Showing posts with label Illinois. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Illinois. Show all posts

Thursday, February 15, 2018

HB 5692 & SB 2962 - RIVER OTTER-LIMIT - Illinois 100th GA

House Sponsors
Rep. Jerry Costello, II
Filed: HB 5692 on 2/16/2018

HB 5692 Passed Both Houses and now moves onto Governor

Senate Sponsors
Sen. Neil Anderson

Filed: SB 2962 on 2/14/2018

Synopsis As Introduced:

Amends the Wildlife Code. Deletes language providing that the season limit for river otter shall not exceed 5 river otters per person per season. Effective immediately.


HB 5692 Bill Status:

SB 2962 Last Actions:
  • 2/14/2018 Senate Filed with Secretary by Sen. Neil Anderson
  • 2/14/2018 Senate First Reading
  • 2/14/2018 Senate Referred to Assignments
  • 2/21/2018 Senate Assigned to Agriculture
  • 4/10/2018 Senate Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. William R. Haine
  • 4/12/2018 Senate Do Pass Agriculture; 008-001-000
  • 4/12/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading April 17, 2018
  • 4/12/2018 Senate Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Jil Tracy
  • 4/18/2018 Senate Second Reading
  • 4/18/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading April 19, 2018
  • 4/23/2018 Senate Third Reading - Passed; 043-001-000
  • 4/23/2018 House Arrived in House
  • 4/25/2018 House Chief House Sponsor Rep. Lawrence Walsh, Jr.
  • 4/25/2018 House First Reading
  • 4/25/2018 House Referred to Rules Committee

SB 2833 - $APPROP-NATURAL RESOURCES - Illinois 100th GA

Senate Sponsors
Sen. Karen McConnaughay

Filed: SB 2833 on 2/13/2018

Synopsis As Introduced:

Appropriates $179,900 from the State Boating Act Fund to the Department of Natural Resources for the ordinary and contingent expenses related to ice boom establishment and maintenance at East Dundee and Carpentersville. Effective immediately.


Last Actions:

HB 5130 & SB 2824 - DNR WORST CASE ANALYSIS SCENARIO - Illinois 100th GA

Senate Sponsors
Sen. David Koehler

Filed: SB 2824 on 2/13/2018

House Sponsors
Rep. Jay Hoffman
Filed: HB 5130 2/15/18

Synopsis As Introduced:

Amends the Rivers, Lakes, and Streams Act. Provides that when considering whether to issue a permit for construction or maintenance or repair of a levee or flood wall under a provision in the Act, the Department of Natural Resources shall consider the flood discharge that would just overtop a levee or flood wall when conducting a worst-case scenario analysis. Defines "worst-case scenario analysis". Effective immediately.



SB 2824 Last Actions:

HB 5130 Last Actions:

HB 5066 & SB 3247 - IDOT/DNR LAND TRANSFERS- Illinois 100th GA

House Sponsors
Rep. Avery Bourne

Filed: HB 5066 on 2/14/2018

Senate Sponsors
Sen. Dale Fowler

Filed: SB 3247 on 2/14/2018


Synopsis As Introduced:

Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to make certain real estate conveyances in Bureau County, Menard County, and Pulaski County, subject to specified conditions. Authorizes the Department of Transportation to make certain real estate conveyances in Grundy County, DuPage County, DeKalb County, Montgomery County, Tazewell County, and Mason County, subject to specified conditions. Effective immediately.

HB 5066 Last Actions:
SB 3247 Last Actions:

HB 5049 - Youth Deer Permits - Illinois 100th GA

House Sponsors
Rep. Michael J. Zalewski

Filed: HB 5049 on 2/14/2018

Synopsis As Introduced:

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that deer hunting permits for youth hunters shall be open statewide and not limited to one specific county.

