Outdoor Notes from Chicago and Beyond
Wildlife Spotlight
Jim Dooley shared a unique wildlife sighting on Sunday, February 2. While walking on the David Kenney Trail in Carbondale, he spotted an armadillo just three feet away. He managed to snap a quick photo before it scurried away. Armadillos are slowly moving northward in Illinois, though they are still rare. If you see one in northern Illinois, consider reporting your sighting.
Unusual Animal Sightings
Help track wildlife by reporting any rare or unexpected animal sightings in your area.
Interesting Fact
It took only 17 minutes to reach the six-fish sturgeon quota on Black Lake in Michigan on February 1, marking the fastest sturgeon season ever. If you love fishing, this is an event worth attending at least once.
Upcoming Events
Bird Watching
- Feb. 14-17: Great Backyard Bird Count. Participate and help track bird populations. Learn more at audubon.org/community-science/great-backyard-bird-count.
Fishing Gatherings
- Feb. 11 (Tuesday): John Bette of Stealth Tackle will speak at Chicagoland Muskie Hunters, North Branch Pizza & Burger Co., Glenview, at 7:30 p.m.
- Feb. 12 (Wednesday): Darrell Toliver’s talk, “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” at Lake Geneva Fishing Club, Poplar Creek Bowl, Hoffman Estates, at 6 p.m.
- Feb. 13 (Thursday): Fisheries biologist Seth Love speaks at Riverside Fishing Club, Berwyn Moose Lodge 424, at 6:45 p.m.
Outdoor Shows & Events
- Feb. 8 (Today): DRiFT Fly Fishing Auction, Villa Park VFW
- Feb. 8 (Today): Ice Fishing Derby at Turtle Beach Marina, Antioch
- Feb. 9 (Sunday): Henry Decoy Show, Three Sisters Park, Chillicothe
- Feb. 12-16 (Wed-Sun): NWTF Convention & Sport Show, Nashville, TN
- Feb. 13-16 (Thu-Sun): Chicago RV & Camping Show, Rosemont
- Feb. 14-16 & 19-23: Indianapolis Boat, Sport, and Travel Show
- Feb. 14-16: Muskie Expo Milwaukee, West Bend, WI
- Feb. 15 (Saturday): Salmon Unlimited Swap Meet, River Grove
- Feb. 15 (Saturday): Fish Tales and Tackle Sales Swap Meet, La Porte, IN
Hunting & Fishing Permits
- Feb. 15 (Saturday): Squirrel and rabbit hunting seasons end
- Feb. 15 (Saturday): Last day to report windshield cards
Hunter Safety Courses
- March 8-9: Bridgeview, sign up at Bridgeview Park District or call (708) 594-1818.
- March 15-16: Diamond Indoor Trap Range
For the complete list of safety courses, visit dnr2.illinois.gov.
Boating Safety with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
- Feb. 15 (Saturday): Weekend Navigator, Villa Park (Contact Don Goff at [email protected])
- Feb. 15 (Saturday): Boat America Course, Fox Lake (Contact Winston Tumaneng at [email protected])
Stay safe and enjoy the outdoors!
