Governor Rauner Releases 2018 Illinois Department of Natural Resource Budget

Governor Rauner Releases 2018 Illinois Department of Natural Resource Budget

Images property of IDNR and
Office of Management and Budget

A majority of Illinois hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts would agree with the statement that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has seen better days.  Today Governor Rauner released his 2018 proposed budget for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  While the state and the IDNR have been without a budget for 20 months, the lack of financial resources for the IDNR goes back over a decade.

Illinois has 1.31 million hunters and anglers, about 1/12 th of the population of Illinois or over 100,000 people per county.  You're talking about billions of dollars and thousands of jobs hunters and anglers are responsible for each year. More focus needs to be put on our natural resources so that our kids and grandchildren can experience what Illinois has to offer.


The Governor's proposed budget is broken down by agency and line item.On page 280 of the Fiscal Year 2018 Operating Budget you'll see line items for the entire Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  

The recommended fiscal year 2018 budget of $290.7 million will support DNR operations at all state parks, the Illinois state museums in Springfield, Lockport and Dickson Mounds, and the World Shooting Complex in Sparta (pg 286). Hunting and fishing license fees will remain at fiscal year 2017 levels and Illinois will continue multi-state efforts to conserve the monarch butterfly from its federally threatened or endangered species status. 

The fiscal year 2018 budget also recommends the Historic Preservation Agency (HPA) merge with DNR to consolidate the administration of state historic sites and monuments within one agency. By positioning HPA administration within DNR, core competencies will be centralized. The merger, which includes $9.2 million in new appropriation authority for DNR, is anticipated to result in $3.2 million in savings to ensure the continued collection and preservation of state historic resources. 

We are reviewing this further and will keep you up to date as more budget information comes through. Also, the most important thing to remember is that this just a proposal. Nothing has been approved by the legislature or enacted yet.

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Illinois 100th General Assembly Outdoor Legislation Filed

Illinois 100th General Assembly Outdoor Legislation Filed

The Illinois General Assembly bill filing deadline was February 10, 2017.  Looks like you have some catching up to do.  With all the bills that were filed, it's easy to get lost in the mayhem.  Capitol Outdoors has gathered a list of hunting and fishing related bills to keep you as informed as possible.  You may notice that there are House Bills that correspond with Senate Bills, this is done to ensure that if one chamber does not move a bill, the other chamber will pick it up.

The following are all of the substantive bills that have been filed in both the House and Senate.  Each chamber also has the opportunity to file "Shell Bills".  These are basically empty bills within the wildlife code that either the House or Senate can file an amendment onto to make it a substantive bill.  Essentially these are place holders until language is written for the legislation.

We will be updating each bill as it moves through committee.  Remember not all of these bills will be heard in committee.  Make sure to follow us to stay as informed as possible this General Assembly!

House Bills:

HB0271  - CRIM CD-HANDGUN AMMO-SERIALIZE 

HB0308 - CRIM CD-FIREARM TRANSPORT 

HB0406 - HUNTING-CARRYING HANDGUNS

HB0427 - WILDLIFE-CROSSBOW DRAW WEIGHT 

HB0480 - WILDLIFE-IN-LAW FARM HUNT

HB0534 - DNR-CONVEY REAL ESTATE

HB0635 - HUNTING & FISHING LICENSE FEES

HB1771 - CROSSBOW HUNTING-ARCHERY SEASON

HB1788 - WILDLIFE-DUCK BLIND OR PIT 

HB2410 - DEER HUNTING-AIR GUNS 

HB2685 - WILDLIFE-TRAPPING-GREEN HIDES 

HB3093 - WILDLIFE-HUNTING LICENSE 

HB3373 - 5 YR HUNTING & FISHING LICENSE 

HB3399 - CROSSBOW HUNTING-COYOTES

HB3750 - FISH & HUNT LICENSE-POLICE 

Senate Bills:

SB1325 - WILDLIFE-HUNTING LICENSE 

SB1466 - CROSSBOW HUNTING-COYOTES 

SB1467 - CROSSBOW HUNTING-ARCHERY SEASON

SB1468 - WILDLIFE-TRAPPING-GREEN HIDES

SB1716 - WILDLIFE-DEER HUNT SEASON 

SB1981 - PROHIB BOBCAT TRAPPING

SB1983 - WILDLIFE CD-MANAGEMENT PLAN 

SB1985 - WILDLIFE CD-LEAD AMMUNITION 

SB2039 - WILDLIFE CD-DEER BAIT

If you have any questions on any of these bills please contact us and we will get you the information you need.  

