Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Host Youth Hunts and Events

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Host Youth Hunts and Events

Each year, chapters of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever host more than 2,500 youth events throughout the country connecting 147,000+ youth to the outdoors. The Pheasants Forever Youth Mentored Hunt Program stands out among these events as a first-time hunting experience for many youth and their families, originally designed by local chapters of Pheasants Forever.

Deer Numbers Still Down but Season is Far from Over

Deer Numbers Still Down but Season is Far from Over

Paul Shelton, Forest Wildlife Program Manger for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources released the second preliminary numbers regarding harvest numbers.  In short, numbers are down from this time last year.  You can read the first preliminary report  Deer Numbers Down at Beginning of 2016 Season.

Election Day 2016 could put Illinois DNR in the Crosshairs of a Budget Issue

Election Day 2016 could put Illinois DNR in the Crosshairs of a Budget Issue

The November 8th ballot will contain more than voting for President and other state and local officials. You will also have the opportunity to vote for a constitutional amendment. The Safe Roads Amendment would require that all transportation-related revenue (gas tax, license plate fees, registration fees etc) be used solely for roads, streets, highways, bridges and mass transit.

Bobcat Permit Lottery Drawing Completed

Bobcat Permit Lottery Drawing Completed

With trapping season right around the corner the IDNR press office releoffica statement on the permits.  You can see that below.  If you did not get one of the 500 permits best of luck next year.  However, keep your head up because with over 6,000 applicants, your odds were few and far in between.  If you're interested in trapping this year make sure you check the 2016 - 2017 Hunting Trapping Digest for Rules and Regulations.  Don't know much about trapping? Check out this video from Rick, one of our pro-staffers: Boiling Trap Tips

SPRINGFIELD, IL -- Those hunters and trappers who applied for 2016-2017 Illinois Bobcat Hunting and Trapping permits can check online to see whether they will be receiving a permit. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has completed the lottery drawing for 500 available bobcat hunting and trapping permits. Those whose names were drawn will be receiving their permits in the mail. Permit applicants can check their status through the IDNR website at this link: https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/furbearer/Pages/BobcatPermitLookup.aspx

IDNR Adds Waterfowl Hunting Opportunities in Central Illinois

IDNR Adds Waterfowl Hunting Opportunities in Central Illinois

Looking for a place to do some waterfowl hunting, well you're in luck.  The IDNR and the Illinois Recreational Access Program has added some areas.  IRAP has been known for deer and turkey hunting and now waterfowl hunting has been added to the mix.

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has secured several waterfowl hunting sites in Macoupin, Sangamon, and Schuyler counties through its Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP).

25 Years in the Making

25 Years in the Making

The thing that I love about fishing is that you'll never know what you'll catch.  This past weekend was the opening for fall trout at over 50 lakes across Illinois.  Did you go out?  Many of you were probably duck hunting or sitting in your deer stand.

For the past several years we've been reporting about how the spring and fall trout release is perfect for teaching kids the basics about fishing, as well as having a fun filled adventure.  I know because there were two types of fishing that I can remember from when I was a kid.

The first is fishing Navy Pier for perch.  While the perch are not as abundant as they used to be perch fishing is another type of fishing that is great to teach kids.  The second is trout fishing.

This past weekend my dad and I fished Jim Edgar Panther Creek's Gridley Lake in Cass County.  As we launched the boat and started fishing the deep hole that we planned, we heard a lot of people talking about how they were finding the fish more in the shallows.

After trying several  areas that were more shallow and letting several hours pass, we were still unsuccessful.   All of a sudden my dad said what's that?  I as looked in the water I saw a golden trout.

You might be asking, what is a golden trout?  

A golden trout results from a genetic anomaly, and contrary to popular belief, this is NOT an albino, but simply a rainbow trout with different coloration. In the wild they are weeded out early by predation, but in a hatchery situation they are protected and do well. Since we stock trout in Illinois from the hatcheries, you have a good chance of catching a “golden.” Anglers love to catch them.  IFishIllinois

My dad grabbed is slip bobber and tossed it over by him.  Nothing... All of a sudden I caught him in the corner of my eye.  I grabbed the little Cleo we had tied on.  I tossed it out and it began following it.  Again nothing, so I tried it a couple times then finally a hit.  Reeling in this Golden Trout was amazing, after 25 years of fishing and I finally caught one :).  And the fishing continued, within 5 minutes I reeled a Rainbow Trout.  Finally, my dad tied on a Celo and after about 15 minutes he caught a  Golden Trout as well. In fact, that was my dad's first Golden Trout!

The whole day out fishing and we caught our only three fish within 20 minutes.  Fishing, you never know how it is going to go.  But, hey we caught our trophies for the day and made memories for a life time.