Category: Recreational News

Shed hunting can have deadly implications for animals weakened by the rigors of winter As anxious shed antler hunters prepare to take to Idaho’s hills in search of fresh bounty, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game urges them to avoid stressing wildlife trying to survive the late winter storms. Shed antlers from deer, elk […]

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) today announced $118,500 in grant funding that will allow for the operation and maintenance of snowmobile trails in the state through the Illinois Snowmobile Trail Establishment Fund (STEF). STEF grant funds are being awarded to the Illinois Association of Snowmobile Clubs (IASC) in the amount […]

Shed antler hunters and other recreationists out on May 1 should be aware of changes to the opening time for collection of shed antlers on public lands. The shed antler collection regulation, which was amended by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission in November, 2020, requires that antler collection on public lands begins at 6 […]

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Parks Division is celebrating the start of Spring today by announcing the 2021 Sky’s the Limit Hiking Challenge! The Sky’s the Limit Hiking Challenge began in 2015 to promote hiking in Connecticut’s state parks and forests. This year’s challenge is a great opportunity to hike “Bridges, […]

SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker today announced that more than $24.9 million in state grant funding has been approved for local governments to construct, renovate, and improve buildings or purchase land to be used for public access and recreation. The funding is made available through the Park and Recreational Facility Construction Act (PARC) grant program, […]

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) today announced the launch of a new user-friendly licensing, registration and reservation platform for outdoor enthusiasts interested in hunting, fishing, boating, snowmobiling and camping. Visitors to https://ExploreMoreIL.com and https://Camp.ExploreMoreIL.com will discover quick and easy solutions for hunting and fishing licensing and permitting; watercraft and snowmobile […]

With Spring Break comes a perennial increase to park visitation. Facilities are beginning to reopen, hours are extending, and modified shuttle service will soon resume to best serve our visitors. Please note that in order to protect the health of those who live, work, and visit national parks and National Park Service (NPS) facilities, face […]

Campers looking to reserve a campsite on Maryland’s public lands can now use the Department of Natural Resources online reservation system to book one of 18 primitive sites at Savage River State Forest’s Big Run campground in Garrett County. Most of Maryland’s state forests allow camping and have used a first-come, first-serve method. The state’s […]

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control reminds visitors to Delaware State Parks that 2021 entrance fees will be in effect starting Monday, March 1 through Nov. 30. State park entrance fees for vehicles registered in Delaware are $4 at inland parks and $5 at ocean parks. Fees for out-of-state vehicles are $8 at […]

Some public areas of Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge will be reopened Monday (March 1) the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced. The refuge has been closed due to severe damage caused by Hurricane Laura on Aug. 29, 2020. Although many public fishing areas, including piers and boat docks, will reopen Monday, there are some […]

PIERRE, S.D. – Beginning Feb. 20, campers can begin making reservations for summer stays in South Dakota State Parks. Feb. 20 is the first day to make camping reservations for a Friday, May 21, arrival. This is the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks’ Open House and Free Fishing Weekend and traditional kick-off to the […]

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Division of Parks and Recreation is conducting an online survey to gather public input on food trucks at Rhode Island State Parks. The Department is seeking feedback from park-goers to better understand their preferences in order to enhance and expand concession options at state […]

Concord, NH – Hikers, snowshoers, cross country and back country skiers, climbers, and all other outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to purchase their voluntary annual Hike Safe card for 2021. Card sales help ensure that the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Conservation Officers, trained in wilderness rescue, are there to come to your aid if […]

The Iowa DNR is seeking people who enjoy the outdoors, camping and meeting new people, to consider becoming volunteer campground hosts for the upcoming recreation season. Volunteer campground hosts live in state parks from one to five months assisting DNR staff with light maintenance duties, checking in campers, and being a resource for visitors enjoying […]

Montana State Parks recorded more than 3.4 million visitors in 2020, a 29.5 percent increase over 2019. Visitation increased every month in 2020 over 2019, despite temporary closures at a small handful of parks and the absence or sharp decline in school field trips, events and other group activities. “These record-setting visitation numbers should not […]