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
Home Away from Home
Learn why Idlewild holds a special place in the hearts of those who spent time there.

5
Horsing Around
Opportunities abound for equestrian at state park sites.

9
Fishin' Sticks
If you're serious about fishing, you need to know why different lures require different fishing rods.

13
Gobbler Numbers
Illinois hunters set another record during this year's spring turkey season.

14
Apple Time
This northern Illinois smallmouth bass river compares favorably with mountain streams found out west.

17
Go With the Flow
Give Apple River Canyon State Park a try this summer, and you'll most likely be returning for years to come.

20
NewsFront
We'll tell you of this year's waterfowl habitat projects, when and where to go for waterfowl blind drawings, about the new Husar Memorial, about a pheasant management workshop, where to buy goods at a DNR auction, about a milestone Schoolyard Action Grant, where to go to see our newest nature preserves, about a wingshooting clinic and much more in this month's NewsFront.
On the cover...
Chief Photographer Adele Hodde took this month's cover photograph of the Apple River in northwest Illinois.

July 2001

UpFront

If you love the outdoors and the fun and adventure associated with activities such as camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, boating and hiking, there is an opportunity on the horizon that you won't want to miss.

It's a chance to win the OutdoorIllinois Adventure Package—a treasure trove of items donated to the department by various merchants in order to promote subscriptions to OutdoorIllinois magazine. For the third consecutive year, during the Illinois State Fair, those who stop by the Director's Tent at Conservation World to enter a new or renewal subscription to OutdoorIllinois will be eligible to win a package of outdoor-related merchandise.

Last year's package was valued at more than $4,000 and was awarded to one lucky winner who instantly acquired the essentials for a variety of outdoor activities. Items for this year's package are still being amassed, and it looks like another banner year for the drawing. Watch the August issue of OutdoorIllinois for additional details.

Each year the drawing is sponsored by the Illinois Conservation Foundation. All proceeds from the sale of the publication are directed to the Wildlife and Fish Fund, so your subscription serves a dual purpose. It keeps you abreast of the latest information about state parks, wildlife, hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and all sorts of outdoor activities for you and your family, and your subscription dollars help maintain the state's wildlife.

The best news of all is that the regular subscription price of $28 for a three-year subscription, $19 for two years, or $10 for a one-year subscription will enter you into the drawing for the merchandise. Just stop by the Director's Tent at Conservation World to view the prize exhibit and enter your subscription. Be sure to take note of the various sponsors who do much to make Illinois a great state for outdoor activities, and support them with your business.

Plan now to attend the Illinois State Fair Aug. 10 through Aug. 19 and take advantage of the opportunity to win this great assortment of merchandise, which will be given away on the last day of the fair. You do not need to be present to win. And remember, even if you're not the lucky winner, you'll still receive the magazine, you'll have a fun-filled day at Conservation World and you can feel good about supporting Illinois' natural resources.