CWD Continues it's Destructive Path

CWD Continues it's Destructive Path 

The spread of the deer killing disease called Chronic Wasting Disease or CWD for short, has continued spreading and has been spotted in a new Iowa County.  As of February 1, 2017 we haven't heard anything from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources regarding the spread of CWD into new counties or if there were positive deer cases.

However, we continue to receive reports from surrounding states. 

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has confirmed that the CWD has spread to another county.  While Iowa's total CWD rate is still low (compared to states like IL or Wisconsin) their holding public meetings to inform the public about the status of the disease.  If you're interested or hunt Iowa we urge you to attend.  Why?  Since Iowa's first positive result in 2013 the spreading of the disease has continued and 2016 has been the worse year ever for Iowa.

If you hunt deer or just enjoy the outdoors and support conservation then you need stay informed of this issue.  There's no room for opinions just facts.  That's why we all need to become educated on this issue.  Below you'll find the full release from the Iowa's DNR regarding the confirmed case of CWD and information about the public meetings.

2017 Recap of the Pantagraph's Fish and Feather Expo

2017 Recap of the Pantagraph's Fish and Feather Expo

 

During expo season there are always those shows that you don't make it to.  Whether it is because it is too far away, too expensive or in some cases the show is a waste of time. That was how we felt about this show last year.  We didn't attend because we didn't find it worth our time and money.

However, optimism took over this year when we found out that the Pantagraph bought the Fish and Feather Expo. Within social media circles people were very excited about this because last year's show was not up to par.  When you are competing with shows like the Quad Cities, Elmwood, Tinley Park and Collinsville it is easy to see how you would be let down.

The Decline in Illinois Deer Harvest Continues

The Decline in Illinois Deer Harvest Continues

Illinois continues to see a decline in harvest numbers in whitetail deer over the past several seasons.  The IDNR data reflects this, however they say that this decline is done on purpose and is within the margin of acceptance of a healthy deer herd.  Groups, such as The Illinois Whitetail Alliance would disagree with the DNR and feel that the decline over recent years is something to worry about especially with diseases like CWD and Blue Tongue.  Whether you agree with the IDNR or the IWA you need to voice your opinion and contact the IDNR to let that opinion known.  Below you'll find the the press release issued by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources regarding the deer harvest. 

Hunters in Illinois Harvested a Preliminary Total of 144,150 Deer During 2016-17 Seasons

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary total of 144,150 deer during all 2016-17 seasons, which concluded Jan. 15. The total preliminary deer harvest for all seasons compares with a total harvest for all seasons of 155,229 in 2015-16. 

During this year’s deer seasons, hunters took 44 percent does and 56 percent males.

A breakdown of Illinois deer hunting seasons is as follows:

Archery: Archery deer hunters in Illinois took a preliminary total of 53,479 deer during the season which began on Oct. 1, 2016 and concluded on Jan. 15, 2017. That compares with the harvest of 56,767 during the 2015-16 archery season.

Youth: Young deer hunters harvested 3,259 deer during the 2016 Illinois Youth Deer Season conducted on Oct. 8-10, 2016, compared with 2,850 deer harvested during the 2015 youth hunt.

Traditional Firearm Season: Hunters took a preliminary total of 79,429 deer during the 2016 Illinois Firearm Deer Season on Nov. 18-20 and Dec. 1-4, 2016, compared with 86,847 deer taken during the 2015 firearm season.

Muzzleloader: Hunters using muzzleloading rifles harvested 3,297 deer during the 2016 Muzzleloader-Only Deer Season on Dec. 9-11, 2016, compared with 2,403 in 2015.

Late-Winter Seasons: The 2016-17 Late-Winter Antlerless Only and Special CWD deer seasons concluded on Jan. 15, with a combined preliminary harvest total for both seasons of 4,686 deer, compared with a harvest of 6,362 deer taken during those seasons in 2015-16. Season dates for the Late-Winter and CWD seasons were Dec. 29, 2016-Jan. 1, 2017 and Jan. 13-15, 2017.

