Showing posts with label waterfowl. Show all posts
Showing posts with label waterfowl. Show all posts

Friday, December 18, 2015

2016 - 2020 Illinois Waterfowl Proposed Zones and Dates Finalized

2016 - 2020 Illinois Waterfowl Zones and Dates Finalized

Before 2015 waterfowl season began the Illinois Department of Natural Resources began preparing for the waterfowl season ahead.  2016 - 2020 Illinois Waterfowl Proposed Zones and Dates were first released back in October for the public input.  The proposed dates and zone are compiled by open houses, hunter surveys and constituents writing the IDNR with their opinion.  The IDNR released the finalized dates and zones for the the 2016 -2020 season.  Click the link above where you'll be able to compare the propose dates and zones with the final version.

Finalized Zones and Dates 

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

News from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

News from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources 

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources released a lot of information today.  Information regarding Deer Harvest Number Updates, Firearm Deer Season Safety, Registration Open for Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt and information about the 2016 - 2020 waterfowl season dates and zones.

Sunday, November 1, 2015

The Outdoors is for everyone: Taking Adapting the Outdoors on a Waterfowl Hunt

The Outdoors is for everyone: Taking Adapting the Outdoors on a Waterfowl Hunt

This past week we had the pleasure of taking Nate Lamberson of Adapting the Outdoors on a waterfowl hunt at the Nature Conservancy's Emiquon.  It was a morning full of laughs, education, and good memories.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Illinois Central Zone Waterfowl Opener: The Off-season Hardwork Pays Off

Illinois Central Zone Waterfowl Opener: The Off-season Hardwork Pays Off

This past weekend was the waterfowl opener for the central zone.  Hopefully you were able to get out and enjoy it and maybe even harvest a few birds.  While in the blind our phones kept going off with text messages from people across Illinois telling us how their hunts were going.  Many only saw a few birds, "by the time you saw the birds that were here and went to pick up your gun, they were already 70 yards away"  said Rick Rasmussen.  Meanwhile others were shocked at just how warm it was on Saturday. "I was literally hunting in jeans and a t-shirt" said Chris Cramer. There were scattered reports of hunters harvesting a few, others were going home with their goose egg.

This wasn't just another opener for Capitol Outdoors.  It was Linc's first!  As you may know, almost two years ago we won a dog through a twitter competition from Soggy Acres.  Linc was about 10 months old for his first hunt, but we were able to put him on some single retrieves and as a puppy he did great.  With how young Linc was our goal was to make sure he knew how to heel, retrieve to hand and have a successful hunt.

Friday, October 23, 2015

Illinois Waterfowl Season - Central Zone Opener Starts Tomorrow

Illinois Waterfowl Season - Central Zone Opener Starts Tomorrow

It's finally here, the central zone opener for waterfowl.  We are really excited to be getting this years season off to a start.  Yes, we went out teal hunting, but the hot weather in early September kept most of the teal away from us. Some places, like the walk-in units at Carlye, did well.  However, both our dove and teal season were slower then what we would have liked.

For many of us tomorrow is like Christmas morning.  Regardless, if you're in the field, a blind or in a boat, being out there is all we've been wanting for since last season. Remember to double check that you have everything, set that alarm and get ready. Our season never really ends at Capitol Outdoors because we're always buying, fixing and strategizing for next year regardless if its hunting or fishing.  At least now, we'll be able to do some of that in the blind. 

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Youth Participate in Illinois Hunting and Fishing

Youth Participate in Illinois Hunting and Fishing

This past weekend was full of hunting and fishing events.  Getting the youth outdoors is a necessary part of their childhood.  No kid grows up remembering their high score on a video game, they remember the time ducks were locked out and landed in the spread or that time a bass pulled some drag.


Wednesday, October 7, 2015

2016 - 2020 Illinois Waterfowl Proposed Zones and Dates

2016 - 2020 Illinois Waterfowl Proposed Zones and Dates

In April of 2015 we informed waterfowl hunters that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources was going to hold several open house events across the state to get input from waterfowl hunters.  You can read Open House for Waterfowl Hunters, to get some background information.

This process is in the final stages where the proposal will be presented to the Director Rosenthal and to the Natural Resources Advisory Board (NRAB). In December it will be submitted to US Fish and Wildlife Service establishing waterfowl hunting zones for 2016-2020 seasons. And it implements waterfowl season dates for the next five waterfowl hunting seasons.

