Phone-in Registration Deadline for Youth Hunt Lottery Drawing is Dec. 5

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Registration is now open for the 8th annual Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt. This event providing youngsters with a chance to hunt at private waterfowl hunting clubs in Peoria, Fulton and Knox counties during the holiday break on Dec. 26-27.  The hunt is sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Participation in the hunt is limited. Youth hunters will be selected by a lottery drawing among all interested youth who phone in to register by Friday, Dec. 5.  First-time applicants will be given a priority over previous participants in the drawing.  The lottery drawing will be held on Monday, Dec. 8, and youth hunters selected will be notified by mail.

The hunt is open to youngsters ages 10-15 at the time of the hunt.  All applicants must have successfully completed a hunter safety education course, possess a valid Illinois hunting or sportsman’s license, have a Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration number, and have a 20 gauge or larger shotgun. Youth hunt participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who must possess a valid firearm owner’s identification (FOID) card. 

To register for the hunt or for more information, call Joe Robinson at 217/785-8060 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Raffle tickets are available to support the Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt, as well as youth waterfowl hunts throughout the state. Only 500 tickets will be sold at $10 each to benefit the youth hunts. Prizes available include a Remington 870 Super Mag 3 ½ in. shotgun, a Lifetime Hunting License (which is transferable), and a Mossberg .22 rifle. Winners will be drawn at the Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt banquet on Dec. 26. Raffle participants need not be present to win. For tickets or more information, call 217/785-8060.