Illinois Laws regarding Hunting and Fishing that are effective January 1, 2016

Illinois Laws regarding Hunting and Fishing that are effective January 1, 2016

Last year we brought you a list of 2014 laws that would become effective in 2015 .  Currently there are over 4,000 bills that have been introduced in the 99th General Assembly.  Here are the pieces of legislation that were signed by Governor Bruce Rauner and will become effective January 1, 2016.

Youth Hunters: Register Now for Pere Marquette Controlled Pheasant Hunt and Wingshooting Clinic

Youth Hunters: Register Now for Pere Marquette Controlled Pheasant Hunt and Wingshooting Clinic

If your youngster is interested in upland game hunting or has never been on a pheasant hunt, the Pere Marquette State Park is holding a wingshooting clinic and controlled pheasant hunt on March 5, 2016.  These types of opportunities help youngsters become involved and interested in the outdoors.

GRAFTON, IL – Young hunters between the ages of 10-15 can apply now for the Pere Marquette Youth Wingshooting Clinic and Pheasant Hunt scheduled for Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Pere Marquette State Park in Jersey Co.

Illinois Muzzleloader Season Totals Show Decrease

llinois Muzzleloader Season Totals Show Decrease

Illinois' Muzzleloader Season showed a decrease in deer harvested compared to last year. This is the first time this year in which harvest reports showed a decrease from last year.  That includes the shotgun and bow seasons to date.  Its hard to tell if this weather has had something to do with this particular decrease or if shotgun season picked up the slack this year.  One thing is forsure there's a lot of people that are watching these numbers commenting and post their disbelief.

"The totals from the Muzzleloader Season held Dec. 11-13. Hunters took 2,375 deer, compared to 3,444 in 2014. Harvest sex ratios were 52% female to 48% male (1,239 female:1,136 male). "

2016 - 2020 Illinois Waterfowl Proposed Zones and Dates Finalized

2016 - 2020 Illinois Waterfowl Zones and Dates Finalized

Before 2015 waterfowl season began the Illinois Department of Natural Resources began preparing for the waterfowl season ahead.  2016 - 2020 Illinois Waterfowl Proposed Zones and Dates were first released back in October for the public input.  The proposed dates and zone are compiled by open houses, hunter surveys and constituents writing the IDNR with their opinion.  The IDNR released the finalized dates and zones for the the 2016 -2020 season.  Click the link above where you'll be able to compare the propose dates and zones with the final version.

Finalized Zones and Dates