Prairie State Wire

Numerous sites across Illinois will be accessible for youth waterfowl hunting during the 2024 hunting seasons. These include state parks, fish and wildlife areas, conservation areas, and recreation areas in the North Zone, Central Zone, South Central Zone, and South Zone. Federal sites under the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' (IDNR) waterfowl administrative rule will also be open.

During these hunts, regulations that apply to regular waterfowl hunting are enforced. Hunters should verify any changes to site-specific regulations. The bag limits remain consistent with those of the regular season.

According to federal regulations, youth hunters aged 17 or younger can hunt ducks, geese, coots, and mergansers if accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old. The accompanying adult is not permitted to hunt these species but may participate in other open season hunts if allowed at the site.

Youth hunters must possess a valid hunting license or apprentice hunting license. Those aged 16 and older need a federal duck stamp but are exempt from needing an Illinois duck stamp. Further details on licensing requirements can be found in the 2024-2025 Digest of Illinois Hunting and Trapping Regulations.

Special youth hunts via the Youth Waterfowl Hunting Permit or other youth-only hunts at IDNR sites are available for hunters aged 10-17. These special hunts include:

- Banner Marsh State Fish and Wildlife Area: Oct. 19-20

- Black Crown Marsh: Oct. 12-13

- Clinton Lake State Recreation Area: Salt Creek and Disabled units on Oct. 19

- Larry D. Closson State Habitat Area: Oct. 19

- Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area: Duck Ranch Unit on Oct. 19-20

- Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area: Spring Lake Bottoms Unit on Nov. 10

- Southern Illinois Youth Waterfowl Hunt - Union County and Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area on Dec. 28

All other youth hunts are open to individuals aged 17 or younger.

Waterfowl hunters must register with the Harvest Information Program (HIP), requiring their hunting license number for registration either through a vendor or online via IDNR's ExploremoreIL.com website.

The following locations will host state and federal sites during the respective zone's youth waterfowl hunts:

North Zone (Oct. 12–13): Chain O' Lakes State Park; Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area; Heidecke Lake; among others.

Central Zone (Oct. 19–20): Anderson Lake; Banner Marsh; Braidwood Lake; among others.

South Central Zone (Nov. 9–10): Campbell Pond; Carlyle Lake; Kaskaskia area; among others.

South Zone (Nov. 16–17): Bluff Lakes; Cache River area; Cape Bend area; among others.

For more information about Illinois waterfowl seasons or specific site details, consult the IDNR's resources available online or at their offices.