Highlighting Illinois DNR Programs and Upcoming Events for the Month of November
November 6, 2008
Deer Permit Application Deadline: The last day to apply for 2008 firearm and muzzleloader-only season deer permits is Fri., Nov. 7. Hunters may apply online through DNR Direct (link through the DNR Direct button on the IDNR home page at http://dnr.state.il.us
). Permit application forms are also available on the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us/admin/systems/. The Illinois Firearm Deer Season is Nov. 21-23 and Dec. 4-7. The Illinois Muzzleloader-only Deer Season is Dec. 12-14 (and the second firearm weekend of Dec. 4-7).
Late-Winter Deer Season: The deadline to apply for permits for the 2009 Illinois Late-Winter Firearm Antlerless-Only Deer Season is Fri., Nov. 14. The Late-Winter season is scheduled for Jan. 16-18, 2009. Counties that will be open for the Late-Winter season are: Adams, Bond, Brown, Bureau, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Christian, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Edgar, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Grundy, Hamilton, Hancock, Henderson, Henry, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jersey, Jo Daviess, Johnson, Knox, LaSalle, Lawrence, Lee, Logan, Macoupin, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Massac, McDonough, McLean, Menard, Mercer, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Ogle, Peoria, Perry, Pike, Putnam, Randolph, Richland, Rock Island, Saline, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, Shelby, Stark, St. Clair, Stephenson, Tazewell, Union, Vermilion, Wabash, Warren, Washington, Wayne, White, Whiteside, Williamson, and Woodford. Hunters may apply for a permit online through DNR Direct at http://dnr.state.il.us or print out a copy of the permit application at http://dnr.state.il.us/admin/late.htm.
CWD Deer Season: Hunters in Boone, DeKalb, McHenry, and Winnebago counties and that portion of Kane County west of Ill. Rt. 47 can participate in the special Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Deer Season Jan. 16-18, 2009 to help control deer densities and the spread of chronic wasting disease.
Special CWD season antlerless-only permits will be available over-the-counter beginning in mid-December for $5 each at participating DNR Direct license and permit vendors. In addition, hunters with unfilled 2008 firearm, muzzleloader, youth deer hunt, or archery deer permits valid for one of the open counties may use those permits to hunt during the CWD season. Hunters using unfilled permits from the 2008 firearm, muzzleloader, youth, or archery season may take deer appropriate for that permit (antlerless-only or either-sex). Check stations will be manned during the CWD season in the open counties. Successful hunters will be required to bring their deer to a check station prior to 8 p.m. on the day of harvest. Hunters who submit samples for CWD testing will be given an additional permit valid for the remainder of the season. Check station locations for the CWD Deer Season, Jan. 16-18, 2009 are listed below:
- Boone Co. - Boone County Fairgrounds, Rt. 76 and Business Rt. 20, Belvidere
- DeKalb Co. and Kane Co. (west of Ill. Rt. 47) - Shabbona Lake State Park, 4201 Shabbona Grove Rd., Shabbona
- McHenry Co. - McHenry Dam Day Use Area, Moraine Hills State Park, east of McHenry on River Road, 2.2 miles south of Route 120
- Winnebago Co. - Rock Cut State Park, 6425 Hart Road (one mile east of Perryville Rd. on Hart Rd.), Loves Park
Deer Pins: Hunters successful in taking a deer during the 2008-09 deer seasons in Illinois can pick up a free deer pin at one of the hundreds of IDNR license and permit vendor locations throughout the state. For deer pin locations, check the IDNR web site at the following link: http://dnr.state.il.us/admin/harvest.htm. Deer pins are also available during regular business hours at the IDNR Headquarters in Springfield, the IDNR Regional offices in Sterling, Bartlett, Clinton, Alton and Benton, and the IDNR Chicago office.  Â
Upland Prospects: For information on prospects for the 2008-09 pheasant, quail and rabbit seasons in Illinois, check the IDNR web site for the annual hunting prospects reports prepared by the IDNR Division of Wildlife Program Development. The link to the reports is available through the IDNR home page at http://dnr.state.il.us. Click on the Hunting and Upland/Small Game links.
Spring Turkey First Lottery: Resident hunters may now apply for the first lottery for 2009 Illinois Spring Wild Turkey Season permits online through DNR Direct. Just go to the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us and click on the Hunting and Turkey Hunting links. The application deadline for the first lottery for 2009 resident spring turkey permits is Dec. 1, 2008.
