Illinois
311,800
Duck Statewide Harvest
123,800
Goose Statewide Harvest
29,000
No. Waterfowl Licenses Sold Annually
12.4
Ducks Per Hunter
6.5
Geese Per Hunter
$12.50
Cost of Resident Waterfowl Hunting License
State waterfowl stamp $15.50; state habitat stamp $5.50
Cost of Resident State Stamps and Permits
$25
Federal Duck Stamp
Season $57.75; five-day $35.75
Cost of Non-Resident Waterfowl Hunting License
State waterfowl stamp $15.50; state habitat stamp $5.50
Cost of Non-Resident State Stamps and Permits
$25
Federal Duck Stamp
Photo by Brian E. Kushner
Illinois has a rich waterfowl hunting heritage. The Illinois River was a stronghold for market hunting, and when that was outlawed, many of the old market hunters became guides, taking out wealthy hunters from Chicago, St. Louis and other cities. Charles Perdew, one of the most famous decoy carvers of all time, practiced his craft here, and his wife, Edna, painted his wooden masterpieces.
Hunting heritage also runs deep at Horseshoe Lake, which has traditionally been a major stopover for migrating Canada geese. The 11,000-acre Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is still an important destination for migrating waterfowl, as well as waterfowl hunters.
One major problem with waterfowl hunting in Illinois is the availability of quality hunting spots. Much of the best habitat is owned by private clubs, the members of which have deep pockets. Hunting for the average joe can be crowded or lackluster.