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Hunting & Fishing License Fees-100th GA - HB 635

Hunting & Fishing License Fees-100th GA - HB 635

Representative John Cabello (R)

Filed: HB 635 on 1-24-17

Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Provides that the fee for all sport fishing licenses shall be waived for resident veterans of the United States Armed Forces that have been honorably discharged. Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that the fee for a hunting license to hunt all species shall be waived for resident veterans of the United States Armed Forces that have been honorably discharged. Effective immediately.

Hearings: None Scheduled at this time

HB 2685 Action

• Date - Chamber -  Action
• 1/24/2017 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. John M. Cabello
• 1/24/2017 House First Reading
• 1/24/2017 House Referred to Rules Committee
• 2/2/2017 House Assigned to Appropriations-General Services Committee

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Fish & Hunt License- Police-100th GA - HB 3750

Fish & Hunt License- Police-100th GA - HB 3750

Representative Katie Stuart (D)

Filed: HB 3750 on 2-10-17

Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code and the Wildlife Code. Provides that the respective fees for resident fishing, combination sportsmen, and hunting licenses are waived for current and retired State, municipal, and local law enforcement officers.

Previous Actions:

• Date - Chamber - Action
• 2/10/2017 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Katie Stuart
• 2/10/2017 House First Reading
• 2/10/2017 House Referred to Rules Committee
• 3/1/2017 House Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
• 3/21/2017 House Do Pass / Standard Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 008-005-001
• 3/22/2017 House Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Standard Debate
• 3/23/2017 House Second Reading - Standard Debate
• 3/23/2017 House Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Standard Debate

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

5 YR Hunting & Fishing License- 100th GA - HB 3373

5 YR Hunting & Fishing License- 100th GA - HB 3373

Representative Daniel V. Beiser (D)

Filed: HB 3373 on 2-9-17

Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Provides that residents of this State may obtain a 5-year fishing license. Provides that the fee for a 5-year fishing license is $62.50. Provides that for residents age 65 or older, the fee is one-half of the fee charged for a 5-year fishing license. Provides that for resident veterans of the United States Armed Forces after returning from service abroad or mobilization by the President of the United States, the fee is one-half of the fee charged for a 5-year fishing license. Provides that residents of this State may obtain a 5-year sportsmen's combination license that shall entitle the holder to the same non-commercial fishing privileges as residents holding a license and to the same hunting privileges as residents holding a license to hunt all species under the Wildlife Code. Provides that the 5-year sportsmen's combination license fee shall be $112.50. Provides that no sportsmen's combination license shall be issued to any individual who would be ineligible for either the fishing or hunting license separately. Provides that for residents age 65 or older, the fee is one-half of the fee charged for a 5-year sportsmen's combination license. Provides that for resident veterans of the United States Armed Forces after returning from service abroad or mobilization by the President of the United States, the fee is one-half of the fee charged for a 5-year sportsmen's combination license. Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that residents of this State may obtain a 5-year hunting license to hunt all species for $52. Provides that for residents age 65 or older and resident veterans of the United States Armed Forces after returning from service abroad or mobilization by the President of the United States, the fee is one-half of the fee charged for a 5-year hunting license.

Hearings:  None Scheduled at this time.

Previous Actions:

• Date - Chamber - Action
• 2/9/2017 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Daniel V. Beiser
• 2/10/2017 House First Reading
• 2/10/2017 House Referred to Rules Committee

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Illinois Spring Trout Season Announced

Illinois Spring Trout Season Announced

It's that time of the year again. The annual Illinois Spring Trout Fishing Season Opens April 1, 2017 at 18 various sites in Illinois.  If you've never taken your kid fishing or want to introduce someone to fishing this is the best way to do it.  Trout fishing is fast and fun.  Remember, Illinois also has a special fly fishing season, so get out there and try your luck.  If you would like to know more about what we use for trout fishing you can read one of our old articles all about it.  Capitol Outdoors' Tips and Tricks for Inland Trout Fishing.  Below you'll see the official press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Be a Voice for the Outdoors During Illinois' 100th General Assembly

Be a Voice for the Outdoors During Illinois' 100th General Assembly

There are over 7,000 bills introduced each year in the Illinois General Assembly.  At Capitol Outdoors we keep you the hunter, angler and outdoor enthusiasts informed about your passion.  With several bills already being filed, things will start to move quickly.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is underfunded and overworked and it's important that the hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts stay informed on policy in Springfield.  It's time to stand up and make sure that legislators hear our voice.  Now I'm not saying we protest,  I'm saying that we need to have better relationships with our elected officials.  It's not enough to just call but make it a point that they know who you are!  As a hunter, angler or outdoor enthusiast if you don't speak up for your state parks, CPOs, and all outdoor opportunities, who will?   It's time!

