Burning Star 5: CONSOL Energy recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the IDNR and the National Wild Turkey Federation that will allow limited-entry 2007 spring turkey and firearm deer hunting opportunities at the Burning Star 5 Mine property in southern Illinois. The property is located near DeSoto, Hurst and Elkville bordered by Ill. Rt. 149 to the south and east, the Elkville blacktop on the north, and U.S. 51 to the west in Jackson, Franklin and Williamson counties. The property consists of 2,500 acres of hardwood timber, 1,500 acres of grasslands and wetlands, and approximately 4,000 acres of row crops. Prospective hunters must apply for a site specific permit through the statewide lottery process to hunt turkey (spring only) and firearm deer (Youth, Firearm, Muzzleloader-only, and Late Winter Antlerless-only seasons). Spring turkey hunters must have their Burning Star 5 turkey permit in possession while scouting the property and hunting. Access to the property for scouting by permit holders is only allowed during the seven-day period immediately prior to the turkey season authorized by the permit. Only individuals with turkey permits will be allowed to enter the property. All other access (fishing, antler shed hunting, mushrooming, etc.) to the area is closed. For more information, contact IDNR District Wildlife Biologist Richard Whitton at 618/993-7148.