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

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).' 

Governor Rauner Signs HB 3399 - Bobcat Hunting and Trapping Permit

On September 22, 2017 Governor Rauner signed HB 3399 which will allow hunters and trappers to harvest up to 350 bobcats during the 2017 - 2018 season.  However, if you hunt/trap in these counties (Boone, Bureau, Champaign, Cook, DeKalb, DeWitt, DuPage, Ford, Grundy, Henry, Iroquois, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Lee, Livingston, Logan, Marshall, McHenry, McLean, Ogle, Peoria, Piatt, Putnam, Stark, Stephenson, Vermilion, Will, Winnebago, Woodford) the law makes it unlawful to do so for bobcats. This is one of the last bills we've been waiting action on from the governor.

Below you'll see the press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

New Law Results in Changes in Illinois Bobcat Hunting and Trapping Season

SPRINGFIELD, IL – A new state law will allow hunters and trappers to harvest up to 350 bobcats during the 2017-18 Illinois Bobcat Hunting and Trapping Season which opens on Nov. 10. The legislation making changes in the bobcat season, House Bill 3399, was signed into law on Sept. 22.

Additionally, the new law also changed the list of counties in which it is unlawful to hunt or trap bobcats in the state. The following counties are prohibited from hunting or trapping bobcats: Boone, Bureau, Champaign, Cook, DeKalb, DeWitt, DuPage, Ford, Grundy, Henry, Iroquois, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Lee, Livingston, Logan, Marshall, McHenry, McLean, Ogle, Peoria, Piatt, Putnam, Stark, Stephenson, Vermilion, Will, Winnebago, Woodford, and the area north of U.S. Route 36 in Edgar and Douglas counties and north of U.S. Route 36 to the junction with Illinois Route 121 and north or east of Illinois Route 121 in Macon County.

Bobcat hunting and trapping season dates are Nov. 10, 2017 through Feb. 15, 2018.

Illinois resumed bobcat hunting and trapping during the 2016-17 season. During the 2016-17 season, the taking of bobcats was prohibited in a northeast quadrant of the state bounded by Interstate 39/U.S. Route 51 on the west and U.S. Route 36 on the south, and was allowed in the remainder of the state.

Hunters and trappers may apply for 2017-18 bobcat permits through Sept. 30. A total of 1,000 permits have been allocated, and a lottery drawing will be conducted as more than 1,000 permit applications have been received. During last year’s bobcat season, Illinois issued 500 permits and hunters and trappers harvested 141 bobcats, a 28 percent success rate.

Applications can be made through the DNR Direct online license and permit system ($5.00 non-refundable application fee) at https://www.il.wildlifelicense.com/start.php

Remember Illinois Youth Firearm Season is October 7 - 9

Remember...

Illinois Youth Firearm Deer Hunt is October 7-9

2017 - 2018 Hunter Digest

All Hunters Reminded of Blaze Orange Requirement During the Youth Hunt

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The 2017 Illinois Youth Firearm Deer Hunt is Oct. 7-9 for those hunters with a valid Youth Deer Permit who have not reached their 18th birthday by the first day of the hunt. Youth Deer Permits are available over-the-counter at license vendors throughout the state. Hunters may purchase only one permit (either-sex) for one of the open counties. Hunters that are 16 years of age or older must also have a Habitat Stamp.

IDNR to Allocate Trapping Permits for Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA

IDNR to Allocate Trapping Permits for Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA

CHANDLERVILLE, IL – A public drawing for the allocation of trapping permits at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area will be held at Saturday, Oct. 7 at 1:30 p.m. Registration will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the site headquarters, located approximately five miles southeast of Chandlerville.

One permit for each of the five trapping zones will be allocated through a lottery drawing. All persons attempting to enter the drawing must be in attendance and have a current 2017 trapping license in their possession.

DP (Dog Proof) Traps, live traps, and traps of similar action may be used. Homemade dog-proof traps must be designed with a foothold trap no larger than a #2 in an enclosed wood, metal, or durable plastic container with a single access opening of no larger than 1½ inches in diameter. All body-gripping traps must be totally submerged.

