sharing the passion - Youth Waterfowl Hunting

ENROLL IN A HUNT AT GARDNER CAMP TODAY!

Located in the Mississippi River valley, Gardner Camp is a haven for migrating waterfowl and a waterfowl hunter's dream.  Our location and habitat management make this Camp the area's best waterfowl hunting spot for youth. Three wells and numerous water control structures situated throughout the property ensures our ability to precisely flood and adjust water depths in ten different wetland management units.  Two of these units are flooded cornfields and the remaining eight units are natural moist soil lakes covered with wild millet, smartweed, and other duck food delights.  In managing our natural moist soil units, we let the water do the work--wet in the Spring, dry in the Summer, and wet in the Fall and Winter--so that native wetland vegetation grows and produces seeds.  In fact, it is estimated that one acre of moist soil managed habitat can produce food for 1,000 ducks!

 

Our youth waterfowl hunts are one-of-a-kind hunts specifically focused on youth.  Our instructors are experienced waterfowlers who focus on teaching youth in the blind about the entire process.  Hundreds of top of the line decoys, mojos, duck trolleys and ice eaters are set up and ready for youth to get their first duck. We have two wood-frame 10-man blinds that sit over the water and one fully-outfitted pit hidden in the middle of flooded corn. Our weekend itinerary typically includes safety briefings, side-by-side transportation to the blind, hot breakfasts in the blind, plenty of hunting time and camaraderie, watching the dog retrieve, and learning how to clean birds.

 

Thanks to Mr. Jack Gardner, these experiences are provided at no cost. We hope you join us soon!

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ENROLL TO HUNT AT GARDNER CAMP TODAY!

Youth may ENROLL for a hunt at Gardner Camp. Preference is given to those who have not already participated in the specific hunt. 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 county of IL or surrounding counties (including Missouri)

 

Applications are continuously accepted. Deadline to apply for the current year hunting season: August 1st.  Lottery Drawing Date: August 15st.  Placement letters will be emailed and should be received by August 15th.

Youth are responsible for their own licenses and tags.  Gardner Camp hunts are guided and we furnish heated blinds, snack/meals, transportation to/from blind, cleaning facilities and instruction.

 

Gardner Camp hunts are fully guided and we furnish blind breakfasts, decoy set-up, heated blinds, transportation to/from blind, bird and deer cleaning facility and instruction and hunting gear, upon request.

Questions? Contact Gardner Camp at 217/242-3534 or email: [email protected].

Enroll Today!

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