Hunting Carrying Handguns - 100th GA - HB 406

Hunting Carrying Handguns - 100th GA - HB 406

Representative: David B. Reis (R)

Filed: HB0406 on 1 -12-2017

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that a person with a valid concealed carry license issued under the Firearm Concealed Carry Act, or an off-duty law enforcement official or officer, may carry a handgun on or about his or her person while hunting. Effective immediately.

Hearings:

Judiciary - Criminal Committee Hearing Feb 15 2017 3:00PM Capitol Building Room 114 Springfield, IL

Previous Actions:

• Date - Chamber - Action:
• 1/12/2017 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. David B. Reis 
• 1/12/2017 House First Reading 
• 1/12/2017 House Referred to Rules Committee 
• 1/25/2017 House Assigned to Judiciary - Criminal Committee 
• 1/26/2017 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Sue Scherer 
• 1/27/2017 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Lindsay Parkhurst

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Be a Voice for the Outdoors During Illinois' 100th General Assembly

Be a Voice for the Outdoors During Illinois' 100th General Assembly

There are over 7,000 bills introduced each year in the Illinois General Assembly.  At Capitol Outdoors we keep you the hunter, angler and outdoor enthusiasts informed about your passion.  With several bills already being filed, things will start to move quickly.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is underfunded and overworked and it's important that the hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts stay informed on policy in Springfield.  It's time to stand up and make sure that legislators hear our voice.  Now I'm not saying we protest,  I'm saying that we need to have better relationships with our elected officials.  It's not enough to just call but make it a point that they know who you are!  As a hunter, angler or outdoor enthusiast if you don't speak up for your state parks, CPOs, and all outdoor opportunities, who will?   It's time!

With the new General Assembly comes new politicians, new committee appointments and new egos.  While it's important to make sure you contact your legislator on issues, it's as important if not more important to contact the members of the committees as a bill is being introduced.  If a bill is going to see time on the floor of the house or senate it will first have to go through either House Agriculture & Conservation Committee, the Senate Environment and Conservation Committee or one of the several other committees.  Make sure to subscribe to the Capitol Happenings to stay informed during this General Assembly.

Here is the list of members of the House Ag and Conservation and the Senate Environment and Conservation committees.

Will you be a voice for the outdoors?

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

CWD Continues it's Destructive Path

CWD Continues it's Destructive Path 

The spread of the deer killing disease called Chronic Wasting Disease or CWD for short, has continued spreading and has been spotted in a new Iowa County.  As of February 1, 2017 we haven't heard anything from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources regarding the spread of CWD into new counties or if there were positive deer cases.

However, we continue to receive reports from surrounding states. 

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has confirmed that the CWD has spread to another county.  While Iowa's total CWD rate is still low (compared to states like IL or Wisconsin) their holding public meetings to inform the public about the status of the disease.  If you're interested or hunt Iowa we urge you to attend.  Why?  Since Iowa's first positive result in 2013 the spreading of the disease has continued and 2016 has been the worse year ever for Iowa.

If you hunt deer or just enjoy the outdoors and support conservation then you need stay informed of this issue.  There's no room for opinions just facts.  That's why we all need to become educated on this issue.  Below you'll find the full release from the Iowa's DNR regarding the confirmed case of CWD and information about the public meetings.

2017 Recap of the Pantagraph's Fish and Feather Expo

2017 Recap of the Pantagraph's Fish and Feather Expo

 

During expo season there are always those shows that you don't make it to.  Whether it is because it is too far away, too expensive or in some cases the show is a waste of time. That was how we felt about this show last year.  We didn't attend because we didn't find it worth our time and money.

However, optimism took over this year when we found out that the Pantagraph bought the Fish and Feather Expo. Within social media circles people were very excited about this because last year's show was not up to par.  When you are competing with shows like the Quad Cities, Elmwood, Tinley Park and Collinsville it is easy to see how you would be let down.