IDNR to Allocate Sangchris Lake Trapping Permits on Oct. 14

IDNR to Allocate Sangchris Lake Trapping Permits on Oct. 14

ROCHESTER, IL – A public drawing for the allocation of Sangchris Lake State Park trapping permits will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 14.  Registration will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the site headquarters, located approximately six miles southeast of Rochester.

One permit for two trapping zones will be allocated through the drawing procedure (the Sangchris subimpoundment area will now be included as another zone open to trapping).  Two names will be allowed on the permit, and only those individuals listed will be allowed to trap.  All persons entering the drawing must have a current 2017 trapping license in possession.  Persons whose names are drawn must be in attendance.

Starting February 1, 2018 until the end of the trapping season on March 31, 2018, Sangchris Lake State Park will open to statewide regulations, meaning that any individual with a valid 2017 trapping permit who is interested in trapping can do so (beaver, muskrat, and river otter only).

2017 - 2018 Waterfowl Season Dates Announced for Illinois

While hundreds of lucky blind winners prepare to build, repair and brush their blinds for the 2017 -2018 season the Illinois Department of Natural Resources released their season dates.  Trying to find a place to go, but don't want to head home after waking up at 2:00 AM?  Then try your luck in the permit draw.  You'll find it at the end of the press release.  The draw starts August 16th.  Good Luck!

As it has been for my entire waterfowl hunting career, the 2017 -2018 duck season will be 60 days for ducks and 107 days for goose.  The older generation may remember a 45 or 30 day waterfowl season. However, with strong conservation efforts from local, state and federal agencies along with private organizations the possibility for a 60 day season has increased. 

NOTE: Central Illinois Goose Hunters: there is a split season! 

If you're looking for other dates for various hunting seasons check out the 2017 - 2018 Hunters Digest.  The 2017 - 2018 Waterfowl Digest has not been released yet.  Please make sure to check back.  

Unofficial Start of Waterfowl Season

Unofficial Start of Waterfowl Season

State parks around Illinois were host to hundreds of waterfowlers this weekend as they tried their luck to win a blind for the 2017 - 2018 season.  This is the unofficial start to waterfowl season.  Blind winners only have a few short weeks to get their information in to the state, build, brush and take care of any other maintenance needed.

IDNR releases Upland Hunting Information and Date of application Availability

Hard to think about but hunting season is just around the corner.  On August 7, 2017 the online application for IDNR managed sites will be live.  There's nothing quite like being behind a dog on point, so make sure you apply and enjoy some great upland opportunities.  You can watch our adventures out at Jim Edgar Panther Creek one of the many sites to hunt upland game  Below you'll see the press release from the IDNR regarding the controlled pheasant hunting reservation and information.

2017 Illinois Controlled Pheasant Hunting Reservation Information Now Available Online

A Message from Director Wayne Rosenthal and June's News Bits

A Message from Director Wayne Rosenthal

Last month, Illinois once again saw major flooding, with flood impacts seen on our big rivers and their tributaries in just about every part of the state. This was the third major flood event to occur in Illinois in a year. However, despite near-record flood levels in some parts of the state, flood damages were minimal. In comparison to some other states, major floods hardly made the news in Illinois.

Sportsman’s Awareness Public Meeting Scheduled in Millstadt, IL

A MUST ATTEND EVENT FOR ILLINOIS HUNTERS AND ANGLERS

In order to pass our heritage on to the next generation, we need policies that reflect and protect our hunting and fishing lifestyle.  That's why the Sportsman's Awareness Public Meeting hosted by IFOR and Kaskaskia River Deltawaterfowl Chapter is a must attend event.  "The informational meeting is open to the public and will help sportsmen and women become more aware of legislation, regulatory changes, and issues that currently face hunters, anglers, and shooters in Southern Illinois."

Informational meetings like these help us as hunters and anglers stay informed and organized.

