Outdoors notes
Is it possible that Illinois state officials responsible for tourism will continue to ignore the vast pot-of-gold that awaits those who act smartly regarding hunting and fishing opportunities?
Known as the "Outdoors Capital of the Capital Region," Prince William County in Virginia reports overall tourism revenue increased by 6.25 percent in the destination. That brought in a total of more than $445 million in visitor spending in 2006, the latest year for which statistics have been released.
The Prince William County/Manassas, Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau says direct spending by domestic travelers supported 6,031 full-time and seasonal jobs, generating more than $115 million in wages and salaries. Local taxes, including sales and property taxes, raised more than $7 million for the destination.
Grand opening: A gutsy move by three former Ed Shirley Sports store managers may pay off handsomely as the new Anglers International Resources headquarters opens its doors to customers in Palatine.
With the Shirley organization now out of the retail picture, this new venture is something to behold as it offers almost every kind of fresh and saltwater fishing gear and accessories.
I'll broadcast my radio show live at the store, 1272 E. Dundee Road, in Palatine. Drop in for the broadcast and stay for the coffee, soft drinks and lots of other goodies, as well as raffles and giveaways. It all starts at 6 a.m. Sunday
Safety first: Midwest Sporting Goods in Lyons, Ill., in partnership with the National Shooting Sports Foundation, is offering area residents two free introductions to handgun ownership, safety and shooting on Saturday.
In remembrance: Another colorful outdoor personality is no longer with us.
With those first words out of his mouth, I could hear how choked-up Buster Culjan was when he told me his brother, Dominic "Big Knobs" Culjan passed away Wednesday.
Culjan was a regular fixture on the Illinois River and Illinois River valley area. The 57-year-old outdoorsman fell from a tree stand just over a week ago and was in a coma at a Peoria hospital.
For the hook-and-liners …
Fox Chain: Greatly improved muskie catching on Lake Marie and Lake Catherine. Bluegill action is excellent on Channel Lake. Walleye activity has picked up in the current breaks on Petite Lake. The crappie bite continues with decent-size fish on Marie and Pistakee Lake.
Fox River: Anglers are seeing improved smallmouth activity near Elgin and Batavia.
Lake Michigan: Watch the winds on the big pond. Perching has slowed while a few kings are coming to the net off Waukegan.