Illinois DNR Newsbits for February 2018

 With the integration of Historic Preservation into the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Newsbits into the future will have a lot of events that may not always interest you.  However, I challenge you all to try and attend some of these events to enjoy all of what the IDNR has to offer here in Illinois.  

Illinois DNR Newsbits for February 2018

Spring Turkey Applications: Hunters can apply for the third lottery for 2018 Illinois Spring Wild Turkey Season permits by the application deadline of Feb. 9. Go to the IDNR website for more information: https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/TurkeyHunting.aspx

HB 4231 - Blaze Pink Clothing - Illinois 100th General Assembly

House Sponsors
Rep. Dave Severin
Filed: HB 4231 on 1/16/2018

Final Action
Passed Both Chambers
Senate:  058-000-000
House: 111-000-000

Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Wildlife Code. Authorizes certain hunters to wear solid blaze pink colored clothing (in addition to blaze orange colored clothing).


Last Action:
Bill Passed Both Houses and now moves onto the Governor 

Bill Status:

• 1/9/2018 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Dave Severin
• 1/16/2018 House First Reading
• 1/16/2018 House Referred to Rules Committee
• 3/5/2018 House Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
• 4/9/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Jerry Costello, II
• 4/9/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Terri Bryant
• 4/9/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Natalie Phelps Finnie
• 4/9/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Monica Bristow
• 4/9/2018 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Tony McCombie
• 4/9/2018 House Do Pass / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 017-000-000
• 4/10/2018 House Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
• 4/12/2018 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Carol Ammons
• 4/13/2018 House Second Reading - Short Debate
• 4/13/2018 House Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
• 4/17/2018 House Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 111-000-000
• 4/17/2018 Senate Arrive in Senate
• 4/17/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading April 18, 2018
• 4/25/2018 Senate Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Neil Anderson
• 4/25/2018 Senate First Reading
• 4/25/2018 Senate Referred to Assignments
• 5/1/2018 Senate Assigned to Agriculture
• 5/10/2018 Senate Do Pass Agriculture; 009-000-000
• 5/10/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 15, 2018
• 5/16/2018 Senate Second Reading
• 5/16/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 17, 2018
• 5/23/2018 Senate Third Reading - Passed; 058-000-000
• 5/23/2018 House Passed Both Houses

HB 4487 - Funding State Parks through Lottery Game - Illinois 100th General Assembly

House Sponsor
Rep. John M. Cabello

Filed: HB 4487 on 1/31/2018

Synopsis As Introduced:
Amends the Illinois Lottery Law. Requires the Department of the Lottery, beginning on January 1, 2019 or as soon thereafter as is practical, to offer a special instant scratch-off game for the purposes of upkeep, maintenance, and improvements to Illinois State and local parks. Provides that the net revenue from the special instant scratch-off game must be deposited into the Illinois Parks Scratch-off Fund. Provides that the moneys deposited in the Fund shall be used by the Department of Natural Resources for upkeep, maintenance, and improvements to Illinois State and local parks, including grants for those purposes. Authorizes the Department of the Lottery to adopt rules necessary to implement and administer the game. Defines "net revenue". Amends the State Finance Act to create the Illinois Parks Scratch-off Fund. Effective immediately.

Last Actions:

• 1/31/2018 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. John M. Cabello
• 2/2/2018 House First Reading
• 2/2/2018 House Referred to Rules Committee
• 3/7/2018 House Assigned to Revenue & Finance Committee

2017 -2018 Preliminary Numbers for Illinois Deer Season

The Illinois DNR released their preliminary numbers which concludes the 2017 -2018 Illinois Whitetail Season.   This year, hunters harvested 147,535 during ALL of the seasons, an increase in 3,232 from the 2016 - 2017 season.  The only decline in numbers were during the youth season, a drop of about 1,100.

If you're wondering specifics on the crossbow numberswe'll have more information coming to you later.

