Illinois Archery Turkey Harvest Numbers See Slight Increase

In the hunting, fishing and outdoor community there are so many niches.  Many of those cross, such has hunting and fishing in general.  However, there are those that specifically only hunt deer or in this case turkey.  While some of these may have been harvested through a deer hunt, it's great to see a healthy turkey population.  One of America's most successful conservation stories.

The preliminary numbers are out for the fall turkey.  Below you'll see that the numbers are up slightly but, the number that has me smiling is the consistency of the numbers over the five year average.  If you're interested you can check the county by county numbers HERE.

Through Wednesday, October 31, 2018, Illinois archery turkey hunters harvested a preliminary total of 348 turkeys, compared to 325 for the same period in 2017. The 5-year average harvest total for this time period is 316. 

The top counties for harvest were Cass (12), Jefferson (11), Pike (10), Macoupin (10), Lasalle (10), and Jackson (10). 

Harvest has consisted of 62% hens and 38% toms (205:127) 

(The Fall Archery Turkey Season opened on Oct. 1, 2018 and continues through Jan. 20, 2019)

November Reminders and Dates - IDNR Newsbits

IDNR Newsbits – Nov. 2018

November is a great time for hunting, fishing, leaf peeping, and just plan enjoying the outdoors

• Remaining Firearm Deer Permits: A limited number of Illinois firearm and muzzleloader deer permits are available over-the-counter (OTC) from DNR Direct license and permit vendors through Dec. 2, or until quotas are exhausted. Find a vendor near you at this link: http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/LPR/Pages/LicensePermitVendors.aspx

Loyola and Glenbrook South September Tournament Results

Seven boats took off in late September in a high school tournament on Liberty Lake in Libertyville, IL.  Loyola and Glenbrook South High School hit this private lake owned by the Hick's Family. John Hicks is one of the assistant coaches and parents of a senior at GBS. They provide student anglers with the opportunity to practice and compete against each other and other schools.

Seven boats total, four from GBS and three from Loyola participated in the 4 hour competition. Six boats weighed in fish at the end with some decent weight.  GBS finished 1st, 2nd and 4th while Loyola took 3rd place but also had the Big Bass at 3.68 lbs.  At this level every fish matters even if it's not a bass, anglers from Loyola caught  a 42" northern pike.

NICE GOING ANGLERS!!!

Top Three teams were:
1. Nick Schaefer, Aiden Osakada and Riley Racana - GBS Boat 1: 2.31 lbs BB and 10.14 lbs total

2. Joe Winandy, Tommy Gebien and Evan Hartshorne - GBS Boat 2: 1.87 lbs BB and 7.65 lbs total
3. Patrick Gunnison, John Daguinsin and Nick Lovcik - Loyola Boat 2: 3.68 lbs BB and 7.25 lbs total

• Total Tournament Results 
• GBS Boat 1: 2.31 lbs BB and 10.14 lbs total
• GBS Boat 2: 1.87 lbs BB and 7.65 lbs total
• Loyola Boat 2: 3.68 lbs BB and 7.25 lbs total
• GBS Boat 3: 1.82 lbs BB and 7.12 lbs total
• Loyola Boat 1: 1.54 lbs BB and 4.65 lbs total
• Loyola Boat 3: 2.62 lbs BB and 4.6 lbs total

Story submitted by: Justin Zummo, Coach for Glenbrook South High School

4th Round of Archery Deer Hunting Harvest Numbers above Last Year

The preliminary numbers for the 4th week of the archery deer harvest are out and the numbers are still ahead of last years numbers.   Bucks are on the move, 47% of the deer shot in the last week were bucks.  Also, 60% of the deer harvested this year have been by compound, 39% by crossbows and 1% by traditional bows.   You can read the full report from the IDNR as well as the county by county comparison below. 

This buck was shot last year here here in Illinois by our friend Jason. 

Round 3 Archery Numbers Shows Increase for Illinois Deer Harvest

Harvest for archery deer hunters jumped this week and the highest daily harvest to date was on Sunday. With 2,156 more deer harvested than this time last year, hunters are optimistic about the rut and its offerings.  As you can see more doe have been taken, but that's all about to change in the coming weeks.   If you were out this weekend trout fishing, duck hunting, or out deer hunting you can understand.  The cold definitely had the deer moving.  Below you'll see the link to county by county comparison.

Check out this Illinois monster taken by follower and supporter Travis Brown.  

Bobcat Hunters and Trappers Can Check Permit Application Status Online

Bobcat Hunters and Trappers Can Check Permit Application Status Online

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The results of the 2018-19 Illinois Bobcat Hunting and Trapping permit lottery are now available online through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) website. Applicants can check the status of their application at https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/furbearer/Pages/BobcatPermitLookup.aspx.

More than 5,000 hunters/trappers applied for bobcat permits, and 1,000 permits will be issued.