IDNR Wants You to Report Suspected Cases of EHD in Deer

Many of you may have seen my post on Instagram where while fishing I came across a deer floating in the water.  I wasn't sure if it died by drowning or by EHD.  I remembered each year that these reports come out regarding Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease.  I did what we all should do, I emailed the IDNR about a possible case and I've yet to be contacted.  As of today (9-19-2018)  the deer carcus is still in the water.  

This is the deer I came across at Jim Edgar Panther Creek. 

Emiquon Preserve Waterfowl Blind Drawing Applications Due October 3rd

Emiquon Nature Preserve - Photo by: Capitol Outdoors

This is a great opportunity for you to hunt Emiquon Nature Preserve.  We have taken the opportunity and have had the luck of hunting at this preserve.  Application Date is fast approaching!  It may be hot outside right now, but hunting season is just around the corner.  The cool mornings and crisp air with be here before you know it.  You'll be watching your dog retrieve those downed birds before you know it.

Public Waterfowl Hunt Rules and Information (Revised 13 September 2018)

nature.org

The Emiquon Preserve is private property owned and managed by the Illinois Chapter of The Nature Conservancy for ecological purposes. Waterfowl hunting is being offered as a public service. For this hunting program at the Preserve, any and all decisions of Conservancy staff or designees are final, and anyone failing to abide by written rules or instructions from Conservancy staff or designees may have hunting privileges at this Preserve revoked. The Conservancy retains the right to modify these rules and to terminate this program at any time without prior notice.

Drawing Application Process

1. To apply for any Advanced Drawing, email or mail the following:

-Name

-Address

-Phone Number

-Email Address

-Advanced drawing(s) you are applying for: Public, Disabled or Youth

-Date(s) (See Below)

Applicants do not choose their hunting site, instead The Nature Conservancy will assign hunting sites and provide a map to those who are successfully selected.

2. Email above to csmith@tnc.org or mail to Illinois Rivers Program Office, 11304 N. Prairie Road, Lewistown, IL 61542.

3. Applications must be received by October 3. Drawings will be on October 4. Notification by October 12.

4. Individuals should only apply once listing all dates they want to hunt.

5. Registering by phone is not permitted.

6. Failure to include all information may disqualify you from the drawing.

Public waterfowl hunting dates:

October: 27, 30. November: 1,3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29. December: 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25.

Youth Date: October 20 and 21.

Disabled Individuals Dates: November 2, 16 and 30 December 14.

2018 Rules:

1. All hunters must have a “Waterfowl Hunting Liability Waiver for 2018” to access the hunting area (signed by a parent, guardian or adult designee of parent or guardian for hunters under 18 years of age). All Waterfowl Hunting Liability Waivers must be deposited in the black lock box prior to hunting. The black lock box is located at a small shed in the Visitor Use Area just east of state Routes 78/97 and about one-half mile north of Dickson Mounds Museum Road

2. Each hunter must individually sign in on the “2018 Daily Hunter Harvest Register” located at a small shed in the Visitor Use Area just east of state Routes 78/97 and about one-half mile north of Dickson Mounds Museum Road prior to hunting. After hunting each person must individually sign out and record their harvest in the “2018 Daily Hunter Harvest Register”. Failure to sign in and out could make you ineligible for future hunts.

3. Hunting will be allowed only in areas designated by Conservancy staff. Hunters must stay within their pre-assigned hunting areas and within 166 yards of their stake and must remain a minimum of 200 yards from any other group.

4. Parking is allowed only at designated areas on the Preserve. Participants may drive only on established/marked roadways. Parking is allowed only on the east side of Clark Road. Note: Parking for each site is limited to a maximum of 4 vehicles.

5. If unable to make your hunting date that you were drawn for, you must notify us within 48 hours so we can fill your site. Failure to notify us could make you ineligible for future hunts.

6. Currently the Conservancy does not charge a fee for public waterfowl hunting at this Preserve. Becoming a member of the Conservancy is encouraged.

