Mistaken Identity of Mushrooms can be Dangerous

Mistaken Identity of Mushrooms can be Dangerous

The extent of my knowledge when it comes to mushrooms is ordering a mushroom swiss burger from a restaurant. However, with the lack of a turkey permit, what better way to spend a spring day then walking around the woods looking for these elegant mushrooms.  With family and friends telling me stories about how good these mushrooms are I decided to go out.

The best hunting buddy anyone could ask for. 

This past weekend I found my first morel mushroom.  It was an accident but thankfully there were six total, so I picked'em.  Now I have the mushroom hunting bug.  Just like the fishing or hunting bug, all I can think about are mushrooms.  One night this week, I hit the woods in search of this succulent mushroom.

After about 40 minutes looking I stumbled upon some morels.  It was great.  There was one, two, three, four five, six and seven.  What a find!  You can even ask the wife I was doing my happy dance in the middle of the woods.  Well, at least I thought they were morels.  

After posting a picture on Facebook several of my friends mentioned that these were not morels but Half Free Morels also known as Peckerheads.  After those comments, I started to do some more research and realized just how dangerous mushroom hunting can be.  Not only do you have to pay attention to the kind of mushrooms you're picking but in many parts of the country you have to watch out for snakes.

Half Free Morels or Pecker Heads

Being the first season that I'm actually looking for morels, I'm still learning the basics.  I know a lot about hunting and a lot about fishing, not a pro by any means but I do have a decent amount of knowledge in those areas.  However, I'm not afraid of admitting when I'm wrong or need to learn something and this is very true when it comes to mushroom hunting.

Our first batch of morals

A big thank you to those that helped me learn something about the outdoors.  Now this knowledge will be passed down to not only my family but to our readers as well.  That's what Capitol Outdoor is all about!  Education, learning and sharing information about the great outdoors.

New or a veteran to mushroom hunting?  Here is a good site (Michigan Morels) that I found that might help you out.  There is a saying in mushroom hunting that is relevant to any experience level.

When in doubt throw it out!

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources released the follwoing during the April 2017 News Bits.

Mushroom Collecting: No license is required for mushroom collecting in Illinois, but mushroom collectors always need landowner permission. On public sites, mushroom collectors must adhere to approved regulations and hours. Collection of mushrooms is allowed in many IDNR state parks, fish and wildlife, and other recreation areas, but it is prohibited in any area designated as a dedicated nature preserve. Areas under the jurisdiction of the IDNR that offer spring turkey hunting are not open to mushroom collecting until after 1 p.m. daily during turkey season to ensure the safety of all site visitors. Mushroom collectors should call ahead to the IDNR site they intend to visit to learn of any site-specific regulations.

This article is in no way to solely be used in identification of mushrooms. I wanted to show you that even we make mistakes and how when it comes to safety in the outdoors there are no secrets.

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Meredosia Lake Waterfowl Hunting Open House on May 10

If you or someone you know hunts Meredosia Lake here's your chance to voice your concerns. The Illinois Department of Natural Resouces will be hosting an open house regarding Meredosia Lake and the waterfowl hunting program.  Below you'll see the offical press release.  Please share...

IDNR to Host Public Open House Meeting on Meredosia Lake Waterfowl Hunting Program on May 10

MEREDOSIA, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host a public open house meeting to address potential changes to the waterfowl hunting program at Meredosia Lake on Wed., May 10 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Meredosia Wildlife Refuge office.

The IDNR will be soliciting public opinion regarding the number and placement of waterfowl blinds on Meredosia Lake. Attendees will be asked to fill out a survey in which they can suggest blind numbers and placement according to their preference. The meeting will be held in an open house format so that attendees may come and go as they please; there will be no set agenda and no formal presentation by IDNR. Personnel from the IDNR Division of Wildlife Resources and IDNR Office of Land Management will be available to answer questions. Information gathered at the meeting will help guide IDNR’s waterfowl hunting program at Meredosia Lake.

The public meeting will be held at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Meredosia Wildlife Refuge office, located at 2219 Beach Road, Meredosia, IL. The office is located just north of Meredosia along Beach Road (west side of the road). The meeting is open to waterfowl hunters and anyone else interested in the waterfowl program at Meredosia Lake. Alcohol and pets are not allowed on the grounds.

