Illinois Mixed Bag: Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair set for June 7

Alton, Ill. — Pere Marquette State Park will host the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair, featuring fun and educational activities for the entire family June 7. Event hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the park, which is near Grafton on Illinois 100.

The fishing fair will feature a variety of outdoor activities.

Participating children will find a catch-and-release bluegill pond, where young anglers can have their photograph taken with their catch. The popular One-Cast station ensures everyone wins a prize. And bow-fishing stations offer youth an opportunity to shoot at moving targets in a pool or at a three-dimensional target. Every child who completes at least seven stations will receive a prize and have a chance to catch trout from the pond.

New to the fair this year will be Hall of Fame fisherman Jimmy Houston, who will entertain the crowd with his fishing wit and wisdom. Tim “Mountain Man” Guraedy from the hit TV show “Duck Dynasty” also will be in attendance.

For more information, contact Pere Marquette State Park at 618-786-3323, ext. 1, or Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge at 618-883-2524.

MORE COVERAGE FROM ILLINOIS OUTDOOR NEWS:

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Bill giving Illinois DNR control over gray fox seasons advances

Illinois high school bass fishing finals set for Lake Shelbyville debut

Meeting Set for Little Grassy Lake Update

Marion, Ill. — U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will host a meeting about upcoming plans for Little Grassy Lake 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. June 2 at the Carterville Community Center, 120 North Greenbriar Road, in Carterville.

According to UFWS, the dam safety modification study update meeting will include a “presentation to discuss the purpose of the study, the status and progression of the process, and what the next steps will be.” Those attending the meeting will receive an update on the future of fishing at Little Grassy Lake. USFWS began to drain the lake, located in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, in December due to concerns about erosion and aging infrastructure.

Shooting of Raccoon With Pellet Gun Draws Ire

La Grange, Ill. — The shooting of a nuisance raccoon in a Chicago suburb has drawn ire from some residents due to confusion over the type of weapon used.

According to a report by Patch, a resident in a La Grange neighborhood used a pellet gun to shoot a raccoon late last month with two police officers present. The incident was in the early evening of April 24. Upon hearing about it, Patch filed a public records request for the police report and the policy governing such shootings. It was not immediately clear what type of gun was used. According to the report, a resident “dispatched the sick/injured” raccoon with a pellet gun. The possibly rabid or injured raccoon was hiding in bushes on private property, police said.

Later, Village Administrator Jack Knight emailed Patch that the animal was suspected to have rabies. “It was considered humane to allow the resident to end the animal’s suffering with a pellet gun,” he said. Village President Mark Kuchler later emailed Patch, the administrator and police chief, and said that it was illegal for an unlicensed person to shoot a raccoon.

“A resident would need to first obtain a permit to trap or explain to the State biologist why the animal must be euthanized,” he said

Jim Edgar Set to Host Spring Wingshooting Clinic

Springfield — Youth aged 10 and older and adults can now register online for the youth and family wingshooting clinic scheduled for 10 a.m. June 8 at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area in Cass County.

This clinic is designed for beginner and novice participants youth and adults of all skill levels. Parent or guardian participation is welcome and encouraged. Registration is required and there is a fee of $10 per participant. The clinic starts with a shotgun safety presentation at 10 a.m. and is followed by a hands-on shotgun orientation session.

The clinics are taught by DNR or National Sporting Clays Association instructors. Lunch is provided for participants. The afternoon is spent in the field shooting clay targets until approximately 4 p.m. Participants learn to safely handle and shoot a shotgun and that being skilled at shooting clay targets is a lot of fun.

For more information, visit the DNR website.

Briar Knoll Club Wingshooting Clinic June 14-15

Amboy, Ill. — Youth aged 12 and older and adults can now register online for the Briar Knoll Hunting and Fishing Club hunter level wingshooting clinic June 14-15 at Briar Knoll Hunting and Fishing Club in Amboy in Lee County.

This clinic is designed for those above beginner and novice skill levels wishing to improve their clay target shooting skills. Registration is required and there is a fee of $30 per participant. Go online to register and to view the 2025 wingshooting clinics calendar.

Wingshooting clinics resemble actual field hunting situations, and participants will encounter presentations that mimic the flight characteristics of pheasants, quail, rabbits, doves, ducks, and other game species. There are two clinic sessions each day that begin at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. The clinics are taught by certified DNR or National Sporting Clays Association instructors.

DNR: 15 Boating Fatalities in Illinois in 2024

Springfield — According to DNR’s Illinois Conservation Police, in 2024 there were 63 reported boating accidents, which led to 32 injuries and 15 deaths in the state. The statistics show that most of the crashes involve open motorboats, “cruising in a careless or reckless manner,” and crashing into other boats. CPOS strictly enforce laws regarding people operating boats under the influence. In 2024, 84 boaters were arrested for operating boats under the influence. State law also requires that life jackets be worn by each person aboard a watercraft or jet ski.

“Every boater plays a vital role in creating a secure and enjoyable environment on the water,” said Office of Law Enforcement Director Jed Whitchurch. “Understanding and adhering to boating regulations such as navigation rules, safety equipment requirements, designated no-wake zones, and staying informed about weather conditions are essential to ensuring positive experiences for all who enjoy the state’s waterways.”