Highly Anticipated 2024 Youth Waterfowl Season Opens in Illinois

As autumn paints the landscapes of northern Illinois, the 2024 Youth Waterfowl season is set to kick off, inviting young hunters to engage in an age-old tradition.

Numerous state parks, fish and wildlife areas, and conservation sites across the North, Central, South Central, and South Zones will welcome youth waterfowl hunters during designated weekends, fostering a love for nature and hunting among the next generation.

What to Know About the Youth Waterfowl Hunts

This year, the youth hunts will take place at various locations, including Banner Marsh State Fish and Wildlife Area and Clinton Lake State Recreation Area.

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The hunting dates span from October to December, with specific weekends dedicated to young hunters aged 10-17. During these hunts, regulations mirror those of the regular waterfowl season, ensuring consistency and safety.

The bag limits remain the same, and youth hunters aged 17 or younger must be accompanied by an adult who cannot hunt but can participate in other open-season hunts, according to the press release.

Licensing and Regulations for Young Hunters in Illinois

To partake in the youth waterfowl hunts, young hunters need a valid hunting license, youth hunting license, or apprentice hunting license.

Those aged 16 and older are also required to have a federal duck stamp, though an Illinois duck stamp is not mandatory. Participants must also register with the Harvest Information Program (HIP) to ensure compliance with federal regulations, an essential step for all waterfowl hunters.

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For more information on hunting licenses and specific regulations, hunters can refer to the 2024-2025 Digest of Illinois Hunting and Trapping Regulations by CLICKING HERE.

2024 North Zone Youth Waterfowl Hunt: Oct. 12-13 (state and federal sites open)

• Chain O’ Lakes State Park
• Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area
• Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
• Lake DePue State Fish and Wildlife Area
• Sinnissippi Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
• Mississippi River Pools (all located in North Zone)
• William W. Powers State Recreation Area

For more information about public duck and goose hunting, CLICK HERE.