Second Round of Archery Numbers

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources released the second round of archery deer numbers.  This week the harvest totals increased by 55 from this time last year.  

"Through Sunday, October 15, 2017, Illinois archery deer hunters harvested a preliminary total of 7,793 deer, compared to 7,738 for the same period in 2016.

Harvest to date has consisted of 69% does and 31% males (5340:2453). Top five counties were Jefferson (219), Fulton (201), Pike (201), Franklin (169), and Jackson (156)."

If you are interested in the county by county breakdown I've provided a link - County by County Week 2 - 2017

Check last weeks numbers, county by county and youth season - Archery and Youth Deer Numbers In

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is encouraging the sampling of harvested deer for CWD in adult deer. Find out where CWD Sampling Stations Locations.

How are things looking in your neck of the woods?

Marmion Academy Student Wins Illinois High School Muskie Tournament

It's no secret that high school bass fishing is on the rise, not just in Illinois but across the country.  Students were out again this weekend, hoping to make a name for themselves and their school.  However, this was not a bass tournament, this was the Illinois High School Muskie Tournament hosted by the Shawnee Muskie Hunters.   Anglers went out on a one day adventure looking for the elusive muskie.  

Archery and Youth Deer Numbers In

Congrat to my nephew Tyler on his first deer!

Deer harvest numbers are in and they are down.  Not by a lot, only 132 and there were some warm and windy days that kept hunters home. Below you'll see the press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resource Press.  Also we've included the county by county numbers for both arcarey and youth season.

Did your hunting buddy get their first deer during youth season?  Make sure to print up their First Deer Certificate.


ARCHERY DEER SEASON

Through Monday, October 9, 2017, Illinois archery deer hunters harvested a preliminary total of 5,281 deer, compared to 5,413 for the same period in 2016. 

Libertyville High School Kicks Some Bass at Lake Springfield / FLW High School Illinois Open

Any tournament angler knows that when you hit the water it is not you against the other anglers, its more like you against the fish.  From across Illinois and from our neighboring state of Missouri, high school anglers arrived Friday night for registration to take on that challenge.  It was then that they were informed that the tournament would be postponed a day.  A great call by tournament Director Dave Maxfield.  If you were outside on Saturday you can understand why.

Top 5 teams from Sunday's FLW High School Bass Open on Lake Springfield 

Person with Disabilities Application to Hunt at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

I had the privileged to take a buddy I met via facebook out on a hunt.  This compared to all my other hunts was a little different because Nate had spina bifida.  His passion and dedication to the outdoors surpasses many that say the love the outdoors.  However, it took some doing but we finally were able to find a place to go.  If you know someone that has a disability please share this with them.  They may only get a few opportunities a year to enjoy the great outdoors.  

Special Firearm Deer Hunt for Persons with Disabilities at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area on Nov. 2 and 3

Hunters can apply through October 20

KEWANEE, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will host a new firearm deer hunt for persons with disabilities on November 2 and 3 at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area in Henry Co.