News from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources released a lot of information today. Information regarding Deer Harvest Number Updates, Firearm Deer Season Safety, Registration Open for Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt and information about the 2016 - 2020 waterfowl season dates and zones.
For well over a month now we've been putting information up regarding harvest on deer. Well, The numbers are up slightly compared to last year.
Through Sunday, November 15, 2015, Illinois archery deer hunters harvested a preliminary total of 43,228 deer, compared to 42,147 for the same period in 2014.After watching these numbers for a month, its interesting to see how a trend is forming from the beginning of the season to now. Doe numbers and percentage were high until the rut came and buck numbers jumped dramatically. Studying these numbers can help understand deer herd numbers.
Harvest to date has consisted of 47% does and 53% males (20,513:22,715), while 45% percent of the harvest has been antlered bucks (19,348). In the last seven days, harvest sex ratios were 32% females:68% males, while antlered bucks comprised 61% of the harvest. Top five counties are currently Pike (1677), Fulton (1269), Adams (961), Jefferson (956), and JoDaviess (927). A table of county results is attached.
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
Paul Shelton, Manager
Forest Wildlife Program
Illinois’ Firearm Deer Season Begins November 20-22
The Illinois Firearm Deer Season will run this weekend November 20 - 22, 2015. The IDNR wanted to remind everyone to be safe out in the field. I think Director Rosenthal summed up all concerns with this statement. “The best way to enjoy time afield during deer season, and anytime in the outdoors in Illinois, is to be aware, be alert, and be safe.” The second firearm season is not until December 3 - 6, 2015
Registration Open for Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is sponsoring a Youth Goose Hunt in Peoria, Fulton and Knox counties on January 17 - 18, 2016. Those wishing to participate have to register by calling the IDNR at 217-785-8060. By Thursday December 31, 2015.A lottery drawing involving all youth who phone in to register will be conducted on Monday, January 4, 2016, and youth hunters selected will be notified by mail. First-time applicants will be given a priority over previous participants in the drawing. The hunt is open to youngsters ages 10-15 at the time of the hunt. All applicants must possess a valid Illinois hunting or sportsman's license, have a Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration number, and have a 20-gauge or larger shotgun. Youth hunt participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who must possess a valid firearm owner's identification (FOID) card.
NRAB voted to recommend two changes to IDNR's waterfowl zones and dates
In Early October we informed you about the 2016 - 2020 Illinois Waterfowl Proposed Dates and Zones. The Natural Resources Advisory Board (NRAB) voted to recommend two changes to IDNR’s waterfowl zone and season dates proposal. NRAB recommends changes to the line between the North and Central Zones remain the same. The board also recommends season opening dates for the South Central Zone be moved to the Saturday closest to Nov. 5 each year. The proposals can be viewed below. IDNR’s original proposal and changes recommended by NRAB
The public can submit comments on the recommendations at: DNR.DuckTalk@illinois.gov. Comments will be accepted through Nov. 24.
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