Lee Keck

Mention an Illinois sauger and walleye fishing trip and most Illinois anglers and they automatically assume your plans include an expedition to certain northern waters. Traditionally, the upper reaches of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, the Rock River and the Kankakee River have produced most...

There appears to be a new trend among crappie anglers from our state. For years, Illinois crappie enthusiasts have traveled to Missouri, Kentucky and other surrounding states in search of the nation's finest crappie fishing. More recently, however, increasing numbers of Illinois crappie anglers...

If predictions by Illinois Department of Natural Resource’s fisheries biologists prove to be true, catfish anglers heading to either Carlyle or Rend Lake are likely to have one of their best years ever. According to fisheries biologists, the channel catfish population at Carlyle Lake appears...

The early months of the year typically bring limited angling opportunities for local fishermen. There are some years when enough ice forms on our ponds and smaller lakes to support limited ice fishing activities. These opportunities often come and go with the various passing weather fronts....

Though firearm hunters harvested slightly more deer during the regular firearm and muzzleloader seasons, very few complaints have been made by those who prefer to hunt with archery equipment. This year’s regular firearm season resulted in hunters bagging some 80,021 whitetails, some 500 more...

Fishing usually falls off sharply at most locations as winter shows its ugly and cold face. However, it seems to be just the opposite at southern Illinois’ Rend Lake. In fact, fishing during the winter months seems to produce some of the biggest fish of the year. Mike Hooe is the fisheries...

The arrival of winter weather doesn't necessarily mean it's time to retire the fishing gear. In fact, a wealth of untapped fishing opportunities await anglers willing to brave the harsh conditions of the seemingly endless west-central Illinois winter. While many area outdoor enthusiasts are busy...

There is one thing virtually every area angler believes - the Illinois winter is way too long. And with winter weather already showing its ugly face, the return to warm weather and the fishing season will likely seem to take forever. However, local fishermen are fortunate in one way. We are blessed...

With all the exciting hunting opportunities that now exist within the Illinois, few provide the heart-stopping thrill that comes when a colorful cock pheasant flushes within only a few feet of an unsuspecting hunter. Without a doubt, the ringneck pheasant is the Illinois' upland hunter's version...

Nov. 30 marks the start of yet another of Illinois' many special deer seasons. This season, however, is for those dedicated hunters who prefer to harvest their deer using the firearms of our forefathers. This particular hunt is for those who pursue deer with only a muzzleloading weapon....