Special Firearm Deer Hunt for Persons with Disabilities at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area on Nov. 8 and 9

Special Firearm Deer Hunt for Persons with Disabilities at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area on Nov. 8 and 9

Hunters can apply through October 19

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will host a new firearm deer hunt for persons with disabilities on November 8 and 9 at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area in Henry Co.

Applications Available for Special Firearm Deer Hunt for Persons with Disabilities at Spoon River State Forest on Oct. 13-14

Applications Available for Special Firearm Deer Hunt for Persons with Disabilities at Spoon River State Forest on Oct. 13-14

Deadline to apply via email is October 6

VICTORIA, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will host a firearm deer hunt for persons with disabilities on October 13 and 14 at Spoon River State Wildlife Area in Knox Co.

Prospective hunters may apply for the hunt by submitting an application via email to connie.canterbury@illinois.gov no later than October 6, 2018. The application is available at this link:

U.S. Department of Commerce Report Shows the Outdoor Industry has a $731 Billion Impact on Economy

Hunters and anglers on Capitol Hill are welcoming the release of the first government statistics on the outdoor industry as a contributor to the U.S. Economy.  This may sound familiar to you, we reported about the passing of Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act back in 2016.

A federally funded report by the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture and Commerce was released on September 20, 2018 by the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).  In this report  the BEA published that the outdoor industry has a U.S. GDP contribution of 2.2 percent and a economic impact of $731 billion.  

Capitol Outdoors has said it before along with countless other organizations, hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts are a huge part of the economy in the United States.  Shopping, hotels the list goes on and on.  Outdoors people now have federal numbers to back up our statements.  

"This economic contribution level is greater than other key economic sectors, including the mining, utilities and chemical products manufacturing industries. In addition, with 4.55 million jobs, the outdoor recreation sector generates similar employment as other major job creators in the United States, including hospitals, transportation and warehousing and educational services." ASA

According to the BEA report boating and fishing contribute over $36 million of gross output and is the largest of all the outdoor activities. Hunting, shooting and other activities contribute nearly $14 million.

The full report issued by BEA can be found here.

Archery Harvest Restrictions for Champaign, Douglas, Macon, Moultrie and Piatt Counties for First 15 Days

Reported first on Capitol Outdoors back in January at the 1st Quarter NRAB meeting, the IDNR is prohibiting the archery harvesting of antlerless deer for the 2018 - 2019 season.  "Antlered deer; are deer that have at least one antler that is three or more inches in length."  During the first 15 days of the season archery hunters in Champaign, Douglas, Macon, Moultrie and Piatt counties will not be allowed to harvest anterless deer.  This regulation is being implemented to grow the deer herd in these counties since numbers have dropped below current adopted goals for those counties.  Please see below for the official press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  

IDNR Prohibiting Archery Harvest of Antlerless Deer Oct. 1-15 in Five East-Central Illinois Counties

Intended to Help Boost Deer Herd in Champaign, Douglas, Macon, Moultrie and Piatt Counties

IDNR Wants You to Report Suspected Cases of EHD in Deer

Many of you may have seen my post on Instagram where while fishing I came across a deer floating in the water.  I wasn't sure if it died by drowning or by EHD.  I remembered each year that these reports come out regarding Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease.  I did what we all should do, I emailed the IDNR about a possible case and I've yet to be contacted.  As of today (9-19-2018)  the deer carcus is still in the water.  

This is the deer I came across at Jim Edgar Panther Creek. 

Emiquon Preserve Waterfowl Blind Drawing Applications Due October 3rd

Emiquon Nature Preserve - Photo by: Capitol Outdoors

This is a great opportunity for you to hunt Emiquon Nature Preserve.  We have taken the opportunity and have had the luck of hunting at this preserve.  Application Date is fast approaching!  It may be hot outside right now, but hunting season is just around the corner.  The cool mornings and crisp air with be here before you know it.  You'll be watching your dog retrieve those downed birds before you know it.

