The conference will provide an opportunity for communication between partnership members and IDNR staff. Tours, workshops and guest speakers will be conference highlights. It was formerly distributed across northern Illinois, but agriculture and urban development have severely reduced its populations. The first half of Illinois' statewide shotgun deer hunting season runs from Nov. 19-21. Hours are a half-hour before sunrise until sunset.
Limits are one deer per firearm permit.
Coyote season is also closed, although coyotes may be taken by deer hunters with unfilled firearms permits. Participants ages six to adult can expect to see up to 100 species, including waterfowl, raptors, brown creepers and others. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars and field guides. Shabbona Lake State Park has begun its winter hours and is now open from 8 a.m. to sunset. The campground will remain open throughout the winter, but the shower facilities are closed.