Illinois Mixed Bag: Fall turkey hunters break harvest record – Outdoor News

Springfield — Hunters in Illinois harvested a record 1,045 turkeys during the 2024-2025 fall archery turkey season. The total compares last year’s harvest of 803 and the five-year average of 763.

The previous record total for fall archery season was in 2015 when 851 turkeys were taken.

This season 27,422 permits were sold (excluding landowner permits) compared to 25,741 for the 2023-2024 season. The season dates were Oct. 1, 2024, through Jan. 19, 2025, and all 102 counties were open for hunting.

Harvest reports were 51% male and 49% female compared to 54% males and 46% hens last year. A total of 62% of hunters reported using crossbows versus 37% using compound bows and 1% using traditional bows.

The top five counties for fall archery wild turkey harvest this season were Fayette, 37; Jefferson, 28; Pike, 25; Marion, 24; and Jo Daviess, 23.

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DNR SEEKING CAMPGROUND HOSTS AT MANY SITES

Springfield — DNR is seeking campground hosts for the 2025 camping season for state parks, recreation areas, and historic sites across Illinois. Campground hosting is a perfect position for anyone who enjoys camping and helping other people. Hosts are often the first face to greet state park visitors. Campground hosts have the privilege of free camping in their own RVs, motor homes, or trailers at designated spots within state parks.

“Above all, the quality all campground hosts possess is a passion for working with the public,” said Calvin Beckmann, chief of parks and recreation for DNR. “If hosting sounds appealing to you, we would love to hear from you.”

The following DNR sites currently have host positions available:

Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area, Fox Ridge State Park, Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area, Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area, Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area, Illini State Park, Starved Rock State Park, Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, the World Shooting and Recreation Complex, Hidden Springs State Forest, Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area, Prophetstown State Park, and Rock Cut State Park.

Anyone interested in being a campground host can complete and submit a campground host program packet found on the DNR website.

COPI PROVIDED OPPORTUNITY FOR BRANDING AT EXPO

Springfield —The Illinois State Insect is getting more attention by federal officials. Monarch butterflies, known for their long-distance migration and for a recent population decline, is the topic of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protection proposal. The USFWS had been encouraging input from the public on a proposal to list the species as threatened. The public comment period ended March 12.

USFWS said it will evaluate comments and any additional information to determine whether to list the butterfly.

According to a report by WTTW in Chicago, the monarch population has rebounded from a near record low number in 2024. But while the numbers for the 2024-25 hibernation season are nearly double last year’s, the tally still remains well below the target scientists have set for maintaining a sustainable monarch population. Researchers estimate the size of the monarch population by measuring the area of forest the butterflies occupy at their winter sites in Mexico. This year, the butterflies spanned 4.42 acres, up from 2.22 acres in 2023-24. The recommended threshold for supporting a healthy monarch population is closer to 15 acres.

DNR LOOKING FOR SUMMER FISHING INSTRUCTORS

Springfield — DNR is accepting applications for instructors for 2025 summer fishing clinics at locations throughout Illinois for the department’s Urban Fishing Program. Fishing instructors are the department’s boots on the ground at free clinics hosted in communities throughout Illinois. These are temporary positions not to exceed six months, making them perfect for teachers, retirees, students, and others who are eager to help people learn about fishing skills and ecology.

“Fishing is a great way for families to spend time together outdoors, and our clinics give thousands of young people an opportunity to experience the fun of fishing every summer,” said Mike McClelland, chief of fisheries for DNR. Available spots are based in Boone, Champaign, Jackson, Jefferson, Macon, Madison, McLean, Peoria, Rock Island, Sangamon, and St. Clair counties. Numerous spots also are available for Cook County and the northeastern part of Illinois. The deadline to apply is approaching quickly. To learn more about the positions, qualifications and how to apply, visit https://bit.ly/IDNRjobs.

Look for positions titled “conservation education representative.”

ALLERTON PARK UNDER NEW CAMPUS DIVISION

Springfield — The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has announced the creation of a new administrative unit – the Division of Parks and Natural Spaces – to oversee Allerton Park and Retreat Center and the Illinois Arboretum.

Headed by current Allerton Executive Director Derek Peterson, DPNS will ensure long-term sustainability of these public recreational spaces by focusing on conservation and community engagement.

The creation of DPNS means the 160-acre Arboretum in Urbana will move back under campus management after 20 years of stewardship by the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. Since its inception in 1989, the Arboretum has been a living laboratory for students throughout the university, providing a space for hands-on learning and research, as well as a place for the entire community to experience the benefits of being in nature.

Source: https://www.outdoornews.com/2025/03/18/illinois-mixed-bag-fall-turkey-hunters-break-harvest-record/