Register soon for youth goose hunt

Youngsters can register now through Friday for the 10th annual Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on Dec. 27-28.

The youth goose hunt will be held at private waterfowl hunting clubs in Peoria, Fulton and Knox counties. Young people interested in the hunt must phone 217/785-8060 to register for a lottery drawing since space for the hunt is limited. The deadline to register is Friday.

Youth hunters selected will be notified by mail. First-time applicants will be given a priority over previous participants in the drawing. The hunt is open to youngsters ages 10-15 at the time of the hunt. All applicants must have successfully completed a hunter safety education course, possess a valid Illinois hunting or sportsman’s license, have a Harvest Information

Program (HIP) registration number, and have a 20 gauge or larger shotgun. Youth hunt participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who must possess a valid firearm owner’s identification (FOID) card. To register for the hunt or for more information, call 217/785-8060 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.

Youth Hunt Raffle: Raffle tickets are available to support the Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt, as well as IDNR youth waterfowl hunts throughout the state. Only 500 tickets will be sold at $10 each to benefit the youth hunts. Prizes available include a shotgun and a Lifetime Hunting License (which is transferable). Raffle winners will be drawn at the Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt banquet on Dec. 27. Raffle participants need not be present to win. For tickets or information, call 217/785-8060.