2018 Illinois Youth Spring Turkey Season Recap Shows Decline

Not much else to say, the IDNR Division of Wildlife Resources sums it up! 

A brief summary of the 2018 Illinois Youth Spring Turkey Season from the IDNR Division of Wildlife Resources:

Youth turkey hunters harvested a preliminary total of 1,156 birds during the 2018 Illinois Youth Turkey Season. In 2017, a total of 1,531 turkeys were taken, marking a record harvest. Weather undoubtedly was a factor in this year’s decline in harvest as youth hunters experienced unseasonably cold temperatures throughout the four-day season.

Illinois General Assembly Back in Springfield After Spring Break

With the primary election in their rear view mirror and the general election around the bend, Illinois legislators are back in Session this week (April 9 - 13th).

Both the House and Senate are holding committee hearings where some outdoor related bills may be heard.  We will be following along and keeping you up to date as things happen, so be sure to "Like" our Facebook page to get the latest information.

Below you will find each committee broken down with links to more information related to each bill.  The following bills are listed to be heard on that day, but that is not always the case.  We will do a wrap-up at the end of the week to inform you of what happened. 

HOUSE

Agriculture Committee
April 9, 2018 1:00pm

• HB 4231 - Blaze Pink Clothing
• HB 5015 - DNR Volunteer Program Equipment 
• HB 5049 - Statewide Youth Deer Permits
• HB 5130 - DNR Worst Case Analysis
• HB 5293 - Endangered Species
• HB 5317 - Poached Deer Restitution Value 
• HB 5440 - Youth Hunting 
• HB 5692 - River Otter Limit
• HB 5693 - Trapping Tags 

Revenue Committee
April 11, 2018 3:00pm 

• HB 4487 - Lottery Game - State Parks 

On the House Floor to be voted on: 

• HB 4783 - Youth Hunt/Trap

SENATE

Agriculture Committee

April 12, 2018 8:00am

• SB 2295 - Electronic Fishing Licenses
• SB 2493 - Deer Feed
• SB 2962 - River Otter Limit
• SB 2963 - Trapping Tags

Judiciary Committee 

April 10, 2018 3:00pm 

• SB 3247 - IDOT/DNR Land Transfer

On the Senate Floor to be voted on: 

• SB 2824 - DNR Worst Case Analysis 
• SB 2663 - Youth Hunt/Trap

Illinois CPOs Asking for Public's Help in White Pelican Deaths

The Illinois Conservation Police Officers are asking for the public's help in regards to five white pelicans shot at Newton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area in Jasper County.  Please see below for the full details provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  

White Pelicans Shot at Newton Lake in Jasper County

Illinois Conservation Police Ask for the Public’s Help in the Investigation

Picture provided by IDNR