There are some changes for next season through 2020 especially when it comes to the map.  The dates look to be about the same.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

2015 - 2016 Waterfowl Digest Released - Rules and Regulations for Hunting Waterfowl in Illinois

2015 - 2016 Waterfowl Digest Released - Rules and Regulations for Hunting Waterfowl in Illinois

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources just released the the 2015 - 2016 Waterfowl Digest.  This booklet contains information about the Rules and Regulations to hunt waterfowl in Illinois.  While most of the information hasn't changed from the years past this is no excuse not to read the this highly valuable resource.

Some of you may be asking didn't you already write about the 2015 -2016 Digest?  Yes, however that particular booklet is for all of hunting and trapping.  Waterfowl in itself has more specific rules.

Here's a great tip, you'll soon see these at your local sporting goods store.  Make sure to pick up two copies.  One for around the house or truck and the other for your blind bag.  There's has been so many times we've used this in the field.  From sunrise times to something to read in the blind on those slow days.

Rules and Regulations for hunting Waterfowl in ILlinois

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Monday, September 21, 2015

7 Tips to Prepare for Waterfowl Season

7 Tips to Prepare for Waterfowl Season

With the growing population of waterfowl hunters, Capitol Outdoors wants to bring you our checklist for the upcoming season. Remember that its not about the kill, it's about enjoying the Great Outdoors. Many problems that hunters have in the field stem from the lack of preparation prior to the season.

Location
  • The new technology that hunters have today allows them to use many features prior to the hunt for location ie; Google Maps, Bing and FlashEarth. These are just some of the tools we use to select possible locations. Along with these map technologies there are hunting forums that are used to find tricks, tips and helpful suggestions in regards to location and other various hunting related topics. Regardless of these technologies, the best way to get to know your location is to get out and scout. You will gain the experience needed come hunting season.

New rules for Hunting at Emiquon - Illinois Waterfowlers Beware

New rules for Hunting at Emiquon - Illinois Waterfowlers Beware

Earlier today Capitol Outdoors received an email from the Illinois Nature Conservancy's staff.  They asked us to share their press release with our followers about some of this year's changes. Their will no longer be a daily draw, but a permitting system.  A great idea! 


Emiquon Hunting permit process
Emiquon is one of our favorite spots to hunt and fish.
If you have ever hunted Emiquon then you know that hunters from around the state put their name in for one of these limited, but special spots.  This new permitting system has our support because you now know prior to what stake you'll be hunting.  Getting a stake here is like the Hunger Games, "may the odds be forever in your favor." The problem is the odds are never in your favor. I heard over one hundred people end up showing up for these seven prime spots.  This permitting system will allow you to plan your hunting season better.   

Monday, September 7, 2015

Illinois' First Week of Hunting Brings Disappointments

Illinois' First Week of Hunting Brings Disappointments

Illinois' first week of hunting is over and with it comes great disappointments.  The state facilities saw lower numbers for dove harvested and Dale Bowman from the Chicago Sun-Times wrote an excellent article about these numbers.  We highly recommend you read Illinois hunting: Dove opener, updated, still down.  However, these disappointments are not what the hunting community is talking about.

Monday, July 27, 2015

Our 2015 Illinois Duck Blind Drawing

Our 2015 Illinois Duck Blind Drawing

Sanganois Duck
Passing hundreds of cars and people to drawing site
For duck and goose hunters across the State of Illinois, waterfowl  season started this weekend.  Thousands attended state park sites to enter  their name in a drawing in hopes to win a blind for the 2015-2016 hunting season.  For Capitol Outdoors and for countless others it's not so much about winning the blind, as it is about breaking the ice for the upcoming season. Tradition, that what it's really all about, food, stories, and reuniting with hunting buddies.
Sanganois Duck Blind Drawing

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Illinois 2015 Duck Blind Drawing

Illinois 2015 Duck Blind Drawing

Heather's name was called... our party cheered & chanted with excitement as she yelled out Blind 5. After a morning chatting with old friends we ended up with a blind. That was last year, let's hope that this year we are just as lucky! Winning a blind is such a stress reliever. Just released IDNR Announces Schedule of 2015 Waterfowl Blind Drawing Sites