Sportsman’s Awareness Public Meeting Scheduled in Millstadt, IL

Sportsmen and women from throughout southern Illinois are invited to learn about issues currently facing hunters, anglers, and outdoors enthusiasts in Illinois

Millstadt, IL — The Illinois Federation of Outdoor Resources (IFOR) and Kaskaskia River Delta Waterfowl Chapter announce the upcoming Sportsman’s Awareness Public Meeting. The informational meeting is open to the public and will help sportsmen and women become more aware of legislation, regulatory changes, and issues that currently face hunters, anglers, and shooters in Southern Illinois. The meeting will be held at Millstadt

Sportsmen’s Club, 4915 Schmidt Lane, Millstadt, IL on June 15, 2017 at 7:00PM . Scott Bryant, President of IFOR will be presenting an informational program that will help sportsmen better understand the regulatory process and current issues surrounding outdoor activities.

“There are so many new regulations, proposed regulations, and issues that sportsmen in IL face today,” said
Bryant. “It’s increasingly difficult for the average sportsman to keep up with the rapidly changing regulatory
environment as well as the increasing number of threats to the hunting and angling heritages that southern Illinois sportsmen and women hold so dear. “

The goal of the meeting is to help sportsmen understand the most pressing issues both from regulatory agencies as well as other community groups and how to appropriately address them.

All southern Illinois sportsmen are encouraged to attend. Admission is free.

For more information, press only:
Scott Bryant
618-535- 0151
skycarp@aol.com

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Preliminary Turkey Numbers Show Increase in Harvest

Gobble, Gobble, preliminary numbers are in from Illinois' turkey season and the numbers show an increase from last year.  However, if you read below you'll see the southern zone actually harvest less turkeys this year compared to last. It's because of the youngesters who are included in these numbers why we see an increase in harvest numbers this year.  Check out this years youngsters numbers.   Below you'll see the press release from the IDNR.  If you're interested in just you're county harvest numbers.

Hunters in Illinois Harvested 15,719 Birds During 2017 Spring Turkey Season

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary statewide total of 15,719 wild turkeys during the 2017 Spring Turkey Season, including the youth season. The 2017 total compares with the statewide turkey harvest of 15,484 in 2016. The statewide preliminary total includes the record Youth Turkey Season harvest of 1,541 birds, compared with youth season harvest of 1,045 turkeys in 2016. 

Spring turkey hunting was open in 100 of Illinois’ 102 counties. The 2017 seasons were April 3-May 4 in the South Zone and April 10-May 11 in the North Zone. The Youth Spring Turkey Season was March 25-26 and April 1-2. This was the first year the youth turkey season was open for two weekends statewide, rather than one weekend for the South Zone and one for the North Zone.

Turkey hunters this spring took a preliminary total of 6,842 wild turkeys during all season segments in the South Zone, compared with 6,694 last year in the south. The North Zone preliminary harvest total this year was 8,877 wild turkeys, compared with 8,790 in the north in 2016.

“Weather always plays a big role in harvest numbers and 2017 was no different,” said Luke Garver, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Wild Turkey Project Manager. “For the first two-thirds of the season, harvest trends were well above average. The significant rain events we experienced across much of the state slowed harvest considerably. Despite a rainy end to the spring season, this year marked the third consecutive season of an increased harvest total. Additionally, we were encouraged to see the youth season being the success it was.”

The top counties for spring wild turkey harvest in the South Zone in 2017 were Jefferson (412), Jackson (359), Union (359), Randolph (349), and Pope (348). The top five North Zone counties for spring turkey harvest this year were Jo Daviess (610), Pike (404), Adams (395), Fulton (378), and Hancock (325).

The table below includes the preliminary 2017 county-by-county spring turkey harvest results with comparable totals for 2016:

