IDNR Newsbits – September 2019

[September 11, 2019]    Bobcat Permits: Hunters and trappers may apply for a 2019-2020 Illinois Bobcat Hunting and Trapping Permit online through Sept. 30.

Applicants must submit a $5.00 non-refundable fee. A total of 1,000 permits will be allocated during a lottery and mailed to successful applicants. Successful applicants who receive a permit for the 2019-2020 season will NOT be able to receive a permit the next year to allow unsuccessful applicants a better chance to get a permit. The area open to bobcat hunting and trapping for the 2019-2020 season will be the boundary from the 2016-2017 season (see the map on Page 44 of the Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations -  https://www. dnr.illinois.gov /hunting/ Documents/Hunt TrapDigest.pdf ). Season dates are Nov. 10, 2019 through Feb. 15, 2020. Bobcat hunting is closed during firearm deer season in counties open to firearm deer hunting. Bobcat research projects in central and southern Illinois are ongoing. IDNR asks that successful permit holders submit the lower jaw from harvested bobcats for this research. Details will be included with the permits. IDNR appreciates the cooperation from hunters and trappers in efforts to learn more about bobcat populations in Illinois. To apply for a 2019-2020 bobcat permit, go to the DNR Direct license and permit system at https:// www.il.wildlife license.com/ start.php.

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 at https://www.dnr .illinois.gov/LPR/ Pages/License PermitVendors.aspx

Non-Resident Archery Deer Permits: Illinois Non-Resident Archery Deer combination permits are available over-the-counter (OTC) from DNR Direct license and permit vendors. The Illinois Archery Deer Season is Oct. 1, 2019 through Jan. 19, 2020 (except closed during firearm deer season in counties open to firearm deer hunting).

Adventures in Bird Banding: The Illinois State Museum in Springfield will host the monthly Paul Mickey Learning Series program Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 7:00 p.m. featuring Lincoln Land Community College Biology Professor Tony Rothering discussing the purpose and methodology of capturing and banding birds. The program is free and open to the public in the Museum auditorium. For additional information, contact [e-mail] or call 217-558-6696.

Tot Time at Dickson Mounds: Kids will learn about ancient music and instruments during the September edition of “Tot Time” at Dickson Mounds Museum near Lewistown Thursday, Sept. 5 from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Admission is free. The 2019 Tot Time program series is sponsored by Spoon River Electric’s Operation Round-up grant, Canton Chamber of Commerce, Havana National Bank, Lewistown American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Bishop Post #1, Lewistown VFW Post 5001 Auxiliary, Rusty Melhouse of Edward Jones, and Jeff and Linda Sisson of Havana. Call 309-547-3721 for more information.

Youth Deer Permits: Resident and non-resident Illinois Youth Firearm Deer permits are available over-the-counter (OTC) from DNR Direct license and permit vendors. The Youth Deer Hunt is Columbus Day weekend, Oct. 12-14, 2019.

Firearm Deer Permits: Over-the-counter sales of remaining 2019 Illinois Firearm Deer Permits will begin on Oct. 15. Permits will be sold until quotas are exhausted or until the close of the season, whichever occurs first. Individual hunters can purchase one or more permits beginning Oct. 15, subject to availability.

Fall into Fall Super Saturday: Fall represents a shift in seasons bringing cooler weather, changing leaves, and shorter days. It also brings apple picking, pumpkin carving, and hayrack rides. Learn about the science and art of fall through crafts, games, and activities at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield during the “Fall into Fall” Super Saturday family event Saturday, Sept. 7 from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. For additional information, call 217-782-6044. Super Saturdays at the Illinois State Museum are sponsored by Bank of Springfield.

