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Friday, April 7, 2023

School habitat projects to receive funding through IDNR’s Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Grant program

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SPRINGFIELD – Seventeen Illinois schools have been awarded Schoolyard Habitat Action grants totaling $15,700 from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Conservation Foundation.


The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant program supports the development or enhancement of wildlife habitat, such as pollinator gardens and other projects, on school grounds or other public places. Funding is provided through donations to the Illinois Conservation Foundation. The Jadel Youth Fund and the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation are the major sponsors of the program.

“The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant program provides children and educators with an opportunity to increase the use of native plants in landscapes while benefiting wildlife species,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “By participating in these projects, students learn their efforts can make a positive difference in the world, and they gain experience in problem-based learning through planning, developing, and maintaining the habitat.”

Nearly $360,000 in Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant funding has been distributed since the program began.

“We want school children to learn about nature through hands-on experiences,” Finnie said. “It’s our goal to have Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant program projects developed in every county of the state and eventually at every school. So far, we have supported projects in 86 of Illinois’ counties.”

Applications will be accepted soon for the next round of the program, with an application deadline of Nov. 30, 2023. Visit https://dnr.illinois.gov/education/grantsshag.html to access the application form and related information or email dnr.teachkids@illinois.gov.

The latest Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant awardees are:

Champaign County
  • Gerber School, Urbana School District #116, Urbana. Sixth through 12th grades. Pollinator garden, $367.58.
Clinton County
  • Bartelso Grade School, Bartelso. Fifth through eighth grades. Standard pollinator garden, $1,000.
Cook County
  • Congress Park Elementary School, Brookfield. Sixth grade. Birds and butterflies pollinators garden, $1,000.
  • Congress Park Elementary School, Brookfield. Sixth grade. Standard pollinator garden, $1,000.
  • Galileo Scholastic Academy, Chicago. Sixth through seventh grades. Standard pollinator garden, $480.91.
  • George B. Swift Specialty School, Chicago. Kindergarten through fifth grades. Woodland habitat, $1,000.
  • Lenart RGC, Chicago. Third through eighth grades. Birds and butterflies pollinators garden, $997.
  • North-Grand High School, Chicago. Ninth through 12th grades. Standard pollinator garden, $994.52.
Crawford County
  • Palestine High School, Palestine. Ninth through 12th grades. Woodland habitat, $1,000.
DuPage County
  • Arbor View Elementary School, Glen Ellyn. Third grade. Standard pollinator garden, $981.73.
Grundy County
  • Prairieland Kids Daycare and Learning Center, Morris. Pre-kindergarten. Standard pollinator garden, $973.30.
Kendall County
  • Grande Park Elementary PTA, Plainfield. Fifth grade. Standard pollinator garden, $970.
Lake County
  • Libertyville High School, Libertyville. Ninth through 12th grades. Pollinators wetland, $1,000.
Morgan County
  • Meredosia-Chambersburg High School, Meredosia. Standard pollinator garden, $990.40.
Peoria County
  • Oak Grove School District 68, Bartonville. Seventh through eighth grades. Standard pollinator garden, $1,000.
St. Clair County
  • Carriel Junior High, O’Fallon. Seventh grade. Standard pollinator garden, $1,000.
Will County
  • Elwood CCDE #203, Elwood. Fifth through eighth grades. Standard pollinator garden, $1,000.
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Friday, January 6, 2023

IDNR Director Colleen Callahan announces departure

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Callahan is the first woman to lead the Illinois Department of Natural Resources




Director Callahan at the reopening of the ling shuttered Illinois Caverns State Natural Area

 

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Director Colleen Callahan will step down from her post on Jan. 16 after nearly four years leading the state agency charged with managing, conserving and protecting Illinois’ natural and cultural resources.

 

Callahan has served as director since March 1, 2019, when she was appointed by Gov. JB Pritzker. During that time, she guided the agency through a global pandemic, which resulted in millions of visitors seeking to nurture their physical and mental health in the outdoors at Illinois’ nearly 400 state parks, natural areas, and historic sites.

 

During her time at IDNR, Callahan oversaw efforts to develop a strategic plan for the agency, with a focus on positioning IDNR as a leader on reducing the state’s carbon footprint and mitigating the effects of climate change. A climate action plan is currently under review and set to be released in early 2023.