There were 14 northern Illinois counties open to the Special CWD Season in 2016-17, the same counties that were open for the 2015-16 seasons. The Special CWD season is used to assist in slowing the spread of chronic wasting disease in the Illinois deer herd.

There were 24 counties open for the Late-Winter Antlerless Season in 2016-17. Four counties open previously for the late-winter season were closed for 2016-17 because they had reached deer population goals, while one county was added to the late-winter hunt. Counties that are at or below their individual goal for two consecutive years may be removed from the late-winter season.

Tables on the PDF link below will provide a county-by-county summary of preliminary deer harvest results for 2016-17 and harvest results for 2015-16.
https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/news/Documents/IDNR-DeerPrelimHarvest-Jan2017.pdf

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

2017 Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever Banquets & Events

It's that time of year again and we're not talking about expo season.  It's banquet season, conservationists, hunters, anglers and those that enjoy the outdoors attend banquets to help support organizations across the state.

Organizations like Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever host a dinner and auction to raise money for conservation projects and so much more.  Below you'll see a list of events being hosted by Pheasants Forever.

January

January 28th 

*Champaign County Forest Preserve District Herbicide & Prescribed Burn Workshop 

Mahomet Lake of the Woods

February

Feb. 4th 

Lincolnland (IL)-QF 2017 Fundraiser Banquet

Decatur, Illinois

Illinois Eagle Days- A Family Event

You all know we love to hunt and fish here at Capitol Outdoors.  However there is more to it then that.  There's conservation and education.  That's why we are excited about eagle days this year.  Not only because last year we had a great time and learned a bunch of things about birds of prey, but because this year we get to with Autumn and have even more fun.  Read about our Eagle Day Adventure from last year.  Below find the press release from our friends at the Nature conservancy.

There's something else that you'll only find here!  This year there's a Scavenger Hunt. Participants may pick up an Eagle Days Hunt booklet at any of the participating locations. Each location contains the answer to a question in the booklet. Those who turn in completed sheets will receive a prize while supplies last.

Eagle Day Gives Bird's Eye View of American Icon; Live Demo of Birds of Prey

No Reason Not to Hunt Pheasants this Year in Illinois

There's no reason for hunters not to go pheasant hunting this year.  With already extended season at four state sites, the Illinois DNR has extended the season at two state facilities.  Below you'll find the IDNR press release that contains the information on how and where to obtain permits.  

More Hunting Days Added to the Controlled Pheasant Season at two IDNR Sites

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) today announced that five hunting days have been added to the controlled pheasant hunting season at two IDNR sites, and hunters can make reservations now for additional hunting opportunities for the last week of this month.

The two sites with an additional week of controlled pheasant hunting are Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area in Clinton County and the Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area in Franklin and Jefferson Counties. Five hunting days –Wednesday, January 25 through Sunday, January 29 – have been added to the seasons at the Eldon Hazlet and Wayne Fitzgerrell SRAs.

Hunters are encouraged to use the online Controlled Pheasant Hunting Reservation System at www.dnr.illinois.gov to obtain permits for these additional hunt dates. Reserved permits ensure hunters will have the opportunity to hunt. Hunters using reserved permits also ensure that site staff on these sites can release two pheasants per hunter each day, which is the Department’s objective for pheasants released on each hunt date. Standby permits are also available at the sites, although standby hunting opportunities may be limited or unavailable if the hunter quota for a hunt date is filled by reserved permit hunters.

To access the reservation system:

1. Access the "Hunt/Trap" drop down list from the toolbar on the IDNR Home Page
2. Then click on “Upland Game”
3. Then click on "Controlled Pheasant Areas" under the “Licenses and permits” heading

Hunters are reminded that the daily permit fee for controlled pheasant hunting is $30 for resident hunters and $35 for nonresident hunters. The daily permit fee applies to each hunter. Reserved Permits are paid for via credit card during the application process. Completing a permit reservation online can be accomplished as late as 24 hours before an available hunt date and takes less than five minutes. Standby hunters pay daily permit fees at the site hunter check station on the hunt date. Standby hunters need to be prepared to pay permit fees with cash.

