Late Season Archery Harvest Numbers

Deer harvest totals stayed up the majority of the 2018 - 2019 season with 60% of the 57,237 taken by compound bow and 39% harvested by crossbows.  While there is still a time to fill those tags, hunters during last weeks harvest shot 75% does.  

Kellie with her mature buck from Macoupin County.  It scored 160 7/9.  Big congrats to Kellie on her harvest!

ARCHERY DEER SEASON
Through Tuesday, January 1, 2019, Illinois archery deer hunters harvested a preliminary total of 57,237 deer, compared to 55,599 for the same period in the 2017-18 season.

Round 6 of Archery Harvest Numbers Show Bucks in the Rut

That cold front that pushed through last week showed in this weeks archery harvest numbers.  Harvest numbers are still up for the year and the ratio doe vs buck are slowly starting to switching for the season.  66% of deer taking this week were bucks. As the orange army takes the field this week, will that ratio finally switch over to more buck harvested for the season?  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources sent out a reminder on Firearm Safety and CWD Check-in Stations.   

5th Round of Archery Season Harvest Shows Buck Increase

The preliminary numbers for the archery harvest totals are out and they are still above from last year, the difference of 682.  The rut is right around the corner, or in some of the circles I've been talking to their seeing bucks chase.  I can believe it, 61% of the harvest in the last 7 days were bucks.   Over all, more does have been harvested but, I think you'll see those numbers change here in the coming weeks.  Also, the orange army is coming.  Below you'll the report from the IDNR along with the county by county numbers. 

Here you can see two proud Illinois hunters.  Congrats to Gavin and Chase for their harvest! 

Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) Claims Over 400 Illinois deer in 2018

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources released the following information that EHD claimed more then 400 deer this year in Illinois.  The 432 cases from 49 different counties are at "EHD appears to be at low to moderate levels in counties on or near the Illinois River, extending from Schuyler County to the southwest through Bureau County to the northeast".  If this rings a bell, Capitol Outdoors brought you a story about a potential EHD case at Jim Edgar Panther Creek.

EHD Outbreak in Illinois Claims More than 400 Deer

432 EHD reported cases from 49 counties so far in 2018

SPRINGFIELD, IL – As of October 29, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has received reports of 432 suspected cases of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) in white-tailed deer so far in 2018.

EHD appears to be at low to moderate levels in counties on or near the Illinois River, extending from Schuyler County to the southwest through Bureau County to the northeast. Peoria County has had the worst of it with 77 cases, followed closely by Fulton County with 71 cases.

4th Round of Archery Deer Hunting Harvest Numbers above Last Year

The preliminary numbers for the 4th week of the archery deer harvest are out and the numbers are still ahead of last years numbers.   Bucks are on the move, 47% of the deer shot in the last week were bucks.  Also, 60% of the deer harvested this year have been by compound, 39% by crossbows and 1% by traditional bows.   You can read the full report from the IDNR as well as the county by county comparison below. 

This buck was shot last year here here in Illinois by our friend Jason. 

Round 3 Archery Numbers Shows Increase for Illinois Deer Harvest

Harvest for archery deer hunters jumped this week and the highest daily harvest to date was on Sunday. With 2,156 more deer harvested than this time last year, hunters are optimistic about the rut and its offerings.  As you can see more doe have been taken, but that's all about to change in the coming weeks.   If you were out this weekend trout fishing, duck hunting, or out deer hunting you can understand.  The cold definitely had the deer moving.  Below you'll see the link to county by county comparison.

Check out this Illinois monster taken by follower and supporter Travis Brown.  

1st Week of Archery Season Along with Youth Season Shows Reduction

Its that time of the year again.  Deer numbers will be coming out each week and you can catch those here at Capitol Outdoors. Totals for the first week of the season are down by 2,367, but we feel that the majority of that is due to the warm weather and rains throughout the state during the first week of October.  The harvest consisted of 70% does and 30% males and this will only level out as we get closer to the rut.

