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Motorists should exercise extra caution while driving in Illinois this fall to avoid colliding with roaming deer.

"The onset of cooler autumn weather and the increased pace of harvest activity have deer on the move in rural and suburban areas," said DNR Director Brent Manning. "Motorists need to be very careful when driving near deer habitat and need to be on the lookout for deer on or near roads and highways."

The autumn months are prime time for deer-vehicle collisions in Illinois. The number of accidents tends to increase during the deer breeding season or "rut," which peaks about mid-November. Responding to their instinct to mate, deer become less cautious, more unpredictable and more likely to ignore vehicles on the road.

Among the suggestions to motorists to avoid deer-vehicle accidents:

• Be especially cautious at dusk through the early evening hours and in the hours before sunrise when deer are most active.
• Reduce speed and be prepared to stop on roads where deer may be present.
• Anticipate deer when driving through wooded locations, and areas of dense vegetation or crop fields.
• Drivers encountering deer on the roadway should try flashing their vehicle's headlights and honking the horn to try to encourage the deer to move on.

Drivers who come upon deer should warn motorists behind them by tapping their brakes. Most importantly, drivers should maintain control of the vehicle. Swerving into oncoming traffic or off the road to avoid a deer can also result in serious injuries.

Should an accident occur, the first priority is to provide assistance to injured drivers or passengers. Don't try to remove a dead or injured deer from a busy roadway. Contact state police, county or local police. Illinois law requires that all accidents resulting in damage of $500 or more be reported and an accident report filed with the police.

Many accidents occur in areas of natural deer habitat along waterways, fence rows, farm fields and wooded corridors. Chances are, if you see a deer, there are others nearby.

More than 17,000 deer-vehicle accidents occur in Illinois every year. In those cases, the driver of the vehicle involved in the deer-vehicle accident has the priority in possessing the deer. If the driver doesn't want the deer, any Illinois resident may claim the animal.

Anyone possessing a deer killed as a result of a vehicle accident must report it within 24 hours to the Department of Natural Resources by calling 1-800-406-3477 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. An authorization number will be issued allowing the individual to lawfully possess the deer. •

Department of Natural Resources director Brent Manning joined with representatives of the Illinois Habitat Fund Advisory Committee, Edgar County Wildlife Fund, Edgar County Pheasants Forever and the Illinois Conservation Foundation in dedicating the new Willow Creek State Habitat Area, an upland and forest wildlife area located between Chrisman and Paris, just west of U.S. Rt. 150 in Edgar County.

The 87-acre site is being developed to provide nesting, brood rearing and winter habitat for pheasant, quail, rabbit and a variety of other wildlife. As the habitat base is established, small game hunting opportunities will be available. Demonstration areas are also being established for visitors, local landowners and area school children to learn more about habitat restoration and management.

"Willow Creek is an example of the value of partnerships in restoring our important wildlife resources," said Manning. "Thanks to the efforts of local volunteers, a willing landowner and DNR staff, this site will be transformed into a valuable haven for wildlife and an outstanding venue for conservation education."

Habitat development includes establishing cool season grasses and warm season grasses and forbs. Volunteers from the Edgar County Pheasants Forever joined DNR regional staff in seeding the site last spring.

DNR completed the $184,000 acquisition from landowner Wanda Young in November 1999. The Illinois Habitat Fund provided $ 166,500, while the Edgar County Wildlife Fund contributed $ 17,500 to assist in acquiring the site. Illinois Habitat Fund monies are derived from the sale of the $5.50 state habitat stamp required of most Illinois hunters.

The Illinois Conservation Foundation, which facilitated local financial support for the project, was established in 1994 to allow financial contributions for specific DNR projects and programs. For more information on the Illinois Conservation Foundation, contact John D. Schmitt, executive director, Illinois Conservation Foundation, 100 W Randolph, Suite4-300, Chicago, 111. 60601, or phone 312.814.7237.

