Ep.75 | Mentored Spring Turkey Hunting Updates

The crew just got back from a three day camping trip on some IL public land. We go over all the things we learned while hunting with NO wind in some seasonally warm weather. Hear all about our logic, strategy, and lessons learned. Dan got back out right away and was able to get a deer on the ground with his mentee. Even in success there is still plenty to be learned. How can you possibly prep for the moment that is almost impossible to replicate? Links mentioned Request a mail in CWD testing kit: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=nwgia7qOPEaE9TFxIQ-QBWcMtbNOqcxGu9VY8fZm5oVUOFlQOUdJVzJFSkM5UTlSQThWTVhRWklJMiQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl Learn more about IL Learn to Hunt: https://linktr.ee/learntohuntil The University of Illinois' Illinois Learn to Hunt program provides FREE educational content, training webinars, and workshops to teach ADULT participants how to hunt deer, turkey, squirrels, pheasants, ducks, geese and other game. The Hunting Illinois podcast provides educational discussions with experts, review of animal ecology, hunting strategies, and so much more. Make sure to register for free webinars and workshops through our website and follow us on Facebook for any updates on the program and Illinois hunting in general. It is never too late to learn how to hunt!

What equipment and steps do you take to make sure you get your deer home or to the processor in the best shape possible? Learn what equipment we take into the field and the steps we follow when field dressing deer to deer processing. Links mentioned Request a mail in CWD testing kit: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=nwgia7qOPEaE9TFxIQ-QBWcMtbNOqcxGu9VY8fZm5oVUOFlQOUdJVzJFSkM5UTlSQThWTVhRWklJMiQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl List of Public IL Trout Fishing Spots: https://ifishillinois.org/Pages/Resources/Programs/CatchableTrout Learn more about IL Learn to Hunt: https://linktr.ee/learntohuntil The University of Illinois' Illinois Learn to Hunt program provides FREE educational content, training webinars, and workshops to teach ADULT participants how to hunt deer, turkey, squirrels, pheasants, ducks, geese and other game. The Hunting Illinois podcast provides educational discussions with experts, review of animal ecology, hunting strategies, and so much more. Make sure to register for free webinars and workshops through our website and follow us on Facebook for any updates on the program and Illinois hunting in general. It is never too late to learn how to hunt!

In this episode the team goes over how they made out bird hunting in the early September heat! Hear how they went about getting out dove, goose, and teal hunting over the past few weeks. Did you get out at all? How did you do? Learn more about IL Learn to Hunt: https://linktr.ee/learntohuntil Youth Waterfowl Application - https://v3-wp.huntillinois.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Youth_Waterfowl_Hunting_Application_Instructions.pdf IRAP Small Game - https://dnr.illinois.gov/conservation/irap/small-game-hunting.html IRAP Waterfowl - https://dnr.illinois.gov/conservation/irap/waterfowl-hunting.html Public Duck and Goose Lottery 2 - https://dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/waterfowl/onlinepermitapplication.html Illinois Hunt Camp - www.illinoishuntcamp.com The University of Illinois' Illinois Learn to Hunt program provides FREE educational content, training webinars, and workshops to teach ADULT participants how to hunt deer, turkey, squirrels, pheasants, ducks, geese and other game. The Hunting Illinois podcast provides educational discussions with experts, review of animal ecology, hunting strategies, and so much more. Make sure to register for free webinars and workshops through our website and follow us on Facebook for any updates on the program and Illinois hunting in general. It is never too late to learn how to hunt!

In this episode we cover season and program updates. Discuss our first successful squirrel hunt camp and go over some of the most common hunting and wildlife management conspiracies. Learn more about IL Learn to Hunt: https://linktr.ee/learntohuntil Youth Waterfowl Application - https://v3-wp.huntillinois.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Youth_Waterfowl_Hunting_Application_Instructions.pdf IRAP Small Game - https://dnr.illinois.gov/conservation/irap/small-game-hunting.html IRAP Waterfowl - https://dnr.illinois.gov/conservation/irap/waterfowl-hunting.html Public Duck and Goose Lottery 2 - https://dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/waterfowl/onlinepermitapplication.html Illinois Hunt Camp - www.illinoishuntcamp.com The University of Illinois' Illinois Learn to Hunt program provides FREE educational content, training webinars, and workshops to teach ADULT participants how to hunt deer, turkey, squirrels, pheasants, ducks, geese and other game. The Hunting Illinois podcast provides educational discussions with experts, review of animal ecology, hunting strategies, and so much more. Make sure to register for free webinars and workshops through our website and follow us on Facebook for any updates on the program and Illinois hunting in general. It is never too late to learn how to hunt!