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

Illinois Department of Natural Resources to Host Public Meetings for Proposed Archery Deer Restrictions in Five Eastern Illinois Counties

Back in January, the Natural Resources Advisory Board (NRAB) discussed the possibility of archery restrictions in Champaign, Douglas, Macon, Moultrie and Piatt counties.  If you archery deer hunt in any of these counties, please consider attending one of the informational meetings.  Your voice deserves to be heard in regards to this issue.

Press Release from DNR:

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) invites deer hunters, landowners, and others interested in deer management to attend public meetings regarding potential changes in archery deer hunting regulations in five eastern Illinois counties. The IDNR Division of Wildlife Resources will host the public open house meetings to provide information about the status of deer populations in the affected counties, and to accept comments on a number of alternative management options intended to boost deer populations in Champaign, Douglas, Macon, Moultrie and Piatt counties. Most of these options would require changes to the archery regulations that have been in effect for the past several years. No formal presentation is planned; attendees can stop by at any time during the open house meetings to view informational materials and talk one-on-one to IDNR biologists.

Two public open house meetings are scheduled: 
June 12, 2018, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Forbes Natural History Building (University of Illinois campus) conference room
1816 South Oak Street Champaign, IL 61820

June 14, 2018, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Rock Springs Nature Center auditorium
3939 Nearing Lake, Decatur 62521

Unless there is significant opposition to growing deer herds to currently-adopted county goals, the IDNR would propose changes to the archery deer regulations for the five counties this summer through the State of Illinois’ administrative rules process. Depending on when any regulation changes are approved by the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR), they could go into effect for the upcoming 2018 Archery Deer Season, or they may have to wait until the 2019 season.

Beaver Dam and Horseshoe Lake Archery Application Due at the end of March

While many of us are thinking about trout fishing or hitting the hiking trail, archery deer hunters who wish to hunt at Beaver Dam or Horseshoe Lake need to think about the upcoming season.  Applications are due at the end of March, so don't delay.  This is a great opportunity.  

Archery Deer Applications for Beaver Dam/Horseshoe Lake

PLAINVIEW, IL – Archery deer hunting applications are available through March 30 for the special drawings at Beaver Dam State Park, Carlinville, and through March 31 for the special drawings at Horseshoe Lake State Park, Granite City for the 2018-19 Illinois Archery Deer Hunting Season. Hunters can obtain an application either online or from park offices to apply. Site-specific applications will offer nine weekly intervals at Horseshoe Lake State Park and 11 weekly intervals at Beaver Dam State Park. Applicants must prioritize their hunting weeks and will be selected randomly in a lottery drawing.

Deer Harvest Totals Continue into 2018

While many of us were thinking ice fishing, there were those that use the Late Winter and Special CWD Deer Season to harvest one more buck or doe, or in some cases maybe just get one for the season.

In the grand scheme of things total numbers are up for the season but the Late & CWD Season numbers are down.  Most likely due to the frigid temperatures. 

What die-hards put their thermal underwear to a test in the tree stand this past week?  Comment below. 

Below you'll see the updated 2017 - 2018 Illinois Archery Deer Season and 17/18 Illinois Late Winter Anterless-Only and Special CWD deer season.  

Same Ole Same Ole for Round 9 - That's a Good Thing

Round 9 of the Illinois archery harvest numbers show more of the same.  For pretty much the entire deer season, excluding firearm and muzzleloader, the harvest has been up compared to 2016.  The question is, why this year?  Could it be the lack of blue tongue this year, which had more deer in the field?  Could it be the crossbows?  Or could it be a rebound of the deer herd or just the weather in general?  It's hard to say what played a part in the increase, but by the end of the late winter season we'll sure find out.

Round 6 Archery Harvest Numbers Stay Above 2016 Numbers

Round 6 of Illinois archery harvest numbers are out and to no surprise the numbers stay above last years.  From this time last year harvest totals have an increase of 4,789.  This is the final round before the orange army (shotgun season) hits the field.

