Weekly News

Vitamin D deficiency May help spread of Hepatitis B throughout Liver

Researchers from Germany have found that low levels of vitamin D are associated with high levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication. Findings published online in Hepatology, a journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, suggest seasonal fluctuations in vitamin D and HBV levels point to a link in these variables among patients with chronic HBV.

While highly effective vaccines are available, HBV still remains one of the most significant infectious diseases worldwide. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that HBV is 50 to 100 times more infectious than human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Furthermore WHO reports that two billion individuals have been infected with HBV, which is responsible for nearly 600,000 deaths each year. In the U.S. the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that up to 1.4 million Americans are living with chronic HBV.

ďż˝Vitamin D helps maintain a healthy immune system and there is evidence of its role in inflammatory and metabolic liver disease, including infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV),ďż˝ explains lead investigator Dr. Christian Lange from Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Hospital in Frankfurt. ďż˝However, the relationship between vitamin D metabolism and chronic HBV infection remains unknown and is the focus of our present

study.ďż˝ Between January 2009 and December 2010, the team recruited

203 patients with chronic HBV who had not previously received treatment for their infection. Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured from each participant. Patients co-infected with HCV, HIV, or hepatitis D; those with excessive alcohol use; and those with liver cancer or other malignancies were excluded.

Results show that 34% of participants had severe vitamin D deficiency (less than 10 ng/mL), 47% with vitamin D insufficiency (between 10-20 ng/mL) and 19% had normal levels of vitamin D (greater than 20 ng/mL). Further analyses indicate that the concentration of HBV in the blood, known as viral load, was a strong indicator of low vitamin D levels. In patients with HBV DNA less than 2000 IU/mL versus 2000 IU/mL or more, the levels of vitamin D were 17 and 11 ng/mL, respectively.

Researchers also determined that patients with the hepatitis B antigen (HBeAg) had lower levels of vitamin D than HBeAg negative participants. Inverse seasonal fluctuations between vitamin D and HBV levels were noted, which further suggests a relationship between the two variables.

ďż˝Our data confirm an association between low levels of vitamin D and high concentrations of HBV in the blood,ďż˝ concludes Dr. Lange. ďż˝These findings differ from previous research of patients with chronic hepatitis C, which found no connection between vitamin D levels and concentration of HCV in the blood.ďż˝ The authors propose further investigation of vitamin D as a therapeutic intervention for controlling HBV.

U.S. Rep Graves (R-Mo) introduces bill prevents taxing firearms and ammo

H.R. 2361, Protecting Americans Second Amendment Rights

NEWTOWN, Conn. -- The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms and ammunition industry, today praised U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) for his introduction of H.R. 2361, legislation intended to prevent states and municipalities from enacting or raising taxes or fees on the purchase of firearms or ammunition.

"Congressman Graves is to be commended for introducing a bill to prevent one of the latest tactics of anti-gun politicians, that is pricing firearms and ammunition out of reach of responsible, law-abiding Americans through new taxes on the state or local level," said Lawrence G. Keane, senior

vice president and general counsel, NSSF. "We believe that such taxes are unconstitutional and, in effect, amount to a poll tax on the Second Amendment. We endorse H.R. 2361."

Cook County, Illinois enacted a $25 tax on new firearms purchases earlier this year and had considered a tax on ammunition, as well. Legislators in several other states, including California, Maryland and New Jersey have introduced similar proposals.

H.R. 2361 is known as the Protecting Honest, Everyday Americans from Senseless and Needless Taxes Act, or PHEASANT Act.

Read the bill here.

NOAA predicts possible record-setting deadzone for Gulf of Mexico

Also anticipating smaller hypoxia levels than in past in Chesapeake Bay

Scientists are expecting a very large "dead zone" in the Gulf of Mexico and a smaller than average hypoxic level in the Chesapeake Bay this year, based on several NOAA-supported forecast models.

