Illinois Waterfowl Shotgun Season 2025, 2026
Shotgun waterfowl hunting dates for Illinois.
Recorded dates, not hunting permission
Status assessment: 2026-10-14 UTC (static build snapshot). Static activity badges and day counts use this build assessment, not a live check. Interactive finder results show their own UTC assessment day.
0 of 1 recorded windows have date-review evidence. Other rows remain unverified. Historical records are retained and are not a current-season promise.
Check your current agency regulations, GMU or zone, hunt code, license and access restrictions before hunting. An agency link or successful publication fetch does not verify a row. Reviewed base dates do not cover every license-specific exception.
Illinois Waterfowl Shotgun Season
Find shotgun waterfowl hunting season dates for Illinois. Plan your 2025, 2026 shotgun hunt with dates, zones, and equipment requirements.
Shotgun Waterfowl Season Dates
1 shotgun season in Illinois
| Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 18, 2025 - Jan 17, 2026 Unverified date record; agency review required | Zone not recorded | Historical record | Zone-specific dates | |
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Important Note for Illinois
Only the two 2026 General Firearm base windows were reviewed, shown in the shotgun view. Qualifying single-shot centerfire rifles are permitted subject to current ammunition rules. Signed county/hunt-area permits, licenses/habitat stamp, FOID, sex/bag limits, tagging/reporting, CWD, land permission and closures require agency checks. Other hunt types/site-specific dates, historical rows and license-year metadata remain unverified.
Illinois Waterfowl Shotgun Hunting FAQ
Common questions about shotgun waterfowl hunting in Illinois
When does shotgun waterfowl season start in Illinois?
Recorded windows, not one continuous season: 2025-10-18 to 2026-01-17. Historical and unverified records may be included. Check each row's evidence and your current GMU/hunt code and license before hunting.
What shot size is legal for waterfowl in Illinois?
Illinois regulates shot size and shot type for waterfowl hunting. Many states require non-toxic shot for waterfowl and may have specific pellet size requirements for other game. Verify current shotgun regulations with the state.
Do I need a special tag for shotgun waterfowl hunting in Illinois?
You need a valid Illinois hunting license and applicable waterfowl tags or permits. Some states offer shotgun-specific tags or have separate quotas. Check current license requirements and availability.
Shotgun Waterfowl in Other States
Compare shotgun seasons across states
View All Illinois Waterfowl Seasons
See all hunting methods for waterfowl in Illinois.
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