Notes come from around Chicago outdoors and beyond.
WILD OF THE WEEK
On Monday, Paul Vriend emailed, “Very fresh fawn from Rosehill cemetery.” It’s that time of year for fawns. Also, if you see a fawn left alone, leave it alone.
WOTW, the celebration of wild stories and photos around Chicago outdoors, runs most weeks in the special two-page outdoors section in the Sun-Times Sports Saturday. To make submissions, email BowmanOutside@gmail.com or contact me on Facebook (Dale Bowman), Twitter (@BowmanOutside), Instagram (@BowmanOutside). or Bluesky (@Bowmanoutside).
DALE’S MAILBAG
“Saw your latest report and thought I’d comment on the cicada fishing. Far low end of Salt Creek has carp looking up for cicadas. Attached are a couple photos of fish caught on dry fly cicada patterns.” Todd Cook
A: I’m intrigued how anglers adapted to the emergence of cicadas, using imitation lures and flies as well as live cicadas.
WILD TIMES
FISH GATHERINGS
Tuesday, June 18: Forest Preserves of Cook County fisheries biologist Steve Silic, “Fisheries and Lake Management,” Arlington Anglers, Poplar Creek Banquets, Hoffman Estates, 6:30 p.m., arlingtonanglers.com
Wednesday, June 19: Joe Conti from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Safety and Required Safety Equipment South Side Muskie Hawks, The Sock Bar and Grill, Hickory Hills, Chicago, 7 p.m., southsidemuskiehawks.org
Thursday, June 20: Ryan Whitacre, “Summer Lake Michigan Smallmouth Bass Tactics,” Fish Tales Fishing Club, Village Sportsmen’s Club, Alsip, 7 p.m., fishtalesfishingclub.com
CICADA ART
Sunday, June 16: Deadline to apply to exhibit cicada art at Conservation World during the 2024 Illinois State Fair, Aug. 8-18, junior exhibit (17 and younger) and adult (18 and older), register at dnr.illinois.gov/cicada-art-contest.html
ILLINOIS PERMITS/SEASONS
Today, June 15: Bullfrog season opens
Sunday, June 16: Perch season reopens on Lake Michigan
Through June 30: First lottery, site-specific dove permits
Through June 30: Second lottery, deer firearm & muzzleloader
Through July 1: First lottery, fall shotgun turkey season
HUNTER SAFETY
June 29-30: Wilmington, https://islandparkdistrict.activityreg.com/selectactivity_t2.wcs
June 29-30: Diamond, (815) 907-7345; diamondtrap@indoor-range.net
Full state listing at dnr2.illinois.gov/SafetyEd/SafetyEdClassByCounty
HALL OF FAME
July 15: Deadline, nominations for 2024 class of Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame, details at ilconservation.org/Who-We-Are/Outdoor-Hall-of-Fame
