Youth wingshooting clinic, pheasant hunt scheduled

Young hunters between the ages of 10-17 can apply for a youth wingshooting clinic and pheasant hunt which is scheduled Saturday, March 21, at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex, WSRC, in Randolph County.

The WSRC youth clinic and hunt has been a popular late winter/early spring addition to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, IDNR, wingshooting and youth pheasant hunting programs.

At the event, young hunters will participate in a wingshooting clinic during the morning. 

National Sporting Clays Association and IDNR certified wingshooting instructors will teach the clinic.

Young hunters will practice safe shotgun handling and operation while advancing their wingshooting skills during the clinic. 

The pheasant hunt 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.

Cosponsors assist the IDNR in hosting the events, providing funding for the clay targets, target and field shot shells, and lunch for the young hunters. 

Through the assistance of some of their members, co-sponsors also provide bird dogs, bird dog handlers and hunting guides. 

Permits for the WSRC youth wingshooting clinic/pheasant hunt are available through the IDNR’s controlled pheasant hunting reservation system. 

IDNR noted that hunters need to review the “Illinois Youth Pheasant Hunt Information” and the “Illinois Youth Pheasant Hunt Regulations” on the controlled pheasant hunting website prior to applying. The website can be found at https://dnr2.illinois.gov/controlledhunt/.