VOLUME 45 ISSUE 9 OCTOBER 2015 Rosi Franke, Editor Tel: 618-396-2509 e-mail: [email protected]

Duck, Coot and Merganser Hunting Season - Central Zone

Start Date: 10/24/2015 End Date: 12/22/2015 Time(s): 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset Description: Daily bag limits: Ducks - 6 ducks of any species but no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 hens), and not more than 3 wood ducks, 3 scaup, 2 redheads, 2 pintails, 2 canvasback, one black duck, and one mottled duck.

Mergansers: 5 daily, only 2 of which may be hooded mergansers

Coots - 15 daily

Possession limits are three (3) times the daily bag limit for all species.

MWHI OFFICERS 2015 618-639-0855 (home) 618-946-4520 (cell) President [email protected] Banquet Chairman John Gineris Membership Secretary 618-708-8117 (cell) Mike Devening 618-786-2596 (home) 618-259-6181 Vice-President Correspondence Secretary Mike Arnold Rosi Franke 618-786-2300 618-396-2509 [email protected] Treasurer Shane DeSherlia Recording Secretary Cheri Gineris 618-786-2596 Monday, September 14, 2015 MWHI DIRECTORS 2015 Bob Jones MWHI BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING IFOR Board Representative at 2404 E. Broadway, Alton at 6:15 pm 618-578-9547 (cell) Chris Tite 618-610-3513 Monday, October 5, 2015 Dave Geisler MWHI BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Gun Raffle Chairman/Refuge Chairman 618-670-1419 at 2404 E. Broadway, Alton at 6:15 pm Eric Rhuede IFOR Board Representative Monday, October 21, 2015 618-410-9853 MWHI BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Justin Wolfe Carlyle Lake Area Projects Chairman at 2404 E. Broadway, Alton at 6:15 pm 618-377-0397 Don Taul Saturday, October 24, 2015 COE Chairman 618-978-8285 Waterfowl Season- Central Zone Brian Arnold 618-535-9979 Ron Ragus 618-977-2730 Kevin Dawdy 618-444-8711 Bo Adcock Area Projects Chairman 618-535-6585 Dennis Millner 618-910-1420 Pat McRae 618-444-6793 John Popov (Advisor) Bob Schneider (Advisor) Scott Bryant (Advisor) The Sentry is published monthly except for December and January by Migratory Waterfowl Hunters, Inc., 2404 E. Broadway, Alton, IL, 62002. The Sentry deadline is always the second Monday of each month.

Statements and opinions expressed in the Sentry are those of the individual and do not UPCOMING necessarily represent the views of Migratory Waterfowl Hunters, Inc. Officers, Directors, EVENTS Advisors, Members or the Editor. The appearance of an ad in this newsletter does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of a product or service. We encourage our members to take note of those businesses advertising in our newsletter and shop with them when they are in the market for their product or services.

From the Desk of: Rich Pearson, ISRA Executive Director From the Desk of: Rich Pearson, ISRA Executive Director Adventure Sports Outdoors, September 2015

