Waterfowl seasons, zones among topics at Illinois DNR’s ‘open house’ events

Springfield — Have an opinion about the Illinois waterfowl seasons or the hunting zones? Maybe there’s something on your mind only a biologist could answer.

DNR wants you to show up and share opinions and questions.

While the agency’s public waterfowl blind drawings are still a few months away, duck and goose hunters looking to talk hunting have a handful of options next month when DNR hosts “open house” meetings at various sites.

“Input gathered from the public will be used to inform dates for the 2026 through 2030 waterfowl hunting seasons,” DNR explained in a news release announcing the open houses. “Hunters will have the opportunity to review information, provide comments on proposed waterfowl season recommendations, and speak with DNR biologists.”

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All public open houses will take place from 5:30 p.m. 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.

DNR’s 2025 waterfowl hunter public open house meeting schedule

• May 6 – Western Illinois University, Riverfront Hall, Room 111, 3300 River Drive, Moline

• May 7 – James “Pate” Philip State Park, Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Road, Bartlett

• May 8 – John Wood Community College, Rooms D022/D023, 1301 S. 48th St., Quincy

• May 13 – Dickson Mounds Museum, 10956 N. Dickson Mounds Road, Lewistown

• May 20 – DNR field office, 1231 SW St., Olney

• May 21 – John A. Logan College, Building F, Room 104, 700 Logan College Drive, Carterville

• May 22 – National Great Rivers Museum, classroom meeting space, 2 Locks and Dam Way, Alton