Wingshooting Clinic and Pheasant Hunt for Youth at Johnson-Sauk Trail SRA

Youth Wingshooting Clinic and Pheasant Hunt Nov. 10 at Johnson-Sauk Trail SRA

Free Event for Youth Ages 10-17 Hosted by IDNR and Local Chapters of Pheasants Forever

KEWANEE, IL – Girls and boys ages 10-17 are invited to participate in a free Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Youth Wingshooting Clinic and Pheasant Hunt on Sat., Nov. 10 at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area near Kewanee.

How to get a Hook Out of Your Hand - The Tip Every Angler Should Know

Splash, my lure hit the water and I began cranking the reel.  My buddy Matt and I were working some baits through weeds when  "WHAM"...

"Got one" I said.  

"Is it a good one?"Matt asked.  

"Feels like it" I responded.

IDNR Announces 2018 Wingshooting Schedule

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), in cooperation with its partners and co-sponsors, will conduct wingshooting clinics at sites throughout Illinois from March through mid-November. 

The clinics provide instruction and help improve the shooting skills for both beginners and experienced hunters. Most clinics are conducted on weekends at IDNR sites, cooperating gun clubs and shooting ranges, hunting preserves, and farms.

2017 Fishing Careers Workshop Offers Advice and Insight into Fishing Industry

The old question among anglers, 'how do I make a career in the fishing industry?'   This question drove fishing legend Al Lindner, his son Troy Lindner and ten other top notch fishing industry leaders to share their passion, successes and advice with a room full of eager participants at Cragun's Resort in Brainerd Minnesota.

Various high schoolers and established industry leaders from 14 states and Providence of Quebec, attended the 2017 Fishing Careers Workshop and then there's little ole' me.

Growing up in the 90's, In-Fisherman was the YouTube of today, anglers read and watched Al Lindner and others teach fishing tactics and how to's.  He wasn't just a TV personality, he was someone I looked up to.  What kid/adult wouldn't want his job?  Making videos about fishing, the dream job!

Pere Marquette State Park Hosts Educational Fishing Pond Dedication and More

Take the weekend of October 6th,and head down to Pere Marquette State Park.  The park will be hosting a ceremony dedicating their new Educational Fishing Pond.  Although the ceremony may only take a few minutes, this park has so much more to offer.  

"Fall color drives are popular along the wooded ravines and riverside roadways at and near Pere Marquette".

Growing up most of my time outdoors was spent with my dad and brothers.  Some of the most memorable times spent outdoors were with my mom leaf peeping.  Many of you may enjoy doing this with your kids.

Dedication Ceremony Planned for Oct. 6 for New Educational Fishing Pond at Pere Marquette State Park

GRAFTON, IL – Pere Marquette State Park will host a dedication ceremony and grand opening on Friday, Oct. 6 at 11:30 a.m. for the park’s new Educational Fishing Pond.

The public is invited to the ceremony to help celebrate the completion of the project. The new fishing pond will be used at the annual Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair every June, as well as for other park interpretive programs and Urban Fishing Program events.

The new pond is located just outside of the Visitor Center in front of the Log Cabin at Pere Marquette State Park.

The pond was constructed thanks to the support of individual and corporate donors.

The Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery was the primary donor for the project. Monsanto, Friends of Pere Marquette State Park Foundation, and another sponsor who wishes to remain anonymous also were major donors for the project. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Fisheries provided funding to pay for aerator and pump services and supplies for the pond. Total Lawn Care, Inc. of Jerseyville was the contractor for the project. Other project partners include:

Pere Marquette State Park staff
IDNR Region 4 Hot Shot Crew
IDNR Office of Resource Conservation, Fisheries
IDNR Office of Land Management
IDNR Office of Realty and Environmental Planning
Illinois Federation for Outdoor Resources (IFOR)
Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
Unique Concrete Concepts - Jerseyville, IL
Trico Electric - Jerseyville, IL
Baxter Gardens - Chesterfield, MO
Gorman Brothers Ready Mix - Jerseyville, IL
Goedecke Company - St. Louis, MO
McClintock’s Tree Service – Jerseyville, IL

Sportsman’s Awareness Public Meeting Scheduled in Millstadt, IL

A MUST ATTEND EVENT FOR ILLINOIS HUNTERS AND ANGLERS

In order to pass our heritage on to the next generation, we need policies that reflect and protect our hunting and fishing lifestyle.  That's why the Sportsman's Awareness Public Meeting hosted by IFOR and Kaskaskia River Deltawaterfowl Chapter is a must attend event.  "The informational meeting is open to the public and will help sportsmen and women become more aware of legislation, regulatory changes, and issues that currently face hunters, anglers, and shooters in Southern Illinois."

