Illinois North Zone Duck Season Opens October 24 with Low Aerial Counts; Northern Pintails a Bright Spot
Illinois's north zone duck season opened on October 24, but early aerial surveys show waterfowl numbers along the Illinois and Mississippi rivers running well below historical averages, making for a slow start. According to the Illinois Natural History Survey's waterfowl aerial census, mallards and other ducks have been slow to arrive, with northern pintails one of the few bright spots.
The north zone season began October 24; the central zone opens October 31 and the south zone on November 14. Survey staff note that migration timing directly shapes early-season success, which is what north zone hunters experienced on opening day.
The Illinois River is a key stopover on the central flyway, hosting large numbers of migrating waterfowl each fall, and the aerial census is a central tool for managers assessing population status. More ducks are expected to arrive as temperatures fall, while central and south zone hunters await their own openers.
Source: GSM·USA
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 湿地水禽（资料图）。图片：Public domain，取自维基共享资源。
