The Illinois DNR Newsbits is a great way to see what is up and coming for the IDNR Events.
Outdoor news and information focusing on Legislation, Conservation and Education regarding hunting and fishing.
Showing posts with label Hunting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hunting. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Illinois DNR Newsbits for December 2017
Increase in Hunter Quota for Jim Edgar Panther Creek Pheasant Program
Get your permit while you can! The Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced that they will increase hunter quotas for the controlled pheasant program at Jim Edgar Panther Creek. The IDNR has said that they'll release more pheasants to help make up for the increase in hunters. Take advantage of this opportunity because permits sell out quickly. We just got ours!
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) today announced that the daily hunter quotas will be increased on the Controlled Pheasant Hunting Unit at the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area in Cass Co. beginning Wednesday, December 6 through the close of the hunting season on Sunday, January 14. Additional pheasants will be released at the site as a result of the hunter quota increase.
Watch our last Controlled Pheasant Hunt at Jim Edgar Panther Creek
Controlled Pheasant Hunting Hunter Quotas Increased at Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Calling Youth Goose Hunters, Register for Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt
This is a great opportunity to get those youngsters out of the warm house and into the waterfowl blind. Youth from ages 10 - 17 have the opportunity to register for this hunt. It's easy enough, just call!!!
Register Now for Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt
Annual Hunt is January 14-15
To register for a drawing to participate in the hunt, youth hunters must phone in to the IDNR at 217-785-8060 by the registration deadline of Friday, December 29.
The youth goose hunt will be held at private waterfowl hunting clubs in the Canton area in Fulton Co.
A lottery drawing involving all youth who phone in to register will be conducted on January 2, 2018, and youth hunters selected will be notified by mail. First-time applicants will be given a priority over previous participants in the drawing.
The hunt is open to youth ages 10-17 at the time of the hunt. All applicants must possess a valid Illinois hunting or sportsman's license, have a Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration number, and have a 20 gauge or larger shotgun. Youth hunt participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who must possess a valid firearm owner's identification (FOID) card.
Monday, November 27, 2017
Round 7 - Illinois Archery Harvest Numbers Continue Above 2016 Season
While many of us were eating turkey, some were out in the woods on this nice beautiful Thanksgiving weekend. This weeks preliminary archery numbers show an increase of 4,243 from the 2016 season. You may also note that the buck to doe ratio is down, which indicates to a lot in the deer hunting world that the rut has slowed down or it may be over. With just a little under 60 days of deer hunting season over, what will the remainder of the season show?
This weekend is the second round of firearm season. Please remember that those who hunt in Northern Illinois need to bring their deer to a checkin station. Please read about where in each county you can do that.
Below you'll see the numbers sent out by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Up-to-date archery harvest figures (for either deer or turkey) by county/state sites can be tracked on the web at http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/IDNRHarvestQuery.aspx
This weekend is the second round of firearm season. Please remember that those who hunt in Northern Illinois need to bring their deer to a checkin station. Please read about where in each county you can do that.
CWD Samplings
Below you'll see the numbers sent out by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Through Sunday, November 26, 2017, Illinois archery deer hunters harvested a preliminary total of 50,742 deer, compared to 46,499 for the same period in 2016.Interested in comparing harvest numbers from 2016 to 2017? Check out the County by County Sheet -
Harvest to date has consisted of 44% does and 56% males (19898:26601).
Top five counties were Pike (1786), Fulton (1431), Jefferson (1194), Adams (1124), and Williamson (980).
Up-to-date archery harvest figures (for either deer or turkey) by county/state sites can be tracked on the web at http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/IDNRHarvestQuery.aspx
Sunday, November 26, 2017
Turkey Applications for IRAP Now Available
The sounds of a Tom gobbling into shooting distance are what turkey hunters wait all year for. At the turn of the century the number of the wild turkey were drastically low. Today, that number has turned around because of hunters and conservation groups like the National Wild Turkey Federation. However, if you hunt turkey, finding a location to go can be difficult. Over the past few years Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP) has been wildly successful. In fact the program was so successful at the start with the youth that they opened it up to adults. Well that time is back, IRAP applications are being accepted for the spring turkey season. See below for all the information provided by the IDNR.
