Third Round of Numbers Out, Deer Numbers Still Down

Third Round of Numbers Out, Deer Numbers Still Down

The third round of preliminary numbers for the archery deer season just arrived and the numbers are still off from last year.  Could this be because of the another October warm trend? What are you seeing?

Raising an Outdoor Child in an Indoor World

Raising an Outdoor Child in an Indoor World

On average a child today only spends about 30 minutes outside and about 7 hours indoors in front of a screen. The relationship between society and nature is disappearing. Since the birth of our 6-month old daughter Autumn I have constantly thought about how we want to raise her and the kind of person that we want her to become.

Being a parent is an incredibly hard and overwhelming responsibility. Raising a child to be brave, confident, creative and independent among other things has its challenges. Being able to watch Autumn learn and grow with nature is something that I look forward to, watching her explore various trails, learning how the world works and seeing the amazement in her eyes as she watches a butterfly for the first time, or catches a fish by herself.

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.

Deer Harvest Numbers Down at the Beginning of 2016 Season

Deer Harvest Numbers Down at the Beginning of 2016 Season 

Deer numbers are down compared to this time last year !

From October 1, 2016 to October 12, 2016 archery deer hunters in Illinois took 6,235 whitetail deer.  This is 2,633 fewer deer then this time last year.  Below you'll see a county by county break down comparing 2015 to 2016.  Top counties included Adams, Jefferson, JoDaviess and Pike.  71% of those deer harvested were does and 29% bucks.

Inside Look at Wired2Fish

Inside Look at Wired2Fish

Wired2Fish is one of the most popular and well known fishing sites on the internet. You can check out their Facebook page as well as give them a "like". They are always uploading new content and you will not be disappointed in the information you will receive.

Wired2Fish was established about nine years ago and has since published thousands of stories and video content about everything related to fishing. They use leaders in the field of fishing to teach you everything from fishing techniques to information about new products.

Terry Brown President of Wired 2 Fish

catching some  bass and taking me to school

I was fortunate enough to spend some time on the water with Terry Brown, President of Wired2Fish, to gain more knowledge about fishing, gain insight into the business aspect of what he does and to just enjoy my time on a new lake.  

We read the articles on this website in order to gain insight into new fishing techniques or to broaden our knowledge base. These articles are not just how-to pieces, they go in depth and really teach you the technique. Be sure to check out their YouTube Channel where you will see the best in fishing tips, tackle reviews, giveaways, news and more. They are also a leader in tournament news and provide product reviews from top end designers.

What is the hardest part about running a business?

"Like any business there are ups and downs." Terry said. "Those are to be expected. However, most of our readers come from social media and it's trying to reach those people that we are dealing with. With the Facebook algorithms, we're only reaching 16% of our audience. So, the hardest part right now, is trying to reach people and get them the information."

One of the Most Read & Watched Fishing Sites Around.

(Over 40,000 unique hits a day, 512,000 "Likes" on Facebook & countless views on Youtube)

Wired2Fish is actually located in the Land of Lincoln. "You have to remember where you came from" said Terry. That's why a guy who's fished some very large tournaments across the country has decided to stay right here in Illinois and he is doing so much for the industry here.

Terry in front of his Xpress X21

Terry Brown -President of Wired2Fish

Terry Brown has fished some major tournaments and experienced success on the water. But it is what he has done off the water that speaks volumes. You see Terry Brown is someone who practices what he preaches. "You can grow'em big in Illinois or anywhere for that matter" Terry said as we were discussing fisheries. Terry has spent countless hours and large amounts of money and has become a leader in his own arena. Through his work with biologists from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and other non-profit organizations he helped turn his lake into one of the best fisheries around.

"It doesn't take much to turn a fishery around." he said. "Hard work, dedication and like-minded individuals coming together". He's not joking either. If you want to achieve great goals in life, those are the things you need. Terry also helped bring High School Bass Fishing into Illinois and has helped raise money and supply manpower to construct a state of the art pavilion at Evergreen Lake to be used for high school tournaments. He continues to provide knowledge and information to people throughout Illinois to make sure future generations can experience what he has.

