Outdoors notes for Feb. 7

A Tennessee attorney has pleaded guilty to illegally killing and transporting white-tailed deer, a misdemeanor violation of the Lacey Act, and been fined $7,500 by a federal magistrate.

Allen W. Blevins of Knoxville admitted to illegally killing three deer while he was employed at Hadley Creek Outfitters, a Pike County, Illinois.

Pike County is one of the prime areas in the state where big bucks roam the hills and farm fields. The county once was the target of a massive Department of Natural Resources bust involving taxidermists and outfitters as well.

Tackle this: I'm never disappointed when Spence Petros starts devising new twists to old tackle tricks.

While getting ready for his 2008 fishing classes, Spence called to say that he modified his drop-shot technique for heavy cover. "I'm going to show the students in the bass class how they can drop-shot in heavy cover with heavier line and weights," he said. The Petros 2008 bass classes start March 4, and they are the best bang for the buck you'll find for this season and years to come. Call him at (815) 455-7770 and reserve a seat.

Contest reminder: A "monster" event, Northern Illinois Conservation Club's annual Ice Fishing Derby, is being held again on the Fox Chain on Saturday and Sunday. Headquarters for the event is the Thirsty Turtle on Channel Lake.

Stay safe: With the new heavy snowfall in our area, use extra caution when on the Fox Chain this week and weekend. Be aware of soft spots caused by the warming trend. In the meantime, here's an update on the local fishing action:

Lake Marie: Walleye action could be good during early morning periods, while bluegill activity should be excellent on Pistakee Lake.

Bangs Lake: Improved bluegill and crappie bites on this lake.

Lake Michigan: A few brown trout coming in from the pier anglers at Waukegan. Chicago perchers report fair action at Montrose and Belmont Harbors.