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(WAND) — The Illinois waterfowl blind drawings sites and schedule for the 2026 season have been released.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will conduct the blind drawings at public hunting sites across the state in July and August.

Applicants need to present a 2025 or 2026 regular Illinois hunting license. Apprentice licenses will not be accepted. Youth license holders must also present hunter safety certification.

Hunters must also provide a 2025 or 2026 Illinois migratory waterfowl stamp, unless exempt by law, and a valid photo ID at registration. Applicants need to be 16 or older by the drawing date.

The blind drawing schedule is as follows:

Saturday, July 25 — Blinds allocated for one year

  • Chain O' Lakes State Park and Redwing Slough/Deer Lake State Natural Area: Registration for both sites from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oak Point day-use area. Hunters may register for only one of the two sites.
  • Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area: Registration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the site office.
  • Kankakee River State Park and Momence Wetlands: Registration for both sites from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kankakee River State Park office. Hunters may register for only one of the two sites.
  • Mazonia State Fish and Wildlife Area: Registration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the site office.
  • Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area: Registration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the park office.
  • Sinnissippi Lake: Registration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Harry Oppold Marina.
  • William W. Powers State Recreation Area: Registration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the outdoor classroom near the entrance to the visitor center.

Sunday, July 26 — Blinds allocated for one year

  • Anderson Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area: Registration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the area check station.
  • Clear Lake: Registration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sand Ridge State Forest headquarters.
  • Lake DePue State Fish and Wildlife Area: Registration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oak Grove Park.
  • Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area: Registration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the area check station.
  • Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area: Registration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the area check station.
  • Sanganois State Fish and Wildlife Area: Registration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the east side of the maintenance building.
  • Spring Lake Fish and Wildlife Area and Pekin Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area: Registration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the south park office area. Due to construction, participants should use County Road 200 E. on the east side of the drawing location. The south lake at Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area will be closed to waterfowl hunting during the 2026-27 season.
  • Starved Rock State Park: Registration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Buffalo Rock State Park's large picnic shelter area.
  • Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area: Registration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Johnson's Grove Park.

More information on what to know before the drawings, as well as maps for the drawing sites, can be found here.

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