Public Waterfowl Hunt Rules and Information (Revised 13 September 2018)

nature.org

The Emiquon Preserve is private property owned and managed by the Illinois Chapter of The Nature Conservancy for ecological purposes. Waterfowl hunting is being offered as a public service. For this hunting program at the Preserve, any and all decisions of Conservancy staff or designees are final, and anyone failing to abide by written rules or instructions from Conservancy staff or designees may have hunting privileges at this Preserve revoked. The Conservancy retains the right to modify these rules and to terminate this program at any time without prior notice.

Drawing Application Process

1. To apply for any Advanced Drawing, email or mail the following:

-Name

-Address

-Phone Number

-Email Address

-Advanced drawing(s) you are applying for: Public, Disabled or Youth

-Date(s) (See Below)

Applicants do not choose their hunting site, instead The Nature Conservancy will assign hunting sites and provide a map to those who are successfully selected.

2. Email above to csmith@tnc.org or mail to Illinois Rivers Program Office, 11304 N. Prairie Road, Lewistown, IL 61542.

3. Applications must be received by October 3. Drawings will be on October 4. Notification by October 12.

4. Individuals should only apply once listing all dates they want to hunt.

5. Registering by phone is not permitted.

6. Failure to include all information may disqualify you from the drawing.

Public waterfowl hunting dates:

October: 27, 30. November: 1,3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29. December: 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25.

Youth Date: October 20 and 21.

Disabled Individuals Dates: November 2, 16 and 30 December 14.

2018 Rules:

1. All hunters must have a “Waterfowl Hunting Liability Waiver for 2018” to access the hunting area (signed by a parent, guardian or adult designee of parent or guardian for hunters under 18 years of age). All Waterfowl Hunting Liability Waivers must be deposited in the black lock box prior to hunting. The black lock box is located at a small shed in the Visitor Use Area just east of state Routes 78/97 and about one-half mile north of Dickson Mounds Museum Road

2. Each hunter must individually sign in on the “2018 Daily Hunter Harvest Register” located at a small shed in the Visitor Use Area just east of state Routes 78/97 and about one-half mile north of Dickson Mounds Museum Road prior to hunting. After hunting each person must individually sign out and record their harvest in the “2018 Daily Hunter Harvest Register”. Failure to sign in and out could make you ineligible for future hunts.

3. Hunting will be allowed only in areas designated by Conservancy staff. Hunters must stay within their pre-assigned hunting areas and within 166 yards of their stake and must remain a minimum of 200 yards from any other group.

4. Parking is allowed only at designated areas on the Preserve. Participants may drive only on established/marked roadways. Parking is allowed only on the east side of Clark Road. Note: Parking for each site is limited to a maximum of 4 vehicles.

5. If unable to make your hunting date that you were drawn for, you must notify us within 48 hours so we can fill your site. Failure to notify us could make you ineligible for future hunts.

6. Currently the Conservancy does not charge a fee for public waterfowl hunting at this Preserve. Becoming a member of the Conservancy is encouraged.

7. Any hunter under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult. The responsible adult assumes liability for all actions of the minor and must accompany said minor at all times while on the Preserve.

8. This Preserve has drainage ditches that may be hidden from view under the water. Always keep in mind the location of ditches. Observe extreme caution when wading in any waters.

9. Only artificial blind materials such as lay outs or camouflage netting are allowed. No person may bring natural blind materials onto the Preserve. There shall be no cutting, breaking or clearing of vegetation.

10. The use of Other Power Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs) (utility vehicles, ATVs, Segways, golf carts, etc.) on this property has been assessed in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. OPDMDs are prohibited except on disabled individual hunting dates.

11. Hunters must observe all State and Federal waterfowl regulations. Conservancy staff or designees may be present and violations will be reported to the Conservation Police.

