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.

CWD Samplings

Carl with a nice buck during first firearm season.

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.

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).

Interested in comparing harvest numbers from 2016 to 2017?  Check out the County by County Sheet -

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

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.

Heather got herself a nice mature doe during firearm season.
Nice Going!

For some reason this weeks numbers do not have the breakdown of buck to doe ratio.  Below you'll see the numbers from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

IDNR Reminds Hunters of Safety, Shotgun, and CWD Samplings

Please pay special attention to this press release from the IDNR.

Illinois DNR Reminds Hunters to Make Safety a Priority

Most hunting incidents involve tree stands

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Firearm Deer Season opens with the first weekend of firearm hunting on Nov. 17-19, and hunters in Illinois are reminded to make safety their top priority throughout all of Illinois’ busiest hunting seasons.

“This is prime time for hunting in Illinois, and the best way to enjoy an autumn or winter day in the field, in a blind, or in a tree stand is to make sure you’re hunting safely,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Director Wayne Rosenthal.

Round 6 Archery Harvest Numbers Stay Above 2016 Numbers

Round 6 of Illinois archery harvest numbers are out and to no surprise the numbers stay above last years.  From this time last year harvest totals have an increase of 4,789.  This is the final round before the orange army (shotgun season) hits the field.

Our pro-staffer Rick shot his first buck in three years.  

In short words the rut was in high gear over the weekend around our neck of the woods with 66% of the harvest being bucks.  Last week it was 64% not much of an increase but an increase.  Below you'll see the actual text sent out by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 

Last week an article was published regarding the number of deer harvested by crossbow.  We reached out to the Illinois DNR last week to receive these numbers first hand and have yet to get them.  When we are provided with the numbers we will share them with all of you.

Through Sunday, November 12, 2017, Illinois archery deer hunters harvested a preliminary total of 41,376 deer, compared to 36,587 for the same period in 2016.

Cumulative harvest to date has consisted of 46% does and 54% males (18933:22443).  During the past week, harvest sex ratios were 34% does and 66% males.

Top five counties were Pike (1530), Fulton (1208), Adams (947), Jefferson (924), and JoDaviess (843).

Round 6 County by County Numbers

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

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

Fourth Round Archery Numbers Show Increase

Fourth round of archery season did not disappoint, with an increase of 3,259 from this time last year.  Here are third round numbers if you wish to compare. As you can see, there was a 7% increase of harvested bucks from last weeks.

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.

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?

Archery and Youth Deer Numbers In

Congrat to my nephew Tyler on his first deer!

Deer harvest numbers are in and they are down.  Not by a lot, only 132 and there were some warm and windy days that kept hunters home. Below you'll see the press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resource Press.  Also we've included the county by county numbers for both arcarey and youth season.

Did your hunting buddy get their first deer during youth season?  Make sure to print up their First Deer Certificate.


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. 

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

KEWANEE, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will host a new firearm deer hunt for persons with disabilities on November 2 and 3 at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area in Henry Co.

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. 

 

Remember Illinois Youth Firearm Season is October 7 - 9

Remember...

Illinois Youth Firearm Deer Hunt is October 7-9

2017 - 2018 Hunter Digest

All Hunters Reminded of Blaze Orange Requirement During the Youth Hunt

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The 2017 Illinois Youth Firearm Deer Hunt is Oct. 7-9 for those hunters with a valid Youth Deer Permit who have not reached their 18th birthday by the first day of the hunt. Youth Deer Permits are available over-the-counter at license vendors throughout the state. Hunters may purchase only one permit (either-sex) for one of the open counties. Hunters that are 16 years of age or older must also have a Habitat Stamp.

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.

CROSSBOW HUNTING-ARCHERY SEAS- 100th GA - HB 2893

CROSSBOW HUNTING-ARCHERY SEAS- 100th GA - HB 2893

Representative Jerry Costello, II  (D)

Filed: HB 2893 on 2-6-17

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that any person may use a crossbow to take any animal during the appropriate archery season. Effective immediately.

Passed House 76-29-4 and moves on to Senate.

Previous Actions:

Date	Chamber	Action
2/1/2017	House	Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Jerry Costello, II
2/1/2017	House	Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Brandon W. Phelps
2/1/2017	House	Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Sue Scherer
2/2/2017	House	First Reading
2/2/2017	House	Referred to Rules Committee
2/14/2017	House	Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
3/14/2017	House	To Negotiations Subcommittee
3/31/2017	House	Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Wildlife - Crossbow Draw Weight -100th GA-HB 427

WILDLIFE-CROSSBOW DRAW WEIGHT

Representative Avery Bourne (R)

Filed: HB0427 on 1-12-2017

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that all crossbows used to hunt in this State must have a minimum peak draw weight of 125 pounds and a maximum draw weight of at least 300 pounds.

Hearing Scheduled: - Hearing Scheduled for Feb 22, 2017

Previous Actions:

• Date - Chamber - Action: 
• 1/12/2017 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Avery Bourne
• 1/17/2017 House First Reading 
• 1/17/2017 House Referred to Rules Committee
• 2/2/2017 House Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

CWD Continues it's Destructive Path

CWD Continues it's Destructive Path 

The spread of the deer killing disease called Chronic Wasting Disease or CWD for short, has continued spreading and has been spotted in a new Iowa County.  As of February 1, 2017 we haven't heard anything from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources regarding the spread of CWD into new counties or if there were positive deer cases.

However, we continue to receive reports from surrounding states. 

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has confirmed that the CWD has spread to another county.  While Iowa's total CWD rate is still low (compared to states like IL or Wisconsin) their holding public meetings to inform the public about the status of the disease.  If you're interested or hunt Iowa we urge you to attend.  Why?  Since Iowa's first positive result in 2013 the spreading of the disease has continued and 2016 has been the worse year ever for Iowa.

