This week's Archers Alley "Catch of the Week" comes to us from Noah Herman, of Hanna City!

From Noah: "This deer showed up on our property about a month ago… He lived close to the food plots and probably had a headache…(from the misplaced shot to his head)!  We felt bad for him so we hunted after him and were able to harvest him last night!  He is going to make an interesting mount to talk about for sure!"

That's a unique trophy for sure!  Noah joins us this weekend to share the story of the hunt!

Submit your own pic & story for our Archers Alley "Catch of the Week!"

This week's Archers Alley "Catch of the Week" comes to us from Derek Kellem, of Chillicothe!

From Derek: "Finally caught a decent one out at Powerton! Had just packed up my first rod to go home before I got locked in, and just as I was going to bring in my other line, this guy hit! It was getting close to 4:00 and I didn't have anyone to take pics, so I snapped these terrible pictures as fast as I could, made sure he swam off well, and boogied back to the parking lot as fast as I could. I'd been skunked out there so many times, really needed to catch a good one!"

Congrats to Derek on breaking a long dry spell at Powerton with this bruiser!  He'll share the story on this weekend's show!

Submit your own pic & story for our Archers Alley "Catch of the Week!"

This week's Archers Alley "Catch of the Week" comes to us from Austin Wilkins, of Normal!

From Austin: "My buddy and I had a great opening night of coyote season!  We got ten coyotes in eight different spots that night, including a three pack in one spot! It's the most we've ever harvested in one night! We always make time to get out on opening night, and now that we are into the prime time of the season, we hope to break this new record!"

Austin, who sees the sport as a way of controlling predators, joins us this weekend to share the story!  He'll also pass along some coyote hunting tips!

Submit your own pic & story for our Archers Alley "Catch of the Week!"

This week's Archers Alley "Catch of the Week" comes to us from Bradley Rexroad, of Hammond!

From Bradley: "I was lucky enough to be able to harvest this stud public land buck this season!  My first interaction with this buck was on Saturday night.  He just wouldn't give me a shot, so I went back out Sunday with no luck.  My brother-in-law and I went out on Monday, and everything worked perfect!  He came out, and walked right up to my tree stand, and gave me shot within 25 yards!  Made the shot, and he was a pretty easy track.  Blessed to get this quality of a buck on public land!  He had a 22" inside spread; 12 inch G-2's; and eleven countable points!"  

Bradley joins us this weekend to share the story!

Submit your own pic & story for our Archers Alley "Catch of the Week!"

This week's Archers Alley "Catch of the Week" comes to us from Sam Trainor, of Cornell!

From Sam:  "Was able to arrow the largest buck of my life over the weekend. He was locked down on a doe and I was able to watch him breed her before sticking an arrow in him. A lot more to the story, but truly a once in a lifetime hunt and buck!"

There is a LOT more to the story of this awesome buck!  Sam joins us this weekend to share it!

Submit your own pic & story for our Archers Alley "Catch of the Week!"

This week's Archers Alley "Catch of the Week" comes to us from Justin Jackson, of Paris!

From Justin: "It has been a deer season to remember!  It started out when I got two does in one sit within of minutes of each other.  Then I was able to take an old warrior we called "Broken Rack" just before the first the first firearm season.  Then my wife, Alivia, had an amazing sit one morning of firearm season when she got a coyote, a huge buck, and a doe all in one sit!  I was then able to get another nice buck later the very same day!"

Justin joins us this weekend to share the story of a very memorable 2023 whitetail season!

Submit your own pic & story for our Archers Alley "Catch of the Week!"

This week's Archers Alley "Catch of the Week" comes to us from Max Robertson, of Decatur!  

Max & his dad, Joe, were out doing some fishing at Lake Decatur on Max's 13th birthday when he hooked into this 7-pound walleye!!  Joe told Max he would get it mounted, but Max had a better idea!  He took the walleye to Joann at Mike's Tackle World as a "Get Well Soon" gift....she loved it!!  They were so touched by Max's kindness that they posted about it on their Facebook page.  

Jim Garrett at G&G Outdoors saw that post, and reached out to get connected with Max.  Jim wanted to take the young man fishing.  According to Jim, they got together about a week later, and decided the plan was to catch Max's new personal best crappie...  Mission Accomplished!!  

Max has a new PB white crappie out of Lake Decatur that weighed in at 1.56 pounds, and measured 15-inches long!   Jim says they caught over 20 keepers on their trip, but Max released them all to be caught again!   They also have another trip booked to go find another PB!

Congrats to Max on the new PB!!   We'll hear the story from Max & Joe on this weekend's show!  Plus, Jim shares his perspective in our CIO Fishing Report this week!