With the new General Assembly comes new politicians, new committee appointments and new egos.  While it's important to make sure you contact your legislator on issues, it's as important if not more important to contact the members of the committees as a bill is being introduced.  If a bill is going to see time on the floor of the house or senate it will first have to go through either House Agriculture & Conservation Committee, the Senate Environment and Conservation Committee or one of the several other committees.  Make sure to subscribe to the Capitol Happenings to stay informed during this General Assembly.

Here is the list of members of the House Ag and Conservation and the Senate Environment and Conservation committees.

Will you be a voice for the outdoors?

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

2017 Recap of the Pantagraph's Fish and Feather Expo

2017 Recap of the Pantagraph's Fish and Feather Expo

 

During expo season there are always those shows that you don't make it to.  Whether it is because it is too far away, too expensive or in some cases the show is a waste of time. That was how we felt about this show last year.  We didn't attend because we didn't find it worth our time and money.

However, optimism took over this year when we found out that the Pantagraph bought the Fish and Feather Expo. Within social media circles people were very excited about this because last year's show was not up to par.  When you are competing with shows like the Quad Cities, Elmwood, Tinley Park and Collinsville it is easy to see how you would be let down.

Anglers should Sign Up for B.A.S.S Fantasy League and Watch Bassmaster Live

Anglers should Sign Up for B.A.S.S Fantasy League and Watch Bassmaster Live

Today is the first day you can start making your line up for B.A.S.S Fantasy Fishing.  Not sure if you want to sign up, you're not alone check out how we were last year. 

Last year, I was browsing online when the B.A.S.S Facebook page mentioned new registration for the Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing Team.  Never really being into the whole fantasy thing I decided to take a step out of my comfort zone in hopes of learning something new.

My knowledge of the Bassmaster's is very limited at this point. Back in 2000, I attended the Classic that was held in Chicago with Woo Daves winning it all. Because the Classic was in Chicago there were many meet and greets and this is where I had the privilege of meeting KVD.

Memories Afield Don't have to Include a Kill or Catch

Memories Afield Don't have to Include a Kill or Catch

Like so many of you, once Wednesday approaches I start planning my weekend.  This past weekend was no exception.  I planned on going ice fishing, I didn't know where, or when but I was going.  As Sunday approached i decided to hit Jim Edgar Panther Creek but since I've hit Gridley Lake already a few times and the ice conditions have been iffy at Prairie I decided to do a quick ice check and go.

I started by hitting deep water, then shallow, then deep then shallow and nothing.  Finally spotted a fish on the vexilar and just as soon as he was there it was gone.  Ding, my phone goes off.  It's an old college buddy that I've stayed in contact with over the past few years.  As I mentioned, Adam is an old college buddy who loves the outdoors just as much as the rest of us. 

Meeting up with an old buddy to do some ice fishing sounds good to me.  We got to the lake walked out on the ice drilled a hole nothing, moved to another, nothing after about 20 holes we decided to call it a day.  Check out those big ones :)

It didn't matter whether we caught any or not, for me it was about getting outside to enjoy some fishing with a college buddy.

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Illinois DNR Releases 2017 Action Plan to Manage Asian Carp

We've all seen it, those Youtube videos of that guy on skis catching Asian Carp in a net, or how about the redneck fishing tournament.  Regardless, anglers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts can agree that the spread of Asian Carp needs to stop.  At this point it will be nearly impossible to eradicate this invasive species that has spread throughout the Mississippi River Tributaries.  We may not be able to catch them all but we can manage them and stop new lakes, rivers, etc from being invaded.  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources released their 2017 Action plan which details their strategy to manage the threat of Asian Carp into the great lakes.  With federal, state, local, and non-profit agencies in the mix let's all pray that 2017 Asian Carp Action Plan is the start of something great.