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE From time to time I have growled about the impossible rules of engagement foisted on our troops by politicians. These stupid rules handcuff our soldiers and get many of them killed or wounded. I recently came across an account of the US Marines at the Battle of Belleau Wood during World War I. The Marines emphasized marksmanship far more that the US Army because they were fewer in number and had to make every shot count. In June 1918 Russia was out of World War I. This freed 50 German divisions who were sent to the Western Front. The plan was simple. March toward Paris and simply crush all opposition. If Paris could be taken, the war would end in a German victory. The Germans didn't think much of the American troops who stood in their way and they knew the French would retreat as soon as the Germans appeared. In Belleau Wood there were about 15,000 French troops on the left flank of American Marines. Thousands of Germans marched on the American and French positions. The French immediately called for retreat as if on cue. The American Marines drew a line in the sand; they weren't going anywhere. The Marines were armed with the most accurate battle rifle in the world, the 1903 Springfield. The British had criticized the 1903 Springfield and called it a target rifle, not a battle rifle. That would soon change. The Germans marched on the American position in perfect order. The Marines began firing at them when they were hundreds of yards away. When the Germans got within 300 yards, nearly every Marine shot brought down a German soldier. The French and Germans were astonished by the Marine's marksmanship. The battle lasted a long time but the Marine's marksmanship and fighting spirit broke the German advance. Paris was saved and World War I changed course in favor of the Allies. A German General complained that the Marines used knives, revolvers, rifle butts, and bayonets on the German troops. A letter written by a German soldier was found on the battlefield, in which he complained, "They killed everything that moved." And there you have the rules of engagement which we should give our soldiers. Army Chief of Staff General Ray Odierno has no plans to arm recruiters in the wake of the terrorist attack in Chattanooga, Tennessee. "I think we have to be careful about over-arming ourselves and then ending up attacking each other," General Odierno said, "it's more about accidental discharges and everything else that is loaded that causes injuries." Really General, Really? It sounds like General Odierno has a serious case of Washingtonitis. There are 20,000,000 people in the United States that carry concealed or open carry. They don't have such problems so why should members of the United States Military? I will make you a deal General. The ISRA will train every recruiter in the in the State of Illinois, free of charge - Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. We will supply the firearms, ammunition, and ranges. If we run out, I bet there are people who will donate Beretta 92's (which is also known as M9 Military Designation), ammunition, and targets. I will also bet that certified instructors will donate their time. If any certified instructors are willing to help, please email Ken at: [email protected]. And now you know why Theodore Roosevelt entrusted the study and maintenance of marksmanship skills to civilians and not the military. Under the "I told you so" category, the Obama minions in the Social Security Administration are now trying to declare incompetent the Social Security recipients that do not manage their own financial affairs, thus preventing them from owning a firearm. This could affect 4.2 million people. News flash, just because you don't handle your own financial matters, does not mean you shouldn't exercise your Second Amendment rights. Come to think of it, there is one outfit that handles all of our financial affairs, and they are incompetent - the United States Government. It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of ISRA Past President George Linhart, a lifetime member and part of the executive board. He passed away in January at 86 years of age. Thanks for being a member. If you are not an ISRA member and this is being forwarded to you, join today. Corps of Engineers Projects Don Taul Corps Chairman, September 2015 Batchtown – Widman Construction is currently working on the last item of the Batchtown project - dredging the ditch channel. The dredging work is expected to conclude by October 7th and if additional work is needed, then dredging will resume in January (weather permitting). In addition, the structure area will be drawn down to investigate the leaking air bladder in the control structure.

Ted Shanks Wildlife Management Area – This project consisted of replacing the existing 42” drain pipe with three 6’ diameter pipes with slide gates and minor levee work. The installation of the pipes and gates will provide an important management tool in regulating water levels for the area. Major earthwork has been completed on the project. The current contract of replacing the main drainage structure at the lower end is nearly complete but may be delayed if river conditions change. Crews are currently working on installing electric to the site for the future pump station. The final phase of the project is installing a pump station consisting of two 30,000 gallon/min pumps. The plans and specs package has been designed and under final review. Funding has been appropriated for the pump station project. The pump station will be awarded as a two-year project.

Clarence Cannon – When the Ted Shanks project is complete the COE is expected to begin working on the drainage structures and interior levees in this area. This project will closely resemble the work being done on the Ted Shanks project.

Piasa Island/Eagles Nest – A hydraulic model of the existing river conditions at the Piasa Area project has been built and the hydrologists are experimenting with different designs to achieve the desired effect.

Bolters Island - The installation of rip rap has begun but the project has not been complete due to the high river levels this summer. The original project consisted of dredging out the interior slough and opening it up to the river (completed). The installation of rip rap is the final stage of construction and is expected to be completed after crews complete the Batchtown project.

Rip Rap – This project consists of channel excavations, pump station, control structures and earthwork needed to better manage the area. The project costs, including land acquisitions, will be around $9 million dollars. The Project Report has been completed and the COE received a letter of support from the IDNR. The COE is expecting final project approval in the next few weeks. The next step will be for the IDNR to submit to the COE a land appraisal for the project area. The value of the land will be used towards the shared-cost portion of the project.