12. The following are prohibited: Gas-powered motors (not even on the boat); unnecessary shooting or shooting at targets; possession of alcohol; dumping of ashes, trash, garbage, chemical waste or other materials; camping; fishing; and open fires.

13. Collecting and/or removing the following are prohibited: rocks, plants, fossils, plant materials, animals (other than legally taken waterfowl), and artifacts.

14. Law Violations or failing to abide by written rules or instructions from Conservancy staff or designees constitutes trespassing and may cause hunting privileges to be revoked.

15. These rules and regulations are subject to change without notice.

16. Only registered watercraft allowed on the lake.

17. Respect the privilege of hunting on this private property and the rights and safety of fellow hunters. Remove all spent shotgun casings and litter from your hunting site.

18. All gear must be removed from the Preserve each day.

19. Hunting ends promptly at 12:00 noon and hunters must vacate the Preserve by 1:00 PM.

· It is approximately 6 miles to the nearest hospital—Mason District Hospital in Havana (309.543.4431 or dial 911).

· To contact Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police call Fulton County Sheriff at 309.547.2277.

· For additional information, contact the Illinois Rivers Program Office at Emiquon 309.547.2730 during office hours (Monday through Thursday).

Press Release from:
Cammy Smith
Operations Administrator

csmith@tnc.org
(309) 547-2730 (Phone)

nature.org

Pittman-Robertson Fund Modernization Bill Passes U.S. House

Since 1937 an excise tax has been placed on outdoor related products in regards to hunting.  Hunters may know it as the Pittman-Robertson Act and this program was so successful in the 1950s Congress enacted the Dingell–Johnson Act.  Regardless of what you call it now, this is hunting and fishing conservation at it's best.  Money collected is given to the Secretary of the Interior and then divided among the states using a formula that takes into account both a state's size and number of licensed hunters. In 2018, Illinois received over $22.9 million from these funds. 

United States Capitol Building 
Photo Credit: Capitol Outdoors

On September 12, 2018 the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2591, the Modernizing the Pittman-Robertson Fund for Tomorrow's Needs Act of 2017, on a voice vote.

Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area WIngshooting Clinic Sept. 22 - 23

Hunters Wingshooting Clinic at the Des Plaines SFWA

Sept. 22-23

WILMINGTON, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the IllinoisConservation Foundation are sponsoring a Hunters Wingshooting Clinic on Saturday and Sunday, September 22-23 at the Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area near Wilmington.

The Hunters Wingshooting Clinic at the Des Plaines SFWA in Will County consists of two 4- hour wingshooting sessions each day. Morning sessions run from 8 a.m. until 12 noon, and afternoon sessions run from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. The clinic sessions are taught by instructors certified by both the National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) and the IDNR. The clinics are designed primarily to improve the wingshooting skills of hunters. Hunters interested in improving their ability to hit moving targets with a shotgun are encouraged to attend. However, these wingshooting clinics are not limited only to hunters. Adults who want to learn to shoot a shotgun, or who want to improve their shotgun shooting ability, can attend. Young hunters and young clay target shooters that are at least at the novice shotgun shooting skill level will benefit by attending as well. Shotgun shooters who just want to experience shooting an interesting sporting clays course can also attend. In addition, participants will have a fun time shooting with friends or new acquaintances with similar shooting abilities.

Hunters Wingshooting Clinics are hands-on and include extensive live fire at a variety of clay target presentations on a specially-designed sporting clays course. For the two-day clinic, the sporting clays course will be set up on that part of the Des Plaines SFWA east of Interstate 55. The clay target presentations represent typical hunting scenarios. From ducks and doves to pheasants, quail and rabbits, hunters will find clay target presentations that resemble their favorite, as well as their most troublesome, shots. Since upland game, woodcock and waterfowl seasons will be right around the corner, there will be presentations typical of upland game and waterfowl hunting, as well as the elusive woodcock, to provide an opportunity for hunters to tune-up their shooting skills.