Illinois’ 2017-18 Deer Seasons Conclude with Preliminary Harvest of 147,535 Deer

Natural Resources Advisory Board of Illinois

Over the past several years, Capitol Outdoors has been attending NRAB meetings. Now, if you haven't heard of NRAB don't worry, 99% of hunters and anglers haven't. NRAB stands for the Natural Resources Advisory Board and according to the DNR is as follows:

The Advisory Board is statutorily created to advise the agency on long range policies to assist in guiding the protection and conservation of renewable resources of the state and recommend changes in hunting and trapping seasons and bag or possession limits. They also recommend to the Director which projects receive funding in bike, boat, and Open Space Lands Aquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant programs. Members serve six year terms and are appointed by the Governor. The Board holds quarterly meetings with time allotted for public comment on any topic.

In other words, NRAB hears proposals from the DNR and other constituents in order to recommend changes within hunting and fishing seasons, as well as our state parks.

Each quarter NRAB meets to discuss what has happened in the last few months and to discuss any of those possible changes.

Over these past years as we have attended these meetings Capitol Outdoors has realized how there is a gap in how this information travels to the public.  That is why starting at the first 2018 meeting of NRAB we will be broadcasting these meetings live on our Facebook.  This is so that you the hunter, angler and outdoor enthusiast are given the opportunity to be as informed as possible.
   

2018 Meeting Dates: 

January 22nd - IDNR Headquarters, Springfield, IL - Meeting Agenda

April 30th - IDNR Headquarters, Springfield, IL

July 30th - IDNR Headquarters, Springfield, IL

November 19th - To Be Determined - Whittington, IL - 11:00 a.m.

Want to know who is on the Board?

Natural Resources Advisory Board

*Information provided on this website is outdated.  Way to go Illinois!  We've reached out to the IDNR  to get an updated list and roll calls with no response.

Be sure to tune in Monday at 3 p.m. CST to see what NRAB is all about.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Continues with Controlled Pheasant Season Extension.

Hunting for us here at Capitol  Outdoors usually consists of waders, decoys and all the rest of the equipment that is involved in a successful waterfowl hunt.  However, this year we've taken a new course.  Several years ago we got Linc, our red Labrador retriever.  After several waterfowl hunts I began to realize something, Linc is not a waterfowl dog.  His drive and determination pushes him and he is an amazing upland game dog and his personality fits this extremely well.

You could imagine my excitement when the Illinois Department of Natural Resources decided to extend the controlled pheasant season.  Granted this had been done in the past but, each year is a little different and I'm excited that they decided to do it again.  Below you'll see the three parks where they decided to extend this season.  

Controlled Pheasant Seasons Extended at Three IDNR Sites

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is extending controlled pheasant hunting seasons at three IDNR sites. Hunters can make reservations now for additional hunting opportunities.

Farm Bill Forums Being Held for Sportsmen and Women

Keeping you informed from the Legislative Floors to the Great Outdoors means taking advantage of opportunities like this in order to better educate oneself.  Sportsmen and women have been invited to attend a forum on the Farm Bill.  Many of you may know how the Farm Bill plays an important role in conservation here in Illinois.   These forums are being held by the Theodore Reosevelt Conservation Partners and the Illinois Conservation Foundation which they've entitled "Illinois Sportsmen's Guide to the 2018 Farm Bill".

Deer Harvest Totals Continue into 2018

While many of us were thinking ice fishing, there were those that use the Late Winter and Special CWD Deer Season to harvest one more buck or doe, or in some cases maybe just get one for the season.

In the grand scheme of things total numbers are up for the season but the Late & CWD Season numbers are down.  Most likely due to the frigid temperatures. 

What die-hards put their thermal underwear to a test in the tree stand this past week?  Comment below. 

Below you'll see the updated 2017 - 2018 Illinois Archery Deer Season and 17/18 Illinois Late Winter Anterless-Only and Special CWD deer season.  

Making Memories- A Family Pheasant Hunt at Jim Edgar Panther Creek

The first hunt I ever went on was with my dad, brother and my first black lab, Bud.  It was a pheasant hunt I will never forget, Bud flushed his first bird and I was able to shoot it.  This was a huge moment for me, not just because I harvested my first pheasant, but because I trained my dog Bud all by myself.  Granted he was no grand champion, but he was my champion.

