IDNR News Bits
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, IDNR, shares the following items of interest:
Firearm Deer Permit Applications
Resident and non-resident deer hunters can apply for the second lottery drawing for 2016 Illinois firearm deer and muzzleloader-only deer permits.
The deadline to apply for the second lottery is June 30.
For more information on deer hunting, check the website at www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/deer.
Online Dove Permits
Online applications will be accepted from resident Illinois hunters through July 1 for the first lottery for Illinois free dove hunting permits for hunting at select state sites.
Applications may be submitted for the second lottery by resident hunters who were unsuccessful in the first lottery, residents who did not apply in the first lottery, and non-resident hunters for the second lottery drawing from July 8-21.
After the second lottery permit application deadline on July 21, hunters may apply for remaining free dove permits on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 8 a.m. July 29 through Aug. 25.
For more information on dove hunting permit areas and free dove permits, check the IDNR website at http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/dove/Pages/default.aspx.
Boat Registration
IDNR reminds boat owners in Illinois to check their three-year boat registration/decal and renew their registration if it expires on June 30.
Renewing watercraft registration can be done online through the IDNR website at www.dnr.illinois.gov or by phone by calling 1-866-867-3542.
Illinois State Parks Guide
The 2016-17 Illinois State Parks guide is available in print and online.
The Illinois State Parks guide is posted on the IDNR website in PDF format at this link: http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/publications/documents/00000715.pdf
Copies of the state parks guide can be ordered through the IDNR online publications page: https://dnr.state.il.us/teachkids/ordertype.asp
Fall Turkey Applications
Resident Illinois hunters can apply online for permits for the Illinois fall shotgun turkey season (Oct. 22-30) at www.dnr.illinois.gov. The first lottery application deadline is July 4.
Hike App
Visitors to Starved Rock, Illinois Beach, Giant City and Pere Marquette State Parks can now take a guided hike on the parks’ most popular trails by downloading a new smartphone app.
Download the Prairie State Hike App for 99 cents from iTunes or Google Play.
Features of the app include a map, points of interest, audio for each stop, photographs and video.
To find state park trails, open the app and choose Illinois Department of Natural Resources from among the conservation organizations listed.