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
Hunting for us here at Capitol Outdoors usually consists of waders, decoys and all the rest of the equipment that is involved in a successful waterfowl hunt. However, this year we've taken a new course. Several years ago we got Linc, our red Labrador retriever. After several waterfowl hunts I began to realize something, Linc is not a waterfowl dog. His drive and determination pushes him and he is an amazing upland game dog and his personality fits this extremely well.
You could imagine my excitement when the Illinois Department of Natural Resources decided to extend the controlled pheasant season. Granted this had been done in the past but, each year is a little different and I'm excited that they decided to do it again. Below you'll see the three parks where they decided to extend this season.
Controlled Pheasant Seasons Extended at Three IDNR Sites
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is extending controlled pheasant hunting seasons at three IDNR sites. Hunters can make reservations now for additional hunting opportunities.
Keeping you informed from the Legislative Floors to the Great Outdoors means taking advantage of opportunities like this in order to better educate oneself. Sportsmen and women have been invited to attend a forum on the Farm Bill. Many of you may know how the Farm Bill plays an important role in conservation here in Illinois. These forums are being held by the Theodore Reosevelt Conservation Partners and the Illinois Conservation Foundation which they've entitled "Illinois Sportsmen's Guide to the 2018 Farm Bill".
Below is a message from Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Wayne Rosenthal. As the Director states January 2018 is still a great time to enjoy the outdoors. Unfortunately, he forgets to mention the remaining days of hunting season, ice fishing season and outdoor shows throughout Illinois which all contribute greatly to our economy and small businesses.
While many of us were thinking ice fishing, there were those that use the Late Winter and Special CWD Deer Season to harvest one more buck or doe, or in some cases maybe just get one for the season.
In the grand scheme of things total numbers are up for the season but the Late & CWD Season numbers are down. Most likely due to the frigid temperatures.
What die-hards put their thermal underwear to a test in the tree stand this past week? Comment below.
Below you'll see the updated 2017 - 2018 Illinois Archery Deer Season and 17/18 Illinois Late Winter Anterless-Only and Special CWD deer season.