NOAA-supported modelers at the University of Michigan, Louisiana State University, and the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium are forecasting that this year's Gulf of Mexico hypoxic "dead" zone will be between 7,286 and 8,561 square miles which could place it among the ten largest recorded. That would range from an area the size of Connecticut, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia combined on the low end to the New Jersey on the upper end. The high estimate would exceed the largest ever reported, 8,481 square miles in 2002.

Hypoxic (very low oxygen) and anoxic (no oxygen) zones are caused by excessive nutrient pollution, often from human activities such as agriculture, which results in insufficient oxygen to support most marine life in near-bottom waters. Aspects of weather, including wind speed, wind direction, precipitation and temperature, also impact the size of dead zones.

The Gulf estimate is based on the assumption of no significant tropical storms in the two weeks preceding or during the official measurement survey cruise scheduled from July 25-August 3 2013. If a storm does occur the size estimate could drop to a low of 5344 square miles, slightly smaller than the size of Connecticut.

This year's prediction for the Gulf reflects flood conditions in the Midwest that caused large amounts of nutrients to be transported from the Mississippi watershed to the Gulf. Last year's dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico was the fourth smallest on record due to drought conditions, covering an area of approximately 2,889 square miles, an area slightly larger than the state of Delaware. The overall average between 1995-2012 is 5,960 square miles, an area about the size of Connecticut.

A second NOAA-funded forecast, for the Chesapeake Bay, calls for a smaller than average dead zone in the nation's largest estuary. The forecasts from researchers at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and the University of Michigan has three parts: a prediction for the mid-summer volume of the low-oxygen hypoxic zone, one for the mid-summer oxygen-free anoxic zone, and a third that is an average value for the entire summer season.

The forecasts call for a mid-summer hypoxic zone of 1.46 cubic miles, a mid-summer anoxic zone of 0.26 to 0.38 cubic miles, and a summer average hypoxia of 1.108 cubic miles, all at the low end of previously recorded zones. Last year the final mid-summer hypoxic zone was 1.45 cubic miles.

This is the seventh year for the Bay outlook which, because of the shallow nature of large areas of the estuary, focuses on water volume or cubic miles, instead of square mileage as used in the Gulf. The history of hypoxia in the Chesapeake Bay since 1985 can be found at the EcoCheck website.

Both forecasts are based on nutrient run-off and river stream data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), with the Chesapeake data funded with a cooperative agreement between USGS and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Those numbers are then inserted into models developed by funding from the National Ocean Service's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS).

"Monitoring the health and vitality of our nation's oceans, waterways, and watersheds is critical as we work to preserve and protect coastal ecosystems," said Kathryn D. Sullivan, Ph.D., acting under secretary of

commerce for oceans and atmosphere and acting NOAA administrator.

"These ecological forecasts are good examples of the critical environmental intelligence products and tools that help shape a healthier coast, one that is so inextricably linked to the vitality of our communities and our livelihoods."

The dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico affects nationally important commercial and recreational fisheries, and threatens the region's economy. The Chesapeake dead zones, which have been highly variable in recent years, threaten a multi-year effort to restore the Bay's water quality and enhance its production of crabs, oysters, and other important fisheries.

During May 2013, stream flows in the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers were above normal resulting in more nutrients flowing into the Gulf. According to USGS estimates, 153,000 metric tons of nutrients flowed down the rivers to the northern Gulf of Mexico in May, an increase of 94,900 metric tons over last year's 58,100 metric tons, when the region was suffering through drought. The 2013 input is an increase of 16 percent above the average nutrient load estimated over the past 34 years.

For the Chesapeake Bay, USGS estimates 36,600 metric tons of nutrients entered the estuary from the Susquehanna and Potomac rivers between January and May, which is 30 percent below the average loads estimated from 1990 to 2013.

"Long-term nutrient monitoring and modeling is key to tracking how nutrient conditions are changing in response to floods and droughts and nutrient management actions," said Lori Caramanian, deputy assistant secretary of the interior for water and science. "Understanding the sources and transport of nutrients is key to developing effective nutrient management strategies needed to reduce the size of hypoxia zones in the Gulf, Bay and other U.S. waters where hypoxia is an ongoing problem."

