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.

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.

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!

Watch our last Controlled Pheasant Hunt at Jim Edgar Panther Creek

Controlled Pheasant Hunting Hunter Quotas Increased at Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA

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.

IDNR releases Upland Hunting Information and Date of application Availability

Hard to think about but hunting season is just around the corner.  On August 7, 2017 the online application for IDNR managed sites will be live.  There's nothing quite like being behind a dog on point, so make sure you apply and enjoy some great upland opportunities.  You can watch our adventures out at Jim Edgar Panther Creek one of the many sites to hunt upland game  Below you'll see the press release from the IDNR regarding the controlled pheasant hunting reservation and information.

2017 Illinois Controlled Pheasant Hunting Reservation Information Now Available Online

Local Volunteers Receive National Recognition for their dedication to getting youth outdoors

Local Volunteers Receive National Recognition for their dedication to getting youth outdoors

On February 18 Ron and Ted Gilles of Princeville, IL received the Pheasants Forever No Child Left Indoor Volunteer of Year award at Pheasant Fest in Minneapolis, MN. For over 28 years, the Gilles Brothers have helped to deliver the organization’s mission: creating and improving habitat at a local level along with creating future conservationists through outreach programs. In 2016 alone, the Gilles brothers hosted over 500 local school children to their farm to learn about conservation. The brothers also hosted over 150 kids at youth hunts on their farm. The Ron and Ted Gilles are also active in helping to organize local hunter safety classes, youth dog training seminars and habitat farm tours.

Well done gentlemen!  Thank you for your work for Illinois and conservation efforts.

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

2017 Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever Banquets & Events

It's that time of year again and we're not talking about expo season.  It's banquet season, conservationists, hunters, anglers and those that enjoy the outdoors attend banquets to help support organizations across the state.

Organizations like Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever host a dinner and auction to raise money for conservation projects and so much more.  Below you'll see a list of events being hosted by Pheasants Forever.

January

January 28th 

*Champaign County Forest Preserve District Herbicide & Prescribed Burn Workshop 

Mahomet Lake of the Woods

February

Feb. 4th 

Lincolnland (IL)-QF 2017 Fundraiser Banquet

Decatur, Illinois

No Reason Not to Hunt Pheasants this Year in Illinois

There's no reason for hunters not to go pheasant hunting this year.  With already extended season at four state sites, the Illinois DNR has extended the season at two state facilities.  Below you'll find the IDNR press release that contains the information on how and where to obtain permits.  

More Hunting Days Added to the Controlled Pheasant Season at two IDNR Sites

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) today announced that five hunting days have been added to the controlled pheasant hunting season at two IDNR sites, and hunters can make reservations now for additional hunting opportunities for the last week of this month.

The two sites with an additional week of controlled pheasant hunting are Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area in Clinton County and the Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area in Franklin and Jefferson Counties. Five hunting days –Wednesday, January 25 through Sunday, January 29 – have been added to the seasons at the Eldon Hazlet and Wayne Fitzgerrell SRAs.

Hunters are encouraged to use the online Controlled Pheasant Hunting Reservation System at www.dnr.illinois.gov to obtain permits for these additional hunt dates. Reserved permits ensure hunters will have the opportunity to hunt. Hunters using reserved permits also ensure that site staff on these sites can release two pheasants per hunter each day, which is the Department’s objective for pheasants released on each hunt date. Standby permits are also available at the sites, although standby hunting opportunities may be limited or unavailable if the hunter quota for a hunt date is filled by reserved permit hunters.

To access the reservation system:

1. Access the "Hunt/Trap" drop down list from the toolbar on the IDNR Home Page
2. Then click on “Upland Game”
3. Then click on "Controlled Pheasant Areas" under the “Licenses and permits” heading

Hunters are reminded that the daily permit fee for controlled pheasant hunting is $30 for resident hunters and $35 for nonresident hunters. The daily permit fee applies to each hunter. Reserved Permits are paid for via credit card during the application process. Completing a permit reservation online can be accomplished as late as 24 hours before an available hunt date and takes less than five minutes. Standby hunters pay daily permit fees at the site hunter check station on the hunt date. Standby hunters need to be prepared to pay permit fees with cash.

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Controlled Pheasant Hunting Season Extended at Four IDNR Sites

Controlled Pheasant Hunting Season Extended at Four IDNR Sites

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) today announced that the controlled pheasant hunting season has been extended at four IDNR sites, and hunters can make reservations now for additional hunting opportunities this month. 

See below for more information from the DNR press release:
The four sites with extended controlled pheasant seasons are Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area in Clinton County, Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area in Cass County, Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area in Henry County, and the Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area in Franklin and Jefferson Counties. Ten hunting days - Wednesday, January 11 through Sunday, January 22 – have been added to the seasons at Eldon Hazlet SRA and Wayne Fitzgerrell SRA. Five days – Wednesday, January 11 through Sunday, January 15 – have been added to the season at Johnson-Sauk Trail SRA. Ten days – Wednesday, January 18 through Sunday, January 29 – have been added to the season at Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA.

Apply Now for Pere Marquette Youth Wingshooting Clinic and Pheasant Hunt

What a great opportunity to get those youngsters outside and learn about wingshooting.  While never a student for one of these clinics, Capitol Outdoors has observed one of these classes and can say this is a great chance for anyone who loves to waterfowl or upland game hunt.  Read the press release below from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to find out more information and how to sign up.

