State officials say young hunters can now apply for a new addition to the Illinois Youth Pheasant Hunt Program.

It is called the Pere Marquette Youth Pheasant Hunt and hunters ages 10 to 15 are eligible. The event will be held March 2 at Pere Marquette State Park in Jersey County.

The hunt is modeled after the World Shooting and Recreational Complex Youth Pheasant Hunt. Young hunters will also get to participate in a wingshooting clinic and practice shotgun safety.

The event is sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Pere Marquette State Park, along with several other groups.

Permits are available through the department's online reservation system.