ICF Celebrity Quail Hunt: There are still reservations available for the Illinois Conservation Foundation’s popular Celebrity Quail Hunt, to be held at the Rend Lake Resort Nov. 4-6. Proceeds from the 14th annual event will benefit ICF youth hunting programs and activities. For registration or other information, phone 217/782-7181. Hunters can also register online through the ICF web site at www.ilcf.org.

Hennepin Day of Discovery: The Friends of the Hennepin Canal are sponsoring “On the Hennepin - A Day of Discovery” on Sun., Oct. 7, part of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Hennepin Canal. The event will be held at the Hennepin Canal Parkway Visitor Center in Sheffield. For more information, phone 815/454-2328.

Boating Infrastructure Grant Program Application Deadline Oct. 15: Local governments, privately-owned marinas, and boatyards have until Oct. 15 to apply for grants available to provide temporary docking facilities for large boats. Funds for the program come from federal excise taxes on fishing equipment and motorboat fuels through the Sport Fishing and Boating Safety program. All proposals must be submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the IDNR. For additional information, call 217/782-2602.

Archery Hunting CWD Sampling: Archery deer hunters in select counties in northern Illinois are encouraged to allow samples to be taken for chronic wasting disease (CWD) sampling from adult deer they harvest through Nov. 15. The sampling is a very important part of Illinois' effort to monitor and combat CWD in wild deer. IDNR is asking archery hunters in Boone, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, McHenry, Ogle and Winnebago counties to participate. Hunters should first check in their harvest through the IDNR web site or toll-free phone system as indicated on their permit. The following locations are serving as CWD sampling stations, taking samples from entire deer or deer heads:

Authentic Taxidermy, 1849 Yates Ave, Beloit, WI; phone 608/362-8323 to confirm hours
Dave Bicket, 915 Warren St, Earlville, IL 60518; phone 815/246-9395
Eickmans Processing, Grant Ave, Seward, IL; open M-F 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sat. 7 a.m.-noon
Freedom Sausage, 4155 E 1650th Rd, Earlville, IL 60518; phone 815/792-8276; M-F 7 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-noon
Grubar's Processing, 3309 E. 9th Rd, Utica, IL 61373; phone 815/667-4046; Mon., Wed. and Sat. 8 a.m.-noon; Tues., Thurs. and Fri. 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Jones Locker Service, 204 N Seminary Ave, Woodstock; M-F 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Norway Store, 3654 N IL Rt 71, Sheridan, IL 60551; phone 815/496-2669
Pinnons Meats, 2324 N. Court St., Rockford; Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sportsmans Choice, 11820 Catalpa, Woodstock; Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 11 a.m.- 7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Hunters who participate in the CWD sampling may leave the heads from adult deer for testing at several drop-off sites. Hunters should remove the deer head, leaving the two vertebrae nearest the skull attached. The head should be placed in a heavy-grade plastic bag and kept cool until the hunter delivers it to the drop-off site. The head should be stored on ice or refrigerated, but not frozen. (Tissue samples cannot be taken from deer heads refrigerated more than three days). The following sites are serving as drop-off sites where hunters can fill out a sample submission card and leave the deer heads:

Boone County Conservation District - Maintenance Bldg, 655 N. Appleton Rd, Belvidere; Mon.-Sun 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Castle Rock State Park, Rt. 2, 3 miles south of Oregon; Mon-Sun
Chain O'Lakes State Park, 8916 Wilmot Rd., Spring Grove; Mon-Sun 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Rock Cut State Park, 7318 Harlem Rd, Loves Park; Mon-Sun
Smokehouse Processing, 5735 S. 9th St, Rockford; Mon-Sun 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Test results will be posted on the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us/cwd/
For more information, contact IDNR at 815/675-2386 ext. 316 (Lake, Kane, Cook, Kendall, Grundy, DuPage and McHenry counties) or 815/535-2875 (Boone, DeKalb, LaSalle, Ogle and Winnebago counties).