Last Actions:

HB 5015 - DNR Programs Equipment - Illinois 100th GA

House Sponsors
Rep. Ryan Spain

Filed: HB 5015 on 2/14/2018

AMENDMENT TO HOUSE BILL 5015

Amend House Bill 5015 on page 2, line 15, after the period, by inserting "The Department shall not be liable for civil damages arising from a volunteer operating his or her own light equipment in carrying out functions granted by the Department, except for willful or wanton misconduct on the part of the Department."; and  on page 4, line 14, after the period, by inserting "The Department shall not be liable for civil damages arising from a volunteer operating his or her own light equipment in carrying out functions granted by the Department, except for willful or wanton misconduct on the part of the Department.".

Synopsis As Introduced:

Amends the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Amends provisions concerning the Department of Natural Resources Adopt-A-Park and Adopt-A-Trail programs. Provides that a volunteer may bring his or her own light equipment, including, but not limited to, a lawn mower, chainsaw, or other appropriate equipment to carry out functions granted by the Department at his or her own risk, so long as it does not interfere with work historically performed by Department employees.

Last Actions:


Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Governor Rauner Releases Proposed Fiscal Year 2019 Illinois Department of Natural Resource Budget

Governor Rauner Releases Proposed Fiscal Year 2019 Illinois Department of Natural Resource Budget

Photos from the Office of Management & Budget & the DNR 

Today Governor Rauner released his FY19 proposed operating budget for the DNR.  You can find it on page 262 of the Proposed Operating Budget.  An operating budget is where 'appropriations are for consumable goods and services such as salaries and benefits, commodities, utilities, and professional services that are purchased and used during any one fiscal year.' 

The Governor is proposing a 1.5% increase from FY18 that would support a Conservation Officer Trainee class which will be required due to retirement and other similar situations. This proposed budget also maintains a fully funded historic preservation department which the IDNR acquired during 2017.  Hunting and fishing licenses will remain the same price for FY19 while maintaining operations of all state parks and campgrounds.

If this is your first time looking at the DNR budget, it can be overwhelming due to the fact that there are many different programs, departments and funds associated with the agency.  You can find this breakdown on page 263 of the Fiscal Year 2019 Operating Budget.

The Governor also proposed a Capital Budget for the IDNR.  A Capital Budget is when 'appropriations are for assets that have a long-term useful life, such as buildings, highways, underground or surface infrastructure, durable equipment and land. Capital appropriations may span multiple fiscal years.' You can find the DNR Capital Appropriations beginning on page 56 of the Governor Proposed FY19 Capital Budget.

Over several years, the DNR has gone without capital appropriations and with that came deterioration of many DNR properties.  A fully funded capital budget in FY19 will allow the agency to do the over $24 million improvements that they have identified. These projects are highlighted on page 57 of this budget.

The fiscal year 2019 proposed budget provides funding for a complete DNR capital program. This includes: 
  • The continuation of prior year outdoor grant projects, flood hazard mitigation buyouts, mined lands reclamation, recreational trail and water resources programming; 
  • Additional spending authority to finish previously awarded projects; and 
  • Pay-as-you-go appropriations allowing the department to carry out projects and programming that are both core to its mission and can allow for federal match or reimbursement. 
BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS 
The recommended fiscal year 2019 capital budget continues to fund grants and programs that were included in the fiscal year 2018 budget. 
  • Additional spending authority to finish out prior year obligations is included, such as: 
    •  $25 million in authority to fund previous years’ awards for the Museum Grant Program; and  
    • $64 million to continue prior year grants from the Park and Recreational Facilities (PARC) program. 
  • $30.5 million is included for Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) projects, including $15.0 million for new projects in fiscal year 2019.
As hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts we understand how bad the DNR needs this capital appropriation to just maintain our state parks and make them more enjoyable for all visitors.

As a reminder, this is the Governor's Proposed budget, it has not been enacted or approved.  This begins the long negotiations of a budget in Illinois, so continue to check back with Capitol Outdoors throughout this process. 

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe


Deutsch: Facebook ist ein ...      Twitter Bird, Twitter Button, ...      Open ...      File:Youtube icon.svg      Instagram, Symbol, Logo, Photo ...


