Half-cocked

A budget directive from the Gov. Blagojevich’s office of management and budget could end the state’s put-and-take pheasant hunting at state sites.

“It was a very ill-advised decision by the administration,” said Rep. Dan Reitz (D-Sparta), co-chair of the Illinois Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus.

“The discontinuation of the pheasant hunting program is a proposal and we are willing to work with the [General Assembly] to find a way to keep the program,” IDNR spokesman Chris McCloud e-mailed.

Reitz thinks the administration may reconsider, and instead restructure what should be a money-maker for the state.

Read more in the sports pages of the Sunday Sun-Times (out tomorrow) or go here on Sunday.