November Reminders and Dates - IDNR Newsbits

IDNR Newsbits – Nov. 2018

November is a great time for hunting, fishing, leaf peeping, and just plan enjoying the outdoors

• Remaining Firearm Deer Permits: A limited number of Illinois firearm and muzzleloader deer permits are available over-the-counter (OTC) from DNR Direct license and permit vendors through Dec. 2, or until quotas are exhausted. Find a vendor near you at this link: http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/LPR/Pages/LicensePermitVendors.aspx

Illinois Recreational Access Program Announces Applications for Archery Deer Hunting

Does the acronym IRAP sounds familiar? There has been a lot of talk this year from Illinois Recreational Access Program administrators (IRAP).  IRAP provides grounds that allows youth and adults to hunt deer, waterfowl, turkey and more.  Below you'll see information on IRAP, as well as the process for applying for archery deer hunting on IRAP grounds.  If you would like to know more about IRAP,  Capitol Outdoors attended a press conference where Congressman Rodney Davis, Director Wayne Rosenthal and many others discuss the funding of the Farm Bill and the importance of CRP and the IRAP program.  Watch it here!

IDNR IRAP Program Accepting Applications for Archery Deer Hunting on Private Property

IDNR Events and Permit Deadlines - August 2018 Newsbits

Here is a list of events, permits deadlines and more from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Illinois DNR Newsbits – August 2018

Firearm Deer Permits: Permit applications will be accepted until Aug. 17 for the third lottery drawing for 2018 Illinois firearm and muzzleloader deer permits. For details, check the IDNR website at https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/DeerHunting.aspx

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Gives FYI to Lake DePue Waterfowl Hunters

The unofficial start to waterfowl season is just around the corner and whether you'll be shooting clays, hitting the fields for some dove or just getting the grill ready for a long day at blind drawings, it's coming.  Are you attending the drawing at Lake DePue?  If so, this post is for you!  The IDNR is passing along an FYI to those of you who are hunting or plan to hunt Lake DePue State Fish and Wildife Area.  "Due to infrastructure damage at the site, boat access to waterfowl blinds cannot be guaranteed for the 2018 - 2019 waterfowl season".   Interested in attending another drawing?  Check out the 2018 Waterfowl Blind Drawings across the state.

IDNR Alerts Hunters to Ongoing Maintenance Issues at Lake DePue

Access to waterfowl blind sites may not be possible

There's nothing like enjoying a sunrise in the waterfowl blind with some coffee.

Illinois Bowfishing Comes Back to Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area for Festival and Conservation Shoot

What a great opportunity to get the family involved in the outdoors.  Take a look at the press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  The Illinois Bowfishing Festival will be held on May 19 at Des Plaines SFWA.

Illinois Bowfishing Festival and Conservation Shoot Set for May 19 at Des Plaines SFWA

WILMINGTON, IL – Illinois’ Bowfishing Festival and Conservation Shoot at the Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area boat access area is scheduled for Saturday, May 19.

Attention Anglers: A Message from the IDNR Division of Fisheries

From the IDNR Division of Fisheries…

Attention Anglers: Mussels May Not Be Used as Bait in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois fishing regulations prohibit the use of mussels of any species from any waters of the state as fish bait.

An error regarding use of mussels appears in printed copies of the 2018 Illinois Fishing Information booklet (the online version of the booklet reflects the correct regulation).

Illinois fishing regulations now allow persons with a fishing license to possess up to 50 relic (dead) mussel shells by those who collect shells, or by those collecting relic mussel shells for educational purposes.

To review the 2018 Illinois Fishing Information booklet online, go to the I Fish Illinois website link at https://www.ifishillinois.org/regulations/2018FishingGuide.pdf.

IDNR Newsbits and Dates March 2018

As hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts we always look forward to being outside and enjoying what natures has to offer.  However, there are two seasons that we look forward to more than any other, Spring and Fall.  Over the next few months weather will make it the prime time to be outside, whether you'll be enjoying a boat ride, fishing, hiking or looking for those elusive moral mushrooms. Below are some dates that you will want to pay attention to. 

