Early Canada goose hunting starts statewide Friday to open waterfowl hunting season in Illinois.
There is a five-bird daily bag limit for the September part of the season in the north and central zones. The daily bag limit for the September part of the season in the south and south-central zones is two birds, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Teal hunting will open Sept. 9 statewide with a daily bag limit of six for all teal species combined and a possession limit of 18.
Statewide rail season (sora and Virginia only) will be from Sept. 9 to Nov. 17. There is a daily bag limit of 25 and a possession limit of 75. Snipe season will be open from Sept. 9 to Dec. 24, with a daily bag limit of eight and a possession limit of 24.
Regular duck, Canada goose and snow goose seasons will open Oct. 21 in the north, Oct. 28 in the central zone, Nov. 11 in the south-central zone, and Dec. 2 in the south.
White-fronted goose (specklebelly) season will begin Oct. 23 in the north, Nov. 5 in the central zone, Nov. 11 in the south-central zone, and Dec, 2 in the south.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources said it continues to monitor for any outbreaks of the highly pathogenic Avian influenza that was seen in Illinois in spring 2022. Hunters are reminded to thoroughly cook game meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and to avoid handling sick or dead waterfowl found in the field.