"Coastal hypoxia is proliferating around the world," said Donald Boesch, Ph.D., president of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. "It is important that we have excellent abilities to predict and control the largest dead zones in the United States. The whole world is watching."

The confirmed size of the 2013 Gulf hypoxic zone will be released in August, following a monitoring survey led by the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium beginning in late July, and the result will be used to improve future forecasts. The final measurement in the Chesapeake will come in October following surveys by the Chesapeake Bay Program's partners from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

Despite the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Nutrient Task Force's goal to reduce the dead zone to less than 2,000 square miles, it has averaged 5,600 square miles over the last five years. Demonstrating the link between the dead zone and nutrients from the Mississippi River, this annual forecast continues to provide guidance to federal and state agencies as they work on the 11 implementation actions outlined by the Task Force in 2008 for mitigating nutrient pollution.

NOAA's National Ocean Service has been funding investigations and forecast development for the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico since 1990, and oversees national hypoxia research programs which include the Chesapeake Bay and other affected bodies of water. USGS operates more than 3,000 real-time stream gages and collects water quality data at numerous long-term stations throughout the Mississippi River basin and the Chesapeake Bay to track how nutrient loads are changing over time.

The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science is the coastal science office for NOAA's National Ocean Service. Visit our website or follow our blog to read more about NCCOS research.

Anglers Can Help Keep Bass Alive

Just follow some simple steps

Raleigh, NC Largemouth bass anglers who practice catch-and-release fishing this summer can follow a few simple steps to ensure the fish they catch today will survive to bite another lure tomorrow.

Summertime heat brings with it higher temperatures and lower dissolved oxygen levels in reservoirs and rivers ďż˝ conditions that are tough on largemouth bass, which can become more stressed when caught.

To minimize stress on fish, an angler who plans to catch and release the fish should land the fish quickly and handle it as little as possible.

ďż˝Try not to remove the fish from the water, even when youďż˝re removing the hook from the fishďż˝s mouth,ďż˝ said Christian Waters, a fisheries program manager for the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. ďż˝Handle the fish as little as possible to help reduce the loss of slime coat, which is the fishďż˝s main defense against infection and disease.ďż˝

Waters offers anglers other tips to keep a largemouth bass alive:

ďż˝ Wet your hands before you touch a fish;

ďż˝ Return the fish quickly to the water if you do not plan to keep it or place it in a livewell; and,

ďż˝ Use a knotless nylon or rubber-coated net instead of a knotted nylon net.

ďż˝

Anglers participating in fishing tournaments can minimize fish mortality by maintaining healthy oxygen and water quality in their livewells. A few ways to do this are:

ďż˝ Knowing the capacity of the livewell and not exceeding a ratio of more than 1 pound of bass per gallon of water;

ďż˝ Running a recirculating pump continuously if more than 5 pounds of bass are in the livewell;

Using aerators or oxygen-injection systems to keep the waterďż˝s oxygen level above 5 parts per million (ppm); and Keeping livewell water about 5 degrees below the reservoir or river temperature by adding block ice.

Waters also recommends that tournament participants fill their weigh-in bags with livewell water, not reservoir or river water, before putting in their catch. They should put only five fish in a bag, fewer if the fish exceed 4 pounds each. Finally, they should limit the amount of time that fish are held in bags to less than 2 minutes.

Fishing tournament organizers can do their part to help keep fish alive by adopting best handling practices at all events. These include staggering weigh-in times to reduce the time fish are held in weigh-in bags, arranging for release boats to return bass quickly to the water and equipping recovery stations with oxygen and recirculating water. Organizers also can provide holding tanks during the weigh-in with water 5 degrees below the reservoir or river temperature and with oxygen levels above 5 ppm. They also can reduce the number of competitive fishing hours.

An alternative to the traditional weigh-in tournament is to conduct a ďż˝paper tournament,ďż˝ which doesnďż˝t require a weigh-in.