7. Any hunter under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult. The responsible adult assumes liability for all actions of the minor and must accompany said minor at all times while on the Preserve.

8. This Preserve has drainage ditches that may be hidden from view under the water. Always keep in mind the location of ditches. Observe extreme caution when wading in any waters.

9. Only artificial blind materials such as lay outs or camouflage netting are allowed. No person may bring natural blind materials onto the Preserve. There shall be no cutting, breaking or clearing of vegetation.

10. The use of Other Power Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs) (utility vehicles, ATVs, Segways, golf carts, etc.) on this property has been assessed in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. OPDMDs are prohibited except on disabled individual hunting dates.

11. Hunters must observe all State and Federal waterfowl regulations. Conservancy staff or designees may be present and violations will be reported to the Conservation Police.

12. The following are prohibited: Gas-powered motors (not even on the boat); unnecessary shooting or shooting at targets; possession of alcohol; dumping of ashes, trash, garbage, chemical waste or other materials; camping; fishing; and open fires.

13. Collecting and/or removing the following are prohibited: rocks, plants, fossils, plant materials, animals (other than legally taken waterfowl), and artifacts.

14. Law Violations or failing to abide by written rules or instructions from Conservancy staff or designees constitutes trespassing and may cause hunting privileges to be revoked.

15. These rules and regulations are subject to change without notice.

16. Only registered watercraft allowed on the lake.

17. Respect the privilege of hunting on this private property and the rights and safety of fellow hunters. Remove all spent shotgun casings and litter from your hunting site.

18. All gear must be removed from the Preserve each day.

19. Hunting ends promptly at 12:00 noon and hunters must vacate the Preserve by 1:00 PM.

· It is approximately 6 miles to the nearest hospital—Mason District Hospital in Havana (309.543.4431 or dial 911).

· To contact Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police call Fulton County Sheriff at 309.547.2277.

· For additional information, contact the Illinois Rivers Program Office at Emiquon 309.547.2730 during office hours (Monday through Thursday).

Press Release from:
Cammy Smith
Operations Administrator

csmith@tnc.org
(309) 547-2730 (Phone)

nature.org

Pittman-Robertson Fund Modernization Bill Passes U.S. House

Since 1937 an excise tax has been placed on outdoor related products in regards to hunting.  Hunters may know it as the Pittman-Robertson Act and this program was so successful in the 1950s Congress enacted the Dingell–Johnson Act.  Regardless of what you call it now, this is hunting and fishing conservation at it's best.  Money collected is given to the Secretary of the Interior and then divided among the states using a formula that takes into account both a state's size and number of licensed hunters. In 2018, Illinois received over $22.9 million from these funds. 

United States Capitol Building 
Photo Credit: Capitol Outdoors

On September 12, 2018 the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2591, the Modernizing the Pittman-Robertson Fund for Tomorrow's Needs Act of 2017, on a voice vote.

Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area WIngshooting Clinic Sept. 22 - 23

Hunters Wingshooting Clinic at the Des Plaines SFWA

Sept. 22-23

WILMINGTON, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the IllinoisConservation Foundation are sponsoring a Hunters Wingshooting Clinic on Saturday and Sunday, September 22-23 at the Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area near Wilmington.

The Hunters Wingshooting Clinic at the Des Plaines SFWA in Will County consists of two 4- hour wingshooting sessions each day. Morning sessions run from 8 a.m. until 12 noon, and afternoon sessions run from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. The clinic sessions are taught by instructors certified by both the National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) and the IDNR. The clinics are designed primarily to improve the wingshooting skills of hunters. Hunters interested in improving their ability to hit moving targets with a shotgun are encouraged to attend. However, these wingshooting clinics are not limited only to hunters. Adults who want to learn to shoot a shotgun, or who want to improve their shotgun shooting ability, can attend. Young hunters and young clay target shooters that are at least at the novice shotgun shooting skill level will benefit by attending as well. Shotgun shooters who just want to experience shooting an interesting sporting clays course can also attend. In addition, participants will have a fun time shooting with friends or new acquaintances with similar shooting abilities.

