Turtle, dove sites, Rend Lake renovations: Notes, Chicago outdoors

A turtle laying eggs this spring.

FIELD NOTES

WILD OF THE WEEK

Ken O’Malley photographed a turtle laying eggs earlier this month. I’ve noticed multiple drivers this month assisting turtles, even big snappers, crossing roads.

WILD TIMES

HUNTER SAFETY

July 9, 11, 16, 18: Downers Grove, (630) 963-1300 Class 371006-01

July 11 and 13: Hebron, Mchenryilhs@gmail.com

FISH GATHERING

Monday: Fred Krause on Illinois River, Oswegoland Fishin’ Fools, Bass Pro Shops, Bolingbrook, 7 p.m. fishinfools.org

ILLINOIS PERMITS

Through today, June 30: Online applications, residents, first lottery, free dove hunting permits, select state sites. Go to https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/dove/Pages/OnlinePermitApplication.aspx. . . . Deadline, second lottery, firearm deer permits. Go to https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/DeerHunting.aspx.

FISHING DERBY

Through next Sunday, July 7: Kankakee River Fishing Derby, kankakeefishingderby.com/

SHOWTIME

July 13-14: Outside Experience, presented by Go RVing, McCormick Place Lakeside, OutsideExperienceShow.com

DALE’S MAILBAG

Sunflowers against the horizon at Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA during opening of dove season in 2018.

“I was hoping you could forward the link to your article regarding dove harvest at Illinois DNR sites from 2018. I’m hoping to draw JEPC again, but need some options for choices #3-5.’’ Joe Bucci

A: It is at chicago.suntimes.com/2018/9/4/18394396/opening-day-illinois-dove-hunting-second-update-probably-last. Sunday is the final day for residents to apply for the first lottery for free dove permits at select public sites. Jim Edgar Panther Creek was No. 1 on my application, too.

BIG NUMBER

$1.5 million: Possible incentives the Illinois DNR may give vendors interested in rehabbing and reopening facilities at the Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area near Rend Lake, according to The Southern. Click here for more.

Part of the former Rend Lake Resort, as viewed from the water.