Governor Pritzker appoints Colleen Callahan as the New Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Since the day after the election we have been asked, 'Do you know who the next director is going to be?'  While there were rumors and we had our own speculation, the time has come, we can finally answer the question we've all been wondering.

Governor JB Pritzker has appointed Colleen Callahan as the new Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  "Callahan currently manages her own communications consulting firm after spending over seven years as state director for USDA Rural Development in Illinois. During her tenure, she oversaw a 20% reduction in staffing while still being able to generate a $1 billion increase in the Illinois loan portfolio. Prior, Callahan served as the agribusiness director for WMBD in Peoria, a position she held for 30 years. She was the first female president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. Callahan received her Bachelor of Science in agricultural communications from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign." Source

First, let me point out that in the last 20 years the IDNR has had four directors. Colleen Callahan will be the fifth. During that time the agency has seen massive budget cuts, disappointing leadership, the reduction of Conservation Police Officers and so on.

While some of you may have different opinions with Colleen Callahan, we have to set our differences aside and will work together.  Capitol Outdoors will continue to make sure that you are an informed hunter and angler. There is a lot of work to be done, but if Governor Pritzker wants to turn around Illinois, this agency is one place he can start.

Governor Pritzker,  let Colleen do her job and bring the DNR back to a time of, open communication, transparency, and pride.  The IDNR needs to step out of the darkness, quit hiding from the public and be the agency that we all hope they can be.

Voicing Your Opinion / Filing A Witness Slip in the Illinois General Assembly

There are many bills that get filed in the House and Senate any given General Assembly and some of these bills get scheduled for hearings where legislators vote on them.  What can you do if you have an opinion on a bill?  Besides, reaching out to your legislator or the bill's sponsor you can voice your opinion via a witness slip when a bill goes to a committee for a hearing.

What is a witness slip?

• Witness Slip is a way for a person or group’s position to be recorded on a particular bill. 
• Witness slips can be filed by individuals on behalf of themselves or organizations. 
• Once a bill gets scheduled for a hearing in either the House or Senate, a witness slip can be filed. 

Witness can be filed electronically via the Illinois General Assembly website.  

Capitol Outdoors wants you, the hunter, angler or outdoor enthusiast to know exactly how to be involved in your government.  Below, we will walk you through the exact steps on how to file a witness slip.  You can do this on any bill that you choose, from the comfort of your own home. 

1. Go to www.ilga.gov &

Click on GA Dashboard

Constitutional Amendment Guaranteeing the Right to Hunt & Fish Filed in Illinois

Each year thousands of bills and resolutions get filed in Illinois to become law.  Most of these bills get stuck in committee and never really gain any traction.  Bills, however, that have legislator support, constituent support or are overall popular, usually end up seeing movement.  However, popularity doesn't always stem from within the state and outside influence can also start the avalanche of support for a particular bill.  Let's take a look at one of the most recent House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment.

Governor Pritzker Announces $28.9 Million in Grants for 89 Local Park Projects Throughout Illinois

Governor Pritzker Announces $28.9 Million in Grants for 89 Local Park Projects Throughout Illinois

OSLAD Grants Will Support Park Development and Open Space Land Acquisition in 29 Counties

SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker today announced $28.9 million in grants for 89 local projects that will help communities acquire open space and develop and improve recreational facilities throughout Illinois.

“Investments in Illinois’ local parks makes it easier for families and recreation enthusiasts to enjoy our state’s beauty and help their communities thrive,” Governor Pritzker said. “Parks projects will also create jobs, providing a boost to local economic development efforts in dozens of communities and spurring additional investment throughout the state.”

Fishers of Men Team Tournament Trail Comes to Central Illinois

Springfield, IL - By: Michael Rasmussen

Like other Tournament Directors, Carl Parks sent in his permit application and dates to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on November 1, 2018.  With a few denials and shuffling of locations,  Carl formed a new division of the well known national organization, Fishers of Men, right here in Central Illinois.  "The Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail is a nonprofit, nondenominational ministry whose mission is:  To introduce Jesus to fishermen and their families and to invite them into a relationship with Him, through bass fishing tournaments."

With tournaments located at Lake Springfield, this is sure to be a competitive series with some of the best sticks around.  Anglers from Chicago and the greater Springfield Area have already committed to fish this new series.  "I'm hoping for 20 or so boats in the first year" said Carl at his booth for the Fish and Feather show in Bloomington.

Director Carl Parks recruits anglers at the Fish and Feather Show in Bloomington

SB 201 - WILDLIFE-LEAD AMMUNITION

Sen. Iris Y. Martinez
Filed: SB0201 on 1/30/19

Synopsis As Introduced:
Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that nontoxic ammunition, as certified by the Department of Natural Resources, shall be required when taking all wildlife, including game mammals, game birds, non-game birds, and non-game mammals with any firearm. Provides that the Department shall adopt by rule a public process to certify ammunition as nontoxic ammunition and shall define, by rule, nontoxic ammunition to include only ammunition in which there is no lead content, excluding the presence of trace elements of lead. Provides that to the extent that funding is available, the Department shall establish a process that provides hunters with nontoxic ammunition at no or reduced charge. Grants rulemaking authority to the Department. Provides for penalties. Makes other changes.

Last Actions:

• 1/30/2019 Senate Filed with Secretary by Sen. Iris Y. Martinez
• 1/30/2019 Senate First Reading
• 1/30/2019 Senate Referred to Assignments