Illinois Receives Money From Michigan To Help Combat Asian Carp Problem

The Asian Carp problem is not just an Illinois problem.   Our neighboring states, like Michigan, Minnesota and Kentucky all fear these invasive species and the problem that they cause.   It's great seeing other states step up and look at the bigger picture, seeing that this problem affects them too. Governor Rauner needs to appreciate the support and take any help we can get at this time.  Yes, the issue is real and the problem can potentially be combated, but it is going to take a lot of work and other states cooperation to get this done.

 Below you'll see a a press release from Governor Bruce Rauner.

Illinois to Michigan: Put your money where the carp is

Michigan’s $8 million offer welcome, but should be put toward immediate efforts, not 10 years from now

CHICAGO — Gov. Bruce Rauner said today that Illinois is happy to accept $8 million from the State of Michigan to put toward the fight to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes — provided the funds can be used now to advance the effort. Unfortunately, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder’s current offer of financial assistance isn’t applicable until 2028.

IDNR and ICF Honor Volunteer of the Year Recipients and Hall of Fame Inductees During Conservation Day at Illinois State Fair

Conservation Day at the 2018 State Fair was buzzing with activity.  Governor Rauner signed two pieces of legislation, volunteers received recognition as well as the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Class of 2018 was recognized.  You can watch the LIVE broadcast here:

The 2018 IDNR Outstanding Volunteers of the Year are:

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".

Bear the Cold for Eagle Days On Feb. 3, 2018

There's nothing quite like watching an eagle, thousands of snow geese and other waterfowl, through a lens at over 500 yards away.  Over the last few years we've had the opportunity to attend Eagle Days.  If you've got cabin fever, and let's be honest in February, it's cold, so who wouldn't want to get out of the house.  Well, you need to get in the car and head to Fulton Mason Eagle Day.  It's jammed packed and lots of fun for the entire family!  Read about our first Eagle Day

Observing some of nature's beautiful waterfowl at Emiquon on Eagle Days

Remember Illinois Youth Firearm Season is October 7 - 9

Remember...

Illinois Youth Firearm Deer Hunt is October 7-9

2017 - 2018 Hunter Digest

All Hunters Reminded of Blaze Orange Requirement During the Youth Hunt

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The 2017 Illinois Youth Firearm Deer Hunt is Oct. 7-9 for those hunters with a valid Youth Deer Permit who have not reached their 18th birthday by the first day of the hunt. Youth Deer Permits are available over-the-counter at license vendors throughout the state. Hunters may purchase only one permit (either-sex) for one of the open counties. Hunters that are 16 years of age or older must also have a Habitat Stamp.

IDNR Bringing Back Outdoor Illinois

Ever talk to an IDNR employee and feel like they could care less.  Maybe that's just people in general today.  Maybe, it has to do with the lack of money the agency has and they know the ideas won't go anywhere.  For awhile now the IDNR has been in the works of bringing back Outdoor Illinois.  They finally made their release announcing the comeback of this new online journal.

This is great news in the hunting, fishing and conservation world.  As outdoor enthusiasts this is a way for the IDNR to finally be able to release information on research studies, land and wildlife management and other updates. We look forward to seeing what information gets published and how this resource will improve the outdoors.

During our reporting and meeting people throughout the state over the years, we've heard people complain about how it's hard to find information and how there is a lack of a user friendly interface for the DNR website.  Illinois' has been lacking in transparency and upgrades. However, this is a great step to making the IDNR more user friendly and transparent.

Some of you might have received the email below:

Illinois Conservationist:

It is my pleasure to announce that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program and the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGGREC) to bring back Outdoor Illinois!  This time it is a wildlife-specific online journal that contains articles on Wildlife, People, Land, Research, and Recreation.  Please take a few moments to look through the site, and to visit our annual hunting forecasts (https://outdoor.wildlifeillinois.org/).  Right now, we have posted deer/turkey/squirrel and furbearer forecasts.  Upland game and waterfowl forecasts will be coming soon! There are plenty of other short articles to look at as well while you're there.  If you have ideas for Outdoor Illinois: Wildlife Journal, or areas that you think we need to provide more information on, please e-mail me at mark.alessi@illinois.gov and let me know.

To visit other websites regarding wildlife in Illinois, please visit our Living with Wildlife in Illinois (http://web.extension.illinois.edu/wildlife/) and our White-tailed Deer: Illinois websites (https://deer.wildlifeillinois.org/).