Hunters Wingshooting Clinics are hands-on and include extensive live fire at a variety of clay target presentations on a specially-designed sporting clays course. For the two-day clinic, the sporting clays course will be set up on that part of the Des Plaines SFWA east of Interstate 55. The clay target presentations represent typical hunting scenarios. From ducks and doves to pheasants, quail and rabbits, hunters will find clay target presentations that resemble their favorite, as well as their most troublesome, shots. Since upland game, woodcock and waterfowl seasons will be right around the corner, there will be presentations typical of upland game and waterfowl hunting, as well as the elusive woodcock, to provide an opportunity for hunters to tune-up their shooting skills.

The participant-to-instructor ratio is four to one. Typically, participants are matched with others of similar shooting ability. There will be a short (approximately 10-15 minute) briefing about shotgun safety, shotgun handling and on-range safety protocols at the start of each session. Advanced registration is required, and the fee for a session is $30 per person. Registration forms for the IDNR/Des Plaines SFWA Hunters Wingshooting Clinic can be accessed at: https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/recreation/wingshooting/Pages/default.aspx . Click on the dates for the clinic to access the appropriate forms. Follow the instructions on the forms.

Illinois Fall Trout Season Opens October 20

Update:  Capitol Outdoors was just informed that several lakes were not included in this list for Dupage County:  Silver Lake at Blackwell, Pickerel Lake at Pratt’s Wayne Woods in Wayne and Grove Lake at Wood Dale Grove in Wood Dale.
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If you've been following Capitol Outdoors for a while, you've seen we're big fans of the Spring and Fall Inland Trout Season.  It's a great time to introduce new people to fishing and just a good time to be outside.  This season, however, is going to be a little different for me when it comes to the opener.  You see, some of my very first fishing memories were of me inland trout fishing and now I get to share those moments with my daughter Autumn. It has been fun watching her as she experiences the outdoors.

This year, 57 (four new fall sites added) sites will be stocked prior to opening day, which is October 20th.  Remember to buy that trout stamp, because without it the program would not exist.  

Read some of our other articles "Capitol Outdoors' Tips and Tricks for Inland Trout Fishing" watch our youtube video from a few years back - Trout Fishing at Southwind Park Springfield.

Illinois Fall Trout Season Opens October 20

The Fall Catch-and-Release Fly Fishing Season Opens October 6 at select sites*

2017 fall opener at Gridley Lake

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The 2018 Illinois Fall Trout Fishing Season opens on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 57 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state.

Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area Trapping Allocation Permit Drawing 2018

Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife area will be having their trapping permit allocation on October 6th at 1:30 pm.  Registration for the drawing will begin at 1:00 pm.  Trapping is a vital part of conservation and helps keep wildlife population in check.  If you've been to Gridley Lake lately, you'll see the beavers have gone to town on the trees.   Below you'll see all the information you'll need if you are interested.   Good luck. 

Trapping Demonstration at 2017 National Convention  in Winnebago County

IDNR to Allocate Trapping Permits for Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA

CHANDLERVILLE, IL – A public drawing for the allocation of trapping permits for Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area will be held on Sat., Oct. 6, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. Registration will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the site headquarters, located approximately five miles southeast of Chandlerville.

Outdoor News and Dates for September 2018 - Illinois Department of Natural Resources

The IDNR Newsbits is a quick 411 of events and dates provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources each month.  While this is not a full list of outdoor events throughout the state, this is a great list if you are interested in agency events.

IDNR Newsbits for September 2018

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Public Informational Meetings are Scheduled throughout Illinois

Today, you can look up just about anything on the internet and find almost anything about everything.  The problem is that this cyclone of information that is thrown at you on a daily basis, may not even be true.  Many people take to the internet hoping to find the most up to date information on a topic and sometimes get sucked into this web of rants, lies and misinformation.  As sportsmen and women we have to do better, we must do better.  Issues like CWD have taken over Facebook groups and forums, where people are leaving comments with information that they believe to be true.  Unfortunately, many people do not have all the facts.  Being an active member of the outdoor community, attending events like the one below, allows us as hunters, anglers and outdoors men and women, to be the voice for the outdoors, to stand up and discuss our opinions and concerns related to various topics including CWD.

