Prairie State Wire

Waterfowl hunters in Illinois have an opportunity to participate in discussions regarding the future of waterfowl hunting in the state. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is organizing public open houses where hunters can provide feedback on issues such as waterfowl hunting zones and future season dates.

The input from these sessions will guide the IDNR in setting dates for the 2026 through 2030 waterfowl hunting seasons. Hunters can also review information, comment on proposed season recommendations, and engage with IDNR biologists during these meetings.

Scheduled from 5:30 to 8 p.m., each open house includes a formal presentation at 6 p.m. Hunters can attend any session that fits their schedule, as the content will be the same across all dates. More details about Illinois waterfowl hunting are available online.

The 2025 schedule for the public open house meetings is as follows:

- Tuesday, May 6, at Western Illinois University in Moline

- Wednesday, May 7, at James "Pate" Philip State Park in Bartlett

- Thursday, May 8, at John Wood Community College in Quincy

- Tuesday, May 13, at Dickson Mounds Museum in Lewistown

- Tuesday, May 20, at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources field office in Olney

- Wednesday, May 21, at John A. Logan College in Carterville

- Thursday, May 22, at the National Great Rivers Museum in Alton

Participants are encouraged to attend the most convenient session to ensure their input is included in future planning.