Duck Tracker’s Illinois Migration page provides maps, population reports, and hunting outlooks to help you stay up-to-date with the most recent duck migration movements in Illinois.
To see reports from other states, visit our main migration tracking page.
Illinois Duck Count
The most recent duck count in Illinois on November 22, 2022 reported 891,140 ducks in the state.
Illinois Duck Migration Report for 11/22/2022
Illinois Duck Migration Maps
Current Duck Population Map for 11/22/2022
Duck Migration Population Changes from 11/14/2022 to 11/22/2022
Illinois Duck Counts for 11/22/2022
| County | Current Duck Count | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Putnam | 25,230 | -25% |
| Woodford | 61,090 | +77% |
| Fulton | 50,785 | +54% |
| Pike | 110,895 | +56% |
| Calhoun | 297,245 | +22% |
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To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Click here to leave your own migration report in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/waterfowl/surveys/
Illinois Duck Migration Report for 11/14/2022
Illinois Duck Migration Maps
Current Duck Population Map for 11/14/2022
Duck Migration Population Changes from 11/07/2022 to 11/14/2022
Illinois Duck Counts for 11/14/2022
| County | Current Duck Count | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Putnam | 33,760 | +105% |
| Woodford | 34,555 | +52% |
| Fulton | 32,925 | +121% |
| Pike | 71,075 | +139% |
| Calhoun | 243,635 | +136% |
Sign up to have migration updates and duck hunting articles delivered directly to your inbox
To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Click here to leave your own migration report in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/waterfowl/surveys/
Illinois Duck Migration Report for 11/07/2022
Illinois Duck Migration Maps
Current Duck Population Map for 11/07/2022
Duck Migration Population Changes from 10/27/2022 to 11/07/2022
Illinois Duck Counts for 11/07/2022
| County | Current Duck Count | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Putnam | 43,730 | +165% |
| Woodford | 49,810 | +119% |
| Fulton | 42,880 | +188% |
| Pike | 59,600 | +100% |
| Calhoun | 243,505 | +136% |
Sign up to have migration updates and duck hunting articles delivered directly to your inbox
To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Click here to leave your own migration report in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/waterfowl/surveys/
Illinois Duck Migration Report for 10/27/2022
Illinois Duck Migration Maps
Current Duck Population Map for 10/27/2022
Duck Migration Population Changes from 10/19/2022 to 10/27/2022
Illinois Duck Counts for 10/27/2022
| County | Current Duck Count | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Putnam | 16,505 | +103% |
| Woodford | 22,720 | +16% |
| Fulton | 14,895 | -50% |
| Pike | 29,800 | +151% |
| Calhoun | 103,280 | +30% |
Sign up to have migration updates and duck hunting articles delivered directly to your inbox
To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Click here to leave your own migration report in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/waterfowl/surveys/
Illinois Duck Migration Report for 10/19/2022
Illinois Duck Migration Maps
Current Duck Population Map for 10/19/2022
Duck Migration Population Changes from 10/10/2022 to 10/19/2022
Illinois Duck Counts for 10/19/2022
| County | Current Duck Count | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Putnam | 8,130 | +77% |
| Woodford | 19,570 | +97% |
| Fulton | 29,930 | +251% |
| Pike | 11,850 | +350% |
| Calhoun | 79,180 | +242% |
Sign up to have migration updates and duck hunting articles delivered directly to your inbox
To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Click here to leave your own migration report in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/waterfowl/surveys/
Illinois Duck Migration Report for 10/10/2022
Illinois Duck Migration Maps
Current Duck Population Map for 10/10/2022
Duck Migration Population Changes from 09/22/2022 to 10/10/2022
Illinois Duck Counts for 10/10/2022
| County | Current Duck Count | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Putnam | 4,600 | +60% |
| Woodford | 9,930 | +1,289% |
| Fulton | 8,525 | +239% |
| Pike | 2,635 | +723% |
| Calhoun | 23,160 | +275% |
Sign up to have migration updates and duck hunting articles delivered directly to your inbox
To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Click here to leave your own migration report in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/waterfowl/surveys/
Illinois Duck Migration Report for 09/22/2022
Illinois Duck Migration Maps
Current Duck Population Map for 09/22/2022
Duck Migration Population Changes from 09/13/2022 to 09/22/2022
Illinois Duck Counts for 09/22/2022
| County | Current Duck Count | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Putnam | 2,870 | -20% |
| Woodford | 715 | -34% |
| Fulton | 2,515 | -23% |
| Pike | 320 | +45% |
| Calhoun | 6,180 | -29% |
Sign up to have migration updates and duck hunting articles delivered directly to your inbox
