More than 57% of pheasants released at 16 Illinois DNR controlled hunting sites last season were harvested – one of the top hunter success rates in the program’s history. Most hunters are just happy the program still flies.
A full 15 years after the state’s entire controlled pheasant hunting program was winged and nearly blown out of the sky by an indifferent governor and a wobbly state budget, dogs and their hunter-owners are still able to reserve an opportunity each autumn to hunt and shoot a ringneck.
Pheasant hunt in Illinois has dodged pellets over the years to remain going
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT
Read this article now.
Create a free Outdoor News account.
Create a free account below to get instant access to this article, thousands of Outdoor News stories, and our digital editions. Your 1-month trial starts the moment you sign up.
No credit card required
No credit card required
No credit card required
Subscriber? Login Here.
Share on Social
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
- Tags: Hunting, Illinois, Upland Birds
Hand-Picked For You
Meet the new Minnesota DNR Fisheries leader: Shannon Fisher
Justin Runberg
November 4, 2026
Is striped bass fishing on the brink? Anglers and scientists sound the alarm
AP
November 6, 2026
DNR celebrates evolving Minnesota Conservation Herd for National Bison Day, Nov. 7
DNR Report
November 6, 2026
Ep. 109 – Heart of Deer Season
Dan Ladd
November 6, 2026
Ohio Division of Wildlife manager Comer retires after 32 years
John Hageman
November 6, 2026
Public launch in Tiffin newest scenic river access in Ohio
John Hageman
November 6, 2026
Related Articles

Dan Small Outdoors Radio: Show 2145
Site Staff
November 6, 2026
Delta Marsh in Manitoba offers outstanding hunting for canvasbacks, bluebills, and other ducks. DEX Fingerlight offers listeners a 15 percent

Is striped bass fishing on the brink? Anglers and scientists sound the alarm
AP
November 6, 2026
After eight straight years of poor spawning in the Chesapeake Bay, striped bass numbers are falling along the Atlantic coast.

DNR celebrates evolving Minnesota Conservation Herd for National Bison Day, Nov. 7
DNR Report
November 6, 2026
The Minnesota DNR donated 23 bison in 2026 to help start, grow other herds