The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has announced significant changes to the waterfowl hunting zones for the 2026-2030 seasons, merging the former South-Central and South zones into one unified South Zone. This adjustment reflects feedback from hunters who have expressed a desire for a split duck season, which will now be implemented to align better with peak waterfowl abundance and provide more opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Doug McClain, the IDNR’s wetland wildlife program manager, emphasized that these changes aim to accommodate various hunting styles across the state’s diverse climate. With the new zones, duck seasons in southern Illinois will start around the same time as those in the North and Central zones but will end later, enhancing the overall hunting experience. Detailed maps of the new zone lines and season dates are available online, signaling a new chapter for Illinois waterfowl hunters.
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