Illinois hunting: Waterfowl open houses

IDNR to Host Informational Open Houses for Waterfowl Hunters Hunters Can Learn More about Proposals to Set Zone Lines and Season Dates for Next Five Years SPRINGFIELD – Waterfowl hunters interested in learning more about upcoming duck and goose seasons are invited to attend one of three public open houses hosted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) in May. The open houses will allow hunters to visit with IDNR staff in an informal setting and ask questions about hunting zones and season dates proposed for the next five years. IDNR biologists will have the latest aerial waterfowl surveys, weather and freeze-up dates and hunter survey results. Biologists will be on hand to answer questions and interpret data. IDNR hopes to set duck and Canada goose season dates for the next five years, subject to approval by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Waterfowl hunting zone lines can be changed every five years under Federal regulations. IDNR also sets respective waterfowl hunting season dates for the same time period every five years. However, changes in environmental conditions and/or waterfowl populations could result in changes to the federal waterfowl hunting regulations, which would require Illinois to adjust proposed season dates. Zone line locations and season dates determined this year will be in effect during the 2016-2020 waterfowl seasons. Attendees will have an opportunity to fill out a questionnaire and provide their opinions on waterfowl season timing and zone line location. Hours for all open houses are 5 – 8 p.m. Waterfowl Open House Dates: Tuesday, May 12 Des Plaines SFWA Check Station/Site Office 24621 N. River Rd., Wilmington, IL 60481 (west off of I-55 at exit 241) Thursday, May 14 John A Logan Main Building, Tarvin Room, 700 Logan College Drive, Carterville, IL 62918 Friday, May 15 National Great Rivers Research and Education Center NGRREC: 1 Confluence Way, East Alton, IL (just off of Route 143/Great River Road between Route 3 and US 67, near Lock and Dam 26) Waterfowl hunters unable to attend the open houses will have the opportunity to review the information presented on the IDNR website, under waterfowl hunting, and submit comments via: DNR.ducktalk@illinois.gov.