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Albany — DEC wildlife biologists are entering the third year of what is evolving to be an increasingly important four-year study into wild turkey survival rates. With a sharp decline in wild turkey numbers across the state, a record low spring gobbler harvest in 2014 and the arrival of a new disease that impacts wild

Springfield — Duck hunters who feel there have been more ducks to hunt in recent Illinois seasons can give at least some credit to a predator management plan that has gotten rave reviews. Delta Waterfowl’s “Predator Management Report,” released in December, documents the improvement in duck nest success achieved on trap sites in North Dakota

Sunfish and crappies are tenacious creatures that provide great fishing action throughout the year, including during the ice season. All panfish species are common throughout the state, often in solid numbers and size in the same lakes. While they make excellent table fare, catch and release must be practiced within reason because of their popularity.