IDNR reminds hunters to be mindful of use of technology in the field

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources warns hunters to make sure they know know the rules regarding drones, AI and e-bikes. | Photo courtesy of pexels.com

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — As technological innovation continues to advance, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources cautions hunters to be mindful of rules and best practices surrounding the use of technology in the field. This includes the use of drones for recovering wildlife, artificial intelligence for reviewing hunting laws and e-bikes to access hunting sites. Drones…

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Illinois fall trout season opens Oct. 19 statewide, catch-and-release season begins Oct. 5

For information about all site regulations, anglers should contact individual sites that will be stocked with catchable-size trout. Not all sites open at 5 a.m. on opening day. | Photo courtesy IDNR

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The 2024 Illinois fall trout season will open October 19 at 60 ponds, lakes and streams throughout the state. The early catch-and-release season is scheduled to open October 5. No trout may be taken from any of the stocked sites until the regular fall season opens at 5 a.m. October 19. The…

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Schuckman: Finding fishing holes is challenge for some anglers when Mississippi River rises

Fishing from the bank as the sun sets is a prime time for local anglers to land sizable catfish and crappie. | Submitted photo

URSA, Ill. — The sun had already started its dive toward the horizon as Armando and Cindy Gonzalez settled in to their chairs, but the fading daylight didn’t bother them. “Fresh batteries and all,” Armando said as he held up the lantern he planned to use after dusk. His wife of 30 years reached into…

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Illinois youth turkey hunters enjoy record harvest of more than 2,000 birds

Hunters harvested a state-record 2,006 wild turkeys during the Illinois youth turkey hunting season. | Photo courtesy USFWS

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois turkey hunters harvested a preliminary total of 2,006 birds during the 2024 youth season, breaking the previous harvest record of 1,733 set in 2020. The dates for this year’s season were March 30-31 and April 6-7. A total of 6,001 youth turkey permits were issued this year, compared to 5,283 in…

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IDNR announces schedule of waterfowl blind site drawings

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Waterfowl hunters are encouraged to mark their calendars for the upcoming waterfowl hunting blind drawings that will take place at numerous public hunting areas throughout Illinois in July and August. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will host traditional blind drawings at all sites scheduled for this hunting year. Participants are advised…

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Looking for a Spring getaway? Try Beaver Dam State Park

Located in Macoupin County 7 miles southwest of Carlinville and situated in an oak/hickory woodland, Beaver Dam State Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities on its 750 acres. Fishing, picnicking, hiking, and tent and trailer camping are among the most popular activities. Although beaver are virtually gone from this area, the park is named for a beaver dam that created its lake. 

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Illinois deer harvest numbers decline during 2021 season

QUINCY — With the deer hunting season in Illinois heading into its final weeks, harvest totals remain significantly lower than previous seasons. The archery deer season will run through January 16 and the late-winter antlerless-only and Chronic Wasting Disease seasons in designated counties will have three more days — January 14-16. The seven-day firearms season,…

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

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…

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