by NILO Farms was founded 70 years ago by John M. Olin when he bought 600 acres of mixed pasture and woodland in Brighton, Illinois. Mr. Olin, who owned among other things, Winchester Ammunition, wanted a place to hunt and train his field trial retrievers. He owned the famous field trial retriever King Buck who was the 1952 and 1953 National Field Champion.
Historically, NILO Farms was a place for Mr. Olin to take his wealthy friends and clients for a day afield. Nowadays, it has been opened to the public by reservation for hunting, trap and sporting clays shooting, training, and other events. It is still owned by Winchester which is a subsidiary of Olin Corporation.
I do wonder if my father-in-law Clarence ever had a chance to hunt or shoot here. My in-laws resided in O’Fallon, Illinois and Clarence was very active in DU and Quail Unlimited while he was alive. As for me, I’d be happy just to watch the dogs work in the field though I would not turn down a chance to hunt there.
That is a neat video and a special place. First time I’ve ever seen any video of it!