Bad weather hampers deer harvest in upper Illinois
By MVP Outdoors, Special to the Pekin Times (12/05/07)

Deer hunters in the upper half of the state did not fare as well as they would have liked this past weekend because of the bad weather. I was goose hunting in a heated blind in Victoria and it was nearly unbearable. The ice and wind was sharp as a knife, cutting to the bone, but it was still fun. The power was out in the area for most of the day and night. Cooking fresh back straps on the grill in an ice storm was a challenge, but boy, they sure made me forget about the hardships. It’s these type of experiences that put the spice and flavor into out outdoor experiences.

Enduring long periods of hardship for a moment of pure soul-satisfying excitement is what it’s about. There are primitive instincts that come alive within when we enjoy the great outdoors. When you’re in the wilderness, something as simple as a fire can bring unspeakable joy and comfort. Our outdoor adventures bring us back to the simple things and experiences to remember forever.

Early Success
Several times area hunters were successful on the opening weekend of firearms deer season. Among those reported were Earl Martin III of East Peoria, who took down a 15-point buck at Jubilee College State Park in Peoria. Meanwhile, 81-year-old Havana resident Rudy Stinauer dropped a 12-point buck in Knox County. Elsewhere, Kristie Knott of Mapleton landed an 11 point buck in Schuyler County, Jennica Joos of Deer Creek bagged a 7-point buck on opening day, and Tammy Jo Stetler of Glasford was also successful.

Hunter Safety Class
Dec. 17-18 – At the VFW in Pekin (pre-registration is required). Call 309-478-5340.

This ‘N’ That
• The Pekin Elks Club is collecting deer hides to help American veterans. The hides are to be made into gloves for wheelchair bound veterans and into leather kits for therapy for hospitalized veterans. Hides can be dropped off at the club’s lodge, 320 Derby Street. Further details available by calling 309-353-2522 or 309-353-3755.
• An archery deer bow hunting program for disabled hunters is being offered at Spring Lake Park. Register for a permit at the Macomb Park District Office. Open through archery season, closed during shotgun hunting. Call 309-833-4562 for details.
• Grand Prairie chapter of Pheasants Forever meets at 6:30 p.m. Dec 4 at Kenyon’s Place in Lacon. Further details are available at 309-493-5201.
• Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt Dec. 26-27 at private waterfowl hunting clubs in Peoria, Fulton and Knox counties. Ages 10-15 participation limited. Hunters selected by lottery drawing from phone-in registrations by Dec. 7. First time applicants given priority. Raffle tickets available at $10 each. Call 217-785-8060 between 8am-5pm weekdays.
• Kickapoo Creek Supply will pick up fur this fall on Dec 8, 15, 22, and 29 and Jan 5 at American Sports in Havana, 1:45-2:15pm and at Presley’s Outdoors in Bartonville, 3:30-4:15pm. Call 309-446-3137.
• Snow mobile safety classes Saturday at Wataga fire station. Call 309-344-2554 or 375-6884.
• NRA pistol class offered Dec. 12-13, 15 at the Chillicothe Sportmen’s Club. Applications for Florida carry permits cost $60. Call 309-697-5992 or 696-08656.