Deer Hunting Reminder for Ray Norbut: Deer hunters are reminded that no one-day stand-by permits will be available for the firearm portion of the deer season at Ray Norbut State Fish and Wildlife Area (SFWA) in Pike County. Deer hunting opportunities for the regular firearm season will be limited to hunters who received a permit in the Special Hunt Area category of the regular lottery drawing. For more information, contact the IDNR Pittsfield office at 217/285-2221.

Waterfowl Seasons: Waterfowl hunters are encouraged to review the Digest of Waterfowl Hunting Regulations 2007-2008 in preparation for the season. The digest provides information on Illinois waterfowl season dates, limits, regulations and other important information. Copies are available at IDNR offices and the digest is posted on the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us (Click on the Hunting link on the home page).
Rendezvous at Spoon River: The Dickson Mounds Museum in Lewistown hosts the Rendezvous at Spoon River on the museum grounds on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 6-7 and on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 13-14 as part of the Fulton County Spoon River Scenic Drive weekends. Members of the Mackinaw Valley Long Rifles Association provide a primitive encampment on the museum grounds from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. featuring demonstrations of early American crafts such as wooden spoon carving, cooking, fiber arts, hatchet-throwing and blanket trading. For more information, phone 309/547-3721.

INPC Meeting: The 196th meeting of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission will be held on Tues., Oct. 23 at 10 a.m. at the Mt. Hope Community Hall, 104 N. Clinton St., McLean, Illinois. The meeting is open to the public. For more information, phone 217/785-8686.

NRAB Meeting: The IDNR Natural Resources Advisory Board will meet on Tues., Oct. 30 at 1 p.m. at the IDNR Headquarters, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield. The meeting is open to the public. For more information, phone 217/785-0075.

Halloween Party at ISM: Children are invited to attend "Where Are the Wild Things?" at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield on Sun., Oct. 28 from noon until 5 p.m. The annual Halloween party features magicians, jugglers, a wild bat cave, candy and prizes. Costumes are encouraged. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is $2 for trick-or-treaters and $1 for accompanying adults. The Illinois State Museum is located at the corner of Spring and Edwards Streets in the State Capitol Complex in Springfield. For more information, phone 217/782-5507.

Fall Wingshooting Clinics: The IDNR and partnering organizations host several wingshooting clinics for beginning shooters and experienced hunters this fall. The free youth/women’s clinics provide instruction for youngsters ages 10 - 15 with separate sessions for girls and women ages 10 and older. Instructors are certified by the National Sporting Clays Association. Hunter clinics are designed to enhance the wingshooting skills of women and men ages 16 and older. 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:
October 26-27 - Ten Mile Creek SFWA (Hamilton Co.), 618/643-2862
Upcoming Hunter’s clinics are:
October 6-7 - World Shooting and Recreational Complex (Randolph Co.), 217/785-8060
Oct. 13-14 - Hamilton County SFWA near McLeansboro, 618/773-4340

Giant City Fall Hikes: Come meet the trees of the forest and discover why leaves change color in the fall during one or all of the annual Leaf, Bark and Seed Hikes at Giant City State Park, Makanda. The hikes are from 10 a.m.-noon on Oct. 13, 20 and 27. Learn the ways trees are identified as their leaves disappear. Call the visitor center for more information at 618/457-4836.

Fort Massac Encampment: Plan to spend a day or the entire weekend at the annual Fort Massac Encampment at Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis, Oct. 20-21. The event provides visitors with a look at life in colonial and early American times at Fort Massac, which served as a military outpost along the Ohio River for personnel from France, Britain, the American colonies
and the early U.S. Hours for the free festival are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Oct. 20 and 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Oct. 21. For more information, phone 618/524-4712.

Pere Marquette Programs: Enjoy outdoor activities this fall at Pere Marquette State Park near Grafton in Jersey Co. Call the site office at 618/786-3323 for information on these programs and events:
Oct. 5, 12 and 19 - Night hike programs on owls (meet at Visitor Center at 8 p.m.).
Oct. 12 - Nature movies, Visitor Center from 5-7 p.m.
Oct. 13 - Six-mile park trail hike (meet at Visitor Center at 8:30 a.m.).
Oct. 19 and 26 - Awesome Autumn scenic drives (meet at Visitor Center at 2 p.m.; return 7 p.m.)

