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Tim Bunton

New state law bringing clearer license rules for Illinois hunters

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

While new laws giving landowners and farmers more flexibility to hunt nuisance deer got a majority of the attention as the calendar flipped to 2026, a lesser-known law is expected to “clean up” the hunting license process in the state.
The new law is the result of House Bill 3678, which has a goal of “clarifying and simplifying hunting license rules for the public.”

New state law bringing clearer license rules for Illinois hunters Read More »

Black carp $100 bounty program expanding to cover more waters

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

The hunt for black carp is intensifying in 2026, as Illinois DNR and a growing group of state and federal agencies expand the waters where anglers are eligible for a $100 bounty program.
Texas is the latest to join the effort. Anglers who catch a black carp in the Red River may be eligible for the same $100 bounty per fish that has been offered on the Illinois River and, more recently, the Mississippi River.

Black carp $100 bounty program expanding to cover more waters Read More »

Spring turkey permit processes indicate no evidence of changes for Illinois’ 2026 season

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

The application period for the second lottery for Illinois spring season permits is open and runs through Jan. 12. All hunters are eligible to apply for one turkey permit – and hunters who were not successful in the first lottery will receive preference.

Spring turkey permit processes indicate no evidence of changes for Illinois’ 2026 season Read More »

Illinois wildlife officials monitoring the movement of armadillos northward

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

They aren’t getting nearly as much attention as wandering black bears, but Illinois wildlife officials would like residents to report sightings of an animal migrating into the state in much greater numbers than bears.
In fact, DNR’s Wildlife Illinois website has an entire page dedicated to seeking reports of the nine-banded armadillo. The solicitation notes armadillo sightings at the bottom of the state are not needed.

Illinois wildlife officials monitoring the movement of armadillos northward Read More »

Bounty program for invasive carp species expands to 27 states

Featured, Featured, Fishing, Fishing, Fishing, Fishing, Fishing, Fishing, Home Page News, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, National Fishing, National News, News, News, News, News, News, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin /

The black carp bounty program that has paid Illinois anglers who catch and report the invasive species has expanded to several other states.
Now called “Keep, Cool, Call,” the effort offers $100 to anglers who catch black carp and follow specific directions to confirm the catch. Led by Illinois DNR and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the program is battling an increasing number of invasive fish. Arkansas is one of the latest states where the bounty is in effect.

Bounty program for invasive carp species expands to 27 states Read More »

Illinois DNR’s fiscal year for monitoring CWD in deer herd ends

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

DNR’s annual CWD Deer Report is not due to be released until later this summer – it is based on the fiscal year that just ended June 30 – but there is plenty of anticipation following the addition of four new counties to the Illinois CWD list this spring and a new 5-year pilot program launched this year.
Meanwhile, the federal government appears ready to provide funding for the fight against the disease.

Illinois DNR’s fiscal year for monitoring CWD in deer herd ends Read More »

Blind drawings expected to call in Illinois duck hunters

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

It’s one of the most popular activities among Illinois duck hunters – aside from duck hunting, of course.
Fully recovered from the COVID pandemic that stalled momentum for a couple of years, DNR’s traditional blind drawings will attract hunters at various sites later this summer. July and August will feel like October and November, at least in spirit.

Blind drawings expected to call in Illinois duck hunters Read More »

Bill to help Illinois farmers control deer awaits governor’s signature

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

Legislation aimed at making it easier for residents to obtain a hunting permit — and to help control the deer population — passed both the Illinois Senate and House, and is headed toward the governor’s desk.
On May 30, as the General Assembly’s spring session drew near a close, Senate Bill 710 passed the House by a unanimous 115-0 vote. Under the measure, DNR will implement new rules for the Deer Removal Permit.

Bill to help Illinois farmers control deer awaits governor’s signature Read More »

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