Illinois Finalizes 2026–2030 Waterfowl Season Zones and Dates

Waterfowl hunting zones and dates for Illinois' 2026-2030 season have been finalized, with a new zone set to begin next year (2026).

IDNR Announces New Waterfowl Hunting Framework

Using a review of scientific data, input from waterfowl hunters, and guidelines from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, dates and zone lines are now locked in through the 2030 season, according to the IDNR.

IDNR wetland wildlife program manager Doug McClain said the department did their best to balance hunter preferences, biological considerations, and the diverse weather conditions across Illinois when making decisions.

Taking this reality into account, along with the federal waterfowl framework and the diverse hunting styles and opinions of waterfowl hunters, these dates and zone lines offer opportunity for all waterfowl hunters across the state. Illinoisans hunt in different habitat types and with different styles, necessitating compromises on these regulations. -Doug McClain, IDNR’s wetland wildlife program manager

Changes Include New South Zone and Split Duck Seasons

Illinois will continue the former South Central and South zones into a single South Zone beginning in 2026. All other zone boundaries will remain unchanged, as 90 percent of surveyed hunters indicated their county is already in the correct zone.

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For the first time, Illinois will incorporate split duck seasons in all zones, a change that was supported by hunters at seven public meetings and through the Illinois Waterfowl Hunter Survey.

The split allows for later season end dates while still lining up with the peak of the waterfowl population, according to the press release.

Hunters Encouraged to Review Upcoming Maps and Dates

The updated zone map and season dates for 2026-2030 will be available on the IDNR website by clicking HERE.

Current 2025-2026 hunting regulations remain unchanged and can be found in the latest Hunting and Trapping Digest or at the Hunt Illinois website.