More information on keeping bass alive, including the B.A.S.S.-produced publication, ďż˝Keeping Bass Alive: A Guidebook for Tournament Bass Anglers and Organizers,ďż˝ is available on the Commissionďż˝s website, www.ncwildlife.org/fishing. The Commission has produced a ďż˝Keeping Bass Aliveďż˝ card, suitable for downloading and printing that provides tips for both recreational and tournament anglers.

Determining rivers vulnerable to Asian Carp

Spawning in the Great Lakes Basin

Great Lakes resource managers can now determine rivers that may be vulnerable to Asian carp spawning if they were to spread into the Great Lakes Basin, according to a new U.S. Geological Survey report.

Findings indicate that two species of Asian carpďż˝silver and bighead carpďż˝may be able to spawn in more Great Lakes tributaries than previously estimated. This information could help resource managers implement control measures and potentially prevent Asian carp from becoming established in the Great Lakes.

This forward-looking study characterized the minimum habitat requirements for successful Asian carp spawning. Results indicate that Asian carp can successfully spawn in river stretches as short as 16 miles, which is considerably shorter than the 62 miles previously thought to be required. Scientists analyzed water temperature, streamflow and water quality in two Lake Michigan tributaries (the Milwaukee and St. Joseph rivers) and two Lake Erie tributaries (the Maumee and Sandusky rivers). Findings and techniques from this report can be used to identify other rivers vulnerable to Asian carp spawning in the future.

"If Asian carp spread into the Great Lakes, knowing where to expect them to spawn is a critical step in controlling these invasive species," said USGS scientist Elizabeth Murphy. "Our study combines the biology of Asian carp early life stages with the physics of rivers to identify potential spawning tributaries, thus giving managers an opportunity to develop targeted control strategies."

Although Asian carps primarily live in slow-moving water, they require streams with a fast current, sufficient length and turbulence to spawn.

After eggs are released, they drift in the current while developing. The eggs are slightly heavier than water and require turbulent flowing water to remain adrift. A long stretch of uninterrupted river provides a better chance for the eggs to survive and hatch. If the eggs sink to the bottom and gather in areas with slower flows, known as "settling zones," they generally die. Dams, for example, could help prevent eggs from drifting and developing by slowing water current and creating settling zones.

All four Great Lakes tributaries studied exhibited sufficient temperatures, water-quality characteristics, turbulence and transport times outside of settling zones for Asian carp eggs to mature and hatch. Even though all four rivers had settling zones, findings indicate that under the right temperature and flow conditions, river reaches as short as 16 miles may allow Asian carp eggs sufficient time to develop to the hatching stage.

Two species of Asian carps (bighead carp and silver carp) are threatening to spread into the Great Lakes from the Mississippi River Basin. Asian carp are invasive species that could pose substantial environmental risks and economic impacts to the Great Lakes if they become established.

This USGS report was funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative as administered by the USEPA.

Preventing establishment remains the main objective of ongoing efforts of the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (ACRCC), a partnership of federal and state agencies, municipalities and other groups, led by the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Actions of the ACRCC are diverse; they include aggressive tracking and monitoring of Asian carp, evaluating electric dispersal barriers in the Chicago Area Waterways System preventing movement toward Lake Michigan, and developing new technologies to control the abundance and distribution of Asian carp.

Great Lakes Water Levels for June 21, 2013

WEATHER CONDITIONS

Temperatures across the Great Lakes basin dropped briefly below seasonal averages for a couple of days earlier this week but are expected to rise. Hot and humid conditions will arrive over the weekend and persist into next week. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecasted to begin Friday in northern and western areas and move through the entire basin from the weekend through the early part of next week. The Lake Superior basin has been drier than average so far this month, but that is expected to change with over 2 inches of rain forecasted for many areas around the lake in the next several days.

LAKE LEVEL CONDITIONS

The water level of Lake Superior is near its level of a year ago. Lake Michigan-Huron is 1 inch below the level from this time last year, while lakes St. Clair and Erie are each 2 inches lower than a year ago. Lake Ontario is 10 inches above last yearďż˝s level. Over the next month, Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are forecasted to rise 2 and 1 inches, respectively. The water levels of lakes St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario are each expected to fall 2 inches in the next thirty days.

