Schuckman: Start of squirrel season allows grandfather, grandson time to bond

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | August 8, 2024
Squirrel hunting season in Illinois opened August 1 and runs until Feb. 15, 2025. | Photo courtesy Illinois Department of Natural Resouces

QUINCY — Most mornings, Bill Stitchcomb wakes to his labrador retriever, Gus, pawing at the side of the bed or the smell of percolating coffee now that he has learned how to set the coffee maker to kick on automatically at 6:30 a.m. “My grandkids bought me the new coffee pot for Christmas,” he said.…

Read More

Taking time to reload shotgun shells is worth it … if you remember the gun powder

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 3, 2022
Reloading shotgun shells is a hobby that can save hunters money over time and guarantee they don't run out of ammunition. Submitted photo

FOWLER, Ill. — Jennifer Taylor’s timing couldn’t have been better. To celebrate the new year and wash away what had been a misadventurous 2021, she decided to spend the afternoon and early evening of December 31 enjoying a wine tasting with a couple of friends. That allowed her husband, Brad, the freedom to do whatever…

Read More

Illinois hunters prepare for opening of firearms season and excursion to deer camp

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | November 18, 2021
The Illinois firearms deer season opens Friday. Photo courtesy IDNR

QUINCY — Charlie Rodgers ventured into a local retailer figuring there was nothing he really needed, but he wanted to make sure he didn’t overlook anything before heading to deer camp. “I walked the aisles,” Rodgers said. “And I filled my cart.” A harmless stroll turned into a $165 investment. “You never want to go…

Read More