Illinois Youth Waterfowl Hunts Open at State Parks and Wildlife Areas

Illinois hunters aged 10 to 17 can gain experience during the 2025 youth waterfowl hunts at state and federal sites.

Youth Waterfowl Hunts Return Across Illinois

According to a press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), numerous state parks, fish and wildlife areas, and federal lands across Illinois will open for youth waterfowl during the 2025 season.

These opportunities give young hunters a chance to duck and goose hunting under the same regulations that apply during the regular season, with a few exceptions for youth participation.

Regulations and Licensing Requirements

Youth hunters aged 15 and younger may hunt ducks, geese, coots, and mergansers when accompanied by an adult. Adult supervisors cannot hunt these species during the youth hunt, but may take part in other open-season hunts if permitted at the site.

Hunters should verify all site-specific rules and bag limits, which are the same as during the regular season, according to the press release.

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All youth hunters must carry a valid hunting license youth hunting license, or an apprentice license. Those who are carrying a youth or apprentice license must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old.

Youth who have a standard hunting license may be supervised by someone 18 or older, while hunters aged 16 and above are required to have a federal duck stamp but are exempt from the Illinois duck stamp requirement.

2025 Special Youth-Only Hunt Dates

Special hunts for ages 10 to 17 will take place at select IDNR-managed sites, including:

• Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, Salt Creek and Disabled units, Oct. 18
• Larry D. Closson State Habitat Area, Oct. 18
• Banner Marsh State Fish and Wildlife Area, Oct. 18-19
• Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area, Duck Ranch Unit, Oct. 18-19
• Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, Spring Lake Bottoms Unit, Nov. 9
• Southern Illinois Youth Waterfowl Hunt – Union County and Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, Dec. 28

These North Zone Youth Waterfowl Hunt sites are set to open October 11-12:

• 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

To see the Central, and South Central Zones, and when they will open for the Youth Waterfowl Hunting Season, CLICK HERE.