SPRINGFIELD, Il. – The Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) will again host the annual Director’s Hunt, the organization’s fall fundraiser to benefit ICF educational programs and scholarships.
Slated for Nov. 25 and 26 at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area, this year’s hunt offers two days hunting pheasant and quail on beautiful Rend Lake near Mt. Vernon. Ammunition, guides with dogs, meals, overnight lodging and a banquet-style dinner are provided by the Foundation upon registration.
“The Director’s Hunt is the Foundation’s largest event in southern Illinois this year, and we’re so excited to again hold it at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area,” said Crystal Curfman, executive director, ICF. “For hunting enthusiasts, it promises beautiful views and excellent hunting, but there’s also a banquet-only option for those who may not be interested in hunting.”
The banquet, which begins with cocktails at 5 p.m. Nov. 25 at the Elks Lodge in Mt. Vernon, will feature a silent and live auction with auctioneering by Brian Curless, the 2017 World Champion Livestock Auctioneer. Nearly 15 sponsors contributed funds for the event or items for the silent and live auctions. Sponsors include:
• Pheasants Forever
• Quail Forever
• Whitetails Unlimited
• Hunting Works
• Zanders Sporting Goods
• The Mike Hillstrom Family
• Harpole’s Heartland Lodge
• Tortenson Youth Conservation and Education Center
• Ameren
• Jake Rask
• Boneyard Outfitters
• Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association/Illinois Association of Convenience Stores
• Marcia and Ken Polhaumus for the National Wild Turkey Federation
“Our sponsors truly make the Director’s Hunt a one-of-a-kind event,” Curfman said. “This year, in addition to the Foundation’s sponsorship of a team of disabled veterans, the Mike Hillstrom family graciously donated funds for an additional team of disabled veterans, so we’re excited to have eight total veterans participating in this