Sincerely,

Mark Alessi
Chief
Division of Wildlife Resources
Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Fears of Asain Carp are Becoming More of a Reality

UPDATE: June 30, 2017

The fear that asian carp have passed the electric barrier and are just miles away from Lake Michigan was made real last week as the IDNR announced that a Silver Carp passed the electric barrier.

This finding made the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee’s implement their Contingency Response Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources have contracted commercial fishers who are monitoring the waterways.

Since last week "An intensive monitoring operation in the Chicago Area Waterway System is currently underway". No Silver or Bighead Carps Found as Sampling Continues.  Please read the press release from AsianCarp.us

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Magna Carpa deployed to Calumet Harbor on June 27, 2017. Photo courtesy of IL DNR.

CHICAGO, IL – No silver or bighead Asian carp have been seen or caught since the capture of an adult male silver carp 9 miles from Lake Michigan on June 22 by contracted commercial fisher below the T.J. O’Brien Lock and Dam. The silver carp capture triggered the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee’s Contingency Response Plan (PDF). An intensive monitoring operation in the Chicago Area Waterway System is currently underway this week.

As part of the coordinated contingency response, crews from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and contracted commercial fishers are conducting a monitoring operation that is expected to last two weeks. The U.S. Coast Guard has provided notice to mariners of increased activity in the areas above and below the T.J. O’Brien Lock and Dam.

Four electrofishing crews, three contracted commercial fishers, and a specially outfitted netting boat have been deployed daily below the T.J. O’Brien Lock and Dam, in Lake Calumet, and in an area from the T.J. O’Brien Lock and Dam to Calumet Harbor. The operation, which covers a 13-mile section of the waterway with intensive monitoring, is scheduled to continue through July 7. Work continues weekdays, including the Fourth of July. Mariners should watch for the presence of nets that are marked with floats. For more information on the coordinated contingency response, please refer to the Incident Action Plan: Operation Silver Bullet (PDF).

The silver carp captured June 22 has been sent to Southern Illinois University for analysis to determine the fish’s age and origin. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

Original Post: 

The fear that anglers, conservationist and outdoor enthusiast in general have been talking about is looking more like a reality each passing year.  On June 23, 2017 the IDNR and the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee announced the finding of a silver carp passed the electric barriers and 9 miles from Lake Michigan.   For those of us who are in the outdoor world we know this isn't good.   Back in January the IDNR released it's 2017 Action Plan to Manage Asian Carp.  If you're concerned about the spread of Asian Carp in Illinois then this is a must read.

Below, you'll see the press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources with the details regarding the finding the silver carp.

Silver Carp Found Nine Miles from Lake Michigan

Fish Sent to Southern Illinois University for Analysis

CHICAGO, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (ACRCC) today announced the preliminary finding of one silver carp in the Illinois Waterway below T.J. O’Brien Lock and Dam, approximately nine miles away from Lake Michigan. The fish was captured with a gill net by a contracted commercial fisher the morning of June 22 as part of the ACRCC Monitoring Response Work Group’s seasonal intensive monitoring event. The silver carp was 28 inches in length and weighed approximately 8 pounds. The fish has been sent to Southern Illinois University for additional analysis.

Preliminary Turkey Numbers Show Increase in Harvest

Gobble, Gobble, preliminary numbers are in from Illinois' turkey season and the numbers show an increase from last year.  However, if you read below you'll see the southern zone actually harvest less turkeys this year compared to last. It's because of the youngesters who are included in these numbers why we see an increase in harvest numbers this year.  Check out this years youngsters numbers.   Below you'll see the press release from the IDNR.  If you're interested in just you're county harvest numbers.

Hunters in Illinois Harvested 15,719 Birds During 2017 Spring Turkey Season

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary statewide total of 15,719 wild turkeys during the 2017 Spring Turkey Season, including the youth season. The 2017 total compares with the statewide turkey harvest of 15,484 in 2016. The statewide preliminary total includes the record Youth Turkey Season harvest of 1,541 birds, compared with youth season harvest of 1,045 turkeys in 2016. 