Three generations enjoying a pheasant hunt at Jim Edgar Panther Creek

This was such a memorable hunt to my dad that he wrote a story about it and sent it to Midwest Outdoors Magazine's Hunt Contest and won.  Today you'll find the prize knife and that story safe in my closet.  During that time and to this day, I've shared great moments and stories with both my dad and brother but as you grow older, life gets in the way and the idea of hunting and fishing together takes on a new meaning.  It's not just saying, let's go hunting, there's traveling involved and family obligations that seem to hinder us making more of these memories.

Same Ole Same Ole for Round 9 - That's a Good Thing

Round 9 of the Illinois archery harvest numbers show more of the same.  For pretty much the entire deer season, excluding firearm and muzzleloader, the harvest has been up compared to 2016.  The question is, why this year?  Could it be the lack of blue tongue this year, which had more deer in the field?  Could it be the crossbows?  Or could it be a rebound of the deer herd or just the weather in general?  It's hard to say what played a part in the increase, but by the end of the late winter season we'll sure find out.

Illinois CPOs Hard at Work Issuing Over 1,800 Citations and Warnings

While we're out in the field waterfowl hunting, deer hunting or just doing a little fishing, Illinois CPOs are hard at work enforcing Illinois wildlife laws.  It's easy to forget about law enforcement officers when you obey the law.  However, just because you and I are responsible doesn't mean accidents or negligence in the field doesn't happen.  Below you'll read about how our CPOs issued over 1,800 citations and warnings in less than a month.  While reading this don't forget about the last big bust in regards to fishing, CPOs cited a father and son who were in possession of over 115 perch!  

Our CPOs are doing the best job the can, especially being understaffed. (IDNR is Seeking Applicants for Conservation Police Officer Training).  But, they can't do it by themselves.  Poaching and those in violations of the law need to be reported and that's where you can help.  Make sure to take out your cell phones and add this number.  Call 1-877-2DNRLAW (236-7529) to report anyone you see who is doing something they shouldn't be!

IDNR Conservation Police Issue More Than 1,800 Citations and Warnings to Violators During Illinois’ Busiest Hunting Season

SPRINGFIELD, IL – While firearm deer hunters in Illinois took more than 80,000 deer during the state’s busiest hunting season, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Conservation Police report just four hunting-related accidents were reported, three of them involving injuries resulting from tree stand falls.

Muzzleloader and Archery Deer Harvest Numbers up for Round 8

The recent cold snap had some of us heading to Milwaukee for the Ice Show or just talking about ice fishing.  However, deer season is still going strong here in Illinois.  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Divison of Wildlife released last weekends muzzleloader and archery numbers and they are up.

Our pro-staffer Rick working on his euro-mount from a buck he harvested this year. 

MUZZLELOADER DEER SEASON
During the 3-day Muzzleloader Deer Season (Dec. 8-10), Illinois deer hunters harvested a preliminary total of 3,700 deer, compared to 3,308 in 2016. 

Harvest sex ratios were 55% does and 45% males (2040:1660). 

Top five counties were Pike (168), Adams (120), Jefferson (112), Randolph (103), and Fulton (102). 

ARCHERY DEER SEASON

Through Sunday, Dec.10, Illinois archery deer hunters harvested a preliminary total of 52,650 deer, compared to 48,228 for the same period in 2016. 

Top five counties were Pike (1852), Fulton (1474), Jefferson (1236), Adams (1155), and Williamson (1040).

Total harvest to date has consisted of 44% does and 56% males (23322:29328). During the past 7 days, harvest sex ratios have been 54% female and 46% male.

Interested in comparing County by County? 

• Archery 
• Muzzleloader

Up-to-date archery harvest figures (for either deer or turkey) by county/state sites can be tracked on the web athttp://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/IDNRHarvestQuery.aspx

Second Firearm Season see Increase in Harvest Numbers

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources released their second round of preliminary firearm deer season numbers. It seems as though the bowhunters took the rut this year since in most years it's the other way around. With the first round suffering from a day of intense rain throughout most of the state., the second season found themselves with great weather with some wind on Sunday. 

