Spring turkey season closes with a sizeable increase in harvest
Turkey hunters up and down the state wrapped up what is being considered a successful spring season, killing 14,999 birds.
Illinois – Ralph Loos
Turkey hunters posed to eclipse last year's harvest total
Heading into the final stretch of the spring turkey season, it appears hunters will easily surpass last year’s statewide harvest totals.
Bobcat bill passes House with fiscal and budget notes attached
The House version of the “Bobcat Bill” passed today by a vote of 62-43. House Bill 0352, which would allow DNR to offer a bobcat season from Nov. 1 to Feb. 15
Illinois waterfowl hunters invited to opine on potential season changes
Hunters interested in learning more about this coming fall’s duck and goose seasons now have an opportunity to ask questions to DNR staff in a face-to-face setting.
Youth turkey hunters kick off season by boosting their harvest
The state’s Youth Turkey Hunt set a positive tone for the regular spring season, as the young hunters improved their harvest compared to the 2014 season.
Fishing tournaments in Illinois will see permit changes
“DNR anticipates new fishing tournament permit application rules will go into effect in April,”
Firearms deer permit lottery is open for Illinois
Illinois hunters can apply now for first lottery drawings for 2015 firearms deer and muzzleloader deer permits online, or print out the application
Illinois spring trout season will feature special fly fishing dates, three new sites
DNR has confirmed that the spring trout fishing season will feature a fly fishing-only segment
Krause's 48-incher is Illini Muskie Alliance "Big Fish" for 2014
Krause’s 48-incher is Illini Muskie Alliance “Big Fish” for 2014
Wolf found along I-80 in Illinois?
DNR reported this morning that an unidentified canine with characteristics of a wolf was found dead last week just north of Interstate 80 in Grundy County.
Illinois hunters would be allowed to use silencers under new legislation
A bill that would allow hunters to use silencers on firearms was sent to the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee on Friday.
New DNR director hopes to make 'better use' of top staff
DNR’s new director spent his first two weeks on the job meeting with each of the agency’s 16 divisions – first steps in a process he and the state’s hunters and anglers hope will instigate progress.
Final deer harvest numbers shows another decline
Hunters took 145,804 deer during all 2014-15 seasons, according to number released today by DNR. That total is down slightly from the 148,614 taken in the 2013-14 seasons.
Governor Quinn rejects bobcat hunting bill
On the day before he was to hand over keys to the governor’s office, Pat Quinn vetoed the bobcat hunting bill
Second firearms deer season harvest makes up some ground
Illinois DNR announced today that Illinois deer hunters harvested a total of 24,717 deer during the recent second firearms weekend.
Bobcat bill passes
House Bill 4226, known as the bobcat hunting bill, finally passed the Senate today, with a 30-19 vote.
‘Wired Arrow Outdoors’ owners, pro-staff, charged with illegal harvest of 18 deer
An Illinois Conservation Police investigation into the Wired Arrow Outdoors television show has resulted in the company’s owners, pro-staff members and guests being charged with 134 wildlife violations
Tell me about your hunt: Firearms deer harvest drops compared to last year's opening weekend
DNR released preliminary results today showing that hunters took 51,830 deer during the first weekend of firearms season, down from the 55,708 deer harvested during the first weekend of the 2013 gun season.
New Illinois governor appears to mean new DNR director
There seems to be little doubt that governor-elect Bruce Rauner plans to appoint a new leader for DNR
Pair of Illinois men selected to Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame
Mike Gofron and Bob Maciulis will join 15 other individuals and one organization.
Fly fishing added to Fall Trout Program
After years of urging, fly fishermen in the state are getting their wish: The 2014 Illinois fall trout fishing season will include catch-and-release fly fishing at a handful of sites.
Illinois DNR brings 10 ospreys to state from Langley Air Force Base
DNR announced today that biologists are wrapping up the second summer of a long-term project to re-establish the osprey as a nesting species in the state.
Wolf, bear and cougar protection takes effect Jan. 1
Protection of wolves, black bears and cougars will come under the protection of the Illinois Wildlife Code on Jan. 1, 2015, DNR Director Marc Miller announced today.
Bill giving Illinois seniors break on fishing and hunting licenses signed into law
Gov. Pat Quinn signed Houyse Bill 4329, effectively lowering the cost of a hunting or fishing license for Illinois residents 75 and over to $1. Residents age 65 or older pay $7.25 for resident fishing and $6 for hunting licenses, which is half the normal fee. The new law trimmed the cost even further. The original version of HB 4329…
Illinois ATV law allowing free use on private land signed in time for fall hunting seasons
Gov. Patt Quinn has signed a new state law that eliminates the registration fee for owners of ATVs who operate the vehicles on private property.
Fewer firearms permits, fewer late winter counties part of DNR's deer changes
After months of anticipation by the state’s hunters, DNR today announced changes to the coming deer seasons.
