That is a great program Jerry. I am impressed with the Illinois Game Department.
I love hunting with people that don't have dogs. Usually they don't know anything about hunting dogs and so they think mine are great! Their enthusiasm makes me smile and love my dogs more.
Best,
Mike
Mike,
It makes up for our lack of public land, especially in the northern part of the state. It allows blue collar hunters to get out and spend some time in the field. Some guys bring their house dog. I have seen everything from fox terriers to great danes. For the youth, it provides some place to begin to gain experience.
The preserves (hunt clubs) in the northern part of the state can be expensive for a young guy trying to raise a family. When I was young, it was possible to go for a drive, find a farmer and ask permission to hunt pheasant and quail. Today, you will rarely find a farmer at home, because they are working a job off the farm. When you do, they hardly ever give permission.
I prefer wild birds. I go every year to Wisconsin to hunt grouse. I have hunted wild quail in southern Illinois and Missouri. But I also belong to a hunt club. At times it is the only way to get out and spend the day hunting with out a road trip. Not the best, but the dog has never complained.
By the way, our last governor almost got rid of the put and take pheasant program. Soon, we will putting him away...
Pete