IDNR Newsbits -- September 2015

ICF 2016 Calendar: The Illinois Conservation Foundation’s annual Illinois wall calendar is available now. Proceeds from the sale of the beautiful 2016 ICF Wall Calendar support a variety of youth education programs at the Torstenson Youth Conservation Education Center, and the traveling Torstenson Education Station. The 9x12 calendar contains stunning photography of Illinois and can be purchased for $12 through Sept. 30, 2015 ($15 starting Oct. 1, 2015). Order the calendar through the ICF website at www.ilcf.org or by phone at 217-785-2003 get their guns from gun shops, the internet, or gun shows. Criminals get their guns from family and friends. One must realize that these criminals did not necessarily get their guns in Illinois. The Illinois gun shows have background checks and the internet sales must go through a dealer. The survey also brought out the fact that criminals don't like to face armed citizens ISRA Thursday Bulletin - September or the police. Armed law-abiding citizens and police 10, 2015 are recognized to be better shots, by the criminals. Remember that every class you take helps to fight crime. Anti-gunners hate it when this type of A recent report by the Chicago Sun Times information is disclosed because it shoots a hole in covered surveys of one hundred inmates of the Cook their ant-gun malarkey. County Jail. The surveys support what law-abiding citizens have claimed for years, that very few criminals The National Coalition to End Gun Violence Sen. Chapin Rose – 51st Districted: 217-558-1006 (NCEGV) is conducting a campaign to report anyone Sen. William R. Haine – 56th District they see carrying either open or concealed. Tel:618-465-4764 E-mail: [email protected] Remember many states allow open carry, so this is an Sen. James F. Clayborne – 57th District attack on law-abiding gun owners. Some members of Tel: 618-875-1212 E-mail: [email protected] the NCEGV report becoming upset if they see an NRA Sen. David Luechtefeld – 58th District decal displayed or an Illinois "no guns" sign. These Tel: 618-243-9014 E-mail: [email protected] people say the gun owners are paranoid; it seems to Sen. Gary Forby - 59th District me that we aren't the paranoid ones. Tel: 217-782-5509 Labor Day has come and gone and with it the unofficial end of summer and start of fall. It won't be Rep. Dan Beiser – 111th District Tel: 217-782-5996 E-Mail: [email protected] long before the cool mornings will greet us along with the dazzling colors of fall. Autumn also brings a new Rep. Natalie A. Manley – 98th District intensity to the Presidential campaign. As the pressure Tel: 217-782-3316 of the campaign builds we will also see changing Rep. Adam Brown – 102nd District colors of politicians. March of 2016 will bring the Tel: 217-782-8398 "Primary Session", so February should be interesting. Rep. John D. Cavaletto – 107th District The Illinois Primary is Tuesday, March 15, 2016. Illinois Tel:618-548-9080 Gun Owner Lobby Day (IGOLD) is Wednesday, March Rep. Dwight Kay – 112 District 16, 2016. Tel: 618-307-9200 Rep. Jay Hoffman – 113th District Thanks for being a member. Tel: 217-782-0104 IMPORTANT CONTACTS Rep. C. D. Davidsmeyer – 100th District NRA Update on Gun Bills 1-800-392-8683 Tel: 217-243-6221 Federal Senate Office 1-202-224-3121 Rep. Mike Bost – 115th District Federal House Offices 1-202-225-3121 Tel: 618-457-5787 [email protected] Illinois State Rifle Association 1-815-635-3198 Rep. Dan Reitz – 116th District www.isra.org Tel: 618-443-5757 E-mail: [email protected] Rep. Rodney Davis - 13th District Illinois Senate Information 1-217-782-4517 Tel: 202-224-3121 Illinois House Information 1-217-782-8223 Rep. John Shimkus - 15th District Sen. Wm. Sam McCann – 50th District Tel: 217-782-8206 Tel: 618-344-3065 E-mail: house.gov/shimkus Email: [email protected] Sen. Richard J. Durbin Sen. Kyle McCarter– 54th Districted: 217-782-5755 E-mail: Tel: 202-224-2152 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Sen. Mark Kirk

Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Announces Free Fall Events Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, Cortney Solum, 9/1/2015

