Special Events, Programs and Promotions

We would like to invite you to attend a variety of special events held year round. Some are fun and entertaining, while others are educational. Fairs, sport shows, living history reenactments, fishing fairs - the list goes on and on. There is a special event for nearly every age and interest, including great family activities.

Learn how you can get involved and become a vital part of any of the following programs:

This is a nationally acclaimed youth archery program for the public/private school system through its physical education department. IDNR instructors will certify teachers to become NASP Level 1 Instructors and also host an annual tournament in the spring of each year.  For more information, please contact Joe Robinson.

The IDNR is committed to providing greater access and more programs for persons with disabilities. We want to make it easier for disabled individuals to hunt, fish and pursue other outdoor activities. Disabled hunters can participate in deer, pheasant, waterfowl and dove hunting at various sites throughout Illinois. A number of fishing events are held each year as well.  For more information please contact Jay Williams.

The mission of the Safety Education Program is to provide Hunter, Boating, Snowmobile and Trapping Safety courses to both children and adults. These courses are primarily designed to train young people and are mandatory for certain age groups. Your safety education card information is also maintained through this Program. For more information, please contact our Safety Education Section.
 

The Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) an opportunity for school-age students in grades 12 and under to participate in the exciting and challenging sports of trap, skeet and sporting clays. The program offers disciplines to instill in students safe firearm handling, commitment, responsibility, leadership and teamwork. For more information please contact Sheldon Fairfield.

The IDNR has a Volunteer Network of caring people and organizations who maintain our natural and recreational resources. Volunteers are needed throughout the State at State Parks, Campgrounds, Wildlife Management Areas, Nature Preserves, Special Events and with many of our special programs. For more information, please contact the State Park site superintendent.

The IDNR sponsors wingshooting clinics throughout Illinois on weekends during the spring through early fall of each year. Youth/Women’s clinics are designed to teach participants basic firearm and hunter safety and wingshooting fundamentals. Hunter clinics are designed to enhance the wingshooting skills and sound wingshooting practice techniques to hunters. For more information, please contact Rich Lewis.

Host of the Grand American, the World Shooting and Recreational Complex. For more information please call:  618-295-2700