The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has updated the South Zone waterfowl hunting season dates for the years 2026 through 2030, following feedback from waterfowl hunters.
According to the new schedule, the South Zone season will open in mid-November, running for 23 days before pausing for a 12-day break, also known as a “split.” The season will then resume in mid-December and continue for another 37 days. This change is intended to better align with hunters’ preferences, particularly by providing more opportunities for families and youth to hunt during holiday breaks.
Additionally, the IDNR plans to introduce a youth hunt day at the close of the South Zone season in late January as a pilot initiative.
Illinois will also transition to a three-zone system, merging the South and South-Central zones into a single South Zone that encompasses all areas south of Interstate 70. Previously, the state had four waterfowl hunting zones. As required by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, these zone boundaries will remain in place for the 2026-2030 seasons.
Maps of the new waterfowl zone boundaries and the updated season dates for each zone are available online.