Prairie State Wire

Youth aged 10 to 17 are invited to apply for wingshooting clinics and pheasant hunts at Pere Marquette State Park in Jersey County on March 1 and the World Shooting and Recreational Complex (WSRC) in Randolph County on March 15. The events are organized by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

The morning sessions will feature a wingshooting clinic led by certified instructors from the National Sporting Clays Association and IDNR. Participants will learn safe shotgun handling and improve their shooting skills. In the afternoon, a pheasant hunt is scheduled. To participate, young hunters must have completed an approved hunter safety course and possess a valid hunting license.

Permits can be obtained through IDNR's Controlled Pheasant Hunting online reservation system. Applicants should select "Illinois youth pheasant hunts" after clicking "Click here for applications." It is necessary to review the Illinois Youth Pheasant Hunt Information and Regulations before applying.

The event receives support from various co-sponsors who provide funding for materials such as clay targets, shot shells, and lunch for participants. They also supply bird dogs, handlers, and guides.

Co-sponsors for the Pere Marquette clinic include Alwerdt's Pheasant Farm; Bollini Taxidermy Studio; Channel: Seedsmanship at Work; Clemens Insurance; Discount House; Ducks Unlimited, Jersey County Chapter; Friends of Pere Marquette State Park Foundation; Fur Takers of America; Green Roof Kennels; Hargrave International; Illinois Federation of Outdoor Resources; Illinois National Shoot to Retrieve Association, Field Trial; Migratory Waterfowl Hunters; National Wild Turkey Federation, Midwest Gobblers Chapter; Olin Corp.; Winchester; Pfister Seed Co.; Quail Forever, Illinois Pioneer Chapter; Todd Parish, Attorney at Law; Ward Financial Services; Whitworth Horn and Goetten Insurance Agency; and the Illinois Conservation Foundation.

WSRC co-sponsors include Okaw Valley Beagle Club, Friends of the World Shooting and Recreational Complex, National Wild Turkey Federation Randolph County Cutters and Strutters Chapter, and the Illinois Conservation Foundation.