Conservation Leaders Diane and Doug Oberhelman to be Inducted into Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) Board of Directors today announced the selection of Diane and Doug Oberhelman of Edwards for induction into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame for their exemplary service in and commitments to improving conservation efforts and outdoor recreation opportunities in Illinois.

Image Copied from Illinois Conservation Foundation 

The formal induction of Diane and Doug Oberhelman will occur during a ceremony at the annual Illinois Conservation Foundation Gala April 30, 2020, at the Union League Club in Chicago.

Illinois Statewide Park Entrance Fees On The Horizon

This morning the Senate Environment Committee had a hearing on SB 1310. Senator Rezin introduced this piece of legislation to begin implementing a parking fee for Starved Rock State Park. This state park is ranked 11th in the nation and the local area has seen an increase in the number of visitors. LaSalle County residents are struggling with the over 3 million visitors they see each year and the state park maintenance is deteriorating.

Photo Credit EnjoyIllinois.com

Four New Locations Added to Spring Trout Release

Here at Capitol Outdoors, we always look forward to the Fall and Spring trout release.  It's a great way to get those who've never fished before or to get kids outside.  This is a great way to teach the basics and the action can be fast and furious. There are lots of ways to catch these slippy fish.  Casting a spoon, power bait, minnow, and even corn.  However if you're looking to increase your odds, read our prior articles.  "Capitol Outdoors' Tips and Tricks for Inland Trout Fishing" Looks like there will be four new fishing locations added to this year's season.  Baumann Lake in Cherry Valley, Weldon Springs Lake in DeWitt County, Casey Park Pond in Casey, and Belk Lake in Wood River.  Below you'll see a list of locations for this tradition.  

Check out Autumn catch a golden trout at Jim Edgar Panther Creek.  Also you can watch one of our first video we ever did.  Go ahead and laugh we sure did!   GOOD LUCK!

2019 Illinois Spring Trout Fishing Season Opens April 6

Press Release - Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Illinois DNR Newsbits - and First Message for Acting Director Callahan

Inside the IDNR March 2019

Governor JB Pritzker on February 19 appointed Colleen Callahan to serve as Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Prior to the appointment, Colleen managed her own communications consulting firm after serving for more than seven years as state director for USDA Rural Development in Illinois. During her tenure at USDA, she and her staff worked with local communities and businesses to generate a $1 billion increase in the Illinois rural development loan portfolio. Colleen also worked for 30 years in radio and television, serving as the agribusiness director for WMBD in Peoria. She was the first female president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. Colleen grew up on a cattle and grain farm near Milford in Iroquois County. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural communications from the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign. 

Information in this post was provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

FIRST CHICAGOLAND NATIONAL PHEASANT FEST & QUAIL CLASSIC DRAWS 22,387

Press Release from Pheasants & Quail Forever

Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever’s National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic presented by Federal Premium Ammunition drew 22,387 weekend attendees to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, the event’s inaugural run in Chicagoland. At the nation’s biggest gathering of upland wildlife conservationists, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced his department’s intention to hold upcoming signups for the federal Conservation Reserve Program, the country’s signature pheasant and quail habitat creator.

Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever’s National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic 2019 (photo courtesy: Capitol Outdoors)

Governor Pritzker's Proposed Budget for Department of Natural Resources

Today Governor Pritzker released his FY20 proposed operating budget for the DNR. You can find it on page 256 of the Proposed Operating Budget. An operating budget is where 'appropriations are for consumable goods and services such as salaries and benefits, commodities, utilities, and professional services that are purchased and used during any one fiscal year.

The Governor’s recommended FY20 budget supports a Conservation Police Officer trainee class of 20 to help with the reduction due to retirement.

The proposed budget fully funds historic sites and preservation operations at last year's levels and maintains operations of all state parks and campgrounds.

Governor Pritzker appoints Colleen Callahan as the New Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Since the day after the election we have been asked, 'Do you know who the next director is going to be?'  While there were rumors and we had our own speculation, the time has come, we can finally answer the question we've all been wondering.

Governor JB Pritzker has appointed Colleen Callahan as the new Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  "Callahan currently manages her own communications consulting firm after spending over seven years as state director for USDA Rural Development in Illinois. During her tenure, she oversaw a 20% reduction in staffing while still being able to generate a $1 billion increase in the Illinois loan portfolio. Prior, Callahan served as the agribusiness director for WMBD in Peoria, a position she held for 30 years. She was the first female president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. Callahan received her Bachelor of Science in agricultural communications from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign." Source

First, let me point out that in the last 20 years the IDNR has had four directors. Colleen Callahan will be the fifth. During that time the agency has seen massive budget cuts, disappointing leadership, the reduction of Conservation Police Officers and so on.