 

Callahan also ushered the agency into a new era of diversity, equity and inclusion, and she led the launch of

Copi – a new brand name for invasive carp designed to spark consumer interest in the plentiful fish found in Illinois waterways. Since IDNR’s Enhanced Contract Fishing Program was established in 2019, commercial fishers have removed more than 9.4 million pounds of invasive carp from the Illinois River.

 

In 2022, Callahan advocated for IDNR to receive its largest state budget in 20 years to address long overdue improvements at state sites and to offer the largest round of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants in the history of the agency.

 

Also during her tenure at IDNR, Callahan was named president of the Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (MAFWA) and vice president of the national Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA).

 

Prior to her appointment as IDNR director, Callahan served as state director of Illinois’ Rural Development for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She broke glass ceilings in broadcast media as the first female agribusiness director for WMBD Radio and Television in Peoria. Her 30-year career at WMBD led her to the National Association of Farm Broadcasters, where she served as the first female president of the organization and was the first woman inducted into their Hall of Fame.

 

Callahan is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in agriculture communications. She and her husband, Dick, raise cattle and grow corn and soybeans on their farm in Peoria County. 

 

IDNR manages nearly 400 state parks, recreational and natural areas, historic sites, the Illinois State Museum, and the World Shooting and Recreational Complex. The agency’s offices and divisions include the offices of Resource Conservation, Land Management, Water Resources, Coastal Management, Nature Preserves, Historic Preservation, Mines and Minerals, Oil and Gas Resource Management, the Illinois Conservation Police, and more. 
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Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Suspected Avian Flu Outbreak in SW Illinois

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IDNR monitoring suspect outbreaks of avian influenza during fall waterfowl migration



Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)   staff began receiving the first reports of unusual numbers of ill and deceased waterfowl at several southwest Illinois locations on Friday, November November 25th. Over the weekend as more hunters headed afield for traditional Thanksgiving waterfowl hunts the reports became more numerous and it was becoming clear to boots-on-the-ground staff that a significant problem was beginning to occur at Baldwin Lake, Pyramid State Recreation Area, Carlyle Lake and Rend Lake.

DNR staff were mobilized on Monday November November 29 and Tuesday November 30th to begin collecting samples for testing and assessing the extent of the outbreak.  Reports were received that the numbers of dead birds were in excess of 250 - 300 at some popular waterfowl hunting locations. In a release dated November 29, IDNR confirmed at least 300 waterbirds, primarily snow geese, had died of suspected avian influenza at public hunting areas throughout southern Illinois. At one SW Illinois site alone local hunters reported observing in excess of 270 carcasses.  

Deceased wild birds have been found at Baldwin Lake, Pyramid State Recreation Area, Rend Lake, and Carlyle Lake in recent days.

Illinois is not alone in facing this issue, similar die-offs have been noted in Missouri and Arkansas. 

“We have seen an uptick in avian flu in the last two weeks", said Sherri Russell, a wildlife veterinarian with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). "We were expecting it. We’re seeing problems in Arkansas, Illinois and Missouri.”

Currently, Arkansas is also requesting assistance from the public. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is asking waterfowl hunters to remain vigilant for any concentrations of sick or dead birds they find in the wild.


Hunters and wildlife watchers who observe concentrations of sick or dead birds should contact the AGFC’s wildlife health program with any questions, information about the species, the number of birds affected, and the location at agfc.health@agfc.ar.gov. 

In Illinois, IDNR is requesting similar assistance from the public. 

Members of the public in Illinois are encouraged to report large concentrations of 20 or more deceased birds at one location. Reports can be made to the local IDNR district wildlife biologist at the following link: https://www.wildlifeillinois.org/sidebar/contact-an-idnr-district-wildlife-biologist/


The risk of humans contracting the disease remains low, but hunters can help further minimize that risk by following a few simple precautions.

As a general precaution, hunters should use good hygiene practices when handling, cleaning and preparing harvested waterfowl.

Safety Guidelines for Hunters

  • Harvest only waterfowl that act and look healthy. Do not handle or eat sick animals.
  • Wear disposable gloves when handling and cleaning game and field dress outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward.
  • Dispose of unwanted parts in a manner that prevents scavenging by domestic animals and wildlife.
  • Thoroughly cook all game to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before eating it.
  • Do not feed pets or domestic animals uncooked portions of waterfowl.

