In Illinois, the Department of Natural Resources creates the fishing and hunting regulations and licensing requirements. It also provides hunters and anglers with valuable information and updates. In addition to resources provided directly from the Department of Natural Resources, the state sponsors the Game & Fish magazine, which offers specific information such as what is fished and hunted in the state, as well as the tactics used.
Birds
Birds hunted in Illinois include turkey, duck, goose, pheasant and dove. For to turkey hunters, the Game & Fish Department offers professional tips for public-land spring gobblers. Waterfowl such as ducks and geese are best found in the middle half of the state, which is called the Central Waterfowl Zone. Also, the state says that pheasant hunters should learn how to drive birds since pheasants retreat uphill when running for cover. There are over 100 public hunting grounds for mourning doves in the state.
Small Game
Rabbits, hares and squirrels are classified as small game in the state of Illinois. More specifically, bushytail squirrels and cottontail rabbits are found here. As small game like squirrels are sensitive to both sound and movement, it is best to hunt for them in areas where hickory trees are found since that is most likely where they can be found. More specifically, small game can be found in abundance Northwest Region 1 of the state, which includes cities such as Peoria and Rockford.
Hunting Tactics and Gear
According to Illinois Fish & GHunting Tactics & Gearame, hunting tactics and gear includes crossbows, guns and hunting dogs. Though guns and crossbows are most popular when hunting for big game such as the local whitetail deer, hunting dogs are commonly used in the quest for birds and small game. For instance, spaniels are crafty and successful in hunting quail. The state also provides hunters with tip for keeping hunting dogs safe from injury of being lost
Freshwater Fishing
Depending on the waters that are being fished, anglers in Illinois can fish for over ten different species of fish that include bass, crappie, catfish, walleye, striper and salmon. Pike, muskie, panfish and hybrid breeds can also be caught in Illinois. The types of bass available in the state include largemouth, small mouth, striped, white and hybrid breeds.
Fishing Tactics and Gear
There are specific tactics and gear for freshwater fishing in Illinois that include specific conditions such as ice fishing. Ice fishing for crappie is also referred to as catching hardwater crappie and knowing where to drill holes and how deep to fish are listed as two key elements for fishing for this breed under these conditions. Fishing gear includes motorized and non-motorized water craft and a wide variety of lures.
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