Lee Keck

Illinois turkey hunters are now well into their spring hunting season. And, hunting success is falling well behind last year's rate. The fourth segment of the southern zone began April 26, while the fifth is planned for May 3-10. The third season of the northern zone hunt is slated to conclude Ma...

Like the anticipated return of Capistrano's swallows, the annual Illinois sauger run is an event anxiously awaited by anglers throughout Illinois. And, the past few weeks have been particularly good for those who enjoy catching these toothy fish. While relatively high waters plague much of the Mississipp...

Just a few decades ago, turkey time for most folks in Illinois came only once a year. This was during Thanksgiving when we gorged ourselves on roast turkey and dressing, then devoted the remainder of the day to napping and watching football games. Now, turkey time has a different meaning for hunters...

One questionably wise person once said something about a young man's fancy turning to thoughts of love during spring. While the subject of love may rate high in some circles, I sincerely doubt if the issue ever comes up at most local baitshops. And, I can honestly say that the arrival of spring...

Each spring, it's the panfish bite that often rescues countless early season fishing trips. While other popular species often suffer a severe case of lockjaw, these popular species are almost always hungry. Most days, they can be found looking for an easy meal in or near shallow water areas receiving...

There are few things more heart stopping to a dedicated turkey hunter than an unexpected thunderous gobble of adult male turkey as it approaches from the rear. Turkey hunters are typically an unexcitable bunch. Things that will send most normal people into a panicky fit are nothing more than everyday...

Anglers fishing at Illinois three big Corps of Engineer reservoirs will likely have one of the best year’s ever pursuing white bass, according to fisheries biologists for these waters. At Lake Shelbyville, for instance, white bass fishing is almost always good, even during poor years. This...

While it might seem a bit early to start the fishing season, many local anglers will soon be enjoying their first taste of fried crappie fillets. In fact, veteran crappie anglers realize the southern half of our state is loaded with crappie fishing destinations. However, downstate anglers must firs...

The Illinois Department of Natural Resource's (IDNR) fisheries biologist Shawn Hirst is predicting another big year for Rend Lake anglers. In fact, they are likely to have one of their best years ever. As the new fisheries manager in charge of the sprawling Rend Lake complex, each year he is charged...

Though this winter has been a bit cooler than normal, the return of normal weather conditions will soon bring the beginning of the spring fishing season. During the early weeks of the March, the final remnants of ice typically disappear from most northern waters. And, downstate anglers begin testing...