Brussels, Ill.- Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge will hold several free programs and events for families this fall. “Second Saturday Art”, a series of nature-inspired art programs will be held on the second Saturday of every month this fall and winter. These free programs will be led by refuge staff and held at the visitor center, where participants will create take-home art pieces and learn about wildlife and nature. All supplies are provided. Sept. 12, “Pressed Leaves” will be held from 1-2 p.m. Participants will create clay imprints and bookmarks with pressed leaves and learn about the trees and plants at the refuge. Ideal for all ages. Oct. 10, “Painting the Prairie” will be held from 3-5 p.m. Participants will learn about the prairie as they paint its scenery and colors onto individual canvases. Ideal for ages 15 and older. Registration is required, register by Oct. 8. Nov.14, “Sketching Wildlife” will be held from 1-2 p.m. Participants will practice the techniques of journal sketching and learn about wildlife observation and journal keeping. Ideal for all ages. A Monarch Butterfly Citizen Science Program will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. at the refuge visitor center. Monarch butterflies have begun their fall migration south to Mexico, stopping along their way to collect nectar. Citizens can contribute to monarch butterfly conservation by reporting butterfly and caterpillar sightings. Participants will learn what signs of butterflies to look for and how to report observations. Participants should dress for a ranger- led walk and bring a notebook to record observations. Register by Friday, Sept. 11. This program is open to all ages. Refuge rangers will lead a free canoe outing on Swan Lake Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 4-6 p.m. Enjoy a fall evening on the refuge and experience the spectacular fall migration of waterfowl. Much of the refuge closes from Oct. 16-Dec 31 making this one of the last chances to get out on the refuge. No previous paddling experience is necessary, rangers will provide safety instructions. All equipment is provided, though participants are welcome to bring their own boat or other equipment. The canoe tour will meet at and leave from the Refuge’s Blooms Landing north of Brussels, Ill. Participants should bring shoes that can get wet, water and a snack. Register by Tuesday, Oct. 13, space is limited. For ages 15 and older. In celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week, Two Rivers NWR will hold an open house at the refuge visitor center on Saturday, Oct. 17. Activities at the open house include: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nature crafts and wildlife photography exhibit. 11 a.m. Citizen science presentation and wildflower seed collection. 12 p.m. Presentation with raptors by Tree House Wildlife Center at the Visitor Center. 2-4 p.m. Canoeing with refuge rangers. No registration necessary. Canoe tours leave each half hour at Blooms Landing. All equipment will be provided. Children are welcome to paddle with an adult. Fall weather enthusiasts can improve their fall color-viewing trips by becoming real citizen scientists at the Waterfowl Watching and Reporting programs on Saturday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Nov. 21 at 2 p.m. Participants will learn to identify waterfowl with our Ducks on a Stick waterfowl identification program, then take a walk with a refuge ranger to identify and record waterfowl while getting a behind the scenes look at Two Rivers NWR during fall migration. This program is free and open to all ages. For more information about these events, call 618-883-2524 or email [email protected]. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to these events for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, close captioning, or other accommodation needs to Cortney Solum at 618-883-2524 or TTY 1-800-526-0844 with your request by close of business no later than five business days before each event.

Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Expands Hunting Opportunities Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, Cortney Solum, 8/31/2015 Brussels, Ill. –Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge announces additional hunting opportunities are now open in the Calhoun and Clarksville Island Divisions. Hunting for migratory birds has been added in the 100 acres of the Calhoun Division east of the Illinois River road in southern Calhoun County. Also, the 860-acre Clarksville Island Division in the Mississippi River below Lock and Dam 24 is now open to archery hunting for whitetail deer and wild turkey in the fall and firearm hunting for wild turkey in the spring. Existing hunting regulations will remain for all other refuge divisions. Previous to the addition of these hunting opportunities, hunting was allowed for big game (whitetail deer), migratory birds and upland game in the Apple Creek Division and will remain so. Also, hunting for upland and big game (whitetail deer) in the 100 acres of the Calhoun Division east of the Illinois River road will remain open. All hunting on the refuge is in accordance with Illinois state hunting regulations and seasons. Hunters should also be aware of any refuge-specific regulations that apply such as the requirement for hunters to use non-toxic shot shells on refuge property and the refuge is open to approved uses during daylight hours only. A full list of hunting and fishing regulations can be found on the refuge website at http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Two_Rivers/visit/rules_and_regulations.html. A Hunting Plan, Environmental Assessment and Compatibility Determination were written for these new opportunities and were available for public comment in July 2013. The documents were then reviewed and approved by the regional and national offices of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For more information, call the refuge visitor center at 618-883-2524. The Refuge’s visitor center is located in southern Calhoun County, near the Village of Brussels, and regular office hours are 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. the first two weekends of each month.

