[billyf65]

I am thinking about signing up, but am wondering if anyone has had any experiences, good, bad or indifferent.

Also wondering, is it two days long? Or are there two classes, one on each day?

Thanks!

[rodm]

billyf65 wrote:

I am thinking about signing up, but am wondering if anyone has had any experiences, good, bad or indifferent.

Also wondering, is it two days long? Or are there two classes, one on each day?

Thanks!

Post or PM me some more info. I'm always up for an interesting outing if it's not to $$$

Regards,
Rod

[quail hunter]

I did it many years ago, when it was just starting. It was a worthwhile experience. The staff were all state employees. They had all been trained to coach. I was able to correct one or two of many errors.

Pete

[billyf65]

Cool. I'm pretty sure I missed my opportunities this year - but next season I think I'm going to give it a shot.

Thanks.

[quail hunter]

The idea was conceived by Don Farmer. He was the site superintendent for the Des Plaines Conservation area before he retired. His wife was a game warden there. They are dedicated upland hunters. They had a mix of pointers and setters. Every year, they would go to Montana to hunt birds and deer.

Together they encouraged a group of IDNR employees to get certified as instructors. When I took it, they had a great mix of state biologists, game wardens and the like. They were very committed to teaching people how to shoot better. I understand they run a woman's training that is second to none in the state.

Don is also the man who convinced the state to raise their own pheasants for the put and take program.

It is one of the better programs that the state offers. Too bad so few take advantage of it. It used to cost the same as a round or two of sporting clays, but with the added bonus of instruction. The instructors would work with you on a weak area. They certainly helped me.

Pete

[billyf65]

Thanks for the history, Pete. That's really outstanding.

I know a lot of folks get into shooting/hunting about when they can walk. I came to it considerably later in life, and kind of feel like I have some catching up to do (I went on my first pheasant hunt at Des Plaines last year and missed two painfully easy shots, and at least one more probably makeable one. The first one I give myself a pass on - it was my first shot at a bird, ever, and it just busted at my feet and about startled the bejesus out of me because I was watching another bird strut away from me. I never even got the stock to my cheek. the second though was bad - i'd caught up w/someone with a dog, and he had the bird pinned down, so i knew it was coming, and it flew straight up and I just flat missed. twice.).

Anyhow, it sounds great and I look forward to doing it next year.

[White Rabbit]

billyf65 wrote:

The first one I give myself a pass on - it was my first shot at a bird, ever, and it just busted at my feet and about startled the bejesus out of me because I was watching another bird strut away from me. I never even got the stock to my cheek.

Oh man can I relate to that!! Your heart jumps in your throat. You freeze as your brain tells your body to bring the gun up, then you realize it's too late and you stand there watching with your mouth open. Yep, been there, done that !

[quail hunter]

That is why pheasant has been the most popular upland game for over 70 years. They will rise straight up, flapping and cackling. Even a seasoned pheasant hunter gets rush when that happens. It is especially thrilling when you are walking to the dog and it has 1 pinned. Suddenly, another pheasant busts right in front of you. Almost flapping in your face. If you shoot too soon, you ruin the meat. Practice going away shots.

A covey of quail is a different story, 3 to 20 birds going in all directions at once......

Pete

[FishinLectrician]

Billy, I have been to the wingshooting clinic the past three years and it is a great time, well worth the thirty dollars. They have super instructors who work with you on a one to one till you get the shoot right. I will be out there on Sunday Sept 19 AM with my son. I just wish the had it before the dove opener. Check out the web page
The Fishin 'lectrician

http://www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmg ... gDates.htm