OutdoorIllinois: Illinois’ first state park, Fort Massac State Park in Massac County, was dedicated 100 years ago this month, and is the subject of the cover and a feature article in the November 2008 issue of OutdoorIllinois. Other stories include the work of Conservation Police Officers during deer season, deer hunting, leaf litter, youth goose hunting, tracking waterfowl by radar and the red-headed woodpecker. For a summary of feature magazine articles, listen in on monthly podcasts at www.dnr.state.il.us/OI.
OutdoorIllinois is a great tool for learning about Illinois’ natural, cultural and recreational resources and a bargain at only $15 for a one-year, 12-issue magazine subscription that includes an information-packed annual calendar in the December issue. Visit www.dnr.state.il.us/OI or call 1-800-720-3249 to subscribe. VISA and MasterCard are accepted. For information on advertising in OutdoorIllinois, call 217/785-8610 or e-mail michelle [dot] silver [at] illinois [dot] gov.
Landowner Honors: The IDNR Division of Wildlife Resources has honored four landowners as 2008 recipients of the Illinois Landowner of the Year award for their efforts to restore and develop wildlife habitat on their private properties. The program is one of the ways the IDNR recognizes some of the great efforts of private property owners who do extraordinary work in developing their property for wildlife. The property owners recognized this year participate in the Acres for Wildlife program and have developed properties that showcase how land can be managed for the benefit of wildlife. The award winners are:
- Dr. Bob Benningfield, property in Knox County, recognized by District Wildlife Biologist (DWB) Kevin Oller
- Ron and Donna Scudder, property in Champaign County, recognized by DWB Dan Newhouse
- Norman and Anita Dicks, property in Adams County, recognized by DWB Brad Poulter
- Tom and Roxie Blasdel, property in Wayne County, recognized by DWB Steve Kern
Utilizing a variety of conservation programs including the IDNR Acres for Wildlife, USDA Conservation Reserve Program, and assistance from private not-for-profit conservation organizations, these landowners have seen tremendous wildlife response to their efforts. Warm and cool season grassland development, construction of wetlands, bottomland hardwood plantings, exotic species control, and prescribed burning are examples of various habitat practices employed. For more information on habitat enhancement for wildlife in Illinois, contact the IDNR Division of Wildlife Resources at 217/782-6384.
ICF Youth Scholarship Program Nomination Deadline Dec. 1: The Illinois Conservation Foundation Youth Achievement Scholarship program nomination deadline is Dec. 1. Ten high school juniors or seniors - one female and one male from each of the five IDNR regions in Illinois - will be selected. Students who have made significant contributions or exhibited unparalleled dedication in preserving, promoting, enhancing or supporting natural resources conservation in Illinois are eligible. Each student selected will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Applicants must be Illinois residents, a member of the high school class of 2009 or 2010, and must be nominated by a natural resource constituency group, community leader, school administrator, teacher or adult mentor. Those selected will be presented with the scholarships at the annual Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet on Feb. 28, 2009 at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles. The scholarship program is supported through funds raised at the banquet. For more information, call 217/785-2003.
Nomination forms are available through the ICF web site at www.ilcf.org.
Historic Harvest: The Illinois State Museum in Springfield hosts “Historic Harvest,” a museum Super Saturdays program for youngsters, on Sat., Nov. 8 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.  As Thanksgiving draws near, learn how the first farmers of Illinois harvested their crops without trucks, tractors, or other modern machines. The program is free and open to the public. It is especially recommended for children ages 4-8. For more information, contact the Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., Springfield at 217/782-6044.
Collector’s Day: The Illinois State Museum’s popular “Collector’s Day” is scheduled for Sat., Nov. 15 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Many of the finest pieces of the museum’s collections were donated by people with a passion for collecting. During this special event, meet local collectors who will display their unique collections, from typewriters to music boxes to antique pins to cameras to cartoon memorabilia. New this year: A conservator will be on hand to answer questions about caring for collections. No buying, selling, or appraisals will be allowed.  For more information, call 217/782-5993. The ISM Collector’s Day is free and open to the public at 502 S. Spring St., Springfield.
