Illinois’ Outdoor Calendar
A look at upcoming outdoors-related events from across Illinois published in the March 20, 2026 edition of Outdoor News.
Illinois’ Outdoor Calendar Read More »
March 17, 2026
Missouri paddlefish snagging season opens
The Missouri paddlefish snagging season opened March 15 on several waters in the state, including Lake of the Ozarks, Harry S. Truman Reservoir, and Table Rock Lake. The season runs until April 30, except on the Mississippi River, where it is open through May 15.
Missouri paddlefish snagging season opens Read More »
Illinois Cuffs & Collars: Shooting snow geese from the bed of a moving truck
Illinois cuffs and collars are field reports from Conservation Police Officers. These reports are from the March 20, 2026 edition of Outdoor News.
Illinois Cuffs & Collars: Shooting snow geese from the bed of a moving truck Read More »
Building Bears stadium in Indiana likely to have impact on Wolf Lake
Fishermen, wildlife watchers, nature lovers and nearby residents are concerned about the impact of the potential new Chicago Bears stadium in Hammond, Indiana has on Wolf Lake and what it means for the future of urban green spaces.
Wolf Lake is a 804-acre body of water located on the Illinois-Indiana border, with the Illinois portion anchored by the 580-acre William W. Powers State Recreation Area in Chicago.
Building Bears stadium in Indiana likely to have impact on Wolf Lake Read More »
New legislation aims to protect Illinois waterways
As the administration moves to slash federal protections for waterways and wetlands, Illinois lawmakers and environmental advocates are racing to finally pass a measure that would enact state safeguards.
Senate Bill 2401 would give DNR authority over wetland permitting on private land before construction begins.
New legislation aims to protect Illinois waterways Read More »
A quick chat with Andrew Schmidt of Pheasants Forever
Andrew Schmidt is the director of government affairs for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PF/QF). And he comes by the work honestly. His father spent a long career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and retired with the federal agency.
“I grew up in the wildlife conservation world,” the northern Virginia native told Outdoor News recently.
A quick chat with Andrew Schmidt of Pheasants Forever Read More »
Illinois Urban Fishing Program seeking instructors for summer
DNR’s annual call looking for instructors to teach fishing at summer clinics in Illinois tends to underestimate the impact of the 40-year-old Urban Fishing Program.
To wit: The program held or sponsored 1,254 programs for 90,433 participants in 2024. The program’s 2025 annual report is not yet available, but the 2024 numbers paint a good picture.
Illinois Urban Fishing Program seeking instructors for summer Read More »
Illinois Mixed Bag: DNR seeking 2026 summer campground hosts
“Campground hosting is a perfect position for anyone who enjoys camping and helping others,” DNR stated. “Hosts are often the first to greet state park visitors.
Illinois Mixed Bag: DNR seeking 2026 summer campground hosts Read More »
Illinois Letters to the Editor: Former MLB pitcher deserves harsher penalties for poaching
Reader-submitted letters to the editor published in the March 20, 2026 edition of Illinois Outdoor News.
