Hunters Harvest A Total of 80,896 Deer During the 2018 Illinois Firearm Season

State Representative Jerry Costello II with a nice buck

Firearm deer season has come to an end.  Muzzleloader only is this coming weekend.  If you harvest a deer this weekend, send in your photos to capitoloutdoors@gmail.com and you could be featured in next week's numbers.

Young Hunters Can Register Now for Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt

Young Hunters Can Register Now for Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt

Annual Youth Hunt is January 20-21, 2019 in Fulton County

Tyler and his dog Kimber on a successful early season goose hunt.

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Youth interested in participating in the annual Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt, sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), may register now for the hunt scheduled for January 20-21, 2019.

December 2018 IDNR Newsbits

Here is the list of event dates and reminders from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources:

IDNR Newsbits - December 2018

Archery Deer and Fall Turkey Permits: Illinois Archery Deer and Illinois Archery Fall Turkey seasons are open through Jan. 20, 2019. Permits are available over-the-counter at DNR Direct license and permit vendors. Find a vendor near you at this link: http://dnr.illinois.gov/DNRDirectMonitor/VendorListing.aspx

2019 Illinois Fishing & Hunting Expos

Expo season is right around the corner and we will once again be attending many of the expos around the State of Illinois.  Here at Capitol Outdoors this is a time where we see old friends, and meet some new ones as well.  It's also a time for local businesses that have come to light in the last year to promote their business.

Here is a list of some of the expos we know that are coming up. Send us information for your expo or other outdoor shows at capitoloutdoors@gmail.com.

Each show has a clickable link which will take you to their website for more information.

- Let’s Go Fishing Show

Jan. 4 - 6th 2019

Gateway Center

Collinsville, IL

- Chicago Boat, RV & Sail Show

Jan. 9 - 13th 2019

McCormick Place -South

Chicago, IL

- All-Canada Show

Jan. 10 - 13th 2019

Pheasant Run Mega Center

St. Charles, Illinois

-Chicago Muskie Expo

Jan. 18 - 20th 2019

Pheasant Run Resort

St Charles, IL

-Illinois Fish & Feather Expo

January 25 -27th 2019

Interstate Center

Bloomington, Illinois

-Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo

January 24 -27th 2019

Schaumburg Convention Center

Schaumburg, Illinois

-Southern Illinois Boat & Fishing Show

February 1 -3rd 2019

Marion, Illinois

-Tinley Park Fishing Big Show 

February 9-10th 2019

Tinley Park High School

Tinley Park,Illinois

-Rockford Boat, Vacation & Fishing Show

Feb. 8 -10th 2019

Indoor Sports Center

Loves Park, Illinois

-Central Illinois Outdoor Expo

February 9-10th 2019

Otto Center

Arthur, Illinois

- The QCCA Expo Center Outdoor Show

Feb. 14 - 17th 2019

QCCA Expo Center

Rock Island, Illinois 

-Pheasant Fest (National)

Feb 22-24th 2019

Schaumburg Convention Center

Schaumburg, Illinois

- 26th Annual Boat Show

Feb. 22 - 24th 2019

Illinois State Fairgrounds

Springfield, Illinois

-Northern Illinois Boat Show

Feb. 28th - March 3rd 2018

New Lake County Fairgrounds

Grayslake, Illinois

-Elmwood All Outdoors Show

March 2 - 3rd 2018

Elmwood Community Schools

Elmwood, Illinois

-Fish and Hook Sport Show

March 9th 2018

VFW 5788

Lockport, Illinois

More shows and dates will be added as they become available. 

Spring Illinois Recreational Access Program Turkey Applications Out

Here at Capitol Outdoors, we say this a lot, it's that time of year again!  Yep, it's that time of year again, to apply for the turkey hunting on Illinois Recreational Access Program participants land.  Below you'll see the dates, information and how to's of applying for the IRAP hunting opportunities.

Have you ever said to yourself, I wish I had some private land to hunt on?  Well, that's what this is!  IRAP works with landowners, that have specific regulations to help make the best habitat for wildlife, and opens their land up for hunters.  Success rates are high and hunting is fierce.  

