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Illinois Waterfowl Seasons
These dates represent the “general” season dates. Check the individual hunting unit regulations for the most accurate season dates and regulations.
Early
–
Shotgun
Blue-winged teal, green-winged teal and cinnamon teal are the only legal duck species during this season. Daily and possession limits are for all teal species combined (in the aggregate). Hours: Sunrise to Sunset.
Hunting
–
September 6-14, 2025 early teal season.
Teal Season
Dates vary by unit
Shotgun
Opens on the 1st or 2nd Saturday in September and runs for 16 days.
Waterfowl Season
Dates vary by unit
Shotgun
Varies, see 5 year season plans online: dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/waterfowlhunting
Illinois Waterfowl Licenses
Resident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp - Resident | OTC | Ages 16+ | $25.00 |
Required for any person 16 years of age or older, including lifetime license holders, to hunt migratory waterfowl except toe-clipped, hand-reared mallards on licensed Game Breeding and Hunting Preserve Areas. Physical stamp must be signed in ink across the face of the stamp. Electronic stamps are available and legal nationwide. E-stamps valid for entire hunting season at www.fws.gov/service/buy-duck-stamp-or-e-stamp. Funds directed towards purchase or lease of lands for National Wildlife Refuge System. | |||
| State Migratory Waterfowl Stamp - Resident | OTC | Ages 18+; Disabled hunters | $15.00 |
Required for any person 18 years of age or older, including lifetime license holders, to hunt migratory waterfowl except toe-clipped, hand-reared mallards on licensed Game Breeding and Hunting Preserve Areas. Disabled individuals, servicemen, and landowners may be exempt from this stamp. See table on pg. 4. Established in 1975. Half of funds used within Illinois for waterfowl/wetland habitat; remaining funds conserve Canadian breeding grounds habitat. | |||
Nonresident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp - Nonresident | OTC | Ages 16+ | $25.00 |
Required for any person 16 years of age or older, including lifetime license holders, to hunt migratory waterfowl except toe-clipped, hand-reared mallards on licensed Game Breeding and Hunting Preserve Areas. Physical stamp must be signed in ink across the face of the stamp. Electronic stamps are available and legal nationwide. | |||
| State Migratory Waterfowl Stamp - Nonresident | OTC | Ages 18+; Disabled hunters | $15.00 |
Required for any person 18 years of age or older, including lifetime license holders, to hunt migratory waterfowl except toe-clipped, hand-reared mallards on licensed Game Breeding and Hunting Preserve Areas. Disabled individuals, servicemen, and landowners may be exempt from this stamp. See table on pg. 4. | |||
