Free Fishing Days:  Illinois Free Fishing Days will be held this year on June 5, 6, 7 and 8.  Organizations interested in receiving educational and promotional materials to be used as part of an Illinois Free Fishing Days event should contact Terry Beard at 217/785-5822.  During Illinois Free Fishing Days, anyone may fish without the need to have a sport fishing license, inland trout stamp or salmon stamp.

Bike to Work:  National Bike-to-Work Week is May 11-15 and this year’s Bike-to-Work Day is Fri., May 15.  Riding a bike to work is less costly than driving, is better for the environment, and it is great exercise.  Bicycling is also a great way for families to spend time together.  For more information on bicycle riding in Illinois, click on the IDNR web site at:  http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/programs/biking/BIKEGDE.htm.

ESPB Meeting: The Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board will meet on Fri., May 15 at 10 a.m. at the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center, Utica.  The meeting is open to the public.  For more information, phone 217/785-8687.

OHV Board Meeting:  The Illinois Off-Highway Vehicle Trails Advisory Board will hold a meeting and conduct a public hearing on Thurs., May 21.  The board meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the public hearing will begin at 1 p.m.  Both are to be held at the IDNR Headquarters, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield.  The meeting and hearing are open to the public.  For more information, phone 217/782-7026.

Froggy Fundraiser:  Outdoor recreation enthusiasts are invited to participate in a new Illinois Conservation Foundation event supporting youth hunting and fishing programs being held in memory of a great friend of the foundation.  Join the ICF for the first annual Gary Watson Memorial Fundraiser at Rend Lake Resort and Conference Center on May 31-June 1.  Gary “Froggy” Watson loved the outdoors, so the Gary Watson Memorial Fundraiser will feature crappie fishing on Rend Lake, sporting clays and trap shooting at the Rend Lake Shooting Complex, golf at the Franklin County Country Club, and a chance to take a scenic boat tour on Rend Lake.  Participants will enjoy overnight accommodations and meals at the Rend Lake Resort.  Details are available by contacting Terry Beard at 217/785-5822.

Non-Resident Archery Deer Permits: Non-resident archery deer hunting permits for the 2009-2010 Illinois Archery Deer season will be available through DNR Direct online and by phone  beginning June 1.  Non-residents can purchase combination archery permits via DNR Direct Online License Sales at http://dnr.state.il.us (Click on the Online Licenses button on the home page) or by phone at 1-888-6PERMIT (1-888-673-7648). Non-residents are allowed to purchase one combination archery permit (one either-sex/one antlerless only) at a cost of $400.  There will be 25,000 non-resident combination tags available for the 2009-2010 archery deer season, which is scheduled for Thurs., Oct. 1, 2009 through Sun., Jan. 17, 2010.  Antlerless only permits for $15.50 will be available beginning Sept. 1 and throughout the season over the counter at local agents designated by IDNR, as well as through DNR Direct online or by phone.

Weldon Springs-Piatt Unit Deer: