Waterfowl Hunting

The Basics

IRAP is leasing property from private landowners for WATERFOWL HUNTING, to include duck and goose hunting, for the general public. Illinois is in the middle of the Mississippi flyaway – making for great waterfowl hunting opportunities! So, what are you waiting for? Get registered, pack up your gun, shells and decoys and find a hunting partner to do the same. Oh…and don’t forget your waders!

Who can apply:

• Any legally licensed hunter who has completed their hunter safety course (if born in 1980 or after) and who complies with all Illinois hunting laws.

• Youth (under age 18) All youth hunters must have a non-hunting supervisor

• 1st-Time Adult (someone who has not hunted waterfowl in past five years)

• Adult (any qualified hunter)

Please refer to the list of available sites below when filling out your application. The deadline to apply is 5pm, Monday October 24, 2022. 

Where: There is limited availability for hunting sites. They are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Sites are only available in MACOUPIN, MONTGOMERY and WHITESIDE counties.

Waterfowl Hunting on IRAP leased sites is available for public hunting to registered participants during the season in all four zones from November 1 until December 31st. Each hunter will have been assigned the hunt site for five consecutive days.

How It Works

• A participant must first complete an ONLINE APPLICATION and Release of Liability Waiver by the application deadline(s) stated above.

• All sites will be awarded by lottery and successful applicants will receive an assigned hunt site for a consecutive 5-day period.

• Each hunting site has a blind that can accommodate a group of four people.

• If applying as a group, each individual hunter must complete an online application, including the Release of Liability Waiver, and provide the name of the group organizer.

• If a youth hunter will be part of the 4-person hunting group, the parent/guardian must complete the online application and Liability Waiver for the child.

Hunters are REQUIRED to fill out an online survey within 5 days after each hunt. Future hunting privileges are dependent on the return of your survey.

IRAP Waterfowl Hunting Rules

• Participants must first apply online for a site/dates to hunt.

• Foot Traffic Only.

• The majority of the sites do not allow boats.

• Dogs are allowed and must be kept in close range of the hunter.

• Illinois Hunting Rules and Regulations must be followed

• Decoys can be left during your entire assigned hunting period (up to 5 consecutive days).

For more information about waterfowl hunting in Illinois, visit IDNR's Waterfowl Hunting Site.