Welcome to the IDNR Division of Special Events, Programs & Promotions

Dave Cassens, Acting Division Director

IDNR Special Events Calendar - 2012

The Division of Special Events, Programs and Promotions helps plan and promote special events and programs for IDNR.  Learn how you can get involved and become a vital part of any of the following programs:

PROGRAMS:

Archery in the Schools Program

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.

Big Buck Recognition Program

This program lets the world know that Illinois is home to some of the largest and healthiest deer.  The program recognizes Illinois’ hunters who take trophy white-tailed deer.  Scoring is based on standards set by the Boone and Crockett Club.

Disabled Outdoor Opportunities Program

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.

Illinois Sportsmen Against Hunger

This Program assists hunters in donating their deer harvest to food banks and charities to help feed the needy in Illinois.  You can also order your Turkey and Big Buck pins through this Program.

Mandatory Safety Education Program

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 hunter safety education card information is also maintained through this Program.

Volunteer Program

The IDNR has developed 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. Learn more about our Friends Group Program and the Volunteer Internship/College Credit Program.  Be the first to receive news and updates on DNR volunteering opportunities by subscribing to the “i Volunteer Newsletter”.

Wingshooting Program

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.

Special Events

IDNR 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.  Browse through the list and join us for a great outdoor experience!

2012 Special Events dates

WORLD SHOOTING AND RECREATIONAL COMPLEX

Host of the Grand American, the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta is designed for shooting and built for recreation.  If you are interested in skeet shooting, trap shooting, sporting clays, archery, cowboy action shooting, camping or fishing, you need to visit this Complex.

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