Illinois DNR Layoff Notices go out to 33 Officers

Illinois DNR Layoff Notices go out to 33 Officers

As of August 4, 2015 there is still no budget for the State of Illinois and because of that layoff notices have gone out.  Notifications went out to 33 Conservation Police Officers (CPO) across the state.  The letter stated that this was due to lack of funds effective September 30, 2015.  This could leave about 34 counties in Illinois without a Conservation Officer.  See the layoff notice here.

New Conservation Class of 13 Officers that finished training on July 24, 2015
These are more than likely the 13 newly trained officers that received the layoff notices.
Photo Courtesy of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources FB Page

Illinois Bait Shops - Neelys Bait Shop

Illinois Bait Shops - Neelys Bait Shop

On our way home from the Sanganois duck blind drawing, we swung by a local bait shop to do our first segment on Illinois Bait Shops.  As we walked in we were greeted with a friendly hello and smile.

Our 2015 Illinois Duck Blind Drawing

Our 2015 Illinois Duck Blind Drawing

Passing hundreds of cars and people to drawing site

For duck and goose hunters across the State of Illinois, waterfowl  season started this weekend.  Thousands attended state park sites to enter  their name in a drawing in hopes to win a blind for the 2015-2016 hunting season.  For Capitol Outdoors and for countless others it's not so much about winning the blind, as it is about breaking the ice for the upcoming season. Tradition, that what it's really all about, food, stories, and reuniting with hunting buddies.

The Impact of Technology on Today's Youth: Get your Kid's Outdoors

The Impact of Technology on Today's Youth:  Get your Kid's Outdoors

Dodge-ball, hide-n-seek, water fights, climbing trees, all activities that invoke freedom in a child and the urge to pursue adventure.  Today, we see more video game playing, TV watching and screen time.  This impacts children and their imagination, relationships and future.  Some may not see it as a significant impact on our children, but the increase in technology and the increase in new advancements in video games will have a major impact on their future.  According to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, kids spend approximately 53 hours a week on electronics.