Saturday, September 12th, 2026

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Saturday, September 12th, 2026

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1968

Illinois

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CWD testing continues within affected region

Springfield – Fingers are still crossed, but so far there is no evidence that chronic wasting disease is spreading in Illinois. Testing during the current archery season has turned up a few cases of CWD,

Fate of habitat funds unclear in Springfield

Springfield – As state legislators returned to Springfield to wrap up their fall veto session, a number of factions around the state anxiously began a vigil of watching and waiting. Conservationalists, sportsmen and fans of

Central

Lake Sara (Effingham): The crappie bite has been hot. The bait of choice is small jigs tipped with wax worms or spikes under floats. Skipping under the deeper docks or finding the submerged timber and

Illinois Rifle Association questions questionnaire

Chicago – The Illinois Rifle Association is getting national attention for its claim that President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team is “weeding out” applicants for White House positions who own firearms or come from firearm-owning families.

South

Crab Orchard Lake: Anglers are picking up a few crappies in 6-10 feet on minnows and jigs. Catfish action has slowed somewhat. Bluegill action has slowed also, although some fish are still being caught along

Shotgun turkey harvest continues steady drop

Springfield – As expected and predicted, the 2008 fall shotgun turkey harvest experienced a steep decline. During the nine-day season, which ended Nov. 2, hunters took only 878 turkeys, down from the 2007 fall harvest

Manning offers opinion on plans to close parks

Springfield – Brent Manning, the popular former DNR director, summed up the planned Nov. 30 closing of 11 state parks with two words. “Giant mistake,” Manning, currently director of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage

Rivers

Kankakee River: In the Momence Area, smallmouth bass good on crankbaits, Mepps #2, spinners, live minnows and chug Bugs. In the Aroma Park section, rock bass and crappies good on minnows, smaller spinners and worms.

North

Chain: Bluegills good around weed areas on small ice jigs tipped with waxies or spikes. Muskies are consistent on bucktails or jerkbaits around main lake points. Crappies are good in channel areas on small jigs

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