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Grounds is good for the goose Tim Grounds of Johnston City captured top honors and the $7,500 first prize at the 6th Annual Avery International Goose Calling Invitational on Saturday, Jan. 5, at John A. Logan College in Carterville. In a contest that featured 26 of the most talented goose callers in the world. Grounds' single-goose-calling approach was gauged to be the best of the field. Kelley Powers of Union City, Tennessee, finished second and won $1,500. Mark Carey of Grafton collected $1,000 for placing third. Winning plaques for fourth and fifth place finishes, respectively, were Shawn Stahl of Allegan, Michigan, and Ben Stoner of Lowell, Indiana. Josh Neuwiller of Easton, Maryland, won Avery's firstever Champion of Champions Contest, which pitted the event's first five winners against each other in a three-round championship call-off. Neuwiller took home the $2,500 winner-take-all purse. Neuwiller won by the slimmest margin, a single point, over Fred Zink of Clayton, Ohio, and Alien McCree of Carterville, who tied for second. Others participating in the contest were Richie McKnight of Dawson Springs, Kentucky, and Matt Porter of McHenry. This year's two-day goose hunt in conjunction with the calling contest gave hunters— who paid $750 each to participate—an opportunity to hunt at premier goose clubs with the world's most talented callers. Money raised for the Illinois Conservation Foundation at the event is earmarked specifically to support Illinois youth waterfowl hunting events and activities. In addition to Avery Outdoors, this year's title sponsor, the event was co-sponsored by Mossy Oak, the Mossy Oak Apparel Company, Hevi-Shot, Higdon Decoys, Budweiser and the Williamson County Tourism Bureau. Non-resident deer permit fee changed Anew non-resident archery deer permit fee of $226, plus a processing fee, has been proposed for the fall 2002 season. This permit includes an either-sex and an antlerless-only permit. Non-resident deer hunters also must purchase a non-resident hunting license in addition to their permit and habitat stamp. Non-resident hunters may purchase either the annual license ($50.75) or the five-day license ($28.75), depending on the amount of time they will be hunting. Non-resident archery deer hunters are limited to one archery deer permit for the 2002-2003 hunting season. The sale of these permits will be capped at the level of non-resident permits that were sold for the 2000-2001 archery deer season (12,843). During the 2001 permit sales period, these permits were completely sold out within six weeks, and more than 2,000 hunters were turned away for a permit. Beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, non-resident archery deer permits will be available via telephone only using a credit card at 1-888-6-PERMIT (1-888-673-7648). Non-resident archery deer permits are not available over-the-counter at hunting license vendors. Permits will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis until the quota is reached. Habitat stamps and hunting licenses also will be available to callers, who should have their Hunter Safety Certificate number on hand if born after Jan. 1, 1980. Applicants also must supply their social security and driver's license numbers. A processing fee of approximately $13 will be charged in addition to the normal issuing fees. Any non-resident permits remaining unsold as of Sept. 3 also will be available until sold out from DNR offices at Sterling, Spring Grove. Champaign, Alton, Benton, Springfield and Chicago. Addresses and phone numbers can be found at the DNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us, by consulting the Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations, or by calling (217) 782-7305. Road-kill rules changed The Department of Natural Resources has changed the requirement for individuals wanting to claim a road-killed deer. The change allows meat processors to accept untagged road-killed deer for processing. However, individuals wishing to take the deer to a taxidermist or tannery are required to report it by calling the Department's law enforcement office at (217) 782-6431 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to receive a tag for the animal. Even though reporting road-killed deer is no longer required, those who intend to keep them should record the location and date the deer was hit, the gender of the deer, and where the meat is being stored and make that information available to law enforcement 20 OutdoorIlinois officials as long as they have the deer or any of its parts in their possession. The DNR's road-kill hotline will continue to operate at (800) 406-3477 with a recorded message to inform the public about the change. Advisory board has new chairman Dr. John J. Swalec of Batavia is the new chairman of the Natural Resources Advisory Board. He is president emeritus of Waubonsee Community College, where he served as president for 20 years until his retirement in June 2001 capped an extensive career in education. He has a Ph.D. in educational administration from Illinois State University, and has been inducted into the Academic Hall of Fame of the Department of Education at ISU, as well as four athletic halls of fame. "Dr. Swalec's strong and effective leadership skills, his outstanding educational background, his ability to communicate with the public and his love of the outdoors will serve him well as chairman," said Department of Natural Resources Director Brent Manning. Swalec was appointed to the board in 2000 and will serve a one-year term as chairman. He is an avid fisherman and serves on the