Gardner Camp is excited to announce the opening of our controlled Pheasant Hunting Season! Hunting Opportunities will be from early February into early March. We are ready to host your young hunter for this extraordinary hunting experience.  We provide youth hunters with experienced guides, veteran hunting dogs and plenty of birds in the field. All youth will have the opportunity for a successful hunt. Youth must be between the ages of 12-18 by the date of their hunt.  Youth hunters must have successfully completed an approved Hunter Safety Course to be eligible to participate in this hunt.  Young hunters are highly encouraged to have completed a wing-shooting clinic or similar skilled class before their hunt.  If you have not completed one of these courses your child must be proficient in their gun handling skills. Our hunting fields feature a unique cover crop blend that not only hide the birds, but also provide them food throughout the winter.  We have the finest quality bird dogs who are veterans to upland hunting.  You will enjoy a meal and visiting about your youth hunting experience at our beautiful meeting hall while warming yourself by our fireplace. Gardner Camp sets the scene to make for the kind of day you hope will never end.  Come experience an action-packed hunting opportunity paired with a passion for hospitality.

APPLY TO PHEASANT HUNT AT GARDNER CAMP!

Youth may apply to enter a lottery drawing to hunt at Gardner Camp.  Youth must meet the following qualifications to apply:

  • Must be 12 years of age at time of hunt
  • Must have completed Illinois Hunter Safety Education Course (or other state equivalent)
  • Must have an adult (21+) mentor to accompany youth on the hunt
  • If 18 years of age, must still be in high school
  • Must be from Adams, Pike counties of IL or surrounding counties
  • 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 19th or until the hunt is full, whichever comes first.

You will receive a confirmation of your hunt by the end of the day on Jan 19th.

Youth are responsible for their own license. Gardner Camp hunts are fully guided with experienced instructors and veteran bird dogs. We provide instruction including gun safety, transportation to and from the field, bird cleaning facility, and a meal. Limited hunting gear is available upon request.

2025 Dates and Times:

Saturday, February 1st

Sunday, February 2nd

Saturday, February 8th

Saturday, February 15th

Sunday, February 16th

Saturday, February 22nd

Sunday, March 2nd

*Times: On Saturdays: Group 1: 8am-12:30pm, Group 2: 11:45am-4pm, On Sundays: 12:30pm-4pm