IDNR Newsbits

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, IDNR, shares the following items of interest:

Firearm Deer Permits: Permit applications will be accepted until Aug. 19 for the third lottery drawing for 2016 Illinois firearm and muzzleloader deer permits.  

For details, check the IDNR website at www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/deer.  

Resident Archery Deer Permits: Resident combination and antlerless-only archery deer permits are available over-the-counter (OTC) from DNR Direct license and permit vendors. Find a vendor link here: http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/LPR/Pages/LicensePermitVendors.aspx. 

Fall Wild Turkey Shotgun Season: Hunters can apply through Aug. 22 for the second lottery for 2016 Illinois fall wild turkey shotgun season permits. 

Season dates are Oct. 22-30. Applications are available online at www.dnr.illinois.gov/online.

Online Dove Permits: Online applications are being accepted for Illinois free dove hunting permits.  

Hunters can apply on a first-come, first-served basis through Aug. 25 for any permits that remain.  

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.

Upland Game Permits: Hunters can apply through Aug. 31 for the Illinois 2016 free upland game hunt permit program.  

Applications must be made online, and successful applicants will receive a confirmation by mail.  

The online application information is available at this link: http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/uplandgame/Pages/OnlinePermitApplica...

Hike App: Visitors to Giant City State Park 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.