Election buck, snow bunting, perch: Notes on Chicago outdoors

Notes from around Chicago outdoors.

FIELD NOTES

BUCK OF THE WEEK: UNPLUGGED

David Stachura photographed this fine buck on his front lawn the week before the election. It was in Schiller Park along Interstate 294.

Buck of the Week: Unplugged, a celebration of live big bucks around Chicago outdoors runs on Sundays on the Sun-Times outdoors page as warranted. Send nominations by Facebook (Dale Bowman), Twitter (@BowmanOutside) or email (straycasts@sbcglobal.net).

WILD TIMES

ILLINOIS SEASONS/PERMITS

Sunday, Nov. 20: Final day, first firearm deer season

Thursday:Waterfowl seasons, south zone, open

Now: Remaining firearm and muzzleloader-only deer permits are available over the counter

Dec. 1: Deadline for residents, first lottery, spring wild turkey season. Click here

DUCKS UNLIMITED

(Click here for the general list of Illinois DU events)

HUNTER SAFETY

(Click here for full package of northeast Illinois hunter safety classes)

PHEASANTS FOREVER

(Click here for general list of Illinois PF events)

NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION

(Click here for general list of banquets and events)

DALE’S MAILBAG

Email: “I couldn’t resist sending you another snow bunting picture. I believe this image truly expresses this bird to its fullest. Puffed up facing a cold gusty wind with a feather or two askew the snow bunting is conditioned for the harshest of weather conditions. No other bird breeds as far north as these birds and, although this bird is in its winter plumage, it still displays its brilliant mostly white features proudly.’’ Emil Baumbach, with a photo from Montrose Point, Chicago

A: OK, I like any excuse to run a Baumbach photo and it tied into the weather change.

BIG NUMBER

2-8.75: Pounds-ounces of Illinois’ record yellow perch, caught by Joe Grega on Jan. 5, 1974 from the old Arrowhead Club in Will County.

2-8: Pounds-ounces of Indiana’s record yellow perch, caught by Roy Burkel Jr. in 1981 from a Vigo County gravel pit.

LAST WORD

“Now, let’s go get those perch.’’

Garrett Blahunka, of Whiting, Ind., after a discussion about the northern pike fishery on southern Lake Michigan