Spring turkey hunting was open in 100 of Illinois’ 102 counties. The 2017 seasons were April 3-May 4 in the South Zone and April 10-May 11 in the North Zone. The Youth Spring Turkey Season was March 25-26 and April 1-2. This was the first year the youth turkey season was open for two weekends statewide, rather than one weekend for the South Zone and one for the North Zone.

Turkey hunters this spring took a preliminary total of 6,842 wild turkeys during all season segments in the South Zone, compared with 6,694 last year in the south. The North Zone preliminary harvest total this year was 8,877 wild turkeys, compared with 8,790 in the north in 2016.

“Weather always plays a big role in harvest numbers and 2017 was no different,” said Luke Garver, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Wild Turkey Project Manager. “For the first two-thirds of the season, harvest trends were well above average. The significant rain events we experienced across much of the state slowed harvest considerably. Despite a rainy end to the spring season, this year marked the third consecutive season of an increased harvest total. Additionally, we were encouraged to see the youth season being the success it was.”

The top counties for spring wild turkey harvest in the South Zone in 2017 were Jefferson (412), Jackson (359), Union (359), Randolph (349), and Pope (348). The top five North Zone counties for spring turkey harvest this year were Jo Daviess (610), Pike (404), Adams (395), Fulton (378), and Hancock (325).

The table below includes the preliminary 2017 county-by-county spring turkey harvest results with comparable totals for 2016:

Illinois Spring Turkey Season Harvest County Totals
County 2017 2016
Adams 395 389
Alexander 156 134
Bond 142 135
Boone 74 76
Brown 298 357
Bureau 163 157
Calhoun 239 210
Carroll 213 195
Cass 210 213
Champaign 26 22
Christian 51 41
Clark 181 158
Clay 219 210
Clinton 82 86
Coles 45 39
Crawford 210 166
Cumberland 48 54
DeKalb 16 21
DeWitt 54 45
Douglas 2 6
Edgar 80 85
Edwards 85 96
Effingham 117 86
Fayette 276 233
Ford 10 10
Franklin 166 152
Fulton 378 446
Gallatin 112 129
Greene 147 157
Grundy 56 56
Hamilton 252 234
Hancock 325 325
Hardin 134 145
Henderson 135 139
Henry 75 82
Iroquois 75 60
Jackson 359 313
Jasper 140 131
Jefferson 412 420
Jersey 187 187
JoDaviess 610 568
Johnson 264 278
Kane 5 2
Kankakee 35 34
Kendall 18 15
Knox 274 267
Lake 1 1
LaSalle 117 137
Lawrence 141 117
Lee 116 100
Livingston 26 19
Logan 43 37
Macon 26 27
Macoupin 275 303
Madison 213 241
Marion 337 380
Marshall 82 69
Mason 154 141
Massac 104 103
McDonough 140 137
McHenry 83 62
McLean 68 63
Menard 101 105
Mercer 203 192
Monroe 157 169
Montgomery 188 175
Morgan 126 147
Moultrie 29 24
Ogle 214 189
Peoria 153 153
Perry 252 233
Piatt 8 10
Pike 404 393
Pope 348 356
Pulaski 114 95
Putnam 45 37
Randolph 349 372
Richland 113 106
Rock Island 202 191
Saline 123 125
Sangamon 133 110
Schuyler 277 360
Scott 98 73
Shelby 120 117
St. Clair 126 140
Stark 13 6
Stephenson 248 231
Tazewell 57 65
Union 359 354
Vermilion 133 136
Wabash 56 48
Warren 68 75
Washington 131 149
Wayne 317 297
White 169 153
Whiteside 162 160
Will 73 51
Williamson 309 308
Winnebago 185 175
Woodford 79 103

Total: 15719 15484

https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/news/Documents/IllinoisSpringTurkeyHarvestByCounty2017.pdf

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

IDNR Releases Management Plan for Reintroduction of Alligator Gar in Illinois Waters

IDNR Releases Management Plan for Reintroduction of Alligator Gar in Illinois Waters

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Division of Fisheries has published its Fish Species Management Plan for Alligator Gar in Illinois, which details IDNR’s effort to reintroduce alligator gar to Illinois waters.

A fish native to Illinois, the alligator gar was determined to be extirpated, or extinct from Illinois waters. The last known catch of the fish, prior to the start of the reintroduction effort, was in the Cache River basin in southern Illinois in 1966.