Tuesday, February 13, 2018

HB 4783 and SB 2663 - Wildlife - Youth Hunt/Trap - Illinois 100th General Assembly

House Sponsors
Rep. Avery Bourne
Filed: HB 4783 on 2/13/2018

Senate Sponsors
Sen. Chuck Weaver
Filed: SB 2663 on 2/13/18

Synopsis As Introduced:

Amends the Wildlife Code. Combines youth hunting and trapping licensing. Provides that the fee for a Youth Hunting and Trapping License is $7. Provides before any youth 18 shall take or attempt to take any species protected by the Code for which an open season is established, the youth shall first procure and possess a valid Youth Hunting and Trapping License. Provides that a Youth Hunting and Trapping License shall entitle the licensee to hunt or trap while supervised by an adult (rather than a parent, grandparent, or guardian) who is 21 years of age or older and has a valid Illinois hunting or trapping license. Provides that youth licensed shall not hunt or trap or carry a hunting or trapping device, including, but not limited to, a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow unless the youth is accompanied by and under the close personal supervision of an adult (rather than a parent, grandparent, or guardian) who is 21 years of age or older and has a valid Illinois hunting or trapping license. Provides that if a youth has a valid certificate of competency for hunting or trapping approved by the Department of Natural Resources, he or she is exempt from supervision requirements. Eliminates provision providing that before a trapping license shall be issued to any person under the age of sixteen years, the person shall obtain the written consent of his father, mother, or legally constituted guardian to obtain the license. Defines "youth". Makes conforming changes.

Actions of HB 4783 : 
  • 2/13/2018 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Avery Bourne 
  • 2/13/2018 House First Reading 
  • 2/13/2018 House Referred to Rules Committee 
  • 2/26/2018 House Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
  • 3/6/2018 House Do Pass / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 013-000-000
  • 3/7/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Dave Severin 
  • 3/8/2018 House Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate 
  • 4/10/2018 House Second Reading - Short Debate 
  • 4/10/2018 House Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
  • 4/11/2018 House Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 113-000-000 
  • 4/12/2018 Senate Arrive in Senate 
  • 4/12/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading April 17, 2018
  • 4/18/2018 Senate Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Chuck Weaver 4/18/2018SenateFirst Reading
  • 4/18/2018 Senate Referred to Assignments 
  • 4/25/2018 Senate Approved for Consideration Assignments 
  • 4/25/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading April 26, 2018
  • 5/8/2018 Senate Second Reading 
  • 5/8/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 9, 2018 
  • 5/17/2018 Senate Third Reading - Passed; 054-000-000 
  • 5/17/2018 House Passed Both Houses
  •  6/15/2018 House Sent to the Governor

HB 4759 - Wildlife - Duck Blind or Pit - Illinois 100th General Assembly

House Sponsors
Rep. Terri Bryant
Filed: HB 4759 on 2/13/2018

Synopsis As Introduced:

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that a person shall not establish or use a blind or pit for the taking of wild ducks within 100 yards of the boundary of property on which the blind or pit is located without consent from the landowner of the adjacent property. Provides that the provision only applies to property located in Alexander County, Union County, Williamson County, or Jackson County. Effective immediately.

Last Actions:



Friday, February 9, 2018

HB 4714 - Deer Hunting - Air Guns - Illinois 100th General Assembly

House Sponsors
Rep.Natalie Phelps Finnie

Filed: HB 4714 on 2/8/2018

Synopsis As Introduced:

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that a person may take deer with a .45 caliber or larger air-powered gun. Defines "air-powered gun" as any implement, designed as a gun that will expel a BB or pellet by spring, gas, or air charged from an external high compression power source.

Last Actions:




Tuesday, February 6, 2018

HB 4592 -$DNR-SNOWMOBILES- Illinois 100th General Assembly

House Sponsors
Rep. Tony McCombie

Filed: HB 4592 on 2/6/2018

Synopsis As Introduced:

Appropriates $442,403 from the Snowmobile Trail Establishment Fund to the Department of Natural Resources for the administration and payment of grants to nonprofit snowmobile clubs and organizations for construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of snowmobile trails and areas for the use of snowmobiles. Effective immediately.