For more information, contact Tim Kelley at 309-543-3262 or Randy Smith at 217-785-2347.

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Illinois 2017 Waterfowl Blind Sites and Dates Announced

Illinois 2017 Waterfowl Blind Sites and Dates Announced

Feels like the season just ended and for those snow goose hunters it did.  However, it's already time to start thinking about the next season.  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has released the 2017 Waterfowl Blind Sites and Dates.   Hopefully this will be my lucky year and I will win a blind.


Like so many of you we grill out, share some stories and have some laughs.  Duck blind Drawings have become a Family Affair  for us.  Best of luck to all participants this year.  Please make sure you read this.  There have been some changes.  Most importantly there is a new rule requiring a photo ID.

Illinois Youth Turkey Hunters Harvest Preliminary Record

Looks like the youngsters this year did really well during the youth turkey season.  Below you'll find preliminary harvest report from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  Here is a link to the PDF which is easier to compare counties and last year harvest numbers - https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/news/Documents/IDNR-YouthTurkeyHarvest2017.pdf

2017 Illinois Youth Turkey Season Preliminary Record Harvest Totaled 1,541 Birds

2017 Illinois Youth Turkey Season Preliminary Record Harvest Totaled 1,541 Birds

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Youth turkey hunters harvested a preliminary record total of 1,541 birds during the 2017 Illinois Youth Turkey Season. The dates for this year’s season were March 25-26 and April 1-2. This was the first year two youth turkey hunting weekends were open for the entire state. Previously, there was one weekend dedicated for the north zone and one for the south. In 2016, a total of 1,058 turkeys were harvested, combining both seasons and zones. The previous youth season record harvest was in 2012, when 1,300 birds were taken. This year, a total of 5,601 youth turkey permits were issued, including 106 permits for special hunt areas. Last year, 4,761 permits were issued, including 113 for special hunt areas.

IDNR Announces 2017 Schedule for Wingshooting Clinics

IDNR Announces 2017 Schedule for Wingshooting Clinics

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), in cooperation with a number of partners and co-sponsors, will conduct wingshooting clinics at sites throughout Illinois this spring through mid-November.

Wingshooting clinics are intended to provide instruction and improve the shooting skills of beginners and experienced hunters. Most clinics are conducted on weekends at IDNR sites, cooperating gun clubs and shooting ranges, hunting preserves, and farms.

Illinois Conservation Foundation Announces New Executive Director

Below you'll find a press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announcing the hiring of Eric Schenck as Executive Director of the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF).  The ICF mission is to "inspire today's youth and tomorrow's leaders by providing quality outdoor education and programs that install interest in conservation, ecology and sustainability".

Eric will make a great fit to the ICF and we look forward to reporting on all the progress the ICF makes.

Illinois Conservation Foundation Announces New Executive Director

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Board of Directors of the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) today announced the selection of Eric Schenck as the Foundation’s new executive director.

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

                       

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

                       

IDNR to Test-Launch New White-tailed Deer Website

UPDATE:
Back in April the Illinois Department of Natural Resources tested the New Whitetail Deer Website.

Well after test the site is now live... You can view it HERE.

http://deer.wildlifeillinois.org/ has been a long time in the making.  As you can tell everything is in one location for Illinois Whitetail enthusiast.


Original Post:

There is finally a light at the end of the tunnel for a project that has been in the making.  We have all heard rumors regarding this new whitetail website.  Well, it looks like it will be LIVE April 1st, 2017.  However, some hunters and landowners will get a sneak peak at the website before it goes live and give feedback to the IDNR in regards to last minute changes.  Below you'll read the official press release of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  

IDNR to Test-Launch New White-tailed Deer Website

SPRINGFIELD, IL – White-tailed deer are an integral part of the Illinois landscape, and a new website will provide up-to-date information on deer biology, management, research and regulations. A random set of Illinois deer hunters and landowners will receive an e-mail invitation this week to assist with finalizing the new White-Tailed Deer Illinois website.

White-tailed Deer Illinois is a collaborative effort led by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Division of Wildlife Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration, and the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center. Funding for the White-tailed Deer Illinois website was made available through Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Project W-147-T.

