Showing posts with label Fishing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fishing. Show all posts

Friday, April 28, 2017

DNR- Ashes in State Parks-100th GA - SB 1586

DNR- Ashes in State Parks-100th GA - SB 1586



Senator Bill Cunningham
Filed: SB 1586 on 2-9-17

Amends the State Parks Act. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources may establish rules for the public to safely and appropriately scatter cremated remains in a State park. Defines "cremated remains."

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Crematory Regulation Act. Provides that "scattering area" also includes property used for outdoor recreation or natural resource conservation owned by the Department of Natural Resources and designated as a scattering area.

  • Date Chamber Action
    • 2/9/2017 Senate Filed with Secretary by Sen. Bill Cunningham
    • 2/9/2017 Senate First Reading
    • 2/9/2017 Senate Referred to Assignments
    • 2/28/2017 Senate Assigned to Public Health
    • 3/8/2017 Senate Postponed - Public Health
    • 3/15/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Bill Cunningham
    • 3/15/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments
    • 3/17/2017 Senate Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As April 7, 2017
    • 3/22/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Public Health
    • 3/28/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted
    • 3/29/2017 Senate Do Pass as Amended Public Health; 008-000-000
    • 3/29/2017 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading March 30, 2017
    • 4/6/2017 Senate Second Reading
    • 4/6/2017 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading April 25, 2017
    • 4/27/2017 Senate Third Reading - Passed; 056-000-000
    • 4/27/2017 House Arrived in House
    • 4/27/2017 House Chief House Sponsor Rep. Stephanie A. Kifowit
    • 4/27/2017 House First Reading

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe


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Thursday, March 30, 2017

Two Things for Illinois Anglers to Remember Before going Fishing this Weekend.

Two Things for Illinois Anglers to Remember Before going Fishing this Weekend.


There's so much going on this weekend for Illinois anglers.  There is Multiple bass tournaments, trout fishing, salmon run along the lake front, the long held tradition of smelt fishing and the opening of Heidecke Lake.  While we're all doing something different, there's two things we wish for you to remember before heading to that secret spot.


  • Fishing License - April 1st starts the date where last years license is expired.  So make sure to buy all necessary stamps as well stamps especially for trout and salmon.  This link will connect you to the IDNR website where you can find fees and buy online.  


  • 2017 Rules and Regulations - Here's a tip for you.  Since so many of you have a smart phone make sure to download the PDF so you have it everywhere you go.  Download it just in case the lake you're on has no cell service.  While many of these rules are the same, there have been some changes. So do your due dillegence and make sure to read the book.  Even if you have in the past its a great idea to have so you can help inform others that may not know.  

If you haven't been out yet with the unseasonably warm weather make sure to get out this weekend and enjoy all the adventures Illinois has to offer! 

Check back to see what we did this weekend. 

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe


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Parks and Recreational Facility Construction Act-100th GA - HB 2828


Parks and Recreational Facility Construction Act-100th GA - HB 2828

Representative Charles Meier

Filed: HB 2828 on 2-9-17


Amends the Parks and Recreational Facility Construction Act of 2009. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning priorities for projects.

House Committee Amendment No. 1
Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Parks and Recreational Facility Construction Act of 2009. Requires the Department of Natural Resources to prioritize projects under the Act that create parks universally designed to meet everyone's needs, ages, and mobility and where all equipment, and the park itself, is handicap-accessible over projects that would create parks where only some equipment, or only the park itself, is handicap-accessible. Effective immediately.


Previous Actions:


Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe


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Monday, March 27, 2017

Illinois Fisheries Department Looking for Muskie during Trap Net Survey

Illinois Fisheries Department Looking for Muskie during Trap Net Survey


Autumn enjoying the survey
Fishing is like a box of chocolates, you never know what your going to catch. This past week the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Department was looking for the ever-elusive muskie. On March 20 - 22nd members of the Fisheries Department set the net traps at Jim Edgar Panther Creek's Prairie Lake.   Over the next two days they came back to check the nets and Autumn and I were there to watch.  We were informed that we would have the opportunity to observe them checking nets and surveying the fish, so we jumped at the opportunity.


As the IDNR and other observers launched Autumn and I headed to the back side of the lake to the first net location. Last year there were over 100 muskies surveyed, so everyone's expectations were high.   After checking the first net excitement turned to disappointment when not a single muskie was caught.  The water temperatures were in the high to mid forties and with another 47 nets to check anticipation and enthusiasm were still in the air.

