Every year, it happens the same way. Somewhere in late winter, after one too many gray afternoons and one too many evenings spent looking out the window instead of being out in the woods, the camping itch starts up again. It begins as a harmless thought.
Maybe it’s time to go camping.
Gretchen Steele: Finally, the first night back in the campground Read More »
There’s a particular kind of ache that settles into southern Illinois by early March. As I write this in the early morning hours, the temperature is a cool 16 degrees, and the wind chill is sub-zero at minus 2 degrees. It’s hard to believe that just a few days ago we were enjoying a preview of spring with temps in the 70’s.
Gretchen Steele: About now, Illinois outdoorsmen yearn for spring Read More »
By the end of February in southern Illinois, winter has worn out its welcome — but it hasn’t quite left. And here we are in March. More of the same, but with some hope attached.
The snow is mostly gone. The heavy gray skies are beginning to fracture into blue. Red maples along the creeks show the faintest blush of color. And yet, we are not fully delivered into spring. We are suspended — in mud, in wind, in want.
Gretchen Steele: Turkey hunters and outdoor fans in southern Illinois can smell spring Read More »
If you want to understand politics, family dynamics, or the delicate art of running a rural committee meeting, I strongly recommend spending a February afternoon watching a backyard bird feeder in Southern Illinois.
The recent winter storms have given me plenty of opportunities to be endlessly entertained by the feeder drama outside my window. Late winter is prime time.
Gretchen Steele: Birds deal with politics, too – the feeder pecking order Read More »
Few fish in Illinois have captured anglers’ attention like the blue catfish.
Known for its size, strength and toughness, blue cats have gone from being little-known river residents to top targets in cooling lakes and large reservoirs. As more anglers have become interested, DNR has also focused more on studying and managing them.
Blue catfish gaining the attention of more and more Illinois anglers Read More »
Lawmakers in Springfield are gearing up with proposals that could impact outdoor recreation, wildlife management, and public land stewardship for years to come.
The 104th General Assembly’s Spring Session is underway, and here’s what outdoor enthusiasts should know about several bills recently introduced that may prove important to sportsmen, conservationists, and anyone who cherishes Illinois’ wild places.
Gretchen Steele: Legislation outdoor users should know about introduced in Illinois Read More »
January in southern Illinois has a way of telling the truth. January isn’t just a cold and quiet time – it’s when the Illinois General Assembly gathers in Springfield to kick off its spring session.
While most of us are busy bundling up in wool socks, knocking ice out of water bowls, and settling back into our routines after the holidays, our lawmakers are already deep into the work that will shape conservation for the rest of the year.
Every few years – sometimes every few months – it seems we circle back to the same campfire question: how much should politics shape conservation, land management, and outdoor regulations in Illinois?
It’s a question that hunters, anglers, hikers, birders, paddlers, and public land neighbors all wrestle with, even if we don’t always name it out loud. It’s that ever present elephant in the room.
Illinois DNR has finalized waterfowl season dates and zone boundaries for the 2026–2030 seasons, concluding a months-long process that included a second round of public meetings following the initial release of proposed dates and zones in October.
Those additional meetings were scheduled after waterfowl hunters across the state raised questions and concerns about how proposed zone alignments and season timing would affect local hunting opportunities.
Illinois waterfowl dates, zone changes finalized Read More »
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