The Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced the schedule of waterfowl hunting open houses. The one for the Chicago area is Wednesday, May 7, at James “Pate” Philip State Park in the Bartlett Nature Center at 2054 W. Stearns Road in Bartlett.
Topics, on which feedback is sought, include waterfowl hunting zones and future waterfowl season dates. As might be expected with waterfowlers, there can be an interesting variety of opinions.
The IDNR will use this feedback in planning the dates for the 2026 through 2030 waterfowl hunting seasons. Hunters will be able to check out the information and speak with IDNR biologists.
The IDNR gave this general information: “All public open houses will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. with a formal presentation at 6 p.m. Each open houses will feature identical information, so hunters are encouraged to attend one session that is convenient for them. Learn more about Illinois waterfowl hunting online.”
Other open houses are scheduled for Moline, Quincy, Lewistown, Olney, Carterville and Alton. Click here for the statewide release.