Friday, November 17, 2017

IDNR Conservation Police Announce Results of Western Illinois Deer Hunting Enforcement Detail

A big round of applause to our Illinois Conservation Police.  From the Illinois Department of Natural Resources press office.


Conservation Police Announce Results of Western Illinois Deer Hunting Enforcement Detail


BARRY, IL – Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police have issued more than 50 citations and warnings for illegal deer hunting and related offenses this month. The illegal activity was discovered during enforcement details in Pike and Adams counties on Nov. 8-9.


Conservation Police officers focused on activities on deer hunting properties managed by Hadley Creek Outfitters, based in Barry, IL, including the unlawful feeding of white-tailed deer, and allowing clients to hunt deer over a baited area.


During the enforcement detail, Conservation Police officers confirmed approximately 6,400 acres were baited and unlawful to hunt in Pike and Adams counties.  Bait is defined as any material, whether liquid or solid, including food, salt, mineral, and other products that can be ingested, placed, or scattered in such a manner as to attract or lure white-tailed deer.  The illegal areas were baited with trophy rocks, mineral licks, piled corn, and corn scattered among food plots.

Hadley Creek managers, guides, and clients were cited for multiple violations of feeding deer and hunting over baited areas.  Officers working the detail also came across additional violations in the area which were committed by hunters who were not involved with hunting on Hadley Creek properties.

Violations discovered during the detail included:  Unlawful Feeding of White-tailed Deer, Unlawfully Hunting White-tailed Deer over a Baited Area, Transportation of an Uncased Bow and Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Untagged Deer, Unlawful Possession of Another Individual’s Deer Permit, Failure to Report Deer Harvest Same Day as Kill, and Falsification of Residency to Obtain Permits.  Illinois Conservation Police officers issued 46 citations and 7 written warnings during the detail.

Illinois has taken a proactive approach to prevent the further spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).  It is unlawful to make available food, salt, mineral blocks or other products for ingestion by wild deer or other wildlife in areas where wild deer are present at any time.  CWD is a fatal neurological disease of deer, elk, and moose.  The disease is always fatal in deer and there is no treatment or cure.  CWD is transmitted directly from one animal to another, and there is evidence that it also can be transmitted from contaminated places in the environment (for instance, a feeding area where saliva and excrement from an infected deer is present).  CWD was first found in Illinois during the fall of 2002.  The disease has been confirmed to be present in 17 northern Illinois counties.


Thursday, November 16, 2017

Hunting and Fishing Black Friday Ads 2017

Hunting and Fishing Black Friday Ads 2017

Outdoor Black Friday Ads 2017


Who doesn't like a good deal, right? Whether you are out this Black Fridays shopping for deals or in the blind hunting for ducks, we have gathered some ads for you to look at.


Many people shop on Black Friday for Christmas gifts, however a better idea is to look for deals to replenish your supplies. Stock up on that hunting and fishing gear so that you don't feel it in the wallet when that time comes.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

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.

Monday, November 13, 2017

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.

Public Land Deer Hunting in Illinois
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


Sunday, November 12, 2017

2017 Fishing Careers Workshop Offers Advice and Insight into Fishing Industry

The old question among anglers, 'how do I make a career in the fishing industry?'   This question drove fishing legend Al Lindner, his son Troy Lindner and ten other top notch fishing industry leaders to share their passion, successes and advice with a room full of eager participants at Cragun's Resort in Brainerd Minnesota.

Capitol Outdoors, Al Lindner,
Various high schoolers and established industry leaders from 14 states and Providence of Quebec, attended the 2017 Fishing Careers Workshop and then there's little ole' me.


Growing up in the 90's, In-Fisherman was the YouTube of today, anglers read and watched Al Lindner and others teach fishing tactics and how to's.  He wasn't just a TV personality, he was someone I looked up to.  What kid/adult wouldn't want his job?  Making videos about fishing, the dream job!