May 1, 2020
If you’ve had your fill of COVID-19, politics and ecological gloom, how about a conservation success story? The reintroduction of the river otter in Illinois is a good-news story that brings a virus-free breath of fresh air when we need it most.
MoreMay 1, 2020
If you hunt deer or turkey you understand the effects of adrenaline on the human body. As excitement builds in anticipation, your heart begins to race, and your breathing becomes heavy and erratic. It is an experience you won’t forget anytime soon.
MoreMay 1, 2020
About four decades ago, I was taught how to shoot a 410 shotgun and how to hunt safely and ethically. We were hunting on a perfect fall day, trying to jump a rabbit. I spotted a rabbit sitting motionlessly up ahead. The hunter said, “Shoot.” I did. He cheered, “Good shot!”
MoreMay 1, 2020
About 70 percent of waterfowl harvested in the U.S. were produced in Canada. To aid in protecting Canadian waterfowl production areas such as the Prairie Pothole Region, part of the funds derived from the 2020 Illinois Duck Stamp are awarded to appropriate conservation projects.
MoreMay 1, 2020
East-central Illinois has the potential to provide exceptional recreation and conservation opportunities. Wildlife biologists are available and ready to help landowners restore wildlife habitat. The result provides great hunting opportunities, but also the ability to help conserve our natural resources.
More
Feb 1, 2020
One of the biggest management challenges for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). IDNR recently released The Illinois Chronic Wasting Disease: 2018–2019 Surveillance and Management Report. Read on to discover the report highlights.
MoreFeb 1, 2020
In the nearly 61 years since the Illinois hunter safety education program was established times have changed. In 2019, a legislated change created the opportunity to offer the course through the Illinois school system.
MoreFeb 1, 2020
The perfect opportunity awaits Illinois waterfowl hunters and farmers to strengthen their alliance for more hunting opportunities, the preservation of our rural areas and to enhance community profits. Read on to learn more.
MoreFeb 1, 2020
An Illinois State Pheasant Fund award has been made to the Quail and Upland Game Alliance to assist private landowners complete wildlife-friendly management projects.
MoreFeb 1, 2020
The ring-necked pheasant has come a long way from its exotic origins to its establishment in the Prairie State. The author explores the pheasant’s history and status today.
MoreFeb 1, 2020
Despite being a creature whose mug shot once adorned many a wanted poster for an alleged affiliation with Dracula or for attempted invasion of one’s hair, the bat has recently gained a new respected position in our imaginations.
MoreFeb 1, 2020
Now that the deer hunting seasons are over, what can you do with that extra time on your hands? The author suggests some great activities to engage deer hunters off-season.
MoreFeb 1, 2020
Administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Illinois Habitat Fund provides qualified not-for-profit organizations and governmental entities with the opportunity for funding to enhance game and non-game wildlife habitat.
MoreFeb 1, 2020
Deer marked on three areas of Illinois (Brown-Adams, DeKalb and Piatt counties) allowed the authors to observe the composition of 12 matrilines through time. Learn what the authors discovered by reading further.
MoreFeb 1, 2020
The Urban Wildlife Biodiversity Monitoring Project began in 2009. The author, Seth Magle, Director of the Urban Wildlife Institute at the Lincoln Park Zoo, states that understanding how wildlife communities adapt to living in cities isn’t something you can do in a year, or two, or even 10.
MoreFeb 1, 2020
The greater prairie-chicken has a storied history in North America, with ups and downs, twists and turns, and an uncertain future. Understanding its story provides insight into our part of the journey we share—not just with one species, but with communities of species.
MoreFeb 1, 2020
The nine-banded armadillo is a recent addition to the native fauna of Illinois. Little is known about the effect of this species on native wildlife and habitat, but not for long. Research is underway.
MoreFeb 1, 2020
The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center’s Habitat Strike Team recently received competitive funding from both the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Habitat Fund and the Division of Natural Heritage to continue and expand their management capacity in the confluence region of Illinois.
MoreFeb 1, 2020
With nearly 30 years of experience, Mike Wefer is certainly no stranger to the needs of wildlife and wildlife constituents.
MoreFeb 1, 2020
The hillsides west of Arenzville are transforming into what could create the perfect Sunday drive. Efforts to restore the historic hill prairies include the removal of dense stands of aggressive, invasive plant species. Partnerships are working hard and seeing results.
MoreFeb 1, 2020
As hunters, we must do whatever it takes to be safe. Author Eric Bumgarner shares a story about hunter safety from his years as an Illinois Conservation Police Officer.
MoreFeb 1, 2020
Once common in Illinois, cougars were eliminated due to unregulated hunting and habitat loss. Given the limited habitat available now, it may seem unlikely that cougars would be seen in Illinois again. However, in the last several years there have been a few confirmed sightings of individual cougars in the state.
MoreFeb 1, 2020
The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial to inhabit the United States and one of the few wild animals that cannot be confused with another species. Once you’ve seen one, you’ll never forget it.
More