Feb 3, 2025
After the deer hunting season has ended many passionate sportsmen and sportswomen continue the adventure outdoors in search of the ever-elusive antler shed. A successful shed hunter has to consider a few things: when, where and how to hunt.
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Sight fishing with a fly rod for carp is exciting, challenging, skill building, widely available and affordable. Catching a carp requires stealth, persistence and good casting skills for accurate and delicate presentations of the fly. The author provides tips for improving your chances of landing a common or grass carp.
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Whether you’re new to fishing or Illinois, finding a new spot to wet a line can be intimidating. How do you know where a good place to fish is located? What species should you fish for while there? All these questions and more will be answered as you continue reading!
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What makes good aquatic habitat and how can you help make it happen? Illinois Department of Natural Resources District Fisheries Biologist Jim Garavaglia provides helpful insights for those interested in improving aquatic habitat in their personal pond and those thinking about building a pond.
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Since 1985, the Illinois Urban and Community Fishing Program Fishing in Illinois program has employed a corps of seasonal fishing instructors to teach Illinois residents of all ages and abilities the basics of fishing and providing safe and fun fishing experiences, especially for beginners. Do you have what it takes to be a successful Conservation Education Representative? Check out the top 10 characteristics these folks possess.
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Regulated hunting and conservation efforts saved white-tailed deer from extirpation at the start of the 20th century and has allowed them to rapidly recover. Since deer are now a common sight in Illinois, it brings into question what aspects have allowed deer to flourish.
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What will the 2025 spring wild turkey hunting season bring? Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Wild Turkey Project Manager Luke Garver reviews the primary factors that will determine if this year’s harvest could be a record.
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Most Illinois wild turkey hunters became supportive of regulation changes as Tungsten Super Shot became available and understood. As of January 1, 2025, both .410 and 28 gauge shotguns can be used as legal method of take for both the Illinois Spring Turkey and Fall Shotgun Turkey seasons.
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Illinois’ expansive outdoor spaces provide a respite from the day-to-day stresses of life. But for some outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers, spending time in these natural areas could come with an unexpected health risk: Lyme disease.
MoreNov 1, 2024
It’s that time of year again—cold and dreary and a great time to search for American bald eagles. The Fulton-Mason Eagle Day is a popular winter event for all ages that celebrates the American bald eagle and wildlife in general. Make plans to attend the February 1, 2025 event to participate in the hands-on activities and wildlife viewing opportunities at multiple locations in Fulton and Mason counties.
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A message from Chief, Division of Wildlife Resources Mike Wefer
Welcome to the February 2025 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.
