Lee Keck

It has been another disappointing season for Illinois fall firearm turkey hunters. And, some hunters are concerned that disappointing results from the annual fall firearm hunt may indicate tough times ahead for spring hunters. During the nine-day fall firearm season concluding on Oct. 29, hunter...

Area deer hunters are sighting-in shotguns, gathering hunting gear and anxiously preparing for the biggest event on the Illinois hunting calendar - the annual season opener of the firearm deer hunt. The first segment (three days) of the seven-day hunt begins Nov. 17 in Illinois counties open to firear...

Every once-in-awhile, I’ll recall one of my more memorable fishing trips. And, this particular outing with the so-called Fatman was one of those golden memories. As I recall, we hadn't been on the water more than ten minutes when Larry "Fatman" Fitch set his hook into one of Crab Orchard Lake'...

Though the official arrival of autumn shows a slightly cooler change in weather trends, more anglers are taking advantage of the excellent fishing currently found at each of Illinois' three large Corps of Engineer reservoirs. Reports from bait shops within the vicinity of each of these lakes show...

Illinois youths will be heading afield next weekend (Oct. 7 thru 9) for the annual Illinois Youth Deer Hunt. Unfilled Youth Permits are also valid during the first weekend of the Firearm Deer Season Nov. 17-19. This special hunt is set aside for youngsters possessing the valid $10.50 youth permit...

PLAINVIEW - Site personnel at Macoupin County's Beaver Dam State Park are preparing for what will likely be a very busy couple of months. If not already, the campground will be completely filled during the coming weekends, and even larger crowds are expected in the park beginning about the third...

While most area sportsmen are busy preparing to pursue deer, waterfowl or upland game, a handful of dedicated anglers are enjoying some of the finest crappie fishing action of the entire year. The months of September, October and November (and sometimes December) typically bring excellent fishing...

Most any successful turkey hunter will admit that fall hunting includes a combination of outdoor savvy, hunting skills and luck. Successful hunters usually possess some of each of these skills. Most everyone who travels back country roads in the winter has seen flocks of wild turkeys feeding in...

With the Sept. 1 dove season opener just days away, many area hunters are concerned that an early crop harvest may bring an premature end to much of the better action. As more crops are removed from the fields, it is possible that doves typically concentrated at many popular hunting areas will...

With most hunting opportunities in high demand, many wildlife experts are curious why more sportsmen do not take advantage of the bountiful squirrel populations found throughout the state. In addition, this often-overlooked game species is ideal for introducing youngsters to the...