Native Americans in Central Illinois: The Illinois State Museum presents an archaeology lecture on “Oneota and Mississippian Cultural Traditions in the Central Illinois River Valley” on Wed., Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. at the ISM Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash, Springfield. Sometime in the late 1200s, the Oneota migrated into the region near Dickson Mounds in the Illinois River valley. In 2008, Michigan State University and the Dickson Mounds Museum staff began excavations at a nearby early Oneota site in order to learn more about this migration and the interactions between the Oneota and Mississippian groups. Learn more about their findings at the program on Nov. 12. For more information, phone 217/782-0061.
Great Gift:Â Need 12 gift ideas for that special outdoorsman or outdoorswoman? How about a one-year gift subscription to OutdoorIllinois magazine? For just $15, friends and family members will receive 12 full-color issues of OutdoorIllinois, packed with state park features, how-to outdoors tips, hunting and fishing tales, IDNR news updates, and plenty more. It=s easy to subscribe: In Illinois, order toll-free at 1-800-720-3249 or online at www.dnr.state.il/oi.
Invasive Plant Posters:Â New Illinois Invasive Plant publications are available from the University of Illinois, Illinois Natural History Survey, USDA-APHIS-PPQ, and the River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area. There are five posters in the collection. The large poster is 17″ by 38″ highlighting the four major habitats of Illinois (grassland, woodland, wetland, agriculture) and the top four invasive plants in those habitats. In addition, there are four smaller (8.5″ by 11″) posters corresponding to the four habitats on the large poster. Each small poster showcases 8 to 12 plants with a photo and distribution in Illinois on the front and information on identification and why the plant is considered invasive on the back. The posters are free of charge.Â
Contact Dawn Refsell at drefsell [at] illinois [dot] edu with your name, shipping address and the quantity and titles you are requesting.
Arbor Day Poster Contest: The annual Arbor Day Poster Contest instruction and curriculum packet was recently mailed to Illinois schools with fifth-grade classes. Additional copies are available from the IDNR through the online ordering system at http://www.idnrteachkids.com. The deadline for the Illinois poster contest is February 20, 2009. For more information, phone 217/785-8771.
Junior Duck Stamp - New Format: The 2009 Federal Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest rules, information and entry form are now available. To download a copy, go to the following web address:  http://www.fws.gov/juniorduck/ArtContest.htm. Teachers should note that the brochure was not printed for 2009 and they will not receive one by mail. Get started with this program now to ensure there is plenty of time for students to complete the artwork. Entries must be received by March 15, 2009. The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest is a program for students of grades K-12 that uses the fine arts to teach about waterfowl, wetlands and wildlife conservation. Illinois co-sponsors are the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the IDNR. For more information, email dnr [dot] teachkids [at] illinois [dot] gov or call 217/524-4126.
Attention Teachers:Â Illinois DNR Urban Fishing Program coordinators will come to your school and conduct programs aimed at getting kids interested in fishing and the outdoors, while promoting environmental stewardship. One part of the program involves actually taking kids fishing during May and September, if a nearby lake is accessible. Teachers may continue the program on their own after the initial session, with the assistance of IDNR personnel. Contact the Urban Fishing Program Coordinator in your area. The urban fishing program is appropriate for any grade level.
Chicago: Brenda McKinney at 847/294‑4137
Chicago Suburbs: IDNR Staff at 847/294‑4137
Northwest Illinois: IDNR Staff at 815/625‑2968
Central Illinois: Herb Dreier at 217/782‑6424
Southern Illinois: Mark Yehling at 618/462‑1181
OI Calendar:Â The 2009 IDNR wall calendar, produced in conjunction with OutdoorIllinois magazine, once again will be available in the December issue of OI. The traditional favorite among readers measures 17 by 11 inches and includes seasonal photography from Illinois’ great outdoors by OI photographer Adele Hodde. The calendar grids feature information on fishing and hunting seasons, activities in state parks, reminders about license/permit/grant application deadlines and much more. Each month features a text-free image you’ll be tempted to save even after the calendar becomes history. Included in the 2009 lineup:
- JANUARY: white-fronted geese and Canada geese take flight at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area
- FEBRUARY: federally endangered trumpeter swans at Pyramid State Park.
