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Tom Mack (left) and Gary Fitzjarrell won first and second place, respectively, at the 2nd Annual Governor's Cup Shooting Challenge held recently at Faller's Sporting Clays near Butler. Mack also tallied the highest score in two five-stand side games.

Tom Mack shoots to win

Tom Mack of Grand Rapids, Michigan, struck an impressive 98 out of 100 targets to beat out more than 100 other participants and win the 2nd Annual Governor's Cup Shooting Challenge on May 4 at Faller's Sporting Clays near Butler in Montgomery County.

Mack claimed $1,000 in first-place prize money for the highest overall score of the event, and also tallied the highest scores in two five-stand side games.

Gary Fitzjarrell of White Hall was the runner-up (hitting 96 sporting clays) and was awarded $750. Brad Davis of Mattoon finished third (95), while last year's winner, Bob Maples of Godfrey, tied for fourth with Ralph Everson of Belvidere and Tom Hendrix of Terre Haute, Indiana (93).

Erlyne Matusewicz of Country Club Hills won the Winchester Super X shotgun when her name was drawn in a raffle involving all participants in the event.

The Governor's Cup Shooting Challenge is a NSCA-registered sporting clays tournament featuring Lewis System scoring and affords both experienced and novice shooters an opportunity to claim their share of the cash and prizes awarded.

All proceeds from the event benefit both Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Conservation Foundation youth shooting programs and promotions, and help ensure the future of shooting sports in Illinois.

For more information, call Bob Ruff, DNR Public Events, at (217) 785-8955, or e-mail him at events@dnrmail.state.il.us.

Deer hunting proposal withdrawn

The Department of Natural Resources is withdrawing its proposal to limit hunters to a total of four deer for all hunting seasons, DNR Director Brent Manning announced recently.

"After considering comments from hunters and landowners about the proposed rule, the agency has decided not to implement the four deer limit," Manning said. "Both hunters and landowners have convinced the agency the proposal may inhibit hunter opportunity and potentially the ability to manage the deer population on private property, thus resulting in the need for additional nuisance deer permits being issued."

"Teamwork between hunters and private landowners is critical to the proper management of Illinois' deer herd," Manning said. "The agency has always been willing to listen to its constituencies and will do so again in this case."

Hunters still will be limited to no more than two antlered deer across all deer hunting seasons, a rule that has been in place since 1998.

Manning said the Department will move forward with increased fees for non-resident deer hunters, as proposed in the rules.

"Illinois' current fees for nonresidents are far below those of other states," Manning said. "This increase brings Illinois' non-resident fees more in line with those in other Midwest states, such as Iowa and Kansas."

A non-resident archery deer permit fee of $226, plus a processing fee, will be in effect beginning in the fall of 2002. This permit includes an either-sex and an antlerless-only permit. Non-resident firearm permits are $200. Non-resident deer hunters must also 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. Non-resident archery deer permits are not available at hunting license vendors. Permits will be available by telephone beginning on Saturday, July 13 at 8 a.m. The toll-free number to call is 1-888-673-7648. There are 12,843 non-resident archery deer permits available, the same amount as last year.

The application period for the first firearm deer lottery (open to Illinois residents only) closed April 30. Residents who do not receive a permit in the first lottery and non-residents have until Aug. 14 to apply for permits in the second lottery drawing, with Illinois residents receiving preference. Any permits remaining after the second lottery will be available to residents and nonresidents alike beginning Sept. 16. Single firearm deer permits for residents are $15.

Archery permits for Illinois residents will be available from license vendors throughout the state for a cost of $26. These permits consist of two tags, one for any deer and the other limited to antlerless-only animals. Illinoisans who opt instead for a single either-sex permit for $15 have until Sept. 3 to apply at DNR's permit office.

Pilot project implemented

A 10-horsepower motor limit was lifted recently at five lakes in Illinois as a pilot project to determine whether greater access to the lakes can be provided without disrupting the traditional users of these lakes.

The change allows boats with any size motors on the five lakes, provided that the more powerful motors are operated at idle speed only and the boats create no wake while on those bodies of

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The equestrian campground at Lake LeAqua-Na State Park is expected to be closed from July 15-Aug. 26 for construction. An alternate parking area will be provided for trail riding, but no camping will be available. For more information, contact the site office at (815) 369-4282.

water. Boats with motors of 10 horsepower or less are not subject to an idle speed/no wake restriction on those lakes.

The change will be in place for one season at the following lakes: Pierce Lake at Rock Cut State Park, Winnebago Co. (162 acres); Wolf Lake at William W. Powers Conservation Area, Cook Co. (419 acres); Dawson Lake at Moraine View State Park, McLean Co. (158 acres); Washington County Lake at Washington County Conservation Area (248 acres); and Mermet State Lake at Mermet Lake Conservation Area, Johnson Co. (452 acres).