Let’s Go Turkey Hunting! IRAP Taking Applications Now for Spring
Youth Hunters Apply by February 23 for Youth Season; Hunters Apply by March 18 for Seasons 3 and 4
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP) is encouraging youth and adult hunters to plan now to enjoy spring turkey hunting during the 2018 Illinois Spring Turkey Season, with access to excellent turkey habitat available through IRAP.
Saturday, November 25, 2017
Fishing, Hunting and Outdoor Show List for 2018
2018 Illinois Outdoor, Hunting and Fishing Expos
Here is a list of some of the expos we know that are coming up. Send us information for your expo or other outdoor shows at capitoloutdoors@gmail.com.
Outdoor shows are the perfect opportunity to get ready for the upcoming season and find once a year deals |
- Milwaukee Ice Fishing and Winter Sports Show
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
December 8 - 10th 2017
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Illinois' Firearm Deer Season Shows Decrease During First Season
Each year thousands of Illinoisans head to the fields in hopes of capturing a whitetail in the cross-hairs of their shotguns. This year, there were wide spread reports of success in the field but the first season firearm harvest numbers show otherwise. Many factors played into the decline of 3,087 deer during first firearm season including high winds and rain on Saturday. However, these numbers could have fooled some of the orange army. Mark Stewart of Braidwood traveled to Southern Illinois for first firearm season. "We heard over 230 shots by 8:30 opening day in Hardin County and the last I heard was mine at 10:00 AM"
Northern Illinois counties where chronic wasting disease (CWD) is prevalent hunters who harvest a deer are required to register them during firearm season by taking them to a check station between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Biologists will be present to take CWD samples for testing at the time of registration. Testing is voluntary, but all hunters with adult deer are encouraged to participate. We have video from a CWD Check Station where they were taking samples provided by our pro staffer Rick. Watch the video here.
Northern Illinois counties where chronic wasting disease (CWD) is prevalent hunters who harvest a deer are required to register them during firearm season by taking them to a check station between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Biologists will be present to take CWD samples for testing at the time of registration. Testing is voluntary, but all hunters with adult deer are encouraged to participate. We have video from a CWD Check Station where they were taking samples provided by our pro staffer Rick. Watch the video here.
Thursday, November 16, 2017
Hunting and Fishing Black Friday Ads 2017
Hunting and Fishing Black Friday Ads 2017
Outdoor Black Friday Ads 2017
Who doesn't like a good deal, right? Whether you are out this Black Fridays shopping for deals or in the blind hunting for ducks, we have gathered some ads for you to look at.
Sunday, November 12, 2017
An Illinois Waterfowl Story - When the Work Pays Off
Anyone who is passionate about something has put their blood, sweat and tears into it, regardless of what that is. As waterfowl hunters we have the ability to harvest a wide range of species, from the beautiful wood-duck to the ever-elusive snow goose. While chasing waterfowl, you'll bleed, you'll sweat, but you'll continue to put in the hard work.
Check out Cam's first hunt with Capitol Outdoors |
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Round 5 of Deer Archery Numbers Show Increase in Illinois
For the second week in a row deer numbers jump and not by a couple hundred but by thousands. This round the increase in harvest deer compared to this time last year is 4,718. I'm sure many of you are wondering why the significant jump in harvest numbers. Is it because of rut activity? Could it be the crossbows? Some say it's both. Regardless, the increase in harvest numbers all comes before the orange army hits the field in ten days. Will they see an increase? Time will tell.
Chris of Washington, Illinois sent this buck he took last year |
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Illinois Archery Fall Turkey Numbers Up
Earlier this week we posted about the Fall Shotgun Turkey Season Numbers. Now it's time for the archery numbers. Numbers are up.
Through Tuesday, November 1, 2017, Illinois archery turkey hunters harvested a preliminary total of 334 turkeys, compared to 234 during the same period in 2016.For those that are interested here is a County by County Break Down.
The top five county harvest totals were Cass (12), Fulton/Rock Island (11), Knox (10), and Clinton/Hancock/Marion (9), Jefferson/Jo Daviess/Ogle (8).