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Anglers should Sign Up for B.A.S.S Fantasy League and Watch Bassmaster Live

Anglers should Sign Up for B.A.S.S Fantasy League and Watch Bassmaster Live

Today is the first day you can start making your line up for B.A.S.S Fantasy Fishing.  Not sure if you want to sign up, you're not alone check out how we were last year. 

Last year, I was browsing online when the B.A.S.S Facebook page mentioned new registration for the Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing Team.  Never really being into the whole fantasy thing I decided to take a step out of my comfort zone in hopes of learning something new.

My knowledge of the Bassmaster's is very limited at this point. Back in 2000, I attended the Classic that was held in Chicago with Woo Daves winning it all. Because the Classic was in Chicago there were many meet and greets and this is where I had the privilege of meeting KVD.

Memories Afield Don't have to Include a Kill or Catch

Memories Afield Don't have to Include a Kill or Catch

Like so many of you, once Wednesday approaches I start planning my weekend.  This past weekend was no exception.  I planned on going ice fishing, I didn't know where, or when but I was going.  As Sunday approached i decided to hit Jim Edgar Panther Creek but since I've hit Gridley Lake already a few times and the ice conditions have been iffy at Prairie I decided to do a quick ice check and go.

I started by hitting deep water, then shallow, then deep then shallow and nothing.  Finally spotted a fish on the vexilar and just as soon as he was there it was gone.  Ding, my phone goes off.  It's an old college buddy that I've stayed in contact with over the past few years.  As I mentioned, Adam is an old college buddy who loves the outdoors just as much as the rest of us. 

Meeting up with an old buddy to do some ice fishing sounds good to me.  We got to the lake walked out on the ice drilled a hole nothing, moved to another, nothing after about 20 holes we decided to call it a day.  Check out those big ones :)

It didn't matter whether we caught any or not, for me it was about getting outside to enjoy some fishing with a college buddy.

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

$3.6 Million in Grants Received for Illinois

Conservation comes in all forms, from hunting and harvesting of deer to reducing over-population, to land acquisition and so much more.  On January 12, 2017 the Illinois Department of Natural Resources released news that $3.6 million in federal grants from the National Park Service's Land & Water Conservation Fund was distributed to six different projects.  Capitol Outdoors agrees with Director Rosenthal when he said this a "win-win for our local governments and the people living in those communities".    While these projects may seem small these are all steps in the right direction.  Below you will see the press release from the IDNR with the information of which communities and projects the monies are being awarded too.

IDNR announces $3.6 Million in Land and Water Conservation Grants

Federal funding helps local communities purchase public access and recreation spaces

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced today that more than $3.6 million in federal grant funding has been approved for local governments to purchase land to be used for public access and recreation. Funding for the program is made available through the National Park Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

“Providing federal grants for local governments to purchase land for more public access for enjoyment and exposure to the Illinois outdoors is a win-win for our local governments, and the people living in those communities,” said IDNR director Wayne Rosenthal.

The LWCF grant program, which is administered in Illinois by the IDNR, provides up to 50 percent of the cost of projects to help purchase land to be used for public access, with the local governments matching the value of the grants awarded.

The LWCF grant projects are:

Chicago Park District – 129th & Eggleston

Purchase 2.48 acres of property at 129th & Eggleston along the Little Calumet River. This site will be developed into a passive park with access to the river, and will include green space, native plantings and recreational programming. The park will also connect to the Major Taylor Bike Trail. Grant amount: $375,000.00

Forest Preserve District of Cook County – Horizon Farms/Spring Creek Greenway

Purchase approximately 23 acres of property on Algonquin Road to be a connection between the Spring Creek Preserve and Horizon Farm. The residential landscape will be transformed into a natural setting to provide a wildlife corridor and greenway connection between the existing
Forest Preserve holdings. Grant amount: $1,042,700.00

