Illinois Hunt Camp
A one-day social event for adult hunters of all types and abilities. Come learn, compete, share a meal, and connect with the Illinois outdoor community.
2:00 – 7:00 PM
44W471 W Keslinger Rd, Elburn, IL 60119
Kids free with an adult
One day. Every kind of hunter.
Illinois Hunt Camp brings social capital back to Illinois hunting. Whether you are brand new or have decades in the field, it is a day of hands-on outdoor education, friendly competition, great food, and the chance to win mentored hunts and gear, all for under $20.
What’s happening at camp
Shotgun Warmup New for 2026
Bust some clay targets from 2:00 to 3:30 PM. Adults 18+; a shooting registration ticket is required by September 1st.
Early Bird Giveaway
Buy a ticket for a chance to win mentored hunts and outdoor gear by competing in a mini-game.
Wild Game Sampling
Taste ambassador-led wild game recipes and vote for your favorite in our Iron Chef – Wild Game Edition.
Education Stations
Map reading, waterfowl identification, trapping, gun dog training, foraging, and more, taught by people who love it.
The Final Showdown
The last gauntlet of competitions at Hunt Camp, open to members of our partner organizations.
Mentored Hunt Prizes
Win mentored hunts for deer, turkey, small game, and waterfowl, plus gun dog training.
Hamburgers, hot dogs, and wild game
Enjoy burgers and hot dogs with all the fixings, plus free wild game sampling provided by the Illinois Conservation Foundation. Children’s tickets are free with the purchase of an adult ticket. Kids can eat, fish, try archery, and visit the education tables.
Learn with us year-round
Hunt Camp is one day, but Illinois Learn to Hunt runs webinars, podcasts, and videos all year. A lot of our ambassadors found their way in through the YouTube channel. Come see what we’re up to.
Where else can you get a full day of hands-on outdoor education for under $20?
Join us at Hunt Camp
September 26, 2026 · 2:00 – 7:00 PM · St. Charles Sportsman’s Club, 44W471 W Keslinger Rd, Elburn, IL 60119
Ticket information
$15 if bought before Hunt Camp, or $20 at the door. Your ticket includes entry, games, food while supplies last, and prize tickets redeemable for outdoor gear or mentored hunts. Winners must be present during drawings to claim prizes.
To join the Shotgun Warmup, obtain a Shooting Registration Ticket by September 1st. We provide the shotguns and ammo.
Hunt Camp is an event for adults. Children under 18 can come with you for free, but they will not receive a registration packet, prize tickets, or be eligible to win prizes.
Event day timeline
Event Calendar
Every Illinois Learn to Hunt webinar, workshop, and hunt in one place, plus Hunt Camp itself. Registration is handled on Eventbrite, and most events are free.
Upcoming events
Registration for every event is handled on Eventbrite. Follow us there to be notified as new webinars and hunts are announced.
Mentoring a Hunt
Experienced hunters and trappers make Hunt Camp possible. Share what you know and help someone break into the outdoors.
Why mentors matter
Illinois Hunt Camp is looking for experienced hunters and trappers willing to volunteer their time introducing newcomers to the outdoors. Mentored opportunities are one of the things that make Hunt Camp special. It can be quite difficult for adults who don’t have a mentor in their life to break into the hunting or outdoor world.
Ways you could mentor
Squirrel Hunt
Host a winner and a guest on a squirrel hunt in early December.
Raccoon Hunt
Invite participants along on a raccoon hunt with dogs.
Archery Deer
Guide someone through archery deer hunting at a location you know well.
Fishing
Take a winner fishing at a favorite spot.
And it doesn’t stop at hunting. We welcome diverse experiences including mushroom hunting, bird watching, snow shoeing, hiking, and any other activity you’re into and willing to share.
Meet the Ambassadors
Real hunters from all walks of life who help others find their way into the field. Click anyone to read their story and see their photos.
Donate
Hunt Camp would not be possible without the generous donations of our partners and sponsors.
Your gift brings hunters together
Our mission is to bring social capital back to Illinois hunting and make it easier for adult hunters of every experience level to share knowledge and get into the field. There are three ways to help.
Donate Gear
Donate outdoor equipment and become a Hunt Camp Sponsor. Email Curtis11@illinois.edu.
Donate an Experience
Offer a mentored hunt for adults or another outdoor experience like fishing. Email Curtis11@illinois.edu.
Donate Money
Give financially through the Illinois Conservation Foundation’s giving platform.
Partners & Sponsors
Hunt Camp is powered by organizations that believe in getting more people into the outdoors.
Our partners and sponsors
These organizations donate gear, experiences, expertise, and support to make Hunt Camp happen. Interested in joining them? Get in touch.
Interested in becoming a Hunt Camp partner or sponsor? We would love to hear from you.