By MATT SCHUCKMAN
Herald-Whig Sports Writer
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller contends in a state that stretches 390 miles from north to south three waterfowl hunting zones is one too few.
He hopes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agrees.
This week, Miller announced Illinois' recommendations for waterfowl season dates and will forward those to the USFWS for final approval. He'll also continue the push for Illinois to have the option of a fourth zone.
"The goal is to maximize the hunter satisfaction," said Miller, who last February asked the USFWS to consider changing zone guidelines. "Adding a fourth hunting zone would make it easier to set season dates that meet hunter preferences, boost hunter satisfaction and help retain and recruit hunters.
"... We want to get as many hunters out in the field and enjoying their day out. Seeing and shooting ducks is a component of having a good day out."
That means splitting the South Zone into two parts so Southern Illinois hunters can have a later start to the waterfowl season, something they made clear in their response to the Illinois Waterfowl Hunter Survey.
Of those who responded, 66 percent of South Zone hunters preferred a later start date. So the IDNR is recommending the season run Nov. 25-Jan. 23 in the south.
"You're going to have more days afield when you have a later start date," Miller said. "You're going to shoot more ducks."
Migration patterns through the Mississippi Flyway dictate that.
"Geography and climate call upon a need to have more flexibility in making decisions," Miller said. "We're hoping we can have some due consideration."
The IDNR sent out nearly 5,000 surveys to hunters throughout the state, and according to John Buhnerkempe of the Division of Wildlife Resources, approximately 2,400 returned the surveys.
That included 672 in the Central Zone, which will have its duck season run Oct. 20-Dec. 28 and the Canada goose season run Oct. 30-Nov. 14 and Nov. 24-Jan. 31.
The 60-day season and the season dates were based on 10 years of data collected by the IDNR, which included five years each of early and late season openers. They also used data collected by the USFWS in regards to breeding grounds and populations.
-- mschuckman@whig.com/221-3366
SEASON DATES
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is recommending a 60-day duck hunting season and 95-day Canada goose season with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service having final approval.
Here is a look at the dates the IDNR is proposing:
Central Zone
Youth hunt -- Oct. 23-24
Ducks -- Oct. 30-Dec. 28
Canada geese -- Oct. 30-Nov. 14 and Nov. 24-Jan. 31
Snow geese -- Oct. 30-Jan. 31
White-fronted geese -- Nov. 21-Jan. 21
