Mt. Vernon Register-News

Local

November 19, 2009

Fiream hunting season kicks off

By KANDACE MCCOY

kandace.mccoy@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — About 6,000 licensed deer hunters are expected to take part in the first of a seven-day firearm deer hunting season in Jefferson County today. However, as hunters make their way into the woods, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is urging hunters, as well as drivers, to make safety the No. 1 priority.

“Safety should be the first priority in anything,” said IDNR Conservation Police Officer Jeff Cariens. “The last couple of years there have been incidents with property damage with firearms. Hunters should know their target and what’s beyond their target so they’re not putting a bullet in a car or a house.”

“Deer hunting is part of our outdoor heritage in Illinois, and we want to encourage all hunters heading to the field this week for the start of the firearm season to make safety their first priority,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Director Marc Miller. “Hunters always need to be conscious of firearm and tree stand safety to ensure a safe and enjoyable hunt.”

According to the IDNR, Illinois hunters harvested a preliminary total of 106,018 deer during the seven-day firearm deer hunting season last year. More than 360,000 permits have been issued to date for the 2009 firearm season.

Officials also warn drivers to be extra cautious this weekend as a result of the season.

“There is over 6,000 licensed hunters in Jefferson County for this weekend, so there’s a lot of guys that are going to be in the woods,” Cariens said. “We’re going to see an increased presence of deer because the deer are going to go where it’s safer. Every year in November we get an increase in vehicle/deer accidents. A rule of thumb may be not just to obey the speed limit, but maybe even drive a bit under it in case of crossing deer. And, with the fields being taken out and harvested, it pushes deer out closer to roads.”

According to a report released last month by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Jefferson County has been identified as a “hot spot” — an area that has a lot of deer complaints, vehicle/deer accidents, deer in residential areas, deer destroying crops and limited hunter access in part of the county.

Despite a reduction in vehicle/deer crashes last year statewide, officials warn deer are most active during the hours around dawn and dusk — when many motorists are driving to and from work and also near the legal hunting hour times, one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

The firearm hunting season begins today through Sunday and will conclude Dec. 3 through 6.

Hunters successful in taking a deer during the firearm season in most counties must check the deer they harvest by going online at www.dnr.state.il.us/vcheck or by phoning 1-866-IL-CHECK (1-866-452-4325). Hunters using the online or phone-in system must register their harvest by 10 p.m. on the day they take the deer.

For more information on Illinois deer hunting regulations changes for 2009-2010, check the IDNR web site at http://www.dnr.-state.il.us/pubaffairs/2009/September/deer.html. For information on remaining permits, check the IDNR web site at http://www.dnr.state.il.us/admin/firearm.htm.

Text Only
Local
  • Women’s Heart Night to be held

    MT. VERNON — Good Samaritan Heart Center is hoping it has the keys to women’s heart health.

    February 3, 2012

  • Students selected to perform in festival

    MT. VERNON — Three Mt. Vernon Township High School band students have been selected to perform as part of the Heartland Honor Band Festival.

    February 3, 2012

  • Fence project almost complete

    MT. VERNON — The $1.2 million fence project at Mt. Vernon Outland Airport is expected to be completed next week.

    February 3, 2012

  • Vera Gilliam Vera Gilliam

    Vera M. Gilliam, 93, of West Frankfort, died 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, at West Side Rehabilitation and Care Center in West Frankfort.

    February 3, 2012 1 Photo

  • Local woman steps up in support of trail

    MT. VERNON —  One local entrepreneur is starting a petition in support of the Cedarhurst leg of the multi-use trail.

    February 3, 2012

  • Lovin Lovin retires after 31 years of service

    MT. VERNON — Staff at Crossroads Community Hospital celebrated Supervisor of Housekeeping Linda Lovin’s retirement after 31 years.

    February 3, 2012 1 Photo

  • Classes MVTHS adds second class to track

    MT. VERNON — A new class at Mt. Vernon Township High School has led to the addition of another science-related opportunity for students.

    February 2, 2012 1 Photo

  • Catholic Social Services changes name

    MT. VERNON — Catholic Social Services of Southern Illinois has changed its name to Christian Social Services of Illinois.

    February 2, 2012

  • Foutch charged as adult

    MT. VERNON — A 16-year-old has been charged as an adult with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault.

    February 2, 2012

  • B. Maxine Shelton B. Maxine Shelton

    B. Maxine Shelton, 93, of Centralia and formerly of Mt. Vernon, passed away at 10:19 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012, at Good Samaritan Regional Health Center in Mt. Vernon.

    February 2, 2012 1 Photo