To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Click here to leave your own migration report in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/waterfowl/surveys/
Illinois Duck Migration Report for 09/13/202
Illinois Duck Migration Maps
Current Duck Population Map for 09/13/2022
Duck Migration Population Changes from 09/09/2022 to 09/13/2022
Illinois Duck Counts for 09/13/2022
| County | Current Duck Count | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Putnam | 3,595 | +504% |
| Woodford | 1,090 | +148% |
| Fulton | 3,285 | +44% |
| Pike | 220 | +300% |
| Calhoun | 8,750 | +124% |
Sign up to have migration updates and duck hunting articles delivered directly to your inbox
To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Click here to leave your own migration report in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/waterfowl/surveys/
Illinois Duck Migration Report for 09/09/202
Illinois Duck Migration Maps
Current Duck Population Map for 09/09/2022
Duck Migration Population Changes from 08/31/2022 to 09/09/2022
Illinois Duck Counts for 09/09/2022
| County | Current Duck Count | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Putnam | 170 | +250% |
| Woodford | 440 | -39% |
| Fulton | 2,275 | -31% |
| Pike | 55 | -48% |
| Calhoun | 3,910 | +33% |
Sign up to have migration updates and duck hunting articles delivered directly to your inbox
To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Click here to leave your own migration report in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/waterfowl/surveys/
Illinois Duck Migration Report for 12/22/2021
Illinois Duck Migration Maps
Current Duck Population Map for 12/22/2021
Duck Migration Population Changes from 12/14/2021 to 12/22/2021
Illinois Duck Counts for 12/22/2021
| County | Current Duck Count | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Putnam | 10,010 | +209% |
| Woodford | 62,520 | -25% |
| Fulton | 29,800 | -34% |
| Pike | 53,890 | -30% |
| Calhoun | 199,000 | -25% |
Sign up to have migration updates and duck hunting articles delivered directly to your inbox
To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Click here to leave your own migration report in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/waterfowl/surveys/
Illinois Duck Migration Report for 12/14/2021
Illinois Duck Migration Maps
Current Duck Population Map for 12/14/2021
Duck Migration Population Changes from 12/09/2021 to 12/14/2021
Illinois Duck Counts for 12/14/2021
| County | Current Duck Count | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Putnam | 3,240 | -85% |
| Woodford | 82,930 | +40% |
| Fulton | 45,295 | -20% |
| Pike | 77,110 | -31% |
| Calhoun | 265,935 | -31% |
Sign up to have migration updates and duck hunting articles delivered directly to your inbox
To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Click here to leave your own migration report in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/waterfowl/surveys/
Illinois Duck Migration Report for 12/09/2021
Illinois Duck Migration Maps
Current Duck Population Map for 12/09/2021
Duck Migration Population Changes from 12/02/2021 to 12/09/2021
Illinois Duck Counts for 12/09/2021
| County | Current Duck Count | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Putnam | 21,170 | +8% |
| Woodford | 59,270 | -51% |
| Fulton | 56,815 | -30% |
| Pike | 112,470 | +18% |
| Calhoun | 383,350 | +23% |
Sign up to have migration updates and duck hunting articles delivered directly to your inbox
To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Click here to leave your own migration report in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/waterfowl/surveys/
Illinois Duck Migration Report for 12/02/2021
Illinois Duck Migration Maps
Current Duck Population Map for 12/02/2021
Duck Migration Population Changes from 11/19/2021 to 12/02/2021
Illinois Duck Counts for 12/02/2021
| County | Current Duck Count | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Putnam | 19,530 | -30% |
| Woodford | 121,470 | +9% |
| Fulton | 81,200 | -30% |
| Pike | 95,625 | +33% |
| Calhoun | 312,920 | -3% |
Sign up to have migration updates and duck hunting articles delivered directly to your inbox
To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Click here to leave your own migration report in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/waterfowl/surveys/
Illinois Duck Migration Report for 11/29/2021
Illinois Duck Migration Maps
Current Duck Population Map for 11/29/2021
Duck Migration Population Changes from 11/19/2021 to 11/29/2021
Illinois Duck Counts for 11/29/2021
| County | Current Duck Count | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Putnam | 27,740 | +18% |
| Woodford | 111,810 | +27% |
| Fulton | 115,715 | -40% |
| Pike | 71,840 | +55% |
| Calhoun | 322,780 | +18% |
Sign up to have migration updates and duck hunting articles delivered directly to your inbox
To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Click here to leave your own migration report in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/waterfowl/surveys/
Illinois Duck Migration Report for 11/19/2021