After the completing the net checks the IDNR headed back to the boat ramp with a total of 44 muskie to weigh, measure and identify the sex.

Here is the results of the muskie survey reported by the IDNR over those two days:

A total of 44 muskie were collected in 48 trap net nights (8 females and 36 males). Female muskie ranged from 39.4 – 46.6” and 18.4 – 30.7 lbs, while male muskie ranged from 29.4 – 40.2” and 6.4 - 18.5 lbs. All muskie collected were in excellent body condition. A muskie PIT (Passive Integrated Transponder) tag study began in 2016. The 2017 survey resulted in the recapture of 15 muskie (2 females and 13 males) that were tagged last year and 29 newly tagged fish.

Here is a video that shows how quick these surveys are.  The first thing they do is measure, then check to see if there's a PIT tag already in a fish.  You can see them use the yellow gun device to check for a transponder.  If not they would inject a PIT right next to the dorsal fin.  I asked how long the IDNR has been using PIT and it's been over 15 years.  Who pays for all this you might be wondering?  The Shawnee Muskie Club paid for the nets and PIT tags.  Thank you very much, your efforts in helping the IDNR in their time of need is much appreciated by Capitol Outdoors and countless other anglers across the state.




Not a muskie fishermen! While the DNR states that there are not supposed to be crappie in Prairie Lake there is a population.  The Fisheries Department reported that:
'The trap net survey also resulted in a good black crappie and sunfish species sample. The largest black crappie in the survey measured 14.6” and 1.8 lbs.'

It's also not a secret to bass anglers that there are some monsters swimming around the lake.  During the survey there was one big bass caught that we just had to share. According to the survey:
'A few larger bass were starting to move as well. The largest bass collected measured 20.8” and 5.9 lb.'

All in all the weather was windy, cold and a little wet but I am glad that we had the opportunity to see our Fisheries Department in action.  While I have seen a lot of this on TV, it was amazing to see how the science is done on sight.  We can't wait until next year.  A big thank you goes out to Nerissa McClelland and the entire Fisheries Department for their hard work.  If you ever get the chance to watch the IDNR survey fish, I highly recommend it because it was pretty cool and Autumn really enjoyed it.

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe


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Sunday, March 5, 2017

Movement in House Committee Expected this Week

Movement in House Committee Expected this Week


There will be movement this week in the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee.  Chairman Costello will most likely be calling several bills and some of those will be hunting or fishing related.  Some may be a clarification of law while others may add new devices for deer hunting.  The only question that remains is which bill will be called upon.  Below you'll see a list of bills that may be called in committee on Tuesday.



Bourne, Avery WILDLIFE-CROSSBOW DRAW WEIGHT

Bourne, Avery WILDLIFE-IN-LAW FARM HUNT 

Wheeler, Barbara DNR-CONVEY REAL ESTATE 

 Costello II, Jerry CROSSBOW HUNTING-ARCHERY SEAS

Bryant, Terri WILDLIFE-DUCK BLIND OR PIT 

Phelps, Brandon W. DEER HUNTING-AIR GUNS 

 Costello II, Jerry WILDLIFE-TRAPPING-GREEN HIDES 

Butler, Tim DNR-CONSULTATION FEES 

Bourne, Avery WILDLIFE-HUNTING LICENSE 

Swanson, Daniel WILDLIFE-DISABLED PERSON-HUNT 

Jesiel, Sheri COMMERCIAL FISHING REGULATION 

Jesiel, Sheri FISH-LAKE MICHIGAN COMMERC LIC 

 Beiser, Daniel V. 5 YR HUNTING & FISHING LICENSE 

 Sosnowski, Joe CROSSBOW HUNTING-COYOTES 

 Spain, Ryan DNR-VOLUNTEERS-TRAIL PROGRAM 

 Halbrook, Brad WILDLIFE-DEER BAIT 

 Stuart, Katie FISH & HUNT LICENSE-POLICE


Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe


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DNR-VOLUNTEERS-TRAIL PROGRAM-100th GA - HB 3455

DNR-VOLUNTEERS-TRAIL PROGRAM-100th GA - HB 3455

Representative Ryan Spain

Filed: HB 3455 on 2-10-17

Amends the Department of Natural Resources Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides in the Department of Natural Resource's Adopt-A-Park program that volunteers may assist with vegetation management, providing building and facility repair, or other appropriate services. Creates the Adopt-A-Trail Program. Provides that the Department shall establish and maintain Adopt-A-Trail programs with individual or group volunteers, if requested by an individual or group volunteers, in an effort to reduce and remove litter from trails and to provide other services. Provides that the Department shall retain the ability to approve or deny an individual or group volunteer's request; however, the Department must state the reason for the request denial. Provides that by engaging in volunteer activities under the Act, volunteers fully acknowledge and understand that there shall be neither a (1) promise or expectation of compensation of any type, including benefits, nor (2) creation of an employer-employee relationship. Makes other changes.

