Mallards and other ducks have been slow to arrive on the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, with the latest aerial survey showing waterfowl numbers well below historical averages as hunting efforts in the northern and central Illinois get underway.
The season opened Oct. 24 in the north zone and opens Oct. 31 in the central zone. The south zone season opens Nov. 14.
Duck seasons open with low counts on Illinois River Read More »
A nearly black fox photographed at dusk in Hastings has captured the attention of thousands on social media, but the animal’s unusual appearance highlights a bigger mystery for wildlife biologists: Gray foxes themselves are becoming increasingly uncommon in Michigan and parts of the Midwest.
The Michigan DNR recently shared photographs of the unusually colored gray fox – described by the agency as a melanistic gray fox – originally taken by a resident in June 2019. The images were submitted to the DNR through its Gray Fox Observation portal to help researchers better understand the distribution of a species that remains poorly understood in the state.
Rare melanistic gray fox photos from Michigan reveal a wildlife marvel Read More »
Illinois officials are emphasizing that updated rules regarding deer removal permits are designed to address specific landowner problems – not manage the state’s overall deer population.
DNR’s updated rules were approved by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, completing a process that began after legislation backed by the Illinois Farm Bureau was signed into law in August 2025 and took effect Jan. 1. The new rules establish a five-business-day response period for DNR to evaluate complaints and provide more detailed requirements for documenting deer damage and safety concerns.
New rules expand options for managing Illinois deer damage Read More »
A report from hikers on the North Country Trail helped Michigan biologists locate and save 27 threatened lake sturgeon stranded in isolated pools of the West Branch Ontonagon River late this past summer.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and Upper Peninsula Power Co. conducted three rescue operations after hikers crossing the river Aug. 23 spotted three sturgeon trapped in pools downstream from Victoria Dam.
Hikers’ reporting helps rescue 27 isolated sturgeon in Michigan’s Ontonagon River Read More »
Michigan’s archery deer season opened Oct. 1 with some questions about the state’s deer herd.
The DNR has noted that a near record-setting snowfall this past winter in some parts of the state is likely to have an effect. Epizootic hemorrhagic disease is a bigger concern. A sick deer found in a Springfield Township pond has prompted the Michigan DNR to remind residents and hunters to keep an eye out for signs of EHD.
Michigan DNR asks public to report sick deer as EHD surfaces Read More »
Competitive anglers from Illinois took Florida by storm, finishing first and second at the 2026 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Championship on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.
In all, Illinois had three anglers on the list of Top 10 finishers. Drew Gill, of Mount Carmel, who entered the final day of the Sept. 18-20 tournament more than 5 pounds behind Levi Kohl, caught a tournament-best 31 pounds, 13 ounces on the final day to finish with 75-3 and claim the $100,000 first-place prize. Kohl, of Edinburg, followed with 64-15 and earned $25,000 for second place.
Illinois anglers dominate Florida bass tournament field Read More »
A mountain lion was spotted moving through southern Illinois, and this time wildlife officials believe the big cat crossed west through Union and Jackson counties.
DNR confirmed multiple sightings of the feline – also known as a cougar or puma – adding another chapter to a remarkable series of appearances by a predator that disappeared from the state more than 150 years ago. The mountain lion spotted in September is the 12th confirmed in Illinois since 2002, according to DNR.
Confirmed cougar makes an even dozen sightings over 25 years Read More »
The Illinois DNR’s ship has bobbed and weaved and pitched over the past two decades, but it has managed to stay afloat.
Now the agency has a new captain in charge of keeping it upright. A central Illinois native with experience in conservation, public administration, finance and law enforcement has taken control of the agency at a time when it faces a broad range of challenges involving wildlife, public lands, outdoor recreation and resource management.
New director takes wheel to steer Illinois DNR Read More »
Howard Tanner, the acclaimed fisheries biologist and conservation leader whose vision helped transform the Great Lakes and created one of Michigan’s most important recreational fisheries, is being remembered for a legacy that continues to shape the region more than a half-century after his groundbreaking work began.
Tanner, a Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources alumnus, died Aug. 16 at the age of 102.
Michigan conservation community remembers Dr. Howard Tanner Read More »
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