Shabbona Lake in DeKalb County also was proposed for the pilot, but was removed following public opposition to the plan. A 10-horsepower motor limit remains in effect for that lake.

Traditional state regulations provide that, on bodies of water under the Department's jurisdiction, a 10-horsepower limit applies when the surface water area is between 60-500 acres. Only electric trolling motors may be used on bodies of water of less than 60 acres.

Northern Illinois Shooting Classic

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, along with the Aurora Sportmen's Club, the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Chicago Chapter of Safari Club, will be hosting its first shooting event for people with disabilities July 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Aurora Sportsmen's Club.

This event is a spin-off of the successful shooting classic that is held each year at Rend Lake. The event will be free and will include sporting clays and archery competition. Shells will be provided, and shotguns will be available for those who need to borrow one. Lunch and beverages will be provided. For more information, call Jay Williams (618) 439-9111 or email: jwilliams1@dnrmail.state.il.us.

Import of deer and elk banned

Emergency rules were filed recently banning the importation of captive deer and elk into Illinois in a continuing effort to prevent chronic wasting disease (CWD) from coming into the state.

The new rules filed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture also require a permit to be obtained by an owner before captive deer or elk change ownership or move within the state. In addition, the animals must come from a herd enrolled in a monitored herd program. The new rules take effect immediately.

"We must take this action to keep chronic wasting disease out of Illinois, to protect our farmers who raise captive herds of deer and elk and to protect our wild herds," said Illinois Agriculture Director Joe Hampton. "We appreciate the assistance we have received from owners of captive herds and sportsmen in implementing these changes and in monitoring the health of deer and elk in the state."

The import ban was recommended by a task force of key staff from the departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The emergency rule will remain in place for no more than 150 days, until a new rule is adopted. The task force is continuing to gather information and develop strategies for addressing CWD issues.

"There are still a lot of unknowns regarding chronic wasting disease. We want to take every necessary precaution to prevent it from coming into Illinois," DNR Director Brent Manning said. "This step is not a permanent solution, but allows us time to assess what's occurring on the national landscape. During the coming weeks and months, we will be working together to put additional safeguards in place."


More than 370 professionals and elected officials from Illinois park districts, forest preserves and natural resource agencies attended the Illinois Association of Park District's 24th Annual Legislative Conference, held April 24 at the Springfield Hilton Hotel. Jim Garner, deputy director of the Department of Natural Resources, presented 10 park districts with ceremonial checks from the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program. OSLAD grant awards this year totaled $19,113,960 for development projects and more than $4,942,750 for acquisition of more than 418 acres of open space. Pictured with Jim Garner (left) are Linda Gryziecki, Jan Caron and Mary Garrison.

To date, no animals from Illinois have tested positive for CWD, but surveillance efforts for the disease are being expanded in response to the diagnosis of the disease in Wisconsin.

Antler traps are illegal in Illinois

A recent review of state law and regulations by the DNR confirms that antler traps are an illegal manner of taking deer in Illinois and are prohibited for use or possession in the state.

Antler traps often are designed using a bait bucket strapped to a tree with a metal hoop, wire-mesh, tarp straps, rope or cabling above the bucket. The devices are intended to lure deer with bait and trap the lured animal by catching or snaring its antlers in the straps, wire or cabling.

The Illinois Wildlife Code provides for specific means by which hunters may take deer, including shotgun, muzzleloading rifle or bow and arrow, within the seasons, bag and possession limits established by administrative rule. There are no provisions for use of antler traps or any device that results in the taking of deer by trapping, snaring or entangling.

DNR considers antler traps illegal devices used in an attempt to trap deer and to take them with bait. Illegal taking or attempting to take deer is a

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The Department of Natural Resources is offering a Volunteer Projects Directory, listing volunteer opportunities statewide. The directory is available through the Office of Constituency Services. Call (217) 782-4963, or visit http://dnr.state.il.us. Last year, DNR had some 15,600 volunteers who donated more than 320,000 hours (equating to $4,750,000 in services) to the department.

Class B misdemeanor. Illegal possession of deer outside of the legal season is a Class A misdemeanor with a minimum $500 fine.

Hall of Fame nominations sought

The Illinois Conservation Foundation is inviting nominations for the 2003 Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame, which honors individuals who have made significant commitments to natural resource protection and outdoor recreation in Illinois.

Nominees should include select outdoor sportsmen and women who have made significant contributions or exhibited unparalleled dedication in preserving, promoting, enhancing or supporting natural resources or outdoor recreational opportunities in Illinois.

All nominations must be submitted by June 15 on an official nomination form, which can be obtained by contacting Ron Alien, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271, phone (217) 785-9371, or visiting the Foundation's website: http://www.ilcf.org/SpecialEvents.htm.

Each submission must be accompanied by a letter of nomination. It is also recommended that up to three letters of support, news clippings and other documentation that might help the selection committee be included.

