May is Invasive Species Month

May is Invasive Species Month

While you're taking a few minutes to surf Facebook, Twitter, and who knows what else, remember that May is Invasive Species Month.  For some, you maybe asking, what is an invasive species?

Invasive species are plants, animals, and other organisms that have been introduced outside their natural habitat.   With little to no predators, this allows for high reproductive success which causes problems and destruction in their new environment both physical and economical.  The biggest problem we have is the number of invasive species.

Bass Fishing - Emiquon Nature Conservancy

Bass Fishing - Emiquon Nature Conservancy 

"Today there will be a high of 83 degrees", the weatherman said. We were so excited to get out and do some quality fishing together for the first time this year. Well, what we didn't hear in the weather report was that there were going to strong winds. We packed up a few sodas and some sandwiches; got all the gear into the boat and headed on our way to Emiquon.

"Emiquon once was the jewel of the Illinois River, nurturing diverse and abundant communities of native plants and animals in the complex system of backwater wetlands and lakes. From the hundreds of nearby archeological sites, including Native American villages and ceremonial and burial mounds, to the acres of modern fields of corn and soybeans, this land is a quiet testimony to the abundant natural resources that supported more than 600 generations of civilization in this area." The Nature Conservancy

Becoming a Professional Hunter or Fisherman or Woman

Becoming a Professional Hunter or Fisherman or Woman

Growing up I can remember entering  fishing tournaments at Heidecke Lake outside of Morris, Illinois, watching hours of Babe Winkleman, In-Fisherman TV and Midwest Outdoors.  There were times I've even played 'hookie' to stay home and make my own show.

Home Run for Illinois because of Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act

Home Run for Illinois
Because of 

Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration 

and 

Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act

The Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act has generated more than "$15 billion to conserve fish, wildlife resources and support outdoor recreation opportunities" since they were enacted.