COMMERCIAL FISHING REGULATION-100th GA - HB 3272

COMMERCIAL FISHING REGULATION-100th GA - HB 3272

Representative  Sheri Jesiel

Filed: HB 3272 on 2-9-17

Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Provides that all trout, including lake trout, salmon, and lake whitefish may not be taken by commercial fishing devices, including gill or pound nets. Provides that any incidental catch of trout, including lake trout, salmon, and lake whitefish taken in legal sized gill or pound nets must be returned immediately to the water. Provides that the methods of taking are subject to modification by administrative rule based upon lake-wide scientific assessment data or fishery management need. Repeals a Section concerning commercial fishing.

Latest Action:

• 5/25/2017 House Passed Both Houses 

DNR-CONSULTATION FEES-100th GA - HB 3033

 DNR-CONSULTATION FEES-100th GA - HB 3033

Representative  Tim Butler

Filed: HB 3033 on 2-9-17

Amends the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources may assess specified consultation fees up to $500 (rather than assess a $500 fee). Deletes language providing that the Department shall not assess any fee for consultations requested by a State agency or federal agency.

Date Chamber Action

• 2/9/2017 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Tim Butler
• 2/9/2017 House First Reading
• 2/9/2017 House Referred to Rules Committee
• 2/22/2017 House Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
• 3/14/2017 House Do Pass / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 012-000-000
• 3/15/2017 House Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
• 3/23/2017 House Second Reading - Short Debate
• 3/23/2017 House Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
• 3/30/2017 House Chief Sponsor Changed to Rep. Allen Skillicorn
• 3/30/2017 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Tim Butler
• 4/5/2017 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Jerry Costello, II
• 4/5/2017 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Brandon W. Phelps
• 4/7/2017 House Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 105-000-000
• 4/7/2017 House Motion Filed to Reconsider Vote Rep. André Thapedi
• 4/7/2017 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. John Cavaletto
• 4/26/2017 House Motion to Reconsider Vote - Withdrawn Rep. André Thapedi
• 4/27/2017 Senate Arrive in Senate
• 4/27/2017 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading May 2, 2017
• 4/28/2017 Senate Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Chapin Rose
• 5/2/2017 Senate First Reading
• 5/2/2017 Senate Referred to Assignments
• 5/5/2017 Senate Approved for Consideration Assignments
• 5/5/2017 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 9, 2017
• 5/11/2017 Senate Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Chapin Rose
• 5/11/2017 Senate Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments
• 5/11/2017 Senate Second Reading
• 5/11/2017 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 12, 2017
• 5/15/2017 Senate Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Agriculture
• 5/17/2017 Senate Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommend Do Adopt Agriculture; 007-000-000
• 5/26/2017 Senate Rule 2-10 Third Reading Deadline Established As May 31, 2017
• 5/30/2017 Senate Recalled to Second Reading
• 5/30/2017 Senate Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Adopted; Rose
• 5/30/2017 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading
• 5/30/2017 Senate Third Reading - Passed; 054-000-000
• 5/30/2017 House Arrived in House
• 5/30/2017 House Placed on Calendar Order of Concurrence Senate Amendment(s) 1
• 5/30/2017 House Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Motion Filed Concur Rep. Allen Skillicorn
• 5/30/2017 House Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Motion to Concur Referred to Rules Committee
• 6/20/2017 House Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Motion to Concur Rules Referred to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
• 6/22/2017 House Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Motion to Concur Recommends Be Adopted Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 012-000-000
• 6/25/2017 House Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 House Concurs 097-001-000
• 6/25/2017 House House Concurs
• 6/25/2017 House Passed Both Houses
• 6/25/2017 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Charles Meier
• 6/25/2017 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Daniel Swanson
• 7/24/2017 House Sent to the Governor
• 9/8/2017 House Governor Approved
• 9/8/2017 House Public Act . . . . . . . . . 100-0491

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Family Adventure in February

Family Adventure in February 

Call it global warming, call it whatever you would like.  If you weren't outside this past weekend, let me tell you, you missed out on a record breaking weekend.  Not for fish, number of birds surveyed or whatever but for record temperatures. Like many of you we spent our weekend outside enjoying the beautiful crisp winter air. Even though it felt like spring, it's still winter. We were taking care of yard work, all the things that you would do on a normal spring weekend. However, those chores didn't stop us from enjoying our passion.

Like so many others that were out at Jim Edgar Panther Creek, whether in their boats, hiking or picnicing we enjoyed the sights, smells and sounds showing that spring is just around the corner. No trip out to a state park is complete unless you bring your fishing pole. From 38 to 42 degree water temps fishing was tough but that didn't matter because of just how beautiful the weather was.  Bouncing around from lake to lake and spot to spot, we kept ending up short. Finally, we hooked into one.  It wasn't a biggin' or a world record fish but it was a bass in open water in February in Illinois. 

What was also great about this weekend, was that the family was able to tag along to enjoy what they like about the outdoors. It was great to watch them walk along the shore as I fished and they were also there to cheer me on as I caught the only fish of the day. However, what really made this weekend was not the weather or the fish or the idea of open water fishing in February, it was sharing a memory that will last a lifetime.  They say to start people young in the outdoors so that they grow up loving it.

Autumn has been surrounded by the outdoors for the last 10 months of her short life.  As I landed my fish I called Heather  over so that I could get a picture with Autumn.  My little girl was so fascinated by the fish that I wanted her to hold it, not thinking that she would actually do it.  With little hesitation, she grabbed in awe of the texture of the teeth and slime of the fish. Could this be the start of something bigger? First Female Bassmaster Champion in Training?  Only time will tell. 

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

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