A big thank you needs to go out to this man for giving back to fishing and the State of Illinois.

Always gaining more knowledge

Now, our time out on the water was more of a hands on fishing seminar for me. Terry put me on fish teaching me what needed to be done at certain spots. We were able to catch a few right off the bat, but it was quite windy so the real fun didn't start until the end of the day. That is when the top water bite started to kick in. Seriously, every other cast we were catching fish! It is something that I'll remember for the rest of my life. Being able to fish from the same boat as Terry was great. Fishing is an ever evolving sport. I am always growing my knowledge and learning new techniques out on the water and being able to learn from Terry, discuss fishing and the outdoor industry was amazing.

Be sure to check out Wired2Fish and be sure to thank Terry for all his hardwork in this industry. With his dedication to our sport he is inspiring people across the country to work on their local lakes thus providing better fishing habitat and better fisheries for the future.

Hunters, Landowners Encouraged to Report Suspected Cases of EHD

Hunters, Landowners Encouraged to Report Suspected Cases of EHD

IDNR has received EHD reports from 9 Counties so far in 2016

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has received reports of 53 suspected cases of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) so far in 2016. EHD appears to be more prevalent in east-central and northeastern Illinois counties, including Cook, Lake and Vermilion counties where tests have confirmed the presence of the disease and 40 cases have been reported. In all, reports have come from nine counties (see map at the link below).

Illinois Fall Trout Season Opens October 15

Illinois Fall Trout Season Opens October 15

The Fall Catch-and-Release Fly Fishing-Only Season Opens October 1 at nine sites

'Yes, it's that time of year again.  Fall Inland Trout Season is upon us.  This is a great opportunity to take your kids, loved ones and even experienced anglers out to catch these fun fighting fish.  Below you'll see the press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  Never been trout fishing? Don't worry Capitol Outdoors has you covered.  Watch our episode at Southwind Park in Springfield, Illinois or you can read a past article where we explain how to catch some trout.   Don't forget to purchase the inland trout stamp.

The 2016 Illinois Fall Trout Fishing Season will open on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 53 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state.

Two weeks prior to the fall trout opener, the Fall Catch-and-Release Fly Fishing-only Season will open at nine sites (locations marked with an asterisk (*) in the list below) on Saturday, Oct. 1. Fly fishing anglers can use fly fishing gear to catch and release trout beginning Oct. 1 at those nine sites. No trout may be kept during the fly fishing-only period, but anglers can keep trout after the opening of the regular fall trout season beginning Oct. 15.

IDNR to Conduct Chronic Wasting Disease Public Information Meetings

IDNR to Conduct Chronic Wasting Disease Public Information Meetings

From the Illinois Department of Natural Resources press office.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has scheduled a series of public meetings to provide information about chronic wasting disease (CWD), its effect on future deer populations, and IDNR’s efforts to control the disease. IDNR staff will also be available to answer questions about the disease. Landowners, hunters, and concerned citizens are encouraged to attend. CWD is an important issue that will dominate deer management discussions in northern Illinois for many years.

Pat Harrison Outdoor Adventures : Fishing the Chicago River & Lakefront 2016

Pat Harrison Outdoor Adventures : Fishing the Chicago River & Lakefront 2016

The morning started with a cup of coffee and mild Chicago traffic as I made my way down to Richard J. Daley Boat Ramp.  On this day, I'm meeting up with Captain Pat Harrison from Pat Harrison Outdoors - Fishing Adventure. 

Nature Conservancy Offers Opportunity for Waterfowl Hunters

Nature Conservancy Offers Opportunity for Waterfowl Hunters

Looking for a opportunity to go waterfowl hunting?  Emiquon owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy will be having a drawing to allocate will be doing there annual draw.  

Tag along on some of our adventures from last year:

Adapting the Outdoors Waterfowl Hunt

Emiquon Waterfowl Hunt

Waterfowl hunting opportunities (Public, Disabled and Youth) for the Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve will be awarded via advanced drawing with registration by mail or email due by October 5, 2016

Drawing Application Process