Fall hunting in full swing

Fall hunting should be in full swing now that squirrel, dove and early goose hunting is available. As soon as I get some more information, I’ll pass along the success stories.
Steve Moser at the Hennepin Canal Parkway and Mautino’s Wildlife Area reports on opening day, there were 69 hunters at Mautino’s, and they harvested 313 doves while shooting 2,031 shots. That averages out to about 6.5 shots per dove.

At the Parkway, 57 hunters bagged 213 doves while taking 1,253 shots for an average close to six shots per dove harvested. This is down from last year’s numbers, and Moser thought it might be due to the cooler weather we have had recently. Johnson’s Sauk Trail also reported a drop in numbers for opening day.

• The Bureau County Pheasants Forever Chapter will hold a sporting clays shoot for its Ringneck membership on Sept. 19 at the Sand Prairie Farms Hunt Club. Ringneck members of Bureau County Pheasants Forever should call Eric Paull (815) 646-4844, Scott Wright (815) 303-7626 or Bill Brandt (815) 872-1157 to sign up in advance. The shoot will be for the first 12-14 members who call and sign up by Thursday.

If the shoot is not filled with members by Thursday, it will be opened to the public for sign up. Proof of hunter safety course is required, and they must be 10-18 years of age. The day of the event, shooters must be on site at 7:30 a.m. to register and will start about 8 a.m.

• The Bureau Valley Ducks Unlimited had its initial planning session Tuesday to get things started for its banquet later on this fall. It is always a gala event, and I will soon pass out info concerning this event.

• The Spring Valley Walleye Club has been busy this year fixing some needed repairs and planning for upcoming events. On Oct. 10, they will be hosting a “Youth Fishing Day” in which their members will take young fishermen and women out on the Illinois River for a couple of hours of guided fishing. More info will soon be posted.