Illinois’ Outdoor Calendar
A look at upcoming outdoor-related events from across Illinois published in the Oct. 2, 2026 edition of Outdoor News.
Illinois’ Outdoor Calendar Read More »
September 30, 2026
Illinois Cuffs & Collars: Illegal minibike at William Powers State Park
Illinois cuffs and collars are field reports from Conservation Police Officers. These reports are from the Oct. 2, 2026 edition of Outdoor News.
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B.A.S.S. to keep technology format for 2027 Elite Series
Following a successful debut, B.A.S.S. announced that the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series will continue using the same forward-facing live sonar structure introduced in 2026.
The 2027 season will again feature a split between tournaments in which live sonar is permitted and tournaments where live sonar is not allowed.
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Illinois anglers dominate Florida bass tournament field
Competitive anglers from Illinois took Florida by storm, finishing first and second at the 2026 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Championship on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.
In all, Illinois had three anglers on the list of Top 10 finishers. Drew Gill, of Mount Carmel, who entered the final day of the Sept. 18-20 tournament more than 5 pounds behind Levi Kohl, caught a tournament-best 31 pounds, 13 ounces on the final day to finish with 75-3 and claim the $100,000 first-place prize. Kohl, of Edinburg, followed with 64-15 and earned $25,000 for second place.
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Illinois’ nuisance-deer permit rules win extension for language fixes
Illinois wildlife officials were given a 45-day extension to clean up rules governing a new system designed to give farmers and landowners more flexibility in dealing with deer that damage their property.
The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules voted Sept. 15 to extend the Second Notice period for DNR’s rules governing Deer Removal Permits. The rulemaking, 17 IAC 526, will return to JCAR for consideration at its Oct. 20 meeting.
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Illinois Mixed Bag: Trapping Permit Drawing Set for Shelbyville
DNR has scheduled a public drawing for handing out trapping permits at the Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Area.
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Illinois Letters to the Editor: Deer hunting has changed for all of us
Reader-submitted letters to the editor published in the Oct. 2, 2026 edition of Illinois Outdoor News.
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Ralph Loos: Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame class has common interest: being useful
You could make a pretty long list of reasons why people get involved in outdoor conservation. Some love hunting. Some love fishing. Some love birds, bees or trees. Some even love skunks, snapping turtles and opossums.
And some, frankly, just like making themselves useful.
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Mixed bag of success as many Minnesota hunters face a wet waterfowl opener
It felt like a “ducky day” in Minnesota for Saturday’s waterfowl opener.
Many hunters shot through rain and strong southeast winds that moved across the state from overnight Friday through Saturday afternoon. That likely affected participation, but passionate waterfowlers are a hardy group.
“Everything that I’ve heard was generally pretty good,” said Nate Huck, Minnesota DNR migratory bird consultant, of early reports after opening weekend.
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