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Gretchen Steele

Gretchen Steele: A hunter’s perspective on new CDC rules for dogs

Hunting, Illinois, National Hunting, Opinion /

As a hunter who’s spent countless hours in the wetlands with my trusty Labrador, the thrill of the chase and the bond with my dog are irreplaceable parts of the experience. This fall, however, those of us who cherish these moments might find ourselves entangled in a web of new regulations imposed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Starting Aug. 1, bringing dogs into the United States will come with a slew of new rules that could complicate our hunting trips, especially those across the Canadian border.

Gretchen Steele: A hunter’s perspective on new CDC rules for dogs Read More »

Gretchen Steele: The origin and evolution of the term “river rat”

Blogs, Illinois, Nature Page & Night Sky, Opinion /

Go ahead, feel free to call me a River Rat – I am indeed one who wears it as a badge of honor, although early in my life, I learned it’s not always used in a complimentary way. 
For me, the term “River Rat” evokes images of daring adventures, unwavering resilience, and a profound connection to the waterways that carve through our landscapes. But where did this term originate, and how has it evolved to describe a certain breed of people? Let’s embark on a journey into the history and cultural significance of the “River Rat.”

Gretchen Steele: The origin and evolution of the term “river rat” Read More »

Much-delayed Rend Lake Resort renovation revived in Illinois

Featured, Fishing, Illinois, Nature Page & Night Sky, News /

Rend Lake Resort, a popular southern Illinois destination, is finally seeing signs that a long-awaited renovation is becoming a reality.
Illinois Sen. Terri Bryant and State Rep. Dave Severin recently met with the media at the resort to announce that the plan’s initial phase to rehabilitate and reopen the once-popular DNR site has begun. The current focus of the work is on repairing and reconstructing the parking areas surrounding the resort.

Much-delayed Rend Lake Resort renovation revived in Illinois Read More »

Gretchen Steele: Illinois EPA offers new tool to track harmful algal blooms

Featured, Illinois, Nature Page & Night Sky /

As the summer heat rolls in and the allure of Illinois’ beautiful lakes and rivers beckons, staying informed about potential water hazards is essential.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Department of Public Health are reminding everyone to be cautious about harmful algal blooms (HABs) in our waterways. Staying safe and informed with their new Harmful Algal Bloom Dashboard has never been easier. Sadly, I’ve already noticed several bodies of water in southern Illinois with harmful algal blooms.

Gretchen Steele: Illinois EPA offers new tool to track harmful algal blooms Read More »

Gretchen Steele: The transition from spring to summer in southern Illinois is a beautiful thing

Featured, Fishing, Illinois, Nature Page & Night Sky /

As we bid farewell to May, we also bid adieu to spring and welcome the vibrant summer in southern Illinois. This transition, unique to our region, is a spectacle to behold. Mother Nature, in her unpredictable ways, has treated us to a spring filled with unusual phenomena and moments, reminding us that she sets the pace, not our calendars.

Gretchen Steele: The transition from spring to summer in southern Illinois is a beautiful thing Read More »

Gretchen Steele: Time to participate in Illinois’ Wild Turkey Survey Program

Blogs, Featured, Hunting, Illinois, Opinion /

Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of wildlife conservation and exploration? Look no further than Illinois’ Wild Turkey Survey Program. This engaging initiative offers a unique opportunity for nature enthusiasts and conservationists alike to get up close and personal with one of the state’s most iconic and fascinating bird species — the wild turkey.
“No Mow May” is over, and we are starting to see poults and hen turkeys bobbing around the grasslands and woods. The Illinois Wild Turkey Survey app, released last year, brings the ability to log turkey sightings to everyone’s fingertips.

Gretchen Steele: Time to participate in Illinois’ Wild Turkey Survey Program Read More »

Gretchen Steele: Bowfishing a great outdoor sport, and a conservation tool

Featured, Features, Fishing, Fishing, Illinois, National Fishing, New York /

Few outdoor sports activities evoke the raw thrill of bowfishing. It’s an unique blend of archery prowess and angler finesse, where enthusiasts aim not for trophies mounted on walls but for conservation and ecological balance. While some may perceive bowfishing as solely recreational, its potential as a conservation tool is often underestimated. When executed responsibly, bowfishing can be vital in preserving aquatic ecosystems.

Gretchen Steele: Bowfishing a great outdoor sport, and a conservation tool Read More »

Gretchen Steele: Public libraries overlooked as hubs for outdoor enthusiasts

Blogs, Featured, Fishing, Hunting, Illinois, Nature Page & Night Sky /

In a world dominated by digital screens and virtual landscapes, the call of the wild remains as potent as ever. For outdoorsmen and women, the allure of nature’s grandeur, the thrill of adventure, and the quest for knowledge are ever intertwined.
While the great outdoors may seem like the antithesis of the library, these sanctuaries of knowledge hold a trove of resources waiting to be discovered by nature enthusiasts. Welcome to the untamed wilderness of your local public library — a treasure trove for adventurers and explorers alike.

Gretchen Steele: Public libraries overlooked as hubs for outdoor enthusiasts Read More »

An ‘unintentional success:’ Celebrating the life of Gary McCree, known as the “Goosemaster” in southern Illinois

Featured, Hunting, Illinois, News /

The world of waterfowl hunting, and especially goose hunting, recently lost a true legend. I’m coming to terms with the fact that as I get older, my longtime friends, mentors, colleagues, and hunting partners are aging as well.
Unfortunately, with that aging process comes loss.
The loss this time has the entire southern Illinois waterfowl community mourning one of its own. Gary McCree, long known as the “Goosemaster,” has gone to fly with his beloved geese.

An ‘unintentional success:’ Celebrating the life of Gary McCree, known as the “Goosemaster” in southern Illinois Read More »

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