In this episode the team talks about the appeal of hunting out west, how they go about planning their applications to get point, and some opportunities that exist without any points. If you ever were interested about heading west to go hunting elk, mule deer, pronghorn, or even some turkeys, this is a good place to start to understand what it may take. Learn more about IL Hunt Camp here: https://publish.illinois.edu/huntcampil/ Learn more about IL Learn to Hunt: https://linktr.ee/learntohuntil The University of Illinois' Illinois Learn to Hunt program provides FREE educational content, training webinars, and workshops to teach ADULT participants how to hunt deer, turkey, squirrels, pheasants, ducks, geese and other game. The Hunting Illinois podcast provides educational discussions with experts, review of animal ecology, hunting strategies, and so much more. Make sure to register for free webinars and workshops through our website and follow us on Facebook for any updates on the program and Illinois hunting in general. It is never too late to learn how to hunt!

The team goes over what is happening at IL Hunt Camp this year. It is going to be a bigger and better event than ever before. On 9/27/26 2pm to 7pm, will be at the St. Charles Sportsman's Club in Elburn, IL for the first time. This will open up opportunities to try trap shooting and fishing along with all the educational and outreach experiences you have come to expect. Cost is $15 and includes admission, shooting, fishing, food, and chances to win gear and mentored hunts. Oh and Kids are FREE.  Learn more about IL Hunt Camp here: https://publish.illinois.edu/huntcampil/ Learn more about IL Learn to Hunt: https://linktr.ee/learntohuntil  The University of Illinois' Illinois Learn to Hunt program provides FREE educational content, training webinars, and workshops to teach ADULT participants how to hunt deer, turkey, squirrels, pheasants, ducks, geese and other game. The Hunting Illinois podcast provides educational discussions with experts, review of animal ecology, hunting strategies, and so much more. Make sure to register for free webinars and workshops through our website and follow us on Facebook for any updates on the program and Illinois hunting in general. It is never too late to learn how to hunt!

Dan and Curtis sit down and interview some of our LtH Ambassadors about their spring turkey hunting seasons. Hear from some new hunters about what they learned as they jump into turkey hunting. Some folks used IRAP, others hunted public land, and one even made the trip to Wisconsin to press his luck on some new ground.  Learn more about IL Learn to Hunt: https://linktr.ee/learntohuntil The University of Illinois' Illinois Learn to Hunt program provides FREE educational content, training webinars, and workshops to teach ADULT participants how to hunt deer, turkey, squirrels, pheasants, ducks, geese and other game. The Hunting Illinois podcast provides educational discussions with experts, review of animal ecology, hunting strategies, and so much more. Make sure to register for free webinars and workshops through our website and follow us on Facebook for any updates on the program and Illinois hunting in general. It is never too late to learn how to hunt!

Learn all about our next Beat Feast event and get the latest update on Hunt Camp 2026! Register for Beast Feast: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beast-feast-2-tickets-1987521754069?aff=ebdsoporgprofile Learn more about IL Learn to Hunt: https://linktr.ee/learntohuntil The University of Illinois' Illinois Learn to Hunt program provides FREE educational content, training webinars, and workshops to teach ADULT participants how to hunt deer, turkey, squirrels, pheasants, ducks, geese and other game. The Hunting Illinois podcast provides educational discussions with experts, review of animal ecology, hunting strategies, and so much more. Make sure to register for free webinars and workshops through our website and follow us on Facebook for any updates on the program and Illinois hunting in general. It is never too late to learn how to hunt!

The team has been busy taking mentees on some of their first turkey hunts this spring. Hear how they went and what we have learned so far this season. LtH Deer Firearm permit webinar: https://youtu.be/XSsph84rqPo IDNR Stops CWD sharp shooting program: https://dnr.illinois.gov/programs/cwd/illinois-chronic-wasting-disease-update.html Outdoor IL link: https://outdoor.wildlifeillinois.org/ Learn more about IL Learn to Hunt: https://linktr.ee/learntohuntil The University of Illinois' Illinois Learn to Hunt program provides FREE educational content, training webinars, and workshops to teach ADULT participants how to hunt deer, turkey, squirrels, pheasants, ducks, geese and other game. The Hunting Illinois podcast provides educational discussions with experts, review of animal ecology, hunting strategies, and so much more. Make sure to register for free webinars and workshops through our website and follow us on Facebook for any updates on the program and Illinois hunting in general. It is never too late to learn how to hunt!

Folks ask us all the time, how did we get here? How did we start working for the IL Learn to Hunt program? In this episode, we each go through our different career journeys and give tips on how we would do it again. If you or someone you know is interested in a career in natural recourses or if you are interested in hearing how people navigate their careers, this podcast is for you! Learn more about IL Learn to Hunt: https://linktr.ee/learntohuntil The University of Illinois' Illinois Learn to Hunt program provides FREE educational content, training webinars, and workshops to teach ADULT participants how to hunt deer, turkey, squirrels, pheasants, ducks, geese and other game. The Hunting Illinois podcast provides educational discussions with experts, review of animal ecology, hunting strategies, and so much more. Make sure to register for free webinars and workshops through our website and follow us on Facebook for any updates on the program and Illinois hunting in general. It is never too late to learn how to hunt!