(HB5985) Bill Filed to Change School Policy in regards to Hunting Rifles

Bill Filed to Change School Policy in regards to Hunting Rifles

Representative Reginald Phillips (Republican Charleston, Illinois) introduced HB5985 on February 11, 2016.

HB5985 - SCH CD-EXPULSION-HUNTING RIFLE

Amends the School Code. With respect to the suspension or expulsion of pupils, provides that if a firearm generally used for hunting purposes is found to be in a student's vehicle and the student has not faced prior disciplinary action for bringing a weapon to school, then the school board may not expel the student (rather than requiring expulsion for a period of not less than one year). Provides that the school board may suspend the student for no more than 3 days instead. Provides that these provisions do not apply to a handgun as defined in the Firearm Concealed Carry Act or any firearm located outside of the student's vehicle on school property.

Continue to check back with Capitol Outdoors as we monitor this and other bills for you.

(HB 5978) Rifle Bill Proposed in Illinois for Deer Hunting

Rifle Bill Proposed in Illinois for Deer Hunting

Representative Brandon Phelps (Democrat of Harrisburg Illinois), Chairman of the Illinois Sportsmen's Caucus introduced HB5978.  He filed this bill on February 11, 2016.  

HB 5978 - WLF CD-DEER HUNT-RIFLES-AMMO

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that a rifle may be used in deer hunting if it has a bottleneck centerfire cartridge of .30 caliber or larger with a case length not exceeding 1.4 inches, or a straight-walled centerfire cartridge of .30 caliber or larger, both of which must be available as a factory load with the published ballistic tables of the manufacturer showing a capability of at least 500 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle. There is no case length limit for straight-walled cartridges on rifles. Provides that non-expanding, military-style full metal jacket bullets may not be used to harvest deer; only soft point or expanding bullets, including copper or copper-alloy rounds designed for hunting, are legal ammunition.

Continue to check back with Capitol Outdoors as we monitor this and other bills for you.

Ice Fishing at Jim Edgar Panther Creek

Ice Fishing at Jim Edgar Panther Creek

There's nothing quite like going fishing on a crisp winter morning. We took to one of our favorite lakes at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Park. While it took a long time along with multiple holes we finally got onto the fish.  Watch our video and learn some of our tips that we use that allow us to catch more fish through the ice.

Eagle Day Festivities

Eagle Day Festivities 

For outdoor enthusiasts any opportunity to get out and enjoy nature, we take it.  Regardless if it's fishing, or hunting, we don't think twice.  This past weekend was Eagle Day at the Nature Conservancy's Emiquon and Raptor Awareness in Havana, Illinois.

With great weather and the opportunity, this is something that we normal don't take advantage off, and this year we did.