Tim's Big Game Blog

Good news on deer legislation?

Sat, April 28, 2012

Here’s an Illinois administrative rule that has been proposed that makes sense.

“Nonresidents may not purchase a combination archery deer permit after September 30 if they have previously purchased any single antlerless-only archery deer permit. “

Looks like IDNR is finally at least doing something to stop NR from buying a $25 doe tag, then coming to Illinois to poach a big buck on that doe tag, then go to Walmart AFTER they kill a buck & buy a combo NR tag. 

Also, in regards to House Bill 4819 about crossbows, we need to make sure EVERYONE calls Senator Gary Forby. He is feeling the heat and is thinking about dropping HB4819.

So make sure we all call and at least tell his office you oppose crossbows in the archery season and how this bill was BADLY mishandled! Also have any of your bowhunting buddies call too, ESPECIALLY any that live down south who might be in Forby’s area or even close to it. He is up for re-election this fall & does not want bad PR and/or lost votes!

Senator Gary Forby (D)
59th District
Springfield Office:
Senator 59th District
537 Capitol Building
Springfield, IL   62706
(217) 782-5509
(217) 782-8287 FAX

District Office:
903 W. Washington
Suite 5
Benton, IL 62812
(618) 439-2504
(618) 438-3704 FAX

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Adams County turkey videos

Thu, April 26, 2012

Here are some videos and posts from my wife’s turkey season.

Day 5
Well, this is Day 5 of my wife’s annual bowhunt quest for a gobbler. It looked as though it was gonna happen when these three came 150 yards to within 25 steps. Then they did what gobblers do ... go right around her out of the 10-yard bow range she holds herself to. This was our third run-in with this trio, so we’re moving the tent again to try and fool ‘em! Anyone else having trouble getting the birds to come in close?

Day 3
Do you practice QTM?  I guess that’s what you’d call it with my wife. Day three of her turkey season passed with no shot from her bow. We’d been hearing and seeing adult gobblers, but none marched right up to our decoy “Tommy” and played the game yet. And she wants them around 6 or 7 paces.

There’s plenty of season left however, and she’ll never give up as this is her favorite species to bowhunt, and on two mornings, Little Snot-Nosed Tommy has fooled the Jakes. She did shoot a Jake once, that’s him mounted in the video from some 10 years ago, her first bowkill!  And he’s been helping to bring the demise of his ancestors ever since!

I hope to post something a bit more exciting as her season progresses!  Good luck to all!

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Changes to Illinois deer management?

Tue, April 24, 2012

The following are possible/rumored changes that could be coming to the Illinois deer hunting management regulations. Some could be introduced by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and some by legislators. All would probably be backed by the IDNR Directors and Wildlife Division in Springfield IL, not to mention the Illinois Legislative Deer Task Force (#1 PT’s way, East St Louis).

All below would no doubt be OTC “over the counter” tags sold at all Illinois lottery/gas station outlets throughout the state.

• Sept 15th to Oct. 1st – Snare season. A new 4-buck limit will apply but does will be unlimited. Resident tags cost $54.95 plus fees, Non-Resident tags cost $1,054.95 with no fees. NOTE: Coyotes, bobcats and mountain lions accidentally caught must be released.

• Oct. 1-15 – Spear season. The 4-buck limit does not apply so bucks will be unlimited but there will be a 4-doe limit. Resident tags cost $74.95 plus fees, N/R Tag costs $2,074.95, fees waived. Spears may be hand made.

• Oct. 16-Nov. 1 – Special CWD season. Baiting allowed, high-power center fire rifles only,  30 caliber minimum. Tags cost $1,094.95, resident and non/resident, include fees. No-limit either-sex season. Permits for non-residents for this hunt will be subject to a strict quota of 295,000 permits issued on a first come/first serve basis.

• Nov. 19-28 – Between Gun Seasons. Crossbow season, poison-pod-tipped arrows allowed. This will be a Non/Resident only hunt. Antlered bucks only. No limit. Also open to licensed outfitters and their guides. Tag Cost: The state will pay participants $495 each.

• Dec.1-15 – The BM-JB-PS Memorial Special Season. Anyone hunting with a licensed Non/Resident outfitter may hunt on all state-owned or managed ground out of a vehicle. This season will run from sunset until sunrise. Spotlights will be permitted.  E/S Tag. Costs are free but all meat must be donated to FDIRH.org.  Antlers must be auctioned. That revenue will also go to “Feed the Displaced Illinois Resident Hunters.Org.” Time and Place for that event will be announced at the Illinois State Fair. “The Governor may attend, if not in prison.”

• Dec 15-Jan. 1 – Axe and hatchet season.  For safety reasons, all weapons must be discharged from elevated stands. This will be for residents-only, as most N/R’s will have gone home by now. Antlerless only. NOTE: “Chopping the antlers off a buck would be legal.” No limit. Tag cost $4,995.00.

• Jan 1-Feb. 1 – Bonus Shed Buck Season – Resident only. Any weapon of choice, including use of aircraft. Participants who take at least one shed buck will receive a shiny lapel pin showing a beautiful 6 1/2-year-old shed buck with antler pedicle holes in its head and a certificate of merit for framing. Tag cost $1. Resident only as N/R’s would not be interested in this season.

• Feb. 1-Sept. 14 – Unused tag season. Any leftover permits from above seasons will be valid at this time. NOTE: This is an antlerless-only hunt designed to reduce the overpopulated deer herd and to lower deer/vehicle collision rates and reduce crop damage.

All above will run concurrent with previously scheduled deer seasons. That list is too long to post here so go online to: IDNR.IL.DeerHerdEradication.Gov/Money/Broke/Crooks and check the listings.

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