Archery Deer Numbers To Date

Archery Deer Numbers To Date

Archery Deer Numbers are out and there are no big suprises. Numbers are still down from this time last year. It will be interesting to see the numbers for second shotgun season.

Shotgun Deer Harvest Numbers Down After First Season

Shotgun Deer Harvest Numbers Down After First Season

With the first real cold snap and that rut in full swing it's hard to believe that the 2016 Shotgun Deer Harvest Numbers are Down After the First Season. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources informed hunters that the November 18th - 20th shotgun season harvested a total of 54,452. Compare that to the 57,870 shot during the first season last year.  To make it easy on you that's a difference of 3,418.

Registration Open for Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt

Have a youngster that loves to waterfowl hunt?  The IDNR has an opportunity for them then.  Below is a press released about an opportunity for an Illinois Youth Goose Hunt.  Best of luck for all those that participate.

Registration Open for Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt

Annual Hunt is January 15-16

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Youth interested in participating in the annual Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt, sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), can register now for the hunt, which is scheduled for January 15-16, 2017.

To register for a drawing to participate in the hunt, youth hunters must phone in to the IDNR at 217-785-8060 by theregistration deadline of Friday, December 30, 2018. The youth goose hunt will be held at private waterfowl hunting clubs in the Canton area in Fulton Co.

A lottery drawing involving all youth who phone in to register will be conducted on January 3, 2017, and youth hunters selected will be notified by mail. First-time applicants will be given a priority over previous participants in the drawing.

The hunt is open to youngsters ages 10-15 at the time of the hunt. All applicants must possess a valid Illinois hunting or sportsman's license, have a Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration number, and have a 20 gauge or larger shotgun. Youth hunt participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who must possess a valid firearm owner's identification (FOID) card.

To register for the hunt or for more information, call 217-785-8060.

Illinois Hunting, Fishing & Outdoor Expos 2017

Illinois Hunting, Fishing & Outdoor Expos 2017

Expo season is right around the corner and we will be attending many of the expos around the State of Illinois. 

If you know of an outdoor show in your area, let us know about it! Capitol Outdoors is available to speak at your event!

- Let’s Go Fishing Show
Collinsville, Illinois
Jan. 6-8th 2017


-Chicago Muskie Expo
Chicago, Illinois
Jan. 6-8th 2017

- Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show
Chicago, Illinois
Jan. 11-15th 2017

- All-Canada Show
St. Charles, Illinois
Jan. 12-15th 2017

- Chicago Outdoor Sports Show
Rosemont, Illinois
Jan. 19-22nd 2017

-Chicagoland Gunshow
Rosemont, Illinois
Jan, 19-22nd 2017

-Illinois Fish & Feather Expo
Bloomington, Illinois
Jan. 27-29th 2017

-Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo
Schaumburg, Illinois
Jan. 26-29th  2017

-Tinley Park Fishing Big Show 
Tinley Park,Illinois
Feb. 11-12th 2017

-Rockford Boat, Vacation & Fishing Show
Rockford, Illinois
Feb. 17-19th 2017

-Central Illinois Outdoor Expo
Arthur, Illinois
February 10-11th 2017

- The QCCA Expo Center Outdoor Show
Rock Island, Illinois

Feb. 16-19th 2017

-Pheasant Fest (National)
Minneapolis
Feb 17-19th 2017

-Indiana Deer, Turkey & Waterfowl Expo
Indiana State Fairgrounds
Feb. 23-26th 2017

-Elmwood All Outdoors Show
Elmwood High School
March 4-5th 2017

-Ducks Unlimited National Convention
May 31 - June 4th 2017
San Antonio, Texas

-Spring Valley Outdoors Expo
Spring Valley, IL
TBD

-Midwest Hunt Fest
Wichita, Kansas
TBD

-ICAST 2017
Orlando, Florida
July 11-14th 2017

-Illinois Deer & Turkey Expo
Peoria, Illinois
July 28 - 30th 2017

-Northern Illinois Hunting & Fishing Days 
Silver Springs State Park, Yorkville Illinois
TBD

-Southern Illinois Hunting & Fishing Days 
Carterville, Illinois
TBD

More shows and dates will be added as they become available. 

Email us if you would like something on this list. 

Hunting and Fishing Black Friday Ads 2016

Outdoor Black Friday Ads 2016

Who doesn't like a good deal, right? Whether you are out this Black Friday shopping for deals or in the blind hunting for ducks, we have gathered some ads for you to look at.

Many people shop on Black Friday for Christmas gifts, however a better idea is to look for deals to replenish your supplies.  Stock up on that hunting and fishing gear so that you don't feel it in the wallet when that time comes.

And as always when you are out shopping this Christmas Season remember those that are less fortunate.

Academy Sports

Bass Pro

Blain's Farm and Fleet

Cabelas 

Dicks Sporting Goods

Farm and Home 

Field and Stream

Gander Mountain

Presley's

Scheels

Sportsman Warehouse

Buck Percentage Increase with Latest Preliminary Harvest Numbers

Buck Percentage Increase with Latest Preliminary Harvest Numbers

The archery harvest numbers are out.  The preliminary data was collected through November 13, 2016.  It's easy to see that the rut is on with the increase in harvested bucks.  Plus this little cold snap we had this past weekend didn't hurt.  The below information was provided by Paul Shelton, Manager of Forest Wildlife Program.