While some of you may have different opinions with Colleen Callahan, we have to set our differences aside and will work together.  Capitol Outdoors will continue to make sure that you are an informed hunter and angler. There is a lot of work to be done, but if Governor Pritzker wants to turn around Illinois, this agency is one place he can start.

Governor Pritzker,  let Colleen do her job and bring the DNR back to a time of, open communication, transparency, and pride.  The IDNR needs to step out of the darkness, quit hiding from the public and be the agency that we all hope they can be.

Governor Pritzker Announces $28.9 Million in Grants for 89 Local Park Projects Throughout Illinois

Governor Pritzker Announces $28.9 Million in Grants for 89 Local Park Projects Throughout Illinois

OSLAD Grants Will Support Park Development and Open Space Land Acquisition in 29 Counties

SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker today announced $28.9 million in grants for 89 local projects that will help communities acquire open space and develop and improve recreational facilities throughout Illinois.

“Investments in Illinois’ local parks makes it easier for families and recreation enthusiasts to enjoy our state’s beauty and help their communities thrive,” Governor Pritzker said. “Parks projects will also create jobs, providing a boost to local economic development efforts in dozens of communities and spurring additional investment throughout the state.”

Wildlife Photography Exhibit Opens Feb. 2 at Dickson Mounds

Don't forget about Fulton-Mason Eagle Day which is also on the 2nd of February

Wildlife Photography Exhibit Opens Feb. 2 at Dickson Mounds

LEWISTOWN, IL – Dickson Mounds Museum will welcome visitors to view a new exhibit on Saturday, February 2 with the opening of “The Wandering Flatlanders: A Photographic Journey for Illinois Wildlife, photography by Dwight Eddington and Kevin Wright” as part of the annual Fulton-Mason Eagle Day event. 

Photographers Dwight Eddington (L) and Kevin Wright (R)

The exhibit will feature a suite of Illinois wildlife photographs, many of which were taken at The Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve, located near Dickson Mounds Museum. Photographers Dwight Eddington and Kevin Wright are Fulton County residents.

Illinois Conservation Foundation Scholarships Now Available

Attention high school seniors, here is a great opportunity for scholarships.  If you hunt, fish and enjoy the outdoors you need to apply.  Applications are due March 15, 2019.  See below for links and more information.

Logo copied from Illinois Conservation Foundation 

High School Seniors Can Apply Now for an ICF Conservation Achievement Scholarship

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Applications are now being accepted by the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) for the 2019 Conservation Achievement Scholarship program. The ICF annually awards scholarships to outstanding high school seniors in Illinois who demonstrate effective, voluntary, long-term dedication to the preservation, protection or enhancement of the state’s natural resources. Up to three scholarships of $2,000 each are available for the current school year.

Fulton-Mason Eagle Day Saturday, February 2, 2019

Fulton-Mason Eagle Day

Saturday, February 2, 2019 - 9:00am to 4:00pm

Free, donations accepted

Join us for the annual Fulton-Mason Eagle Day event. Activities include live raptor programs, hands-on activities and crafts for kids, and bird watching in various locations in Lewistown and Havana, Illinois. The event is free and for all ages.

New Years Newsbits January 2019

Illinois DNR Newsbits – January 2019

• Spring Turkey Applications: Think spring by applying now for the second lottery for 2019 Illinois Spring Wild Turkey Season permits. The application deadline for the second lottery is Jan. 11. Go to the IDNR website for more information at https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/TurkeyHunting.aspx

New Hunting Regulations Become Law On January 1st 2019

On January 1st the following hunting related bills will become law.  Many of you have seen the Blaze Pink Bill being discussed, however there are two more pieces of legislation that you will see become effective in the new year.

Did you know that the following happened during the 100th General Assembly?

• 1,268 pieces of legislation passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly

• 1,044 bills were approved by the Governor.

• 135 initiatives were vetoed by the Governor.

• 50 vetoed items were overridden by lawmakers, rejecting the Governor's objection. (source)

New Hunting Laws

HB 4231

Allows both firearms deer hunters and upland game hunters to wear blaze pink in addition to blaze orange during their hunting season.

