Minnesota Letters to the Editor: No ducks? Maybe consider the ‘S’ word this fall: scouting
Reader-submitted letters to the editor published in the Aug. 21, 2026 edition of Minnesota Outdoor News.
August 19, 2026
Game Fair forum questions Lisa Demuth on Minnesota outdoors topics
Minnesota Outdoor News held its second governor’s forum of the year at Game Fair on Saturday, Aug. 15. It featured a lengthy Q&A session with Minnesota Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth, the Republican candidate for governor in 2026.
What follows is an edited-for-length transcript of Demuth’s answers during last Saturday’s forum. Outdoor News staff and other Minnesota outdoors operatives drafted the questions, and Ron Schara, Game Fair host, as well as Outdoor News Managing Editor Rob Drieslein presented them to Demuth, R-Cold Spring, last Saturday. Last week’s edition of this publication printed a similar transcribed Q&A from the first weekend of Game Fair with DFL gubernatorial candidate Amy Klobuchar.
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Citizens Lake fishery continues major comeback in northwest Illinois
It may cover only 26 acres, but Citizens Lake packs plenty of fishing opportunity into a relatively small package.
Located along U.S. Route 34 on the west edge of Monmouth, the Warren County lake offers anglers a chance to catch largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, redear sunfish, and several varieties of crappie. Rainbow trout also are stocked periodically through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ catchable trout program.
Citizens Lake fishery continues major comeback in northwest Illinois Read More »
Illinois’ Outdoor Calendar
A look at upcoming outdoor-related events from across Illinois published in the Aug. 21, 2026 edition of Outdoor News.
Illinois’ Outdoor Calendar Read More »
Ohio poacher forced to apologize on TikTok as part of punishment
A 21-year-old Ohio man has been found guilty of violating wildlife laws in Ohio and as a result has been ordered to pay more than $30,000 in restitution, fines, and other penalties.
In a report on the case, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Carter J. Hickey, 21, of New Philadelphia, Ohio was the focus of a multistate investigation. He apparently shared results of his illegal hunting on social media.
Ohio poacher forced to apologize on TikTok as part of punishment Read More »
Illinois Cuffs & Collars: Busy shifts for CPOs on Mississippi River Pool 19
Illinois cuffs and collars are field reports from Conservation Police Officers. These reports are from the Aug. 21, 2026 edition of Outdoor News.
Illinois Cuffs & Collars: Busy shifts for CPOs on Mississippi River Pool 19 Read More »
Southern Illinois University effort puts wildlife protection at forefront
Before bulldozers begin moving dirt for future road and bridge projects in Southern Illinois, researchers will be looking for some of the region’s most vulnerable wildlife.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale and the Illinois Department of Transportation have entered into a 10-year, $40 million agreement designed to identify and minimize the effects of transportation construction on wildlife, plants and ecosystems.
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Illinois Mixed Bag: Upland Game, Pheasant Program Deadlines Near
Illinois DNR reminded upland game hunters that application deadlines are approaching for the 2026 free upland game hunting permit lottery and the controlled pheasant hunting program.
Illinois Mixed Bag: Upland Game, Pheasant Program Deadlines Near Read More »
Illinois Deer Harvest Report sheds light on bowhunting trends in the state
Illinois deer hunters have increasingly turned to crossbows during the past decade, a trend reflected in DNR’s 2025-26 archery harvest data.
Crossbows accounted for 54% of the archery deer harvest in 2025, according to DNR, while compound bows accounted for 44.9% and traditional bows represented 1.1%. The shift represents a dramatic change from 2016, when compound bows were used to take 84% of archery-harvested deer.
Illinois Deer Harvest Report sheds light on bowhunting trends in the state Read More »
