SPRINGFIELD - Young hunters between the ages of 10 and 17 can apply now to participate in wingshooting clinics and pheasant hunts on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Edward R. Madigan State Park in Logan County or Saturday, Oct. 26 at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area in DeWitt County.

Youth will participate in a wingshooting clinic during the morning taught by instructors certified by the National Sporting Clays Association and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Participants will practice safe shotgun handling and operation while advancing their wingshooting skills during the clinic.

A pheasant hunt will take place in the afternoon. Youth must have successfully completed an approved hunter safety course and have a valid hunting license to participate.

Permits for the youth wingshooting clinic and youth pheasant hunt opportunities are available through IDNR's Controlled Pheasant Hunting Program online reservation system. Select "click here for applications," then select "Illinois youth pheasant hunts" to apply. Participants must review the Illinois Youth Pheasant Hunt Information and the Illinois Youth Pheasant Hunt Regulations on the website prior to applying.

Go online to access the 2024 IDNR wingshooting calendar and registration information.