STAFF: James L. Fulgenzi, office director; Gary Thomas, editor; Liz Pensoneau, managing editor; John Alien, staff writer; P.J. Perea, staff writer; Adele Hodde, chief photographer; Chas. J. Dees, staff photographer; Charles J. Copley, design & layout; Cheryl Gwinn, production coordinator; Vera Lynn Smith, circulation.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Internet Address: http://dnr.state.il.us

Staff-written material appearing in this publication may be reprinted without permission, provided that OUTDOOR ILLINOIS, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, is acknowledged as the source. OUTDOOR ILLINOIS assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts or illustrations.

Equal opportunity to participate in programs of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and those funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies is available to all individuals regardless of race, sex, national origin, disability, age, religion or other non-merit factors. If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact the funding source's civil rights office and/or the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, DNR, 524 S. Second, Springfield, IL 62701-1787; 217/785-0067; TTY 217/782-9175.

All public meetings conducted by the Department of Natural Resources will be accessible to handicapped individuals in compliance with Executive Order No. 5 and pertinent state and federal laws, upon notification of the anticipated attendance. Handicapped persons planning to attend and needing special accommodations should inform the Department of Natural Resources at least five days prior to the meeting by telephoning or writing the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, Department of Natural Resources, 524 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62701-1787, phone (217) 785-0067.

Department of Natural Resources information is available to the hearing impaired by calling DNR's Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (217) 782-9175.

Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois PRT3216173-28,395-7/01 Illinois Department of Natural Resources Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with soy-based ink.

Illinois Department of
Natural Resources

What'sInside

2
Ice Fishing, Dead Ahead!
Bring warm clothes, lightweight gear and a positive attitude for a day of hard water fishing fun.

6
Fryhood Home
An inside look at Illinois' largest fish hatchery, the birthplace of millions of Illinois fish.

11
Photo Finish
It was a close race down to the wire in this year's contest.

15
Swamped
And for once, being swamped is a good thing.

18
It's Fast and It's Free
DNR's Clearinghouse offers a service that shouldn't be overlooked.

20
NewsFront
We'll tell you about the winner of the Avery International goose calling contest, a change in fees for non-resident deer hunters and a new campground opening at Jim Edgar Panther Creek; let you know how you can help feed the hungry and how taxpayers can aid wildlife; preview the Deer and Turkey Classic; introduce the new chairman of the DNR Advisory Board; and tell you how to make reservations for the upcoming camping season.

On the cover...
Adele Hodde photographed these catfish fingerlings produced at Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery.

February 2002

UpFront

The Department of Natural Resources works side by side with clubs throughout Illinois to become familiar with a wide array of issues and to learn from its constituency. Although many organizations represent diverse views, all share a common interest in preserving and improving our natural resources.
You might agree, but ask how is it possible to make sure your interests are known? The answer is to become involved in the Illinois Conservation Congress. This program was started in 1993 to enable the Department to make better decisions that more accurately reflect the needs and interests of these many groups.
The Conservation Congress program is modeled after the General Assembly and brings together representatives from interest groups across Illinois. Its process enables constituents to face important issues and formulate recommendations that may lead to implementation of new policies and/or procedures within the Department. Participants in Conservation Congress also propose and advocate actions that can be taken by elected officials. The program is a powerful force in the preservation, restoration and development of our natural and recreational facilities.
Much has been accomplished as a result of dedicated and committed participants. Some of the more visible examples are:
The Illinois Conservation Foundation, which recently surpassed the $11 million mark; a Division of Education, which has initiated and administered programs such as E.N.T.I.C.E.; a statewide Volunteer Network with more than 15,000 participants; and the Environmental License Plate, which has generated substantial revenues for our state parks.
This is the tip of the iceberg. Many more accomplishments began with a recommendation and have had an enormous effect on our ability to preserve natural resources and enhance recreational opportunities for all to enjoy.
We ask that you help spread the word about the Conservation Congress and assist us in increasing participation. Local clubs, statewide organizations and not-for-profit groups come together each cycle to form this united team and to give me and others in our agency a perspective on issues outside of our day-to-day operations.
Organizations with a structural administration that have a commitment to the natural resources of Illinois are invited to take part in the Conservation Congress program. Corporations or businesses committed to Illinois' natural resources also are invited to participate. Generating awareness inevitably will increase participation and provide a forum for constituent voices to be heard.
To learn more about the process or to receive information, contact Curt Conrad at (217) 785-0974, email: cconrad@dnrmail.state.il.us, or write: Conservation Congress, Department of Natural Resources, 524 S. Second St., Room 500, Springfield, IL 62701.
I look forward to working with many of you to ensure yet another successful Conservation Congress.

OutdoorIllinois