Notes come from around Chicago outdoors and beyond.
WILD OF THE WEEK
I sometimes think we get so annoyed with the overabundance of Canada geese and trying to avoid stepping into the health hazard of goose guano that we miss the majesty of flying geese. Jeff Getz’s photo brought back a reminder. “Another goose, flying, this one at Busse Woods,” he emailed Monday.
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 Sunday. To make submissions, email BowmanOutside@gmail.com or contact me on Facebook (Dale Bowman), Twitter (@BowmanOutside), Instagram (@BowmanOutside). or Bluesky (@Bowmanoutside).
DALE’S MAILBAG
Q: Is there a normal time range between the first and second shed [antlers of white-tailed bucks]? Barb Spigner, reacting to the Shed of the Week above from Wednesday, Feb. 19
A: Bob Massey, the former long-time wildlife biologist for the southern collar counties, posted this answer, “They will generally shed well within a day or two. I have seen them shed within hours hours and at the same time. Genetics/hormones/testosterone play a role determining when a deer will drop. When testosterone levels get to their lowest, it no longer supports the need for antlers. They then begin dropping. Bumping or rubbing them will facilitate dropping. And even a good shake can do the job. The nicest set I ever found was in the Shawnee right out in the open on top of each other, a big 10 point. Photoperiod helps control testosterone, but injuries, health, disease, buck densities can all play a factor in shedding progression.”
WILD TIMES
FISH GATHERING
Wednesday, Feb. 26: Isaac Lakich, “Perfecting your walleye techniques,” Walleyes Unlimited, Gurnee American Legion, 6 p.m., walleyesunlimitedusa.org
DUCKS UNLIMITED
Friday, Feb. 28: Chain O’Lakes Membership Banquet, Maravela’s, Ingleside, chainolakesdu.com
SHOWTIME
Thursday-next Sunday, Feb. 27-March 2: Illinois Boat Show, Lake County Fairgrounds, Grayslake
Next Saturday, March 1: Fish & Hook Sports Show, VFW Post 5788, Lockport
Next Saturday, March 1: Bronzeback Blowout, American Legion, Elmhurst
The master list of outdoors shows, classes, swap meets and major ice fishing events are https://chicago.suntimes.com/outdoors/2024/11/28/outdoors-shows-master-list-for-2025-around-chicago-and-beyond
ILLINOIS SEASONS
Friday, Feb. 28: Crow season ends
HUNTER SAFETY
Next weekend, March 8-9: Bridgeview, https://bridgeviewparkdistrict.activityreg.com/ClientPage_t2.wcs or (708) 594-1818.
March 15-16: Diamond, sign up at Diamond Indoor Trap Range
April 5-6: Beecher, bschunted@gmail.com
April 25 & 27: Peotone, 708-258-3343 or peotoneparkdistrict.com
The full state listing is at dnr2.illinois.gov/SafetyEd/SafetyEdClassByCounty