Avian influenza spreads quickly through direct, bird-to-bird contact. It can also spread to birds via contaminated surfaces and materials, including people’s clothing, shoes, or hands. Thus, waterfowl hunters and outdoor enthusiasts should be aware and disinfect boots, shoes, gear etc. after visiting an area where ill and deceased birds have been observed. 

The more concerning risk associated with HPAI is its potential for spillover to domestic poultry.

Agricultural officials urge poultry producers to implement biosecurity measures around their flocks, especially during periods of waterfowl migration, but hunters who have contact with poultry should use extra caution. Avoid contact between poultry and wild birds or their parts. After handling waterfowl, change or clean clothing, shoes, and other equipment before coming into contact with poultry, including commercial production facilities and backyard flocks.


Best Practices for hunters can be found at this link: Hunters-Protect Your Poultry and Pet Birds from Avian Influenza (usda.gov). 

Hunters also should avoid handling sick or dead waterfowl found in the field, and they should not allow dogs or other pets to consume waterfowl that died from unknown causes. Further guidance for hunters can be found at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/fsc_hpai_hunters.pdf.

Rubber gloves and a mask should be worn when disposing of any deceased wild birds, and carcasses should be double-bagged in sealed plastic bags. The bags can be buried away from scavengers or placed in the garbage if approved by the local waste service provider.

Anyone handling deceased birds should thoroughly wash their hands and any other clothes or tools with soap and water following disposal.

More information on avian influenza information is available at AGFC, Ducks Unlimited, and USDA APHIS’s website.
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Wednesday, July 6, 2022

IDNR announces schedule of waterfowl blind site drawings

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IDNR announces schedule of waterfowl blind site drawings

Drawings to be held for public hunting area waterfowl blind sites

 

SPRINGFIELD – Waterfowl hunting blind drawings will take place at several public hunting areas in Illinois the last weekend of July, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced today. 


IDNR intends to host traditional blind drawings at all sites scheduled for this year. Participants are advised to follow any site-specific drawing procedures. 


Duck and goose hunters must register in person for waterfowl blind site drawings and must be present during the drawing at each designated location immediately after the registration period to claim their blind sites. Mail-in or pre-registrations are not accepted. Blind allocations for these sites are good for one year. 


To participate in a drawing, applicants must present a 2021 or 2022 regular Illinois hunting license (no apprentice licenses or youth licenses will be accepted unless the youth license holder also presents hunter safety certification); a 2021 or 2022 Illinois Migratory Waterfowl Stamp at the time they register, unless exempted by law; and a valid photo identification. Applicants must be at least 16 years old by the date of the drawing. 


Applicants needing to purchase new licenses and stamps should do so prior to the drawing. Most blind drawing locations will not have license sales available. Licenses and stamps are available at any IDNR license and permit vendor, through the IDNR website at www.dnr.illinois.gov or by calling 1888-6-PERMIT (1-888-673-7648).

 

Registrants are no longer required to possess a valid Illinois Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card from the Illinois State Police to participate in blind drawings. To be eligible for the drawing, participants must not have had his or her hunting privileges suspended or revoked by the IDNR or any other jurisdiction at the time of the drawing. Out-of-state residents must have an annual (five-day licenses not accepted) 2021 or 2022 non-resident hunting license for Illinois and a 2021 or 2022 Illinois Migratory Waterfowl Stamp. 


Individuals with a disability precluding them from hunting from a waterfowl blind may be accommodated through the issuance of a Standing Vehicle Permit from IDNR. Please visit the following link for an application:

https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/LPR/Documents/StandingVehiclePermitApplicationForm.pdf

 

 

2022 blind drawings schedule

Saturday, July 30, 2022 – Blinds allocated for one year. All registration times are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

•      Chain O’ Lakes State Park and Redwing Slough/Deer Lake State Natural Area, Lake County: Registration for both sites at Oak Point day use area, 1/5 mile east of the Fox River on the south side of Illinois 173. Hunters will be allowed to register for only one of the two sites.

•      Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area, Will County: Registration at the site office, two miles northwest of Wilmington off exit 241 from Interstate 55.

•      Kankakee River State Park and Momence Wetlands, Kankakee and Will counties:

Registration for both sites at the Kankakee River State Park office, five miles northwest of Bourbonnais on Illinois 102. Hunters will be allowed to register for only one of the two sites.