Submit your own pic & story for our Archers Alley "Catch of the Week!"

This week's Archers Alley "Catch of the Week" comes to us from Aron Shofner, of Lacon!

From Aron: "So I had not been seeing any deer while hunting on my days off. I had been feeling some light sickness and with the wind this morning not being a good direction for the places I hunt decided to skip the morning hunt when my alarm went off at 5:00 AM. Leaving for Kansas in the morning added further complications to the situation. As I lay in bed and my wife leaves for work I get a text from my sister/neighbor stating that “THE” buck was in her back yard again and chasing a smaller buck off. I get up and look out my side window and can see the smaller buck and see him lay down. I call my sister and she tells me that the last she seen the bigger buck he had laid down too. As we were talking on the phone he moved to confirm that he was still there but camouflaged in the weeds. She gives me the basic information of where he is and I make a plan. A quick confirmation of the wind tells me that I need to circle my property and come up from the back in order to stay down wind of this caliber of deer. I circle and get into a position of where I think I should see where the deer is. After a lot of scanning I see antlers in the weeds. The deer is facing away from me and and my yard is fairly clear of leaves so I continue my slow stalk. I eventually get within 20 yards and figure that I cannot close the distance any more undetected. I kneel onto one knee and can see antlers and brown. I figure that I can wait until he stands up and get a shot. There is a lot of brush but if the right condition happens I can get a shot. I wait and wait. His head starts moving around as I ready for a shot. He calms and does not stand. Emotion starts to take over as my body starts shaking. I have to mentally talk myself down and convince myself that this saga is far from over and anything can happen. I regather my composure and continue to wait. It seems like forever as I set there and message certain people that I have stalked within 20 yards of this deer. After what seemed like forever his head starts moving a lot as I ready for a potential shot. He stands up and his vitals were in a small hole that I had picked out while kneeling there. I shoot and feel like my aim is true as he whirls and runs off. I quickly stand up and watch as I swear that I see his antlers over the weeds stop and start swaying and eventually fall to the side. I set there in amazement as this just doesn’t happen with a deer of this caliber. With trembling hands I quickly text some of my contacts that I had been texting while awaiting the deer to stand. My recent good friend and hunting neighbor asked if he could come and assist with recovery. I awaited Chandler Durbin to arrive before attempting any recovery. Upon his arrival I showed where I was and then where the deer was laying. From the apparent bed I look to where I last seen the deer and can instantly see antlers. I emphatically point them out to Chandler as we approach the deer that had only went 40 yards from the shot before expiring. What an amazing happening and deer. It is not the typical story of chasing a certain animal from trail cam pics but a story of an amazing stalk on an amazing animal. I am honored to have been blessed to be given this opportunity and this great buck."

Aron joins us this weekend to share the story of his backyard buck!

Submit your own pic & story for our Archers Alley "Catch of the Week!"

This week's Archers Alley "Catch of the Week" comes to us from 8-year old Avery Houk, of Bethany!!

From Avery's dad, T.W.:  "November 4th was Avery's lucky day again!  She got this 6-point buck on the exact day she got her 11-pointer last season!   It was a great hunt from the ground.  She made the call to take the shot, and it was good one! "

Avery and T.W. join us this weekend to share the story of this successful hunt!  

Submit your own pic & story for our Archers Alley "Catch of the Week!"

This week's Archers Alley "Catch of the Week" comes to us from David Vroman, of Washington!

From David:  "Thought I would visit the small lake near my house after getting home from doing some walleye fishing in Central Wisconsin. I was throwing a chatterbait around for a little bit and then got hit - set the hook - drag was too loose and I lost the fish. Next cast - Set the drag (which I should have checked in the first place) threw out about 25 yards and on the retrieve caught this little thing right where I had missed the one before - could it have been the same fish?  Also thought I would send you a couple photos of the walleye caught up Wisconsin on my fishing trip with my brother - nothing like the walleye "tick" when you are jigging!!"

David, who just picked up the hobby of fishing in his recent retirement from Bradley University, joins us this weekend to share the story!  In addition, we'll find out some things that have helped him get hooked on the sport!

Submit your own pic & story for our Archers Alley "Catch of the Week!"

This week's Archers Alley "Catch of the Week" comes to us from Andrew Williams, of Homer!

From Andrew's dad, James: "Few things in life have given me the joy that seeing my son be successful in his pursuits has. Whether it has been fishing, sports or hunting. Last night was no exception to this. Andrew Williams connected on a truly big bodied mature Illinois whitetail. He has put the time in, he has worked hard and to make the shot and harvest his biggest deer to date was a moment I’ll never forget. I saw the deer on his way in to Drew’s set last night 4 minutes before he shot. So proud of you and your effort son! Tag 1 punched! This buck tipped the scales at 238 pounds field dressed and was an absolute brute!"