HB 4783

Combines the Youth Hunting License and the Youth Trapping License to create a Youth Hunting and Trapping License for a fee of $7. Provides that a Youth Hunting and Trapping License shall entitle the licensee to hunt while supervised by an adult who is 21 years of age or older and who has a valid Illinois hunting license. Provides that if a youth has a valid certificate of competency for hunting or trapping from a hunter safety course or a trapper safety course approved by the Department of Natural Resources, he or she is exempt from the supervision requirements for youth hunters or youth trappers under the provision.

HB 5440
Provides that the fees for a youth resident and non-resident archery deer permit shall be the same. Provides that a resident or non-resident youth under age 18 (rather than only resident youth) may apply to the Department of Natural Resources for a Youth Hunting License and Youth Trapping License.

101st General Assembly To Be Sworn In

Members of the 101st General Assembly will be sworn in on January 9th at noon.  The Illinois House will hold their inauguration at UIS and the Illinois Senate will hold their inauguration in the Senate Chambers at the Illinois Capitol Building.  Both ceremonies will be broadcast here.

The 101st GA is sure to be an action packed one, especially during the first year.  Stay tuned and be sure to follow us on FB for continuous updates from the Capitol. 

IDNR Announces 2018 Habitat Fund Project Grant Recipients

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) today announced the approval of more than $2.1 million in grants for 17 wildlife habitat projects through the Illinois Habitat Fund Special Wildlife Funds Grant Program.

The program provides for enhancing game and non-game wildlife habitat through projects developed by not-for-profit organizations and governmental entities. Funding for the Illinois Habitat Fund Special Wildlife Funds Grant Program comes from the sale of Habitat Stamps to sportsmen.

The Illinois Habitat Fund Advisory Committee this fall approved $2,160,000 in funding for the 17 projects, which are outlined below. 

• National Wild Turkey Federation – A project to do habitat restoration work at Kincaid Lake, Little Cache River and Oakwood Bottoms in the Shawnee National Forest in partnership with U.S. Forest Service. $50,000 in state Habitat funds were awarded, with the grantee providing $99,913 in matching funds. 

• Pheasants and Quail Forever – A project that funds a Wildlife Biologist position to provide consulting with local landowners in these counties: Jackson, Perry, Washington, Randolph, and Franklin with a focus on the Burning Star Quail Focus Area. $190,813 of state Habitat funds were awarded, with the grantee providing $20,000 in matching funds.  

• Quail and Upland Game Alliance – A partnership project with the USDA to fund a one-time incentive payment to local landowners for their voluntary enrollment in the federal State Acres for Wildlife (SAFE) program as part of the USDA Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) in these counties: Mercer, Henry, Bureau ,Stark, Marshall, Knox, Warren, Henderson, McDonough, Fulton, Peoria, Sangamon, Coles, Cumberland, Jasper, Richland, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Marion, Bond, Clinton, Washington, and Perry. $99,000 of state Habitat funds were awarded, with the grantee providing $30,000 in matching funds. 

• Pleasure Drive Peoria Park District - The Peoria Park District (PPD) along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (PFW), the Illinois River Valley Pheasants Forever (PF) chapter, and Illinois Farm Bureau are working to restore and enhance prairies and woodlands in Peoria County to improve habitat diversity for the federally endangered rusty-patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis, RPBB). In addition to the RPBB, this project will benefit the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) and other native pollinator species, grassland songbirds, forest dwelling bird species, and overall ecosystem health. This partnership was awarded $60,945.10 in state Habitat funds to restore 43 acres of high diversity native prairie and enhance an additional 17.2 acres of existing prairie and woodland in Peoria County, with $63,8230 in grantee matching funds. 

• Pheasants and Quail Forever – A project designed for providing habitat restoration assistance for local landowners in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) affecting potentially 2,000 acres statewide. $105,000 of state Habitat funds were awarded, with the grantee providing $40,000 in matching funds. 

• Quail and Upland Game Alliance – A project to fund a Habitat Specialist over several years to advise and consult with private landowners on habitat-friendly practices in a game bird habitat region of southern Illinois south of I-70. $60,500 of state Habitat funds were awarded, with the grantee providing $210,000 in matching funds. 