Des Plaines Park District – Oakwood Land

Purchase .69 acres of property for the development of a neighborhood park in the most densely populated area of the district. The land will be developed to include a playground, gazebo, fitness station and a basketball half-court. Grant amount: $331,700.00

Forest Preserve District of Kane County – Mill Creek Greenway Forest Preserve Addition

Purchase of 62.5 acres of property to be used as an extension of the Mill Creek Greenway. The project will involve a prairie and woodland restoration, trail and trail head additions, parking and signage. Grant amount: $750,000.00

Kendall County Forest Preserve District – Little Rock Creek Acquisition/Maramech Forest Preserve Addition

Purchase 135 acres of property along the Little Rock Creek adjacent to the Maramech Forest Preserve. The site will be developed to include parking, a shelter, interpretive trails with overlooks, and signs. Grant amount: $750,000.00

Wauconda Park District – Phil’s Beach Acquisition Project

Purchase of 3.5 acres of beachfront property on Bangs Lake. The site will be redeveloped and opened as a public beach area including parking, picnic areas, a splash pad, playground, bathhouse, and a beach area with amenities. Grant amount: $386,500.00

The LWCF grant program has been in existence since 1965. Prior to this year, more than $123 million has been awarded for 727 park projects in Illinois.

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Illinois DNR Releases 2017 Action Plan to Manage Asian Carp

We've all seen it, those Youtube videos of that guy on skis catching Asian Carp in a net, or how about the redneck fishing tournament.  Regardless, anglers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts can agree that the spread of Asian Carp needs to stop.  At this point it will be nearly impossible to eradicate this invasive species that has spread throughout the Mississippi River Tributaries.  We may not be able to catch them all but we can manage them and stop new lakes, rivers, etc from being invaded.  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources released their 2017 Action plan which details their strategy to manage the threat of Asian Carp into the great lakes.  With federal, state, local, and non-profit agencies in the mix let's all pray that 2017 Asian Carp Action Plan is the start of something great.

2017 Action Plan Details Strategy to Manage Threat of Asian Carp in Great Lakes

The Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (ACRCC) announced the release of its Fiscal Year 2017 Action Plan today. The Action Plan document details 60 high-priority strategic measures designed to manage the threat of four species of invasive Asian carp in the Great Lakes.


The Plan serves as a foundation for the work of the ACRCC partnership — a collaboration of 27 U.S. and Canadian federal, state, provincial, and local agencies and organizations. The 2017 Plan builds on prior strategies by applying lessons learned through research and additions of new technologies and control measures. The Plan also carries forward a new interagency contingency response plan developed for potential rapid-response to detections of Asian carp at all life stages in unexpected areas of the upper Illinois River and Chicago Area Waterway System.

“This Action Plan continues to show our unified resolve to keep Asian Carp from invading the Great Lakes,” said Bill Bolen, USEPA Senior Advisor and co-chair of the ACRCC. “We intend to employ every effort necessary to protect this precious resource.

“The Great Lakes are an amazing resource that face numerous and evolving threats,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Regional Director Charlie Wooley. “These threats require a constant, coordinated and creative effort to keep at bay. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proud to be part of this Action Plan and to help protect the Great Lakes.”

“Keeping Asian carp from establishing a population in the Great Lakes is a shared effort. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is pleased to be among the agencies contributing to the 2017 ACRCC Action Plan, with efforts focusing on operating and maintaining the electric barrier system, continued monitoring efforts and the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study,” said Col. Christopher Drew, Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District.

This year $17 million of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding, in addition to more than $25 million of federal agency base funding, will be used by partners to implement key projects and initiatives to safeguard the Great Lakes from invasive bighead, silver, grass and black carps.

“USGS Asian carp science is focused on early detection, risk assessment and development of control tools and strategies,” said Leon Carl, USGS Midwest Regional Director. “The tools and technologies we have developed are aimed at effectively informing and supporting Asian carp management strategies for preventing the spread of Asian carp in the nation’s waterways.” 

