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Ralph Loos

The ‘get ‘er done’ force that was Bob Kerans: Remembering Illinois Outdoor News’ Person of the Year

Featured, Illinois, Opinion /

He was selected as our 2023 “Outdoor Person of the Year,” so early this spring I drove to his home in Decatur, Ill., to snap a photo of Bob Kerans holding his award.
His wife Lolly pleasantly answered the door and advised, “He’s back in his room.”
His room, of course, was part office, part shrine to fishing and every other outdoor endeavor that made us all appreciate Bob. His knowledge was endless, his passion clear. To be honest, he probably deserved to be “Outdoors Person of the Century.”

The ‘get ‘er done’ force that was Bob Kerans: Remembering Illinois Outdoor News’ Person of the Year Read More »

Carp eDNA finding from Michigan a reminder that Illinois isn’t fighting solo

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

Expectations have been that if – or when – an invasive carp enters Lake Michigan, that fish will have swam up from the waters of Illinois.
That notion has remained mostly true, especially after a live 22-pound silver carp was captured in Lake Calumet in August 2022. 
Lake Calumet is only seven miles from Lake Michigan. But a recent development in Michigan serves as a reminder that the Land of Lincoln is not alone in what has become a dangerous and expansive battle.

Carp eDNA finding from Michigan a reminder that Illinois isn’t fighting solo Read More »

Changes to Illinois’ bow season have upside

Featured, Hunting, Illinois, National Hunting, News /

More crossbows, larger harvests and the potential addition of new counties to a special restricted archery zone designed to bolster the herd.
Bowhunting in Illinois has evolved. It most certainly will continue to do so. The reasoning is solid: According to the National Deer Association, Illinois continues to hold the largest percentage of bow hunters – the NDA estimates 74% of all deer hunters in the state use some kind of bow at least one day during the season.

Changes to Illinois’ bow season have upside Read More »

Illinois waterfowlers bucking some nationwide trends

Featured, Hunting, Illinois, National Hunting, National News, News /

Mallard harvest in Illinois increased by nearly 38% during the 2021-22 season, a somewhat surprising bump considering reports of declining duck numbers.
The overall statewide take of 360,698 ducks that season was up 42% from the previous harvest of 254,680. Not surprisingly, mallards made up roughly half (49%) of the total Illinois duck harvest. The number of wood ducks taken rose 21% – and the wood duck harvest represented 12% of the overall bag in Illinois.

Illinois waterfowlers bucking some nationwide trends Read More »

Illinois’ archery deer hunters: A look into who they are

Featured, Hunting, Illinois, National Hunting, Opinion /

Now that we’re getting close to the start of a new bow season in Illinois, it seems like a good time for me to let archery hunters in the state know exactly who you are.
Or something like that. The Illinois Natural History Survey released results of its “Illinois Deer Hunter Report” in January 2022. The information in the report was based on questions asked to deer hunters after the a deer season a couple of years before that. But if we know nothing else about deer hunters here, it’s that they don’t change their minds – or opinions often or easily. So let’s take a look at archery deer hunting in Illinois.

Illinois’ archery deer hunters: A look into who they are Read More »

The 6-pound bass still the standard at Devils Kitchen in Illinois

Illinois, Lake Profile, Lake Profile /

Illinois DNR’s report on bass tournaments held on Devils Kitchen Lake in 2022 revealed some encouraging signs for anglers who had grown accustomed to a magical fish.
The 6-pound bass. In five DNR-sanctioned tournaments on the lake last year, two bass over 6 pounds were weighed in, along with a handful that tipped the scales at between 4 and 5 pounds.

The 6-pound bass still the standard at Devils Kitchen in Illinois Read More »

Positive thinking: ducks don’t read reports before migrating

Featured, Hunting, Illinois, News /

Duck hunters up and down the state looking for positive news heading into the new season should not pay much attention to the latest report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
As the late Illinois waterfowl biologist Frank Bellrose used to say from his Havana office, “Ducks don’t read before deciding to migrate.” That analysis was repeated by another Frank – Delta Waterfowl Chief Scientist Frank Rohwer – in wake of the 2023 USFWS Waterfowl Status Report.

Positive thinking: ducks don’t read reports before migrating Read More »

Illinois’ ‘Annie Oakley Fall Classic’ a showcase for women shooters

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

When shooters gather upstate later this month for the inaugural “Annie Oakley Fall Classic,” there will be one unusual aspect to take note of.
The field will be 100% female. It should not be all that unusual, Robin Sheehan, founder and president of the Annie Oakley Shooters of Northern Illinois (AOSNI), said, throwing in a “we can do better.”
The Fall Classic is set for Sept. 24 at Northbrook Sports Club in Hainesville, Ill. Sheehan said reasons why women are under-represented at shooting ranges and competitive shooting events vary, but there is no reason to dwell on them.

Illinois’ ‘Annie Oakley Fall Classic’ a showcase for women shooters Read More »

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