Hunters in Illinois bagged a preliminary total of 50,173 deer, down from 58,836 in 2018.
Efforts conducted June 3-14 included environmental DNA surveillance at more than 400 sites and investigation of 602 sites for fish.
Preliminary statewide total of 15,189 wild turkeys is up from 13,494 the previous year.
A preliminary total of 80,896 deer were taken by hunters during the seven-day Illinois firearms season compared to 80,117 in 2017.
Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary total of 58,836, up from 51,450 in 2017.
The worst year for the disease in Illinois was 2012, when 2,968 cases were reported from 87 counties. In 2013, the IDNR received reports of 1,224 cases from 64 counties. EHD was virtually absent in 2014 and at low levels in 2015, 2016, and 2017.
55 EHD-reported cases from 17 counties so far in 2018.
That makes for 57 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state, and raises the stocking of rainbow trout to 67,000 fish in the fall season.
The five-count indictment includes charges of conspiracy and violating the Lacey Act, both felonies, which, if convicted, are punishable by up to five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.
Permit holders salvaged another 40 roadkill bobcats during the season.
Biggest increase seen in archery harvest.
More than 1,800 citations and warnings issued to violators during firearms deer hunt – Illinois’ busiest hunting season.
The preliminary harvest for the second segment of the firearms season, Nov. 30 through Dec. 3, was 28,656.
(Photo by Bob Drieslein)Through Dec. 4, Illinois archery turkey hunters harvested a preliminary total of 604 turkeys, compared to 435 during the same period in 2016. The top county harvest totals through Dec. 4 were Jefferson (22), Fulton (20), Cass (19), Rock Island (17), and Jo Daviess/Knox (14). The season opened Oct. 1 and concludes Jan. 14, 2018. Up-to-date archery…
That’s down from 54,452 deer taken during the first firearms weekend in 2016.
Action kicks off Saturday, Oct. 21 in the North Zone, and a week later in the Central Zone.
Hunters and trappers may apply for 2017-18 bobcat permits through Sept. 30.
Gov. Bruce Rauner signed into law House Bill 2893, which amended the Illinois Wildlife Code to repeal restrictions on the use of crossbows during archery hunting seasons in Illinois.
Two weeks prior to the fall trout opener, the fall catch-and-release fly-fishing season will open at nine sites on Saturday, Oct. 7.
The one-year-old doe was harvested in Greenwood township and is the first confirmed positive in Vernon County.SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The 2017 Illinois youth firearm deer hunt is Oct. 7-9 for hunters with a valid youth deer permit who have not reached their 18th birthday by the first day of the hunt. Youth deer permits are available over-the-counter at license vendors…
LENA, Ill. — The Illinois DNR has scheduled a series of public meetings to provide information about chronic wasting disease (CWD), its effect on future deer populations, and IDNR’s efforts to control the disease. IDNR staff will also be available to answer questions about this disease. Landowners, hunters, and concerned citizens are encouraged to attend. CWD is an important issue…
This year, Illinois will open the regular duck, Canada goose, and snow goose seasons on Oct. 21.
Online application period for IDNR-managed sites begins Aug. 7.
The 2017 total compares with the statewide turkey harvest of 15,484 in 2016.
IDNR Fisheries personnel last fall stocked approximately 1,600 of the fish as part of the reintroduction program.
Duck and goose hunters must register in person for waterfowl blind site drawings and must be present at the drawing – held at each location designated below immediately after the registration period – to claim their blind sites.
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