Conservation Congress is step in right direction

By Les Winkeler, The Southern

A newly revived Illinois Conservation Congress met Saturday in Springfield to discuss conservation funding, outdoor recreational access to public and private lands and youth recruitment and retention.

Oct 30, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Outdoors Calendar

OCTOBER

Oct 30, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

'The wolf of the water'

By Les Winkeler, The Southern

There is a sense of reverence, a touch of awe, in Scott Donovan's voice when he talks about hooking a muskie.

Oct 23, 2009 | 1:00 am | Loading…

Waterfowl Count 10-23

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources conducted its first Southern Illinois aerial waterfowl survey Tuesday.

Oct 23, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Unexpected trip to Ferne Clyffe becomes a delight

Seeing the sun for the first time in what seemed like a month, visions of greens and fairways were dancing in my head Sunday afternoon.

Oct 23, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Du Quoin's Furry has big dreams

By Les Winkeler, The Southern

DU QUOIN - Fifteen-year-old Taelor Furry of Du Quoin is passionate about her sport.

Oct 09, 2009 | 1:00 am | Loading…

Fishing Report 10-9

Crab Orchard - Fishing is good across the board. Crappie are moving slightly shallower, in the four to six foot range. Minnows and jigs are equally effective. Bass action has improved. Catfish are being caught in fair numbers. Cut bait and stink baits are both effective. The area east of …

Oct 09, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Documentary reminds of nature’s beauty

By Les Winkeler, The Southern

Most evenings last week were spent watching Ken Burns' latest documentary, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea."

Oct 09, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

More bike trails coming to Southern Illinois

By Les Winkeler, The Southern

Construction should begin within the year on three proposed new bicycle trails in Southern Illinois.

Oct 02, 2009 | 1:00 am | Loading…

Fall is a depressing time of year

By Les Winkeler, The Southern

I can't help it. Fall is depressing.

Oct 02, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Fishing Report 10-2

Crab Orchard - Fishing has been slow. Anglers are taking some crappie. Minnows are the primary bait. Fish are starting to move into slightly shallower water with the cooler weather. Most fish are holding in five to six feet of water. Anglers are taking some catfish on a variety of live ba…

Oct 02, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Getting in shape makes for a healthy hunt

By Les Winkeler, The Southern

With deer season right around the corner, hunters should start thinking about the benefits of shedding some extra pounds to prepare for the hunt.

Sep 25, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

A healthy hunter is a good hunter

By Les Winkeler, The Southern

I should have thought of that years ago.

Sep 24, 2009 | 11:45 pm | Loading…

Fishing Report 9-25

Crab Orchard - Crappie action has improved during the past week. Some fish have moved over brush in deeper water. Minnows and jigs are equally effective. Other species have slowed during the past week. Some catfish are being caught on a variety of natural baits. A few bass are being caugh…

Sep 24, 2009 | 11:45 pm | Loading…

Fighting off invasive plants

By Les Winkeler, The Southern

No, Chris Evans isn't hooked on 1980's video games. No, he doesn't make annual pilgrimages to Roswell, N.M. He really does spend most of his time battling alien invaders.

Sep 17, 2009 | 1:15 am | Loading…

As fall creeps closer, an old debate is revived

By Les Winkeler, The Southern

Fall is in the air.

Sep 17, 2009 | 1:00 am | Loading…

Fishing Report 9-18

By Les Winkeler, The Southern

Crab Orchard - Fishing traffic is light and fishing has been fairly slow. Crappie are probably the best bet. Some fish are being found suspended at 5-6 feet in 10-12 feet of water. Minnows seem to be out-producing jigs at the moment. Catfish have slowed down a bit. Anglers are still takin…

Sep 17, 2009 | 1:00 am | Loading…