for hunters during duck season in the Central Zone, where visitors congregate at designated hunting stakes. The activity follows a set rhythm across specific weekdays, giving the refuge a structured social calendar tied to seasonal hunting traditions.
Visitors should know that fishing is restricted in the waterfowl area between October and April. All hunters must obtain permits before visiting, so advance registration is important for anyone planning to hunt.
The refuge gets its name from the lake's distinctive shape resembling the pi symbol, formed within an abandoned mining excavation. This unusual shape has developed since 1983 as the excavated area filled with water, creating a memorable landmark recognizable from above.
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