Latest Actions: House Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 113-000-000
  • Date - Chamber - Action
    •  2/10/2017HouseFiled with the Clerk by Rep. Ryan Spain
        2/10/2017HouseFirst Reading
        2/10/2017HouseReferred to Rules Committee
        2/22/2017HouseAssigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
        3/9/2017HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Ryan Spain
        3/9/2017HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee
        3/14/2017HouseDo Pass / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 012-000-000
        3/14/2017HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Tabled Pursuant to Rule 40
        3/15/2017HousePlaced on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
        3/15/2017HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Sonya M. Harper
        3/15/2017HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Litesa E. Wallace
        3/21/2017HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Ryan Spain
        3/21/2017HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Referred to Rules Committee
        3/22/2017HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Recommends Be Adopted Rules Committee; 004-000-000
        4/4/2017HouseSecond Reading - Short Debate
        4/4/2017HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Adopted
        4/4/2017HousePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
        4/5/2017HouseThird Reading - Short Debate - Passed 113-000-000
        4/5/2017HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Camille Y. Lilly
        4/5/2017HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Mark Batinick
        4/5/2017HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Allen Skillicorn
        4/5/2017HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Allen Skillicorn
        4/5/2017HouseRemoved Co-Sponsor Rep. Allen Skillicorn
        4/6/2017SenateArrive in Senate
        4/6/2017SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of First Reading
        4/6/2017SenateChief Senate Sponsor Sen. Chuck Weaver
        4/6/2017SenateFirst Reading
        4/6/2017SenateReferred to Assignments
        4/25/2017SenateAssigned to State Government
        5/1/2017SenateAdded as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Tim Bivins
        5/4/2017SenateDo Pass State Government; 007-000-000
        5/4/2017SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 5, 2017
        5/4/2017SenateAdded as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Steven M. Landek
        5/19/2017SenateSecond Reading
        5/19/2017SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 22, 2017
        5/25/2017SenateThird Reading - Passed; 056-000-000
        5/25/2017HousePassed Both Houses

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe


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FISH-LAKE MICHIGAN COMMERC LIC-100th GA - HB 3273

FISH-LAKE MICHIGAN COMMERC LIC-100th GA - HB 3273

Representative  Sheri Jesiel

Filed: HB 3273 on 2-9-17



Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources may issue a maximum of 5 commercial fishing licenses for taking from the Illinois waters of Lake Michigan yellow perch, bloater chub, and other commercial fish species designated by Department rule. Provides that, at times determined by the Director, the Department shall advertise a public drawing to accept new qualified commercial fishing candidates and establish a ranking order for these new candidates to fill open Lake Michigan commercial fishing licenses. Provides that the ranking order shall continue to be used until the list of eligible candidates is exhausted. Removes provisions concerning the issuing of commercial licenses.

Latest Action:
  • 5/25/2017 House Passed Both Houses

COMMERCIAL FISHING REGULATION-100th GA - HB 3272

COMMERCIAL FISHING REGULATION-100th GA - HB 3272

Representative  Sheri Jesiel

Filed: HB 3272 on 2-9-17


Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Provides that all trout, including lake trout, salmon, and lake whitefish may not be taken by commercial fishing devices, including gill or pound nets. Provides that any incidental catch of trout, including lake trout, salmon, and lake whitefish taken in legal sized gill or pound nets must be returned immediately to the water. Provides that the methods of taking are subject to modification by administrative rule based upon lake-wide scientific assessment data or fishery management need. Repeals a Section concerning commercial fishing.


Latest Action:
  • 5/25/2017 House Passed Both Houses 

DNR-CONSULTATION FEES-100th GA - HB 3033

 DNR-CONSULTATION FEES-100th GA - HB 3033

Representative  Tim Butler

Filed: HB 3033 on 2-9-17



Amends the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources may assess specified consultation fees up to $500 (rather than assess a $500 fee). Deletes language providing that the Department shall not assess any fee for consultations requested by a State agency or federal agency.




