Illinois Department of Natural Resources Gives FYI to Lake DePue Waterfowl Hunters

The unofficial start to waterfowl season is just around the corner and whether you'll be shooting clays, hitting the fields for some dove or just getting the grill ready for a long day at blind drawings, it's coming.  Are you attending the drawing at Lake DePue?  If so, this post is for you!  The IDNR is passing along an FYI to those of you who are hunting or plan to hunt Lake DePue State Fish and Wildife Area.  "Due to infrastructure damage at the site, boat access to waterfowl blinds cannot be guaranteed for the 2018 - 2019 waterfowl season".   Interested in attending another drawing?  Check out the 2018 Waterfowl Blind Drawings across the state.

IDNR Alerts Hunters to Ongoing Maintenance Issues at Lake DePue

Access to waterfowl blind sites may not be possible

There's nothing like enjoying a sunrise in the waterfowl blind with some coffee.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources host Bowfishing Tournament July 21

Bowfishing, like so much of the fishing industry, is picking up speed across the country. Much of this increase is due to the invasive species Asian Carp.  Asian carp have been around for quite some time battling their way into our ecosystem. This past year there has been some national attention from professional bass anglers, and politicians like Illinois Lt. Governor and Congressman Adam Kinzinger.  However, the idea to fight and push back against this invasive species is still up for debate due to the increasing cost.  

As some of you know the IDNR has hired commercial fishermen to help dent the population in Northern Illinois along the Dredsend Dam.  But what about the rest of the state?  The IDNR is hosting a Bowfishing Tournament at Wood Duck Marina near Baldwin, Illinois.  This is sure to be a great time and fun for the whole family.  Check the full press release below for price and more information on the tournament.  

Kaskaskia River Rough Fish Roundup Bowfishing

Tournament Planned for July 21

QUACK QUACK... IDNR Releases Dates for and Locations for Waterfowl Blind Drawings

North cool breeze is on the horizon.  It may not seem like it now but, to a public land waterfowl hunter this is the time of year where the blood starts to pump.  It's the first step to those cooler days and waterfowl locked up in your face.  Each year the IDNR draws blinds for  public waterfowl hunting.  There are a few days, so try your luck at multiple locations.  Bring the family it's a good time to cook out have some laugh and hope the odds are in your favor.  In bold you'll see some of the crucial information you'll need in order to qualify for the drawings.  

IDNR Announces Schedule of Waterfowl Blind Site Drawings

Drawings to be held for public hunting area waterfowl blind sites

Auction of Confiscated and Abandoned Property hosted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

As hunters and anglers we're always looking for a good deal.  Many times those deals are found in the off season or in discount sections at various online and other retailers.  What if I told you, you could find a good discount and that the money you pay for your item goes into the State Fish and Wildlife Fund?

We've all heard stories about the poachers that have had their equipment confiscated because of their crimes and other equipment is just left in the field.  Have you ever wondered what happens to that equipment?  This weekend the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is hosting an auction in regards to confiscated and abandoned property.

The last time an auction was held was back in 2013 and it raised $53,145.00.  If you're looking for a good time with food and good deals make sure to put this on your calendar for the weekend.

Read below to read the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Press release and the items up for auction.

IDNR to Conduct Auction of Confiscated and Abandoned Property

Illinois Department of Natural Resources to Host Public Meetings for Proposed Archery Deer Restrictions in Five Eastern Illinois Counties

Back in January, the Natural Resources Advisory Board (NRAB) discussed the possibility of archery restrictions in Champaign, Douglas, Macon, Moultrie and Piatt counties.  If you archery deer hunt in any of these counties, please consider attending one of the informational meetings.  Your voice deserves to be heard in regards to this issue.

Press Release from DNR:

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) invites deer hunters, landowners, and others interested in deer management to attend public meetings regarding potential changes in archery deer hunting regulations in five eastern Illinois counties. The IDNR Division of Wildlife Resources will host the public open house meetings to provide information about the status of deer populations in the affected counties, and to accept comments on a number of alternative management options intended to boost deer populations in Champaign, Douglas, Macon, Moultrie and Piatt counties. Most of these options would require changes to the archery regulations that have been in effect for the past several years. No formal presentation is planned; attendees can stop by at any time during the open house meetings to view informational materials and talk one-on-one to IDNR biologists.

Two public open house meetings are scheduled: 
June 12, 2018, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Forbes Natural History Building (University of Illinois campus) conference room
1816 South Oak Street Champaign, IL 61820

June 14, 2018, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Rock Springs Nature Center auditorium
3939 Nearing Lake, Decatur 62521

Unless there is significant opposition to growing deer herds to currently-adopted county goals, the IDNR would propose changes to the archery deer regulations for the five counties this summer through the State of Illinois’ administrative rules process. Depending on when any regulation changes are approved by the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR), they could go into effect for the upcoming 2018 Archery Deer Season, or they may have to wait until the 2019 season.