The Illinois DNR released their preliminary numbers which concludes the 2017 -2018 Illinois Whitetail Season. This year, hunters harvested 147,535 during ALL of the seasons, an increase in 3,232 from the 2016 - 2017 season. The only decline in numbers were during the youth season, a drop of about 1,100. If you're wondering specifics on the crossbow numberswe'll have more information coming to you later.
Illinois’ 2017-18 Deer Seasons Conclude with Preliminary Harvest of 147,535 Deer
Over the past several years, Capitol Outdoors has been attending NRAB meetings. Now, if you haven't heard of NRAB don't worry, 99% of hunters and anglers haven't. NRAB stands for the Natural Resources Advisory Board and according to the DNR is as follows:
The Advisory Board is statutorily created to advise the agency on long range policies to assist in guiding the protection and conservation of renewable resources of the state and recommend changes in hunting and trapping seasons and bag or possession limits. They also recommend to the Director which projects receive funding in bike, boat, and Open Space Lands Aquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant programs. Members serve six year terms and are appointed by the Governor. The Board holds quarterly meetings with time allotted for public comment on any topic.
In other words, NRAB hears proposals from the DNR and other constituents in order to recommend changes within hunting and fishing seasons, as well as our state parks. Each quarter NRAB meets to discuss what has happened in the last few months and to discuss any of those possible changes. Over these past years as we have attended these meetings Capitol Outdoors has realized how there is a gap in how this information travels to the public. That is why starting at the first 2018 meeting of NRAB we will be broadcasting these meetings live on our Facebook. This is so that you the hunter, angler and outdoor enthusiast are given the opportunity to be as informed as possible.
2018 Meeting Dates:
January 22nd - IDNR Headquarters, Springfield, IL - Meeting Agenda
April 30th - IDNR Headquarters, Springfield, IL
July 30th - IDNR Headquarters, Springfield, IL
November 19th - To Be Determined - Whittington, IL - 11:00 a.m.
*Information provided on this website is outdated. Way to go Illinois! We've reached out to the IDNR to get an updated list and roll calls with no response.
Be sure to tune in Monday at 3 p.m. CST to see what NRAB is all about.
Any high school, college or professional athlete that plays a sport has heard these lines from their coach during the off season. For softball and baseball players it's practicing your swing and football players, lifting weights and studying film. Bass fishing is no different, put the work in now and see the success later. As a pro, your off season probably consists of doing commercials for sponsors, seminars and research for the upcoming lake schedule.
Anglers listen at the Student Angler Bass Education Series
As temperatures drop, ice anglers get excited. Walking on water isn't for everyone, however there are those that have the faith. As colder weather approached hard water anglers start chatting on social media and other forums looking for safe ice. In fact, we did a little of our own chatting providing viewers with a few updates at Jim Edgar Panther Creek and our excitement was growing as we saw the future weather forecast.
The New Year brought some frigid temperatures and many chose to stay in on New Year's Day, however, the weather didn't stop Capitol Outdoors and Matt Steele from hitting the ice. We headed to Jim Edgar Panther Creek and in negative degree temperatures searched for some big crappie. However, it didn't quite go as expected. Enjoy the video below: "Box of Chocolates, You Never Know What Your Going to Catch.
Spring Turkey Applications: There is still time for hunters to apply for the second lottery for 2018 Illinois Spring Wild Turkey Season permits. The application deadline for the second lottery is Jan. 11. Go to the IDNR website for more information at https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/TurkeyHunting.aspx