Date Chamber Action
  • 2/9/2017 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Tim Butler
  • 2/9/2017 House First Reading
  • 2/9/2017 House Referred to Rules Committee
  • 2/22/2017 House Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
  • 3/14/2017 House Do Pass / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 012-000-000
  • 3/15/2017 House Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
  • 3/23/2017 House Second Reading - Short Debate
  • 3/23/2017 House Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
  • 3/30/2017 House Chief Sponsor Changed to Rep. Allen Skillicorn
  • 3/30/2017 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Tim Butler
  • 4/5/2017 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Jerry Costello, II
  • 4/5/2017 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Brandon W. Phelps
  • 4/7/2017 House Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 105-000-000
  • 4/7/2017 House Motion Filed to Reconsider Vote Rep. AndrĂ© Thapedi
  • 4/7/2017 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. John Cavaletto
  • 4/26/2017 House Motion to Reconsider Vote - Withdrawn Rep. AndrĂ© Thapedi
  • 4/27/2017 Senate Arrive in Senate
  • 4/27/2017 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading May 2, 2017
  • 4/28/2017 Senate Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Chapin Rose
  • 5/2/2017 Senate First Reading
  • 5/2/2017 Senate Referred to Assignments
  • 5/5/2017 Senate Approved for Consideration Assignments
  • 5/5/2017 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 9, 2017
  • 5/11/2017 Senate Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Chapin Rose
  • 5/11/2017 Senate Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments
  • 5/11/2017 Senate Second Reading
  • 5/11/2017 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 12, 2017
  • 5/15/2017 Senate Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Agriculture
  • 5/17/2017 Senate Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommend Do Adopt Agriculture; 007-000-000
  • 5/26/2017 Senate Rule 2-10 Third Reading Deadline Established As May 31, 2017
  • 5/30/2017 Senate Recalled to Second Reading
  • 5/30/2017 Senate Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Adopted; Rose
  • 5/30/2017 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading
  • 5/30/2017 Senate Third Reading - Passed; 054-000-000
  • 5/30/2017 House Arrived in House
  • 5/30/2017 House Placed on Calendar Order of Concurrence Senate Amendment(s) 1
  • 5/30/2017 House Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Motion Filed Concur Rep. Allen Skillicorn
  • 5/30/2017 House Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Motion to Concur Referred to Rules Committee
  • 6/20/2017 House Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Motion to Concur Rules Referred to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
  • 6/22/2017 House Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Motion to Concur Recommends Be Adopted Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 012-000-000
  • 6/25/2017 House Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 House Concurs 097-001-000
  • 6/25/2017 House House Concurs
  • 6/25/2017 House Passed Both Houses
  • 6/25/2017 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Charles Meier
  • 6/25/2017 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Daniel Swanson
  • 7/24/2017 House Sent to the Governor
  • 9/8/2017 House Governor Approved
  • 9/8/2017 House Public Act . . . . . . . . . 100-0491
Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe


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Monday, February 20, 2017

Family Adventure in February

Family Adventure in February 


Call it global warming, call it whatever you would like.  If you weren't outside this past weekend, let me tell you, you missed out on a record breaking weekend.  Not for fish, number of birds surveyed or whatever but for record temperatures. Like many of you we spent our weekend outside enjoying the beautiful crisp winter air. Even though it felt like spring, it's still winter. We were taking care of yard work, all the things that you would do on a normal spring weekend. However, those chores didn't stop us from enjoying our passion.

Like so many others that were out at Jim Edgar Panther Creek, whether in their boats, hiking or picnicing we enjoyed the sights, smells and sounds showing that spring is just around the corner. No trip out to a state park is complete unless you bring your fishing pole. From 38 to 42 degree water temps fishing was tough but that didn't matter because of just how beautiful the weather was.  Bouncing around from lake to lake and spot to spot, we kept ending up short. Finally, we hooked into one.  It wasn't a biggin' or a world record fish but it was a bass in open water in February in Illinois. 

What was also great about this weekend, was that the family was able to tag along to enjoy what they like about the outdoors. It was great to watch them walk along the shore as I fished and they were also there to cheer me on as I caught the only fish of the day. However, what really made this weekend was not the weather or the fish or the idea of open water fishing in February, it was sharing a memory that will last a lifetime.  They say to start people young in the outdoors so that they grow up loving it.

Autumn has been surrounded by the outdoors for the last 10 months of her short life.  As I landed my fish I called Heather  over so that I could get a picture with Autumn.  My little girl was so fascinated by the fish that I wanted her to hold it, not thinking that she would actually do it.  With little hesitation, she grabbed in awe of the texture of the teeth and slime of the fish. Could this be the start of something bigger? First Female Bassmaster Champion in Training?  Only time will tell. 

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe


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