Tuesday, October 3, 2017

IDNR Newsbits for October 2017

The Illinois DNR Newsbits is a monthly publication by the IDNR giving constituents of Illinois the '411'.  These issues are geared toward the outdoor enthusiast on a wide array of topics.   However, if you are a trapper in Illinois, this issue is for you. Don't get us wrong, there are some great events going on this month but there are plenty of opportunities here for the trapper.  

Look below.  

The IDNR forgot to mention one thing in this month's newsbits and that's the Illinois Trout Opener October 21, 2017.  Find out where you can go trout fishing across the state. 

Illinois DNR Newsbits for October 2017

Youth Deer Permits: Resident and non-resident Illinois Youth Firearm Deer permits are available over-the-counter (OTC) from DNR Direct license and permit vendors. The Youth Deer Hunt is Columbus Day weekend, Oct. 7-9.

Sunday, October 1, 2017

Central Illinois Crappie Club Holds Open on Clinton Lake

Back in July, Capitol Outdoors attended ICAST in Orlando, Florida.  While there, we were astounded by how vast the fishing industry really is.  Today, we learned even more!  Thirty-six boats attended the first Central Illinois Crappie Club Open on Clinton Lake sponsored by Exelon.  "This is a great turn out" said Greg Humphrey of Bloomington.  "Usually there's 20 or so boats that attend, so seeing this many people out here is great"!

As the sun began to rise over the trees members did live-well checks and prepared their boats for a day out on the water.  The director went over the rules and told anglers they were searching for a maximum of seven,no less than ten inch crappie.

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

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. 
 

2017 Emiquon Permit Application Due October 10, 2017

Each year we here at Capitol Outdoors look forward to the notification from  the Nature Conservancy about waterfowl permit applications.  Below you'll see how you can apply for this awesome waterfowl hunting experience.  This application process is a little different so please  READ CAREFULLY before submitting.  Good luck to all those that apply.  Before you read the following check out some of our past experiences out at Emiquon waterfowl hunting: Adapting the Outdoors Waterfowl Hunt & Waterfowl Hunt at Emiquon

Public Waterfowl Hunt Rules and Information (Revised 26 September 2017)

Waterfowl hunting opportunities (Public,Disabled and Youth) for the Nature Conservancy's Emiquon Preserve will be awarded via advanced drawing with registration by mail or email due by October 10, 2017

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Hunting for America comes to Illinois

(Springfield, IL) Today, a new organization has joined the many others trying to effect change within the Capitol Building.  Hunting Works for America has come to Illinois creating a new grassroots organization, Hunting Works for Illinois.

Hunting Works for Illinois Mission
'Hunting Works For Illinois exists to promote the strong economic partnership between the hunting and shooting communities and the local economy of the state of Illinois.'
In December of 2016, President Obama signed the Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act into law.

'This new piece of legislation requires the Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture, to assess and analyze the contributions of the outdoor recreation industry, including recreational fishing, to the United States economy. The legislation will help to ensure that sportfishing industry jobs and recreational fishing’s economic impact are accounted for as part of the gross domestic product (GDP).'