Willow Creek State Habitat Area is the first Department of Natural Resources site in Edgar County and will be managed as a satellite of Walnut Point State Park near Oakland in Douglas County. •

November/December 2000 / 45

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The draft environmental assessment for the proposed wetlands restoration at Blodgett Road and South Patrol Road at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is available for public review and comment. It is available at the Web site: For a hard copy or additional information contact Renee Thakaliat 815.423.6370. •

Dr. Stephen E Havera was named the 2000 recipient of the Wildlife Publications Award for the Outstanding Book Category by the Wildlife Society. Havera is the author of Waterfowl of Illinois: Status and Management, published by the Illinois Natural History Survey.

The book and companion field guidebuild upon more than a century of research and information from Illinois and the heart of the Mississippi Flyway and capture the rich waterfowling tradition of the region. The book provides comprehensive coverage of history, habitats, populations, harvest, nesting biology, management, banding, food habits, programs, and other information relevant to waterfowl and wetlands. The 672-page compendium of information includes numerous color photos, figures, tables and references, along with a thorough index and glossary. •

Havera, a senior professional scientist with the Natural History Survey, has studied a variety of wildlife species in agricultural, forest, and wetland landscapes during his 30-year career with the Survey. He has been conducting studies at the Forbes Biological Station near Havana since 1978 and became director of that station in 1982.

Water fowl of Illinois: Status and Managements the companion field guide Water fowl of Illinois are available for $69.95, or they can be purchased separately; $59.95 for the book, $ 14.95 for the field guide. They are available in the DNR Gift Guide, or by calling 1.800.720.3249. •

The Department of Natural Resources is continuing to expand the programs it provides for physically challenged individuals.

"Our recreational areas are more accessible than ever before and we are stepping up our efforts to develop events for hunters, anglers and outdoor recreationists with special needs," said IDNR director Brent Manning. "We are committed to making our outdoor events and facilities accessible to all."

The department has developed a guide identifying disabled accessible facilities. Called Illinois Access for All, the 40-page color publication is available at DNR offices throughout Illinois or by calling IDNR's Clearinghouse in Springfield at 217.782.7498 or through the Web site at http://dnr.state.il.us/publicservics/publications/. •

I'm not a serious bird watcher, but I do enjoy seeing them in the wild and feeding them throughout the winter months. And I do admit to a certain amount of curiosity when I see a bird I can't identify. That's the main reason the Birds of Illinois Field Guide appeals to me.

Author Stan Tekiela has compiled a book showing 112 of the most common species of birds that frequent the Prairie State. Each page includes a map of where you will find the bird and at what time of the year, the bird's size, descriptions of the male, female and juvenile, what type of nest it builds, food it eats and other items of interest. There also is a listing of other books an Illinois birder might find worthwhile, plus some web pages of interest to both serious and amateur birders.

The book lists helpful tips for identifying a bird - its size, the shape of its bill, habitat it frequents, its body posture, and its flight pattern. But the most unusual - and best feature - is that the author has grouped the birds by color. For example, if the bird you want to know more about is basically blue, you need only flip through the book to the "blue" section, where you'll see photos of blue birds that frequent our state, including the indigo bunting, barn swallow, bluebird, purple martin and blue jay. Color patterns include black, black and white, blue, brown, gray, green, orange, red, white and yellow. In some instances, the male bird will be found in one section with a note directing you to a different section for a look at the female bird. For instance, the male purple finch is located in the red section, while the female is found in the brown section.

Selling for $12.95, the 270-page field guide is only 4 1/2 x 6 inches, so it fits easily into a pocket, purse or glove box. It's available at most bookstores, or can be purchased from DNR's gift store using a MasterCard or Visa by calling 1.800.720.3249 (in state) or 217.782.1687outside Illinois.

Gary Thomas, editor of OutdoorIllinois magazine.

46 \ Illinois Parks and Recreation