Illinois Duck Migration Maps and Reports

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

Illinois duck migration map for November 22, 2022
Current Illinois Duck Migration Map for 11/22/2022
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Duck Migration Population Changes from 11/14/2022 to 11/22/2022

Illinois duck migration map changes for November 22, 2022
Illinois Duck Population Changes from 11/14/2022 to 11/22/2022
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Illinois Duck Counts for 11/22/2022

CountyCurrent Duck Count% Change
Putnam25,230-25%
Woodford61,090+77%
Fulton50,785+54%
Pike110,895+56%
Calhoun297,245+22%
Duck Count Changes from 11/14/2022 to 11/22/2022

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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 11/14/2022

Illinois Duck Migration Maps

Current Duck Population Map for 11/14/2022

Current Illinois Duck Migration Map for 11/14/2022
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Duck Migration Population Changes from 11/07/2022 to 11/14/2022

Illinois Duck Population Changes from 11/07/2022 to 11/14/2022
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Illinois Duck Counts for 11/14/2022

CountyCurrent Duck Count% Change
Putnam33,760+105%
Woodford34,555+52%
Fulton32,925+121%
Pike71,075+139%
Calhoun243,635+136%
Duck Count Changes from 11/07/2022 to 11/14/2022

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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

Current Illinois Duck Migration Map for 11/07/2022
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Duck Migration Population Changes from 10/27/2022 to 11/07/2022

Illinois Duck Population Changes from 10/27/2022 to 11/07/2022
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Illinois Duck Counts for 11/07/2022

CountyCurrent Duck Count% Change
Putnam43,730+165%
Woodford49,810+119%
Fulton42,880+188%
Pike59,600+100%
Calhoun243,505+136%
Duck Count Changes from 10/27/2022 to 11/07/2022

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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

Current Illinois Duck Migration Map for 10/27/2022
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Duck Migration Population Changes from 10/19/2022 to 10/27/2022

Illinois Duck Population Changes from 10/19/2022 to 10/27/2022
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Illinois Duck Counts for 10/27/2022

CountyCurrent Duck Count% Change
Putnam16,505+103%
Woodford22,720+16%
Fulton14,895-50%
Pike29,800+151%
Calhoun103,280+30%
Duck Count Changes from 10/19/2022 to 10/27/2022

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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

Current Illinois Duck Migration Map for 10/19/2022
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Duck Migration Population Changes from 10/10/2022 to 10/19/2022

Illinois Duck Population Changes from 10/10/2022 to 10/19/2022
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Illinois Duck Counts for 10/19/2022

CountyCurrent Duck Count% Change
Putnam8,130+77%
Woodford19,570+97%
Fulton29,930+251%
Pike11,850+350%
Calhoun79,180+242%
Duck Count Changes from 10/10/2022 to 10/19/2022

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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

Current Illinois Duck Migration Map for 10/10/2022
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Duck Migration Population Changes from 09/22/2022 to 10/10/2022

Illinois Duck Population Changes from 09/22/2022 to 10/10/2022
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Illinois Duck Counts for 10/10/2022

CountyCurrent Duck Count% Change
Putnam4,600+60%
Woodford9,930+1,289%
Fulton8,525+239%
Pike2,635+723%
Calhoun23,160+275%
Duck Count Changes from 09/22/2022 to 10/10/2022

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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

Current Illinois Duck Migration Map for 09/22/2022
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Duck Migration Population Changes from 09/13/2022 to 09/22/2022

Illinois Duck Population Changes from 09/13/2022to 09/22/2022
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Illinois Duck Counts for 09/22/2022

CountyCurrent Duck Count% Change
Putnam2,870-20%
Woodford715-34%
Fulton2,515-23%
Pike320+45%
Calhoun6,180-29%
Duck Count Changes from 09/13/2022 to 09/22/2022

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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

Current Illinois Duck Migration Map for 09/13/2022
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Duck Migration Population Changes from 09/09/2022 to 09/13/2022

Illinois Duck Population Changes from 09/09/2022to 09/13/2022
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Illinois Duck Counts for 09/13/2022