Illinois Duck Migration Maps
Current Duck Population Map for 11/19/2021
Duck Migration Population Changes from 11/14/2021 to 11/19/2021
Illinois Duck Counts for 11/19/2021
| County | Current Duck Count | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Putnam | 23,480 | -23% |
| Woodford | 87,735 | +71% |
| Fulton | 194,125 | +51% |
| Pike | 46,325 | -8% |
| Calhoun | 273,415 | -9% |
Sign up to have migration updates and duck hunting articles delivered directly to your inbox
To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Click here to leave your own migration report in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/waterfowl/surveys/
Illinois Duck Migration Report for 11/14/2021
Illinois Duck Migration Maps
Current Duck Population Map for 11/14/2021
Duck Migration Population Changes from 11/4/2021 to 11/14/2021
Illinois Duck Counts for 11/14/2021
| County | Current Duck Count | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Putnam | 30,640 | +20% |
| Woodford | 51,340 | +95% |
| Fulton | 128,720 | +59% |
| Pike | 50,395 | -20%% |
| Calhoun | 300,290 | +50% |
Sign up to have migration updates and duck hunting articles delivered directly to your inbox
To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Click here to leave your own migration report in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/waterfowl/surveys/
Illinois Duck Migration Report for 11/4/2021
Illinois Duck Migration Maps
Current Duck Population Map for 11/4/2021
Previous Duck Population Map from 10/30/2021
Average Duck Count Change Per Illinois Reporting County from 10/30/21 to 11/4/21: over +100%
Illinois Migration Spotlight Maps
Mason County
| Previous Duck Count | 48,960 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 80,470 |
| Change in Duck Population | +64% |
| Compared to this time last year | 165,375 (-51%) |
Woodford County
| Previous Duck Count | 26,455 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 26,325 |
| Change in Duck Population | +0% |
| Compared to this time last year | 70,500 (-63%) |
Fulton County
| Previous Duck Count | 54,805 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 81,145 |
| Change in Duck Population | +48% |
| Compared to this time last year | 31,030 (+162%) |
Pike County
| Previous Duck Count | 31,870 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 62,745 |
| Change in Duck Population | +97% |
| Compared to this time last year | 57,700 (+9%) |
Calhoun County
| Previous Duck Count | 89,990 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 200,660 |
| Change in Duck Population | +123% |
| Compared to this time last year | 223,245 (-10%) |
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Illinois Migration Update 11/4/2021
Commentary for this week’s Illinois migration update will be here soon
Sign up to have migration updates and duck hunting articles delivered directly to your inbox
To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Click here to leave your own migration report in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/waterfowl/surveys/
Illinois Duck Migration Report for 10/30/2021
Illinois Duck Migration Maps
Current Duck Population Map for 10/30/2021
Previous Duck Population Map (from 10/23/2021)
Average Duck Count Change Per Illinois Reporting County from 10/23/21 to 10/30/21: +62%
Illinois Migration Spotlight Maps
Mason County
| Previous Duck Count | 45,270 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 48,960 |
| Change in Duck Population | +8% |
| Compared to this time last year | 134,360 (-64%) |
Woodford County
| Previous Duck Count | 18,145 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 26,455 |
| Change in Duck Population | +46% |
| Compared to this time last year | 60,213 (-56%) |
Fulton County
| Previous Duck Count | 40,765 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 54,805 |
| Change in Duck Population | +34% |
| Compared to this time last year | 36,033 (+52%) |
Pike County
| Previous Duck Count | 36,465 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 31,870 |
| Change in Duck Population | -13% |
| Compared to this time last year | 66,548 (-52%) |
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Illinois Migration Update 10/30/2021
This week’s Illinois duck migration update reflects some major increases in duck counts for most of the state. The overall average change per reporting area in Illinois is +62%!
The three counties in the state holding the most ducks are: 1. Fulton County with 54,805 2. Mason County with 48,960 3. Pike County with 31,870.
While reports across the state are showing a 62% average increase per reporting area since a week ago, Illinois as a whole is still showing 33% fewer ducks than they were this time last season.
Areas showing significantly less birds than this time a year ago:
- Mason County: 64% less
- Woodford County: 56% less
- Putnam County 52% less
There’s a major cool off forecasted to sweep across much of the nation over the next week, hopefully this will encourage more birds to make their way South to reflect duck counts similar to this time last year.
