From early November to mid-January, the Illinois Dept. of Conservation offers public pheasant hunting in about a dozen state parks. Cost is $35 to shoot two birds of either sex. There is an on-line reservation system, but usually one can just show up by 8 a.m. (except for holidays). They put out 50 to 200 adult good-sized birds every day, except Monday and Tuesday (closed those days). Non-toxic shot is required, maximum size #3. A dog is most helpful.
It is a good program, and surprising for what some consider to be an ant-gun state.
I hunt the Carlyle Lake locale, since it is near St. Louis. Typically hunt at least a dozen days. Gives my dog a lot of extra field time.
gold40