Illinois Spring Turkey Season Harvest County Totals
County 2017 2016
Adams 395 389
Alexander 156 134
Bond 142 135
Boone 74 76
Brown 298 357
Bureau 163 157
Calhoun 239 210
Carroll 213 195
Cass 210 213
Champaign 26 22
Christian 51 41
Clark 181 158
Clay 219 210
Clinton 82 86
Coles 45 39
Crawford 210 166
Cumberland 48 54
DeKalb 16 21
DeWitt 54 45
Douglas 2 6
Edgar 80 85
Edwards 85 96
Effingham 117 86
Fayette 276 233
Ford 10 10
Franklin 166 152
Fulton 378 446
Gallatin 112 129
Greene 147 157
Grundy 56 56
Hamilton 252 234
Hancock 325 325
Hardin 134 145
Henderson 135 139
Henry 75 82
Iroquois 75 60
Jackson 359 313
Jasper 140 131
Jefferson 412 420
Jersey 187 187
JoDaviess 610 568
Johnson 264 278
Kane 5 2
Kankakee 35 34
Kendall 18 15
Knox 274 267
Lake 1 1
LaSalle 117 137
Lawrence 141 117
Lee 116 100
Livingston 26 19
Logan 43 37
Macon 26 27
Macoupin 275 303
Madison 213 241
Marion 337 380
Marshall 82 69
Mason 154 141
Massac 104 103
McDonough 140 137
McHenry 83 62
McLean 68 63
Menard 101 105
Mercer 203 192
Monroe 157 169
Montgomery 188 175
Morgan 126 147
Moultrie 29 24
Ogle 214 189
Peoria 153 153
Perry 252 233
Piatt 8 10
Pike 404 393
Pope 348 356
Pulaski 114 95
Putnam 45 37
Randolph 349 372
Richland 113 106
Rock Island 202 191
Saline 123 125
Sangamon 133 110
Schuyler 277 360
Scott 98 73
Shelby 120 117
St. Clair 126 140
Stark 13 6
Stephenson 248 231
Tazewell 57 65
Union 359 354
Vermilion 133 136
Wabash 56 48
Warren 68 75
Washington 131 149
Wayne 317 297
White 169 153
Whiteside 162 160
Will 73 51
Williamson 309 308
Winnebago 185 175
Woodford 79 103

Total: 15719 15484

https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/news/Documents/IllinoisSpringTurkeyHarvestByCounty2017.pdf

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Wingshooting Clinic for Youth and Women at the Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA on June 10-11

Capitol Outdoors covered this event last year.  Kids and adults had a great time learning about gun safety, hunting techniques and much more.  If you've been pondering taking this class. DON"T!  You'll learn a great deal and be ready for the upland game or waterfowl season.  Read about the Jim Edgar Panther Creek Wingshooting Clinic 2016.  If you're interested read the post below from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Press Office

Wingshooting Clinic for Youth and Women at the Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA on June 10-11

Opportunity to Learn Shotgun Shooting Safety and Skills

CHANDLERVILLE, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Conservation Foundation are sponsoring a wingshooting clinic for youth, young adults, and women on Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11 at the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area (JEPC) near Chandlerville, IL in Cass County.

The JEPC Youth/Women’s Wingshooting Clinic is an introductory clinic designed for boys and girls ages 10-15, young adults ages 16-18 and women of all ages interested in learning to shoot or improving their ability to shoot a shotgun at moving targets. The youth/women’s clinic is provided at no cost to participants.

Youth/Women’s wingshooting clinics are about learning to safely shoot a shotgun at moving targets with reasonable reliability. The clinic starts with a shotgun safety presentation at 10:00 a.m., followed by a short small group hands-on shotgun orientation session with each group’s wingshooting instructor. The afternoon is spent in the field shooting clay targets. Shotguns and shotshells are provided. Not only do the participants learn to safely handle and shoot a shotgun, but they learn that being skilled at shooting clay targets is a lot of fun.

This clinic is taught by instructors certified by the IDNR and the National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA). The participant-to-instructor ratio is four to one. Typically, participants are grouped with others of similar shooting skill ability.

Advanced registration is required. Registration forms for the JEPC Wingshooting Clinic can be accessed at https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/recreation/wingshooting/Pages/default.aspx. Once the Wingshooting Website is accessed, click on the “Calendar” button; then click on the date to access the registration forms. Follow the instructions on the forms.

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

DNR- Ashes in State Parks-100th GA - SB 1586

DNR- Ashes in State Parks-100th GA - SB 1586

Senator Bill Cunningham

Filed: SB 1586 on 2-9-17

Amends the State Parks Act. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources may establish rules for the public to safely and appropriately scatter cremated remains in a State park. Defines "cremated remains."