The Illinois Conservation Foundation, an IRS 501 (c)(3) organization, has raised more than $14 million since 1995 in support of programs and projects of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Apply now for fall hunts

REMINDER: A limited number of non-resident archery hunters will be permitted to hunt white-tailed deer at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area, Siloam Springs State Park and Sangchris Lake State Park this fall. Hunter quotas will be set for the following periods: 1st season, Oct. 25-31; 2nd season, Nov. 1-7; 3rd season, Nov. 8-14; 4th season, Nov. 15-21.

All archery deer season dates that occur before and after these control dates will be open and unlimited.

Applications will be accepted until the close of business on June 24. A random daily drawing will be held at 10 a.m. on June 25 and will continue until all available spots are allocated. All applicants will receive written notice of their drawing results. Please do not call the site office for verification of drawing results.

To keep abreast of the most current hunting information, visit the website at http://dnr.state.il.us, or call the appropriate site office: Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area (217) 452-7741; Siloam Springs State Park (217) 894-6205; Sangchris Lake State Park (217) 498-9208.


There were eight fatalities and 75 injuries in boating accidents last year in Illinois. Let's all work together to make 2002 a safe boating year.

Current safety classes are listed on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' website: http://www.dnr.state.il.us/ lands/education/SAFETY/index.htm. Select the type of course: hunting, boating, snowmobile or trapping; click on the text that says "where are courses available?" You will see a map of Illinois divided by regions. Select a region of the state and then select a county. All current classes for that area will be listed. You can also call toll-free in Illinois at 1-800-832-2599.

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Homeowners and gardeners are reminded that the purchase, sale or planting of Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) and purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is prohibited in Illinois. These plant species are highly invasive and cause harm to Illinois' ecosystems by crowding out native plant species. Though these plants may sometimes be found for sale in Illinois nurseries, they should not be purchased or planted in your home landscape.

Plan to attend family fishing fair

Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton, will be hosting the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair on June 8. Attendees will learn knot tying, fish identification, fish cleaning, casting and many other skills. New additions this year include a pond where children will learn how to catch bluegill. After attending the demonstration activities, each youth will be given the opportunity to catch a trout from a large, portable trout pond. Other attractions include a 5,000-gallon aquarium, virtual reality fishing machine, fish print station and antique lure display.

There is no charge to attend this activity, and no license or fishing gear is needed. The event runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. It is co-sponsored by DNR and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For more information, call Scott Isringhausen at (618) 786-3323. •

State winner captures national award

Vulcan Materials-Casey Quarry has received a national reclamation award from the Interstate Mining Compact Commission in the non-coal category. The award recognizes excellence in reclamation based on compliance, contemporaneous reclamation, drainage control reclamation success and innovativeness. Earlier this year, the Casey Quarry was declared the winner of the Department of Natural Resources Mined Land Reclamation Award for 2002 in the non-coal category.

Vulcan Materials, Casey reclaimed its site to develop an exceptional wildlife area. This site is now home to prairie grasses, native hardwoods, wetland species and a lake with abundant wildlife.

Applications for the state-funded Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grant Program and Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) will be accepted through July 1. The OSLAD Program and LWCF Program can provide up to 50-percent reimbursement to local agencies for approved park and recreation projects. Maximum grant awards are $750,000 for acquisition and $400,000 for development projects. To qualify for a grant, a local agency must show a need and local support for the project, the ability to carry it out, and must have a good record of maintaining other facilities. Local governments interested in applying for grants should contact the DNR Division of Grant Administration, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271 or call (217) 782-7481.

OutdoorIllinois wins Award of Excellence

The December 2001 issue of OutdoorIllinois magazine is the recipient of the Crystal Award of Excellence in The Communicator Awards 2002 Print Media competition. The magazine was one of more than 3,600 entries from throughout the United States and numerous foreign countries competing for this prestigious honor. Only 11 percent of the entries were judged to be deserving of the competition's top honor.

The full-color December issue featured a striking cover photo of a bluejay in a juniper tree and opened with Director Brent Manning's editorial about "Illinois Parks for Red Cross" in response to the Sept. 11 event in New York City.

Special features in the issue highlighted Chicago's Adventurers Club, White Pines State Park at Oregon, the Illinois Natural History Survey's biodiversity blitz, a holiday feast using the "staff chef's" wild food recipes, and cold weather fishing for hot trophy catfish. It also featured, as an insert, a beautiful, full-color year 2002 wall calendar filled with Illinois wildlife, scenic views of the state and information about what's happening in the wild each month.

Based in Austin, Texas, The Communicator Awards is an international competition honoring excellence in the communication field. The competition is open to all companies, organizations or individuals involved in producing any kind of communication materials for external or internal audiences. Entries are judged against a high standard of excellence, rather than against each other. The Crystal Award of Excellence is given to those entries whose ability to communicate places them among the best in the field.

A complete listing of award winners can be found on the web site: http://www.communicator-awards.com.

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