Illinois Department of Natural Resources Newsbits

Non-Resident Bow Permits: All hunters who applied for non-resident Illinois archery deer combination hunting permits for the 2006-07 season by the June 30 deadline will receive their permits in the mail next month.  Non-residents will have the opportunity to purchase remaining non-resident archery deer combination permits beginning at 8 a.m. (CDT) on Aug. 21.  Approximately 1,500 permits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis through DNR Direct online through the IDNR web site, or by calling toll-free 1-888-6PERMIT (1-888-673-7648).  Permit fees must be paid by using American Express, Discover, MasterCard or VISA.  For more information, check the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us.

Firearm Deer Permits: Resident firearm and muzzleloader deer hunters who applied for 2006 season permits in the first lottery drawing can check the status of their permit online through the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us/admin/systems/neon1.htm.  The deadline to apply for the second lottery for firearm and muzzleloader season deer permits is Aug. 14 for residents and non-residents.  For more information, check the "Hunting" link on the home page of the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us.

Youth Deer Hunt: Permit applications are now available for the 2006 Illinois Youth Antlerless-Only Deer Hunt, scheduled for Oct. 7-8.  Twelve additional counties are open for the youth hunt this year.  The hunt is open only to Illinois resident hunters who have not reached their 16th birthday by the time of the hunt.  The deadline to apply for the first lottery drawing for the youth hunt is Aug. 14.  Permit applications are available on the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us.

IDNR Awards Furbearer Funds:  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is awarding $4,708 from the State Furbearer Fund for two projects providing hands-on education opportunities for young people interacting with natural resource professionals on the theories, methods and practices of modern-day trapping in Illinois.

 An award of $2,250 to the Illinois Federation for Outdoor Resources will support the annual IFOR Youth Outdoor Skills Camp.  The camp provides youngsters with instruction in archery, gun handling, trap shooting, horseback riding and outdoor survival skills.  This award will expand the program to including trapping and furbearer management instruction.  An award of $2,458 will help the Illinois Trappers Association provide a three-day education workshop for natural resources professionals designed to familiarize them with theories, methods and practices of modern day trapping in Illinois.  The workshop includes both classroom and field exercises.  Furbearer Fund monies are derived from the sale of a $5.50 Habitat Stamp required of most hunters and trappers in Illinois.  State laws set aside six percent of stamp revenues for research, habitat and education projects which promote furbearer conservation.  Projects are reviewed annually by a seven-member committee, which makes recommendations for funding to the Director of IDNR.  Applications and project criteria for year next year's projects will be available after Oct. 1 on the IDNR web site as well as by contacting the IDNR Office of Resource Conservation-Special Funds Section, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271, (217) 782-2602, e-mail address: specialfunds@illinois.gov.  The next application deadline is March 1, 2007.

Wildlife Grants: Applications are being accepted for Special Wildlife Fund Grant Programs administered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Illinois Habitat Funds can be awarded for projects seeking to preserve, protect, acquire or manage habitat (wetlands, woodlands, grasslands and agricultural lands, natural or altered) in Illinois that have the potential to support populations of wildlife in any or all phases of their life cycles.  Eligible recipients are limited to any not-for-profit organization or government agency that has the expertise, equipment and permission from the landowner (if applicable) to develop and/or manage habitat.  State Pheasant Funds can be awarded for projects that include land acquisition, pheasant habitat improvement on public or private land, pheasant research, or education of the public regarding pheasants and pheasant hunting.  Eligible recipients are limited to not-for-profit organizations.  The deadline for submitting applications for the Illinois Habitat and State Pheasant Funds is 5 p.m. on August 1, 2006.  New application forms and instructions are available from the IDNR Office of Resource Conservation, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271; phone 217/ 782-2602 or on the IDNR website and http://dnr.state.il.us.

Randolph Ruckus:  The new World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta will host the second annual Illinois State Championship for members of the Single Action Shooting Society July 26-30.  The largest of all sanctioned state championships, the "Randolph County Ruckus" event will feature more than 300 participants in period cowboy action costumes competing in a variety of entertaining shooting competitions.

