Another attempt to outlaw hunting contests in Illinois arrived in the legislature this session – a measure similar to past efforts, including House Bill 2900, which passed the House in 2024 but failed to make it to the governor’s desk.
Senate Bill 3063, filed by Sen. Linda Holmes, D-Aurora, on Jan. 29, was referred to the Senate Assignments Committee the same day.
Hunting contests ban again proposed in Illinois legislature Read More »
Illinois crews pulled more than 7 million pounds of invasive carp from the Illinois River in 2025, putting the state’s’ invasive carp program a net-full or two of carp from hitting the 50 million-pound mark over 15 years of removal efforts.
Currently, the haul sits at just over 49 million pounds.
Crews pulled 7 million pounds of invasive carp from Illinois River last year Read More »
How many coyotes are there in Michigan? No one knows, exactly – but the goal of the new hunting and trapping season that opened March 2 is for there to be fewer of them.
Officially, it’s not a “hunting and trapping” season. It is labeled as a management season. Under DNR regulations, the season will run until Oct. 14 and will allow coyotes to be killed on public or private lands. It is the result of concern about abundant coyotes in the state and a lawsuit filed against the state Natural Resources Commission by two of the state’s conservation clubs.
Michigan coyotes under a spotlight Read More »
Illinois CPO Amanda McKune issued 27 citations and 18 written warnings related to turkey cases across five counties in 2025 – this while handling illegal fish snaggers, state park violators and making DUI arrests.
As the National Wild Turkey Federation put it, McKune “is enthusiastic about her job and spends countless hours teaching young sportsmen and women about the department and how to be good stewards of the land.”
Illinois Conservation Police Officer honored with NWTF ‘Officer of the Year’ award Read More »
DNR reported that a hunter-harvested deer in Gladwin County tested positive for CWD, meaning Michigan now has 18 counties with a positive case.
In all, 376 CWD-positive deer have been confirmed in Michigan – that from roughly 148,800 tested deer.
Gladwin County joins Michigan CWD deer list with confirmed case Read More »
Lawmakers, wildlife officials, and fishermen in Kentucky are debating an issue that has yet to create waves in Illinois: The stocking of a fast-growing and aggressive species of Florida largemouth bass known as “F1.”
According to Illinois regulations, F1 hybrids are permitted – they are not classified as invasive or restricted. There has been limited stocking in private lakes and ponds because the species does not fare well in colder waters. Over in Kentucky’s climate, the F1 is expected to do much better. But biologists are concerned about the fish’s effect on native species.
Hybrid ‘F1’ largemouth bass creating big controversy in Kentucky Read More »
Illinois pro angler Drew Gill landed an 8-pounder and a 9-pounder to kick off the 2026 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit the same way he kicked off the 2026 Bass Pro Tour season – with a win and a $100,000-plus payday.
Gill finished the 3-day tourney held on Lake Beauclair, part of the Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Florida, with 13 bass weighing 66 pounds, 4 ounces.
Illinois pro Drew Gill lands two monster largemouths to open 2026 with big victory Read More »
An Illinois firefighter and paramedic who also happens to be an avid muskie angler has been getting attention in the winter of 2026 for a fish he caught in the summer of 2025.
The fish was a 57-inch muskie, which explains the post-catch-hoopla. Actually, it is post catch-and-release hoopla.
Illinois angler’s 57-incher latest to earn Wisconsin muskie record Read More »
Steve Sarley, a Wheaton resident who has written a column for Illinois Outdoor News since it launched in 2008, has been honored by the Illinois Conservation Foundation as “Outdoor Writer of the Year.”
The honor, announced in early January, comes as part of the annual Outdoor Excellence Awards, which recognize work “that has strengthened conservation, outdoor recreation, and public access.” The Illinois Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers also was recognized.
Illinois Conservation Foundation honors Steve Sarley as Outdoor Writer of the Year Read More »
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