Combined the two seasons took a total of just over 80,000 deer this year and an increase of 462 over the 2016 season. As for the second firearm season it saw an increase of 3,679 deer.

As some of you may of heard, Michigan expects more cases of CWD this year and sampling this year was held throughout Illinois.   If you're interested in learning what the sample entails click here for a video.

If you are interested in the county by county ratio, they are listed below along with the DNR press release.

Ca

Illinois Firearm Season Preliminary Harvest Totals 80,021 Deer

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Hunters harvested a preliminary total of 80,021 deer during the seven-day Illinois Firearm Deer Season that concluded on Sunday, Dec. 3. The 2017 preliminary harvest total compares to the final total of 79,559 deer harvested during the firearm season in 2016.

The preliminary harvest for the second segment of the firearm season on Nov. 30 through Dec. 3 was 28,656, compared with 24,977 during the second season in 2016. The preliminary harvest for the first segment of firearm season on Nov. 17-19 was 51,365 deer.

Deer hunting opportunities remain available in Illinois during the remainder of the 2017-18 season:

• The Illinois Muzzleloader-only Season is this weekend, Dec. 8-10.
• The Late-Winter Antlerless-Only Season and CWD Deer Season first segments (in designated counties only) will be Dec. 28-31.
• The second segments of the Late-Winter Antlerless-Only and CWD Deer Seasons (in designated counties only) will be Jan. 12-14, 2018.
• Archery Deer Season continues through Jan. 14, 2018.

Details on the Late-Winter and CWD seasons are available on the IDNR website at: https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Documents/LateWinterDeerCWDHuntingPermitInformation2017-2018.pdf

A map showing the counties open to the Late-Winter and CWD seasons can be found at: https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/conservation/wildlife/Documents/IllinoisLateWinterDeerSeasonsMap2017_2018.pdf

For more deer hunting information, visit: https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/DeerHunting.aspx

A table of preliminary Firearm Deer Season harvest totals for 2017 by county, and comparable totals for 2016, is below.

County	2017 1st Season	2017 2nd Season	2017 Total	2016 Total
ADAMS	1408	771	2179	2362
ALEXANDER	291	197	488	424
BOND	441	217	658	579
BOONE	82	47	129	121
BROWN	663	355	1018	967
BUREAU	632	373	1005	1001
CALHOUN	505	308	813	793
CARROLL	425	260	685	750
CASS	429	223	652	684
CHAMPAIGN	133	66	199	227
CHRISTIAN	360	191	551	608
CLARK	775	370	1145	998
CLAY	760	352	1112	1091
CLINTON	495	199	694	627
COLES	382	210	592	550
CRAWFORD	673	343	1016	949
CUMBERLAND	478	297	775	708
DEKALB	67	40	107	139
DEWITT	180	136	316	356
DOUGLAS	96	36	132	138
EDGAR	365	197	562	566
EDWARDS	273	142	415	412
EFFINGHAM	580	292	872	807
FAYETTE	1008	536	1544	1501
FORD	64	48	112	124
FRANKLIN	854	496	1350	1297
FULTON	1270	727	1997	2013
GALLATIN	282	166	448	470
GREENE	641	418	1059	1055
GRUNDY	157	124	281	296
HAMILTON	779	396	1175	1167
HANCOCK	1082	737	1819	1639
HARDIN	646	317	963	890
HENDERSON	319	175	494	522
HENRY	356	178	534	592
IROQUOIS	297	220	517	518
JACKSON	1487	816	2303	2247
JASPER	663	321	984	973
JEFFERSON	1328	755	2083	1878
JERSEY	410	231	641	674
JODAVIESS	1155	704	1859	1859
JOHNSON	1091	496	1587	1640
KANE	19	10	29	29
KANKAKEE	118	75	193	186
KENDALL	52	30	82	98
KNOX	697	448	1145	1200
LAKE	3	0	3	4
LASALLE	431	260	691	745
LAWRENCE	394	219	613