If you hunt deer or just enjoy the outdoors and support conservation then you need stay informed of this issue.  There's no room for opinions just facts.  That's why we all need to become educated on this issue.  Below you'll find the full release from the Iowa's DNR regarding the confirmed case of CWD and information about the public meetings.

The Decline in Illinois Deer Harvest Continues

The Decline in Illinois Deer Harvest Continues

Illinois continues to see a decline in harvest numbers in whitetail deer over the past several seasons.  The IDNR data reflects this, however they say that this decline is done on purpose and is within the margin of acceptance of a healthy deer herd.  Groups, such as The Illinois Whitetail Alliance would disagree with the DNR and feel that the decline over recent years is something to worry about especially with diseases like CWD and Blue Tongue.  Whether you agree with the IDNR or the IWA you need to voice your opinion and contact the IDNR to let that opinion known.  Below you'll find the the press release issued by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources regarding the deer harvest. 

Hunters in Illinois Harvested a Preliminary Total of 144,150 Deer During 2016-17 Seasons

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary total of 144,150 deer during all 2016-17 seasons, which concluded Jan. 15. The total preliminary deer harvest for all seasons compares with a total harvest for all seasons of 155,229 in 2015-16. 

During this year’s deer seasons, hunters took 44 percent does and 56 percent males.

A breakdown of Illinois deer hunting seasons is as follows:

Archery: Archery deer hunters in Illinois took a preliminary total of 53,479 deer during the season which began on Oct. 1, 2016 and concluded on Jan. 15, 2017. That compares with the harvest of 56,767 during the 2015-16 archery season.

Youth: Young deer hunters harvested 3,259 deer during the 2016 Illinois Youth Deer Season conducted on Oct. 8-10, 2016, compared with 2,850 deer harvested during the 2015 youth hunt.

Traditional Firearm Season: Hunters took a preliminary total of 79,429 deer during the 2016 Illinois Firearm Deer Season on Nov. 18-20 and Dec. 1-4, 2016, compared with 86,847 deer taken during the 2015 firearm season.

Muzzleloader: Hunters using muzzleloading rifles harvested 3,297 deer during the 2016 Muzzleloader-Only Deer Season on Dec. 9-11, 2016, compared with 2,403 in 2015.

Late-Winter Seasons: The 2016-17 Late-Winter Antlerless Only and Special CWD deer seasons concluded on Jan. 15, with a combined preliminary harvest total for both seasons of 4,686 deer, compared with a harvest of 6,362 deer taken during those seasons in 2015-16. Season dates for the Late-Winter and CWD seasons were Dec. 29, 2016-Jan. 1, 2017 and Jan. 13-15, 2017.

There were 14 northern Illinois counties open to the Special CWD Season in 2016-17, the same counties that were open for the 2015-16 seasons. The Special CWD season is used to assist in slowing the spread of chronic wasting disease in the Illinois deer herd.

There were 24 counties open for the Late-Winter Antlerless Season in 2016-17. Four counties open previously for the late-winter season were closed for 2016-17 because they had reached deer population goals, while one county was added to the late-winter hunt. Counties that are at or below their individual goal for two consecutive years may be removed from the late-winter season.

Tables on the PDF link below will provide a county-by-county summary of preliminary deer harvest results for 2016-17 and harvest results for 2015-16.
https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/news/Documents/IDNR-DeerPrelimHarvest-Jan2017.pdf

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Final Results of CWD Samples from Missouri Department of Conservation

On December 19, 2016 Capitol Outdoors passed along the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) results for the mandatory Chronic Wasting Disease samplings.  As we know CWD does not stop along our state borders.  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources spent over $1 million dollars last year to track this disease.  Regardless, if you're a deer hunter or not, here at Capitol Outdoors we feel that it's imperative that all outdoorsmen and women are aware of this deadly and contagious disease.

The MDC released their second findings from their samplings.

MDC reports three new cases of CWD from mandatory sampling

As part of MDC’s mandatory CWD sampling efforts, MDC staff remove lymph nodes for CWD testing from the neck of a buck harvested in central Missouri the opening weekend of fall firearms deer season.

Final results from 19,200+ deer tested show total of five cases of chronic wasting disease.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reports it has received final results from the more than 19,200 tissue samples tested for chronic wasting disease (CWD) following the Department’s mandatory sampling of deer harvested on Nov. 12 and 13 in 29 counties in northeast, central, and east-central Missouri in and around where the disease has been found.

Elk Killed in Illinois by Hunter in Macoupin County...Seriously.

Elk Killed in Illinois by Hunter in Macoupin County...Seriously.

Let's pretend we're sitting around a campfire talking hunting and fishing, when someone says did you hear about the guy who shot an elk with a long bow here in Illinois?  It's OK if you laugh at first, but, it's true.

How often do you hear of a elk being shot in Illinois? Wisconsin or Michigan sure but, not Illinois.  It's my first time hearing about it so I want to share it with you.   Frank Link of Carlinville has harvested an elk.  Before anyone starts questioning the legality of it, it's OK to harvest an elk because there's no season or special protection like apex predators (wolves, bears, etc).  Just make sure there's no tag in its ear to identify it as a farm-raised animal.  That information came from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources spokesperson.  

CWD Test Results are in for Two Missouri Counties

CWD Test Results are in for Two Missouri Counties

When you hear of chronic wasting disease (CWD) you might think of Northern Illinois or Wisconsin.  However this disease continues to spread not only in Illinois but in other states as well.  Not sure how many of our readers hunt Missouri but when it comes to CWD every hunter, angler and outdoor person should be aware of the impacts and spread of this disease.