Informational meetings like these help us as hunters and anglers stay informed and organized.

Sportsman’s Awareness Public Meeting Scheduled in Millstadt, IL

Sportsmen and women from throughout southern Illinois are invited to learn about issues currently facing hunters, anglers, and outdoors enthusiasts in Illinois

Millstadt, IL — The Illinois Federation of Outdoor Resources (IFOR) and Kaskaskia River Delta Waterfowl Chapter announce the upcoming Sportsman’s Awareness Public Meeting. The informational meeting is open to the public and will help sportsmen and women become more aware of legislation, regulatory changes, and issues that currently face hunters, anglers, and shooters in Southern Illinois. The meeting will be held at Millstadt

Sportsmen’s Club, 4915 Schmidt Lane, Millstadt, IL on June 15, 2017 at 7:00PM . Scott Bryant, President of IFOR will be presenting an informational program that will help sportsmen better understand the regulatory process and current issues surrounding outdoor activities.

“There are so many new regulations, proposed regulations, and issues that sportsmen in IL face today,” said
Bryant. “It’s increasingly difficult for the average sportsman to keep up with the rapidly changing regulatory
environment as well as the increasing number of threats to the hunting and angling heritages that southern Illinois sportsmen and women hold so dear. “

The goal of the meeting is to help sportsmen understand the most pressing issues both from regulatory agencies as well as other community groups and how to appropriately address them.

All southern Illinois sportsmen are encouraged to attend. Admission is free.

For more information, press only:
Scott Bryant
618-535- 0151
skycarp@aol.com

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

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.

Jim Edgar Panther Creek WIngshooting Clinic 2016

Jim Edgar Panther Creek Wingshooting Clinic 2016

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) working with a variety of volunteers, partners, sponsors and organizations offer wingshooting clinics at different sites throughout Illinois.  This past weekend there was a Youth/Women's Clinic at Jim Edgar Panther Creek.

2016 Jim Edgar Panther Creek Wingshooting Clinic 

Make May Native Species Month

Make May Native Species Month

It seems like every year we hear about a new advancement in invasive species.  They take over our lakes, rivers, streams, prairies and forest while millions of dollars goes into trying to eradicate them and stop their advancements.    With May being Invasive Species Month you'll probably see more articles in your social media news feeds regarding this topic. 

When we first started Capitol Outdoors, we had a general understanding regarding invasive species.  We knew that Asian Carp, Emerald Ash Borer or Honeysuckle was destructive to the greater ecosystem.    We are continuing to learn about invasive species and conservation on daily basis.

IDNR Announces 2016 Schedule for Wingshooting Clinics

IDNR Announces 2016 Schedule for Wingshooting Clinics

On April 1, 2016 the Illinois Department of Natural Resources released a statement regarding their dates for the 2016 Wingshooting Clinics.  This is a great way to introduce youngsters, women and first time shooters to the thrill and fun of wingshooting.  In the press release, you'll find information regarding those who are eligible along with the different types of wingshooting classes that are being offered.

"Clinics are taught by instructors certified by the IDNR. Many clinic instructors also have a National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) instructor certification."

Click the IDNR link to find out where and when these fun and informative clinics are going on -

http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/programs/wingshooting/WingshootingDates.html

IDNR Announces 2016 Schedule for Wingshooting Clinics

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), in cooperation with a number of partners and cosponsors, will conduct wingshooting clinics at sites throughout Illinois from spring through mid-November, intended to provide instruction and improve the shooting skills of beginners and experienced hunters. Most clinics are conducted on weekends at IDNR sites, cooperating gun clubs and shooting ranges, hunting preserves, and farms.

Youth/Women’s Wingshooting Clinics are designed to provide instruction on safely shooting a shotgun at a moving target with reasonable reliability. Girls and boys ages 10-15, young adults ages 16-18, and women of all ages are eligible to participate. Each clinic starts with a morning shotgun safety presentation, followed by a short small group hands-on shotgun orientation session with each group’s wingshooting instructor. After a lunch break, students spend the afternoon in the field shooting flying clay targets on presentations designed for beginning and novice shooters. Students learn to safely handle and shoot a shotgun, and they learn that being skilled at shooting clay targets is a lot of fun. Most youth/women’s clinics are provided at no cost to participants, or have a nominal registration fee. Shotguns, shotshells, and clay targets are provided.

