Round Three Shows Slight Increase in Deer Archery Harvest Numbers

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources released the third round of deer archery numbers.  The first two rounds showed a slight decrease from 2016.  This round showed 61 more deer harvested then last year.  You can check out Round One (Includes youth numbers) and Round Two of the harvested deer.  One may also notice that the number of bucks increased by three percent.  See below for information and county by county numbers.

Disabled Hunters have Waterfowl Hunting Opportunity at Kaskaskia River SFWA

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is informing hunters with disabilities about an opportunity at Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area.  Share and spread the word.  The outdoors should be experienced by everyone!

Waterfowl Hunting Blinds at Kaskaskia River SFWA for Hunters with Disabilities

BALDWIN, IL – With the upcoming waterfowl season approaching, the Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area has hunting opportunities for hunters with disabilities.  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has two designated handicapped waterfowl hunting blinds at the Dry Lake Area at Kaskaskia River SFWA – listed as the North or South blinds.

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.