Saturday, April 18th, 2026

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Saturday, April 18th, 2026

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1968

Illinois

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State bobcat study analyzes population

Carbondale, Ill. – Bobcat populations in the state continue to expand, but trapping the stealthy predator isn’t likely to be legalized anytime soon. The Illinois Trapper’s Association has pushed the Illinois Legislature to implement both

Hunting

The hunting report is compiled using reports from conservation police officers, hunting guides, and the following sporting goods stores: Gander Mountain: Peoria, (309) 692-4110; Dick’s Sporting Goods: Geneva, (630) 943-4100; and Rend Lake Sporting Goods,

Ice anglers locating fish, but solid ice quite scarce

Chicago- Ice anglers spent most of the early season looking for solid ice. Reports from the state’s northern lakes and ponds still are mixed, though popular spots, like the Chain O’Lakes, have experienced a solid

Rivers

Kankakee River: Pike have been lively, and smallmouth bass have been biting near Momence on minnows and spinners. Fox River (Batavia): Smallmouth bass and walleye are being taken, with a few nice-sized fish reported. Mackinaw:

North

Fox Chain O Lakes: Jeff Coia said most anglers are targeting the south side of Channel Lake. You can park at the Thirsty Turtle. Crappie action is best before sunrise and then at sunset. During

Stewardship land plan now hitting the ground

Springfield – A new state law offering tax breaks to landowners who maintain conservation management plans for prairies, woodlands, and wetlands finally has been set in motion. Landowners and wildlife advocates initially applauded the October

Deer harvest rife with giant bucks

Springfield – Predictions of a record deer harvest appear to have failed, yet the 2007-08 season is bidding for an alternate place in Illinois hunting history. Title it “Year of the Big Buck.” While totals

Central

Some lakes remain closed for for the season: – Braidwood Lake: opens March 1. – LaSalle Lake: tentatively set to re-open in mid-March to fishing – Heidecke Lake: tentatively set to re-open about April 1.

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