7 Tips to Prepare for Waterfowl Season

7 Tips to Prepare for Waterfowl Season

With the growing population of waterfowl hunters, Capitol Outdoors wants to bring you our checklist for the upcoming season. Remember that its not about the kill, it's about enjoying the Great Outdoors. Many problems that hunters have in the field stem from the lack of preparation prior to the season.

Location

• The new technology that hunters have today allows them to use many features prior to the hunt for location ie; Google Maps, Bing and FlashEarth. These are just some of the tools we use to select possible locations. Along with these map technologies there are hunting forums that are used to find tricks, tips and helpful suggestions in regards to location and other various hunting related topics. Regardless of these technologies, the best way to get to know your location is to get out and scout. You will gain the experience needed come hunting season.

New rules for Hunting at Emiquon - Illinois Waterfowlers Beware

New rules for Hunting at Emiquon - Illinois Waterfowlers Beware

Earlier today Capitol Outdoors received an email from the Illinois Nature Conservancy's staff.  They asked us to share their press release with our followers about some of this year's changes. Their will no longer be a daily draw, but a permitting system.  A great idea! 

Emiquon is one of our favorite spots to hunt and fish.

If you have ever hunted Emiquon then you know that hunters from around the state put their name in for one of these limited, but special spots.  This new permitting system has our support because you now know prior to what stake you'll be hunting.  Getting a stake here is like the Hunger Games, "may the odds be forever in your favor." The problem is the odds are never in your favor. I heard over one hundred people end up showing up for these seven prime spots.  This permitting system will allow you to plan your hunting season better.   

National Hunting and Fishing Day - Enjoy Hunting and Fishing in Illinois

National Hunting and Fishing Day - Enjoy Hunting and Fishing in Illinois 

Illinoisans can celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day this weekend by either going to Northern or Southern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Days or by attending their local state park.

What is National Hunting and Fishing Day? 

Does the date May 2, 1972 ring a bell for you?  No, well it should.   "I urge all citizens to join with outdoor sportsmen in the wise use of our natural resources and in insuring their proper management for the benefit of future generations" wrote President Richard Nixon while signing the first proclamation of National Hunting and Fishing Days.

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.