Youth Pheasant Hunting

Gardner Camp Youth Pheasant Hunting Application
Our 2025 Youth Pheasant Hunting Season will run from February 1st through March 2nd. We are able to offer hunts to 24 youth hunters throughout the season. Each youth will have the opportunity to harvest up to 10 birds per hunt. Gardner Camp is a licensed preserve and we are excited to offer this opportunity. Please do not apply if you are unable to commit to a Saturday or Sunday throughout the season. You'll have an opportunity to list any dates during that time that will not work for you and we will do our best to accomodate your needs. We will have a limited number of waitlist spots open in case of cancelations.

Youth Hunter Qualifications:
- Must be 12 years of age at time of hunt
- Must have completed Illinois Hunter Safety Education Course (or other state equivalent) or be enrolled in a Course to have been completed before hunt
- Must have a qualified adult mentor to accompany; qualified adult mentors must be at least 21 years of age and be the youth’s parent or guardian, or be appointed by the youth’s parent or guardian to mentor the youth hunter
- If youth is 18 years of age, he/she must still be in high school
- It is highly encouraged that youth have completed a wingshooting clinic
- Youth must have proficient gun handling skills, be able to carry a shot gun for long periods of time, and be able to shoulder gun quickly
Applications will be accepted through January 15th or until the hunt is full, whichever comes first.

You will receive a confirmation of your hunt date by the end of the day on Jan 17th.
Youth Participant Information
First Name*
Last Name*
Gender*

MaleFemale
Date of Birth*

MonthDayYear
Gardner Camp offers services to youth in the following counties. You may apply if you are outside our service area, but preference will be given to those in these counties. If all hunting positions have not been filled, you may be selected.*

Adams (IL)Brown (IL)Calhoun (IL)Greene (IL)Hancock (IL)Morgan (IL)Pike (IL)Schuyler (IL)Lewis (MO)Marion (MO)Pike (MO)Ralls (MO)Other
Address*
City*
State*
Zip*
Has youth passed the Illinois Hunter Safety Education Course (or other state equivalent)?*

YesNo
IDNR Safety Certificate Number (from Hunter Safety Card )*
If youth hasn't taken Illinois Hunter Safety Education Course, enter 000. If you have lost your card, visit: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/safety/Pages/Look-Up-Your-Safety-Certification.aspx
If youth has NOT taken the Illinois Hunter Safety Education Course (or other state equivalent,) please enter date of class youth will be attending:

MonthDayYear
List of classes available here: https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/safety/Pages/HunterSafety.aspx
Parent or Legal Guardian Information
Parent/Legal Guardian*
Relation*
Cell Phone*

Area CodePhone Number
Parent's Email*
All event communication will be sent by email.
Adult Mentor Accompanying Youth:*

First NameLast Name
Relation to Youth*
Adult Mentor's Email Address:*
Mentor will also receive a confirmation email prior to hunt.
Adult Mentor's Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Hunting Information

Pheasant hunts will be on Saturday and Sunday mornings from February 1st through March 2nd. Each hunt will consist of two youth. There will be two groups scheduled each Saturday, and one group every other Sunday. Please note below if you prefer a Saturday or Sunday hunt. You are not guaranteed to receive your selection.
I prefer*

SaturdaySundayEither day will work for us.
If you have any conflicts for either day that would not allow you to participate or if there is a weekend between February 1st through March 2nd that will not work for your youth, please specify below:
We'd like to know more about youth's hunting experience. Hunters who have not completed a wing-shooting clinic or don't have experienced gun handling skills may be required to visit Gardner Camp for an assessment prior to placement. This will help us when we're putting groups together for hunt weekends.
Has youth attended an IDNR Wingshooting event at Gardner Camp or elsewhere? *
Has youth participated in a Youth Pheasant Hunt at Gardner Camp? *
Overall Bird Hunting Experience Level*

NoneVery LittleA Fair AmountProficient
Please tell us a bit more about youth's hunting experience. Example: If none, have they shot but not actually been hunting or youth has been hunting but has never shot at anything, etc.*
Does youth shoot trap or compete for a local trap team?*

YesNo
Other
Would you like to receive more information on upcoming Outdoor Educational Opportunities at Gardner Camp?*

Yes, please email me.No, I don't wish to receive communication from Gardner Camp.I already receive Gardner Camp emails.
Have you attended previous events at Gardner Camp?*

YesNo
Do you need any special accommodations to attend this program? (Ex: Food allergies, learning disability, handicap accessibility, etc.)*

YesNo
If Yes, please describe:
NOTE: Gardner Camp is a Tobacco-Free Campus; No use of tobacco products including cigarettes and “spit tobacco” or e-cigarettes permitted within the facilities or anywhere on the property of Gardner Camp at any time.

All youth hunters and adult mentors will be required to submit a Waiver and Release of Liability form prior to hunt date. An email will be sent with links.
Should be Empty:

Gardner Camp Youth Pheasant Hunting Application

Youth Participant Information

Parent or Legal Guardian Information

Hunting Information

Other