Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Champions are Made in the Off Season

Any high school, college or professional athlete that plays a sport has heard these lines from their coach during the off season.  For softball and baseball players it's practicing your swing and football players, lifting weights and studying film.  Bass fishing is no different, put the work in now and see the success later.  As a pro, your off season probably consists of doing commercials for sponsors, seminars and research for the upcoming lake schedule.

Anglers listen at the Student Angler Bass Education Series

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Epic Way to Start a New Year

As temperatures drop, ice anglers get excited.  Walking on water isn't for everyone, however there are those that have the faith.  As colder weather approached hard water anglers start chatting on social media and other forums looking for safe ice.  In fact, we did a little of our own chatting providing viewers with a few updates at Jim Edgar Panther Creek and our excitement was growing as we saw the future weather forecast.

The New Year brought some frigid temperatures and many chose to stay in on New Year's Day, however, the weather didn't stop Capitol Outdoors and Matt Steele from hitting the ice.  We headed to Jim Edgar Panther Creek and in negative degree temperatures searched for some big crappie. However, it didn't quite go as expected.  Enjoy the video below: "Box of Chocolates, You Never Know What Your Going to Catch.






Monday, January 8, 2018

January 2018 Illinois DNR Newsbits

Lots happening during the month of January 2018. 

Illinois DNR Newsbits – January 2018


Spring Turkey Applications: There is still time for hunters to apply for the second lottery for 2018 Illinois Spring Wild Turkey Season permits. The application deadline for the second lottery is Jan. 11. Go to the IDNR website for more information at https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/TurkeyHunting.aspx

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Continues with Controlled Pheasant Season Extension.

Hunting for us here at Capitol  Outdoors usually consists of waders, decoys and all the rest of the equipment that is involved in a successful waterfowl hunt.  However, this year we've taken a new course.  Several years ago we got Linc, our red Labrador retriever.  After several waterfowl hunts I began to realize something, Linc is not a waterfowl dog.  His drive and determination pushes him and he is an amazing upland game dog and his personality fits this extremely well.

You could imagine my excitement when the Illinois Department of Natural Resources decided to extend the controlled pheasant season.  Granted this had been done in the past but, each year is a little different and I'm excited that they decided to do it again.  Below you'll see the three parks where they decided to extend this season.  


Controlled Pheasant Seasons Extended at Three IDNR Sites


SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is extending controlled pheasant hunting seasons at three IDNR sites. Hunters can make reservations now for additional hunting opportunities.

Friday, January 5, 2018

Farm Bill Forums Being Held for Sportsmen and Women

Keeping you informed from the Legislative Floors to the Great Outdoors means taking advantage of opportunities like this in order to better educate oneself.  Sportsmen and women have been invited to attend a forum on the Farm Bill.  Many of you may know how the Farm Bill plays an important role in conservation here in Illinois.   These forums are being held by the Theodore Reosevelt Conservation Partners and the Illinois Conservation Foundation which they've entitled "Illinois Sportsmen's Guide to the 2018 Farm Bill".