Property auction to benefit state Wildlife and
Fish Fund         

[MAY 7, 2005]  SPRINGFIELD -- From boats to fishing rods, bargains will abound as the Illinois Department of Natural Resources auctions its inventory of confiscated and abandoned property on June 25 at the Jack Perschbacher Service Center in Pawnee. Confiscated and abandoned property auctions are conducted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources approximately every five years.

"Anyone who loves a good old-fashioned auction should mark the date on their calendar," said Joel Brunsvold, director of the Department of Natural Resources. "This is a great opportunity to find unusual items at bargain prices."

As required by law, all proceeds from these auctions are deposited in the Illinois Wildlife and Fish Fund. The last auction, in 2001, netted $23,092.50. No firearms or vehicles will be sold.

Bidders' registration begins at 7 a.m., when the gates open, and the auction starts at 10. Potential bidders may inspect the merchandise beginning at 7 the day of the sale. The auction merchandise will not be available for inspection before that.

Property will be sold "as is" and all sales will be final. Payment may be in cash, cashier's check, money order or traveler's checks in increments of $100 or less. Personal or business checks also will be accepted if they are accompanied by a letter of credit from a bank stating that the bidder's credit is in good standing and that the bank will guarantee the check to a specific amount through a specific date. Such letters must be approved when registering. The state reserves the right to reject the payment or identification of any bidders if their acceptance appears not to be in the best interest of the state of Illinois. Buyers must take possession of their property immediately, and unclaimed items will be disposed of.

Pawnee is located 10 miles south of Springfield and three miles east of Interstate 55 on Route 104. The Jack Perschbacher Service Center is two blocks south of Route 104 on the west edge of Pawnee. Access to the facility will be through the gate at the east end, on 10th Street.

The following items will be offered:

• 4 fishing tackle boxes
• 81 commercial fishing hoop and trammel nets
• 80 steel leg-hold traps
• 140 sport fishing rods and reels
• 2 crossbows
• 19 compound bows
• 30 spotlights
• 120 assorted tree stands for deer hunting
• 2 canoes
• 8 small aluminum jon boats
• Meat butchering equipment
• 4 boxes of deer antler pieces
• Several dozen miscellaneous items related to outdoor sports

[Illinois Department of Natural Resources news release]