Hunter Wingshooting Clinics are hands-on, and include extensive live fire at a variety of clay target presentations on sporting clays courses specifically designed for teaching typical hunting situations. From ducks and doves to pheasants, quail and rabbits, hunters will find clay target presentations that resemble their favorite and most troublesome shots. Hunter Wingshooting Clinics consist of two wingshooting sessions each day. A short briefing about shotgun safety and handling and on-range safety occurs during the first 15 minutes of each 4-hour shooting session. The clinics are designed primarily to improve the wingshooting skills of hunters, but are not limited to just hunters. The clinics are designed for shotgun shooters with reasonable experience. Young shooters ages 12 to 15 must be in at least the "Intermediate" skill level category to enroll in these clinics. Young shooters 12 to 15 must also be accompanied by and shooting with an adult who is participating in the hunter clinic. Shotgun shooters 16 and older with beginning to advanced wingshooting skills who want to improve their shotgun shooting skills are encouraged to attend. The fee to participate ranges from $30 or $35 per participant.

Clinics are taught by instructors certified by the IDNR. Many clinic instructors also have a National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) instructor certification. The participant-to-instructor ratio is usually four-to-one. Participants are typically grouped with others of similar shooting ability.

The 2016 clinic schedule includes several special events. The IDNR Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) program offers shotgun shooting classes as part of an extensive outdoor skills program. (Registration for the BOW workshop in June is already full). During the National Hunting and Fishing Day activities at Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area in September, the opportunity to shoot clay targets is available under the supervision of IDNR Hunter Safety instructors. The Healing Outside of a Hospital (HOOAH) Program provides sporting clays shooting opportunities under the supervision of IDNR wingshooting instructors to active duty military personnel recovering from injuries, and to veterans with disabilities.

For the 2016 IDNR Wingshooting Clinics schedule and information on registering for clinics, check the IDNR website at www.dnr.illinois.gov. The wingshooting schedule is at this link: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/programs/wingshooting/WingshootingDates.html

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Appropriation Bills Filed

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Appropriation Bills Filed

State Budget FY 2017

Pictures property of IDNR and IGOMB

On February 17, 2016 Governor Rauner laid out his proposed budget for FY 2017. Now that the Governor has proposed his budget, the legislators are able to introduce their budget bills.

On February 19, 2016 Republican Leaders Radogno (Lemont, Illinois) & Durkin (Burr Ridge, Illinois) filed SB3190 & HB6355.

SB3190 & HB6355 -$DNR FY17 OCE

Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Department of Natural Resources for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2016, as follows: General Revenue Fund $44,000,000; Other State Funds $193,827,275; Federal Funds $26,407,407; Total $264,234,682.

Of course the budget is going to be a topic with much heated debate.

The One Thing Every Hunter and Angler Needs!

The One Thing Every Hunter and Angler Needs! 

Every hunter and angler has one, regardless if they are a novice or have been at it for 50 years.  It has become such a part of our successes, we often forget how instrumental it is for our successful days.  It takes hours to prepare but it never seems to add up.  We're talking about "the system."

2016 - 2020 Illinois Waterfowl Proposed Zones and Dates Finalized

2016 - 2020 Illinois Waterfowl Zones and Dates Finalized

Before 2015 waterfowl season began the Illinois Department of Natural Resources began preparing for the waterfowl season ahead.  2016 - 2020 Illinois Waterfowl Proposed Zones and Dates were first released back in October for the public input.  The proposed dates and zone are compiled by open houses, hunter surveys and constituents writing the IDNR with their opinion.  The IDNR released the finalized dates and zones for the the 2016 -2020 season.  Click the link above where you'll be able to compare the propose dates and zones with the final version.

Finalized Zones and Dates 

News from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

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.

Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act of 2015 (S.H.A.R.E Act)

Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act of 2015 (S.H.A.R.E Act)

Congressman Wittman, Robert J. [Republican of Virginia-1] introduced Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act of 2015, also know as the S.H.A.R.E Act on May 19, 2015.

