Illinois Recreational Access Program Announces Applications for Archery Deer Hunting

Does the acronym IRAP sounds familiar? There has been a lot of talk this year from Illinois Recreational Access Program administrators (IRAP).  IRAP provides grounds that allows youth and adults to hunt deer, waterfowl, turkey and more.  Below you'll see information on IRAP, as well as the process for applying for archery deer hunting on IRAP grounds.  If you would like to know more about IRAP,  Capitol Outdoors attended a press conference where Congressman Rodney Davis, Director Wayne Rosenthal and many others discuss the funding of the Farm Bill and the importance of CRP and the IRAP program.  Watch it here!

IDNR IRAP Program Accepting Applications for Archery Deer Hunting on Private Property

IDNR Events and Permit Deadlines - August 2018 Newsbits

Here is a list of events, permits deadlines and more from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Illinois DNR Newsbits – August 2018

Firearm Deer Permits: Permit applications will be accepted until Aug. 17 for the third lottery drawing for 2018 Illinois firearm and muzzleloader deer permits. For details, check the IDNR website at https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/DeerHunting.aspx

IDNR Fails to Address Waterfowl Hunters Regarding Proposed Rule Changes at Blind Drawings Across the State

This past weekend thousands of waterfowl hunters and enthusiasts attended waterfowl blind drawings across Illinois and how many of them received information from the DNR related to this new proposed rule regarding waterfowl blinds?  Most likely, very few people received any information about this.    If you recall we informed you of this when it was first introduced as legislation and it has since been filed as an administrative rule that is going through the JCAR process.  During the first notice period, public comments are sent to the DNR related to the new rule.  From the DNR 2nd Notice report you can see how many comments were sent in. 

How many comments were received?
Following this proposal going on first notice, the Department received 382 comments regarding the proposed change. 380 comments were in opposition to the original proposed change, one comment in support of the change, and one commenter’s position was unknown.

Illinois Controlled Pheasant Hunting Reservations Open August 6th

Controlled pheasant hunting is right around the corner and starting August 6th at 8:30 a.m. upland hunters will be able to apply for a permit.  There will be 18 sites throughout Illinois this year where you can put your wingshooting and dog handling skills to the test.  

Below you'll see all the information regarding one of Illinois' most popular outdoor activities. 

Illinois Controlled Pheasant Hunting Reservation Information Now Available Online

Online application period for IDNR-managed sites begins Aug. 6

Last year our family headed out to Jim Edgar Panther Creek and did some Upland Hunting

Information Regarding Youth Firearm Deer Season at Jim Edgar Panther Creek

You hear it all the time from non-profits, agencies and others, we need to get youth involved in hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities.  Here is another good event.  A total of 75 youth hunters will have the privilege of shotgun hunting Jim Edgar Panther Creek October 6 - 8.  Not only is it a good opportunity for youth to get involved, but it's on some of the best public hunting in Illinois.  If you have a youth that is interested, make sure to follow the instructions below.  Since, this weekend is also the first weekend of the archery season, hunters may have to rearrange a few things as archery hunters will NOT be allowed to hunt in the Open Units. 

Apply Now for Youth Firearm Deer Season at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area

Youth season is a great opportunity to get youth the experience in the outdoors.