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Illinois Fall Shotgun Turkey Season Numbers In
Deer season is in full bloom and waterfowl season is kicking off across the state, however many took part in turkey season, in hopes of adding wild turkey to the table this Thanksgiving. During October 21st thru the 29th, 56 counties harvested a preliminary total of 350 wild turkeys. This is a decrease of 35 birds compared to the 2016 season. Below you'll see the county by county numbers as well as top counties provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Monday, October 30, 2017
Fourth Round Archery Numbers Show Increase
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Round Three Shows Slight Increase in Deer Archery Harvest Numbers
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources released the third round of deer archery numbers. The first two rounds showed a slight decrease from 2016. This round showed 61 more deer harvested then last year. You can check out Round One (Includes youth numbers) and Round Two of the harvested deer. One may also notice that the number of bucks increased by three percent. See below for information and county by county numbers.
Monday, October 23, 2017
Disabled Hunters have Waterfowl Hunting Opportunity at Kaskaskia River SFWA
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is informing hunters with disabilities about an opportunity at Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area. Share and spread the word. The outdoors should be experienced by everyone!
Waterfowl Hunting Blinds at Kaskaskia River SFWA for Hunters with Disabilities
BALDWIN, IL – With the upcoming waterfowl season approaching, the Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area has hunting opportunities for hunters with disabilities. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has two designated handicapped waterfowl hunting blinds at the Dry Lake Area at Kaskaskia River SFWA – listed as the North or South blinds.
Monday, October 16, 2017
Second Round of Archery Numbers
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources released the second round of archery deer numbers. This week the harvest totals increased by 55 from this time last year.
"Through Sunday, October 15, 2017, Illinois archery deer hunters harvested a preliminary total of 7,793 deer, compared to 7,738 for the same period in 2016.
Harvest to date has consisted of 69% does and 31% males (5340:2453). Top five counties were Jefferson (219), Fulton (201), Pike (201), Franklin (169), and Jackson (156)."If you are interested in the county by county breakdown I've provided a link - County by County Week 2 - 2017
Check last weeks numbers, county by county and youth season - Archery and Youth Deer Numbers In
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is encouraging the sampling of harvested deer for CWD in adult deer. Find out where CWD Sampling Stations Locations.
How are things looking in your neck of the woods?
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Archery and Youth Deer Numbers In
Congrat to my nephew Tyler on his first deer! |
Did your hunting buddy get their first deer during youth season? Make sure to print up their First Deer Certificate.
ARCHERY DEER SEASON
ARCHERY DEER SEASON
Through Monday, October 9, 2017, Illinois archery deer hunters harvested a preliminary total of 5,281 deer, compared to 5,413 for the same period in 2016.
Friday, October 6, 2017
Person with Disabilities Application to Hunt at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
I had the privileged to take a buddy I met via facebook out on a hunt. This compared to all my other hunts was a little different because Nate had spina bifida. His passion and dedication to the outdoors surpasses many that say the love the outdoors. However, it took some doing but we finally were able to find a place to go. If you know someone that has a disability please share this with them. They may only get a few opportunities a year to enjoy the great outdoors.
Special Firearm Deer Hunt for Persons with Disabilities at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area on Nov. 2 and 3
Hunters can apply through October 20
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
IDNR Newsbits for October 2017
The Illinois DNR Newsbits is a monthly publication by the IDNR giving constituents of Illinois the '411'. These issues are geared toward the outdoor enthusiast on a wide array of topics. However, if you are a trapper in Illinois, this issue is for you. Don't get us wrong, there are some great events going on this month but there are plenty of opportunities here for the trapper.
Look below.
The IDNR forgot to mention one thing in this month's newsbits and that's the Illinois Trout Opener October 21, 2017. Find out where you can go trout fishing across the state.
Illinois DNR Newsbits for October 2017
Youth Deer Permits: Resident and non-resident Illinois Youth Firearm Deer permits are available over-the-counter (OTC) from DNR Direct license and permit vendors. The Youth Deer Hunt is Columbus Day weekend, Oct. 7-9.
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
IDNR Calls on Hunters and Landowners to Report Suspected EHD Cases
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is calling upon hunters and landowners once again.They are encouraging them to report suspected cases of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD). You may recall back in 2012 the buzz in the outdoor and hunting community was about the intense EHD kills.
During the last few years there has been little discussion surrounding this issue, however the IDNR feels that "recent unseasonably warm temperatures coupled with prolonged dry conditions throughout the state suggest that EHD may increase this fall". So they are calling upon the stewards of the land to help report any suspected cases. Please read the press release from the IDNR and please share.
Here is a quick look back at the September map where over 2,000 deer were killed by EHD in 2012. Besides that you will see the map from September of this year showing EHD kills.
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