Tournament Organizers Apply for Permits Starting November 1st for 2018 Season

While many of us are thinking ducks and bucks, tournament anglers should already start thinking about next year.

If you are a director of a circuit or are wishing to apply for a permit to host a tournament on an Illinois lake, then this is for you.  Starting November 1, 2017 those who wish, can submit an application through the IDNR website.  See below for the press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  

2018 Illinois Fishing Tournament Applications Accepted by IDNR Beginning Nov. 1

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Fishing tournament organizers can begin applying for 2018 tournament permits on November 1, 2017.

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.