IDNR to Test-Launch New White-tailed Deer Website

UPDATE:
Back in April the Illinois Department of Natural Resources tested the New Whitetail Deer Website.

Well after test the site is now live... You can view it HERE.

http://deer.wildlifeillinois.org/ has been a long time in the making.  As you can tell everything is in one location for Illinois Whitetail enthusiast.


Original Post:

There is finally a light at the end of the tunnel for a project that has been in the making.  We have all heard rumors regarding this new whitetail website.  Well, it looks like it will be LIVE April 1st, 2017.  However, some hunters and landowners will get a sneak peak at the website before it goes live and give feedback to the IDNR in regards to last minute changes.  Below you'll read the official press release of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  

IDNR to Test-Launch New White-tailed Deer Website

SPRINGFIELD, IL – White-tailed deer are an integral part of the Illinois landscape, and a new website will provide up-to-date information on deer biology, management, research and regulations. A random set of Illinois deer hunters and landowners will receive an e-mail invitation this week to assist with finalizing the new White-Tailed Deer Illinois website.

White-tailed Deer Illinois is a collaborative effort led by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Division of Wildlife Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration, and the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center. Funding for the White-tailed Deer Illinois website was made available through Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Project W-147-T.

Youth to Compete in Illinois State Archery Tournament

After watching a S3DA Tournament a few weeks ago I have all the respect in the world for these young champions.  Due to movies like the Hunger Games, Lord of the Rings and even Marvel characters, the younger generation has become fascinated with archery.  It takes a lot of skill, determination and strength to compete in these competitions.

If you are interested in learning more about this sport or would just like to watch, head out the the state fairgrounds for some great competition and great shooting.  Below you'll read a press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources regarding this event.  Capitol Outdoors wishes all the participants a safe and happy shoot.  Good Luck!

More Than 1,000 Youth to Compete in Illinois State Archery Tournament March 24 and 25

Top Finishers will Advance to National Tournament

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Illinois State Tournament on Friday, March 24, and Saturday, March 25, at the Orr Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. Participation remains strong as 1,120 archers from 38 schools have registered to compete. Participation in the State Tournament has climbed steadily from 400 in 2012 to 1,120 this year.

Movement in House Committee Expected this Week

Movement in House Committee Expected this Week

There will be movement this week in the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee.  Chairman Costello will most likely be calling several bills and some of those will be hunting or fishing related.  Some may be a clarification of law while others may add new devices for deer hunting.  The only question that remains is which bill will be called upon.  Below you'll see a list of bills that may be called in committee on Tuesday.

HB 0427

Bourne, Avery WILDLIFE-CROSSBOW DRAW WEIGHT

HB 0480 

Bourne, Avery WILDLIFE-IN-LAW FARM HUNT 

HB 0770 

Wheeler, Barbara DNR-CONVEY REAL ESTATE 

HB 1771

 Costello II, Jerry CROSSBOW HUNTING-ARCHERY SEAS

HB 1788 

Bryant, Terri WILDLIFE-DUCK BLIND OR PIT 

HB 2410 

Phelps, Brandon W. DEER HUNTING-AIR GUNS 

HB 2685

 Costello II, Jerry WILDLIFE-TRAPPING-GREEN HIDES 

HB 3033 

Butler, Tim DNR-CONSULTATION FEES 

HB 3093 

Bourne, Avery WILDLIFE-HUNTING LICENSE 

HB 3204 

Swanson, Daniel WILDLIFE-DISABLED PERSON-HUNT 

HB 3272 

Jesiel, Sheri COMMERCIAL FISHING REGULATION 

HB 3273 

Jesiel, Sheri FISH-LAKE MICHIGAN COMMERC LIC 

HB 3373

 Beiser, Daniel V. 5 YR HUNTING & FISHING LICENSE 

HB 3399

 Sosnowski, Joe CROSSBOW HUNTING-COYOTES 

HB 3455

 Spain, Ryan DNR-VOLUNTEERS-TRAIL PROGRAM 

HB 3583

 Halbrook, Brad WILDLIFE-DEER BAIT 

HB 3750

 Stuart, Katie FISH & HUNT LICENSE-POLICE

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Springfield Archery Host Scholastic 3-D Archery Tournament

Springfield Archery Host Scholastic 3-D Archery Tournament

I was shocked by how many vehicles were in the parking lot, honestly I was only expecting a few kids and a few parents.  Boy was I wrong, it was jammed packed with room for only one more car. Everyone was there for the same reason, the Scholastic 3-D Archery Tournament or S3DA.  We heard about this event through Facebook and decided to check it out.  I'm glad we stopped by.