•      Mazonia State Fish and Wildlife Area, Grundy County: Registration at the site office, 7705 E. Huston Road, Braceville (just off Illinois 53, two miles southeast of Braceville).

•      Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, DeKalb County: Registration at the park office. Directions: Go 2½ miles south of Shabbona on Shabbona Road, turn east on Shabbona Grove Road and go ½ mile. Office is on left side of the road.

•      Sinnissippi Lake, Whiteside County: Registration at Harry Oppold Marina on Stouffer Road on the east edge of Sterling.

•      William Powers State Recreation Area, Cook County: Registration at Shelter No. 2, 126th St. and Ave. 0, Chicago.

 

 

Sunday, July 31, 2022  – Blinds allocated for one year. All registration times are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

•      Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, Fulton County: Registration at the area check station, 13½ miles southwest of Havana on Illinois 100.

•      Clear Lake, Mason County: Registration at Sand Ridge State Forest headquarters, 25799E County Road 2300N, Forest City. Phone 309-597-2212. Follow the signs from Manito or Forest City.

•      Lake DePue State Fish and Wildlife Area, Bureau County: Registration at Oak Grove Park, ¾ mile west of DePue on Illinois 29.

•      Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area, including the Sparland Unit, Marshall County: Registration at the area check station, five miles south of Lacon on Illinois 26.


•      Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, Fulton County: Registration at the area check station, three miles south of Banner on Route 24.


•      Sanganois State Fish and Wildlife Area, Cass and Mason counties: Registration on the east side of the maintenance building, two miles north of Chandlerville on Illinois 78 (follow the signs to Sanganois).

•      Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area and Pekin Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, Tazewell County: Registration at the south park office area, two miles north of Manito on County Road 16 (Manito Road) and eight miles west and south on Spring Lake Road.

•      Starved Rock State Park, Lasalle County: Registration at Buffalo Rock State Park (large picnic shelter area). Three miles west of Ottawa on Dee Bennett Road.

•      Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area, Woodford County: Registration at Johnson’s Grove Park, 500 block of Park Street, Lacon.

 

Additional hunting information and maps of the sites can be accessed at https://huntillinois.org/hunthttps://huntillinois.org/hunt-plannerplanner and https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/FactSheets/Pages/default.aspx
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Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Spring Legislative Update - Bills that impact outdoor enthusiasts

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Just like always this time of year there have been a flurry of bills introduced that affect outdoor enthusiasts, or are related to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. It's important to remember that at the time of this writing, these are "just a bill", and with the anticipated shortened session this spring they may or may not make it to committee, out of committee or be called to the floor for debate /vote.

What is important is that as an outdoor enthusiast you read the bill, look at the bill status, and respond according to your feelings. At this juncture, I'm only sharing the list of bills and the links to the bills. 

Going forward in the coming days, we'll break down this list and unpack  these bills in smaller groups/lists for discussion. Additionally, we'll be posting information that explains how to comment to your legislator, file witness slips etc. 

As bills move forward we will strive to add those updates. However, remember it's up to you as outdoor enthusiast to stay informed and also watch for any movement, committee assignments, hearing, file witness slips, or submit testimony (as appropriate). 

YOU have a voice; use it! 

Now let's get down to business and have a look at some of these bills! 

House Bills: 

HB4372:PROHIBIT WILDLIFE CONTESTS
House Sponsors
Rep. Anna Moeller and Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Wildlife Code. Prohibits contests or competitions with the objective of taking any fur-bearing mammal. Provides an exception for field trials. (emphasis added)  Provides that a person who violates the new provisions is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and subject to a fine of no less than $500 and no more than $5,000 in addition to other statutory penalties.
Find the full text of the bill here

HB4386:WILDLIFE CD-RIFLE-DEER HUNTING
House Sponsors
Rep. Lance Yednock - Tony McCombie
Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that a centerfire rifle may be used to harvest deer during the firearm open season set by the Director of Natural Resources annually. Provides that all straight walled rifle rounds are legal ammunition for a centerfire rifle.
Find the full text of the bill here

