Archery and Youth Deer Numbers In

Congrat to my nephew Tyler on his first deer!

Deer harvest numbers are in and they are down.  Not by a lot, only 132 and there were some warm and windy days that kept hunters home. Below you'll see the press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resource Press.  Also we've included the county by county numbers for both arcarey and youth season.

Did your hunting buddy get their first deer during youth season?  Make sure to print up their First Deer Certificate.


ARCHERY DEER SEASON

Through Monday, October 9, 2017, Illinois archery deer hunters harvested a preliminary total of 5,281 deer, compared to 5,413 for the same period in 2016. 

Libertyville High School Kicks Some Bass at Lake Springfield / FLW High School Illinois Open

Any tournament angler knows that when you hit the water it is not you against the other anglers, its more like you against the fish.  From across Illinois and from our neighboring state of Missouri, high school anglers arrived Friday night for registration to take on that challenge.  It was then that they were informed that the tournament would be postponed a day.  A great call by tournament Director Dave Maxfield.  If you were outside on Saturday you can understand why.

Top 5 teams from Sunday's FLW High School Bass Open on Lake Springfield 

Person with Disabilities Application to Hunt at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

I had the privileged to take a buddy I met via facebook out on a hunt.  This compared to all my other hunts was a little different because Nate had spina bifida.  His passion and dedication to the outdoors surpasses many that say the love the outdoors.  However, it took some doing but we finally were able to find a place to go.  If you know someone that has a disability please share this with them.  They may only get a few opportunities a year to enjoy the great outdoors.  

Special Firearm Deer Hunt for Persons with Disabilities at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area on Nov. 2 and 3

Hunters can apply through October 20

KEWANEE, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will host a new firearm deer hunt for persons with disabilities on November 2 and 3 at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area in Henry Co.

IDNR Newsbits for October 2017

The Illinois DNR Newsbits is a monthly publication by the IDNR giving constituents of Illinois the '411'.  These issues are geared toward the outdoor enthusiast on a wide array of topics.   However, if you are a trapper in Illinois, this issue is for you. Don't get us wrong, there are some great events going on this month but there are plenty of opportunities here for the trapper.  

Look below.  

The IDNR forgot to mention one thing in this month's newsbits and that's the Illinois Trout Opener October 21, 2017.  Find out where you can go trout fishing across the state. 

Illinois DNR Newsbits for October 2017

Youth Deer Permits: Resident and non-resident Illinois Youth Firearm Deer permits are available over-the-counter (OTC) from DNR Direct license and permit vendors. The Youth Deer Hunt is Columbus Day weekend, Oct. 7-9.

Central Illinois Crappie Club Holds Open on Clinton Lake

Back in July, Capitol Outdoors attended ICAST in Orlando, Florida.  While there, we were astounded by how vast the fishing industry really is.  Today, we learned even more!  Thirty-six boats attended the first Central Illinois Crappie Club Open on Clinton Lake sponsored by Exelon.  "This is a great turn out" said Greg Humphrey of Bloomington.  "Usually there's 20 or so boats that attend, so seeing this many people out here is great"!

As the sun began to rise over the trees members did live-well checks and prepared their boats for a day out on the water.  The director went over the rules and told anglers they were searching for a maximum of seven,no less than ten inch crappie.

IDNR Calls on Hunters and Landowners to Report Suspected EHD Cases

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is calling upon hunters and landowners once again.They are encouraging them to report suspected cases of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD).  You may recall back in 2012 the buzz in the outdoor and hunting community was about the intense EHD kills.  

During the last few years there has been little discussion surrounding this issue, however the IDNR feels that "recent unseasonably warm temperatures coupled with prolonged dry conditions throughout the state suggest that EHD may increase this fall".  So they are calling upon the stewards of the land to help report any suspected cases.  Please read the press release from the IDNR and please share.

Here is a quick look back at the September map where over 2,000 deer were killed by EHD in 2012. Besides that you will see the map from September of this year showing EHD kills.