Wingshooting Clinics:  The IDNR and participating sponsors host a series of wingshooting clinics for beginners and hunters this summer.  At youth/women's clinics, instruction is available for young wingshooters 10 - 15 years of age.  Sessions are also available for girls and women and are open to all those ages 10 and older.  (Youngsters must be at least 4 feet 6 inches tall and weigh at least 75 pounds to participate).  Instructors are certified by the National Sporting Clays Association.  All supplies including shotguns and ammunition are provided at youth/women's clinics.  Hunter clinics are designed to enhance the wingshooting skills of hunters ages 16 and older.  Hunters with wingshooting skill levels from beginner to advanced are encouraged to attend. A small fee is assessed each hunter clinic participant to cover the cost of clay targets and refreshments.

Upcoming Youth/Women's clinics (and contact phone numbers) include:
 Aug. 19-20 - Shabonna Lake SP (DeKalb County), 815/758-2773
 Aug. 20 - Decatur Gun Club (Macon County), 217/877-4096
 Aug. 26-27 - Champaign County Wingshooting Clinic, Fisher, 217/935-6860
Upcoming Hunter's clinics are:
 July 22-23 - Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA (Cass Co.), 217/452-7741
Check the IDNR web site for the complete schedule of wingshooting clinics.

2006-2007 ENTICE Workshops:  The ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) schedule of workshops for teachers for the 2006-2007 school year will focus on a variety of natural resources-related topics.  Programs will include information on bats, spiders, geology, fish, butterflies and more.  Two workshops are dedicated to specific Illinois Learning Standards and for the first time a workshop is being conducted with physical education teachers as the intended audience. ENTICE workshops provide background information, lessons, supplemental resources and Continuing Professional Development Units.  To see the complete schedule or to register, visit www.ilcf.org/Workshop/Courses.asp.

Online Courses for Graduate or CPDU Credit:  The IDNR Division of Education and the University of Illinois at Springfield are offering online courses for graduate credit (4 hours) or Continuing Professional Development Units (60 CPDUs) during Fall Semester 2006 through the UIS Master of Teacher Leadership program.  Introduction to Illinois' Natural Resources for Teachers will include the examination, research and practical application of Illinois natural resources information with the goals of understanding location, composition, utilization, conservation and issues.  Introduction to Illinois' Woodland Ecology for Teachers will include the examination, research and practical application of information about Illinois woodland ecology with the goals of understanding location, composition, utilization, conservation and issues.  To be eligible to register, students must first contact UIS admissions at 1-888-977-4847.  Once students have been admitted to UIS, they may call 1-217/206-7516 to receive permission to register for the classes.

Fishing and Hunting Licenses Online:  Hunters and anglers can buy 2006 licenses Illinois hunting, fishing and combination sportsman's license the quick and convenient way by clicking on the IDNR web site.  Purchase 2006 Illinois licenses online at http://dnr.state.il.us.  Click on the homepage link to DNR Direct Online License Sales, use a credit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa), and print the license or receipt.  The online system is available 24 hours a day.  Licenses are also available at hundreds of IDNR license vendors through the new DNR Direct point of sale system.
      

Sam Romano Fishing Tournament:  Anglers are invited to participate in the 11th annual Sam Romano Lake Michigan Fishing Tournament the morning of July 20 out of North Point Marina in Lake County.  The tournament is a benefit for the Illinois Conservation Foundation's youth fishing, hunting and other outdoor recreation programs.  The cost is $1,000 for each five-person boat or $200 for an individual angler.  After breakfast, chartered boats leave at 7 a.m. for a morning of fishing on Lake Michigan, followed by lunch and the awards program.  For more information, call 217/785-8995.

Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Nomination Deadline July 31:  Nominate candidates for the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame, which honors individuals who have made significant commitments to natural resource protection and outdoor recreation in Illinois.  The nomination deadline is July 31.  Nominees may include 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 to the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) on the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame nomination form, available on the ICF web site at www.ilcf.org.  For more information, contact the Illinois Conservation Foundation, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271, phone 217/785-8995, e-mail Bob.Ruff@Illinois.gov.  Inductees selected for the 2007 class of the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame will be announced later this year.  The induction will occur at the annual Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame banquet on Feb. 3, 2007 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield.

JEPC Horseback Riding:  A new horseback riding and trail ride vendor is providing equestrian opportunities for visitors to Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area near Chandlerville in Cass County.  K and K Trail Rides is based at the Questing Hills Campground, the equestrian camping area located on the north side of Jim Edgar Panther Creek SWFA.  K and K Trail Rides offers individual horseback riding, wagon rides, pony cart rides, birthday parties, and individual horseback riding lessons.  For more information or reservations, phone 217/899-4801.  Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA offers 26 miles of equestrian trails.