Coffeen Lake SFWA Youth Deer Drawing: A drawing will be conducted Saturday, Sept. 7 at 10:00 a.m. at Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area for three youth to hunt deer during the 2019 Illinois Youth Firearm Deer Season on Oct. 12-14. The youth hunt will take place at the Coffeen Lake SFWA Upland Management Area. Participating youth must have a valid Montgomery County permit for the 2019 Illinois Youth Firearm Deer Hunt. To be eligible for the drawing, qualifying youth must submit a 3” x 5” postcard with the youth’s name, date of birth, IDNR customer number (from the youth’s hunting license if available), mailing address, and contact phone number to the Coffeen Lake SFWA site office by the time of the drawing Sept. 7. The mailing address to apply for the drawing is: Coffeen Lake SFWA, PO Box 517, Coffeen, IL 62017. Those successful applicants in the drawing will have until Sept. 30 to apply for and report their Montgomery County Youth Firearm Deer Permit number to the Coffeen Lake SFWA site office.

Learn French Creole Story of Illinois: Lewis and Clark State Historic Site will host a special program on the unique French Creole culture of Illinois as historian and musician Dennis Stroughmatt will use folk tales and fiddle music to explore this critical piece of early Illinois history. The presentation “In French Fiddle Tunes and Tall Tales: The French Creole Story of Illinois” will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Sun., Sept. 8 at the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, located at 1 Lewis and Clark Trail in Hartford, Illinois.

Sandburg Songbag in Galesburg: Barry Cloyd returns to perform at the Carl Sandburg Songbag Concert Series at the Carl Sandburg State Historic Site in Galesburg Sunday, Sept. 8. This multifaceted musician will be performing an eclectic mix of blues, folk, original, and roots tunes. The performance will be in the Sandburg site’s barn at 313 E. Third Street in Galesburg. The show starts at 4 p.m. A donation of $5 per person is suggested. The concert is sponsored by the Carl Sandburg Historic Site Association and the IDNR.

INPC Meeting: The 233rd meeting of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission will be held Tuesday, Sept. 10 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Douglas-Hart Nature Center, 2204 Dewitt Avenue East, Mattoon. The meeting is open to the public. For more information, call the INPC at 217-785-8686.

Public Duck and Goose Hunting Area Permits: Hunters may apply online for the Illinois 2019 Public Duck and Goose Hunting Area Permit program. The second lottery application period deadline is Sept. 14 for those unsuccessful resident applicants from the first lottery, residents who didn’t apply in the first lottery, and non-residents. The third lottery application period (open to everyone) will be Sept. 15-28. For more information: https:// www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/ waterfowl/ Pages/OnlinePermitApplication.aspx

Oil and Gas Advisory Board: The Illinois Oil and Gas Advisory Board will meet Thursday, Sept. 12 at 10:00 a.m. at the Illinois Oil and Gas Association, 824 Ill. Rt. 15, Mt. Vernon. For more information, phone [phone].

Music at the Museum: Acoustic blues musician Ivas John performs as part of the monthly “Music at the Museum” concert series at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield Thursday, Sept. 12 at 7:00 p.m. John’s story is as unique as his music. Born as a first generation Lithuanian American into a music-loving Chicago home, John’s earliest influences came from European folk dancing, melodies hammered out on the family piano, and playing trumpet in the school band. John’s most recent project, “Good Days A Comin,” put him on the map in the world of acoustic music with a vision of what pure folk and country blues music should sound like. Tickets will be available at the door. For more information on the featured acts and a full series schedule, visit www.museum concerts.com.
 

Mount Pulaski Fall Festival: Join the Mount Pulaski Courthouse State Historic Site in celebrating the annual Mount Pulaski Fall Festival Sept. 13 and 14, with many of the festival activities centered around the Courthouse Square. There will be food and craft vendors and beer tents, contests, kids’ activities and special history events at the Mount Pulaski Courthouse State Historic Site. The Courthouse will be open from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13 and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14. The Courthouse will be closed during the Fall Festival Parade, scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. Saturday.

