Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026
My Account

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1968

Main Menu
Menu
Search
My Account
Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1968

Main Menu
Menu
Subscribe to Outdoor News

Gretchen Steele

A year-end reflection on loss, love, and the legacy of outdoor connections

Blogs, Featured, Fishing, Hunting, Illinois, Opinion /

As Winter Solstice nears along with the end of the year, I seem to always become more introspective. It’s as if this particular season serves as a poignant juncture for said introspection, particularly when contemplating the losses endured and the cherished relationships that have ended.
Many of those losses include special mentors and friends with whom I’ve shared many an outdoor adventure. It’s especially true this year after we recently lost a lower Kaskaskia legend, Ron “Jolly” Joellenbeck.

A year-end reflection on loss, love, and the legacy of outdoor connections Read More »

Multi-site themed hiking events adding a winter twist in Illinois

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

Winter hiking has long been a beloved outdoor activity for adventure enthusiasts, offering unique challenges and breathtaking landscapes. In recent years, there has been a surge in the popularity of themed winter multi-month multi-site hiking events. These events go beyond the traditional one-day hikes, providing participants with a prolonged, immersive experience spanning multiple locations.

Multi-site themed hiking events adding a winter twist in Illinois Read More »

Winter wings: Your guide to crafting a backyard haven for birds

Featured, Illinois, Nature Page & Night Sky /

With a bit of thoughtful preparation and a touch of creativity, you can turn your outdoor space into a cozy retreat for our feathered friends. Let’s look at several ways to make your backyard bird-friendly during winter, offering survival support and a front-row seat to the mesmerizing dance of winter birds right outside your window.

Winter wings: Your guide to crafting a backyard haven for birds Read More »

Commentary: It’s time to bring back Illinois’ deer check stations

Featured, Hunting, Illinois, Opinion /

On the opening weekend of firearms deer season in Illinois, I made the rounds, checking in to hear all the great deer stories.
I stopped at processors to see how the numbers looked and to get a look at what was coming in. Over and over I heard a constant refrain this year – the same as I hear every year: “I sure wish we still had check stations.”

Commentary: It’s time to bring back Illinois’ deer check stations Read More »

Help the science of backyard birding: Consider participating in Project FeederWatch

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

There’s something enchanting about waking up to the melodic tunes of birdsong and catching a glimpse of vibrant plumage fluttering outside your window. Backyard birding is not just a hobby; it’s a mindful practice that encourages us to slow down, observe, and appreciate the simple wonders of the natural world.

Help the science of backyard birding: Consider participating in Project FeederWatch Read More »

Hunting for a place to hunt? Disabled opportunities abound in Illinois’ outdoors

Featured, Home Page News, Hunting, Illinois, National Hunting /

One of the areas that I have always felt that the Illinois DNR really shines is the number of disabled opportunities that an outdoor enthusiast can find throughout DNR properties. I’ve also long felt like these opportunities are not as well known as they should be.

Hunting for a place to hunt? Disabled opportunities abound in Illinois’ outdoors Read More »

Harmony in the Wild: Here’s how to avoid user-group conflict on Illinois’ public land

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

It’s that time of year – autumn in southern Illinois has outdoor enthusiasts roaming about in droves. Because southern Illinois has so many types of public land and such big swaths, it seems like everybody and their brother has come to visit not just the Federal sites like Crab Orchard NWR, Rend Lake, and, of course, Shawnee National Forest, but also our DNR properties. 
It’s that time of year when all the user groups seem to collide: hunters, anglers, foragers, bikers, horse riders, field trialers, hikers, and campers.

Harmony in the Wild: Here’s how to avoid user-group conflict on Illinois’ public land Read More »

Why keeping a field journal is essential for hunting and foraging

Blogs, Featured, Hunting, Illinois, Opinion /

Time and time again I find myself turning not only to my field journals, but also to those that I inherited from others. Looking at the really old ones is bitter sweet, knowing  many of  the locations have been lost to mining, growth, development etc. They also show me subtle shifts in weather patterns, migratory patterns. They are valuable part of my outdoor life and I feel that everyone should keep one.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a passionate forager, or an aspiring outdoor enthusiast, here’s why keeping a field journal should be an essential part of your wilderness journey.

Why keeping a field journal is essential for hunting and foraging Read More »

A Birdwatcher’s Paradise: Pyramid State Recreation Area in Illinois beckons for fall and winter birding

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

When the leaves start to change, and the chill of winter fills the air, many people might be tempted to hang up their binoculars and stow away their field guides.
But if you’re a dedicated birder, you know that fall and winter can be some of the most exciting seasons for birdwatching. When it comes to a prime birding destination during these colder months, Pyramid State Recreation Area near Pinckneyville in Illinois is an absolute gem waiting to be explored.

A Birdwatcher’s Paradise: Pyramid State Recreation Area in Illinois beckons for fall and winter birding Read More »

GET THE OUTDOOR NEWS DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Sign up for the Outdoor News Weekly Newsletter and get 2 months of FREE access to OutdoorNews.com – packed with hunting, fishing, and conservation news. No Catch.

This offer includes digital access only (not the printed edition)

Email Address(Required)
Password(Required)
Name
What outdoor activities interest you?(Required)

PLEASE READ

Accessing Your Full Subscription Just Got Easier. Introducing Single Sign On.

 We’ve simplified things. Now you only need one password to access all your Outdoor News digital content.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Click Continue below.
  2. You’ll be taken to the OutdoorNews.com sign-in screen.
  3. Don’t have an account yet? Create one—it’s quick!
  4. After signing in, click the E-Edition Login button again. When the pop-up appears, just click Continue.
  5. You’ll either:
    1. Land on the e-edition selection screen (you’re in!)
    2. Be sent to a help page if we didn’t detect a subscription.

If you hit the help page, follow the directions so you don’t miss out on any of our great content.

One login. Every edition. Easy.

Let’s get you reading!

Continue...

PLEASE READ

 We’ve simplified things. Now you only need one password to access all your Outdoor News digital content.

Here’s how it works:

• Click Continue below.

• You’ll be taken to the OutdoorNews.com sign-in screen.

• Don’t have an account yet? Create one—it’s quick!

• After signing in, click the E-Edition Login button again. When the pop-up appears, just click Continue. You’ll either:

  1. Land on the e-edition selection screen (you’re in!)
  2. Be sent to a help page if we didn’t detect a subscription.

If you hit the help page, follow the directions so you don’t miss out on any of our great content.

Continue...

Help Shape the Future of OutdoorNews.com!

We know you love the outdoors—now we want to make OutdoorNews.com the ultimate destination for all things hunting, fishing, and conservation.

Take our brief 3 minute survey to share your thoughts, and help us build the best outdoor website on the planet. As a thank you, we’ll send you a special offer!

Together, we can make OutdoorNews.com even better.

Take the Survey

Introducing The Outdoor News Foundation

Donate Today

For a limited time, you can get full access to breaking news, all original Outdoor News stories and updates from the entire Great Lakes Region and beyond, the most up-to-date fishing & hunting reports, lake maps, photo & video galleries, the latest gear, wild game cooking tips and recipes, fishing & hunting tips from pros and experts, bonus web content and much, much more, all on your smartphone, tablet or desktop For just a buck per month!

Sign Up Now

Some restrictions apply. Not valid with other promotions. $1 per month for 6 months (you will be billed $6) and then your subscription will renew at standard subscription rates. For more information see Terms and Conditions. This offer only applies to OutdoorNews.com and not for any Outdoor News print subscriptions. Offer valid thru 3/31/23.

Already a subscriber to OutdoorNews.com? Click here to login.