Upland Hunting for Wounded Warriors & Youth

The Wounded Warrior and Youth Program is located on over 180 acres of land intensively managed for pheasant and upland game hunting. Hunting is free and available (only) to Wounded Warriors, youth under 18, and veterans.

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Hunts must be booked at least one week in advance. In order: (1) to sustain a huntable population of wild pheasants hunting will be limited to once every 2 weeks and (2) to provide hunting opportunities to as many as possible individuals or groups will only be allowed to hunt once a year (with the exception of deer hunting).

Please select from the following:
Wayside Hunting is available only to veterans, wounded warriors and youth under 18.
Hunting Type

The Land

The hunting area encompasses over 180 acres and lies adjacent to both undisturbed natural areas and cultivated fields. It contains CRP grasses including pollinators and overwinter cover, 1.5 miles of shelter belt trees and bushes some of which borders a half mile of both a drainage creek (large field) and lake creek (smaller field), seven cultivated tracts. In each tract a cover crop and six rows of unharvested corn and soybeans are left standing over winter for wildlife food.

Wildlife

Since 2019 hen pheasants (300-450 bred hens) have been released annually in March to establish a resident pheasant population. That has been successfully accomplished. Along with CRP plantings and wildlife management practices the area now supports populations of deer, rabbit and quail as well. The first rooster was bagged by a Wounded Warrior Brian Pinkston in 2020 and the first deer by an archer in 2021.

Access

The area has been made accessible to most hunters by providing three gravel parking lots, mowed pathways, a wheel-chair accessible deer stand and a 4-wheeler or side-by-side (please notify us in advance). Electricity is not available. On-site restrooms and electricity are not available.

Pheasant Hunting

In many areas the cover is very thick and consequently a trained pointing, flushing and/or retrieving dog is highly recommended. If a bird dog contact is needed please email us at info@waysidefarmfoundation.org. Bird hunters are asked to end their hunts by 4 pm in order to allow birds time to find roosting cover before nightfall. To maintain a sustainable hunting population of pheasants, hunts are limited to one hunting party every two weeks.

Deer Hunting

Both archery and firearm hunting are allowed dependent on IDNR schedule. A wheel-chair accessible deer stand is in the field and available for all deer hunters though they may bring their own stand/blind but must remove it immediately following their hunt. Hunters can schedule for three consecutive days and are allowed to scout one day prior.

Regulations

Please note that ALL Illinois hunting regulations apply. Veterans may have exemptions but are responsible for meeting state regulations. During online registration information will be provided to identify all management regulations.

All Hunters

  • Remember that SAFETY is your first concern!
  • In order to offer hunting opportunities to as many hunters as possible you are asked to schedule only one deer hunt (of 2 consecutive days) or one (1 day) pheasant hunt each hunting season (Oct – Jan).
  • Parents/guardians of youth MUST register and be with their children/youth during the entire hunt.
  • Please report back to us via text (217.737.3181) or email info@waysidefarmfoundation.org on the number of pheasants/quail or deer that you AND your partner (1) harvested AND (2) observed.
  • Suggestions for improving our game management are also welcome. Please email us with any recommendations and feedback.

Scheduling

Hunters must register and schedule their hunts as soon as possible in order to be guaranteed a hunt date. Wounded Warriors and Youth receive priority.

Hunting party size is limited to (1) either one or two Wounded Warriors plus non-hunting guides or assistants or (2) one or two youth who must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Registration and scheduling of hunts should be done as early as possible and is available online. When scheduling a hunt date, you will be required to fill out the following documents (1) Liability Waiver (2) Hunting Information and Requirements, (3) Provide up to date licensing information. The Liability Waiver and all documents must be completed at point of online scheduling.

Location and Accommodations

The hunting area is located near Assumption, Illinois on US Hwy 51 just 24 miles south of Decatur. Restaurants, convenience stores and gas stations are found in Assumption. Overnight accommodations can be found in Decatur (24 miles north), Shelbyville (22 miles east), Taylorville (15 miles west) and Pana (9 miles south).

Contact

For any additional questions please contact –

Farm Management
U.S. Bank
217.753.7385

Contributions

Contributions to the Wendling-VanUytven-Kiesecoms Foundation are welcome and appreciated! We are a registered 501(c)(3) not for profit, charitable organization. If you wish, you can specify the “Wounded Warrior/Veteran/Youth Hunting Program ”