FORECASTED MONTHLY OUTFLOWS/CHANNEL CONDITIONS

Lake Superiorďż˝s outflow through the St. Marys River is projected to be below average for the month of June. Lake Huronďż˝s outflow into the St. Clair River and the outflow from Lake St. Clair into the Detroit River are also expected to be below average throughout the month of June. Lake

Erieďż˝s outflow through the Niagara River is predicted to be below average and the outflow of Lake Ontario into the St. Lawrence River is expected to be below average in June.

ALERTS

Official records are based on monthly average water levels and not daily water levels. Users of the Great Lakes, connecting channels and St. Lawrence River should keep informed of current conditions before undertaking any activities that could be affected by changing water levels. Mariners should utilize navigation charts and refer to current water level readings.

	Superior	Mich-Huron	St. Clair	Erie	Ontario
Level for June 21	601.25	577.66	574.28	571.72	246.56
Datum, in ft	601.10	577.50	572.30	569.20	243.30
Diff in inches	+2	+2	+24	+30	+39
Diff last month	+4	+5	+9	+7	+11
Diff from last yr	0	-1	+2	+2	+10

Recreational Boating is $121 Billion Economic Driver for U.S.
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) announced that recreational boating in the U.S. has an annual economic value of $121 billion. The industryďż˝s rising tide supports 964,000 American jobs and 34,833 businesses, generates $40 billion in annual labor income and drives $83 billion in annual spending.

The NMMA, on behalf of the U.S. boating industry, released these findings today as part of its annual U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, a collection of data and analysis on the state of the U.S. recreational boating industry. Additional data highlights include:

New Boat Sales

Retail sales of new power and sailboats increased 10.7 percent in 2012 to 163,245, demonstrating a post-recession recovery for the industry.

New powerboat sales increased 10 percent to 157,300 in 2012.

New sailboat sales increased 29.2 percent to 5,945 in 2012

Trends

Small fiberglass and aluminum outboard boats 26 feet or less in size, continued their upward climb with an 11.3 percent increase in the number of new boats sold. Outboard boats are the most popular type of new powerboat sold, making up approximately 82 percent of the market.

ďż˝

Ski and wakeboard boats are seeing healthy growth with an increase of

13.4 percent new boats sold in 2012. Jet boats, which are small fiberglass boats less than 26 feet in length, are a growing category. Of the 157,300 new powerboats sold in 2012, 4,500 were jet boats. New jet boat sales increased 36.4% in 2012.

Whatďż˝s Ahead

Sales of new powerboats have remained steady during the first half of 2013 and continued growth is expected with the summer boating season. NMMA anticipates sales of new powerboats to grow five percent in 2013.

ďż˝Summer is a peak selling season for recreational boats, accessories and services throughout the U.S. as people look for ways to disconnect from the daily grind and enjoy fun times on the water, ďż˝ said Thom Dammrich, NMMA president. ďż˝New boat sales have historically been a barometer for the U.S. economy and the steady sales increases weďż˝re seeing is being reinforced by the slow uptick in consumer confidence, housing and spending. As economic growth continues, we anticipate sustained steady growth through the remainder of 2013.ďż˝

Boating Participation

Of the estimated 232.3 million adults in the U.S. in 2012, 37.8 percent, or 88 million, participated in recreational boating at least once during the year. This is a six percent increase from 2011 and the largest number of U.S. adults participating in boating since NMMA began collecting the data in 1990. Recreational boating participation has steadily increased since 2006.

Cabelaďż˝s to open stores in Cheektowaga, N.Y; Lubbock, Texas; Berlin, Mass
Cheektowaga, Lubbock stores to open in 2014; Berlin to open in 2015

SIDNEY, Neb ďż˝ Cabelaďż˝s plans to open new stores in Cheektowaga,N.Y.; Lubbock, Texas; and Berlin, Mass. The Cheektowaga and Lubbock stores are scheduled to open in 2014. The Berlin location is expected to open in 2015.