HB4429: DNR- STATE PARKS /PERMIT TO SELL 
House Sponsors
Rep. David Friess - Charles Meier, Tony McCombie and Dan Caulkins
Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the State Parks Act. Requires all persons or entities seeking to charge fees to participants, provide items for sale, or otherwise collect money or items as part of an event located on property or facilities that are owned, leased, or managed by the Department of Natural Resources to complete a permit to sell application form to obtain a permit to sell. Provides that all revenue generated from an event shall be subject to a 10% fee payable to the Department of Natural Resources upon completion of the event. Requires all funds received by the Department to be allocated to the site at which the fees were collected. Waives activity permit fees, permit to sell fees, and facility usage fees for formally recognized Friends Groups and for all fishing tournaments and clubs. Effective immediately.
Full text of the bill can be found here

HB4451:DNR-HISTORIC PRESERVATION-NAME
House Sponsors
Rep. Lance Yednock
Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Department of Natural Resources Act, the Historic Preservation Act, and the Illinois State Agency Historic Resources Preservation Act. Requires the Illinois State Museum and Division of Historic Preservation of the Department of Natural Resources to collaborate and assist the Department of Resources exercise its duties under the Acts. Removes authority of Board of the Illinois State Museum to approve budget requests of the Illinois State Museum. Replaces references to the Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Department with the Department of Natural Resources. Makes other changes. Effective Immediately.
Full text of the bill can be found here

House Sponsors
Rep. David A. Welter
Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Wildlife Code and the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Provides that hunting and fishing license fees shall be one-half the price of the current license fee amount for all resident veterans, regardless of deployment (instead of only for veterans after returning from service abroad or mobilization by the President of the United States). Effective immediately.
Full text of the bill can be found here

HB4542:STATE PARKS-DNR APPROVAL
House Sponsors
Rep. Dave Vella
Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the State Parks Act. Specifies that certain actions are not violations of the Act if they are done with the approval of the Department of Natural Resources. Effective immediately.
Full text of the bill can be found here

HB679:WILDLIFE CD-RIFLE HUNTING
House Sponsors
Rep. Tony McCombie
Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Wildlife Code. Defines "rifle" as any firearm designed, made, or adapted to be fired from the shoulder that uses the energy of an explosive in a fixed metallic cartridge to fire a projectile through a rifled bore by a single function of the trigger. Permits hunting with a rifle for the taking of deer; makes related changes. Provides that legal handguns and rifles include any bottleneck centerfire cartridge of .30 caliber or larger with a case length not exceeding 1.4 inches or any straight walled centerfire cartridge of .30 caliber or larger both of which must be available as a load with the published ballistic tables of the manufacturer showing a capability of at least 500 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle.
Full text of the bill can be found here

HB4680:VETERAN-FISH/HUNT LICENSE
House Sponsors
Rep. Tony McCombie
Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Removes provisions requiring a veteran who has served as an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces, the Illinois National Guard, or reserves of the United States Armed Forces to apply in person for a fishing license at a regional office of the Department of Natural Resources. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources shall establish by administrative rule the documentation that qualifies as acceptable verification of service; defines "acceptable verification" of service. Makes related changes to the Wildlife Code. Effective immediately.
Full text of the bill can be found here

Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Department of Natural Resources Act. Provides that a hunting license issued under the Wildlife Code must contain information indicating whether the holder of the license is registered as an organ donor in the First Person Consent registry maintained by the Secretary of State. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources and the Secretary of State shall share information as necessary to implement the new provisions.
Full text of the bill can be found here

HB4713:DNR-ABOLISH ADVISORY BOARD
House Sponsors
Rep. Lawrence Walsh, Jr.
Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Departments of State Government Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois by repealing the Section that created the Department of Natural Resources Advisory Board. Makes corresponding changes in the Wildlife Code and the Illinois Open Land Trust Act. Amends the Department of Natural Resources Act. Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to conduct regional yearly public forums to obtain public input and comments on subjects, matters, or programs under the control of the Department of Natural Resources. Requires the Department of Natural Resources to consider all comments received during a public forum.
Full text of the bill can be found here