“The plan details our efforts and activities as we attempt to reestablish and manage alligator gar populations in Illinois,” said IDNR Fisheries Chief Dan Stephenson. “They are a large, unique species that we would like to see thriving in Illinois waters again. There has been a lot of interest in our reintroduction efforts already, and we encourage anyone interested in sport fishing and this project to look at the plan.”

The alligator gar is the largest of the gar species and second largest freshwater fish in North America, next to the white sturgeon. The current all-tackle record alligator gar, caught in 1953 in Texas, weighed 302 pounds and measured 7-ft., 6-in. in length. Researchers determined that prior to extirpation, Illinois produced some individual gar measured at more than eight feet in length, with the heaviest weighing 176 pounds.

IDNR Fisheries personnel last fall stocked approximately 1,600 alligator gar as part of the reintroduction program at Powerton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (Tazewell Co.), Sanganois State Fish and Wildlife Area (Cass Co.), Horseshoe Lake State Park (Madison Co.), and Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area (St. Clair Co.). Tiny electronic tracking tags were attached to those fish for biologists to monitor their progress.

The success of the plan will be documented through annual progress and achievement reports for each management objective, and the plan will be updated as needed.

The Fish Species Management Plan for Alligator Gar in Illinois is posted online at the link below:
https://www.ifishillinois.org/programs/ALG_Plan_2017.pdf

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Illinois Conservation Foundation Announces New Executive Director

Below you'll find a press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announcing the hiring of Eric Schenck as Executive Director of the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF).  The ICF mission is to "inspire today's youth and tomorrow's leaders by providing quality outdoor education and programs that install interest in conservation, ecology and sustainability".

Eric will make a great fit to the ICF and we look forward to reporting on all the progress the ICF makes.

Illinois Conservation Foundation Announces New Executive Director

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Board of Directors of the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) today announced the selection of Eric Schenck as the Foundation’s new executive director.

Local Volunteers Receive National Recognition for their dedication to getting youth outdoors

Local Volunteers Receive National Recognition for their dedication to getting youth outdoors

On February 18 Ron and Ted Gilles of Princeville, IL received the Pheasants Forever No Child Left Indoor Volunteer of Year award at Pheasant Fest in Minneapolis, MN. For over 28 years, the Gilles Brothers have helped to deliver the organization’s mission: creating and improving habitat at a local level along with creating future conservationists through outreach programs. In 2016 alone, the Gilles brothers hosted over 500 local school children to their farm to learn about conservation. The brothers also hosted over 150 kids at youth hunts on their farm. The Ron and Ted Gilles are also active in helping to organize local hunter safety classes, youth dog training seminars and habitat farm tours.

Well done gentlemen!  Thank you for your work for Illinois and conservation efforts.

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

DNR-CONVEY REAL ESTATE -100th GA - HB 770

DNR-CONVEY REAL ESTATE -100th GA - HB 770

Senator:  Barbara Wheeler (R)

Filed: HB 770 on 2-10-17

Synopsis As Introduced
Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to convey, in exchange for $1, certain real estate in McHenry County to the Fox Waterway Agency. Provides that the conveyance is subject to: (1) existing public utilities, existing public roads, and any and all reservations, easements, encumbrances, covenants, and restrictions of record; and (2) the express condition that any proceeds from the sale of the real property shall be utilized for the purchase and development of an alternate dredge material disposal site or sites. Authorizes the Director of Natural Resources to exchange described parcels of real estate in Lake County for another parcel of described real estate in Lake County. Effective immediately.

House Committee Amendment No. 1
Deletes language providing that the conveyance is subject to the express condition that any proceeds from the sale of the real property shall be utilized for the purchase and development of an alternate dredge material disposal site or sites. Provides instead that the property is subject to the express condition that within one year after conveyance, the Fox Waterway Agency shall: sell the real property for no less than fair market value; use any proceeds from the sale to purchase of an alternate dredge material disposal site or sites for no more than fair market value; and transfer any proceeds remaining after the purchase of an alternate dredge material disposal site or sites to the Department of Natural Resources for deposit into the General Revenue Fund. Provides that if, after one year following the conveyances of the real property, the Fox Waterway Agency has failed to comply with the express condition, the real property shall revert to the State of Illinois, Department of Natural Resources, or, if applicable, the proceeds from the sale of the conveyed property shall be immediately transferred to the Department of Natural Resources for deposit into the General Revenue Fund. Provides that if any property purchased with proceeds from the sale of the conveyed property is not used as a dredged material disposal site within 2 years following the conveyances or if at any time the property ceases to be used for public purposes, the Fox Waterway Agency shall convey by quitclaim deed the property to the Department of Natural Resources for $1. Provides that "fair market value" means the average of 3 appraisals plus the costs of obtaining the appraisals.

