1977 Leaves Outdoor Memories By Art Reid
The Illinois Department of Conservation set January 3 at 3 p.m. for Canada goose hunting in the four county Southern Illinois quota zone. Duck hunting varied from fair to good in parts of Southern Illinois, with overall fair success for waterfowlers. Rabbit seasons close January 15 on generally good terms, rabbit populations up over 1976. Quail season also ends January 15 with better than expected numbers. Ringnecks suffered in harsh winter, squirrel hunting excelled, aided by a strong mast crop in fall 1976. Turkey and deer hunting set new statewide records.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Art Reid
Southern Illinoisan
Illinois Department of Conservation
Southern Illinois
Illinois
Turkey
Outdoor 1977 in Southern Illinois Review and Outlook
The 1977 outdoors season in Southern Illinois saw strong dove hunting as Sept. 1 opener, but also serious wildlife issues. Lead poisoning killed over 2,000 Canada geese on refuge systems due to severe winter stress, while a statewide fish kill occurred from reduced oxygen under ice. By spring, conditions improved with early bass bluegill and crappie activity. steel shot pellets were introduced to many waterfowl areas. rockfish were stocked. Dorcas Moore became the DOC’s first woman park ranger. The year included the “Big Bird Caper” claims about a giant bird later identified as a common turkey vulture.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ilinois
Southern Illinois
Illinois
Dorcas Moore
Sheffield
Anxious to fish Hope for a freeze
Illinois anglers dream of ice fishing as winters weaken across the state. The Mississippi backwaters, Chain of Lakes near Chicago, Dawson Lake and Johnson Sauk Trail lure hardy fishermen who adapt to scarce ice and focus on crappie and bluegill with minnows and tiny jigs. At Lake Baldwin and Lake Sangchris, ice is scarce, yet many still chase panfish while Illinois Power and Commonwealth Edison facilities shape new winter haunts. The habit endures despite frigid winds and snickers from friends.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
William Prater
Peoria
Ill
Illinois
Florida
Mississippi River
Chain of Lakes
Chicago
Dawson Lake
Bloomington
Johnson Sauk Trail
Kewanee
Prairie State
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Michigan
Mississippi
Illinois Power Co
Baldwin
Belleville
Big Round
Sanghris
Commonwealth Edison Co
Springfield
Illinois Power
Clinton
Mississippi Palisades
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Central
Northern
Southern
Advan
Hwy
N. Benton
T-Bone
Gopher
Oe LLC
CAL Rcl
Seattle
Washington
Canada
Japan
Owen
Proctor Supply
Maryland
Zeigler
Proctor Supply CO
Pioneer
Jake
N. Court
N. Park
S. 19Th
South
Manon
Benton Olney Mattoon
Barrisburg
Jensen
Pionger
Kemper
Dodd Stere
Murdale Shopping Center
Ryes
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