IDNR Newsbits & Dates – March 2018

Spring Turkey Applications: 2018 Illinois Spring Wild Turkey Season permits still available after the lottery drawings will be sold over the counter by DNR Direct license and permit vendors beginning on March 13. Go to the IDNR website for more information:
https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/TurkeyHunting.aspx

Bobcat Harvest Numbers in for 2017 - 2018

From the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Press Office 

Hunters and Trappers Harvested 318 Bobcats During 2017-18 Season

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Hunters and trappers in Illinois harvested a preliminary total of 318 bobcats during the 2017-18 Illinois Bobcat Hunting and Trapping Season, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced today. Permit holders salvaged another 40 roadkill bobcats during the season. 

The National Trappers Association Table from 2017 at the Winnebago County Fairgrounds in Illinois

The 2017-18 Illinois bobcat season was open from Nov. 10, 2017 until Feb. 15, 2018, and 1,000 permits were issued to hunters and trappers for the season.

Illinois DNR Newsbits for February 2018

 With the integration of Historic Preservation into the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Newsbits into the future will have a lot of events that may not always interest you.  However, I challenge you all to try and attend some of these events to enjoy all of what the IDNR has to offer here in Illinois.  

Illinois DNR Newsbits for February 2018

Spring Turkey Applications: Hunters can apply for the third lottery for 2018 Illinois Spring Wild Turkey Season permits by the application deadline of Feb. 9. Go to the IDNR website for more information: https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/TurkeyHunting.aspx

"Catch to Course" puts Asian Carp on Table

It's been said by many people even former Governor Pat Quinn, if you can't beat'em than eat'em.  Well Lt. Governor Sanguinetti did just that earlier this week.  Check out the press release from the Lt. Governors office.

Picture provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Lt. Gov. Sanguinetti celebrates partnership with Louisiana to market Asian Carp as food

Illinois, Louisiana promote invasive fish as healthy food source

CHAMPAIGN - Illinois Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti joined partners from Illinois and Louisiana at a luncheon in Champaign today to showcase and encourage the human consumption of Asian Carp as a healthy food source in America. These efforts can have a positive ecological and economic impact for both states.

Illinois CPOs Hard at Work Issuing Over 1,800 Citations and Warnings

While we're out in the field waterfowl hunting, deer hunting or just doing a little fishing, Illinois CPOs are hard at work enforcing Illinois wildlife laws.  It's easy to forget about law enforcement officers when you obey the law.  However, just because you and I are responsible doesn't mean accidents or negligence in the field doesn't happen.  Below you'll read about how our CPOs issued over 1,800 citations and warnings in less than a month.  While reading this don't forget about the last big bust in regards to fishing, CPOs cited a father and son who were in possession of over 115 perch!  

Our CPOs are doing the best job the can, especially being understaffed. (IDNR is Seeking Applicants for Conservation Police Officer Training).  But, they can't do it by themselves.  Poaching and those in violations of the law need to be reported and that's where you can help.  Make sure to take out your cell phones and add this number.  Call 1-877-2DNRLAW (236-7529) to report anyone you see who is doing something they shouldn't be!

IDNR Conservation Police Issue More Than 1,800 Citations and Warnings to Violators During Illinois’ Busiest Hunting Season

SPRINGFIELD, IL – While firearm deer hunters in Illinois took more than 80,000 deer during the state’s busiest hunting season, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Conservation Police report just four hunting-related accidents were reported, three of them involving injuries resulting from tree stand falls.

IDNR Conservation Police Announce Results of Western Illinois Deer Hunting Enforcement Detail

A big round of applause to our Illinois Conservation Police.  From the Illinois Department of Natural Resources press office.

Conservation Police Announce Results of Western Illinois Deer Hunting Enforcement Detail

BARRY, IL – Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police have issued more than 50 citations and warnings for illegal deer hunting and related offenses this month. The illegal activity was discovered during enforcement details in Pike and Adams counties on Nov. 8-9.

Conservation Police officers focused on activities on deer hunting properties managed by Hadley Creek Outfitters, based in Barry, IL, including the unlawful feeding of white-tailed deer, and allowing clients to hunt deer over a baited area.


During the enforcement detail, Conservation Police officers confirmed approximately 6,400 acres were baited and unlawful to hunt in Pike and Adams counties.  Bait is defined as any material, whether liquid or solid, including food, salt, mineral, and other products that can be ingested, placed, or scattered in such a manner as to attract or lure white-tailed deer.  The illegal areas were baited with trophy rocks, mineral licks, piled corn, and corn scattered among food plots.