Kids Films:  The Illinois State Museum's Summer Festival of Films is conducted each Monday and Tuesday during July and August at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the museum auditorium, corner of Spring and Edwards Streets in downtown Springfield.

The programs are free.  For more information, phone 217/782-5993.  (For groups of 10 or more, please call to pre-register).

Junior Naturalists:  Giant City State Park, Makanda, hosts the annual Junior Naturalists programs on July 14, 21 and 28 from 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. for children ages 7-12.  The educational programs feature different natural attractions of the park at each session, with games and hands-on activities.  Pre-registration is required.  Phone 618/457-4836.

     New Philadelphia Lecture:  The archaeology work at New Philadelphia in western Illinois will be the subject the Illinois State Museum's monthly archaeology lecture at the ISM Research and Collection Center, 1011 East Ash St., Springfield, on July 12 at 7 p.m.  Dr. Paul Shackel of the University of Maryland will present the lecture.  The Maryland school, University of Illinois and Illinois State Museum project at New Philadelphia in Pike County are studying the history of the community founded by free African American Frank McWorter in 1836.  The program is free and open to the public.  Phone 217/782-0061 for more information.

Family Art Event:  Join the Illinois State Museum for "Celebrate Abstract Art," a family art event, on July 15 from 1-4 p.m.  Visitors can add an art streamer to a giant art mural, watch artisans from throughout Illinois including a silk painter, potter, and blacksmith demonstrate their craft, help make a large art work with artist Helen Stannard that will go on display in the Museum, search for clues in the exhibition "Art in the Abstract," create a personal art flag, and much more.  There will also be a chance to win a unique art prize.  The museum is located at Spring and Edwards Streets in downtown Springfield.  The event is free and open to the public.  For more information, call 217/782-5993.

Illinois Artisans:  An exhibit of photography by Cindy and Kirby Pringle of Pesotum is featured at the Illinois Artisans Shop located on the second floor of the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago through July 31.  The Pringles specialize in humorous, whimsical photographs of dogs with humanlike bodies.  The shop is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Find great jewelry and accessories for summer at the Illinois Artisans Shop July Body Adornment Art Spree in the atrium of the James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph St., Chicago, July 13 - 14 from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.  For more information, phone 312/814-5321.

Quilt Programs: As part of the Illinois State Museum Lockport Gallery's Gifted Quilts exhibition, special discussion programs will be held at the gallery this summer.  "Handle with Care: Tips on Preserving Textiles" is scheduled for Sunday, July 30 at 2 p.m. featuring site director Jim Zimmer's examination of the care and preservation of heirloom textiles.  "Embedded Art:  Analyzing Quilts as Art Objects" is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 27 at 2 p.m. featuring associate curator Geoff Bates.  There is no admission charge and reservations are not required.  Gifted Quilts is an exhibition of 24 masterpiece textile works drawn from the over 300 quilts in the collection of the Illinois State Museum.  The quilts will remain on view through Sept. 1.

The Illinois State Museum Lockport Gallery is located on the first floor of the historic Norton Building at 201 West 10th Street in Lockport.  Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and noon until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.  For more information, phone 815/838-7400.

ICF Board:  The Illinois Conservation Foundation Board will meet on Wednesday, July 19 at 1 p.m. at the Illinois Beach Resort and Conference Center, #1 Lake Front, Zion.  For more information, phone 217/785-2003.

ESPB Meeting:  The Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board will meet on Friday, Aug. 4 at 10 a.m. at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources headquarters, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield.  For more information, phone 217/785-8691.

Illinois Nature Preserves Commission:  The next meeting of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission is Tues., Aug. 8 at 10 a.m. at the Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake.  For more information, phone 217/785-8686.

Family Fun: Be sure to visit Conservation World at the 2006 Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Aug. 11-20.  Conservation World features a wide array of free family-oriented programs, activities and displays focusing on natural resources and outdoor recreation.  Conservation World is open each day of the state fair from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

4-H Food Drive:  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will assist Illinois 4-H youth in the statewide 4-H CAN Make a Difference Food Drive in August. Canned goods and other non-perishable food items can be donated to the 4-H effort at the IDNR headquarters entrances in Springfield Aug 7-10 - and at the entrances to Conservation World at the Illinois State Fair during the fair, Aug. 11-20.  Food collected is distributed to food banks throughout Illinois to help the hungry.

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