Every 26 seconds a driver somewhere in the United States collides with a deer.

That sombering assessment comes from State Farm Insurance’s accident claims over the past two years which estimate 2.4 million collisions between deer and vehicles nationwide  The report covers the period from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2009.

In Illinois, the number of deer-vehicle collisions is up three percent from five years ago, according to the report. That compares with an 18.3 percent increase nationwide.
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Several thousand rainbow trout will be stocked at Bird Park Quarry in Kankakee for the Oct. 17 opening of the trout season.

Bird Park is only local site where trout will be stocked this fall. It is one of  37 sites statewide where 70,000 six-inch or larger trout will be available according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
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A few days ago I received an e-mail from Becky Wilder of Bourbonnais that began, “I seem to remember you being somewhat of a spider ‘expert’…”

Right there I knew I was in trouble.  About the only thing that I’m  ‘expert’ at is knowing what I’m not an expert on.

But because The Daily Journal bills me as its Outdoor Editor, readers think that I can answer most questions about critters and nature.  I try to live up to those expectations.

But back to Becky’s query.

“I ran across a creature in my back yard over the weekend that (a) frightened the hell out of me, and (b) has me a little worried not knowing what to make of it.

“My main concern is any kind of venom,” Becky said. “I have the good sense to stay the heck away from it. My dogs do not.”
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Ever wanted to voice your views on how the state’s natural and recreational resources should be managed?

Well now you have your chance.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is offering an on-line survey on issues such as public access, youth outdoor nature-related activities, and options to fund conservation and outdoor recreation programs.

The survey’s results will be discussed when the Illinois Conservation Congress’ meets on Oct. 24 and 25 to make recommendations.

That means its an important survey for anyone who is interested in outdoor recreation.

“It is a short survey but like all surveys, the key is to have lots of participation,” says Rich Howell, conservation manager for the Kankakee County Soil and Water Conservation District.

“A lot of the questions seem broad, but its important to let them know what you think,” said J. R. Black, chairman of the Kankakee River Basin Partnership.

Click HERE  to take the survey and for more information on Conservation Congress.

Post a comment here after you take the survey and let us know how you would manage and fund outdoor recreation.

Fall fishing is arriving about two weeks early on the Kankakee River.

As proof check out this nice 9-pound, 29-inch-long walleye taken by Jon    Gilbert early today. Gilbert was fishing a X-Rap along the Kankakee River just east of Momence. The X-Rap produces an erratic action in the water than generally will trigger a solid strike.

The photo comes courtesy of Mike Lee at Frank’s Bait on the Dixie Highway in Momence.

The river is running low, slow and clear and it looks that those idea conditions will continue well into next week.

With the arrival of prime hunting and fishing seasons The Outdoor Journal is inviting sportsmen to share their photos and stories on this blog. Submission can be e-mail to: bbyrns@daily-journal.com.  We will try to post as many as we receive and some may make our regular Friday Outdoors print edition.

Submissions from Kankakee, Iroquois, Will, Ford, Grundy and Livingston counties as well as from Jasper, Newton and Lake counties in Indiana are welcome.

Fall’s new ‘Free Fishing Day’ coincides with Kankakee River Clean Up

Families are being offered a “free fishing day” at Illinois’ state parks  as part of this month’s  “It’s Our River Day” celebration.

A fishing license will not be required on Sept. 19 to wet a line at any state park. The family-friendly promotion falls on the same day as another local “River Day” event, the annual Kankakee and Iroquois Rivers Clean Up.

“We hope events like ‘It’s Our River Day’ will spark interest in our youth and introduce a new generation to the joy of fishing and the beauty of our state parks,” said Department of Natural Resources director Marc Miller.

“This is a great opportunity for mom and dad or grandma and grandpa to take their kids or grandkids fishing without having to pay for and obtain a fishing license,” Miller said.

The “free fishing day” applies to residents and non-residents alike. License free fishing applies only within the boundaries of state parks, natural areas or fish and wildlife areas. The waiver does not include fishing the Illinois portion of Lake Michigan or river sections outside state park boundaries.

Locally the date is also being celebrated by volunteers who will be pitching in to help with the annual Kankakee and Iroquois Rivers Clean Up set for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 19.

Clean Up volunteers can register that day to clean up their favor section of  the stream. Registration stations are located at Momence Island Park, Shamrock Golf Course, Aroma Park boat launch, Beckman Park boat launch, Bird Park boat launch, the Bradley-Bourbonnais Sportman Club, the Kankakee Sportsman Club at 4751 W.7000N Rd Bourbonnais and at the Kankakee River State Park concession stand.

For information on the Clean Up call Barb Thomas at (815) 939-2675  or (815) 953-8822.

The first five permit-only days of dove season saw a decline in hunters despite mild weather at the Kankakee River State Park shooting grounds along Illinois Route 113.

A total of 168 hunters fired 2,073 shells to bag 337 doves during the permit hunt. Opening day  on Tuesday, Sept. 1, saw the best results with 41 hunters taking 170 doves. That day also racked up the most shells fired at 1,028 according to park superintendent Kathy Pangle.

The dove decline may be partially due to a cold, wet spring which delayed planting at some of the park’s sunflower fields. Some areas along the river had flower ripe and heavy with seed while others were just starting to open.

Squirrel season opens Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the state park. Hunters must sign in and out and must report their harvest. Dove and squirrel hunting will continue along the south side of the river through Sept. 30. Hunting hours are noon to sunset.

Youngsters and their parents now have a new way to learn about outdoor youth activities close to home and thoroughout Illinois.

The Illinois Department of  Natural Resources has launched an on-line CALENDAR of youth activities that includes programs at the Kankakee River State Park and at other state parks and facilities around the state.

“Youth recruitment is a top priority of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources,” said IDNR Director Marc Miller. “Many children today suffering from “nature deficit disorder” and one reason for that may be that parents simply aren’t aware or don’t know where to look for outdoor opportunities. This calendar is an easy tool to quickly see the many different types of activities available close to home.”

The calendar, which is located on the DNR website, contains information on upcoming programs, educational opportunities as well as links to other resources. By logging on, you can also sign up for e-mail announcements that will alert you to upcoming youth events in your area.

“There is nothing more important than fostering a love and appreciation of the outdoors in our youth,”said IDNR Assistant Director, John Rogner. “We hope  that this calendar will help us grow a new generation of conservation stewards in Illinois.”

Here are some new hunting updates for our area from Springfield.

Resident Archery Permits:  Illinois resident deer and turkey hunters can now purchase 2009 Illinois Archery Deer Hunting permits (combination archery and antlerless-only archery permits) and turkey fall archery permits  are now available.

Permits can be purchased over-the-counter from DNR Direct permit sale locations and through the DNR Direct online system by clicking the Online Licenses button on the IDNR Web site.  The archery deer and turkey seasons open Oct. 1.

Des Plaines SFWA Permits:   Hunters interested in archery deer hunting at Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area can call and arrange to pick up the 2009 archery deer hunting parking permits for the site thru Nov. 30 at the site office located at 24621 North River Road, Wilmington, IL 60481. 

Hunters who want a parking permit for Des Plaines SFWA must call the site office at 815/423-5326 in advance to make an appointment to obtain the permit.  Archery deer hunters wanting a parking permit are required to have a 2009 hunting license and habitat stamp.

Youth Firearm Deer Hunt:  The Illinois Youth Either-Sex Firearm Deer Hunt is Oct. 10-11.  Permits for this season will be available over-the-counter from DNR Direct license and permit vendors beginning in mid-September.

While there is not state-sponsored youth deer hunt in The Daily Journal area, the Kankakee Valley Park District does offer a limited youth archery deer program at River Road for those youngsters who qualify. For more information, call the park district office at  (815) 939-1311

Click HERE for a list of Illinois’ public hunting areas open for the Youth Either-Sex Firearm Deer Hunt.

    * (Editor’s Note: Updated to correct squirrel season information that appeared in Friday’s print edition of The Daily Journal’s Outdoor section.)

Several hunting seasons begin on Tuesday, Sept. 1, with the early Canada goose and dove hunts.
The early goose hunt runs through Sept. 15 with a daily limit of five birds.

Teal season is Sept. 5 to 20 with a daily limit of four birds.

Squirrel season opens Sept. 8 at the Kankakee River State Park and at the Momence Wetlands. The season continues through Sept. 30 with sign in and out required at the Area 6 check station. (An earlier post incorrectly listed the check-in/out as Area 3.) Hunters must must report their shotgun harvest.

Friday’s print edition incorrectly merged some dove permit regulations and incorrect dates  into the squirrel season information.  At Kankakee and Momence, the squirrel season runs from the day after Labor Day, Sept. 8 through Sept. 30. I appologize for the error.

Squirrel hunting is by permit-only on Sept. 1 to 5 and on first-come basis from Sept. 6 to 30 at Kankakee River State Park.

Hunters got an early start at the Iroquois County State Wildlife Area which opened for squirrel season on Aug. 1. The squirrel season  there ends Sept. 30.

Monday is the last day to apply on-line for free upland game permits. Go to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources WEB site and click on the Hunting link.

Archery deer hunters can arrange for parking permits at the DesPlaines Conservation Area and at Heidecke Lake. Check in with the respective offices. The permits allow hunters to begin scouting hunting locations.