Below you'll see some opportunities to learn more about CWD and the concern the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and other agencies have.  We will be attending this event and we hope to see many of you there.

Dove and Upland Game Hunters Beware of New Non-Toxic Restrictions

We at CO have been using non-toxic shot for a while now, not necessarily because it is eco friendly, but because most of the sites we go to have it as a mandatory regulation.  The IDNR is now putting even more sites under the non-toxic shot restriction.  With DOVE hunting opening September 1st (tomorrow) please share this, so fellow hunters know and obey site rules. 

Non-toxic Shot Requirements in Effect at Additional Illinois Hunting Sites for 2018-19 Dove, Controlled Pheasant and Upland Hunting Seasons

From page 38 of the 2018 - 2019 Illinois Hunter Digest 

Illinois Waterfowl Hunting Dates for 2018 - 2019 Released

A little over a month ago waterfowl hunters from across the state came together for the 2018 - 2019 waterfowl blind allocations.  Below you'll see the respected zone and their dates for the 2018 -2019 Illinois Waterfowl Season.  Again a 60 day duck season, 100 day Canada goose season and a liberal teal season are all evidence of great conservation by you the hunter and supporter of wetlands. 

IDNR Announces 2018-19 Waterfowl Hunting Season Dates

How to get a Hook Out of Your Hand - The Tip Every Angler Should Know

Splash, my lure hit the water and I began cranking the reel.  My buddy Matt and I were working some baits through weeds when  "WHAM"...

"Got one" I said.  

"Is it a good one?"Matt asked.  

"Feels like it" I responded.

IDNR and ICF Honor Volunteer of the Year Recipients and Hall of Fame Inductees During Conservation Day at Illinois State Fair

Conservation Day at the 2018 State Fair was buzzing with activity.  Governor Rauner signed two pieces of legislation, volunteers received recognition as well as the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Class of 2018 was recognized.  You can watch the LIVE broadcast here:

The 2018 IDNR Outstanding Volunteers of the Year are:

Governor Rauner signs two hunting bills on Conservation Day at Illinois State Fair

Governor Signs HB 4231 and HB 5317 into law. 

Springfield, IL -  Today, Governor Rauner signed two hunting related bills into law.  Alongside DNR Director Rosenthal, the Governor signed HB 4231, Blaze Pink Clothing Bill and HB 5317, Wildlife Restiatution Bill.

McKinney and Wijangco Jr. Bassmaster Champions from Illinois Talk On the Water Advice

Carter Wijangco (left) and Trey McKinney showing off their bass at the National Championship
Photo provided by: Jill Wijangco

By: Michael Rasmussen 

Published August 16, 2018

Springfield, IL-- Fishing is a mental sport. It's not like football or baseball or basketball. It's a head game and those who have a strong mind can become strong anglers. And in this sport, you can't take your frustration out on the next cast or to the next spot. 

Don't get me wrong, of course it takes skill to be a successful angler, but being on the water and being able to brush past the snags, the birdsnests, and the fish that got away, takes perseverance. I have been there, on the water, fishing in a tournament and nothing is going my way. Whether it be losing tackle, snagging or your line issues. Being able to push past all of that and continue pushing towards your goal of catching keeper fish takes practice. Like I said, its all mental.

This sport has taken off and many high school and junior high school students are getting involved and it is growing bigger each year. I had the privilege of talking with two of those young anglers who tackled the game of fishing in tournaments and came out on top bringing the Jr. Bassmaster Championship to Illinois, a state where some say the fisheries are lacking compared to other states.