Sign up to have migration updates and duck hunting articles delivered directly to your inbox
To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Click here to leave your own migration report in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/waterfowl/surveys/
Illinois Duck Migration Report for 10/23/2021
Illinois Duck Migration Maps
Previous Duck Population Map (from 9/19/2021)
Current Duck Population Map (for 10/23/2021)
Average Duck Count Change Per Illinois Reporting County: + over 1000%
Illinois Migration Spotlight Maps
Mason County
| Previous Duck Count | 20,730 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 45,270 |
| Change in Duck Population | +118% |
| Compared to this time last year | 103,345 (-56%) |
Woodford County
| Previous Duck Count | 2,360 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 18,145 |
| Change in Duck Population | +669% |
| Compared to this time last year | 49,925 (-64%) |
Fulton County
| Previous Duck Count | 2,175 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 40,765 |
| Change in Duck Population | +1,744% |
| Compared to this time last year | 41,035 (-1%) |
Pike County
| Previous Duck Count | 60 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 36,465 |
| Change in Duck Population | +60,675% |
| Compared to this time last year | 75,395 (-52%) |
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Illinois Migration Update
With it being a month since our last Illinois migration update, it comes as no surprise that we’ve seen a very large increase of ducks. The overall state is showing an average increase per reporting area of 66%.
Because of this gap in information, we spent the majority of our time analyzing year over year data. Starting with counties in the center of the state: Mason county is currently holding 45,270 ducks, which is up 118% from a month ago, but last year at this time was holding 103,345, which translates to 56% less. Woodford county’s duck count came in at 18,145, an increase of 669% from a month ago. The is 64% less than they were holding this time last season. Fulton county reported 40,765 in the area, which is 1% down from the 41,045 number reported at this time last year.
Areas along the Mississippi River are telling a similar story. Pike county’s currently holding 36,465 birds, which is 52% less than a year ago.
We find it interesting that overall duck survey numbers are noticeably lower (-30%) than at this time last season . Temperatures are predicted to move slightly lower in the near future, but no major changes are in the forecast until early November. This may mean it will take a few weeks before duck populations in Illinois catch up to what they were reporting for this time last season.
Sign up to have migration updates and duck hunting articles delivered directly to your inbox
To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Click here to leave your own migration report in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/waterfowl/surveys/
Illinois Duck Migration Report for 9/19/2021
Illinois Duck Migration Maps
Previous Duck Population Map (from 9/12/2021)
Current Duck Population Map (for 9/19/2021)
Average Duck Count Change Per Illinois Reporting County: +110%
Illinois Migration Spotlight Maps
Mason County
| Previous Duck Count | 15,600 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 20,730 |
| Change in Duck Population | +33% |
| Compared to this time last year | -49% |
Woodford County
| Previous Duck Count | 1,660 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 2,360 |
| Change in Duck Population | +42%% |
| Compared to this time last year | +168% |
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Illinois Migration Update
The last week has seen a good push of ducks into Illinois, especially in the middle part of the state (Mason County). Since there’ve been no major weather changes in the last week, this’s most likely due to the annual migration of blue winged teal, who tend to move South according to a time table rather than depend upon weather changes.
One thing we find interesting is the differences in duck populations per county compared to this time last year. The majority of the areas that typically hold larger numbers of birds are holding fewer than they did at this time in 2020, and the smaller areas are holding more when compared to last year. We feel this may signal these birds are recent arrivals to the area who haven’t found the larger areas they typically do.
Illinois Duck Hunting Outlook and Forecast
With the opening of the regular season still a month away for the North zone, and even later for the other zones, we hesitate to predict what will happen between now and then. One thing we are looking at is the prediction of cooler weather across Iowa and Minnesota over the next week. This may push some of the puddle ducks (Gadwalls and Pintails) a little further South into Illinois, which would mean more birds in the area as we get closer to opening day.
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To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Click here to leave your own migration report in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/waterfowl/surveys/
Illinois Duck Migration Report for 01/10/2021
Illinois Duck Migration Maps
Previous Duck Population Map (from 12/27/2020)
Current Duck Population Map (for 01/10/2021)
Average Duck Count Change Per Illinois Reporting Area: +40%
Illinois Migration Update
To our surprise, and probably many reading this, duck numbers increased in parts of the state. This could be due to birds moving throughout the state to different areas, or it could be due to warmer temperatures than anticipated throughout the reporting period. Either way, it is interesting to see the amount of ducks still around this time of year. It seems many have utilized large bodies of water and are keeping a hole open. Additionally, there hasn’t been enough snow in the area to cover up their food and force them to move further south.
This will be the last report of the year. Have a great offseason!
