New Illinois Outdoor Legislation Regarding Hunting and Fishing effective January 1, 2018

During the first year of the 100th General Assembly talks were mostly about the budget, however there were some hunting and fishing related bills that passed.   Below you will find those that are effective January 1, 2018.  One of the major bills that passed this General Assembly was the Crossbow bill, however that became effective immediately, so we did not include that and others that had an immediate effective date.  If you would like to learn more about these, click here.

The second year of this General Assembly might be slow going until after the March primary then you may see things start picking up again.  However, as in every election year there may be hot button issues brought up to get that recorded vote or both chambers will be quiet and contend to only issues of less controversy, only time will tell.  Be sure and follow us as we keep you informed from the Legislative Floors to the Great Outdoors.

Tracker Releases New boat for 40th Anniversary

If you have a Facebook account it was hard not to see the sponsored ads by Tracker Boats for their 40th Anniversary boat. Each day they had a new post dropping the price a little each day until December 15th.  On that day they revealed the final price, along with the specs and what the boat included.  In front of a large crowd legend Johnny Morris, Bill Dance, Roland Martin and Jimmy Houston revealed the 40th Heritage Edition Tracker Boat.

Tracker Boats' staple to fame is to have an angler be able to purchase a boat with an electronic, a trolling motor and outboard at an easy to afford price.  Johnny Morris along with the team at Tracker Boats did just that!  For $9,995 including the trailer, this unique retro looking boat will have anglers across the country hitting the water in no time.  Coming with a 40 hp four stroke Mercury engine, a 12 volt 45 lb thrust MinnKota trolling motor and so much more, this boat is priced for anyone to enjoy some time on the water.  If you are a new angler or looking to get to onto some of those smaller waters here in Illinois then you really need to look at this boat!

Picture provided by HeritageBoat.com

Same Ole Same Ole for Round 9 - That's a Good Thing

Round 9 of the Illinois archery harvest numbers show more of the same.  For pretty much the entire deer season, excluding firearm and muzzleloader, the harvest has been up compared to 2016.  The question is, why this year?  Could it be the lack of blue tongue this year, which had more deer in the field?  Could it be the crossbows?  Or could it be a rebound of the deer herd or just the weather in general?  It's hard to say what played a part in the increase, but by the end of the late winter season we'll sure find out.

Illinois CPOs Hard at Work Issuing Over 1,800 Citations and Warnings

While we're out in the field waterfowl hunting, deer hunting or just doing a little fishing, Illinois CPOs are hard at work enforcing Illinois wildlife laws.  It's easy to forget about law enforcement officers when you obey the law.  However, just because you and I are responsible doesn't mean accidents or negligence in the field doesn't happen.  Below you'll read about how our CPOs issued over 1,800 citations and warnings in less than a month.  While reading this don't forget about the last big bust in regards to fishing, CPOs cited a father and son who were in possession of over 115 perch!  

Our CPOs are doing the best job the can, especially being understaffed. (IDNR is Seeking Applicants for Conservation Police Officer Training).  But, they can't do it by themselves.  Poaching and those in violations of the law need to be reported and that's where you can help.  Make sure to take out your cell phones and add this number.  Call 1-877-2DNRLAW (236-7529) to report anyone you see who is doing something they shouldn't be!

IDNR Conservation Police Issue More Than 1,800 Citations and Warnings to Violators During Illinois’ Busiest Hunting Season

SPRINGFIELD, IL – While firearm deer hunters in Illinois took more than 80,000 deer during the state’s busiest hunting season, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Conservation Police report just four hunting-related accidents were reported, three of them involving injuries resulting from tree stand falls.

Muzzleloader and Archery Deer Harvest Numbers up for Round 8

The recent cold snap had some of us heading to Milwaukee for the Ice Show or just talking about ice fishing.  However, deer season is still going strong here in Illinois.  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Divison of Wildlife released last weekends muzzleloader and archery numbers and they are up.

Our pro-staffer Rick working on his euro-mount from a buck he harvested this year. 

MUZZLELOADER DEER SEASON
During the 3-day Muzzleloader Deer Season (Dec. 8-10), Illinois deer hunters harvested a preliminary total of 3,700 deer, compared to 3,308 in 2016. 

Harvest sex ratios were 55% does and 45% males (2040:1660). 

Top five counties were Pike (168), Adams (120), Jefferson (112), Randolph (103), and Fulton (102). 

ARCHERY DEER SEASON

Through Sunday, Dec.10, Illinois archery deer hunters harvested a preliminary total of 52,650 deer, compared to 48,228 for the same period in 2016. 

Top five counties were Pike (1852), Fulton (1474), Jefferson (1236), Adams (1155), and Williamson (1040).

Total harvest to date has consisted of 44% does and 56% males (23322:29328). During the past 7 days, harvest sex ratios have been 54% female and 46% male.

Interested in comparing County by County? 

• Archery 
• Muzzleloader

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