Last Actions:





HB 4585-ROCK RIVER-CATFISH- Illinois 100th General Assembly

House Sponsors
Rep. Tony McCombie
Filed: HB 4585 on 2/6/2018

Synopsis As Introduced:

Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Provides that all properly licensed individuals shall be permitted to take, in any one day, no more than one flathead catfish under 35 inches in length within the waters of Rock River. Provides that a flathead catfish in possession of an individual from Rock River that is over 35 inches in length shall be released immediately. Provides that all properly licensed individuals shall be permitted to take, in any one day, no more than 6 channel catfish under 30 inches in length within the waters of Rock River. Provides that a channel catfish in possession of an individual from Rock River that is over 30 inches in length shall be released immediately.

Last Actions:





SB 2295 -FISHING LICENSES-Illinois 100th General Assembly

Senate Sponsors
Sen.
Julie A. Morrison

Filed: SB 2295 on 1/10/2018

Final Action:
Passed Both Chambers
House: 101-000-000
Senate: 052-000-000

AMENDMENT TO SENATE BILL 2295

Amend Senate Bill 2295 by replacing everything after the enacting clause with the following:

"Section 5. The Fish and Aquatic Life Code is amended by adding Sections 1-27 and 1-51 as follows:

 (515 ILCS 5/1-27 new)
Sec. 1-27. Combination license. "Combination license" means an electronic or physical license authorizing the person to take a certain type of fish or animal during a specified period of time.



Synopsis As Introduced: Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Defines "fishing license" for purposes of the Act as an electronic or physical license authorizing the person to take a certain type of fish during a specified period of time. Effective immediately.

Last Actions:





SB 2493 -WILDLIFE-DEER BAIT-Illinois 100th General Assembly

Governor Rauner has vetoed this bill (known as the Deer Feed Bill) 

**Latest Update** September 25, 2018

Here is his veto message which addresses his decision: 

Today, I veto Senate Bill 2493, which would direct the University of Illinois Prairie Research Institute to conduct a study on the health and social effects of supplemental deer feeding on the wild deer population outside of deer hunting season.

There is significant controversy within the conservation and wildlife professions as well as among the general public over the real and perceived positive and negative impacts of supplemental feeding of wild animals, and the scale on which these practices are used.

However, this subject needs further discussion to better define the scope and aims of such a study. It should include more flexibility for experts to exercise their judgment and further involvement by the Department of Natural Resources. We should ensure that any research fully considers the health impacts on the Illinois deer population.

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(b) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 2493, entitled “AN ACT concerning wildlife,” with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.

This bill now moves onto Veto Session scheduled for November 13th.  At this time the General Assembly may vote to override this veto. 

Read more about the bill here.

*************
Update as of 5/17/18

Senate Sponsors
Sen. 
Chapin Rose

Filed: SB 2493 on 1/31/2018

Latest Action:  Vetoed by the Governor, Veto Message

2nd Amendment
Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the University of Illinois Act. Provides that the University of Illinois Prairie Research Institute shall, subject to appropriation and in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources and the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, conduct a study for a period of at least 5 years on the health and social effects of supplemental deer feeding on the wild deer population outside of any Illinois deer hunting season and whether supplemental deer feeding affects the risk of disease transmission in the deer population. Requires the University of Illinois Prairie Research Institute and the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine to submit the study's findings and any recommendations to the Department of Natural Resources, to be posted on its Internet website, and the General Assembly in a report no more than 180 days after the completion of the study.