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

4 Illinois Hunting and Fishing Tips in Regards to Internet Scouting

4 Illinois Hunting and Fishing Tips in Regards to Internet Scouting

USE GOOGLE INTERNET SCOUTINGI got a phone call from my dad asking if I wanted to fish a bass tournament on Lake Shelbyville in May.  He could hardly get the words out of his  mouth before I answered yes.  Usually my dad and oldest brother go, but with some obligations, my brother couldn't make it and I'm the fill-in for the day.  I was on the phone with my brother, who's fished Lake Shelbyville numerous times, discussing strategy when he said -

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Open House for Illinois Waterfowl Hunters

Open House for Illinois Waterfowl Hunters

Wow!!! Time flies.  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources released information regarding an Open House for Illinois Waterfowl Hunters.  Seems like yesterday that we read about the the changes for the 2011 season.  All you Illinois Waterfowl Hunters make sure to attend one of the three open houses to voice your concerns to an IDNR Representative.  This is your chance to voice concerns, ask questions about hunting zones, season dates being proposed for the next five years and learn new information,

The open houses will from 5 - 8 PM and located at:

Tuesday, May 12 Des Plaines SFWA Check Station/Site Office 24621 N. River Rd., Wilmington, IL 60481 (west off of I-55 at exit 241)

Thursday, May 14 John A. Logan College Main Building700 Logan College Drive, Carterville, IL 62918


Friday, May 15 National Great Rivers Research and Education Center NGRREC: 1 Confluence Way, East Alton, IL
(just off of Route 143/Great River Road between Route 3 and US 67, near Lock and Dam 26)

If you would like to read the full Press Release you can do so by IDNR to Host Information Open Houses for Waterfowl Hunters

However, life does get in the way. If you still want to have your voice heard and are unable to make it, waterfowl hunters are able to review information and submit comments to DNR.DUCKTALK@ILLINOIS.GOV


Remember Enjoy the Outdoors Good Luck and Stay Safe -
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Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Six Essential Items Every Waterfowl Hunter should have in their blind bag.





This weekend is our Opening Day and before you head out you need to make sure you have these essentials in your blind bag. You do not want to have a moment where you are out in the field; realize that you forgot to check your blind bag and something is missing. A blind bag has some unique things to every hunter, however we feel that these few things should be in everyone’s.




Here are a few things that we always keep in our blind bag:


1. First Aid Kit - to mend those scrapes, cuts and bruises that we know will eventually happen 

2. Extra Hat & Gloves- just in case the pair you are wearing gets lost, wet,  and muddy.

3. Knife or Leatherman - Better to have one and not need it and need it and not have it. 

4. Flash Light - There are hat lights and the million watt lights. Any light is better than no light when its          4:30 A.M. 

5. Snacks/Water - When putting out decoys and chasing down birds you and your pup will get tired and dehydrated. Bring some snack and water along to keep your energy up. 

6. Binoculars - Waterfowl hunting is more than shooting birds. It’s a life style. I can’t count how many times we’ve used Binoculars to see hawks, minks, and waterfowl. Remember: First Identify and then Shoot. 

If we could only bring six items with us with the exception of ammo, gun and decoys these are our six. What do you find are the most essential items in your blind bag?


Remember Enjoy the Outdoors Good Luck and Stay Safe -
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Thursday, October 31, 2013

Weather Patterns for Waterfowl Migration

During hunting season my favorite tv station is the weather channel.  Regardless of what you hunt for, weather is crucial for any hunting trip.  This rule is most important with ducks.  

Weather has a serious impact on waterfowl and watching the weather religiously helps me prepare for what kind of hunt I might have.    Ducks and geese can withstand cold temperatures but when that barometer drops, they don’t know how serious the cold fronts going to be.  For all they know, it can be five inches of snow, an ice storm, or just rain showers.  


Sunday, October 13, 2013

Bringing all that Gear to the Field // Getting Reading for the Season

Duck hunting is right around the corner in Illinois and we at Capitol Outdoors couldn't be happier. Below you will see some pictures about how and what we take to the blind. Many duck hunters brag about their trailer setup, but we’re bragging about how simple & universal our hunting kit is.


Capitol Outdoors has broken down our duck hunting into three different transportation arenas. Lite, Cart and Sled. Lite hunting is usually when we go with another group and don’t have to carry all of the usual gear. For example, If we were to go hunting with my brother and father we wouldn't need anything but our guns,and blind bag. That’s considered lite hunting. Capitol Outdoors will break down the contents of our blind bag for "lite hunting" and all of our setups with a later post.