FISH OF THE WEEK: After classes at Loyola University on Nov. 1, Andrew Ragas took two friends -- and novice walleye fishermen -- Dan Sims (left) of Evergreen Park and John Dyers of Addison, night fishing in the western suburbs on the Des Plaines River. Sims ''who was casting a 4-inch minnowbait with a light action 6-foot rod with 6-pound line, had a tremendous snag in mid-river current ... or was it a hit?" Oh, it was a hit, and soon to be Fish of the Week. The 28-inch walleye was estimated between 6 and 7 pounds before being released. ''During the past four seasons I have caught many walleye up to 26 inches from the Des Plaines River and Salt Creek watersheds, but this fish, by far, was the largest one I have ever seen caught with my own eyes, and in person!'' Ragas said.

Here are 10 questions as more than 200,000 hunters head toward the field on Friday for Illinois' first firearm deer season, which runs through Sunday.

The 13-point that Chris Fitzgerald arrowed in Kendall County the evening of Nov. 1 is the sort of buck hunters dream of each season, and good enough for Buck of the Week honors.

'This football is screwing me up,'' Doug Buffone said. ''It drives me nuts.''