Apply Now for Eldon Hazlet, Johnson-Sauk Trail, and Mackinaw River Youth Wingshooting Clinics and Pheasant Hunts

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Young hunters between the ages of 10-17 can apply now for the Youth Wingshooting Clinics and Illinois Youth Pheasant Hunts scheduled for Saturday, November 13, 2021, at Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area in Clinton County, at Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area in Henry County, and Mackinaw River State Fish and Wildlife Area in Tazewell County.

At each event, young hunters will participate in a wingshooting clinic during the morning with instruction from National Sporting Clays Association/IDNR Certified Wingshooting Instructors.  Young hunters will practice safe shotgun handling and operation while advancing their wingshooting skills during the clinics.  Following the morning clinics, pheasant hunts will take place during the afternoon.  Young hunters must have successfully completed an approved Hunter Safety Course and have a valid hunting license to participate.

Co-sponsors assist the IDNR, Eldon Hazlet SRA, Johnson-Sauk Trail SRA, and Mackinaw River SFWA with the wingshooting clinics and pheasant hunts, providing funding for the clay targets, target and field shot shells, and lunch for the young hunters.  Co-sponsor organization members also provide bird dogs, bird dog handlers, and hunting guides.  At Eldon Hazlet SRA, the co-sponsors are Quail Forever - Little Bluestem and Silver Creek Chapters.  At Johnson-Sauk Trail SRA, the co-sponsors are Pheasants Forever - Henry County, Knox County and Rock Island County Chapters.  At Mackinaw River SFWA, the co-sponsor is Pheasants Forever - Illinois River Valley Chapter.

Permits for the Eldon Hazlet SRA, Johnson-Sauk Trail SRA, and Mackinaw River SFWA Youth Wingshooting Clinics/Pheasant Hunts are available through the IDNR Controlled Pheasant Hunting online reservation system.  To apply, select "Click Here For Applications" and then select "Illinois Youth Pheasant Hunts."  Hunters need to review the "Illinois Youth Pheasant Hunt Information" and the "Illinois Youth Pheasant Hunt Regulations" on the controlled pheasant hunting page prior to applying.

Participants in the clinics and hunts will be required to observe all guidance from the CDC and Illinois Department of Public Health at the time of the event regarding face coverings and social distancing.

For complete details, check the Wingshooting Calendar page at IDNR Wingshooting Calendar.