Amendment Filed : 5/17/18

New AMENDMENT

AMENDMENT NO. ___#1__. Amend Senate Bill 2493 by replacing everything after the enacting clause with the following: "Section 5. The University of Illinois Act is amended by adding Section 12.10 as follows:


Supplemental deer food; study. The University of Illinois Prairie Research Institute shall, subject to appropriation and in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources and the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, conduct a study for a period of at least 5 years on the health effects of supplemental deer feeding on the wild deer population outside of any Illinois deer hunting season and whether supplemental deer feeding affects the risk of disease transmission in the deer population. The study shall include a social study for a period of at least 5 years to measure the social impacts of supplemental deer feeding. For the purpose of this study, supplemental deer feeding shall include mixtures that are commonly used to feed wildlife with a mineral component or commercial feed. The study shall be conducted in areas within this State that are south of Illinois State Route 36. During the study, supplemental deer feeding shall be permitted on private land in the geographic boundaries established for the study. The University of Illinois Prairie Research Institute and the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine shall submit the study's findings and any recommendations to the Department of Natural Resources, to be posted on its Internet website, and the General Assembly in a report no more than 180 days after the completion of the study. The report to the General Assembly shall be filed with the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate in electronic form only, in the manner that the Clerk and Secretary shall direct.".


Amendment Filed: 4/20/2018

"Section 5. The University of Illinois Act is amended by adding Section 13 as follows:
(110 ILCS 305/13 new)

Sec. 13. Supplemental deer food; study. The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, subject to appropriation and in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources, shall conduct a study for a period of at least 2 years of the health effects of supplemental deer feeding on the wild deer population and whether supplemental feeding affects the spread of any communicable diseases within the deer population. The study shall also designate geographical locations where the practice of supplemental deer feeding may be beneficial. The University of Illinois College Veterinary of Medicine shall submit its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly in report no more than 60 days after the completion of the study. The report to the General Assembly shall be filed with the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate in electronic form only, in the manner that the Clerk and the Secretary shall direct.".





Synopsis As Introduced:Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that a person may supplementally feed deer with items otherwise prohibited by the Code when not in active deer hunting season which shall be implemented by the Department of Natural Resources by rule.




Bill Status: 
  • 1/31/2018 Senate Filed with Secretary by Sen. Chapin Rose
  • 1/31/2018 Senate First Reading 
  • 1/31/2018 Senate Referred to Assignments
  • 2/7/2018 Senate Assigned to Agriculture
  • 4/12/2018 Senate Do Pass Agriculture; 010-000-000
  • 4/12/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading April 17, 2018
  • 4/20/2018 Senate Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Chapin Rose
  • 4/20/2018 Senate Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments
  • 4/23/2018 Senate Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Agriculture
  • 4/25/2018 Senate Second Reading
  • 4/25/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading April 26, 2018
  • 4/26/2018 Senate Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommend Do Adopt Agriculture; 008-000-000
  • 4/27/2018 Senate Rule 2-10 Third Reading Deadline Established As May 3, 2018
  • 5/1/2018 Senate Recalled to Second Reading
  • 5/1/2018 Senate Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Adopted; Rose
  • 5/1/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading
  • 5/1/2018 Senate Third Reading - Passed; 050-001-000
  • 5/2/2018 House Arrived in House
  • 5/2/2018 House Chief House Sponsor Rep. Brad Halbrook
  • 5/8/2018 House First Reading
  • 5/8/2018 House Referred to Rules Committee
  • 5/8/2018 House Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
  • 5/15/2018 House Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Norine K. Hammond
  • 5/15/2018 House Do Pass / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 012-001-000
  • 5/17/2018 House Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
  • 5/17/2018 House House Floor Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Jerry Costello, II
  • 5/17/2018 House House Floor Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee
  • 5/18/2018 House House Floor Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
  • 5/21/2018 House House Floor Amendment No. 2 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Jerry Costello, II
  • 5/21/2018 House House Floor Amendment No. 2 Referred to Rules Committee
  • 5/22/2018 House House Floor Amendment No. 2 Rules Refers to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
  • 5/23/2018 House Second Reading - Short Debate
  • 5/23/2018 House Held on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate
  • 5/24/2018 House House Floor Amendment No. 2 Recommends Be Adopted Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 010-001-000
  • 5/24/2018 House House Floor Amendment No. 2 Adopted
  • 5/24/2018 House Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
  • 5/25/2018 House Added Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. LaToya Greenwood
  • 5/25/2018 House Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 082-028-001
  • 5/25/2018 House House Floor Amendment No. 1 Tabled Pursuant to Rule 40
  • 5/25/2018 House Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Michael P. McAuliffe