IDNR Offers 2019 Spring Turkey Hunting on Private Property Through the IRAP Public Access Program

Youth Hunters and Adult Hunters Can Apply Today

Archery Deer Numbers Still Up After First Firearm Season

Archery deer hunters are back in the stand after last weeks First Firearm Season.  Numbers are still up and some big bucks are being taken this year.  Buck consist of 54% of the harvest but have "Dropped significantly during the past seven days compared to previous weeks".   I'm excited to see how the numbers during the second firearm season will compare.  Please send your pictures in and share them with the Capitol Outdoors community.

Rick with a big 9 pointer during the 2018 first firearm season.

First Season of Shotgun Deer Totals Up

Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary total of 58,836 deer during the first weekend of the Illinois Firearm Deer Season on Nov. 16-18. Hunters took 51,450 deer during the first firearm weekend in 2017.

2018 Black Friday Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Ads

Everyone loves a good deal, especially when it comes to hunting and fishing gear! We are always keeping an eye out for those special prices! Are you looking for a new addition to your tournament tackle, interested in a new graph or perhaps you are looking for that new shotgun? Check out the deals in the stores below!  We have worked with many of these companies, they are great people with exceptional products for those who love the outdoors. Is there a store that you know offers some great deals.  Email us and let us know about the deal.

Are you a Bass Fisherman looking to up your spinnerbait game?  

Make spinnerbaits cool again with Angler Assets! Be sure and check out the Double Willow at LandBigFish.com.  Available in a variety of proven colors and incorporating unique plazma skirt material, the Angler Assets Plazma Series Spinnerbaits give the fish a new look and the angler the competitive edge.

You can also find Angler Assets at Scheels and Tackle Warehouse. 

Give yourself the edge on the water with Basset Baits plastics and other tackle. 

Check out the Phantom Craw. It is an all around bait, trailer, texas rig, wobbleheads.  It is a must have in your arsenal.

Proven Big Bass Catcher. 

Variety of colors available. Bait Shown in Milky Way.

For the Crappie and Ice Fishing Enthusiast, check out Brushpile Jigs, where you'll find an assortment of plastics for all your pan fishing needs. 

Brushpile plastics help you catch more fish with their UV enhancement on all their lures.

Many options available for purchase. 

Do you worry about your fish staying alive in your live well? You need the New Pro Product VT-2 System. 

A livewell equipped with the V-T2 Livewell Ventilation System allows you to weigh-in with confidence, avoid penalties and dramatically reduce the risk of stress-delayed-mortality after the release.

This product really helped keep our fish alive this summer. 

There is nothing like fishing in some of the shadows of some of Chicago's biggest skyscrapers.  Be sure and check out Pat Harrison Outdoors. 

Pat Harrison is a full-time licensed fishing guide, United States Coast Guard licensed charter captain, and influential angler from Northern Illinois. A resident of Northwest Chicago suburb of Park Ridge, Harrison has over 38 years worth of angling experience, with 9 seasons of guiding under his belt. After taking courses and undergoing certification, Pat became a USCG certified captain 3 years ago.

10% off on 1/2 day trip and 15% off on full day trip until Christmas

Let Captain Pat know that Capitol Outdoors sent ya!

patharrisonoutdoors.com

Gear up for next year with a custom designed jersey from Sublime Wear.  Have an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party to go to? Get your ugly sweater from Sublime as well! 

They are a dye sublimation company that manufactures their product from start to finish; from processing the order, to design, printing, pressing sewing and shipping, it is all done right there. 

Sublime Wear Custom Jersey

Do you want to start capturing video of your fishing trips?  Let Yolotek Power Your Adventures this year! 

Voted Best New Product at the Bassmaster Classic and Best in Show at ICast the Powerstick is a must-have product! Check out their many awesome products today. 

Use promo code: CAPITOLOUTDOORS for free shipping! 

Powering Your Adventures: Yolotek.com

Below you can find links to come of the bigger outdoor stores!  Be sure and check with your local bait shops and hunting stores.  Support your local businesses! 