House Floor Amendment No. 2
Deletes language authorizing the Director of Natural Resources to exchange described parcels of real estate in Lake County for another parcel of described real estate in Lake County.

2017 Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever Banquets & Events

It's that time of year again and we're not talking about expo season.  It's banquet season, conservationists, hunters, anglers and those that enjoy the outdoors attend banquets to help support organizations across the state.

Organizations like Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever host a dinner and auction to raise money for conservation projects and so much more.  Below you'll see a list of events being hosted by Pheasants Forever.

January

January 28th 

*Champaign County Forest Preserve District Herbicide & Prescribed Burn Workshop 

Mahomet Lake of the Woods

February

Feb. 4th 

Lincolnland (IL)-QF 2017 Fundraiser Banquet

Decatur, Illinois

Illinois Eagle Days- A Family Event

You all know we love to hunt and fish here at Capitol Outdoors.  However there is more to it then that.  There's conservation and education.  That's why we are excited about eagle days this year.  Not only because last year we had a great time and learned a bunch of things about birds of prey, but because this year we get to with Autumn and have even more fun.  Read about our Eagle Day Adventure from last year.  Below find the press release from our friends at the Nature conservancy.

There's something else that you'll only find here!  This year there's a Scavenger Hunt. Participants may pick up an Eagle Days Hunt booklet at any of the participating locations. Each location contains the answer to a question in the booklet. Those who turn in completed sheets will receive a prize while supplies last.

Eagle Day Gives Bird's Eye View of American Icon; Live Demo of Birds of Prey

$3.6 Million in Grants Received for Illinois

Conservation comes in all forms, from hunting and harvesting of deer to reducing over-population, to land acquisition and so much more.  On January 12, 2017 the Illinois Department of Natural Resources released news that $3.6 million in federal grants from the National Park Service's Land & Water Conservation Fund was distributed to six different projects.  Capitol Outdoors agrees with Director Rosenthal when he said this a "win-win for our local governments and the people living in those communities".    While these projects may seem small these are all steps in the right direction.  Below you will see the press release from the IDNR with the information of which communities and projects the monies are being awarded too.

IDNR announces $3.6 Million in Land and Water Conservation Grants

Federal funding helps local communities purchase public access and recreation spaces

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced today that more than $3.6 million in federal grant funding has been approved for local governments to purchase land to be used for public access and recreation. Funding for the program is made available through the National Park Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

“Providing federal grants for local governments to purchase land for more public access for enjoyment and exposure to the Illinois outdoors is a win-win for our local governments, and the people living in those communities,” said IDNR director Wayne Rosenthal.

The LWCF grant program, which is administered in Illinois by the IDNR, provides up to 50 percent of the cost of projects to help purchase land to be used for public access, with the local governments matching the value of the grants awarded.

The LWCF grant projects are:

Chicago Park District – 129th & Eggleston

Purchase 2.48 acres of property at 129th & Eggleston along the Little Calumet River. This site will be developed into a passive park with access to the river, and will include green space, native plantings and recreational programming. The park will also connect to the Major Taylor Bike Trail. Grant amount: $375,000.00

Forest Preserve District of Cook County – Horizon Farms/Spring Creek Greenway

Purchase approximately 23 acres of property on Algonquin Road to be a connection between the Spring Creek Preserve and Horizon Farm. The residential landscape will be transformed into a natural setting to provide a wildlife corridor and greenway connection between the existing
Forest Preserve holdings. Grant amount: $1,042,700.00

Des Plaines Park District – Oakwood Land

Purchase .69 acres of property for the development of a neighborhood park in the most densely populated area of the district. The land will be developed to include a playground, gazebo, fitness station and a basketball half-court. Grant amount: $331,700.00

Forest Preserve District of Kane County – Mill Creek Greenway Forest Preserve Addition

Purchase of 62.5 acres of property to be used as an extension of the Mill Creek Greenway. The project will involve a prairie and woodland restoration, trail and trail head additions, parking and signage. Grant amount: $750,000.00

