Better than expected pheasant production last year means the state hunting season has been extended in three Illinois counties.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources on Tuesday announced extensions for Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area in Clinton County and Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area in Franklin and Jefferson counties. The season will be extended four days, from Jan. 18 to 21, in Clinton County and five days, Jan. 18 to 22, in Franklin and Jefferson counties.

State officials encourage hunters to use the online Controlled Pheasant Hunting Reservation System for permits.