Illinois Deer Numbers are in for First 4 Days

Illinois Deer Numbers are in for First 4 Days

UPDATE - Daily update from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources -  http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/IDNRHarvestQuery.aspx

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With a strong North wind for the opening weekend of deer season, a lot of hunters are asking - How did everyone do?  Paul Shelton Manager of the Forest Wildlife Program has released the first archery deer harvest update.  This report covers October 1, 2015 through October 4, 2015.

Illinois archery deer hunters harvested a preliminary total of 5,140 deer, compared to 3,106 for the same period in 2014. Conditions were generally favorable, although somewhat windy.

Harvest consisted of 71% does and 29% males (3,630; 1,510). Top five counties were Pike (163), Fulton (142), Jefferson (128), Randolph (116), and Adams (110). A table of county results is attached.

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

A Quick Reminder for all Illinois Deer Hunters

A Quick Reminder for all Illinois Deer Hunters

Tomorrow thousands of hunters will be taking the field in hopes of harvesting an Illinois deer.  It's easy to let excitement overcome you.  By now though, all preparation is done and now all you're waiting on is that alarm clock to start buzzing.  Whether you're a novice or even a seasoned bow hunter remember these three things.

Illinois Archery Shop - Havana Outdoors

Illinois Archery Shop - Havana Outdoors

With bow season quickly approaching we decided to switch things up from our usual bait shop articles and check out a local archery shop. With the rise of bow-hunters across the country and in Illinois, archers are always looking for quality places to find, buy, replace and tune-in their equipment. Look no further than Havana Outdoors. If you're an experienced tournament shooter or a novice bow hunter you need to check out this place out. "We're not just a hick archery shop, we're full service" said Don Craig, pro-staffer and co-owner of Havana Outdoors.

IDNR to Hold Public Meetings on Chronic Wasting Disease - Deer hunters urge to go

IDNR to Hold Public Meetings on Chronic Wasting Disease - Deer Hunters Urge to Go

Capitol Outdoors urges Illinois deer hunters and outdoor enthusiast to attend a 40 minute presentation being held by the Illinois Department of Natural Resource staff. IDNR has scheduled a series of public meetings to provide information about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). The CWD debate is widely known in Illinois and surrounding states.  As of July 1, 2015 Illinois has already seen 538 cases of CWD with 71 in 2015 alone.  

CWD is an always fatal neurological disease that is threatening the long-term health of white-tailed deer in Illinois. First documented in Illinois in 2002 near Roscoe, IL, CWD has spread across the northern edge and northeastern portions of Illinois as far south as the Illinois River Valley. CWD has become established in areas near the Fox and Illinois rivers, including portions of Kendall, LaSalle, Grundy, and Will counties. Last year, CWD-positive deer were detected for the first time in Kankakee and Livingston counties. CWD was also detected in new areas in Stephenson and western Ogle counties in northern Illinois.

Illinois Hunters and Landowners Encouraged by Illinois Department of Natural Resources to Report Suspected Cases of EHD

Illinois Hunters and Landowners Encouraged by Illinois Department of Natural Resources to Report Suspected Cases of EHD

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is asking hunters, landowners and everyone else to report suspected cases of Epizotic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD). While EHD is always present each year in Illinois it has become mainstream in the hunting community over the last few years. You'll probably remember cases back in 2012 where over 2,000 cases in 76 out of 102 counties were reported having EHD die offs.

According to the IDNR press release there havr been 47 suspected cases of EHD in white-tail in 2015 and has been most prevalent in western counties.

"Five tips on starting to hunt with traditional equipment"

"Five tips on starting to hunt with traditional equipment"

• Practice as often as you can. Even if you are only able to shoot 30 arrows a day that helps dramatically with your consistency and performance. That equates to 5 minutes of shooting. To test yourself to make sure you are ready to hunt make sure you are able to shoot 5 arrows in a row into a paper plate at 15 yards,

• Shoot a 3-D course. Find a local club and hit the range. Simulating actual hunting situations will take a bit of the edge of a high pressure situation when the time comes. Try and make one of these courses a month. It’s much more fun if you have a few buddies to go with. 

• Hunt small game pre-season. Take advantage of hunting the small critters before deer season starts. Usually this doubles as scouting new areas to deer hunt as well as sharpen your accuracy aiming at smaller targets. I enjoy a good squirrel hunt here in Illinois the month before deer season. I recommend a few flu flu feathered arrows for squirrels in the trees.

• Think positive. There is nothing that ruins a shot like a bad attitude. Build a shooting zone in your mind; were the deer has to walk before you take the shot. When the scenario starts to unfold you will be ready for the shot. Think positive and stay focused.

• Stick with it. Don’t be discouraged if you miss or wound an animal. I have had my fair share of disappointments in my career but the success is that much sweeter. Keep practicing and keep trying to get closer shots.

By: Chris Reatherford

Illinois Deer Hunters are getting Ready for the First Firearm Deer Season

This weekend begins the first weekend of firearm deer season for Illinois. 

The season runs: November 22nd through November 24th and December 5th through December 8th.