- MARCH: a juvenile great-horned owl near Springfield
- APRIL: wild geraniums at Mississippi Palisades State Park
- MAY: a thirteen-lined ground squirrel at Chain O’Lakes State Park
- JUNE: browsing whitetails in east-central Illinois
- JULY: Halloween pennant dragonfly at Pyramid State Park
- AUGUST: water snakes at Sanganois Conservation Area
- SEPTEMBER: autumn colors amid cliffs at Ferne Clyffe State Park
- OCTOBER: a whitetail hoofing it in central Illinois
- NOVEMBER: ice-covered fungi at Giant City State Park
- DECEMBER: a Virginia opossum takes a snowy stroll at Beaver Dam State Park
Single copies of the December issue are $3 and will be available after December 1 at the License and Permit counter at the IDNR Springfield headquarters, at various Illinois booksellers and selected IDNR sites. Interested persons also may call 217/785-0975 or send a check or money order payable to OutdoorIllinois to: Â Illinois Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 19225 Dept. NL, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271. An even better value, especially as a gift for that outdoor enthusiast on your gift-giving list, is an annual subscription to OutdoorIllinois for $15 for a one-year (12 issues) subscription. Call 1-800-720-3249 or visit www.dnr.state.il.us/OI to subscribe. VISA and MasterCard are accepted. OutdoorIllinois is an indispensable guide to Illinois’ natural, cultural and recreational resources.
Oil and Gas Board Meeting: Â The next meeting of the Illinois Oil and Gas Advisory Board will be held on Wed., Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. at the Illinois Oil and Gas Association building located at 824 East Highway 15 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. The meeting is open to the public. For more information, call 217/782-7756.
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IDNR Releases Biological Stream Ratings for Diversity, Integrity, and Significance
October 20, 2008
 Stream ratings are an important tool in identifying which streams are the most biologically diverse and have a high degree of integrity
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announces the release of biological stream ratings that combine, update, and enhance the two previous approaches for rating Illinois streams. Stream ratings are an important tool in identifying which streams are the most biologically diverse and have a high degree of integrity. These ratings are regularly used by the IDNR and watershed and environmental groups that focus on stream protection and enhancement.
The new ratings for diversity, integrity, and significance replace the Biological Stream Characterization (BSC) and Biologically Significant Streams (BSS) that were developed in 1984 and 1992 respectively.
“Both BSC and BSS processes generated products that are used extensively by diverse stakeholders,” said IDNR Acting Director Sam Flood. “The new stream ratings will provide the Illinois Department of Natural Resources with a mechanism for identifying high-quality examples of all stream communities and will guide management and restoration activities throughout the state.”
The new ratings use fish, macroinvertebrates, crayfish, mussels, and threatened and endangered species information to generate an overall score of biological diversity and integrity in streams. The purpose behind the new ratings was not only to update outdated information, but to establish baseline conditions against which change promoted by the Wildlife Action Plan could be measured and understood. Since the Wildlife Action Plan broadly addresses all types of wildlife including fish, mussels, amphibians, and reptiles, these new ratings will help resource managers to determine if aquatic organisms are responding to management activities promoted by the plan.
The information contributing to integrity and diversity ratings is then used to identify a sub-set of stream reaches as “biologically significant”. The revised ratings are limited mostly to wadeable streams and incorporate biological information from 1997 - 2007.   Â
“We believe that including additional groups of organisms into both integrity and diversity measures in ratings provides a more robust assessment of stream biological condition, thereby improving our confidence in stream ratings,” said Mike Conlin Director of IDNR – Office of Resource Conservation.Â
More information about how the ratings were developed and what biological information was used can be found at:Â http://www.dnr.state.il.us/orc/BioStrmRatings/
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Illinois Fall Trout Season Begins October 18 - IDNR To Stock Trout at 37 Locations
October 9, 2008
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The 2008 Illinois fall trout fishing season opens on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 37 ponds and lakes throughout the state, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Acting Director Sam Flood announced today.
“Our catchable trout program is a popular activity and the fall is a great time of year to go fishing in Illinois,” Flood said. “Whether you are an experienced angler or you’re just interested in getting the kids out of the house to have some fun, we encourage you to go fishing.”
More than 70,000 trout are stocked by the IDNR at the locations listed below just prior to the opening of the fall trout season. Anglers are reminded that no trout may be taken from any of the stocked sites from Oct. 1 until the fall trout season opens on Oct. 18 at 5 a.m.
To take trout legally beginning Oct. 18, anglers must have a fishing license and an inland trout stamp, unless they are under the age of 16, blind or disabled, or are an Illinois resident on leave from active duty in the Armed Forces. The daily catch limit for each angler is five trout.
