I just have a couple of points to address some rumors on this thread....

As it stands now...the ILDNR already charges NR archers the MAXIMUM amount allowed by law for the NR archery tag.

There is legislation pending to raise the maximum amount, but as of last week, Brian Clark of the Springfield office felt that it would not come to pass for the 2005-2006 season.

Also, according to ILDNR records, roughly 3000 NR archers hunted with outfitters in the 2004-2005 archery season. I believe this number is low, because the way records are kept up to now, an outfitter could play with the books if they so desired.

If the 3000 number is anywhere near accurate, then roughly 4500 first draw tags for RESIDENT outfitters clients would go back into the lottery pool.

I specifically asked Mr. Clark if he felt that the avalibility of NR doe tags WITHOUT an either sex tag was an invitation for NR hunters to possibly break some laws. His response was that if a hunter was going to hunt illegally, he did not need this to do so. I guess I can agree with that?

Someone on this mentioned that the ILDNR did not like outfitters. This may be true, but as a non-resident outfitter, I can say that the ILDNR takes my phone calls on a monthly basis, and they are EXTREMELY polite and very helpful.

As far as resident hunters losing ground to hunt.....this is no doubt a real issue. I can clearly see both sides of the issue. I do my hunting and outfitting in Pike county. While there sure is more pressure there now than there was over 8 years ago when I first started there......residents of Pike county have not seen REAL hunting pressure.

I would like to continue with my personal hunting, and my outfitting in Illinois, but my number 1 concern is for the continued health of the resident deer herd. I have been fortunate enough to hunt whitetails in a bunch of places, but I can honestly say that each year I return to Illinois to bowhunt, I am astounded all over again by the quantity, and QUALITY of the deer.

I just wish they would lower the price of the NR doe tags....it gets pretty darn expensive knocking does down to help keep everything in check.

One thing I would like to see all outfitters go to......offer a chance at a FREE hunt for every hunter that tags a doe while there. I was amazed at how many clients shot does when I implemented this one.

However this mess turns out....I hope eveeryone has a great season this coming year, and I know where I will be for a month this fall!