Rick Cheatham (left) , Trey McKinney (center) and Carter Wijangco wiht their National Championship Trophies
Photo provided by Jill Wijanco 

Early this season, Trey McKinney (age 13) and Carter Wijangco (age 14) fished in the Jr. Bassmaster Division held at Lake Springfield for the Illinois Bass Nation Jr. State Finals.   Carter took second place with 5 fish for 7.53 lbs. And Trey was the State Champion, winning with 5 fish for 10.36 lbs and big bass of the tournament at 2.56 lbs. These wins secured their spots for the Jr. Bassmaster Championship in Tennessee.

Their final weight for the Jr. Bassmaster Championship was 17lbs 6 ounces, which secured them their Championship title by only an ounce. Fishing numerous baits, throughout the day and during practice, they kept their heads down and used the experience from last years championship, held on the same lake, to push them ahead.

And they didn't stop there. Trey McKinney went on to fish the FLW Bass Federation World Junior Championship at Arkansas’ Lake Hamilton and won that title as well.

The championship wins are a great accomplishment for these two, but what is also important is the behind the scenes, the mental game and the learning experience. These two young anglers had great advice for battling the waters, which transcends generations and even got me thinking.

Carter, who is going to be a high school angler next year, is excited to enter the realm of high school fishing and he knows it will be a challenge.  His advice to new and old anglers was simple:

"Every time you go out on the water, try and learn something new. " Carter said.  "If you keep learning, you will be better every time you go out on the water.  And if you always just throw a swim jig, you won't really learn how anything else fishes."

This really struck me because, how many anglers out there get in this rut, where they catch fish on this one lure and then think that every single time they go out they have to throw that lure.  And not only that, fish the same spot where they caught that monster 5 years ago.

Trey, an 8th grader who has one more year before high school, said that he is "going to put his head down and fish"  his last year in the juniors.  "Confidence is key," he said. "if you don't have the confidence, it will hurt the way you fish."

Their fishing season is winding down and Carter, a wrestler will be entering that sport this winter.  Both Trey and Carter love the outdoors, and as hunting season approaches they both will be getting ready to enter the field. 

With all sports, there are many people behind the champions.  We spoke with both Carter and Trey's mom and asked what this meant to them as parents.

It means "that there is a finally a payoff for the hard work." Jill Wijangco, Carter's mother said.  "All the times, I have driven him to ponds and tournaments.  It made me think back on all the tournaments and that it was great to finally get the recognition. My dad got Carter into fishing and he passed away three years ago.  I hope that he was looking down from above."

Kim McKinney, Trey's mother said that,  "It was like a dream come true.  We are not a fishing family.  We are a horsing family. We didn't have anyone that fished.  We kept trying to stay positive and prayed that someone would come and help Trey.  He put all the work in.  He is like sponge, always absorbing things.  It has just been a dream.  It has opened so many doors.  It is just like wow.  It has all come from God, opening and closing doors and meeting the right people."

A big thank you to all the parents and supporters of youth in fishing.  Many kids today are more focused on technology and far too many have their heads stuck on the screen rather than outdoors.  We commend these young anglers for branching out and succeeding in an unconventional sport.

Whether you are just getting into the sport or fishing tournaments as a pro, take what these young champion anglers have said to heart.  Confidence and continuously learning are two top things for every angler to achieve.   You are never too young or too old to learn something new from someone either younger or older than you. When I first started writing this article it was going to be about what these two anglers caught their fish on or how the tournament went, but after talking with them they have inspired me and I will always try and remember their advice while out on the water.

Congratulations Carter and Trey and we look forward to covering some of the tournaments you will fish in next year.

 

Illinois Waterfowl Groups and Hunters Meet to Discuss Unified Message to JCAR and IDNR

Waterfowl organizations along with the President of the Illinois Federation Outdoor Resources (IFOR) and other members met at the Migratory Waterfowl Hunters Inc. (MWH) building in Alton, Illinois to discuss the proposed rule changes regarding waterfowl blind material. This proposed rule is currently in front of JCAR with the possibility of a vote being taken on August 14th. JCAR is ‘a bipartisan legislative oversight committee authorized to conduct systematic reviews of administrative rules for state agencies.’ To fully understand the gravity of the issue at hand, you should know about the JCAR process.