According to Andrew, this is the first "big" buck he's ever harvested with a bow!  He'll return to the COTW to share the story!  Andrew also appeared in the segment back on Episode 69 with a 6-pound Lake Shelbyville bass!  

Submit your own pic & story for our Archers Alley "Catch of the Week!"

This week's Archers Alley "Catch of the Week" comes to us from Joe Sumner, of Danville!!

From Joe:  "I had the most amazing opening day to the archery season!  Within the first hour of my first sit on opening afternoon, this bruiser came walking through at 37 yards!   He had been spotted by a buddy in the area a few weeks before, but hadn't really been seen since.  It just so happened, he walked by the bush I was sitting behind that day!  My shot was a heart shot, and he dropped about 70 yards from where I hit him.  Just an awesome buck, and by far the coolest rack I've ever harvested!"

Joe shares even more of this amazing story on this weekend's show!  

Submit your own pic & story for our Archers Alley "Catch of the Week!"

This week's Archers Alley "Catch of the Week" comes to us from Sam Griggs, of Chillicothe! 

From Sam's dad, Austin:  "My son got his first ever deer during this year's youth firearm season, and it was a Wall Hanger!!  A big 11-pointer!  He hunted hard last year all season, but never connected, and he was ready for this year!  It was a great evening in the deer woods!"

Sam & Austin join us this weekend to share the story of Sam's first deer harvest!

Submit your own pic & story for our Archers Alley "Catch of the Week!"

This week's Archers Alley "Catch of the Week" comes to us from 8-year old Izabelle Wright, of Moweaqua!

From Izabelle's mom, Chelsea:  "My 8-year old daughter, Izabelle, was able to participate in the Lake Shelbyville Youth Hunt last weekend, and got her first deer!  It was a spike buck with one broken off antler, so she's telling everyone she got a unicorn deer!"

Izabelle, along with her parents, Chelsea & Nick, join us this weekend to share the story of Izzy's first deer!  They talk about the experience of the Lake Shelbyville Youth Hunt; hunting as a family; & more!

Submit your own pic & story for our Archers Alley "Catch of the Week!"

This week's Archers Alley "Catch of the Week" comes to us from Dalton Johnson, of Taylorville!

From Dalton:  "We were out enjoying this warm stretch of weather, fishing a private pond in Decatur, when I hooked into this giant of a black crappie!!  We weren't there for 15 minutes when I caught it.  I was throwing a chatterbait for bass, and thought I had a good bass, but then pulled this up!  It measured 18 1/4", and went 3-pounds on the scale!  By far my biggest crappie ever!!  It's at Sangamon River Taxidermy to be mounted, and will make a great trophy!"

Dalton has had quite the 2023 fishing season!  He joined us in the COTW at the start of the year with a massive flathead, and then made an appearance with a nice muskie this summer.  He'll return this weekend to share the story of this slab of a crappie!

Submit your own pic & story for our Archers Alley "Catch of the Week!"

This week's Archers Alley "Catch of the Week" comes to us from Blaine Schnitker, of Springfield!

From Blaine:  "Got a good one out at Sangchris this past weekend!  Decided to go do some flathead fishing with a buddy, as it had been awhile since I'd been out.  We missed a few bites that night, but then about 1am this guy bent the pole over!  He put up a good fight, and went 48-pounds!   After a couple of quick pictures, he went back in to be caught again!"

Blaine, who also appeared in the Catch of the Week on Episode 112, joins us this weekend to share the story, and talk flathead fishing!

Submit your own pic & story for our Archers Alley "Catch of the Week!"

This week's Archers Alley "Catch of the Week" comes to us from Donnie Henson, of Decatur!

From Donnie:  "I've been having some luck lately chasing flatheads on the Sangamon River below the Lake Decatur Dam!   Got these two big ones in different trips, and several smaller as well.  The big one at night went 31 pounds, and the other was pushing 40!  Cut bait is doing the trick!  It's made for some great content for my YouTube channel "Hunting Hogs Henson!"

Donnie joins us this weekend to share some stories; talk river fishing; and share some of his YouTube experience!

Submit your own pic & story for our Archers Alley "Catch of the Week!"

This week's Archers Alley "Catch of the Week" comes to us from Cole Creason, of Decatur!

Orangethroat Darter

Bluebreast Darter

Rainbow Darter

Brindled Madtom

Greenside Darter

Typically on the COTW we are talking about giant fish, or big bucks, but this week we are headed to the opposite end of the spectrum... 

We are diving into micro-fishing!   