Senate Bills

Senate Sponsors
Sen. Laura M. Murphy
Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Timber Buyers Licensing Act. Provides that all timber buyers must possess a liability insurance policy in an appropriate amount pursuant to administrative rule prior to issuance of a timber buyers license and must keep the policy in force at all times while the license is in effect. Provides that every applicant for a timber buyers license shall submit, on a form provided by the Department of Natural Resources, a surety bond or letter of credit in a specified amount. Provides that all persons buying timber under the Act must possess a valid timber buyers license. Provides that when a timber buyer purchases timber in the State, the timber buyer shall submit a report to the Department of the purchase. Provides that the Department shall require timber growers who own 5 acres or more of timberland in any county to obtain a landowner timber number, or similar unique identifier from the Department, associated with their timberland before timber is cut for commercial purposes. Provides that landowner timber numbers will be dated and expire after 2 years unless extended by the Department by rule. Makes changes to provisions concerning definitions; application for licensure; bond; prohibited acts; license, issuance, validity, and certificate; application; records; penalties; license revocation; and seizure. Adds provisions concerning reporting a harvest fee. Amends the Seizure and Forfeiture Reporting Act. Provides that the Act applies to property seized or forfeited under the seizure provision of the Timber Buyers Licensing Act.
The full text of the bill can be found here

Senate Sponsors
Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton
Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the State Parks Act. Specifies that certain actions are not violations of the Act if they are done with the approval of the Department of Natural Resources. Effective immediately.
Full text of the bill can be found here

Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Department of Natural Resources Act, the Historic Preservation Act, and the Illinois State Agency Historic Resources Preservation Act. Requires the Illinois State Museum and Division of Historic Preservation of the Department of Natural Resources to collaborate and assist the Department of Resources exercise its duties under the Acts. Removes authority of Board of the Illinois State Museum to approve budget requests of the Illinois State Museum. Replaces references to the Historic Sites and Preservation Division of the Department with the Department of Natural Resources. Makes other changes. Effective Immediately.
Full text of the bill can be found here

Senate Sponsors
Sen. Neil Anderson - Dale Fowler
Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code and the Wildlife Code. Provides that the current fees for a fishing license, sportsmen's combination license, and hunting license are annual fees. Allows a resident to obtain a 3-year fishing license (for a fee of $45), sportsmen's combination license (for a fee of $78.75), or hunting license (for a fee of $37.50). Provides that there is no fee for an annual or 3-year fishing license, sportsmen's combination license, or hunting license for a resident Gold Star Family member. Effective immediately.
Full text of the bill can be found here

Senate Sponsors
Sen. Christopher Belt
Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law. Requires Conservation Police Officers hired after July 1, 2022 to obtain certification pursuant to the Illinois Police Training Act. Limits powers of arrest and permission to carry firearms to Conservation Police Officers 21 years of age or older. Amends Herptiles-Herps Act, Fish and Aquatic Life Code, Wildlife Code, and Ginseng Harvesting Act. In provisions concerning violations, adds violations of United States Code. Defines terms. Makes other changes. Amends Deadly Weapons Article of Criminal Code 2012. Limits specified exemption to hunting, trapping or fishing that is lawful as defined by statute. Effective immediately.
Full text of the bill can be found here 

Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Illinois Prescribed Burning Act. Removes provisions that provide that a property owner and any person conducting a prescribed burn is liable for actual damage or injury caused by the prescribed burn or resulting smoke upon proof of negligence. Provides instead that no landowner, agent of the landowner, or certified prescribed burn manager is liable for damage, injury, or loss caused by a prescribed burn or resulting smoke unless proven to be grossly negligent. Effective immediately.
Full text of the bill can be found here

SB3868: BIKE/PEDESTRIAN PATH FUNDING 
Senate Sponsors
Sen. John F. Curran
Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Illinois Highway Code. Provides that the Department of Transportation shall establish and solely fund bicycle and pedestrian ways in conjunction with the construction, reconstruction, or other change of any State transportation facility in or within one mile of an urban area (instead of in or within one mile of a municipality with a population of over 1,000 people). Allows a county (in addition to a municipality) to opt out of bicycle and pedestrian way construction by passing a resolution stating that a bicycle or pedestrian way does not fit within its development plan
Full Text of the bill can be found here