Call for Photos for Two Rivers NWR Photography Exhibit Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, Cortney Solum, 9/17/2015

Brussels, Ill.- Area amateur and professional photographers are invited to submit photos for a wildlife photography exhibit to be held at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Oct. 13-17. The photography exhibit will culminate with an Open House event at the refuge Visitor Center Saturday, Oct. 17 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Photographers may submit up to two original photographs of wildlife and/or natural landscapes taken in Calhoun, Jersey or Greene counties. Photos must be submitted with the photographer’s name, address, phone number, photo caption including where the photo was taken and a signed photography release form by noon Oct. 8 to [email protected] or mail to HC 82 Box 107, Brussels, IL 62013. Photography release forms can be downloaded from the Two Rivers NWR website at www.fws.gov/refuge/Two_Rivers or are available at the refuge Visitor Center. This exhibit is free to view and will be open to the public 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 13-16 and during the Oct. 17 open house. For more information about the refuge open house and photography exhibit, visit the refuge website or call 618-883-2524. 4 Hunting Dogs Perfect for Families NRA Family, by Brad Fitzpatrick - Friday, September 11, 2015

Deciding to adopt or buy a dog is a big decision. Life expectancies vary by breed, but bringing a new canine companion into your home may mean 15 years or even more of devotion and attention. But your new addition can do far more than just fetch your slippers and bark at the mailman. For tens of thousands of years humans and dogs have hunted side-by-side, from the hot plains of Africa to the boreal forests of North America. Taking your dog to the field is a wonderful experience—you’ll work together in pursuit of game, and your dog will get the exercise it needs doing the work that it loves. If you’re in the market for a new pooch, check out these four family-friendly breeds. 1. Labrador Retriever: Drive through any suburban neighborhood in America and you’re bound to see at least one lab. In fact, it’s the most popular breed in America, and with good reason—labs are highly intelligent, easy to train and gentle family companions. But labs were meant to be in the field, and they benefit from a work regimen. They excel at retrieving waterfowl, the task they were bred to perform, but they will also hunt and retrieve upland birds and excel at finding shed antlers. Labs are popular and there are many, many breeders, so be careful in your selection. Or, if you are willing to adopt, there are usually a few labs at the local shelter, a product of the breed’s popularity and boundless energy. Sometimes a job in the field is just what these dogs need to transform them into the perfect family companion.

2. Gordon Setter: Though not as well-known as the English and Irish setters, the Gordon is equally as bird-savvy and the breed tends to be more sedate than its more popular cousins. Over the last century, the Gordon breed has been split between show dogs, which tend to be heavier built with long ears and heavy coats, and more svelte field-bred dogs that are born to hunt. If you’re looking for a guard dog the Gordon probably isn’t what you want—they tend to be quiet and rather standoffish with strangers, but they aren’t as high-strung as many popular bird dog breeds. They make excellent upland hunting companions and their beautiful black-and-tan markings make them one of the most striking of all breeds.

3. Mountain Cur: The mountain cur was never bred for the show ring. Instead, it was developed by American pioneers by crossing the best stock of hounds, terriers and other breeds to create a dog that was adept at guarding the family farm, running down raccoons and squirrels, and even baying wild boar. The modern mountain cur is a highly intelligent and thoroughly capable breed. Generally weighing between 30 and 60 pounds, mountain curs are not bred for apartment living. But if you have a place where these dogs can run, they are highly adaptable hunters and excellent companions. They make exceptional squirrel dogs, and one autumn bushytail hunt behind a good cur will make you a fan of this breed for life.