Apply Now for Pere Marquette Youth Wingshooting Clinic and Pheasant Hunt

Event to be held March 4 at Pere Marquette State Park

GRAFTON, IL – Young hunters between the ages of 10-17 can apply now for the Pere Marquette Youth Wingshooting Clinic and Pheasant Hunt scheduled for Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Pere Marquette State Park in Jersey Co.

Controlled Pheasant Hunting Hunter Quota Increased at Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA

Sign me up... The Daily hunter quatas will be increased for the Controlled Pheasant Hunting areas.  Here is a map of Jim Edgar Panther Creek if this opportunity interests you.

Controlled Pheasant Hunting Hunter Quota Increased at Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Daily hunter quotas have been increased on the Controlled Pheasant Hunting Unit at the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area in Cass Co. beginning Dec. 7 and extending to the close of the hunting season on Jan. 15.

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Host Youth Hunts and Events

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Host Youth Hunts and Events

Each year, chapters of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever host more than 2,500 youth events throughout the country connecting 147,000+ youth to the outdoors. The Pheasants Forever Youth Mentored Hunt Program stands out among these events as a first-time hunting experience for many youth and their families, originally designed by local chapters of Pheasants Forever.

Controlled Pheasant Hunting Reservation Information Now Available Online

From the Illinois Department of Natural Resources press office:

Controlled Pheasant Hunting Reservation Information Now Available Online

Online applications for IDNR-managed sites begin Aug. 1

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Controlled pheasant hunting opportunities will be available at 18 Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) sites this fall, and the 2016-17 season dates and permit reservation information are now available online.

Fourteen of the sites are operated by the IDNR, while four other sites continue to be operated in a public/private partnership arrangement between the IDNR and concessionaire T. Miller, Inc.

(HB 4604 & SB 2883) Additional Game Birds Possibly Coming to Illinois Public Hunting Grounds

Additional Game Birds Possibly Coming to Illinois Public Hunting Grounds

Bobwhite quail, chukar partridge, and gray partridge could be coming to Illinois public hunting grounds. Representative John Cavaletto (Republican - Salem, Illinois) introduced a bill that could bring additional game birds to Illinois public hunting grounds.

HB 4604 - WILDLIFE CD-HUNTING-GAME BIRDS

Amends the Wildlife Code. Changes the name of the fee from "Public Hunting Grounds for Pheasants" to "Public Hunting Grounds for Game Birds". Provides that the Department of Natural Resources may permit hunters to take bobwhite quail, chukar partridge, and gray partridge on public hunting grounds. Authorizes the Department to set the hunting season for game birds by administrative rule between the dates of September 1st and March 31st, both inclusive.

The bill was filed on January 28, 2016.

Illinois Pheasants Forever Events 2016

Illinois Pheasants Forever Events 2016

Reagan after his first pheasant hunt

There's nothing quite like a dog being on point and rushing a covey of Quail or flushing a Pheasant.  However, habitat loss in Illinois and across the country have the location of wild pheasant dwindling.  Attend a Pheasants Forever Banquet and support the Illinois Pheasants forever.   

IL River Valley (IL)-PF: 28th Annual Banquet 

Washington, Illinois
February 20, 2016

Tallgrass (IL)-PF: Tallgrass Chapter Banquet 

Orland Park, Illinois

March 4, 2016

Otter Creek (IL)-QF: Otter Creek QF Annual Banquet

Virden, Illinois

March 5, 2016

Youth Hunters: Register Now for Pere Marquette Controlled Pheasant Hunt and Wingshooting Clinic

Youth Hunters: Register Now for Pere Marquette Controlled Pheasant Hunt and Wingshooting Clinic

If your youngster is interested in upland game hunting or has never been on a pheasant hunt, the Pere Marquette State Park is holding a wingshooting clinic and controlled pheasant hunt on March 5, 2016.  These types of opportunities help youngsters become involved and interested in the outdoors.

GRAFTON, IL – Young hunters between the ages of 10-15 can apply now for the Pere Marquette Youth Wingshooting Clinic and Pheasant Hunt scheduled for Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Pere Marquette State Park in Jersey Co.

Controlled Pheasant Hunting Quotas Increased at Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA

Controlled Pheasant Hunting Quotas Increased at Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA

With duck hunting wrapping up shortly here in the Central Zone outdoor enthusiasts are looking for opportunities to get outside and enjoy the El Nino weather.  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has decided to increase Quotas at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area.  If you haven't been out pheasant hunting this year, what a great opportunity to get out and work over some dogs.

Bill Filed in Illinois to Include Blaze Pink Clothing during Hunting Season (HB 4337)

Bill Filed in Illinois to Include Blaze Pink Clothing during Hunting Season

Pink is the new orange.

In May of 2015 the hunting world was informed that legislators in Wisconsin introduced a new policy regarding blazed orange requirements.  You see, Wisconsin was the first state to be recognized and have a vote for blaze pink as a legal substitute for blaze orange. While this neighboring bill is sitting in  the Wisconsin State Senate, Illinois will take up this policy measure.

Jerry Costello Jr, Chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee introduced HB 4337.  This bill allows blaze pink to be used along with blaze orange.

Illinois Upland Game Hunting Clock Dwindling Down

Illinois Upland Game Hunting Clock Dwindling Down

It's the night before the big opener, doesn't matter if its deer, duck or in this case upland game.  You probably wake up every hour counting the time before you can get out of bed and head toward your favorite hunting grounds.