Kendall County Forest Preserve District – Little Rock Creek Acquisition/Maramech Forest Preserve Addition

Purchase 135 acres of property along the Little Rock Creek adjacent to the Maramech Forest Preserve. The site will be developed to include parking, a shelter, interpretive trails with overlooks, and signs. Grant amount: $750,000.00

Wauconda Park District – Phil’s Beach Acquisition Project

Purchase of 3.5 acres of beachfront property on Bangs Lake. The site will be redeveloped and opened as a public beach area including parking, picnic areas, a splash pad, playground, bathhouse, and a beach area with amenities. Grant amount: $386,500.00

The LWCF grant program has been in existence since 1965. Prior to this year, more than $123 million has been awarded for 727 park projects in Illinois.

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

Multi-State License Fraud Investigation Results in Over $85,000 in Fines and Restitution

Multi-State License Fraud Investigation Results in Over $85,000 in Fines and Restitution

If there is ever a reason for more Illinois Conservation Police Officers within the Illinois Department of Natural Resources "Operation Double Dip" is a perfect example of why.  Sometimes as an outdoor enthusiast you may forget that their job goes farther then just driving around in a truck, checking hunting or fishing licenses.  In fact they do some creditable work and investigating to keep our natural resources safe.  Congratulations to all those Illinois CPO who help work and prevent more injustices against our natural resources.   

“Operation Double Dip” Prevents Would-Be Hunters from Claiming Residency in Two States

From the Press Office of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources:

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois Conservation Police and Indiana Conservation Officers investigated cases of hunting license/permit fraud beginning in early 2015 extending through 2016 that have resulted in over $85,000 in fines and restitution.

“Operation Double Dip was started to investigate individuals who claim residency in Illinois and Indiana in order to purchase hunting licenses/deer permits at the cheaper resident rate,” said Sgt. David Hyatt, Illinois Conservation Police. “This is a case that protects the privileges of our legitimate resident hunters and ensures that each state receives the funding needed for fish and wildlife projects.”

Family retreat becomes state-of-the-art youth hunting camp

Taking a youngster out for a hunt is always a thrill, with it comes the joys of going back to the basics and reliving your youthful hunts through theirs. Sometimes it's hard to find a place to go that will help teach them the joys and love of the outdoors. Not anymore! There is a state of the art youth camp right here in Illinois. Check it out...

Family retreat becomes state-of-the-art youth hunting camp

HULL, ILL. - Tucked away off the back roads of Pike County is a new destination for area youth looking for mentoring and the thrill of the hunt.

Gardner Camp, in rural Hull, now occupies the former country retreat of the late J.W. Gardner II and his family. Upon Gardner's 2012 death, the family's 330 acres of former wetland, an oasis for waterfowl and deer, was donated to be made into a camp. In 1859, Gardner's ancestors founded what would become Gardner Denver Inc. in Quincy.

"For many generations, the Gardner family had this property," said Gardner Camp Executive Director Amy Lefringhouse. "We're down here in the river bottoms of the Mississippi. Ducks are plentiful down here."

Several miles of levees and canals were built into the property. Three deep wells were dug, allowing the former wetlands to be flooded to mimic the natural dynamics of the land. The flooded cornfields and pastures of Gardner Camp have an almost magnetic draw that brings birds, deer and several other species out from hiding. Renewed vegetation, reignited into growth by the return of long-absent water, offers food and compels animals to spend more time within the camp.

"He (Gardner) wanted it to be a resource for nonprofit agencies and the youth of Adams, Pike and the surrounding counties," Lefringhouse said. "It's really unique, and it's a really great opportunity for kids. We don't have anything like it."

In March 2016, Lefringhouse was hired to coordinate year-round youth programming. The first program offered at the camp was mentored youth hunting.

"It's pretty state-of-the-art waterfowl hunting," Lefringhouse said. "The amount of resources we put into managing the habitat, we know we can hold ducks here. That's going to help us and the kids have a successful hunt."

Lefringhouse described the two hunting blinds on the property as "far from the average blinds."

"They have heat. They have electricity that can run a microwave, a full-sized stove and oven," Lefringhouse said. "It's almost the comforts of home."

The amenities were included with the intention of easing the young hunters into the outdoors. One of the two blinds is underground, buried below a mound in a flooded field. The result is a view, when looking through the shooting station, that is on the same level as the water.

