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Patience pays off for Illinois hunters as overdue ducks answer the call

As duck seasons in the North and Central zones hit their final weeks, reports from the Illinois Natural History Survey indicate that, while mallard numbers remain below average, other ducks are starting to migrate into the area. On Nov. 13, counts of gadwalls, like the one shown above, were 25% higher than average. (Photo courtesy of Ducks Unlimited)

Diving ducks finally showed up, but mallards remain somewhat shy. That’s basically how Josh Osborn summed up his recent waterfowl aerial census report on the Illinois River.
The stretch drive of the Illinois duck hunting season is in full swing, with the North Zone set to close Dec. 16 and the Central Zone shutting down Dec. 23. South Central Zone hunters will be in blinds until Jan. 13, while South Zone hunters can shoot until Jan. 27.

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