Hadley Creek managers, guides, and clients were cited for multiple violations of feeding deer and hunting over baited areas.  Officers working the detail also came across additional violations in the area which were committed by hunters who were not involved with hunting on Hadley Creek properties.

Violations discovered during the detail included:  Unlawful Feeding of White-tailed Deer, Unlawfully Hunting White-tailed Deer over a Baited Area, Transportation of an Uncased Bow and Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Untagged Deer, Unlawful Possession of Another Individual’s Deer Permit, Failure to Report Deer Harvest Same Day as Kill, and Falsification of Residency to Obtain Permits.  Illinois Conservation Police officers issued 46 citations and 7 written warnings during the detail.

Illinois has taken a proactive approach to prevent the further spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).  It is unlawful to make available food, salt, mineral blocks or other products for ingestion by wild deer or other wildlife in areas where wild deer are present at any time.  CWD is a fatal neurological disease of deer, elk, and moose.  The disease is always fatal in deer and there is no treatment or cure.  CWD is transmitted directly from one animal to another, and there is evidence that it also can be transmitted from contaminated places in the environment (for instance, a feeding area where saliva and excrement from an infected deer is present).  CWD was first found in Illinois during the fall of 2002.  The disease has been confirmed to be present in 17 northern Illinois counties.

Tournament Organizers Apply for Permits Starting November 1st for 2018 Season

While many of us are thinking ducks and bucks, tournament anglers should already start thinking about next year.

If you are a director of a circuit or are wishing to apply for a permit to host a tournament on an Illinois lake, then this is for you.  Starting November 1, 2017 those who wish, can submit an application through the IDNR website.  See below for the press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  

2018 Illinois Fishing Tournament Applications Accepted by IDNR Beginning Nov. 1

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Fishing tournament organizers can begin applying for 2018 tournament permits on November 1, 2017.

Round Three Shows Slight Increase in Deer Archery Harvest Numbers

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources released the third round of deer archery numbers.  The first two rounds showed a slight decrease from 2016.  This round showed 61 more deer harvested then last year.  You can check out Round One (Includes youth numbers) and Round Two of the harvested deer.  One may also notice that the number of bucks increased by three percent.  See below for information and county by county numbers.

Disabled Hunters have Waterfowl Hunting Opportunity at Kaskaskia River SFWA

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is informing hunters with disabilities about an opportunity at Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area.  Share and spread the word.  The outdoors should be experienced by everyone!

Waterfowl Hunting Blinds at Kaskaskia River SFWA for Hunters with Disabilities

BALDWIN, IL – With the upcoming waterfowl season approaching, the Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area has hunting opportunities for hunters with disabilities.  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has two designated handicapped waterfowl hunting blinds at the Dry Lake Area at Kaskaskia River SFWA – listed as the North or South blinds.

Person with Disabilities Application to Hunt at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

I had the privileged to take a buddy I met via facebook out on a hunt.  This compared to all my other hunts was a little different because Nate had spina bifida.  His passion and dedication to the outdoors surpasses many that say the love the outdoors.  However, it took some doing but we finally were able to find a place to go.  If you know someone that has a disability please share this with them.  They may only get a few opportunities a year to enjoy the great outdoors.  

Special Firearm Deer Hunt for Persons with Disabilities at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area on Nov. 2 and 3

Hunters can apply through October 20

KEWANEE, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will host a new firearm deer hunt for persons with disabilities on November 2 and 3 at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area in Henry Co.

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

IDNR to Allocate Trapping Permits for Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA

IDNR to Allocate Trapping Permits for Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA

CHANDLERVILLE, IL – A public drawing for the allocation of trapping permits at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area will be held at Saturday, Oct. 7 at 1:30 p.m. Registration will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the site headquarters, located approximately five miles southeast of Chandlerville.

One permit for each of the five trapping zones will be allocated through a lottery drawing. All persons attempting to enter the drawing must be in attendance and have a current 2017 trapping license in their possession.

DP (Dog Proof) Traps, live traps, and traps of similar action may be used. Homemade dog-proof traps must be designed with a foothold trap no larger than a #2 in an enclosed wood, metal, or durable plastic container with a single access opening of no larger than 1½ inches in diameter. All body-gripping traps must be totally submerged.