4. Beagle: The ubiquitous beagle is known for its lovable personality, braying voice and its proclivity to roam. That may not endear it to neighbors in a crowded subdivision, but you can’t really appreciate this breed until you’ve seen a pack of howling hounds barreling through briars in search of a cottontail rabbit. There are a number of hunting beagle breeders who produce pups with a knack for using their nose, and with a little training you’ll have a hard-core hunting companion that’s willing to take a nap at your feet after a long day of chasing rabbits. Beagles tend to be hearty, healthy dogs, and sometimes your next hunting companion is waiting for you down at the local shelter. Man Receives Record $1.6 Million Deer Trafficking Fine Sporting Classics Daily, Fri, Sep 18, 2015

Benjamin N. Chason, 61, of Climax, Georgia, was found guilty for his involvement in an Ohio case.

The largest fine ever levied for a wildlife crime in US history was announced Monday. Benjamin N. Chason, 61, of Climax, Georgia, was ordered to pay $1.6 million for his involvement in trafficking deer from Ohio to Florida and his attempts to traffic deer from Georgia to Ohio. The Columbus Dispatch quoted US Attorney Carter M. Stewart’s office as saying the fine was the largest ever levied against an individual in any US wildlife case. Chason was found guilty of violating the Lacey Act of 1900, which prohibits the trade of wildlife, fishes, or plants that have been taken, sold, possessed, or moved illegally. Chason was part of a trafficking operation to supply deer to be hunted. It wasn’t hard for authorities to catch on and begin investigating Chason and his co-defendant, Donald W. Wainwright Sr. According to a Columbus Dispatch article from August 3, 2015, the deer could be visibly seen through the vents of the tractor-trailer the men used to transport them south on Interstate 71, with the first sighting occurring in 2010. Wainwright Sr. is the part owner and operator of a breeding and hunting facility in West Liberty, Ohio, and the owner and operator of another in Live Oak, Ohio—both named Valley View Whitetails. Wainwright Sr. also helped with the operation of a separate deer-breeding facility named Cherokee Whitetails in West Liberty. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Ohio Division of Wildlife had been investigating Wainwright and his son, Donald W. Wainwright Jr., 29, for some time, according to the Columbus Dispatch. Wainwright Sr. pled guilty February 27, 2015, to twelve Lacey Act violations, one count of conspiracy, and one count of wire fraud. He received 21 months in jail, 200 hours of community service, and a $125,000 fine. Wainwright Jr. was indicted on charges of conspiracy, for making false statements, and for violating the Lacey Act, according to the Columbus Dispatch. He received three years of probation. The danger of Chason’s and the Wainwrights’ crimes is the potential spread of chronic wasting disease. Deer are allowed to move across state lines when approved by the government and certified CWD-free, but the deer the men shuttled across the eastern US were not certified. According to court records quoted by the Columbus Dispatch, “Federal law requires interstate shipments of deer to be certified disease-free; because the deer in the present case were not certified as disease-free, herds (both captive and wild) in Florida were potentially exposed to these diseases.” Other diseases, like brucellosis and tuberculosis, could also have been carried across the country by the untested deer. The penalty amount was disclosed Monday and has been paid, according to the Dispatch. Many wildlife agencies will benefit from the million and more in restitution. The money will include the following contributions: • The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will receive $600,000 • The Federal Endangered Species and Wildlife Diversity Fund will receive $200,000 • Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks will receive $400,000 • Ohio’s “Turn in a Poacher” Program will receive $100,000 According to DeerandDeerHunting.com, Chason also agreed to publish a statement in North American Whitetail Magazine.

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Illinois State Museum System, Shooting Sports at World Shooting and Recreational Complex Scheduled to Close Sept. 30 IDNR News Release SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced today that the Illinois State Museum system and World Shooting and Recreational Complex near Sparta will close as scheduled Sept. 30 and will remain closed while the court case regarding the associated layoffs is arbitrated.

Due to the lack of a balanced budget, IDNR was set to lay off 107 bargaining unit employees effective Sept. 30. Those layoffs have been suspended indefinitely due to an agreement between the State of Illinois and labor unions representing employees affected. While employees will return to work, the facilities will remain closed to the public during the suspension.

Closure at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex is limited to shooting sports events. The main event center, restaurant, Amateur Trapshooting Association Hall of Fame and access to boat ramps for fishing will remain open.

Nothing needs so reforming as other people's habits. Mark Twain