The Villagers Voice

"Your Voice That Bridges The Area Communities Together."

October Newsbits from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

by

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is sharing the following upcoming events and noteworthy items for October. State parks, historic sites, and museums have events throughout the month, and the fall is a great time to explore the outdoors and the start of hunting season. October is National Hunting and Fishing Month.
Oct. 1
Fall archery deer and turkey hunting opens
Statewide
Fall archery hunting for deer and turkey opens statewide. Learn more about season regulations and dates on the Hunt Illinois website.
Oct. 1
Creepy Crawlies
Volo Bog State Natural Area
McHenry | McHenry County
Learn about, observe, and meet live snakes, spiders and insects. Follow Volo Bog State Natural Area on Facebook for additional details.

[Read more...]

White County Hunter Safety Course Offered, Registration Started

by

Area residents will have an opportunity to learn the basic principles of safe hunting by participating in the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Hunter Safety Certification Course.

New this year! The course will be offered in a two-day workshop format:

  • Friday, August 14 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, August 15 | 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Classes will be held at the University of Illinois Extension Office. [Read more...]

USDA Announces $52 Million to Boost Public Access to Private Lands for Hunting and Fishing

by

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing $52 million to help state and tribal governments encourage private landowners to allow public access to their land for hunting, fishing and other wildlife-dependent recreation through the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP). USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications through June 8, 2026 on Grants.gov for this program that benefits landowners and the public.

“The Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program is a critical source of funding for increasing public access to private lands for hunting and fishing, while also supporting farmers and contributing to habitat conservation efforts,” said NRCS Chief Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt. “This program is about opportunities for landowners and the public.” [Read more...]

Area hunters can earn safety certification

by

Area residents will have an opportunity to learn basic principles of safe hunting at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources hunter safety certification course. Participants must attend all 10 hours of instruction to complete the course and receive their safety certification.

Trying something new this year!  The course will be offered in a day and a half time period, and participants must attend all 10 hours: 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 6 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 7 at the University of Illinois Extension Office in Carmi. [Read more...]

Illinois bobcat season concludes with 649 harvested

by

The 2024-2025 Illinois bobcat season concluded Feb. 15 with 649 bobcats harvested by hunters and trappers.

A total of 415 (61.6%) of bobcats were taken by hunting, while trapping accounted for 234 (34.7%) of the harvest. Twenty-five (3.7%) were salvaged by permit holders from circumstances such as roadkill.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) issued 2,000 bobcat permits in the 2024-2025 bobcat lottery out of 9,200 applicants. [Read more...]

Area hunters can earn safety certification at March Class

by

Area residents will have an opportunity to learn basic principles of safe hunting at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources hunter safety certification course. Participants must attend all 10 hours of instruction to complete the course and receive their safety certification.

The course will be offered in three times and participants must attend all three sessions: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 4; 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 6; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 8 at the University of Illinois Extension Office in Carmi. [Read more...]

Area hunters can earn safety certification

by

Area residents will have an opportunity to learn basic principles of safe hunting at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources hunter safety certification course. Participants must attend all 10 hours of instruction to complete the course and receive their safety certification.

The course will be offered in three times and participants must attend all three sessions: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 5; 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 7; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 9 at the University of Illinois Extension Office in Carmi. [Read more...]

Connect With Us

Facebook
Twitter

Categories

Front Page
News
4H News
Charlies Voice
ENFIELD News
The Book Report
Our History