IDNR to Allocate Sangchris Lake Trapping Permits on Oct. 14

IDNR to Allocate Sangchris Lake Trapping Permits on Oct. 14

ROCHESTER, IL – A public drawing for the allocation of Sangchris Lake State Park trapping permits will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 14.  Registration will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the site headquarters, located approximately six miles southeast of Rochester.

One permit for two trapping zones will be allocated through the drawing procedure (the Sangchris subimpoundment area will now be included as another zone open to trapping).  Two names will be allowed on the permit, and only those individuals listed will be allowed to trap.  All persons entering the drawing must have a current 2017 trapping license in possession.  Persons whose names are drawn must be in attendance.

Starting February 1, 2018 until the end of the trapping season on March 31, 2018, Sangchris Lake State Park will open to statewide regulations, meaning that any individual with a valid 2017 trapping permit who is interested in trapping can do so (beaver, muskrat, and river otter only).

Illinois Conservation Foundation Announces 2017 Conservation Achievement Scholarship Winners

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2017 Illinois Conservation Foundation.

Illinois Conservation Foundation Announces 2017 Conservation Achievement Scholarship Winners

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) today announced the selections of Patricia Calderon of Chicago and Jacob Handel of Sycamore as recipients of the 2017 Conservation Achievement Scholarships. Both high school seniors will receive $2,000 to apply to specified expenses at the two- or four-year college or university of their choice.

"Through the Conservation Achievement Scholarship program, the ICF is able to recognize and reward the hard work on conservation stewardship and natural resources protection being done by outstanding youth in Illinois,” said Wayne Rosenthal, chairman of the Illinois Conservation Foundation Board of Directors and Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. “We congratulate Paty Calderon and Jacob Handel for their passion and dedication to making our natural world a better place, and setting a great example for all of us.”

Patricia Calderon, Whitney Young Magnet High School, Chicago
Paty Calderon’s interest in environmental stewardship included involvement in frog call monitoring, removing invasive plants, and participating in park and beach cleanups during her freshman year at Whitney Young Magnet High School in Chicago. As a sophomore, she interned at the Environmental Law and Policy Center in Chicago, and helped organize high school students to attend a legislative lobby day in Springfield. Paty helped organize the Chicago Youth Alliance for Climate Action, working with students from throughout the city on issues including clean water and climate change. During her junior year, she and fellow students organized the Eco Warriors, a team hosting workshops on environmental issues for high school freshmen, while she also continued educating hundreds of neighborhood elementary school students about the importance of the environment. Paty received a scholarship to spend the summer of 2016 conducting marine research at the Island School of the Bahamas. Patricia Calderon plans to attend Pomona College in Claremont, California.

Jacob Handel, Sycamore High School, Sycamore
Jacob Handel focused his love of the outdoors and his interest in community service by constructing shelters at a local wildlife center as his Eagle Scout project. He has served as a volunteer at Russell Woods Forest Preserve in DeKalb Co., hosting information stations during community events and working on invasive species control and tree planting at the preserve. Jacob participated in aquatic invertebrate research as part of the Environmental Science Kishwaukee Watershed course in conjunction with Northern Illinois University, including summer field work and in-class research projects when school resumed. As a high school senior, he has served as a teaching assistant, working with students on collecting and identifying samples. Jacob wrote: “For just about every school project, I find some way to include the environment. I’m passionate about it. In my own backyard, I am working to restore an area to native tallgrass prairie.” Jacob Handel plans to attend Iowa State University in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

“Congratulations to our scholarship recipients, and thanks to the generosity of all of the donors to the Illinois Conservation Foundation’s scholarship fund,” said Eric Schenck, ICF Executive Director. “The Conservation Achievement Scholarship program has been able to provide more than $100,000 in support to the academic endeavors of young conservationists from throughout Illinois.”

Applicants for the ICF Conservation Achievement Scholarship program must be outstanding high school seniors in Illinois who have demonstrated effective, voluntary, long-term dedication to the preservation, protection, enhancement and/or promotion of Illinois' natural resources. Other criteria also apply. ICF Conservation Achievement Scholarships are made possible through donations to the foundation. For more information, check the ICF website at www.ilcf.org.

For information on donating to and supporting the Conservation Achievement Scholarships or other ICF programs, contact the foundation at 217-785-2003, or donate online at www.ilcf.org.

Illinois Conservation Foundation