The Pheasant is perhaps the most popular of all upland game preserve birds - comprising more than half of all preserve birds harvested in the U.S. While not a native to Southeastern Illinois, they're adaptable enough to be a successful and challenging bird at NILO. We use Springers to flush pheasants rather than point them because we feel the edge of unpredictability adds to the sport.

The Chukar Partridge is arguably the best bird for game preserve shooting and a very successful addition at NILO. It combines the endurance of the Pheasant with the unpredictable flight pattern of the Quail. Chukars, like Pheasants, are hunted with aggressive flushing dogs like Springers and Labs.


DUCK HUNTING

Any number of hunted species has its share of dovoted followers. Among waterfowlers,
no bird commands as much popularity as the Drake Mallard.

The Mallard - or "Green Head" - is one of the smartest and farthest-ranging members of the duck family. But fortunately, they can be conditioned to ignore their migratory habits and still provide some exciting sport for the hunter with fast flying pass shooting at speeds up to 60 miles per hour!

NILO duck shoots are supervised by two people: a dog handler, and the manager of the hunt. We use one or two retrievers to gather all crippled and dead ducks.

Before the hunt begins, the manager explains the shoot and all safety rules. The duck hunters are then assigned to the blinds in pairs for freedom of movement. NILO blinds are of a high-sided construction hidden by corn stalks and positioned to add to the realism of the hunt. This design also restricts the direction of shooting and protects the hunters, guides and dogs. Trees located around the duck flighting area also add to the challenge of the shoot.

The Mallards are flighted at varying time intervals and in varying numbers. Because Mallards are powerful and direct fliers - and not without some acrobatic ability - each hunter only has two or three seconds to make his shot during each pass. We can often keep a group of hunters shooting holes in the sky for at least an hour before harvesting their limit of four ducks apiece!