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Crematory Regulation Act. Provides that "scattering area" also includes property used for outdoor recreation or natural resource conservation owned by the Department of Natural Resources and designated as a scattering area.

• Date Chamber Action
• 2/9/2017 Senate Filed with Secretary by Sen. Bill Cunningham
• 2/9/2017 Senate First Reading
• 2/9/2017 Senate Referred to Assignments
• 2/28/2017 Senate Assigned to Public Health
• 3/8/2017 Senate Postponed - Public Health
• 3/15/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Bill Cunningham
• 3/15/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments
• 3/17/2017 Senate Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As April 7, 2017
• 3/22/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Public Health
• 3/28/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted
• 3/29/2017 Senate Do Pass as Amended Public Health; 008-000-000
• 3/29/2017 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading March 30, 2017
• 4/6/2017 Senate Second Reading
• 4/6/2017 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading April 25, 2017
• 4/27/2017 Senate Third Reading - Passed; 056-000-000
• 4/27/2017 House Arrived in House
• 4/27/2017 House Chief House Sponsor Rep. Stephanie A. Kifowit
• 4/27/2017 House First Reading

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Wingshooting Clinic Scheduled for the World Shooting and Recreational Complex on May 13

Wingshooting Clinic Scheduled for the World Shooting and Recreational Complex on May 13

Opportunity to Learn Shotgun Shooting Safety & Skills

SPARTA, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Conservation Foundation are partnering with the Friends of the World Shooting and Recreational Complex and the National Wild Turkey Federation – Randolph County Strutters and Cutters Chapter in sponsoring a wingshooting clinic for youth, young adults, and women on Saturday, May 13 at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex (WSRC) in Sparta, IL.

Mistaken Identity of Mushrooms can be Dangerous

Mistaken Identity of Mushrooms can be Dangerous

The extent of my knowledge when it comes to mushrooms is ordering a mushroom swiss burger from a restaurant. However, with the lack of a turkey permit, what better way to spend a spring day then walking around the woods looking for these elegant mushrooms.  With family and friends telling me stories about how good these mushrooms are I decided to go out.

The best hunting buddy anyone could ask for. 

This past weekend I found my first morel mushroom.  It was an accident but thankfully there were six total, so I picked'em.  Now I have the mushroom hunting bug.  Just like the fishing or hunting bug, all I can think about are mushrooms.  One night this week, I hit the woods in search of this succulent mushroom.

After about 40 minutes looking I stumbled upon some morels.  It was great.  There was one, two, three, four five, six and seven.  What a find!  You can even ask the wife I was doing my happy dance in the middle of the woods.  Well, at least I thought they were morels.  

After posting a picture on Facebook several of my friends mentioned that these were not morels but Half Free Morels also known as Peckerheads.  After those comments, I started to do some more research and realized just how dangerous mushroom hunting can be.  Not only do you have to pay attention to the kind of mushrooms you're picking but in many parts of the country you have to watch out for snakes.

Half Free Morels or Pecker Heads

Being the first season that I'm actually looking for morels, I'm still learning the basics.  I know a lot about hunting and a lot about fishing, not a pro by any means but I do have a decent amount of knowledge in those areas.  However, I'm not afraid of admitting when I'm wrong or need to learn something and this is very true when it comes to mushroom hunting.

Our first batch of morals

A big thank you to those that helped me learn something about the outdoors.  Now this knowledge will be passed down to not only my family but to our readers as well.  That's what Capitol Outdoor is all about!  Education, learning and sharing information about the great outdoors.

New or a veteran to mushroom hunting?  Here is a good site (Michigan Morels) that I found that might help you out.  There is a saying in mushroom hunting that is relevant to any experience level.

When in doubt throw it out!

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources released the follwoing during the April 2017 News Bits.

Mushroom Collecting: No license is required for mushroom collecting in Illinois, but mushroom collectors always need landowner permission. On public sites, mushroom collectors must adhere to approved regulations and hours. Collection of mushrooms is allowed in many IDNR state parks, fish and wildlife, and other recreation areas, but it is prohibited in any area designated as a dedicated nature preserve. Areas under the jurisdiction of the IDNR that offer spring turkey hunting are not open to mushroom collecting until after 1 p.m. daily during turkey season to ensure the safety of all site visitors. Mushroom collectors should call ahead to the IDNR site they intend to visit to learn of any site-specific regulations.