• Winnebago Forest Preserve – The Winnebago County Forest Preserve District (WCFPD) along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (PFW), local Pheasants Forever (PF) and Trout Unlimited (TU) chapters, and Illinois Farm Bureau are working to restore and enhance prairies and woodlands in Winnebago County to improve habitat diversity for the federally endangered rusty-patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis, RPBB). In addition to the RPBB, these projects will benefit the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) and other native pollinator species, grassland songbirds, forest dwelling bird species, and overall ecosystem health. This is a project to restore 84.5 acres of high diversity native prairie and enhance an additional 299.5 acres of existing prairie and woodland in Winnebago County. Winnebago County has one of the highest concentrations of known RPBB populations in Illinois outside the Chicagoland collar counties. Grant project locations of these habitat restoration activities are at Cedar Cliff Forest Preserve, Severson Dells Forest Preserve, Stone Bridge Forest Preserve, Four Lakes Forest Preserve, and Kieselburg Forest Preserve. $90,860 of state Habitat funds were awarded, with the grantee providing $114,521.53 in matching funds. 

• Quail and Upland Game Alliance – A project to fund Bonus Incentive Payments to local landowners for completing wildlife-friendly work on CPR and Non-CRP acreage in 20 Illinois counties that are game bird range areas. $121,220 of state Habitat funds were awarded, with the grantee providing $40,800 in matching funds. 

• Pheasants and Quail Forever – A project designed for funding Farm Bill biologist positions providing consultative habitat restoration assistance for local landowners in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) affecting potentially 20,000 acres in these counties: Rock Island, Henry, Mercer, Henderson, Warren, Knox, McLean, Livingston, DeWitt, Peoria, Woodford, Tazewell, Ford, Iroquois, Champaign, Vermillion, Douglas, Moultrie, Shelby, Coles, Cumberland, Effingham, Jasper, Clay, Marion, Jefferson, Richland, Wayne, Hamilton, Lawrence, Edwards, Wabash and White. $180,000 of state Habitat funds were awarded, with the grantee providing $540,000 in matching funds. 

• Quail and Upland Game Alliance – A project to fund habitat restoration work to set back woody succession adjacent to grasslands in the Grand Prairie and Southern Till plains of Illinois on both public and private lands. $28,908 of state Habitat funds were awarded, with the grantee providing $9,720 in matching funds. 

• Winnebago Forest Preserve – A project to create Ferguson Prairie Pothole, a 1.3-acre seasonal pond attractive to waterfowl near the parking trailhead at the Calvin and Sophia Ferguson Forest Preserve, a 529-acre property with 1.9 miles of Sugar River shoreline at the confluence with the Pecatonica River. A wetland reserve easement for 457 acres of the site is held by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS). According to local bird enthusiasts, the site is a major migratory bird stopover. The project goals are to create the wetland habitat close to parking for public enjoyment and exposure, especially for those with limited mobility, and to raise awareness and education of wetlands. $10,880 of state Habitat funds were awarded, with the grantee providing $11,585 in matching funds. 

• Pheasants and Quail Forever – A project of buying habitat restoration equipment for volunteer chapters with habitat restoration workers in Winnebago, Stephenson, Brown, Piatt, Ford, McDonough, Kane, Coles, Cumberland, and Macon counties. $98,839 of state Habitat funds were awarded, with the grantee providing $47,110 in matching funds.  

• Forest Preserve District of Will County (FPDWC) Braidwood Sands Area – This project will fund non-native invasive species control on 1,063 acres of the Braidwood Sands Area. The project reduces sassafras and oak tree and grub density in the savanna and removal of unwanted native trees from mesic prairie areas, removing excessive native shrubs from wet prairie/sedge meadow and marsh, and converts agricultural fields to prairie. The project proposes to over-seed prairie re-creations with local seed and perform butterfly surveys on Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve, Sand Ridge Savanna Nature Preserve, Kankakee Sands Forest Preserve and Wilmington Shrub Prairie State Nature Preserve. $112,200 of state Habitat funds were awarded, with the grantee providing $244,850 in matching funds. 

• Pheasants and Quail Forever – A project of habitat restoration of seasonal wetlands in Northeast Illinois to improve wildlife habitat diversity, water quality and flood protection in 20 wetland basins and 100 acres in these counties: Ford, Iroquois, Champaign, Livingston, Kankakee, and Will. $195,305.25 of state Habitat funds were awarded, with the grantee providing $120,824 in matching funds. 