Senate Sponsors
Sen. David Koehler
Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Rivers, Lakes and Streams Act. Provides that any person who violates the Act shall be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 (instead of $5,000) for a violation not resulting in the potential for loss of life or not associated with dam or floodway construction reasonably valued over $250,000 that continues past a Department of Natural Resources-ordered remediation deadline. Provides that any person who violates the Act shall be liable for a civil penalty of up to 10 times the applicable permit application review fee, but not to exceed $50,000, plus an additional civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 for each day the violation continues past a Department-ordered remediation deadline, for any violation resulting in the potential for loss of life or associated with dam or floodway construction reasonably valued over $250,000. Provides that payment of such penalties does not discharge the required remediation of the violation. Provides that a penalty shall (instead of "may") be paid to the Department and deposited into the State Boating Act Fund. Repeals the Des Plaines and Illinois Rivers Act. Effective immediately.
Full text of the bill can be found here

Senate Sponsors
Sen. Doris Turner
Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Departments of State Government Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois by repealing the Section that created the Department of Natural Resources Advisory Board. Makes corresponding changes in the Wildlife Code and the Illinois Open Land Trust Act. Amends the Department of Natural Resources Act. Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to conduct regional yearly public forums to obtain public input and comments on subjects, matters, or programs under the control of the Department of Natural Resources. Requires the Department of Natural Resources to consider all comments received during a public forum.
Full text of the bill can be found here
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Monday, August 30, 2021

MDC Reminds Deer Hunters to Get Harvested Deer Sampled for CWD

12:14 PM 0 Comments

 



MDC reminds deer hunters to get harvested deer sampled for CWD

MDC holding mandatory CWD sampling during opening weekend of firearms season and voluntary CWD sampling all season for hunters who harvest deer in MDC CWD Management Zone counties.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – With deer hunting in Missouri opening for archery season on Sept. 15 and for firearms portions in the coming months, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants hunters to know key information about chronic wasting disease (CWD). MDC will be holding mandatory CWD sampling during opening weekend of firearms season and voluntary CWD sampling all season for hunters who harvest deer in MDC CWD Management Zone counties.

CWD is a deadly, infectious disease in deer and other members of the deer family (cervids) that eventually kills all animals it infects. There is no vaccine or cure. CWD is spread from deer to deer and through the environment. CWD was first detected in Missouri’s free-ranging deer population in 2012 and has since been found in 18 counties. The disease remains relatively rare in the state, being detected in 206 deer out of more than 152,300 tested by MDC since 2012. MDC is working hard to keep it that way, and hunters play a critical role in helping MDC manage the disease by having their deer tested and following the carcass-movement restrictions. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/cwd.

CWD Management Zone

MDC designates counties within 10 miles of where a positive case of CWD has been found as part of its CWD Management Zone. The CWD Management Zone counties are: Adair, Barry, Camden, Cedar, Chariton, Christian, Clark, Crawford, Franklin, Gasconade, Hickory, Howell, Jefferson, Knox, Laclede, Linn, Macon, McDonald, Mercer, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Polk, Pulaski, Putnam, St. Charles, St. Clair, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Stone, Sullivan, Taney, Warren, and Washington. Camden, Laclede, McDonald, and Pulaski counties were added to the CWD Management Zone this year.

Related CWD regulations prohibit the placement of feed or minerals for deer in counties of the CWD Management Zone. For exceptions, see the 2021 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov/about-us/about-regulations/fall-deer-turkey-hunting-regulations-information.

Voluntary CWD Sampling All Season Statewide

MDC will again offer statewide voluntary CWD sampling and testing of harvested deer during the entire deer season at select locations throughout the state. Locations include select MDC offices during regular business hours, cooperating taxidermists and meat processors (hours vary), and self-service freezers where hunters can leave deer heads for sampling and testing.

Hunters can get their CWD test results for free online at mdc.mo.gov/cwdResults. Results are usually available within three weeks or less from the time of sampling. Find locations and more information online at mdc.mo.gov/cwd or by contacting an MDC regional office at mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/regional-mdc-offices.

Mandatory CWD Sampling Nov. 13 and 14

Hunters who harvest deer in any counties in the CWD Management Zone during opening weekend of the November portion of firearms deer season (Nov. 13 and 14) are required to take their harvested deer or the head on the day of harvest to one of MDC’s numerous CWD mandatory sampling stations located throughout the zone. Sampling and test results are free.

Hunters must present their deer to a CWD mandatory sampling station within the county of harvest, with a few exceptions. Deer that will end up being delivered to a licensed meat processor or taxidermist within 48 hours, or deer heads that will be left at the MDC CWD mandatory sampling station for disposal after sampling, may be transported to a sampling station in any county.