“Each member of the ACRCC plays an important role in keeping Asian carp from becoming established in the Great Lakes, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources was proud to lead efforts to remove over one million pounds of Asian carp from the upper Illinois River in 2016,” said Illinois DNR Asian carp biologist Kevin Irons. “Working together, we are keeping them away from the electric barrier system and out of Lake Michigan.”

Read the 2017 Asian Carp Action Plan.

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Controlled Pheasant Hunting Season Extended at Four IDNR Sites

Controlled Pheasant Hunting Season Extended at Four IDNR Sites

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) today announced that the controlled pheasant hunting season has been extended at four IDNR sites, and hunters can make reservations now for additional hunting opportunities this month. 

See below for more information from the DNR press release:
The four sites with extended controlled pheasant seasons are Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area in Clinton County, Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area in Cass County, Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area in Henry County, and the Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area in Franklin and Jefferson Counties. Ten hunting days - Wednesday, January 11 through Sunday, January 22 – have been added to the seasons at Eldon Hazlet SRA and Wayne Fitzgerrell SRA. Five days – Wednesday, January 11 through Sunday, January 15 – have been added to the season at Johnson-Sauk Trail SRA. Ten days – Wednesday, January 18 through Sunday, January 29 – have been added to the season at Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA.

Multi-State License Fraud Investigation Results in Over $85,000 in Fines and Restitution

Multi-State License Fraud Investigation Results in Over $85,000 in Fines and Restitution

If there is ever a reason for more Illinois Conservation Police Officers within the Illinois Department of Natural Resources "Operation Double Dip" is a perfect example of why.  Sometimes as an outdoor enthusiast you may forget that their job goes farther then just driving around in a truck, checking hunting or fishing licenses.  In fact they do some creditable work and investigating to keep our natural resources safe.  Congratulations to all those Illinois CPO who help work and prevent more injustices against our natural resources.   

“Operation Double Dip” Prevents Would-Be Hunters from Claiming Residency in Two States

From the Press Office of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources:

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois Conservation Police and Indiana Conservation Officers investigated cases of hunting license/permit fraud beginning in early 2015 extending through 2016 that have resulted in over $85,000 in fines and restitution.

“Operation Double Dip was started to investigate individuals who claim residency in Illinois and Indiana in order to purchase hunting licenses/deer permits at the cheaper resident rate,” said Sgt. David Hyatt, Illinois Conservation Police. “This is a case that protects the privileges of our legitimate resident hunters and ensures that each state receives the funding needed for fish and wildlife projects.”

Final Results of CWD Samples from Missouri Department of Conservation

On December 19, 2016 Capitol Outdoors passed along the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) results for the mandatory Chronic Wasting Disease samplings.  As we know CWD does not stop along our state borders.  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources spent over $1 million dollars last year to track this disease.  Regardless, if you're a deer hunter or not, here at Capitol Outdoors we feel that it's imperative that all outdoorsmen and women are aware of this deadly and contagious disease.

The MDC released their second findings from their samplings.

MDC reports three new cases of CWD from mandatory sampling

As part of MDC’s mandatory CWD sampling efforts, MDC staff remove lymph nodes for CWD testing from the neck of a buck harvested in central Missouri the opening weekend of fall firearms deer season.

Final results from 19,200+ deer tested show total of five cases of chronic wasting disease.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reports it has received final results from the more than 19,200 tissue samples tested for chronic wasting disease (CWD) following the Department’s mandatory sampling of deer harvested on Nov. 12 and 13 in 29 counties in northeast, central, and east-central Missouri in and around where the disease has been found.

Recapping the Let's Go Fishing Show in Collinsville, Ilinois

Recapping the Let's Go Fishing Show in Collinsville, Illinois

This weekend was a busy one for a lot of fishing vendors in Illinois.  While the Muskie Show was going on in Northern Illinois, the Let's Go Fishing Show was going on in Collinsville, Illinois.  Yup, the Expo Season has begun.