• Quail and Upland Game Alliance – A project to buy a prescribed burn wildland fire water pump for assisting crews with prescribed burn areas in Logan County. $5,924 of state Habitat funds were awarded, with the grantee providing $1,609 in matching funds. 

• Pheasants and Quail Forever – A partnership project with the IDNR for funding a five-person mobile Habitat Strike Team work crew for habitat restoration projects in west central Illinois. $695,942.59 of state Habitat funds were awarded, with the grantee providing $649,000 in matching funds.  

• Pheasants and Quail Forever – a partnership project with the IDNR for funding the equipment and hauling trailer for a five-person mobile Habitat Strike Team work crew for habitat restoration projects in west central Illinois. $46,799.59 of state Habitat funds were awarded, with the grantee providing $5,000 in matching funds. 

The grants through the Illinois Habitat Fund Special Wildlife Funds Grant Program are competitive and are evaluated for their merit. Eligible recipients are limited to any appropriate not-for-profit organization or government agency that has the expertise, equipment and permission from the landowner (if applicable) to develop and/or manage wildlife habitat. “Appropriate Not-For-Profit Organization” means a not-for-profit corporation that is organized pursuant to the General Not For Profit Corporation Act of 1986 [805 ILCS 105], is in good standing as a not-for-profit corporation and is authorized to conduct affairs in Illinois with one of its purposes as stated in its Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws being the support, development, conservation or management of habitat for future generations, or wildlife rehabilitation.

Applications for the next round of grants through the Illinois Habitat Fund Special Wildlife Funds Grant Program will be accepted beginning on January 1, 2019. Check the IDNR webpage at https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/grants/Pages/Special-Wildlife-Funds-Grant-Program.aspx for more information.

This Information was provided by the Department of Natural Resources.

Hunters Harvest A Total of 80,896 Deer During the 2018 Illinois Firearm Season

State Representative Jerry Costello II with a nice buck

Firearm deer season has come to an end.  Muzzleloader only is this coming weekend.  If you harvest a deer this weekend, send in your photos to capitoloutdoors@gmail.com and you could be featured in next week's numbers.

Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) Claims Over 400 Illinois deer in 2018

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources released the following information that EHD claimed more then 400 deer this year in Illinois.  The 432 cases from 49 different counties are at "EHD appears to be at low to moderate levels in counties on or near the Illinois River, extending from Schuyler County to the southwest through Bureau County to the northeast".  If this rings a bell, Capitol Outdoors brought you a story about a potential EHD case at Jim Edgar Panther Creek.

EHD Outbreak in Illinois Claims More than 400 Deer

432 EHD reported cases from 49 counties so far in 2018

SPRINGFIELD, IL – As of October 29, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has received reports of 432 suspected cases of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) in white-tailed deer so far in 2018.

EHD appears to be at low to moderate levels in counties on or near the Illinois River, extending from Schuyler County to the southwest through Bureau County to the northeast. Peoria County has had the worst of it with 77 cases, followed closely by Fulton County with 71 cases.

October 2018 IDNR Newsbits and Happenings

As leaves begin to change and winter being right around the corner, October is the perfect month to get outside with the family.  What is happening this month?  Well, check out this month's Newsbits from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. While there are several reminders in regards to season dates, etc. there are some family fun filled adventures planned this month as well.  One event that is not listed is the Fall Inland Trout Release on October 20th.  This is a perfect adventure to introduce kids and adults to fishing.  Also, make sure to read this month message form Director Rosenthal.  

Waterfowl season starts this month learn more about it here.

IDNR Newsbits – October 2018

Outdoor News and Dates for September 2018 - Illinois Department of Natural Resources

The IDNR Newsbits is a quick 411 of events and dates provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources each month.  While this is not a full list of outdoor events throughout the state, this is a great list if you are interested in agency events.

IDNR Newsbits for September 2018

Illinois Controlled Pheasant Hunting Reservations Open August 6th

Controlled pheasant hunting is right around the corner and starting August 6th at 8:30 a.m. upland hunters will be able to apply for a permit.  There will be 18 sites throughout Illinois this year where you can put your wingshooting and dog handling skills to the test.  

Below you'll see all the information regarding one of Illinois' most popular outdoor activities. 

Illinois Controlled Pheasant Hunting Reservation Information Now Available Online

Online application period for IDNR-managed sites begins Aug. 6

Last year our family headed out to Jim Edgar Panther Creek and did some Upland Hunting

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.