Recreation

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A fall scene of a lake under a bright partly cloudy sky. In the foreground are grasses along the shoreline of the lake. In the background trees fill the shoreline.

Understanding the Finances of Conservation: How the Pittman-Robertson and Dingle-Johnson Acts Provide Funding Through Hunter Purchases

May 6, 2025 by Kaleigh Gabriel

Recreation | Fishing | Habitat Management or Enhancement | Hunting | Learn to Hunt | Wildlife

Two anglers enjoy an afternoon on the lake while fishing on a silver boat. In the background are trees interspersed on the shoreline against a bright blue clear sky.

2025 Fishing Regulations Guide Available

May 1, 2025 by Jim Garavaglia

Recreation | Fishing | Regulations

A Century of Fishing in Illinois

May 1, 2025 by Kathy Andrews Wright

Recreation | 100th Anniversary | Fish | Fishing | Regulations

Two people walking on a path through a prairie. In the background are trees against a cloudy sky.

New Lyme Disease Awareness Initiative Coming to Illinois

May 1, 2025 by Jenny Lelwica Buttaccio

Recreation | Ticks

A group of adults in neon green helping children fish from a pond with green tinted water. In the background are canopy tents interspersed between tall green trees providing shade for people fishing.

The Legacy of the Family Fishing Fair: A Community Treasure

May 1, 2025 by Gretchen Steele

Recreation | Fisheries Pick | Fishing

A hunter in camouflage gear leans against a tree on the edge of an agricultural field. The hunter is holding a shotgun in her right arm with the barrel resting on her left knee.

Gratitude for the Opportunities, Friends and Adventures Hunting Offers

May 1, 2025 by Kari Buckvold

Recreation | Hunting

A brown, black, and white wild turkey flaps its wings along the edge of a woodland.

Fall vs. Spring Turkey Hunting: Beginner tips & techniques

May 1, 2025 by Wes Littlefield

Recreation | Birds | Hunting

A white shed white-tailed deer antler resting on the ground on top of leaf litter and brown dried grasses.

Hunting Sheds

February 3, 2025 by Steven Beltran

Recreation | Hunting

An angler holds up a large tan fish in front of his torso with both of his hands. In the background is a freshwater lake and a shoreline filled with lush green trees and shrubs against a bright blue sky.

Illinois’ Prairie Bonefish – Carp on the Fly

February 3, 2025 by Tom Yocom

Aquatic Organisms | Recreation | Fishing | Rivers and Lakes

A young African American boy holds a fishing rod and reel in his right hand and holds up a small green fish caught on the line in his left hand. In the background is a grassy area surrounded by trees against a partly cloudy bright blue sky.

A Beginner’s Guide to Fishing Illinois: Finding Prairie State Fishing Spots

February 3, 2025 by Wes Littlefield

Aquatic Organisms | Recreation | Fishing

A man wearing tan waders stands in shallow water of a pond. In front of the man is a wire mesh enclosure protecting native aquatic plants so they can become established.

Good Habits for Good Aquatic Habitat

February 3, 2025 by Jim Garavaglia

Aquatic Organisms | Land | Recreation | Fishing | Habitat Management or Enhancement

On a bright sunny day four children and two adults stand on the edge of a lake. The two adults help the children with fishing rods and reels.

Seasonal Fishing Instructors Kickstart a Lifetime of Fishing

February 3, 2025 by Jonathan Schlesinger

Aquatic Organisms | Recreation | Fisheries Pick | Fishing

In front of a woodland an adult male white-tailed deer with antlers stands alert. To the right of the male is an adult female white-tailed deer walking towards the edge of the woodland.

Why Are Deer So Successful in Illinois?

February 3, 2025 by Jameson Mori, Nelda A. Rivera

Recreation | Research | Wildlife | Deer | Hunting | Research | Wildlife Pick

A close-up photo of a wild turkey in full courtship display with a tail fanned and feathers puffed out along its body.

2025 Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Season Preview

February 3, 2025 by Luke Garver

Recreation | Wildlife | Hunting | Turkey

Three adult male wild turkeys stand in a fallow agricultural field in early spring. One is foraging for food, and the two other turkeys stand alert for potential predators. In the background is a wooded edge.

Change in Legal Shotguns for Hunting Wild Turkeys in Illinois

February 3, 2025 by Luke Garver

Recreation | Wildlife | Hunting | Regulations | Turkey

A woman wearing a navy blue backpack hikes through a spring woodland along a trail.

Contracting Lyme Disease Now May Be Linked to Mental Health Symptoms Later

February 3, 2025 by Jenny Lelwica Buttaccio

People | Recreation | Ticks

A bald eagle with white feathers on its head and black feathers on its body perches on a tree branch against a bright blue sky.

Eagles Abound at the Fulton-Mason Eagle Day, February 1, 2025

November 1, 2024 by Christa Christensen

Land | Recreation | Wildlife | Birds | Rivers and Lakes | wildlife viewing

Three young children stand in a duck hunting blind surrounded by sticks and brushy dried vegetation. In the background is an early morning sunrise over a freshwater lake and goose decoys stand at the water's edge.

Youth are the Future: Trends in Youth Hunting Participation in Illinois

November 1, 2024 by Eric Walberg, Craig Miller, Dan Stephens, Brent Williams

Recreation | Wildlife | Hunting | Waterfowl | Youth

A hunter in camouflage gear holds up two successfully harvested Canada geese. She holds one in each hand. In the background is a closely grazed pasture against a woodland.

Becoming an Illinois Hunter

November 1, 2024 by Lauren Dean

Recreation | Wildlife | Hunting

Three young men stand in a fishing boat. One individual holds up two large green fish one in each hand. Two other individuals stand and hold fishing rods and reels at the front of the boat trying to catch fish.

Bass Fishing a Growing Competitive Sport for Youth

November 1, 2024 by Tad Locher

Aquatic Organisms | Recreation | Fishing | Youth