Rainfall, high waters wreak havoc on duck hunting

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November brings to the sportsman some extra options to get out to hunt for some additional species. Some hunters have already harvested some ducks and geese, deer (archery) and turkey (shotgun) and may now continue via archery, except during deer shotgun season Nov. 20-22 and Dec. 3-6.

Squirrel, rabbit, pheasant and quail open this weekend; shooting hours are sunrise to sunset.

Trapping season begins Nov. 5 in the north zone and Nov. 10 in the southern zone.

• Sure was disappointed with the amount of rainfall we had recently. Many of the local duck clubs had planted corn and millet, had good plots going, and were looking for a bountiful harvest of mallards this year. Last year it was the June rains; this year came the October rains. Either way, same result. Corn, millet and many blinds are under water. Hope to see it change soon.

One thing that won’t change is the fine food, raffle items and fellowship that is synonymous with the annual banquet hosted by the Bureau Valley Chapter of Ducks Unlimited. Tomorrow night at Wiseguys, get there early to see all the great raffle and auction items. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner is at 7 p.m. See ya there.

High waters on the Illinois River has cancelled the inaugural Mayor’s Cup sponsored by the Spring Valley Walleye Club.

Also, this weekend’s Illinois Walleye Trail tournament has been moved to Nov. 15, according to Bob Kidd. Registration will be held at Hennepin at 3 p.m. with dinner at 4 p.m. and the rules meeting at 5 p.m. At least one member of each team must be present.

Kidd would like to have everyone who plans on fishing this event to send him an e-mail or call, so they can plan on how much food to prepare, no later than Tuesday.

Kidd announced that Woodstock Fishing Line has joined the IWT as a sponsor along with Hennepin Marine, Lund Boats, Mercury Marine, Easy Step and Cabela’s. They will be awarding the Grassroots fishing bonus award for the highest placing Lund Boat in each tournament. The Illinois Walleye Trail is also a qualifying trail for the Cabela’s National Championship and the AIM organization.

If you would like more information, contact Kidd at (309) 527-6328.

Lee Wahlgren is the outdoor columnist for the BCR. Contact him at pdub52@verizon.net.

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