board's forestry and habitat management and fisheries subcommittees. Richard T. Wren Jr. of Oak Lawn was named vice chairman. He is a labor consultant for the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local #399, and serves on various committees pertaining to civic professional organizations. He enjoys hunting, boating and fishing. He was appointed to the board in 1996 and serves on the subcommittees on water issues and the Illinois Conservation Foundation. The Natural Resources Advisory Board advises the DNR about policies and programs. The board also presides over Department grant hearings. Board members, all of whom are appointed by the Governor, serve six-year terms. For more information about the board, call (217) 782-4963. SAH begins crusade to feed the hungry The Department of Natural Resources' Sportsmen Against Hunger Program has begun a "One Million Meals Crusade" to feed hungry people across Illinois. Since the program's inception, 89,819 pounds of deer meat have been donated, providing more than 359,000 venison meals. "Just one deer can provide as many as 200 servings of venison," DNR Director Brent Manning said. "With the continued generosity of hunters and participating meat processors, we will reach our goal of one million meals." Anyone who donates the $35 processing cost for one deer through March 2 will be given a chance to win an autographed copy of the book All Things Possible by St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner. Hunters donate their deer to participating meat processors that grind the venison into two-pound packages. Volunteers from charities pick up the processed meat and distribute it to needy families through food pantries, ministries, bread lines and similar means. The $35 processing cost of each deer is paid by the Illinois Conservation Foundation through donations from hunters, organizations, businesses and private individuals. "Food banks tell us that the donation of meat is infrequent and always appreciated. Many Illinoisans are facing difficult times this winter. We can help families during their time of need with the addition of this nutritious source of protein in their diet," said John Schmitt, executive director of the Illinois Conservation Foundation. "One Million Meals Crusade" winners will be announced at the Illinois Deer and Turkey Classic in Bloomington March 3. Entry forms are available at DNR regional offices and several other locations. Anyone interested in participating in the One Million Meals Crusade should call (217) 782-4963.
February 2002 21
Deer & Turkey Classic offers something for everyone The 2002 Illinois Deer & Turkey Classic and Shooting Sports Show, scheduled for March 1-3 at Bloomington's Interstate Center, will feature easier access, more parking and a host of exhibits sure to appeal to all age groups. The exhibit area has been remodeled to provide easier traffic flow, a weather-proof passage has been added between buildings, and parking has been expanded with the addition of 1,100 new spaces. Show attractions include: • A line-up of seminar speakers that includes Steve Puppe, Greg Miller, Dale Larson, Dave Henderson, Steve Van Heeswyck, Bill Wiesner and Peter Kummerfeldt. • Venison butchering demonstrations by Bill Hesselgrave. • A tepee colorfully painted with Indian symbols. • More than 270 booths exhibiting new hunting products and accessories, guides/outfitters and more. • The trophy whitetail deer contest featuring new trophies entered by Illinois hunters. All trophies are scored by certified measurers of the Illinois Big Buck Recognition Program or the Pope and Young Club or Boone and Crockett Club. More than 400 trophies are expected. • Byron Ferguson, internationally acclaimed archery trick shot and bowhunter. • The Illinois Trophy Racks special display, produced by the Department of Natural Resources and the Big Buck Recognition Program and featuring a complete new group of racks. Other attractions include a display of live deer, elk, black bear, grizzly bear, cougar and four species of wild turkey; the Nikon/Outdoor Writers Association of America national photo contest winners; an outdoor photo contest open to everyone attending the show; the state championship turkey calling contest; a laser firearms shooting range; DART archery and firearms video shooting system; kids' free archery instructional range; an airgun shooting range and bow try out area; flint-knapping demonstrations; a display of hides/pelts/furs from Illinois animals; and an intriguing display of complete deer and turkey skeletons. There will be outdoor crafts and gifts exhibits sprinkled throughout the show. Show hours are 2-9 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday: and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $9 per day or $15 for two days for adults; $6 for hunter safety course graduates ages 12-18 who present proof of course completion at the ticket window; $3 for youths ages 6-11; and children five and under are admitted free. On Friday Family Night, all youth ages 15 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. All seminars are included free in the price of admission. Tickets will go on sale at 8:30 Saturday and Sunday mornings. The Interstate Center's parking fee is $3 per vehicle. Located at 2301 W. Market St., Bloomington, the center is near major interstate highway intersections, and plenty of hotel/motel rooms and restaurants are nearby. For details on the sports show and hotels, call (800) 324-3337; or visit the website www.deerinfo.com. Taxpayers can aid wildlife Wildlife supporters and conservationists are reminded to consider a donation to the Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Preservation Fund when preparing their 2001 Illinois state income tax returns. The money designated by taxpayers on their state income tax form, and other donations made directly to the fund, are used to support habitat enhancement and wildlife restoration projects and research throughout the year. For the 19th consecutive year, the Wildlife Preservation Fund appears on Illinois income tax return forms as a contribution check-off option for taxpayers. More than 22,000 individuals donated nearly $225,000 to 22 OutdoorIllinois the fund in 2001, as it continued to be one of the most popular check-off funds on the state tax return. In all, more than $3.7 million has been donated to the fund in the past 18 years. During the upcoming year, the Wildlife Preservation Fund will help support 48 wildlife habitat improvement, species enhancement, education and research projects throughout the state, focusing on species ranging from birds to turtles and habitat ranging from forests to prairies. Donations to the Wildlife Preservation Fund are tax deductible and may be made on line 28a of the IL-1040 form, or line 13 of Telefile, or sent to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Division of Natural Heritage, 1 Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702. Campground opens near Chandlerville A portion of the new campground and nine rent-a-cabins have opened at the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area near Chandlerville in Cass County. The primitive camping area has seven three-sided shelters available to camp near or in for a fee of $6 per night. Hikers and mountain bike riders must travel approximately one-tenth of a mile from the nearest parking lot to access the shelters. A new shelter with a fireplace at the site's West Lake day use area also is available. The main campground is expected to open in April. In addition, nine rent-a-cabins are available for reservation or use on a first-come, first-served basis. Located on the shoreline of the new 210-acre lake at the site, the two-room cabins are heated, have electrical outlets and ceiling fans, and sleep six. They can be reserved for a $5 fee and are available for use at the rate of $35 per night. To reserve a cabin, call the site office at (217) 452-7741 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Sites accepting camping, picnic reservations Reservations now are being accepted for Illinois Department of Natural Resources campsites, group campsites and picnic shelters for the 2002 season. Visa and MasterCard credit card reservations can be made over the telephone and in person at the following sites: Chain O'Lakes, Clinton Lake, Fox Ridge, Jim Edgar Panther Creek, Kankakee River, Pere Marquette, Ramsey Lake, Rock Cut, Shabbona and Sangchris Lake. In-person reservations will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. A daily lottery will be conducted for mail-in reservations. Up to six mail-in reservations per envelope, per person will be accepted for campsites or shelters. Camping groups may mail more than six reservations per envelope, as long as no more than six are for one individual. A $5 reservation fee must be paid at the time reservations are made. Once a reservation is confirmed, the fee is non-refundable unless the DNR closes an area due to storm damage or other reasons. All sites taking reservations also will require the first night's camping and utility fee. This payment guarantees that the reservation will be held until 3 p.m. the following day. Shelter reservation fees are $20. Campsites can be reserved for a maximum of 14 nights, and reservations should be made at least seven days before the campsite is needed. Reservations for the Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends require a minimum three-day reservation.
Campsite reservations will be available at 33 state parks: Apple River Canyon, 8763 E. Canyon Rd., Apple River, IL 61001; Argyle Lake, 640 Argyle Rd., Colchester, 62326; Big River, R.R. #1, Box 118, Keithsburg, 61442; Chain O'Lakes, 8916 Wilmot Rd., Spring Grove, 60081; Clinton Lake, R.R. #1, Box 4, DeWitt, 61735; Eagle Creek, P.O. Box 16, Findlay, 62534; Eldon Hazlet, 20100 Hazlet Park Rd., Carlyle, 62231; Fox Ridge, 18175 Sate Park Rd., Charleston, 61920; Hidden Springs, R.R. #1, Box 200, Strasburg, 62465; Horseshoe Lake-Madison, 3321 Highway 111, Granite City, 62040; Illini, 2660 E. 2350th Rd., Marseilles, 61341; Illinois Beach, Lake Front, Zion, 60099; Jubilee College, 13921 W. Route 150, Brimfield, 61517; Kankakee River, P.O. Box 37, Bourbonnais, 60914; Kickapoo, 10906 Kickapoo Park Rd., Oakwood, 61858; Lake Le-Aqua-Na, 8542 North Lake Rd., Lena, 61048; Lincoln Trail, 16985 E. 1350th Rd., Marshall, 62441; Mississippi Palisades, 16327A IL Rte. 84, Savanna, 61074; Moraine View, R.R. 2, Box 110, LeRoy, 61752; Pere Marquette, P.O. Box 158, Grafton, 62037; Ramsey Lake, P.O. Box 97, Ramsey, 62080; Rock Cut, 7318 Harlem Rd., Loves Park, 61111; Sam Dale, R.R. #1, Box 101, Johnsonville, 62850; Sangchris Lake, 9898 Cascade Rd., Rochester, 62563; Shabbona Lake, 4201 Shabbona Grove Rd., Shabbona, 60550; Siloam Springs, 938 E. 3003rd Lane, Clayton, 62324; Starved Rock, P.O. Box 509, Utica, 61373; Trail of Tears, 3240 State Forest Rd., Jonesboro, 62952; Walnut Point, 2331 E. County Road 370N, Oakland, 61943; Wayne Fitzgerrell, 11094 Ranger Rd., Whittington, 62897; Weldon Springs, 1159 500 N., R.R. #2, Box 87, Clinton, 61727; White Pines Forest, 6712 W. Pines Rd., Mount Morris, 61054; and Wolf Creek, R.R.# 1, Box 99, Windsor, 61957. February 2002 23 |
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