"I get message after message from parents. 'We think he has got the bug now. That's all he has talked about since he got home,' " Lefringhouse said. "It makes me so appreciative of Mr. Gardner's generosity. To get to see the looks on these kids' faces every weekend is pretty priceless."

Gardner Camp has hosted five youth waterfowl hunting weeks and two youth deer hunting seasons this year. To facilitate each excursion, the camp worked with nonprofit organizations such as the Boy Scouts, 4-H and others.

"Now we're looking at offering outdoor education programming over Christmas break," Lefringhouse said.

On Dec. 28 and 29, Gardner Camp was to host Winter in the Wild, during which the World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis will offer a live show with flying raptors. If weather permits, youth also will be able to scan the camp's grounds for tracks, among other activities. Between adults and children, more than 250 have registered.

"The possibilities here are endless," Lefringhouse said of future programming being considered. "Hopefully we can enhance the programming of nonprofits in the area with the end goal of reaching those kids' lives and giving them experiences they've never had before."

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

BY MATT DUTTON

The Quincy Herald-Whig

Source: The Quincy Herald-Whig, http://bit.ly/2h26xXo
Information from: The Quincy Herald-Whig, http://www.whig.com
This is an Illinois Exchange story shared by The Quincy Herald-Whig.

More Opportunities for Turkey Hunting Through the Illinois Recreational Access Program

More Opportunities for Turkey Hunting Through the Illinois Recreational Access Program

Ninety percent of land in Illinois is privately owned which leaves it hard, at times, to find places to go hunting.  Could IRAP be the future of the majority of hunting in Illinois? Have you ever used this program to hunt?  Are you a landowner that takes advantage of this program? Comment below and share your opinion.   

See below for IDNR press release:

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP) – a program of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) – has added adult turkey hunting to its growing list of outdoor recreation activities on private land in Illinois.

 Adult turkey hunting for the 2017 Illinois Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Season’s third and fourth season segments is available in Christian, Clark, Fayette, Greene, Macoupin, McDonough, Sangamon and Schuyler counties to any registered hunter. First-time adult turkey hunters (individuals who have not hunted turkey in the past 5 years) can also apply for Brown and Fulton counties in addition to the counties listed above.

Illinois Conservation Police Layoffs Averted

Illinois Conservation Police Layoffs Averted

Governor Rauner Administration has reached a collective bargaining agreement

Good news released today!

The Rauner Administration has reached an agreement with the Illinois Faternal Order of Police to forego layoffs, negotiations included a four year wage freeze. As you know CPOs are vital to the state's natural resources and parks and they provide enforcement to protect wildlife. 

We applaud the Rauner Administration and the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police for coming to an agreement so that our state's natural resources can be protected.

 

This agreement also stated that work will be done to expand staffing levels. Currently, there are not enough conservation officers throughout the state and unfortunately this lack of officers affects our state parks, wildlife and the habitat that they live in.

With crumbling state parks and the DNR budget continuing to decrease this is a small victory for outdoors men and women throughout Illinois.

The following is a press release from the Governor's Office.

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner announced today the Administration has reached a collective bargaining agreement with the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council representing Illinois Conservation Police Officers.

"Through fair and good faith negotiations, we were able to reach a compromise that continues to protect our state parks and other natural resources," Rauner General Counsel Dennis Murashko said. "This new contract is fair to both state employees and taxpayers, and we look forward to continuing our partnership while working together to serve the citizens of Illinois."

The agreement includes a four-year wage freeze and ensures no conservation police officers will be laid off, while we work to expand staffing levels.

Historic Reconnection Project at Emiquon Completed

Historic Reconnection Project at Emiquon Completed

It's no secret that we love to fish, hunt, and observe the wetlands, waterfowl and other creatures of the Nature Conservancy's Emiquon.  Today Capitol Outdoors received news coming from this prestige Illinois wetland and conservation area.

About two years ago we were made aware of a project to reconnect this 6,700 acre wetland back to the Illinois River.  Well they've finished and on July 7, 2016 water began flowing back into the Illinois River.  Read the following from the Nature Conservancy and their biologist.  You can learn more about Emiquon and the Nature Conservancy by clicking HERE for their website.

Check out Our Fishing & Hunting adventures, oh and don't forget to read about Eagle Day at Emiquon as well