This bill vamps a variety of existing programs to expand access to, and opportunities for, hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting.  Below you'll find a quick overview of the S.H.A.R.E Act or you can read the bill in its entirety HERE.

 Hunting, Fishing, and Recreational Shooting Protection Act

• Components of firearms and ammunition and sport fishing equipment and its components (such as lead sinkers) are exempted from regulations of chemical substances under the Toxic Substances Control Act

• Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act
• The Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act is amended to: (1) increase the proportion of funding from the Act that states may use for acquiring land for public target ranges, and (2) delay by 10 years until 2026 the date after which interest from the wildlife conservation and restoration fund is available for apportionment.

• Polar Bear Conservation and Fairness Act of 2015
•  Interior must issue permits to allow a hunter to import polar bear parts (other than internal organs) if the bear was legally harvested in Canada from an approved population before the May 15, 2008

• Recreational Lands Self-Defense Act of 2015
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may not prohibit individuals from possessing a firearm in public areas of a water resources development project.

• Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act
• Federal public land management officials must facilitate hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting on certain federal public land.

•  Hunter and Farmer Protection Act
• The bill revises standards for determining what a baited area is for purposes of the prohibition on taking migratory game birds.
• The National Park Service (NPS) may not prohibit individuals from transporting bows and crossbows if certain requirements are met.
• The NPS may establish hunter access corridors.

• Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act Reauthorization of 2015
• This bill revises the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act to extend the authority provided to Interior under the Act.

Check back as we update you on this important piece of legislation.  

State and Federal Money Possibly being cut from Natural Resource Programs

State and Federal Money Possibly being cut from Natural Resource Programs

While budget talks continue in Springfield, you might not be aware of other whispers happening in Washington D.C. October 1st starts the fiscal year for the federal government. While congress prolonged funding of the federal government, they didn't fund the Land Water and Conservation Fund (LWCF).

A Quick Reminder for all Illinois Deer Hunters

A Quick Reminder for all Illinois Deer Hunters

Tomorrow thousands of hunters will be taking the field in hopes of harvesting an Illinois deer.  It's easy to let excitement overcome you.  By now though, all preparation is done and now all you're waiting on is that alarm clock to start buzzing.  Whether you're a novice or even a seasoned bow hunter remember these three things.

New Registration Location for Boating and Fishing at Emiquon

New Registration Location for Boating and Fishing at Emiquon.

In the past The Nature Conservancy's Emiquon has asked boaters and anglers to register at Dickson Mounds.  This state museum location will be closing due to lack of funds starting September 30, 2015.  With this closure, the Nature Conservancy has asked me to share their press release.   If you fish or boat out at Emiquon make sure to read this press release.  Emiquon is a diamond in the rough,  respect the rules so we all can continue to enjoy this magnificent wetland.  Read more about the rules and regulations for fishing and boating. 

2015 - 2016 Waterfowl Digest Released - Rules and Regulations for Hunting Waterfowl in Illinois

2015 - 2016 Waterfowl Digest Released - Rules and Regulations for Hunting Waterfowl in Illinois

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources just released the the 2015 - 2016 Waterfowl Digest.  This booklet contains information about the Rules and Regulations to hunt waterfowl in Illinois.  While most of the information hasn't changed from the years past this is no excuse not to read the this highly valuable resource.

Some of you may be asking didn't you already write about the 2015 -2016 Digest?  Yes, however that particular booklet is for all of hunting and trapping.  Waterfowl in itself has more specific rules.

Here's a great tip, you'll soon see these at your local sporting goods store.  Make sure to pick up two copies.  One for around the house or truck and the other for your blind bag.  There's has been so many times we've used this in the field.  From sunrise times to something to read in the blind on those slow days.

Illinois Conservation Police Layoffs Postponed

Illinois Conservation Police Layoffs Postponed

Illinois hunters and anglers got a small win this week when announcements coming from the Conservation Police Lodge represented by the PBPA stated that "the State of Illinois and the union will defer implementing any layoffs while the parties continue to discuss".

In August Capitol Outdoors reported that 33 CPO received layoff notices that would go into effect on September 30, 2015.

With bow season just days away this is great news to those of us that enjoy the outdoors.  In the past year or so Illinois Conservation Police Officers have investigated and arrested poachers both in Northern and Southern Illinois.

 We will continue to update you while the discussion continues regarding these layoffs.