Anglers are reminded to check the opening time of their favorite trout fishing location if they plan to go fishing on opening day. While regulations allow trout season to open at 5 a.m. on Oct. 18, not all locations will be open that early.
For more information on fall trout season and other Illinois fishing opportunities, contact the IDNR Division of Fisheries at 217/782-6424, or check the web site at www.ifishillinois.org.
Illinois fishing licenses and inland trout stamps are available at DNR Direct license and permit locations, including many bait shops, sporting goods stores and other retail outlets. Fishing licenses and trout stamps can also be purchased by using a credit card at DNR Direct online via the IDNR website here or by calling DNR Direct toll-free at 1-888-6PERMIT (1-888-673-7648).
A new location being stocked with fall trout is Derby Lake located at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex near Sparta in Randolph County.
For more information about site regulations, anglers should contact individual sites that will be stocked with catchable-size trout. The 37 locations are:
Adams County: Siloam Springs State Park, 217/894-6205
Bond County: Greenville Old City Lake (Patriot’s Park Lake), 618/664-2330
Bureau County: Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, 815/454-2328
Christian County: Manners Park Pond in Taylorville, 217/824-3110
Coles County: Campus Pond at Eastern Illinois University, 217/345-2420
Cook County: Axehead Lake - Cook County Forest Preserve District, 847/294-4134
Cook County: Belleau Lake - Cook County Forest Preserve District, 847/294-4134
Crawford County: Crawford County Conservation Area Pond, 618/563-4405
Douglas County: Villa Grove West Lake, 217/443-0529
Jefferson County: Mount Vernon Game Farm Pond, 618/547-3610
Johnson County: Ferne Clyffe State Park, 618/995-2411
Kankakee County: Bird Park Quarry in Kankakee, 815/939-1311
Kendall County: Big Lake at Silver Springs State Park, 630/553-6297
Lake County: Banana Lake - Lake County Forest Preserve, 815/675-2319
Lake County: Sand Lake at Illinois Beach State Park, 847/662-4828
Macon County: Rock Springs Pond - Macon County Conservation District, 217/423-7708
Macoupin County: Beaver Dam Lake, 217/854-8020
Madison County: Highland Old City Lake, 618/651-1386
Marion County: Boston Pond at Stephen A. Forbes Park, 618/547-3381
Massac County: Fairgrounds Pond at Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis, 618/524-4712
McDonough County: Argyle Lake at Argyle Lake State Park, 309/776-3422
Randolph County: Randolph County State Fish and Wildlife Area Lake, 618/826-2706
Randolph County: Derby Lake at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta, 618/295-2700
Rock Island County: Prospect Park Pond in Moline, 815/454-2759
St. Clair County: Frank Holten State Park Lake, 618/874-7920
St. Clair County: Jones Park Lake in East St. Louis, 618/847-7920
St. Clair County: Willow Lake at Peabody River King State Fish & Wildlife Area, 618/785-2555
Saline County: Jones Lake Trout Pond at Saline County State Fish & Wildlife Area, 618/276-4405
Sangamon County: IDOT Lake in Springfield, 309/543-3316
Sangamon County: Washington Park Pond in Springfield, 309/543-3316
Shelby County: Forest Park Lagoon in Shelbyville, 217/345-2420
Tazewell County: Mineral Springs Park Lagoon in Pekin, 309/968-7568
Vermilion County: Clear Lake at Kickapoo State Park, 217/442-4915
Wabash County: Beall Woods Lake at Beall Woods State Park, 618/298-2442
Warren County: Citizen’s Lake in Monmouth, 309/344-2617
Wayne County: Sam Dale Trout Pond at Sam Dale Lake Conservation Area, 618/835-2292
Whiteside County: Coleta Trout Pond just west of Coleta, 815/454-2759
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IDNR Offers Hunters a New Online Safety Course Offers Quick Refresher on Treestand Safety For Hunters
October 9, 2008
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding hunters that spending a few minutes online before heading into the field could be the difference between life and death.  Safety education courses are the best way to refresh the minds of even the most seasoned hunters.
This year, the IDNR is offering hunters a new way to reeducate themselves on treestand safety before heading into the field. HunterExam.com and the Treestand Manufactures Association (TMA) are offering a free online safety course which is available through the IDNR website at www.dnr.state.il.us under the “What’s New” section.
