SPRINGFIELD – Youth between the ages of 10 and 17 can apply now for the youth wingshooting clinic and pheasant hunt opportunities scheduled at Pere Marquette State Park in Jersey County on March 7 and the World Shooting and Recreational Complex (WSRC) in Randolph County on March 21.
Young hunters will participate in a wingshooting clinic in the morning taught by National Sporting Clays Association and Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) certified instructors. Participants will practice safe shotgun handling and operation while advancing their wingshooting skills.
Get The Latest News!
Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.
A pheasant hunt will take place in the afternoon. Participants must have successfully completed an approved hunter safety course and have a valid hunting license.
Permits for these wingshooting clinics and youth pheasant hunts are available through the IDNR’s Controlled Pheasant Hunting online reservation system. Select “Click here for applications” and then select “Illinois youth pheasant hunts” to apply. Hunters must review the Illinois youth pheasant hunt application and the Illinois Youth Pcontrolled pheasant hunting regulations website prior to applying.
Go online for the 2026 IDNR wingshooting calendar and registration information.
Event co-sponsors assist the IDNR, Pere Marquette and the WSRC with the events by providing funding for clay targets, target and field shot shells, and lunch for participants. Co-sponsor organization members also provide bird dogs, bird dog handlers, and hunting guides.
Pere Marquette State Park co-sponsors are Alwerdt’s Pheasant Farm - Altamont, 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 Field Trial Association, Migratory Waterfowl Hunters, National Wild Turkey Federation - Midwest Gobblers Chapter, Olin-Winchester, Pfister Seed Company, Quail Forever - Illinois Pioneer Chapter, Todd Parish - Attorney At Law, Ward Financial Services, and Whitworth-Horn-Goetten Insurance Agency, and the Illinois Conservation Foundation.
WSRC co-sponsors are 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.