CountyCurrent Duck Count% Change
Putnam3,595+504%
Woodford1,090+148%
Fulton3,285+44%
Pike220+300%
Calhoun8,750+124%
Duck Count Changes from 09/09/2022 to 09/13/2022

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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

Current Illinois Duck Migration Map for 09/09/2022
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Duck Migration Population Changes from 08/31/2022 to 09/09/2022

Illinois Duck Population Changes from 08/31/2022to 09/09/2022
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Illinois Duck Counts for 09/09/2022

CountyCurrent Duck Count% Change
Putnam170+250%
Woodford440-39%
Fulton2,275-31%
Pike55-48%
Calhoun3,910+33%
Duck Count Changes from 08/31/2022 to 09/09/2022

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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

Illinois duck migration map for December 22, 2021
Current Illinois Duck Migration Map for 12/22/2021
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Duck Migration Population Changes from 12/14/2021 to 12/22/2021

Illinois duck migration map by county for December 22, 2021
Illinois Duck Population Changes from 12/14/2021 to 12/22/2021
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Illinois Duck Counts for 12/22/2021

CountyCurrent Duck Count% Change
Putnam10,010+209%
Woodford62,520-25%
Fulton29,800-34%
Pike53,890-30%
Calhoun199,000-25%
Duck Count Changes from 12/14/2021 to 12/22/2021

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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

Illinois duck migration map for December 14, 2021
Current Illinois Duck Migration Map for 12/14/2021
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Duck Migration Population Changes from 12/09/2021 to 12/14/2021

Illinois duck migration map by county for December 14, 2021
Illinois Duck Population Changes from 12/09/2021 to 12/14/2021
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Illinois Duck Counts for 12/14/2021

CountyCurrent Duck Count% Change
Putnam3,240-85%
Woodford82,930+40%
Fulton45,295-20%
Pike77,110-31%
Calhoun265,935-31%
Duck Count Changes from 12/09/2021 to 12/14/2021

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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

Illinois duck migration map for December 09, 2021
Current Illinois Duck Migration Map for 12/09/2021
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Duck Migration Population Changes from 12/02/2021 to 12/09/2021

Illinois duck county map by county for December 09, 2021
Illinois Duck Population Changes from 12/02/2021 to 12/09/2021
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Illinois Duck Counts for 12/09/2021

CountyCurrent Duck Count% Change
Putnam21,170+8%
Woodford59,270-51%
Fulton56,815-30%
Pike112,470+18%
Calhoun383,350+23%
Duck Count Changes from 12/02/2021 to 12/09/2021

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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

Illinois duck migration map for December 02, 2021
Current Illinois Duck Migration Map for 12/02/2021
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Duck Migration Population Changes from 11/19/2021 to 12/02/2021

Duck population changes in Illinois for December 02, 2021
Illinois Duck Population Changes from 11/19/2021 to 12/02/2021
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Illinois Duck Counts for 12/02/2021

CountyCurrent Duck Count% Change
Putnam19,530-30%
Woodford121,470+9%
Fulton81,200-30%
Pike95,625+33%
Calhoun312,920-3%
Duck Count Changes from 11/19/2021 to 12/02/2021

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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

Illinois duck migration map for November 29, 2021
Current Illinois Duck Migration Map for 11/29/2021
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Duck Migration Population Changes from 11/19/2021 to 11/29/2021

Illinois duck count changes on November 29, 2021
Illinois Duck Population Changes from 11/19/2021 to 11/29/2021
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Illinois Duck Counts for 11/29/2021

CountyCurrent Duck Count% Change
Putnam27,740+18%
Woodford111,810+27%
Fulton115,715-40%
Pike71,840+55%
Calhoun322,780+18%
Duck Count Changes from 11/19/2021 to 11/29/2021
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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

Illinois duck migration map as of November 19, 2021
Current Illinois Duck Migration Map for 11/19/2021
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Duck Migration Population Changes from 11/14/2021 to 11/19/2021

Illinois duck migration map by county November 19, 2021
Illinois Duck Population Changes from 11/14/2021 to 11/19/2021
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Illinois Duck Counts for 11/19/2021

