2019 Illinois Fishing & Hunting Expos

Expo season is right around the corner and we will once again be attending many of the expos around the State of Illinois.  Here at Capitol Outdoors this is a time where we see old friends, and meet some new ones as well.  It's also a time for local businesses that have come to light in the last year to promote their business.

Here is a list of some of the expos we know that are coming up. Send us information for your expo or other outdoor shows at capitoloutdoors@gmail.com.

Each show has a clickable link which will take you to their website for more information.

- Let’s Go Fishing Show

Jan. 4 - 6th 2019

Gateway Center

Collinsville, IL

- Chicago Boat, RV & Sail Show

Jan. 9 - 13th 2019

McCormick Place -South

Chicago, IL

- All-Canada Show

Jan. 10 - 13th 2019

Pheasant Run Mega Center

St. Charles, Illinois

-Chicago Muskie Expo

Jan. 18 - 20th 2019

Pheasant Run Resort

St Charles, IL

-Illinois Fish & Feather Expo

January 25 -27th 2019

Interstate Center

Bloomington, Illinois

-Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo

January 24 -27th 2019

Schaumburg Convention Center

Schaumburg, Illinois

-Southern Illinois Boat & Fishing Show

February 1 -3rd 2019

Marion, Illinois

-Tinley Park Fishing Big Show 

February 9-10th 2019

Tinley Park High School

Tinley Park,Illinois

-Rockford Boat, Vacation & Fishing Show

Feb. 8 -10th 2019

Indoor Sports Center

Loves Park, Illinois

-Central Illinois Outdoor Expo

February 9-10th 2019

Otto Center

Arthur, Illinois

- The QCCA Expo Center Outdoor Show

Feb. 14 - 17th 2019

QCCA Expo Center

Rock Island, Illinois 

-Pheasant Fest (National)

Feb 22-24th 2019

Schaumburg Convention Center

Schaumburg, Illinois

- 26th Annual Boat Show

Feb. 22 - 24th 2019

Illinois State Fairgrounds

Springfield, Illinois

-Northern Illinois Boat Show

Feb. 28th - March 3rd 2018

New Lake County Fairgrounds

Grayslake, Illinois

-Elmwood All Outdoors Show

March 2 - 3rd 2018

Elmwood Community Schools

Elmwood, Illinois

-Fish and Hook Sport Show

March 9th 2018

VFW 5788

Lockport, Illinois

More shows and dates will be added as they become available. 

Spring Illinois Recreational Access Program Turkey Applications Out

Here at Capitol Outdoors, we say this a lot, it's that time of year again!  Yep, it's that time of year again, to apply for the turkey hunting on Illinois Recreational Access Program participants land.  Below you'll see the dates, information and how to's of applying for the IRAP hunting opportunities.

Have you ever said to yourself, I wish I had some private land to hunt on?  Well, that's what this is!  IRAP works with landowners, that have specific regulations to help make the best habitat for wildlife, and opens their land up for hunters.  Success rates are high and hunting is fierce.  

IDNR Offers 2019 Spring Turkey Hunting on Private Property Through the IRAP Public Access Program

Youth Hunters and Adult Hunters Can Apply Today

Archery Deer Numbers Still Up After First Firearm Season

Archery deer hunters are back in the stand after last weeks First Firearm Season.  Numbers are still up and some big bucks are being taken this year.  Buck consist of 54% of the harvest but have "Dropped significantly during the past seven days compared to previous weeks".   I'm excited to see how the numbers during the second firearm season will compare.  Please send your pictures in and share them with the Capitol Outdoors community.

Rick with a big 9 pointer during the 2018 first firearm season.