Youth to Compete in Illinois State Archery Tournament

After watching a S3DA Tournament a few weeks ago I have all the respect in the world for these young champions.  Due to movies like the Hunger Games, Lord of the Rings and even Marvel characters, the younger generation has become fascinated with archery.  It takes a lot of skill, determination and strength to compete in these competitions.

If you are interested in learning more about this sport or would just like to watch, head out the the state fairgrounds for some great competition and great shooting.  Below you'll read a press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources regarding this event.  Capitol Outdoors wishes all the participants a safe and happy shoot.  Good Luck!

More Than 1,000 Youth to Compete in Illinois State Archery Tournament March 24 and 25

Top Finishers will Advance to National Tournament

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Illinois State Tournament on Friday, March 24, and Saturday, March 25, at the Orr Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. Participation remains strong as 1,120 archers from 38 schools have registered to compete. Participation in the State Tournament has climbed steadily from 400 in 2012 to 1,120 this year.

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.

HB 0427

Bourne, Avery WILDLIFE-CROSSBOW DRAW WEIGHT

HB 0480 

Bourne, Avery WILDLIFE-IN-LAW FARM HUNT 

HB 0770 

Wheeler, Barbara DNR-CONVEY REAL ESTATE 

HB 1771

 Costello II, Jerry CROSSBOW HUNTING-ARCHERY SEAS

HB 1788 

Bryant, Terri WILDLIFE-DUCK BLIND OR PIT 

HB 2410 

Phelps, Brandon W. DEER HUNTING-AIR GUNS 

HB 2685

 Costello II, Jerry WILDLIFE-TRAPPING-GREEN HIDES 

HB 3033 

Butler, Tim DNR-CONSULTATION FEES 

HB 3093 

Bourne, Avery WILDLIFE-HUNTING LICENSE 

HB 3204 

Swanson, Daniel WILDLIFE-DISABLED PERSON-HUNT 

HB 3272 

Jesiel, Sheri COMMERCIAL FISHING REGULATION 

HB 3273 

Jesiel, Sheri FISH-LAKE MICHIGAN COMMERC LIC 

HB 3373

 Beiser, Daniel V. 5 YR HUNTING & FISHING LICENSE 

HB 3399

 Sosnowski, Joe CROSSBOW HUNTING-COYOTES 

HB 3455

 Spain, Ryan DNR-VOLUNTEERS-TRAIL PROGRAM 

HB 3583

 Halbrook, Brad WILDLIFE-DEER BAIT 

HB 3750

 Stuart, Katie FISH & HUNT LICENSE-POLICE

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Springfield Archery Host Scholastic 3-D Archery Tournament

Springfield Archery Host Scholastic 3-D Archery Tournament

I was shocked by how many vehicles were in the parking lot, honestly I was only expecting a few kids and a few parents.  Boy was I wrong, it was jammed packed with room for only one more car. Everyone was there for the same reason, the Scholastic 3-D Archery Tournament or S3DA.  We heard about this event through Facebook and decided to check it out.  I'm glad we stopped by.

Inside Springfield Archery bleachers were full of people there to support the youth of tomorrow. They were shooting arrows down range in a friendly competition.   Don't fool yourself, though. These six to 18 year olds are the Robbin Hoods and Katniss Everdeens of the day.  Their shots are ridiculous.  I'm talking arrow grouping that professional and Olympic athletes strive to shoot.

I was amazed at the archery culture.  A serious, lively and friendly atmosphere had parents rooting their kids on.  "It's growing all over"  said Kim Rigney Illinois Regional Coordinator for the Rigney's School of Archery.

Kyle McDowell reiterated what Kim said about archery shooting growing all over.    I knew there was something bigger here than just some archery competition.  Kyle laid it on me, giving me the 411 on S3DA including a pamphlet with rules and regulations.  I had no idea that it was like this.

Shooting six rounds of five arrows would leave anyone fatigued but these kids do it with dedication.  Mr. McDowell had a son in the competition who ended up taking third.  This subculture is growing at outstanding rates.

After being thrown off guard by the size, commitment, and sportsmanship of S3DA competitors I found myself thinking about Autumn and her possibly wanting to get into archery when she is older.

It is great to see that there are organizations and groups supporting youth and helping them strive to achieve things both in the field and on the range.

A big congratulations to all those that participated and well done for those that placed. Here are your winners from the Springfield Archer S3DA Tournament.

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

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