Inside Springfield Archery bleachers were full of people there to support the youth of tomorrow. They were shooting arrows down range in a friendly competition.   Don't fool yourself, though. These six to 18 year olds are the Robbin Hoods and Katniss Everdeens of the day.  Their shots are ridiculous.  I'm talking arrow grouping that professional and Olympic athletes strive to shoot.

I was amazed at the archery culture.  A serious, lively and friendly atmosphere had parents rooting their kids on.  "It's growing all over"  said Kim Rigney Illinois Regional Coordinator for the Rigney's School of Archery.

Kyle McDowell reiterated what Kim said about archery shooting growing all over.    I knew there was something bigger here than just some archery competition.  Kyle laid it on me, giving me the 411 on S3DA including a pamphlet with rules and regulations.  I had no idea that it was like this.

Shooting six rounds of five arrows would leave anyone fatigued but these kids do it with dedication.  Mr. McDowell had a son in the competition who ended up taking third.  This subculture is growing at outstanding rates.

After being thrown off guard by the size, commitment, and sportsmanship of S3DA competitors I found myself thinking about Autumn and her possibly wanting to get into archery when she is older.

It is great to see that there are organizations and groups supporting youth and helping them strive to achieve things both in the field and on the range.

A big congratulations to all those that participated and well done for those that placed. Here are your winners from the Springfield Archer S3DA Tournament.

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

                       

DNR-CONVEY REAL ESTATE -100th GA - HB 770

DNR-CONVEY REAL ESTATE -100th GA - HB 770

Senator:  Barbara Wheeler (R)

Filed: HB 770 on 2-10-17

Synopsis As Introduced
Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to convey, in exchange for $1, certain real estate in McHenry County to the Fox Waterway Agency. Provides that the conveyance is subject to: (1) existing public utilities, existing public roads, and any and all reservations, easements, encumbrances, covenants, and restrictions of record; and (2) the express condition that any proceeds from the sale of the real property shall be utilized for the purchase and development of an alternate dredge material disposal site or sites. Authorizes the Director of Natural Resources to exchange described parcels of real estate in Lake County for another parcel of described real estate in Lake County. Effective immediately.

House Committee Amendment No. 1
Deletes language providing that the conveyance is subject to the express condition that any proceeds from the sale of the real property shall be utilized for the purchase and development of an alternate dredge material disposal site or sites. Provides instead that the property is subject to the express condition that within one year after conveyance, the Fox Waterway Agency shall: sell the real property for no less than fair market value; use any proceeds from the sale to purchase of an alternate dredge material disposal site or sites for no more than fair market value; and transfer any proceeds remaining after the purchase of an alternate dredge material disposal site or sites to the Department of Natural Resources for deposit into the General Revenue Fund. Provides that if, after one year following the conveyances of the real property, the Fox Waterway Agency has failed to comply with the express condition, the real property shall revert to the State of Illinois, Department of Natural Resources, or, if applicable, the proceeds from the sale of the conveyed property shall be immediately transferred to the Department of Natural Resources for deposit into the General Revenue Fund. Provides that if any property purchased with proceeds from the sale of the conveyed property is not used as a dredged material disposal site within 2 years following the conveyances or if at any time the property ceases to be used for public purposes, the Fox Waterway Agency shall convey by quitclaim deed the property to the Department of Natural Resources for $1. Provides that "fair market value" means the average of 3 appraisals plus the costs of obtaining the appraisals.

House Floor Amendment No. 2
Deletes language authorizing the Director of Natural Resources to exchange described parcels of real estate in Lake County for another parcel of described real estate in Lake County.

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

                       

Hunting Sales Tax Holiday-100th GA - HB 3878

Hunting Sales Tax Holiday-100th GA - HB 3878

Representative Daniel V. Beiser(D)

Filed: HB 3878 on 2-10-17

Amends the Use Tax Act and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Provides a hunting sales tax holiday on specified dates for firearms and firearm ammunition that may be used for lawful hunting under the Wildlife Code. Provides for administration of the hunting sales tax holiday by the Department of Revenue. Provides the Department of Revenue with rulemaking authority, including emergency rulemaking authority. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act to allow emergency rulemaking. Effective immediately.

Hearings: None Scheduled at this time

HB 2685 Action

• Date - Chamber -  Action
• 2/10/2017 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 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

                       

Wildlife -Disabled Person Hunt-100th GA - HB 3204

Wildlife -Disabled Person Hunt-100th GA - HB 3204

Representative Daniel Swanson (R)

Filed: HB 3204 on 2-9-17

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources shall, on an annual basis, establish one deer hunting weekend for persons with disabilities in a manner consistent with the provisions of the Code. Provides that the Department may adopt administrative rules to implement the provision. Defines "person with a disability."

Hearings: None Scheduled at this time.

Previous Actions:

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