Our pro-staffer Rick shot his first buck in three years.  

In short words the rut was in high gear over the weekend around our neck of the woods with 66% of the harvest being bucks.  Last week it was 64% not much of an increase but an increase.  Below you'll see the actual text sent out by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 

Last week an article was published regarding the number of deer harvested by crossbow.  We reached out to the Illinois DNR last week to receive these numbers first hand and have yet to get them.  When we are provided with the numbers we will share them with all of you.

Through Sunday, November 12, 2017, Illinois archery deer hunters harvested a preliminary total of 41,376 deer, compared to 36,587 for the same period in 2016.

Cumulative harvest to date has consisted of 46% does and 54% males (18933:22443).  During the past week, harvest sex ratios were 34% does and 66% males.

Top five counties were Pike (1530), Fulton (1208), Adams (947), Jefferson (924), and JoDaviess (843).

Round 6 County by County Numbers

Up-to-date archery harvest figures (for either deer or turkey) by county/state sites can be tracked on the web at http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/IDNRHarvestQuery.aspx

Round 5 of Deer Archery Numbers Show Increase in Illinois

For the second week in a row deer numbers jump and not by a couple hundred but by thousands.  This round the increase in harvest deer compared to this time last year is 4,718.  I'm sure many of you are wondering why the significant jump in harvest numbers.  Is it because of rut activity?  Could it be the crossbows?  Some say it's both.  Regardless, the increase in harvest numbers all comes before the orange army hits the field in ten days.  Will they see an increase? Time will tell.

Chris of Washington, Illinois sent this buck he took last year

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.

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.

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

                       

Crossbow Hunting Archery Season - 100th GA - SB1467

CROSSBOW HUNTING-ARCHERY SEASON

Sen. Neil Anderson

Filed: SB 1467 on 2-9-2017

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Wildlife Code. Repeals provision providing that it is unlawful to use any crossbow for the purpose of taking any wild birds or mammals except as provided in the Code. Repeals Sections concerning the use of crossbows.

Latest Action: Do Pass as Amended Agriculture; 008-002-000

• Date Chamber Action
• 2/9/2017 Senate Filed with Secretary by Sen. Neil Anderson
• 2/9/2017 Senate First Reading
• 2/9/2017 Senate Referred to Assignments
• 2/22/2017 Senate Assigned to Agriculture
• 3/3/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Neil Anderson
• 3/3/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments
• 3/7/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Agriculture
• 3/8/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Neil Anderson
• 3/8/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 Referred to Assignments
• 3/8/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 3 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Neil Anderson
• 3/8/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 3 Referred to Assignments
• 3/9/2017 Senate Postponed - Agriculture
• 3/9/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Postponed - Agriculture
• 3/15/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 Assignments Refers to Agriculture
• 3/15/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 3 Assignments Refers to Agriculture
• 3/16/2017 Senate Postponed - Agriculture
• 3/16/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Postponed - Agriculture
• 3/16/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 Postponed - Agriculture
• 3/16/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 3 Postponed - Agriculture
• 3/17/2017 Senate Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As April 7, 2017
• 4/6/2017 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 3 Adopted
• 4/6/2017 Senate Do Pass as Amended Agriculture; 008-002-000
• 4/6/2017 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading April 25, 2017

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Wildlife - Crossbow Draw Weight -100th GA-HB 427

WILDLIFE-CROSSBOW DRAW WEIGHT

Representative Avery Bourne (R)

Filed: HB0427 on 1-12-2017

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that all crossbows used to hunt in this State must have a minimum peak draw weight of 125 pounds and a maximum draw weight of at least 300 pounds.

Hearing Scheduled: - Hearing Scheduled for Feb 22, 2017

Previous Actions:

• Date - Chamber - Action: 
• 1/12/2017 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Avery Bourne
• 1/17/2017 House First Reading 
• 1/17/2017 House Referred to Rules Committee
• 2/2/2017 House Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe