IL state parks hosting youth wingshooting clinics and pheasant hunts

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — A few Illinois state parks will provide a unique outdoor experience for their youth communities.

Children between the ages of 10 and 17 can now apply for upcoming wingshooting clinics and pheasant hunts. These workshops will be held at three IL state parks:

• Iroquois County State Wildlife Area in Iroquois County on Saturday, Nov. 9
• Johnson Sauk Trail State Recreation Area in Henry County on Saturday, Nov. 9
• Mackinaw River State Fish and Wildlife Area in Tazewell County on Saturday, Nov. 9

To start, participants will go through a wingshooting clinic in the morning taught by instructors who are certified by the National Sporting Clays Association and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

They will be taught safe shotgun operation and handling as well as working on improving their shooting skills.

In the afternoon, the pheasant hunt will take place. Each youth member must successfully complete an approved hunter safety course and have a valid hunting license prior to participating in the hunt.

Specific permits for the events are available through IDNR’s controlled pheasant hunting online reservation system. All youth hunters must review the Illinois Youth Pheasant Hunt information and regulations on the controlled pheasant hunting website before applying.

Additional information on the events is also available on the website.

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