Colton Creason, of Decatur, has caught all of these tiny, coloful specimens on hook and line right here in central Illinois!  He'll share how his desire to expand his lifelist of fish caught led him to explore this sport within the sport.  We'll talk about the special equipment used; where he finds these tiny fish; and much more!

Submit your own pic & story for our Archers Alley "Catch of the Week!"

This week's Archers Alley "Catch of the Week" comes to us from Shaun Long & family, of Lincoln!

From Shaun:  "We had an epic Labor Day weekend chasing Blue cats in central Illinois!  My family, and a couple friends, made several trips to both Powerton & Clinton over the weekend fishing for catfish.  It was a great trip!  My daughter got a new PB, and we probably brought over 200 pounds of fish over the side of boat!  A great weekend of family fun!"

Shaun, who's a past guest in the COTW, joins us this weekend to share some stories of their great family time on the water!

Submit your own pic & story for our Archers Alley "Catch of the Week!"

This week's Archers Alley "Catch of the Week" comes to us from 17-year old Aiden Fosbick, of Waynesville!

Aiden's mom, Nikki, sent in this picture of one of his latest catches out of Kickapoo Creek!   Aiden joins us to tell the story of this nice central Illinois creek smallmouth bass!  We'll talk bout fishing, wading, and hear about some of his favorite creek fishing moments!  

Submit your own pic & story for our Archers Alley "Catch of the Week!"

This week's Archers Alley "Catch of the Week" comes to us from 10-year old Chance Roller, of Springfield!!

A friend of the family nominated Chance for the COTW!

Chance, and his uncle, John Powers III, fished last weekend's Lake Sangchris Catfish Tournament.  It was the first time fishing a tournament for 10-year old Chance, and they brought home second place!   Chance was able to land a new P-B...this 12-pound flathead!  They also brought in a few other smaller fish to land on the podium, and now Chance says he's hooked on chasing big cats!

Chance joins us this weekend to share the story!

Submit your own pic & story for our Archers Alley "Catch of the Week!"

This week's Archers Alley "Catch of the Week" comes to us from Richard Huffman, of Bradley!

From Richard: "I've been fishing for catfish for over 50 years, but I had never caught a Blue cat before.  I reached out to CIO to find a Clinton Lake catfish guide, and he pointed me to Jason Hill at Hill's Guide Service.  It was a great experience with Jason!  Not only did I catch my first blue, but we caught 19 fish that day!  Our biggest went 22 pounds!  We had a 20, a 16, and several smaller ones.  I learned a lot from Jason, including that strawberry flavored chicken really works!"

Richard joins us this weekend to share the story of his first ever Blue Catfish!

Submit your own pic & story for our Archers Alley "Catch of the Week!"

This week's Archers Alley "Catch of the Week" comes to us from Gage Weir, of Pittsfield!  

From Gage:  "We went out on the Big River recently, and I landed my new PB catfish!!  A 36lb BIG Mississippi River Blue Cat! It was quite the fight on 25-pound mono!  Thanks to my buddy, Michael Hobbs, for taking us!  We had a blast!"

Gage joins us this weekend to share the story of his new PB!  We'll also catch up on the latest on his YouTube channel "Jighead Gage" that we've previously featured on CIO!

Submit your own pic & story for our Archers Alley "Catch of the Week!"

This week's Archers Alley "Catch of the Week" comes to us from Ty Sanders, of Taylorville!  

From Ty: "We went out to Sangchris recently one evening hoping to hook into some big fish, and ended up with a new PB!   Sat for a couple hours catching little channels when all of a sudden the rod folded over!  Took me about 10 minutes to fight it, and get it in while my girlfriend filmed.  Able to get it in, and on the scale...it went 47.2 pounds!  Safely released to swim again!"

Ty joins us this weekend to share the story of his new PB flathead!!

Submit your own pic & story for our Archers Alley "Catch of the Week!"

This week's Archers Alley "Catch of the Week" comes to us from Brian Jancaitis, of Mt. Zion!

From Brian:  "Some buddies and I headed out to Clinton Lake to do some night fishing.  We ended up at a pavillion that had pretty good bank access, and decided to toss out some lines.  We had been there awhile, and I was getting a fire going, when a friend said my pole was getting hit.  I started to reel it in, and didn't feel anything at first....then it felt like I hit a snag....then the snag started fighting!!  After a 15 minute or so fight, I hauled in this giant flathead!  It was all we could do to get it up the bank!  It was too big for our scale, but had to go 50+ pounds!  The best part...I caught it on a nightcrawler!"

Brian joins us this weekend to share the story of his new PB catfish!

Submit your own pic & story for our Archers Alley "Catch of the Week!"