“It’s quick, it’s easy and it might save your life,” said IDNR Acting Director Sam Flood. “Every year in Illinois hunters are injured or killed in the field and most accidents are preventable if the proper precautions are taken.”
Last year there were 28 reported hunting incidents in Illinois, of which 12 involved falls from treestands.  Many of those falls resulted from the failure by the hunter to wear a fall restraint harness.Â
“Treestands have evolved over the years and so has treestand safety education. What used to be considered safe five to ten years ago is not considered safe today,” said IDNR Safety Education Coordinator Jeff Hopkins. “By reviewing the narrated safety tips a hunter, new or experienced, can learn about the latest Treestand Manufacturers Association safety standards and guidelines.”
The IDNR offers free hunting safety courses to the public. The courses are taught by volunteer safety instructors and include instruction on hunting regulations, hunter ethics and responsibility, archery, firearms, ammunition, first aid, wildlife identification and conservation. A minimum of 10 hours of instruction is involved.
Illinois law requires that anyone born on or after January 1, 1980 must successfully complete a hunter safety course before a regular Illinois hunting license is issued. Those who complete the course and pass the final exam receive a certificate of competency. Last year, nearly 17,000 students completed the course.
For more information on hunter safety education courses and the complete schedule of IDNR safety education programs, call 1-800/832-2599 or check the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us/safety/.
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Flooding Prompts Changes in 2008-09 Waterfowl Season Operations for Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Area in Illinois
September 25, 2008
GRAFTON, ILL. – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has announced changes in this year’s waterfowl hunting program at the Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Area caused by significant flooding at the site.Â
Flooding at the site has occurred several times during the spring and summer, most recently last week following heavy mid-September rainfall. The changes in the IDNR waterfowl hunting program will be in effect for all blinds in Mississippi River Pools 25 and 26 under the management of the Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Area.
The new operating rules for the 2008 waterfowl season are outlined below:
If all sites are at or within 12 inches of normal managed hunting season water levels by Monday, October 6, blind inspections will occur between October 6 and October 11. The inspection will be for structural safety and dimensions. Brushing and dog hide requirements will not be reason to reject approval of a blind. Those blind holders whose blinds fail inspection will be notified by letter and have until Sunday, October 19 to make repairs with the final inspection on October 20.
There will be no “red tag drawing” at the Mississippi River SFWA this year.
If all sites are not at or within 12 inches of normal managed hunting water levels by Monday, October 6, there will be no blind inspections this year. Hunting will be allowed from either the blinds or the staked site.
If all sites are not at or within 12 inches of normal managed hunting season water levels by Monday, October 13, there will be no check station operations at Mississippi River SFWA this season.
For more information on waterfowl hunting at Mississippi River SFWA, phone 618/786-3492.
For more information on Illinois waterfowl hunting season dates and regulations, check the Digest of Waterfowl Hunting Regulations 2008-09 through the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us/admin/waterfowl/Digest_08-09.pdf.
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Deer Population Task Force Schedules Public Meetings
August 29, 2008
Panel reviewing options for improvements in deer management, reduction in deer vehicle accidents
SPRINGFIELD, ILL. – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the state’s Joint Deer Population Control Task Force will conduct a series of public meetings to discuss and seek public comment on proposals for changes and improvements in deer management in the state.
The task force was established by the Illinois General Assembly to examine and make recommendations on ways to manage the Illinois deer population, including maintaining and increasing deer hunting opportunities, reducing deer-vehicle accidents and examining how those accidents affect insurance rates, reducing crop and other property damage, and maintaining and increasing the health of the Illinois deer herd.
“The open house public meetings will allow those attending to review information on the Illinois deer management program, deer-vehicle accidents, and proposals the task force is reviewing for changes in hunting seasons and related issues regarding deer in Illinois,” said IDNR Acting Director Sam Flood.
Staff from the IDNR Division of Wildlife Resources and members of the Joint Deer Population Control Task Force will be available to answer questions, discuss deer management, and hear comments from those attending the meetings. Following the public meetings, the IDNR will also accept public comments through a link on the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us
Members of the public are invited to attend any or all of the series of meetings listed below. Each session will be open from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Sept. 2 – Peru Eagles Lodge, 830 Harrison St. (just off U.S. Rt. 6), Peru
- Sept. 3 – Rockford Public Library, 215 N. Wyman, Rockford (use Mulberry St. entrance)
- Sept. 4 –