I have attended this show for many years and always have a good time, however, this year there were some differences.  I noticed that there weren't as many fishing vendors around the expo floor this year and you could see an increase in the housing vendors. You know the gutter guys, the shoe insert people and there was even this booth selling really cool gear toys for kids. Although some things were interesting to look at, I didn't travel down to Collinsville to look at that stuff. 

Family retreat becomes state-of-the-art youth hunting camp

Taking a youngster out for a hunt is always a thrill, with it comes the joys of going back to the basics and reliving your youthful hunts through theirs. Sometimes it's hard to find a place to go that will help teach them the joys and love of the outdoors. Not anymore! There is a state of the art youth camp right here in Illinois. Check it out...

Family retreat becomes state-of-the-art youth hunting camp

HULL, ILL. - Tucked away off the back roads of Pike County is a new destination for area youth looking for mentoring and the thrill of the hunt.

Gardner Camp, in rural Hull, now occupies the former country retreat of the late J.W. Gardner II and his family. Upon Gardner's 2012 death, the family's 330 acres of former wetland, an oasis for waterfowl and deer, was donated to be made into a camp. In 1859, Gardner's ancestors founded what would become Gardner Denver Inc. in Quincy.

"For many generations, the Gardner family had this property," said Gardner Camp Executive Director Amy Lefringhouse. "We're down here in the river bottoms of the Mississippi. Ducks are plentiful down here."

Several miles of levees and canals were built into the property. Three deep wells were dug, allowing the former wetlands to be flooded to mimic the natural dynamics of the land. The flooded cornfields and pastures of Gardner Camp have an almost magnetic draw that brings birds, deer and several other species out from hiding. Renewed vegetation, reignited into growth by the return of long-absent water, offers food and compels animals to spend more time within the camp.

"He (Gardner) wanted it to be a resource for nonprofit agencies and the youth of Adams, Pike and the surrounding counties," Lefringhouse said. "It's really unique, and it's a really great opportunity for kids. We don't have anything like it."

In March 2016, Lefringhouse was hired to coordinate year-round youth programming. The first program offered at the camp was mentored youth hunting.

"It's pretty state-of-the-art waterfowl hunting," Lefringhouse said. "The amount of resources we put into managing the habitat, we know we can hold ducks here. That's going to help us and the kids have a successful hunt."

Lefringhouse described the two hunting blinds on the property as "far from the average blinds."

"They have heat. They have electricity that can run a microwave, a full-sized stove and oven," Lefringhouse said. "It's almost the comforts of home."

The amenities were included with the intention of easing the young hunters into the outdoors. One of the two blinds is underground, buried below a mound in a flooded field. The result is a view, when looking through the shooting station, that is on the same level as the water.

"I get message after message from parents. 'We think he has got the bug now. That's all he has talked about since he got home,' " Lefringhouse said. "It makes me so appreciative of Mr. Gardner's generosity. To get to see the looks on these kids' faces every weekend is pretty priceless."

Gardner Camp has hosted five youth waterfowl hunting weeks and two youth deer hunting seasons this year. To facilitate each excursion, the camp worked with nonprofit organizations such as the Boy Scouts, 4-H and others.

"Now we're looking at offering outdoor education programming over Christmas break," Lefringhouse said.

On Dec. 28 and 29, Gardner Camp was to host Winter in the Wild, during which the World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis will offer a live show with flying raptors. If weather permits, youth also will be able to scan the camp's grounds for tracks, among other activities. Between adults and children, more than 250 have registered.

"The possibilities here are endless," Lefringhouse said of future programming being considered. "Hopefully we can enhance the programming of nonprofits in the area with the end goal of reaching those kids' lives and giving them experiences they've never had before."

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

BY MATT DUTTON

The Quincy Herald-Whig

Source: The Quincy Herald-Whig, http://bit.ly/2h26xXo
Information from: The Quincy Herald-Whig, http://www.whig.com
This is an Illinois Exchange story shared by The Quincy Herald-Whig.