The participant-to-instructor ratio is four to one. Typically, participants are matched with others of similar shooting ability. There will be a short (approximately 10-15 minute) briefing about shotgun safety, shotgun handling and on-range safety protocols at the start of each session. Advanced registration is required, and the fee for a session is $30 per person. Registration forms for the IDNR/Des Plaines SFWA Hunters Wingshooting Clinic can be accessed at: https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/recreation/wingshooting/Pages/default.aspx . Click on the dates for the clinic to access the appropriate forms. Follow the instructions on the forms.

Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area Trapping Allocation Permit Drawing 2018

Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife area will be having their trapping permit allocation on October 6th at 1:30 pm.  Registration for the drawing will begin at 1:00 pm.  Trapping is a vital part of conservation and helps keep wildlife population in check.  If you've been to Gridley Lake lately, you'll see the beavers have gone to town on the trees.   Below you'll see all the information you'll need if you are interested.   Good luck. 

Trapping Demonstration at 2017 National Convention  in Winnebago County

IDNR to Allocate Trapping Permits for Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA

CHANDLERVILLE, IL – A public drawing for the allocation of trapping permits for Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area will be held on Sat., Oct. 6, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. Registration will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the site headquarters, located approximately five miles southeast of Chandlerville.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Public Informational Meetings are Scheduled throughout Illinois

Today, you can look up just about anything on the internet and find almost anything about everything.  The problem is that this cyclone of information that is thrown at you on a daily basis, may not even be true.  Many people take to the internet hoping to find the most up to date information on a topic and sometimes get sucked into this web of rants, lies and misinformation.  As sportsmen and women we have to do better, we must do better.  Issues like CWD have taken over Facebook groups and forums, where people are leaving comments with information that they believe to be true.  Unfortunately, many people do not have all the facts.  Being an active member of the outdoor community, attending events like the one below, allows us as hunters, anglers and outdoors men and women, to be the voice for the outdoors, to stand up and discuss our opinions and concerns related to various topics including CWD.

Below you'll see some opportunities to learn more about CWD and the concern the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and other agencies have.  We will be attending this event and we hope to see many of you there.

Dove and Upland Game Hunters Beware of New Non-Toxic Restrictions

We at CO have been using non-toxic shot for a while now, not necessarily because it is eco friendly, but because most of the sites we go to have it as a mandatory regulation.  The IDNR is now putting even more sites under the non-toxic shot restriction.  With DOVE hunting opening September 1st (tomorrow) please share this, so fellow hunters know and obey site rules. 

Non-toxic Shot Requirements in Effect at Additional Illinois Hunting Sites for 2018-19 Dove, Controlled Pheasant and Upland Hunting Seasons

From page 38 of the 2018 - 2019 Illinois Hunter Digest 

Illinois Waterfowl Hunting Dates for 2018 - 2019 Released

A little over a month ago waterfowl hunters from across the state came together for the 2018 - 2019 waterfowl blind allocations.  Below you'll see the respected zone and their dates for the 2018 -2019 Illinois Waterfowl Season.  Again a 60 day duck season, 100 day Canada goose season and a liberal teal season are all evidence of great conservation by you the hunter and supporter of wetlands. 

IDNR Announces 2018-19 Waterfowl Hunting Season Dates

IDNR and ICF Honor Volunteer of the Year Recipients and Hall of Fame Inductees During Conservation Day at Illinois State Fair

Conservation Day at the 2018 State Fair was buzzing with activity.  Governor Rauner signed two pieces of legislation, volunteers received recognition as well as the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Class of 2018 was recognized.  You can watch the LIVE broadcast here:

The 2018 IDNR Outstanding Volunteers of the Year are:

Governor Rauner signs two hunting bills on Conservation Day at Illinois State Fair

Governor Signs HB 4231 and HB 5317 into law. 

Springfield, IL -  Today, Governor Rauner signed two hunting related bills into law.  Alongside DNR Director Rosenthal, the Governor signed HB 4231, Blaze Pink Clothing Bill and HB 5317, Wildlife Restiatution Bill.