CountyCurrent Duck Count% Change
Putnam23,480-23%
Woodford87,735+71%
Fulton194,125+51%
Pike46,325-8%
Calhoun273,415-9%
Duck Count Changes from 11/14/2021 to 11/19/2021
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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

Illinois duck migration map for November 14, 2021
Current Illinois Duck Migration Map for 11/14/2021
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Duck Migration Population Changes from 11/4/2021 to 11/14/2021

Illinois Duck Couth Changes from 11/4/2021 to 11/14/2021
Illinois Duck Population Changes from 11/4/2021 to 11/14/2021
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Illinois Duck Counts for 11/14/2021

CountyCurrent Duck Count% Change
Putnam30,640+20%
Woodford51,340+95%
Fulton128,720+59%
Pike50,395-20%%
Calhoun300,290+50%
Duck Count Changes from 11/4/2021 to 11/14/2021
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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

Illinois migration duck count by county for 11/4/2021
Current Illinois Duck Migration Map for 11/4/2021

Previous Duck Population Map from 10/30/2021

Illinois duck count map for 10/30/2021
Previous Illinois Duck Migration 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

Mason County, Illinois duck count for 11/4/2021
Previous Duck Count48,960
Most Recent Population Count80,470
Change in Duck Population+64%
Compared to this time last year165,375 (-51%)
Mason County Migration Changes from 10/30/2021 to 11/4/2021

Woodford County

map of Woodford County Illinois duck count for 11/4/2021
Previous Duck Count26,455
Most Recent Population Count26,325
Change in Duck Population+0%
Compared to this time last year70,500 (-63%)
Woodford County Migration Changes from 10/30/2021 to 11/4/2021

Fulton County

Fulton county Illinois duck numbers for 11/4/2021
Previous Duck Count54,805
Most Recent Population Count81,145
Change in Duck Population+48%
Compared to this time last year31,030 (+162%)
Fulton County Migration Changes from 10/30/2021 to 11/4/2021

Pike County

Pike County Illinois duck count map per county for 11/4/2021
Previous Duck Count31,870
Most Recent Population Count62,745
Change in Duck Population+97%
Compared to this time last year57,700 (+9%)
Pike County Migration Changes from 10/30/2021 to 11/4/2021

Calhoun County

Calhoun County Illinois duck count map per county for 11/4/2021
Previous Duck Count89,990
Most Recent Population Count200,660
Change in Duck Population+123%
Compared to this time last year223,245 (-10%)
Calhoun County Migration Changes from 10/30/2021 to 11/4/2021

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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

Illinois duck migration count map for 10-30-2021
Illinois Duck Migration Map for 10/30/2021

Previous Duck Population Map (from 10/23/2021)

Illinois migration duck count 10/23/2021
Illinois Duck Migration 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

Mason County, Illinois duck count for 10/30/2021
Previous Duck Count45,270
Most Recent Population Count48,960
Change in Duck Population+8%
Compared to this time last year134,360 (-64%)
Mason County Migration Changes for 10/30/2021

Woodford County

map of Woodford County Illinois duck count for 10/23/2021
Previous Duck Count18,145
Most Recent Population Count26,455
Change in Duck Population+46%
Compared to this time last year60,213 (-56%)
Woodford County Migration Changes for 10/30/2021

Fulton County

Fulton county Illinois duck numbers for 10/30/2021
Previous Duck Count40,765
Most Recent Population Count54,805
Change in Duck Population+34%
Compared to this time last year36,033 (+52%)
Fulton County Migration Changes for 10/30/2021

Pike County

Pike County Illinois duck count map per county for 10/30/2021
Previous Duck Count36,465
Most Recent Population Count31,870
Change in Duck Population-13%
Compared to this time last year66,548 (-52%)
Pike County Migration Changes for 10/30/2021

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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)

Illinois duck count for 10/23/21
Illinois Duck Migration Map from 9/19/2021

Current Duck Population Map (for 10/23/2021)

Illinois migration duck count update for 10/23/2021
Illinois Duck Migration map for 10/23/2021

