The thick of the hunting season is still a couple months away but local conservation authorities are encouraging hunters to be proactive now to avoid issues when the season is in full swing.
Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police Officer John Williamson says it's not too early to get out and check on those tree stands. In the midst of a mild stretch, now is a perfect time to get out and check those.
Williamson stresses to check the straps and connections to the trees for the stands. He says often times with the variance in weather, those straps and supports can deteriorate very quickly.
If you need to get into a safety course, Williamson says this is the time of year to get in for one. He says they are taking place all over the area and state and they can even be done online.
Squirrel season is underway in Illinois. Other seasons include dove season and then deer and water fowl.
Williamson encourages a visit to illinois.dnr.gov for any information regarding hunting seasons and safety courses.
