Dec 17, 2020
Stan McTaggart from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Scott Beckerman from Illinois Wildlife Services joins us for a Q&A on coyotes. Listen in to learn how to handle urban coyotes and more.
MoreDec 10, 2020
Dan Skinner from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources joins us for a Q&A on chronic wasting disease. Listen in to learn why the disease is problematic and what the public can do to help.
MoreDec 7, 2020
Curious about large carnivores? Join us for a Q&A with District Wildlife Biologist, Stefanie Fitzsimons, about the cougar, gray wolf, and black bear. You’ll discover if Illinois has suitable habitat for these carnivores and so much more.
More
A message from Chief
Welcome to the November 1, 2020 edition of the online magazine OutdoorIllinois Journal, featuring timely, seasonally based stories about the Prairie State’s wildlife resources, with an expansion of content to include a broader range of subjects—including endangered and threatened species and Illinois’ unique, high-quality habitats and the people working to preserve, protect and manage these resources.
Nov 2, 2020
The author shares his early morning observation of a mink. A member of the weasel family, the mink would rather do all its handy work under the cover of darkness. Read on to learn more about mink.
MoreNov 2, 2020
Duck hunters often refer to their favorite spots as “Honey-Holes,” where game is abundant and hunts are usually successful. During the summer these honey-holes are likely full of bees, butterflies and wildflowers.
MoreNov 2, 2020
Through land acquisition, research, and stewardship State Wildlife Grants have been used to benefit Species of Greatest Conservation Need and the habitats that they rely upon.
MoreNov 2, 2020
Walking my dog one (comparatively) warm night, I planned to get a little fresh air, shake off a case of cabin fever and get a little exercise. Along the way, the difference of the wandering trek of a dog and economy-of-motion of a coyote became evident.
MoreNov 2, 2020
Researchers and the IDNR are working to increase our understanding of population dynamics, survival, occupancy and distribution of bobcats across Illinois. Current research focuses on studying the bobcat population following implementation of the regulated hunting and trapping season.
MoreNov 2, 2020
Understanding the game I pursue during the hunting season means immersing myself in nature during the off season. My observation skills remain sharp, I learn to identify what game feeds on, and their seasonal habitat preferences.
MoreNov 2, 2020
While agriculture has a large importance in this area, we still have almost half a year that these fields sit unused and barren. This is where cover crops can come in.
MoreNov 2, 2020
Once trappers reach the season’s end, most immediately begin preparations for the next season. In the sense that preparation is a prime determinant of success, trapping is similar to other outdoor activities.
MoreNov 2, 2020
Hunting accidents certainly were not the favorite part of my job as a Illinois Conservation Police Officer, but they do happen. Most hunting accidents are disturbing, unfortunate and avoidable with planning and safety practices.
MoreNov 2, 2020
The Osprey Recovery Project is an ambitious endeavor with lots of moving parts. Why do so many people join forces to bring osprey back to the Prairie State? Read on to learn more.
MoreNov 2, 2020
The discovery that genetics could impact animal susceptibility to CWD may allow us to predict how CWD could spread across areas or specific populations.
MoreNov 2, 2020
Notice a slight change in the title of this ezine? We are pleased to announce that the scope of OutdoorIllinois Wildlife Journal is expanding with the addition of content related to the IDNR Division of Natural Resources.
MoreNov 2, 2020
What do turtle-scenting dogs have in common with school groups working to develop pollinator-friendly habitats? All these efforts, and more, are supported by the Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund.
MoreNov 2, 2020
Understanding basic wildlife behavior and habitat use ensures that we are looking in the correct area for wildlife, but how do we actively look for wildlife? Read on to learn a few techniques.
MoreNov 2, 2020
With the fall comes the harvest, cooler weather, and for some homeowners, the pitter-patter of little mice feet. Insulation-filled attics and walls not only keep us warm during the fall and winter, but can also be prime real estate for mice, and sometimes rats. Read on to learn about the native and naturalized mice and rats of Illinois.
MoreNov 2, 2020
In the summer of 2020, federal, state and local entities, and a team of volunteers, worked at breakneck speed to protect adult and fledgling piping plovers (Charadrius melodus), a federally endangered species in the Great Lakes region.
MoreNov 2, 2020
Although only on the job a few months, Dassow’s past experiences drove her to quickly respond to the question of what aspect of her job she likes most—solving habitat problems and working to find solutions to improve conditions.
MoreNov 2, 2020
Joining forces with numerous organizations, Ducks Unlimited is finding new ways to preserve habitat and ensure the region’s waterfowling heritage continues through the Conserving the Illinois River Legacy initiative.
MoreNov 2, 2020
Although gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) used to be a common occurrence in much of Illinois, populations have been declining in much of the state since the 1980s.
MoreNov 2, 2020
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Biologist Nicky Strahl describes how the actions of Chronic Waste Disease Management Teams can benefit both deer populations and human populations.
MoreNov 2, 2020
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has teamed up with researchers from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale to investigate how the structure of grasslands and the surrounding landscape can influence wildlife communities.
MoreNov 2, 2020
For part of a postbreeding ecology study in the Illinois River Valley, the Forbes ecology team catch wood ducks in rocket nets, tag, and then release. Ecologist Aaron Yetter describes the unique experience.
MoreNov 2, 2020
Growing up on a Shelby County farm, Kaleb Wood had the unique opportunity of watching wildlife management in action, and his observations led to an interest in becoming a natural resources manager.
MoreNov 2, 2020
Research to investigate the effect of refuge protection on deer was conducted on a refuge in Illinois and on two refuges in Missouri. Results reveal that many factors are significant in off-refuge deer populations.
More