Academy Sports

Bass Pro/Cabelas

Dicks Sporting Goods

Gander Outdoors

Farm and Home 

Land Big Fish

Presley's 

Tackle Warehouse

Scheels

Ad won't be released until Nov. 22nd

Happy Sale Hunting! 

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.   

IDNR Reminds Hunters of CWD Check-ins, Firearm Safety and more for Upcoming Season

Below you'll see a press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources about CWD check-ins, firearm safety and more for the upcoming firearm season.  In addition there are some important links, dates and county information.  Good luck!

Deer hunters are reminded to focus on safety as the 2018 Illinois Firearm Deer Season opens this week. The seven-day firearm season begins this Friday, Nov. 16 through Sunday, Nov. 18. A second round of firearm deer hunting will be held from Nov. 29-Dec. 2.

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.

Illinois Archery Turkey Harvest Numbers See Slight Increase

In the hunting, fishing and outdoor community there are so many niches.  Many of those cross, such has hunting and fishing in general.  However, there are those that specifically only hunt deer or in this case turkey.  While some of these may have been harvested through a deer hunt, it's great to see a healthy turkey population.  One of America's most successful conservation stories.

The preliminary numbers are out for the fall turkey.  Below you'll see that the numbers are up slightly but, the number that has me smiling is the consistency of the numbers over the five year average.  If you're interested you can check the county by county numbers HERE.

Through Wednesday, October 31, 2018, Illinois archery turkey hunters harvested a preliminary total of 348 turkeys, compared to 325 for the same period in 2017. The 5-year average harvest total for this time period is 316. 

The top counties for harvest were Cass (12), Jefferson (11), Pike (10), Macoupin (10), Lasalle (10), and Jackson (10). 

Harvest has consisted of 62% hens and 38% toms (205:127) 

(The Fall Archery Turkey Season opened on Oct. 1, 2018 and continues through Jan. 20, 2019)

November Reminders and Dates - IDNR Newsbits

IDNR Newsbits – Nov. 2018

November is a great time for hunting, fishing, leaf peeping, and just plan enjoying the outdoors

• Remaining Firearm Deer Permits: A limited number of Illinois firearm and muzzleloader deer permits are available over-the-counter (OTC) from DNR Direct license and permit vendors through Dec. 2, or until quotas are exhausted. Find a vendor near you at this link: http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/LPR/Pages/LicensePermitVendors.aspx

Loyola and Glenbrook South September Tournament Results

Seven boats took off in late September in a high school tournament on Liberty Lake in Libertyville, IL.  Loyola and Glenbrook South High School hit this private lake owned by the Hick's Family. John Hicks is one of the assistant coaches and parents of a senior at GBS. They provide student anglers with the opportunity to practice and compete against each other and other schools.

Seven boats total, four from GBS and three from Loyola participated in the 4 hour competition. Six boats weighed in fish at the end with some decent weight.  GBS finished 1st, 2nd and 4th while Loyola took 3rd place but also had the Big Bass at 3.68 lbs.  At this level every fish matters even if it's not a bass, anglers from Loyola caught  a 42" northern pike.

NICE GOING ANGLERS!!!

Top Three teams were:
1. Nick Schaefer, Aiden Osakada and Riley Racana - GBS Boat 1: 2.31 lbs BB and 10.14 lbs total

2. Joe Winandy, Tommy Gebien and Evan Hartshorne - GBS Boat 2: 1.87 lbs BB and 7.65 lbs total
3. Patrick Gunnison, John Daguinsin and Nick Lovcik - Loyola Boat 2: 3.68 lbs BB and 7.25 lbs total

• Total Tournament Results 
• GBS Boat 1: 2.31 lbs BB and 10.14 lbs total
• GBS Boat 2: 1.87 lbs BB and 7.65 lbs total
• Loyola Boat 2: 3.68 lbs BB and 7.25 lbs total
• GBS Boat 3: 1.82 lbs BB and 7.12 lbs total
• Loyola Boat 1: 1.54 lbs BB and 4.65 lbs total
• Loyola Boat 3: 2.62 lbs BB and 4.6 lbs total

Story submitted by: Justin Zummo, Coach for Glenbrook South High School