2017 Action Plan Details Strategy to Manage Threat of Asian Carp in Great Lakes

The Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (ACRCC) announced the release of its Fiscal Year 2017 Action Plan today. The Action Plan document details 60 high-priority strategic measures designed to manage the threat of four species of invasive Asian carp in the Great Lakes.


The Plan serves as a foundation for the work of the ACRCC partnership — a collaboration of 27 U.S. and Canadian federal, state, provincial, and local agencies and organizations. The 2017 Plan builds on prior strategies by applying lessons learned through research and additions of new technologies and control measures. The Plan also carries forward a new interagency contingency response plan developed for potential rapid-response to detections of Asian carp at all life stages in unexpected areas of the upper Illinois River and Chicago Area Waterway System.

“This Action Plan continues to show our unified resolve to keep Asian Carp from invading the Great Lakes,” said Bill Bolen, USEPA Senior Advisor and co-chair of the ACRCC. “We intend to employ every effort necessary to protect this precious resource.

“The Great Lakes are an amazing resource that face numerous and evolving threats,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Regional Director Charlie Wooley. “These threats require a constant, coordinated and creative effort to keep at bay. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proud to be part of this Action Plan and to help protect the Great Lakes.”

“Keeping Asian carp from establishing a population in the Great Lakes is a shared effort. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is pleased to be among the agencies contributing to the 2017 ACRCC Action Plan, with efforts focusing on operating and maintaining the electric barrier system, continued monitoring efforts and the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study,” said Col. Christopher Drew, Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District.

This year $17 million of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding, in addition to more than $25 million of federal agency base funding, will be used by partners to implement key projects and initiatives to safeguard the Great Lakes from invasive bighead, silver, grass and black carps.

“USGS Asian carp science is focused on early detection, risk assessment and development of control tools and strategies,” said Leon Carl, USGS Midwest Regional Director. “The tools and technologies we have developed are aimed at effectively informing and supporting Asian carp management strategies for preventing the spread of Asian carp in the nation’s waterways.” 

“Each member of the ACRCC plays an important role in keeping Asian carp from becoming established in the Great Lakes, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources was proud to lead efforts to remove over one million pounds of Asian carp from the upper Illinois River in 2016,” said Illinois DNR Asian carp biologist Kevin Irons. “Working together, we are keeping them away from the electric barrier system and out of Lake Michigan.”

Read the 2017 Asian Carp Action Plan.

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Recapping the Let's Go Fishing Show in Collinsville, Ilinois

Recapping the Let's Go Fishing Show in Collinsville, Illinois

This weekend was a busy one for a lot of fishing vendors in Illinois.  While the Muskie Show was going on in Northern Illinois, the Let's Go Fishing Show was going on in Collinsville, Illinois.  Yup, the Expo Season has begun.

I have attended this show for many years and always have a good time, however, this year there were some differences.  I noticed that there weren't as many fishing vendors around the expo floor this year and you could see an increase in the housing vendors. You know the gutter guys, the shoe insert people and there was even this booth selling really cool gear toys for kids. Although some things were interesting to look at, I didn't travel down to Collinsville to look at that stuff. 

Illinois Conservation Police Layoffs Averted

Illinois Conservation Police Layoffs Averted

Governor Rauner Administration has reached a collective bargaining agreement

Good news released today!

The Rauner Administration has reached an agreement with the Illinois Faternal Order of Police to forego layoffs, negotiations included a four year wage freeze. As you know CPOs are vital to the state's natural resources and parks and they provide enforcement to protect wildlife. 

We applaud the Rauner Administration and the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police for coming to an agreement so that our state's natural resources can be protected.

 

This agreement also stated that work will be done to expand staffing levels. Currently, there are not enough conservation officers throughout the state and unfortunately this lack of officers affects our state parks, wildlife and the habitat that they live in.

With crumbling state parks and the DNR budget continuing to decrease this is a small victory for outdoors men and women throughout Illinois.

The following is a press release from the Governor's Office.

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner announced today the Administration has reached a collective bargaining agreement with the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council representing Illinois Conservation Police Officers.

"Through fair and good faith negotiations, we were able to reach a compromise that continues to protect our state parks and other natural resources," Rauner General Counsel Dennis Murashko said. "This new contract is fair to both state employees and taxpayers, and we look forward to continuing our partnership while working together to serve the citizens of Illinois."

The agreement includes a four-year wage freeze and ensures no conservation police officers will be laid off, while we work to expand staffing levels.