Starved Rock Fall Colors: Visitors are invited to Starved Rock State Park’s annual Fall Colors Weekend Oct. 20-21. Join guided hikes leaving from the Visitor Center beginning at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. to view the spectacular colors of fall. For more information, phone 815/667-5356.

ISM Film: “Sacred Spaces, The Houses of Worship Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright,” a film documenting Frank Lloyd Wright’s ten diverse houses of worship, will be shown at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield on Sun., Oct. 7, at 1:30 p.m. and again at 3:15 p.m. The film will be introduced by its narrator Michael Miner. The event is sponsored by the American Institute of Architects Illinois Springfield Section in conjunction with the Dana-Thomas House Foundation. The Illinois State Museum is located at 502 S. Spring Street (corner of Spring and Edwards streets in the State Capitol Complex) in Springfield. For more information, phone 217/782-7386.

ISM Program on Cahokia Mounds: “Recent Research and Improvements at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site” is the subject of a lecture at the Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St. in Springfield on Wed., Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. Archaeologist William Iseminger will summarize recent archaeological research at the site, the slump repair project on Monks Mound, and the management plans for adjoining properties that were recently acquired by the State of Illinois. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, phone 217/782-0061.

Underwater Monsters: The Illinois State Museum “Super Saturdays” program on Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. is entitled “Underwater Monsters.” Youngsters – especially those ages 4 to 8 – are encouraged to attend and learn about sharks, squids, and other prehistoric creatures found here millions of years ago when what is now Illinois was covered by a vast ocean. Parents and families are encouraged to participate. Registration is not required for the free Super Saturdays at the Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., Springfield. For more information, phone 217/782-6044.

I & M Canal Program: Dr. Dennis Cremin of Lewis University and Illinois State Museum Director Dr. Bonnie Styles will introduce "A Corridor in Time," a new Web resource designed for general public and high school audiences that features the natural and cultural history of the Illinois and Michigan Canal Corridor. Free CDs, flyers, and bookmarks will be available. The program will be held at the Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., Springfield from 10-11 a.m. on Sat., Oct. 20. For more information, phone the museum at 217/782-7386.

OutdoorIllinois: A riot of autumnal orange-colored turkey tail fungi is captured on the cover of the October issue of OutdoorIllinois, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ monthly magazine. Pick up a copy to discover how the state’s great natural resources inspire landowners to create and preserve habitat, and the work of biologists and volunteers to create Pheasant Habitat Areas, monitor populations of flathead catfish, and establish a national surveillance effort for highly pathogenic Asian H5N1 avian influenza in waterfowl. Also included are stories on the history of Illinois River duck hunting clubs, cemeteries, black bears, the annual wing bee, firearm deer season and hellbenders. Shoppers can jump-start their holiday gift purchases by making selections from DNR’s annual gift guide, containing an assortment of nature-related books for readers of all ages. OutdoorIllinois is a great tool for learning about Illinois' natural, cultural and recreational resources and a bargain at only $15 for a one-year, 12-issue magazine subscription. Call 1-800-720-3249 to subscribe. VISA and MasterCard are accepted.

Geology Field Trip at Pere Marquette: The Illinois State Geological Survey hosts a geology field trip of Pere Marquette State Park and the surrounding area in Jersey County on Sat., Oct. 20 beginning at 8:15 a.m. The registration fee is $10 per person (children 12 and younger are free) and advance registration is required by phoning 217/333-4747.

Book Signing: The Southern Illinois Art and Artisans Center at Rend Lake in Whittington will host the 5th annual Illinois Writers Book Signing event on Sun., Oct. 21 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Illinois authors will be signing books on topics ranging from Illinois history to folk lore. For more information, phone 618/629-2220.