Renew Watercraft Registration by Phone or Online

The Illinois DNR is no longer mailing watercraft registration renewal notices. Watercraft owners can renew their watercraft registrations by phone (866-867-3542) or online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/recreation/boating/Pages/RenewYour

WatercraftRegistration.aspx.

This convenient service operates 24 hours a day (a convenience fee will

be added to the regular registration fee to offset the cost of the transaction). When renewing, watercraft owners should have handy their Illinois registration number and hull identification number (located on the registration card) and pen and paper to record their confirmation number. Forms of payment include VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and E-Check. Upon completion of the transaction, watercraft owners will receive a confirmation number that will authorize the immediate use of their watercraft on Illinois waters.

Water Usage Stamps Available June 30

Non-motorized watercraft, canoes, kayaks and paddle boats in Illinois are no longer required to be titled/registered in Illinois, unless the vessels have a motor or sail. They are now required to purchase a 'Water Usage Stamp' for $6.00 per calendar year for the each of the first three vessels, and $3.00 each for any additional vessels. All of the new Water Usage

Stamps must be purchased at the same time to receive the discount.

Water Usage Stamps are mandatory for all non-powered watercraft. The stamps should be available over the counter from DNR Direct license and permit point of sale vendors by July 1. Use this link to find vendor locations for purchase of the water usage stamp:

www.dnr.illinois.gov/LPR/Pages/LicensePermitVendors.aspx

Firearm Deer Permit Applications

Resident and non-resident deer hunters can apply now for the second lottery drawing for 2013 Illinois Firearm Deer and Muzzleloader-only Deer

permits. The deadline to apply for the second lottery is June 30. For more information, check the IDNR website at www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/deer

Fall Turkey Applications

Resident Illinois hunters can apply online for permits for the Illinois Fall Shotgun Turkey season (Oct. 19-27, 2013) at www.dnr.illinois.gov. The

first lottery application deadline is July 1. For more turkey hunting information, check the IDNR website at www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/turkey.

Apply Now for Non-Resident Archery Deer Permits

The online lottery application period is open through June 30 for Non-Resident Illinois Archery Combination Deer permits for the 2013-14 deer season. Non-resident hunters can apply online through DNR Direct Online License Sales at this link: www.dnr.illinois.gov/online. Non-

residents may apply for one combination archery permit per season. The upcoming Illinois archery deer season is Oct. 1, 2013-Jan. 19, 2014 (except closed in firearm deer counties on Nov. 22-24 and Dec. 5-8, 2013). For more info: www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/deer.

DNR Schedule of Waterfowl Blind Site Drawings

Drawings to be held for public hunting area waterfowl blind sites

SPRINGFIELD, IL ďż˝ Waterfowl hunters are encouraged to mark their calendars for upcoming waterfowl hunting blind site random drawings to be held at several public hunting areas in Illinois this summer.

Duck and goose hunters must register in person for waterfowl blind site drawings and must be present at the drawing ďż˝ held at each location designated below immediately after the registration period ďż˝ to claim their blind sites. Mail-in registrations are not accepted. Blind allocations are good for one year, except on the Mississippi River Pools, and Meredosia Lake in Morgan and Cass counties, which are good for two.

To participate in a drawing, applicants must present a 2012 or 2013 Illinois hunting or sportsman combination license and a 2012 or 2013 Illinois Migratory Waterfowl Stamp at the time they register, unless exempted by law. Applicants must be at least 16 years old by the date of the drawing.

Applicants needing to purchase new licenses and stamps should do so prior to the drawing. Most blind drawing locations will not have license sales available. Licenses and stamps are available at any DNR Direct license and permit vendor, or through the IDNR website at

www.dnr.illinois.gov

Registrants must also possess a current Illinois Firearm Ownerďż˝s Identification (FOID) card from the Illinois State Police unless exempted by law. Expired FOID cards are not acceptable. However, applicants will be allowed in the drawing if they present the cashed check from their FOID card application dated at least 30 days before the blind drawing date. Applicants under the age of 21 do not need a FOID card if they are accompanied by an adult who has one.