Average Duck Count Change Per Illinois Reporting County: + over 1000%

Illinois Migration Spotlight Maps

Mason County

Mason County, Illinois duck count for 10/23/2021
Previous Duck Count20,730
Most Recent Population Count45,270
Change in Duck Population+118%
Compared to this time last year103,345 (-56%)
Mason County Migration Changes for 10/23/2021

Woodford County

map of Woodford County Illinois duck count for 10/23/2021
Previous Duck Count2,360
Most Recent Population Count18,145
Change in Duck Population+669%
Compared to this time last year49,925 (-64%)
Woodford County Migration Changes for 10/23/2021

Fulton County

Fulton county Illinois duck numbers for 10/23/2021
Previous Duck Count2,175
Most Recent Population Count40,765
Change in Duck Population+1,744%
Compared to this time last year41,035 (-1%)
Fulton County Migration Changes for 10/23/2021

Pike County

Previous Duck Count60
Most Recent Population Count36,465
Change in Duck Population+60,675%
Compared to this time last year75,395 (-52%)
Pike County Migration Changes for 10/23/2021

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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.

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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 9/19/2021

Illinois Duck Migration Maps

Previous Duck Population Map (from 9/12/2021)

duck migration map Illinois for 9/12/21
Illinois Duck Migration Map from 9/12/2021

Current Duck Population Map (for 9/19/2021)

Illinois Duck Migration map for 9/19/2021

Average Duck Count Change Per Illinois Reporting County: +110%

Illinois Migration Spotlight Maps

Mason County

Mason County, Illinois duck migration map for September 19, 2021
Previous Duck Count15,600
Most Recent Population Count20,730
Change in Duck Population+33%
Compared to this time last year-49%
Mason County Migration Changes for 9/19/2021

Woodford County

map of Woodford County Illinois duck migration map for 9/19/2021
Previous Duck Count1,660
Most Recent Population Count2,360
Change in Duck Population+42%%
Compared to this time last year+168%
Woodford County Migration Changes for 9/19/2021

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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)

Illinois duck migration map for December 27, 2020
Illinois Duck Migration Map from 12/27/2020

Current Duck Population Map (for 01/10/2021)

Map indicating duck populations in Illinois on January 10, 2021
Illinois Duck Migration 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

map of duck migration changes for Calhoun County Illinois for 12/27/2020
Previous Duck Count260,725
Most Recent Population Count133,555
Change in Duck Population-49%
Compared to this time last year+328%
Calhoun County Migration Changes for 01/10/2021

Woodford County

map of Woodford County Illinois duck migration 12/27/2020
Previous Duck Count12,440
Most Recent Population Count7,760
Change in Duck Population-38%
Compared to this time last year-4.0%
Woodford County Migration Changes for 01/10/2021

Illinois Duck Hunting Outlook and Forecast

No outlook – this is the last report of the year. Have a great offseason!


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They're circling now…
Take 'em! Success

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)

Illinois duck migration map for 12/13/2020
Illinois Duck Migration Map from 12/13/2020

Current Map (for 12/27/2020)

Map of Illinois duck migration for 12/27/2020
Illinois Duck Migration 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

Map of duck populations in Pike County Illinois on December 27, 2020
Previous Duck Count83,220
Most Recent Population Count9,315
Change in Duck Population-89%
Compared to this time last year-78%
Pike County Migration Changes for 12/27/2020

Peoria County

Duck migration map for Peoria County in Illinois on December 27, 2020
Previous Duck Count9,495
Most Recent Population Count15,180
Change in Duck Population+60%
Compared to this time last year+42%
Peoria County Migration Changes for 12/27/2020

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.


Sign up to have Updated Migration Reports and articles delivered directly to your inbox

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)

Illinois duck migration map for December 13, 2020
Illinois Duck Migration Map from 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

AreaCurrentLast yearChange
Calhoun County408,300204,245+99%
Pike County83,22086,400-4%
Peoria County9,49517,830-47%
Mason County103,34534,730+198%
Woodford County55,00029,400+87%
Illinois Duck Count Compared to this time last season

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.


Sign up to have Updated Migration Reports and articles delivered directly to your inbox

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/


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