2017 Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever Banquets & Events

It's that time of year again and we're not talking about expo season.  It's banquet season, conservationists, hunters, anglers and those that enjoy the outdoors attend banquets to help support organizations across the state.

Organizations like Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever host a dinner and auction to raise money for conservation projects and so much more.  Below you'll see a list of events being hosted by Pheasants Forever.

January

January 28th 

*Champaign County Forest Preserve District Herbicide & Prescribed Burn Workshop 

Mahomet Lake of the Woods

February

Feb. 4th 

Lincolnland (IL)-QF 2017 Fundraiser Banquet

Decatur, Illinois

Illinois Eagle Days- A Family Event

You all know we love to hunt and fish here at Capitol Outdoors.  However there is more to it then that.  There's conservation and education.  That's why we are excited about eagle days this year.  Not only because last year we had a great time and learned a bunch of things about birds of prey, but because this year we get to with Autumn and have even more fun.  Read about our Eagle Day Adventure from last year.  Below find the press release from our friends at the Nature conservancy.

There's something else that you'll only find here!  This year there's a Scavenger Hunt. Participants may pick up an Eagle Days Hunt booklet at any of the participating locations. Each location contains the answer to a question in the booklet. Those who turn in completed sheets will receive a prize while supplies last.

Eagle Day Gives Bird's Eye View of American Icon; Live Demo of Birds of Prey

No Reason Not to Hunt Pheasants this Year in Illinois

There's no reason for hunters not to go pheasant hunting this year.  With already extended season at four state sites, the Illinois DNR has extended the season at two state facilities.  Below you'll find the IDNR press release that contains the information on how and where to obtain permits.  

More Hunting Days Added to the Controlled Pheasant Season at two IDNR Sites

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) today announced that five hunting days have been added to the controlled pheasant hunting season at two IDNR sites, and hunters can make reservations now for additional hunting opportunities for the last week of this month.

The two sites with an additional week of controlled pheasant hunting are Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area in Clinton County and the Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area in Franklin and Jefferson Counties. Five hunting days –Wednesday, January 25 through Sunday, January 29 – have been added to the seasons at the Eldon Hazlet and Wayne Fitzgerrell SRAs.

Hunters are encouraged to use the online Controlled Pheasant Hunting Reservation System at www.dnr.illinois.gov to obtain permits for these additional hunt dates. Reserved permits ensure hunters will have the opportunity to hunt. Hunters using reserved permits also ensure that site staff on these sites can release two pheasants per hunter each day, which is the Department’s objective for pheasants released on each hunt date. Standby permits are also available at the sites, although standby hunting opportunities may be limited or unavailable if the hunter quota for a hunt date is filled by reserved permit hunters.

To access the reservation system:

1. Access the "Hunt/Trap" drop down list from the toolbar on the IDNR Home Page
2. Then click on “Upland Game”
3. Then click on "Controlled Pheasant Areas" under the “Licenses and permits” heading

Hunters are reminded that the daily permit fee for controlled pheasant hunting is $30 for resident hunters and $35 for nonresident hunters. The daily permit fee applies to each hunter. Reserved Permits are paid for via credit card during the application process. Completing a permit reservation online can be accomplished as late as 24 hours before an available hunt date and takes less than five minutes. Standby hunters pay daily permit fees at the site hunter check station on the hunt date. Standby hunters need to be prepared to pay permit fees with cash.

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Anglers should Sign Up for B.A.S.S Fantasy League and Watch Bassmaster Live

Anglers should Sign Up for B.A.S.S Fantasy League and Watch Bassmaster Live

Today is the first day you can start making your line up for B.A.S.S Fantasy Fishing.  Not sure if you want to sign up, you're not alone check out how we were last year. 

Last year, I was browsing online when the B.A.S.S Facebook page mentioned new registration for the Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing Team.  Never really being into the whole fantasy thing I decided to take a step out of my comfort zone in hopes of learning something new.

My knowledge of the Bassmaster's is very limited at this point. Back in 2000, I attended the Classic that was held in Chicago with Woo Daves winning it all. Because the Classic was in Chicago there were many meet and greets and this is where I had the privilege of meeting KVD.