Sep 8, 2023
To continue adding to our understanding of wild turkey ecology, behavior, and their response to forest management activities, Illinois Natural History Survey researchers are studying hen turkeys in western, central and south-central Illinois.
MoreSep 8, 2023
Para Alex Davis, las conexiones que uno hace durante la cacería se volvieron más claras mientras estaba sentada en un escondite durante su primera cacería de pavos en primavera. Sentada con una amiga y colega, aprendió valiosas lecciones, incluyendo la investigación y preparación para la cacería… y aprendió también a mantenerse quieta.
MoreSep 8, 2023
La temporada de otoño es una época emocionante ya que marca el comienzo de las temporadas de caza de otoño. Revise los consejos del sargento Steven Beltran de IDNR para hacer que esta temporada de caza sea segura y productiva tanto para los cazadores jóvenes como para los mayores.
MoreAug 31, 2023
If you are looking for a fun outdoor family outing this fall, want the challenge of reeling in a good-fighting fish, or are interested in a tasty, freshly harvest meal, consider the 2023 Illinois fall catchable trout season. Nearly 60 sites around the state will be opening at 5 a.m. for the October 16 start of the season.
MoreAug 1, 2023
The gar is a fish unbothered by the low oxygen levels, warm water or weed-choked habitats that occur in late summer. A living fossil around since the age of dinosaurs, gars developed a poor reputation amongst anglers and disappeared from many Illinois waters. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Hatchery System is returning gar to Illinois waters.
MoreAug 1, 2023
A preview of the 2023-2024 Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations reveals updates to laws for furbearer hunting, trapping and nuisance removal as it pertains to dens, feed beds and nest and also reiterates single shot centerfire rifle regulations which we newly adopted as of January 2023.
MoreAug 1, 2023
Across the United States, certainly in the state of Illinois, one particular high school sport and pastime is spawning with participation: bass fishing. Organizations such as the IHSA and ICASSTT are committed to providing opportunities for Illinois’ student anglers.
MoreAug 1, 2023
For Alex Davis, the connections one makes while hunting became clearer as she sat in a blind on her first-ever spring turkey hunt. Sitting with a friend and colleague, she learned valuable lessons, including researching and preparing for the hunt…and about sitting still.
MoreAug 1, 2023
The fall season is an exciting time as it marks the beginning of the fall hunting seasons. Check out IDNR Sergeant Steven Beltran’s tips to make this hunting season a safe and productive one for young and old hunters alike.
MoreAug 1, 2023
A landowner, Jim Gillespie, and a researcher, Brenna Decker, both wanted to know how native bee populations respond to land management strategies that include prescribed burns of varied timing. Assessing bee populations on a 150 acre restored prairie enlightened both the landowner and researcher.
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A message from Chief Mike Wefer
Welcome to the August 2023 edition of the online magazine OutdoorIllinois Journal, featuring timely, seasonally based stories about the Prairie State’s wildlife resources. We’ve prepared a variety of stories for you in this edition. Look for articles on mergansers, white-tailed deer and wood ducks; muskies, trout and bass; and bees, piping plovers, orchids and leadplant. Hear from researchers about their work on current issues. Explore Illinois’ nature preserves, waterfowl hunting areas and other places to visit.
