Heres some more information on whats going on. Also at the end theres a link you can bookmark to keep up to date on things.

From: "Jack Ward, IFOR"
Subject: Press release
Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2004 18:05:27 -0600
January 28, 2004
To: IFOR Directors, Affiliate Organizations, Members and Illinois Residents
From: Executive Committee
Illinois Federation for Outdoor Resources
Re: The State of our Resource
We are approaching a situation that we have all dreaded. The IDNR is proposing new regulations, many politically motivated that do not take into account the interest and needs of the Illinois outdoor resource user. The Governor is proposing changes that will adversely affect the quality and maintenance of our resource. When the Legislative session begins, we will probably see many anti-gun and other anti-whatever legislation proposed. More than ever before, all outdoor resource users need to be alert and ready for action with e-mails, phone calls and letters to the Governor, the IDNR and your legislators as the situation warrants.
The Illinois Federation for Outdoor Resources has been in existence for 14 years. Our mission is to protect the natural resources of Illinois and to support the lawful use of these resources for recreation. We represent both consumptive and non-consumptive user groups. We have grown to 115 affiliate member organizations representing over 75,000 outdoor resource users.
It has been reported that the Governor may be considering placing the Conservation Police Officers under the Illinois State Police and taking the jurisdiction away from the IDNR. It has also been reported that he may be considering moving some of the State Park and Conservation Site employees away from the IDNR and placing them with Central Management Services.
The Illinois Federation for Outdoor Resources is extremely concerned that this would adversely affect the management of our State's Natural Resources and proper management of the fish and wildlife programs. The dedication and professionalism of our CPO's and their efforts to protect the resource and up-hold the Wildlife Code would not continue under this proposal. Illinois ranks 47th in state owned land and we need to protect and utilize it in the best interests of all Illinois residents.
The proposals from the IDNR for hunting regulation changes are proceeding full steam ahead.These proposals are listed on the IFOR web site. The proposal of most concern to IFOR members and resident hunters is the increase in non-resident archery permits. It has been stated publicly by the IDNR that the cap will be raised to 15,000.The IDNR had promised that before the cap would be increased, a resident access program would be started. That has not happened. The new Ad Rules will be out for public comment soon. We need to contact all JCAR members (listed on the IFOR web site) and write Jack Price at IDNR.
George Fleischli, our lobbyist in Springfield is working hard with the legislators to stand beside our outdoor resource rights. We hope to have members of the Legislative Sportsman's Caucus sign up as IFOR members and work with us on these important issues. Your input to your local members of the legislature is extremely important. Stay tuned to the IFOR web site
(www.if-or.org) for more information as it develops.