The Decline in Illinois Deer Harvest Continues

The Decline in Illinois Deer Harvest Continues

Illinois continues to see a decline in harvest numbers in whitetail deer over the past several seasons.  The IDNR data reflects this, however they say that this decline is done on purpose and is within the margin of acceptance of a healthy deer herd.  Groups, such as The Illinois Whitetail Alliance would disagree with the DNR and feel that the decline over recent years is something to worry about especially with diseases like CWD and Blue Tongue.  Whether you agree with the IDNR or the IWA you need to voice your opinion and contact the IDNR to let that opinion known.  Below you'll find the the press release issued by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources regarding the deer harvest. 

Hunters in Illinois Harvested a Preliminary Total of 144,150 Deer During 2016-17 Seasons

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary total of 144,150 deer during all 2016-17 seasons, which concluded Jan. 15. The total preliminary deer harvest for all seasons compares with a total harvest for all seasons of 155,229 in 2015-16. 

During this year’s deer seasons, hunters took 44 percent does and 56 percent males.

A breakdown of Illinois deer hunting seasons is as follows:

Archery: Archery deer hunters in Illinois took a preliminary total of 53,479 deer during the season which began on Oct. 1, 2016 and concluded on Jan. 15, 2017. That compares with the harvest of 56,767 during the 2015-16 archery season.

Youth: Young deer hunters harvested 3,259 deer during the 2016 Illinois Youth Deer Season conducted on Oct. 8-10, 2016, compared with 2,850 deer harvested during the 2015 youth hunt.

Traditional Firearm Season: Hunters took a preliminary total of 79,429 deer during the 2016 Illinois Firearm Deer Season on Nov. 18-20 and Dec. 1-4, 2016, compared with 86,847 deer taken during the 2015 firearm season.

Muzzleloader: Hunters using muzzleloading rifles harvested 3,297 deer during the 2016 Muzzleloader-Only Deer Season on Dec. 9-11, 2016, compared with 2,403 in 2015.

Late-Winter Seasons: The 2016-17 Late-Winter Antlerless Only and Special CWD deer seasons concluded on Jan. 15, with a combined preliminary harvest total for both seasons of 4,686 deer, compared with a harvest of 6,362 deer taken during those seasons in 2015-16. Season dates for the Late-Winter and CWD seasons were Dec. 29, 2016-Jan. 1, 2017 and Jan. 13-15, 2017.

There were 14 northern Illinois counties open to the Special CWD Season in 2016-17, the same counties that were open for the 2015-16 seasons. The Special CWD season is used to assist in slowing the spread of chronic wasting disease in the Illinois deer herd.

There were 24 counties open for the Late-Winter Antlerless Season in 2016-17. Four counties open previously for the late-winter season were closed for 2016-17 because they had reached deer population goals, while one county was added to the late-winter hunt. Counties that are at or below their individual goal for two consecutive years may be removed from the late-winter season.

Tables on the PDF link below will provide a county-by-county summary of preliminary deer harvest results for 2016-17 and harvest results for 2015-16.
https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/news/Documents/IDNR-DeerPrelimHarvest-Jan2017.pdf

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

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.

Memories Afield Don't have to Include a Kill or Catch

Memories Afield Don't have to Include a Kill or Catch

Like so many of you, once Wednesday approaches I start planning my weekend.  This past weekend was no exception.  I planned on going ice fishing, I didn't know where, or when but I was going.  As Sunday approached i decided to hit Jim Edgar Panther Creek but since I've hit Gridley Lake already a few times and the ice conditions have been iffy at Prairie I decided to do a quick ice check and go.

I started by hitting deep water, then shallow, then deep then shallow and nothing.  Finally spotted a fish on the vexilar and just as soon as he was there it was gone.  Ding, my phone goes off.  It's an old college buddy that I've stayed in contact with over the past few years.  As I mentioned, Adam is an old college buddy who loves the outdoors just as much as the rest of us. 

Meeting up with an old buddy to do some ice fishing sounds good to me.  We got to the lake walked out on the ice drilled a hole nothing, moved to another, nothing after about 20 holes we decided to call it a day.  Check out those big ones :)

It didn't matter whether we caught any or not, for me it was about getting outside to enjoy some fishing with a college buddy.

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe