North vs. South: A civil war of duck hunting

Streams of unconsciousness from the world of the outdoors:

Updated: 1:25 pm | Loading…

Donating time to the hunt

By Les Winkeler, The Southern

WHITTINGTON - Gordon Rhine is six volunteers in one.

Nov 13, 2009 | 1:15 am | Loading…

Waterfowl Report 11-13

The number of ducks in the region jumped to 44,100 in the Illinois Department of Natural Resources aerial survey conducted Nov. 9. However, that number is 22,500 below the five-year average for the second week in November.

Nov 13, 2009 | 1:00 am | Loading…

Enjoying nature's not-so-quiet nuances

The sun was just dipping below the western hills when I heard the familiar sound of a 9.9-horsepower outboard straining to push a boat onto its trailer. Moments later, the boat and trailer being squeaked away into the distance.

Nov 13, 2009 | 1:00 am | Loading…

An educational experience

By Les Winkeler, The Southern

The morning of Nov. 2 was idyllic by Southern Illinois standards.

Nov 06, 2009 | 1:00 am | Loading…

The first coots have been spotted; summer is officially over

Streams of unconsciousness from the world of the outdoors:

Nov 06, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Waterfowl Report

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources aerial census conducted Nov. 2 indicated there were just less than 14,000 ducks in Southern Illinois, about a third of the normal figure. The five-year average for this week is 39,950.

Nov 06, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Saluki Bassers duo heads to regional championship

By Christi Mathis, For The Southern

CARBONDALE - After casting their lines all morning and only pulling one fish into the boat, Richard Dunham and Travis Gould altered their strategy.

Oct 30, 2009 | 1:00 am | Loading…

Outdoors Calendar

OCTOBER

Oct 30, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Conservation Congress is step in right direction

By Les Winkeler, The Southern

A newly revived Illinois Conservation Congress met Saturday in Springfield to discuss conservation funding, outdoor recreational access to public and private lands and youth recruitment and retention.

Oct 30, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

'The wolf of the water'

By Les Winkeler, The Southern

There is a sense of reverence, a touch of awe, in Scott Donovan's voice when he talks about hooking a muskie.

Oct 23, 2009 | 1:00 am | Loading…

Waterfowl Count 10-23

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources conducted its first Southern Illinois aerial waterfowl survey Tuesday.

Oct 23, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Unexpected trip to Ferne Clyffe becomes a delight

Seeing the sun for the first time in what seemed like a month, visions of greens and fairways were dancing in my head Sunday afternoon.

Oct 23, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

A rainy day can result in an unexpected spiritual moment

Spiritual experiences can't be planned, they just happen.

Oct 16, 2009 | 1:00 am | Loading…

Fishing Report 10-16

Crab Orchard - Fishing traffic has been light. Anglers are looking for crappie around the bridges. Minnows and jigs are equally effective. Fish have moved back down to about 10 feet deep. Some bluegill are still being caught in shallow areas on a variety of natural baits.

Oct 16, 2009 | 1:00 am | Loading…

A high-flying goose chase

By Les Winkeler, The Southern

Dan Woolard, a biologist for Illinois Department of Natural Resources, has been engaged in a wild goose chase for more than 20 years.

Oct 16, 2009 | 1:00 am | Loading…

Trial to benefit Shriners Hospital

By Les Winkeler, The Southern

The Shriners Benefit Trials will be held at Pyramid State Park Oct. 24 and 25. Proceeds from the event benefit the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children in St. Louis.

Oct 15, 2009 | 1:00 am | Loading…

Du Quoin's Furry has big dreams

By Les Winkeler, The Southern

DU QUOIN - Fifteen-year-old Taelor Furry of Du Quoin is passionate about her sport.

Oct 09, 2009 | 1:00 am | Loading…

Documentary reminds of nature’s beauty

By Les Winkeler, The Southern

Most evenings last week were spent watching Ken Burns' latest documentary, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea."

Oct 09, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…