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Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026

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Illinois upland bird hunters remain scarce, but more quail, roosters await

The Illinois upland game season opens Nov. 2 with encouraging reports for pheasant and quail hunters. DNR recorded increases in both birds during its regular call count surveys. Pheasant seasons are underway across rooster country with good 2024 shooting in South Dakota and Nebraska. (Stock photo)

With upland game season opening Nov. 2 in Illinois, this may be a good time for rabbit hunters to hold their collective breaths and look away.
Quail and pheasant hunters will want to exhale and pay attention.
DNR’s call counts and population surveys up and down the state this summer resulted in observers recording an average of 0.53 quail per stop, an encouraging 34% increase over 2023 counts. Quail were recorded at 26% of stops, which is a 23.7% increase.

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