IDNR Reminds Hunters of Safety, Shotgun, and CWD Samplings

Please pay special attention to this press release from the IDNR.

Illinois DNR Reminds Hunters to Make Safety a Priority

Most hunting incidents involve tree stands

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Firearm Deer Season opens with the first weekend of firearm hunting on Nov. 17-19, and hunters in Illinois are reminded to make safety their top priority throughout all of Illinois’ busiest hunting seasons.

“This is prime time for hunting in Illinois, and the best way to enjoy an autumn or winter day in the field, in a blind, or in a tree stand is to make sure you’re hunting safely,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Director Wayne Rosenthal.

Round 6 Archery Harvest Numbers Stay Above 2016 Numbers

Round 6 of Illinois archery harvest numbers are out and to no surprise the numbers stay above last years.  From this time last year harvest totals have an increase of 4,789.  This is the final round before the orange army (shotgun season) hits the field.

Our pro-staffer Rick shot his first buck in three years.  

In short words the rut was in high gear over the weekend around our neck of the woods with 66% of the harvest being bucks.  Last week it was 64% not much of an increase but an increase.  Below you'll see the actual text sent out by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 

Last week an article was published regarding the number of deer harvested by crossbow.  We reached out to the Illinois DNR last week to receive these numbers first hand and have yet to get them.  When we are provided with the numbers we will share them with all of you.

Through Sunday, November 12, 2017, Illinois archery deer hunters harvested a preliminary total of 41,376 deer, compared to 36,587 for the same period in 2016.

Cumulative harvest to date has consisted of 46% does and 54% males (18933:22443).  During the past week, harvest sex ratios were 34% does and 66% males.

Top five counties were Pike (1530), Fulton (1208), Adams (947), Jefferson (924), and JoDaviess (843).

Round 6 County by County Numbers

Up-to-date archery harvest figures (for either deer or turkey) by county/state sites can be tracked on the web at http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/IDNRHarvestQuery.aspx

2017 Fishing Careers Workshop Offers Advice and Insight into Fishing Industry

The old question among anglers, 'how do I make a career in the fishing industry?'   This question drove fishing legend Al Lindner, his son Troy Lindner and ten other top notch fishing industry leaders to share their passion, successes and advice with a room full of eager participants at Cragun's Resort in Brainerd Minnesota.

Various high schoolers and established industry leaders from 14 states and Providence of Quebec, attended the 2017 Fishing Careers Workshop and then there's little ole' me.

Growing up in the 90's, In-Fisherman was the YouTube of today, anglers read and watched Al Lindner and others teach fishing tactics and how to's.  He wasn't just a TV personality, he was someone I looked up to.  What kid/adult wouldn't want his job?  Making videos about fishing, the dream job!

An Illinois Waterfowl Story - When the Work Pays Off

Anyone who is passionate about something has put their blood, sweat and tears into it, regardless of what that is.  As waterfowl hunters we have the ability to harvest a wide range of species, from the beautiful wood-duck to the ever-elusive snow goose.  While chasing waterfowl, you'll bleed, you'll sweat, but you'll continue to put in the hard work.

Check out Cam's first hunt with Capitol Outdoors

Round 5 of Deer Archery Numbers Show Increase in Illinois

For the second week in a row deer numbers jump and not by a couple hundred but by thousands.  This round the increase in harvest deer compared to this time last year is 4,718.  I'm sure many of you are wondering why the significant jump in harvest numbers.  Is it because of rut activity?  Could it be the crossbows?  Some say it's both.  Regardless, the increase in harvest numbers all comes before the orange army hits the field in ten days.  Will they see an increase? Time will tell.

Chris of Washington, Illinois sent this buck he took last year