Paddle the Preserve at Emiquon: Canoe or kayak within the Emiquon Preserve Complex Saturday, Sept. 14 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Enjoy wildlife viewing and learning about wetland restoration efforts and current scientific research. Participants may bring their own canoe or kayak (including paddling gear, life jackets, sunscreen). Participants may also reserve a seat in one of three Voyageur canoes that hold more than a dozen people. To register, call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 309-535-2290 by Sept. 11.

Cruise-In at Davis Mansion: All makes and models of vehicles from antique to modern are welcome at the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site in Bloomington Saturday, Sept. 14 for the annual Cruise-In event on the mansion grounds. Hours for the show are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. In addition to cars and trucks, Cruise-In participants may bring more unusual vehicles such as a boats, motorcycles or tractors. Dash Plaques for the first 100 vehicles will be provided by State Farm agent Chris Mizell. Music will be provided by Back@tcha and food concessions will be sold by Redbird Catering. The Davis Mansion and gardens will be open for walk-through tours. Docents and gardeners will be available for questions. There is no entry fee for vehicle participants. The event is co-sponsored by the Midstate Cruisers and the David Davis Mansion Foundation. A donation of $5 per person is suggested. The David Davis Mansion State Historic Site is located at 1000 Monroe Drive, Bloomington. It is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for public tours.

Davis Mansion Evening Concert: The David Davis Mansion State Historic Site is proud to present a concert by the 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band Saturday, Sept. 14 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the mansion grounds in Bloomington. In 1996, musicians from Central Illinois recreated the Civil War era band that was mustered at Illinois State Normal University in 1861. The band addresses the history of Civil War era brass bands and the evolution of brass instruments. The musicians’ uniforms are sewn from wool fiber and are authentic in every detail. The David Davis Mansion Foundation will host an ice cream social during the concert, providing ice cream and toppings. Visitors are invited to bring their lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of music and comradery on the grounds of the historic Davis Mansion.

Wild India Program at the Illinois State Museum: Join adventurers, naturalists, and photographers Michael Jeffords and Susan Post as they explore northern India in search of snow leopards, tigers, rare rhinos, and much more during a special presentation “Wild India: Tales and Photos from an Extraordinary Trip to Northern India” at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield Thursday, Sept. 19. A reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. with food and beverages available for purchase, and the presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. The event is presented by the Springfield Audubon Society, Lincoln Memorial Garden, Illinois State Museum, and Illinois Audubon Society. For more information, phone [phone].

Camping Reservations: Make campsite and shelter reservations for many IDNR sites online through the Reserve America website at www.reserveamerica.com using a credit card.

“Museum Day Live!”: The Illinois State Museum in Springfield is participating in Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day Live. Visit http://smith sonian.com/ museumday  to print a voucher for two free adult admission tickets to the Illinois State Museum that may be used Saturday, Sept. 21. Reminder: Child and senior admission are always free at the Illinois State Museum.

Remarkable Raptors at the Illinois State Museum: Celebrate birds of prey including owls, eagles, falcons, and more at the “Remarkable Raptors” family event at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield Saturday, Sept. 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Live bird programs will be presented by the Illinois Raptor Center at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sept. 21 also is Smithsonian Magazine’s “Museum Day Live!” event, so go online at http:// smithsonian. com/museumday  to print a voucher for two free adult admission tickets to the Illinois State Museum (child and senior admission is always free). The “Remarkable Raptors” event is sponsored by Bank of Springfield.

Museum After Hours: “Superheroes” is the theme for the Illinois State Museum’s “Museum After Hours” event Friday, Sept. 27 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Springfield. Enjoy music, food, games, trivia, and displays – and costumes are encouraged. Wine from West of Wise Winery and beer from Obed and Isaac’s will be available and the Nuthatch Hill BBQ food truck will have food for sale. Tickets are $10 for ISM Society members and $15 for non-members and include one beverage. Additional beverages and food will be available for purchase. Visit bit.ly/mahsep19 for tickets or purchase at the door. All event proceeds support educational programs at the Illinois State Museum.

[Illinois Office of Communication and Information]