Illinois Migration Spotlight Maps
Calhoun County
| Previous Duck Count | 260,725 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 133,555 |
| Change in Duck Population | -49% |
| Compared to this time last year | +328% |
Woodford County
| Previous Duck Count | 12,440 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 7,760 |
| Change in Duck Population | -38% |
| Compared to this time last year | -4.0% |
Illinois Duck Hunting Outlook and Forecast
No outlook – this is the last report of the year. Have a great offseason!
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To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Have your own migration report you’d like to share? You can leave it in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/waterfowl/surveys/
Illinois Duck Migration Report for 12/27/2020
Illinois Duck Migration Maps
Previous Map (from 12/13/2020)
Current Map (for 12/27/2020)
Average Duck Count Change Per Illinois Reporting Area: -33%
Illinois Migration Update
By looking at the maps above, it is pretty clear that Illinois has lost a significant amount of ducks since our last report on December 13th. The decrease in the amount of ducks is likely due to temperatures below zero and strong north winds in the state. Since part of the state’s season is still open, some hunters are hoping for a warm up to potentially bring ducks back north. Also, the decrease in the number of ducks in Illinois could be good news for hunters south of the state, since they still have a significant amount of season left.
Compared to last year’s numbers, Illinois is reporting less than half of the duck population they had at this time last year. This could be due to the unusually warm temperatures last season. Missouri and Iowa also had significant changes in their populations, which could indicate ducks across the whole flyway are moving south.
Illinois Migration Spotlight Maps
Pike County
| Previous Duck Count | 83,220 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 9,315 |
| Change in Duck Population | -89% |
| Compared to this time last year | -78% |
Peoria County
| Previous Duck Count | 9,495 |
| Most Recent Population Count | 15,180 |
| Change in Duck Population | +60% |
| Compared to this time last year | +42% |
Illinois Duck Hunting Outlook and Forecast
For parts of the state that are still in season, there are still ducks around to chase. With temperatures remaining below freezing for the next week, birds will likely be feeding in dry fields, if they aren’t already. Also, overcast skies are predicted, which is great for field hunting as well.
Peak numbers across the state are likely in the rearview mirror at this point considering the weather outlook. With that, hunting may be challenging and the ducks that are still around are likely pressured. If a warmup in temperatures did happen across the state, a reverse migration could be triggered and bring fresh ducks before the season wraps up.
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To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Have your own migration report you’d like to share? You can leave it in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/waterfowl/surveys/
Illinois Duck Migration Report for 12/13/2020
It’s finally duck season! Since this is our first update of the season for Illinois, we do not have any data from earlier in the year to compare it to. However, the update below will inform you as to where and how many ducks are in Arkansas, as well as compare these numbers to populations last year.
Illinois Duck Migration Maps
Current Illinois Duck Population Counts per County (for 12/13/2020)
With this being the first report of the season for Illinois, we will not be comparing populations from two weeks ago in the state. However, surrounding states in the flyway have experienced changes in their populations. Iowa has observed a large decrease in numbers in the past two weeks, which could indicate birds are moving south. On the other hand, Missouri’s duck populations have not changed much. Either way, there are hundreds of thousands of waterfowl in Illinois during this time. Get out there and take advantage of it!
Illinois Duck Migration status compared to this time last season
| Area | Current | Last year | Change |
| Calhoun County | 408,300 | 204,245 | +99% |
| Pike County | 83,220 | 86,400 | -4% |
| Peoria County | 9,495 | 17,830 | -47% |
| Mason County | 103,345 | 34,730 | +198% |
| Woodford County | 55,000 | 29,400 | +87% |
Average difference in duck count per reporting area when compared to this time last year is +462%
When looking at the chart above, many of the areas are reporting more ducks than they were at this time last year. Overall, Illinois is holding more than five times the amount of ducks it was at this time last season. This is great news for hunters! Also, this could be an indication of how the rest of the season will play out.
Illinois Duck Hunting Outlook and Forecast
Since there are this many ducks in the state, this could be a sign of peak migration numbers in Illinois. There has been mild weather throughout the reporting area so far, but it looks like that will change this week. A cold front is supposed to move in and it is predicted to stick around through the next migration update.
If you are able to get out and hunt, do not miss your chance! Duck populations are high in the state right now, and that could change overnight.
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To see migration reports from other states within the Mississippi Flyway, see our main Duck Migration Page
Have your own migration report you’d like to share? You can leave it in the comments below, just be sure to mention your approximate location and the date you’re reporting on.
*Data used in reports was gathered from: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/waterfowl/surveys/