For those without a FOID card in their possession, law enforcement officers will not be able to validate FOID card status on the day of the drawing. Also, in order to be an eligible applicant for the drawing, the participant must not at the time of the drawing have his or her hunting privileges suspended or revoked by the IDNR or any other jurisdiction. Out-of-state residents must have a 2012 or 2013 non-resident hunting license for Illinois, a 2012 or 2013 Illinois Migratory Waterfowl Stamp, and a photo I.D.

For list of 2013 blind drawings, info, and maps on specific sites: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/hunter_fact_sheet/index.htm

Illinois new CCW bill

Waiting for the governorďż˝s signature

The concealed carry bill, HB0183 (as amended), which passed through the Senate and House by overwhelming majority, is now waiting for Governor Quinn's signature. Please keep in mind that the Governor has not signed the bill, it is not yet law. He still may Veto the bill, or he may use an Amendatory Veto. Since no one knows what the Governor will do, the synopsis of the bill will not be valid if the Governor vetoes it or uses an Amendatory Veto.

Here is what the bill contains:

Regulations:

One statewide shall-issue licensing standard.
With regard to concealed carry licenses, preempts local authority of governments to regulate handguns and ammunition for handguns, including licensing, registration, and transportation.
With regard to FOID card holders, preempts local governments from regulating the transportation of all firearms and ammunition.
Not preempted are AWB enacted prior to or within 10 days of the enactment of this legislation - after that date, new AWBs would be preempted. Local governments could still regulate rifles and shotguns, but not handguns.
Grants "safe haven" protection for people carrying concealed while in their vehicle even in prohibited areas.
Upon exit from their vehicle, the firearm must be locked in their vehicle. If they wish to lock their firearm in their trunk, it must be unloaded before exiting the vehicle.
License to be issued by the Illinois State Police.
$150.00 fee for 5 years.
Requires 16 hours of training, including range time. Up to 8 hours of credit will be recognized for those who had hunter safety, was honorably discharged from the military, or had other CCW training. At this time, states with shorter training time, such as Utah, may only be credited 4 hours. The administrative rules of what the allowances will be, have not yet been determined.
Private property owners can post their property prohibiting concealed carry. "Safe haven" still applies to their parking lots.
Restaurants with 50% or more of their receipts from food, but still serving alcohol, are legal to carry in, but are still subject to private property posting by the owners or operators.
Law enforcement may object to a person they believe to be a "clear and present danger" to themselves or others. Applicants can appeal that decision to the Concealed Carry Licensing Board.

The State Police have 180 days from the effective date of this bill to be set up to begin processing applications.
Within 60 days of the effective date of this bill, the Illinois State Police shall begin approval of firearm training courses and instructors.
There is no reciprocity, but "safe haven" applies to out of state concealed carry permit holders.

Prohibited Places: remember that "safe haven" applies to most of these places:

Property under control of an elementary or secondary school
Pre-school or child care facilities
Property under control of an officer of the legislative or executive branch of government, except DNR regulated areas where firearms are allowed
Courthouses
Libraries
Airports
Gaming facilities
Stadiums, arenas, sporting events, Amusement parks
Museums and zoos
Buildings under the control of local government
Jails and detention facilities
Hospitals and mental health facilities
Mass public transportation
Bars
Public gatherings, but walk through is allowed to get to your home, place of business, or vehicle
Places that have special event liquor licenses
Any public park, with an exception for walking or bicycle trails, if only a portion of the trail goes through the park. The walkers and bicyclists must stay on the trail
Colleges and universities and property under their control; they may develop their own rules
Any area where firearms are prohibited under federal law
Nuclear facilities ("safe haven" for the parking area does NOT apply)

The United States District Court has extended the June 8th, 2013 deadline for a concealed carry law to July 8th, 2013, but AG Madigan is asking the Supreme Court for another extension to July 24.

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