Sunday, February 4, 2018

HB 4231 - Blaze Pink Clothing - Illinois 100th General Assembly

House Sponsors
Rep. Dave Severin

Filed: HB 4231 on 1/16/2018

Final Action
Passed Both Chambers
Senate:  058-000-000
House: 111-000-000

Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Wildlife Code. Authorizes certain hunters to wear solid blaze pink colored clothing (in addition to blaze orange colored clothing).


Last Action:
Bill Passed Both Houses and now moves onto the Governor 

Bill Status:

Monday, January 8, 2018

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Continues with Controlled Pheasant Season Extension.

Hunting for us here at Capitol  Outdoors usually consists of waders, decoys and all the rest of the equipment that is involved in a successful waterfowl hunt.  However, this year we've taken a new course.  Several years ago we got Linc, our red Labrador retriever.  After several waterfowl hunts I began to realize something, Linc is not a waterfowl dog.  His drive and determination pushes him and he is an amazing upland game dog and his personality fits this extremely well.

You could imagine my excitement when the Illinois Department of Natural Resources decided to extend the controlled pheasant season.  Granted this had been done in the past but, each year is a little different and I'm excited that they decided to do it again.  Below you'll see the three parks where they decided to extend this season.  


Controlled Pheasant Seasons Extended at Three IDNR Sites


SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is extending controlled pheasant hunting seasons at three IDNR sites. Hunters can make reservations now for additional hunting opportunities.

Thursday, December 28, 2017

New Illinois Outdoor Legislation Regarding Hunting and Fishing effective January 1, 2018

During the first year of the 100th General Assembly talks were mostly about the budget, however there were some hunting and fishing related bills that passed.   Below you will find those that are effective January 1, 2018.  One of the major bills that passed this General Assembly was the Crossbow bill, however that became effective immediately, so we did not include that and others that had an immediate effective date.  If you would like to learn more about these, click here.

The second year of this General Assembly might be slow going until after the March primary then you may see things start picking up again.  However, as in every election year there may be hot button issues brought up to get that recorded vote or both chambers will be quiet and contend to only issues of less controversy, only time will tell.  Be sure and follow us as we keep you informed from the Legislative Floors to the Great Outdoors.

Sunday, November 12, 2017

An Illinois Waterfowl Story - When the Work Pays Off

Anyone who is passionate about something has put their blood, sweat and tears into it, regardless of what that is.  As waterfowl hunters we have the ability to harvest a wide range of species, from the beautiful wood-duck to the ever-elusive snow goose.  While chasing waterfowl, you'll bleed, you'll sweat, but you'll continue to put in the hard work.

Check out Cam's first hunt with Capitol Outdoors

Monday, October 30, 2017

Fourth Round Archery Numbers Show Increase

Fourth round of archery season did not disappoint, with an increase of 3,259 from this time last year.  Here are third round numbers if you wish to compare. As you can see, there was a 7% increase of harvested bucks from last weeks.

Monday, October 9, 2017

Libertyville High School Kicks Some Bass at Lake Springfield / FLW High School Illinois Open

Any tournament angler knows that when you hit the water it is not you against the other anglers, its more like you against the fish.  From across Illinois and from our neighboring state of Missouri, high school anglers arrived Friday night for registration to take on that challenge.  It was then that they were informed that the tournament would be postponed a day.  A great call by tournament Director Dave Maxfield.  If you were outside on Saturday you can understand why.

Heather Rasmussen Photography
Top 5 teams from Sunday's FLW High School Bass Open on Lake Springfield