Wildlife Scary Park: Visitors are invited to have a howling good time at the annual “Wildlife Scary Park” nights at Hazel and Bill Rutherford Wildlife Prairie State Park in Peoria County the evenings of Oct. 19-21 and Oct. 26-28 from 5-9 p.m. Wildlife Scary Park includes trick or treating, a haunted house, train rides through the “haunted” forest, and refreshments. Admission costs $5.50 per person and $3.50 for park members (children age one and younger are admitted free). For more information, phone 309/676-0998.

Halloween Event at Dickson Mounds: Youngsters and families are invited to the annual Children’s Halloween Event at the Dickson Mounds Museum near Lewistown on Sun., Oct. 28 from 1-4 p.m. The free event features holiday-theme crafts and refreshments. For more information, phone 309/547-3721.

New Illinois Trees Poster: The IDNR Division of Education has added another poster to the Illinois Flora, Fauna and Culture Series. "Illinois Trees: Volume II" depicts the leaf and fruit of 20 tree species commonly found in the state. Species descriptions and other information are accessible on the back of the 24" x 36" poster. Order it online at www.idnrteachkids.com. "Illinois Trees: Volume II" was made possible in part by a grant from the Illinois Conservation Foundation.

Beaver Dam Trapping: Two trapping permits will be awarded at a public drawing to be held Sat., Oct. 27 at the site headquarters of Beaver Dam State Park, 14548 Beaver Dam Lane, Plainview. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. at the park office and the drawing will be held at
11 a.m. Trapping will be permitted from the statewide opening until Jan. 25, 2008, except beaver trapping which is allowed through Mar. 31, 2008. A 2006 or 2007 trapping license or trapper education card will be required to register for the drawing. For more information, phone Beaver Dam at 217/854-8020.

Horseshoe Lake (Madison Co.) Trapping: Six trapping permits will be awarded at a public drawing to be held Mon., Oct. 29 at the site headquarters of Horseshoe Lake State Park, 3321 Highway 111, Granite City. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. at the park office and the drawing will be held at 11 a.m. Four permits will be allocated for Horseshoe Lake State Park that will be valid from the statewide opening with the exception that during waterfowl season, live traps and land sets only will be permitted. At the close of waterfowl season, all trapping will be permitted following statewide regulations. The remaining two permits will be allocated to the Gabaret, Mosenthein and Chouteau Island Area. Statewide regulations will be in effect for this area. Beaver trapping will be allowed for all areas through Mar. 31, 2008. A 2006 or 2007 trapping license or trapper education card will be required to register for the drawing. For more information about trapping opportunities, phone Horseshoe Lake at 618/931-0270.

Trapping Drawings: The IDNR will conduct drawings for trapping permits for a number of sites in southeast Illinois that will open for trapping beginning Nov. 10. Interested trappers must apply in advance of the drawings outlined below. Successful applicant(s) must have a valid trapping license and habitat stamp in addition to a site permit to trap at that site.
The lake at Beall Woods State Park will be opened for trapping with one permit to be allocated at a drawing to be held at 10 a.m. on Mon., Oct. 29 at the park office. Permit applicants must submit to the site office prior to the drawing their name, address, phone number, date of birth, and number of traps (water sets only) available for use. For additional information, phone Beall Woods at 618/298-2442 or the District Wildlife Biologist at 618/393-6732.
The lake at Sam Parr State Park will be opened for trapping with permits to be allocated at a drawing to be held at 7:30 p.m. on Mon., Oct. 29 at the park office. Permit applicants must submit to the site office prior to the drawing their name, address, phone number, date of birth, and number of traps (water sets only) available for use. For additional information, phone the Sam Parr office at 618/783-2661 or the District Wildlife Biologist at 618/393-6732.
Portions of Red Hills State Park and Chauncey Marsh State Natural Area will be opened for trapping with one permit for each site to be allocated at a drawing to be held at 10 a.m. on Wed., Oct. 31 at the park office. Permit applicants must submit to the site office prior to the drawing their name, address, phone number, date of birth, and number of dog-proof traps available for use. For additional information, phone Red Hills at 618/936-2469 or the District Wildlife Biologist at 618/393-6732.

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