I am a bit surprised, but the possibility of a fourth waterfowl zone is alive and viable for Illinois waterfowl hunters.
Here’s some of the details from the IDNR:
Attached is the Preliminary proposed rule published today in the Federal Register (Vol. 76, No. 68) containing proposed 2011-12 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations (Preliminary) including duck zone and split season proposals (See page 19882). Also attached is the Draft Environmental Assessment referenced in the section on duck zones/splits. Note that the public comment period closes on May 15. Comments can be submitted by following the Addresses section on the front page of the Federal Register. The duck zone and split season issue has been an important issue to Illinois duck hunters, thus we encourage you to comment and support the adding of the options to have either four zones or three zones with splits for our duck hunting season.
I will try to post the files, later.
