(SB 2342)(HB 5788) Catfish May Soon Be Taken by Bow & Arrow and Other Devices in Illinois

Catfish May Soon Be Taken by Bow & Arrow and Other Devices in Illinois

If you bowfish, use an underwater spear gun or pitch fork to harvest fish, you soon could take catfish. Senator David S. Luechtefeld (Republican Okawville, Illinois) introduced legislation that would add catfish to the list of aquatic species taken by these devices.

SB2342 - FISHING AUTHORIZATION & LIMITS

Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Adds catfish to the list of aquatic life that may be taken by pitchfork, underwater spear gun, bow and arrow or bow and arrow device, including a sling shot bow, spear, or gig. Provides that specified fish shall not be sold or bartered unless authorized by the Department of Natural Resources. Provides that the daily take, harvest limits, or additional species are subject to and set forth in administrative rule.

This bill was introduced January 28, 2016.

(HB 4547 & SB 3170) Concealed Carry while Hunting Bill Introduced in Illinois

Concealed Carry while Hunting Bill Introduced in Illinois

Those that are valid concealed carry holders in Illinois may be able to carry their firearms while deer hunting.  Representative David Reis, (Republican - Olney, Illinois) introduced new legislation.  This has been an ongoing debate since concealed carry has come to Illinois.  If this sounds familiar a similar bill HB 346 was introduced and sat in the Judiciary Committee collecting dust.

HB 4547 -  HUNTING-CARRYING HANDGUNS 

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that a person with a valid concealed carry license issued under the Firearm Concealed Carry Act, or an off-duty law enforcement official or officer, may carry a handgun on or about his or her person while hunting. Effective immediately.

The bill was filed on January 27, 2016 and if approved by the legislature and governor the bill would take effect immediately.

Illinois Spring Snow Goose Hunting

My brother Rick with his first snow!

Illinois Spring Snow Goose Hunting

Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago there wasn't much talk about hunting snow geese. Every now and then we would see a small flock while in the blind but, that's it.  It wasn't until I moved to Central Illinois that I began hearing, learning and seeing snow geese.

IDNR Delivers Rules to Implement Regulated Harvest of Bobcats

IDNR Delivers Rules to Implement Regulated Harvest of Bobcats 

Below is a press releases from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources regarding the harvesting of bobcats in Illinois.  The Bobcat Bill was approved by Governor Rauner on July 15, 2015. Read about the Illinois Bobcat Hunting Bill Clears House Hurdle history.