We're just a few weeks away from the always popular shotgun hunting season.

As hunters anticipate for some, their favorite time of the year, Department of Natural Resources Conversation Police Capt. John Williamson reminds hunters to give those tree stands a good once over. He says it never fails, they seem to always get calls of a hunter falling from a tree stand.

Capt. Williamson indicates last week, leftover tags in certain counties became available. While there are areas of the state that seem to always sell out, there may be a few tags in an area close to you.

It went into effect last year but Capt. Williams reminds hunters to be mindful of the changes around rifles and hunting.

For more information on all things outdoors and hunting in Illinois, visit dnr.illinois.gov and find the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on most social media platforms.