Find CWD mandatory sampling station locations online at mdc.mo.gov/cwd or from MDC’s 2021 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet.

CWD sampling takes only a few minutes and consists of MDC staff cutting an incision across the throat of harvested deer to remove lymph nodes for testing. Tissue samples are sent to an independent lab for testing. Hunters will be given a card with information on getting free test results for their deer after samples are processed. Hunters can get their CWD test results for free online at mdc.mo.gov/cwdResults. Results are usually available within three weeks or less from the time of sampling.

Hunters presenting bucks bound for taxidermy should inform MDC staff. Staff will complete paperwork and inform the hunters about participating taxidermists taking CWD tissue samples. The cape may also be removed from the animal prior to being taken to a sampling station.

Before arriving at a CWD mandatory sampling station:

  • Field dress and Telecheck deer.
  • Bring the carcass or just the head.
  • Capes may be removed in preparation for taxidermy.
  • Position deer in vehicles with head and neck easily accessible.
  • Be sure the person who harvested the deer is present.
  • Have the hunter’s conservation ID number ready.
  • Be prepared to find the location of harvest on a map.
  • If using a paper permit, have it detached from the deer for easy access.
  • If using the MO Hunting app, have permit and Telecheck information available.

Mandatory CWD sampling dramatically increases the number of tissue samples MDC can collect in a brief period of time. The increased number of samples gives MDC scientists a much better understanding of the distribution and prevalence of the disease — where it is and how many deer may have it. It can also help find new cases in new areas.

Opening weekend of the firearms deer season is the most popular two hunting days for most deer hunters. Hunters take about a third of the state’s total annual deer harvest during those two days. Focusing on this key weekend gives MDC the best opportunity to collect the most tissue samples during a very concentrated time period.

Carcass Movement Restrictions

Hunters must follow carcass-movement restrictions for deer harvested in a CWD Management Zone county and when bringing parts of harvested deer and other cervids into Missouri from another state.

For hunters who harvest deer in Missouri from a CWD Management Zone county:

  • Deer must be Telechecked before any parts of the carcass may be transported out of the county of harvest.
  • Whole carcasses and heads may only be transported out of the county of harvest if delivered to a licensed meat processor, taxidermist, or to an approved CWD sampling station within 48 hours of exiting the county of harvest. On Nov. 13-14, deer must be taken on the day of harvest to a CWD mandatory sampling station.
  • The following carcass parts may be moved outside of the county of harvest without restriction:
  • Meat that is cut and wrapped or that has been boned out.
  • Quarters or other portions of meat with no part of the spinal column or head attached.
  • Hides from which all excess tissue has been removed.
  • Antlers or antlers attached to skull plates or skulls cleaned of all muscle and brain tissue.
  • Finished taxidermy products.

For hunters bringing harvested deer and other cervids into Missouri from another state:

  • Hunters may no longer transport whole cervid carcasses into the state.
  • Heads from cervids with the cape attached and no more than six inches of neck attached may be brought into Missouri only if they are delivered to a licensed taxidermist within 48 hours of entering Missouri.
  • There is no longer a requirement that cervid carcass parts coming into the state be reported to the MDC carcass transport hotline.
  • The following cervid parts can be transported into Missouri without restriction:
  • Meat that is cut and wrapped or that has been boned out.
  • Quarters or other portions of meat with no part of the spinal column or head attached.
  • Hides from which all excess tissue has been removed.
  • Antlers or antlers attached to skull plates or skulls cleaned of all muscle and brain tissue.
  • Upper canine teeth.
  • Finished taxidermy products.

Share the Harvest

MDC encourages deer hunters to share their harvest. Missouri’s Share the Harvest program helps deer hunters donate venison to those in need. To participate, take harvested deer to an approved meat processor and let the processor know how much venison is to be donated. Deer harvested within the CWD Management Zone may only be donated to approved processors in the Share the Harvest CWD Testing Program. Deer harvested outside of the CWD Management Zone may be donated to any Share the Harvest processor. Learn more online at mdc.mo.gov/share or from MDC’s 2021 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet.

More Information

Get more information on CWD regulations and other CWD information online at mdc.mo.gov/cwd or from MDC’s 2021 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov/about-us/about-regulations/fall-deer-turkey-hunting-regulations-information.
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