Illinois Waterfowl Groups and Hunters Meet to Discuss Unified Message to JCAR and IDNR

Waterfowl organizations along with the President of the Illinois Federation Outdoor Resources (IFOR) and other members met at the Migratory Waterfowl Hunters Inc. (MWH) building in Alton, Illinois to discuss the proposed rule changes regarding waterfowl blind material. This proposed rule is currently in front of JCAR with the possibility of a vote being taken on August 14th. JCAR is ‘a bipartisan legislative oversight committee authorized to conduct systematic reviews of administrative rules for state agencies.’ To fully understand the gravity of the issue at hand, you should know about the JCAR process.

Illinois Recreational Access Program Announces Applications for Archery Deer Hunting

Does the acronym IRAP sounds familiar? There has been a lot of talk this year from Illinois Recreational Access Program administrators (IRAP).  IRAP provides grounds that allows youth and adults to hunt deer, waterfowl, turkey and more.  Below you'll see information on IRAP, as well as the process for applying for archery deer hunting on IRAP grounds.  If you would like to know more about IRAP,  Capitol Outdoors attended a press conference where Congressman Rodney Davis, Director Wayne Rosenthal and many others discuss the funding of the Farm Bill and the importance of CRP and the IRAP program.  Watch it here!

IDNR IRAP Program Accepting Applications for Archery Deer Hunting on Private Property

IDNR Events and Permit Deadlines - August 2018 Newsbits

Here is a list of events, permits deadlines and more from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Illinois DNR Newsbits – August 2018

Firearm Deer Permits: Permit applications will be accepted until Aug. 17 for the third lottery drawing for 2018 Illinois firearm and muzzleloader deer permits. For details, check the IDNR website at https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/DeerHunting.aspx

IDNR Fails to Address Waterfowl Hunters Regarding Proposed Rule Changes at Blind Drawings Across the State

This past weekend thousands of waterfowl hunters and enthusiasts attended waterfowl blind drawings across Illinois and how many of them received information from the DNR related to this new proposed rule regarding waterfowl blinds?  Most likely, very few people received any information about this.    If you recall we informed you of this when it was first introduced as legislation and it has since been filed as an administrative rule that is going through the JCAR process.  During the first notice period, public comments are sent to the DNR related to the new rule.  From the DNR 2nd Notice report you can see how many comments were sent in. 

How many comments were received?
Following this proposal going on first notice, the Department received 382 comments regarding the proposed change. 380 comments were in opposition to the original proposed change, one comment in support of the change, and one commenter’s position was unknown.

Illinois Controlled Pheasant Hunting Reservations Open August 6th

Controlled pheasant hunting is right around the corner and starting August 6th at 8:30 a.m. upland hunters will be able to apply for a permit.  There will be 18 sites throughout Illinois this year where you can put your wingshooting and dog handling skills to the test.  

Below you'll see all the information regarding one of Illinois' most popular outdoor activities. 

Illinois Controlled Pheasant Hunting Reservation Information Now Available Online

Online application period for IDNR-managed sites begins Aug. 6

Last year our family headed out to Jim Edgar Panther Creek and did some Upland Hunting

Information Regarding Youth Firearm Deer Season at Jim Edgar Panther Creek

You hear it all the time from non-profits, agencies and others, we need to get youth involved in hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities.  Here is another good event.  A total of 75 youth hunters will have the privilege of shotgun hunting Jim Edgar Panther Creek October 6 - 8.  Not only is it a good opportunity for youth to get involved, but it's on some of the best public hunting in Illinois.  If you have a youth that is interested, make sure to follow the instructions below.  Since, this weekend is also the first weekend of the archery season, hunters may have to rearrange a few things as archery hunters will NOT be allowed to hunt in the Open Units. 

Apply Now for Youth Firearm Deer Season at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area

Youth season is a great opportunity to get youth the experience in the outdoors.