Illinois Waterfowl Season 2026-27
Opens in 27 daysIllinois's waterfowl season opens 2026-10-24 and closes 2027-01-31.
Last verified September 25, 2026Illinois wildlife agency
Zones & dates
- Opens in 48 days
South Zone
Regular
- Opens
- November 14, 2026
- Closes
- January 31, 2027
- Bag limit
- North: Oct 24-25 and Oct 31-Jan 26; Central: Oct 31-Dec 13 and Dec 19-Jan 31
- Opens in 27 days
North Zone
Regular (segment 1)
- Opens
- October 24, 2026
- Closes
- October 25, 2026
- Bag limit
- See official regulations for bag limits.
- Opens in 34 days
North Zone
Regular (segment 2)
- Opens
- October 31, 2026
- Closes
- December 27, 2026
- Bag limit
- See official regulations for bag limits.
- Opens in 34 days
Central Zone
Regular (segment 1)
- Opens
- October 31, 2026
- Closes
- December 13, 2026
- Bag limit
- See official regulations for bag limits.
- Opens in 48 days
South Zone
Regular (segment 1)
- Opens
- November 14, 2026
- Closes
- December 6, 2026
- Bag limit
- See official regulations for bag limits.
- Opens in 83 days
Central Zone
Regular (segment 2)
- Opens
- December 19, 2026
- Closes
- January 3, 2027
- Bag limit
- See official regulations for bag limits.
- Opens in 83 days
South Zone
Regular (segment 2)
- Opens
- December 19, 2026
- Closes
- January 24, 2027
- Bag limit
- See official regulations for bag limits.
Key rules
- Dates and units
- Use the zone or region shown for your hunt.
- Official regulations
- Confirm license, permit, legal shooting hours, bag limits, and special requirements with the state agency before hunting.
Frequently asked questions
Illinois's waterfowl season opens 2026-10-24 and closes 2027-01-31.
Regulations change every year and can vary by county or unit. Hunting Season by State is a reference tool, not a substitute for the official regulation book — always verify dates, zones, and bag limits with the state wildlife agency before you hunt.