This article is in no way to solely be used in identification of mushrooms. I wanted to show you that even we make mistakes and how when it comes to safety in the outdoors there are no secrets.

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Meredosia Lake Waterfowl Hunting Open House on May 10

If you or someone you know hunts Meredosia Lake here's your chance to voice your concerns. The Illinois Department of Natural Resouces will be hosting an open house regarding Meredosia Lake and the waterfowl hunting program.  Below you'll see the offical press release.  Please share...

IDNR to Host Public Open House Meeting on Meredosia Lake Waterfowl Hunting Program on May 10

MEREDOSIA, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host a public open house meeting to address potential changes to the waterfowl hunting program at Meredosia Lake on Wed., May 10 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Meredosia Wildlife Refuge office.

The IDNR will be soliciting public opinion regarding the number and placement of waterfowl blinds on Meredosia Lake. Attendees will be asked to fill out a survey in which they can suggest blind numbers and placement according to their preference. The meeting will be held in an open house format so that attendees may come and go as they please; there will be no set agenda and no formal presentation by IDNR. Personnel from the IDNR Division of Wildlife Resources and IDNR Office of Land Management will be available to answer questions. Information gathered at the meeting will help guide IDNR’s waterfowl hunting program at Meredosia Lake.

The public meeting will be held at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Meredosia Wildlife Refuge office, located at 2219 Beach Road, Meredosia, IL. The office is located just north of Meredosia along Beach Road (west side of the road). The meeting is open to waterfowl hunters and anyone else interested in the waterfowl program at Meredosia Lake. Alcohol and pets are not allowed on the grounds.

For more information, contact Tim Kelley at 309-543-3262 or Randy Smith at 217-785-2347.

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Illinois 2017 Waterfowl Blind Sites and Dates Announced

Illinois 2017 Waterfowl Blind Sites and Dates Announced

Feels like the season just ended and for those snow goose hunters it did.  However, it's already time to start thinking about the next season.  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has released the 2017 Waterfowl Blind Sites and Dates.   Hopefully this will be my lucky year and I will win a blind.


Like so many of you we grill out, share some stories and have some laughs.  Duck blind Drawings have become a Family Affair  for us.  Best of luck to all participants this year.  Please make sure you read this.  There have been some changes.  Most importantly there is a new rule requiring a photo ID.

Illinois Youth Turkey Hunters Harvest Preliminary Record

Looks like the youngsters this year did really well during the youth turkey season.  Below you'll find preliminary harvest report from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  Here is a link to the PDF which is easier to compare counties and last year harvest numbers - https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/news/Documents/IDNR-YouthTurkeyHarvest2017.pdf

2017 Illinois Youth Turkey Season Preliminary Record Harvest Totaled 1,541 Birds

2017 Illinois Youth Turkey Season Preliminary Record Harvest Totaled 1,541 Birds

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Youth turkey hunters harvested a preliminary record total of 1,541 birds during the 2017 Illinois Youth Turkey Season. The dates for this year’s season were March 25-26 and April 1-2. This was the first year two youth turkey hunting weekends were open for the entire state. Previously, there was one weekend dedicated for the north zone and one for the south. In 2016, a total of 1,058 turkeys were harvested, combining both seasons and zones. The previous youth season record harvest was in 2012, when 1,300 birds were taken. This year, a total of 5,601 youth turkey permits were issued, including 106 permits for special hunt areas. Last year, 4,761 permits were issued, including 113 for special hunt areas.

IDNR Announces 2017 Schedule for Wingshooting Clinics

IDNR Announces 2017 Schedule for Wingshooting Clinics

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), in cooperation with a number of partners and co-sponsors, will conduct wingshooting clinics at sites throughout Illinois this spring through mid-November.

Wingshooting clinics are intended to provide instruction and improve the shooting skills of beginners and experienced hunters. Most clinics are conducted on weekends at IDNR sites, cooperating gun clubs and shooting ranges, hunting preserves, and farms.