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.

First Season of Shotgun Deer Totals Up

Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary total of 58,836 deer during the first weekend of the Illinois Firearm Deer Season on Nov. 16-18. Hunters took 51,450 deer during the first firearm weekend in 2017.

IDNR Reminds Hunters of CWD Check-ins, Firearm Safety and more for Upcoming Season

Below you'll see a press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources about CWD check-ins, firearm safety and more for the upcoming firearm season.  In addition there are some important links, dates and county information.  Good luck!

Deer hunters are reminded to focus on safety as the 2018 Illinois Firearm Deer Season opens this week. The seven-day firearm season begins this Friday, Nov. 16 through Sunday, Nov. 18. A second round of firearm deer hunting will be held from Nov. 29-Dec. 2.

Information Regarding Youth Firearm Deer Season at Jim Edgar Panther Creek

You hear it all the time from non-profits, agencies and others, we need to get youth involved in hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities.  Here is another good event.  A total of 75 youth hunters will have the privilege of shotgun hunting Jim Edgar Panther Creek October 6 - 8.  Not only is it a good opportunity for youth to get involved, but it's on some of the best public hunting in Illinois.  If you have a youth that is interested, make sure to follow the instructions below.  Since, this weekend is also the first weekend of the archery season, hunters may have to rearrange a few things as archery hunters will NOT be allowed to hunt in the Open Units. 

Apply Now for Youth Firearm Deer Season at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area

Youth season is a great opportunity to get youth the experience in the outdoors.

Round 5 of Deer Archery Numbers Show Increase in Illinois

For the second week in a row deer numbers jump and not by a couple hundred but by thousands.  This round the increase in harvest deer compared to this time last year is 4,718.  I'm sure many of you are wondering why the significant jump in harvest numbers.  Is it because of rut activity?  Could it be the crossbows?  Some say it's both.  Regardless, the increase in harvest numbers all comes before the orange army hits the field in ten days.  Will they see an increase? Time will tell.

Chris of Washington, Illinois sent this buck he took last year

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.

Repeals FOID Card Act- 100th GA - HB 0492

Repeals FOID Card Act- 100th GA - HB 0492

Representative: Thomas M. Bennett (R)

Filed: HB 0492 on 2-12-17

Repeals the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Amends various Acts to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Hearings: 
Judiciary - Criminal Committee Hearing Feb 15 2017 3:00PM Capitol Building Room 114 Springfield, IL
Previous Actions:

• Date - Chamber - Action
• 1/20/2017 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Thomas M. Bennett
• 1/20/2017 House First Reading
• 1/20/2017 House Referred to Rules Committee
• 1/24/2017 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Lou Lang
• 1/25/2017 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Jerry Lee Long
• 1/25/2017 House Remove Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Lou Lang
• 2/2/2017 House Assigned to Judiciary - Criminal Committee

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe