IDNR reminds dove hunters to scout sites

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, IDNR, is reminding the state’s dove hunters to scout sites before applying for permits.

Some hunting areas were unable to plant sunflowers due to an unusually cool, wet spring, IDNR noted.

“Unfortunately, this spring’s weather just didn’t cooperate with our typical sunflower planting schedule,” IDNR chief of parks Ryan Prehn said in a news release. 

“In fact, only a small percentage of sunflowers were planted on time and, at some hunting areas, park staff were unable to plant sunflowers at all. In many cases, our staff has planted alternative crops instead.”

While dove sites will still be available, Prehn said there may not be an active crop in the fields and the agency wanted to let them know so they could plan accordingly.

“When it comes to managing natural areas, weather challenges come with the territory,” Prehn said. 

“When we encounter those challenges, we do the best we can, but it does mean that concessions have to be made. That’s why we’re asking hunters to scout sites before permit drawings so they know the conditions of the fields.”

As of July 1, many of the alternative crops had been planted. 

IDNR shared an update about sites which have been affected by delayed or canceled sunflower planting.

The update included information about IDNR sites in the region. The area sites, whether or not sunflowers were planted, and contingency crops which have been planted, included:

Union County: No sunflowers. Proso millet planted as contingency crop.

Cape Bend: No sunflowers. Wheat and buckwheat planted.

Dixon Springs: Sunflowers planted. Annual weeds mowed.

Giant City: No sunflowers. Annual weeds mowed.

Horseshoe Lake SFWA: No sunflowers. Proso millet planted.

Pyramid: No sunflowers. Proso millet planted.

Skinner Farm: No sunflowers. Annual weeds mowed.

For more information on dove hunting in Illinois, visit https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/DoveHunting.aspx.