Unofficial Start of Waterfowl Season

Unofficial Start of Waterfowl Season

State parks around Illinois were host to hundreds of waterfowlers this weekend as they tried their luck to win a blind for the 2017 - 2018 season.  This is the unofficial start to waterfowl season.  Blind winners only have a few short weeks to get their information in to the state, build, brush and take care of any other maintenance needed.

You couldn't ask for a better weekend for the annual waterfowl blind drawing.  In the past it's hot humid and just plan miserable out.  Not this year! Weather was just perfect, 80's with light wind! Capitol Outdoors again went to the Mizzonia State Fish and Wildlife draw in hopes of winning the blind.  While there, we took the time to talk with hunters about pending legislation that's sitting on the Governor's desk.  Informing and educating hunters and anglers is our top priority.


For the past 15 years I've had my name in this drawing and this year was no different.  No blind, but that's OK because there's always next year.  Waterfowl draws aren't just for those that hunt.  It's a family activity.  Families were playing bags, grilling out, talking about past and upcoming seasons, it's good clean fun.

Being unlucky again this year at Mazonia, we decided to try our luck at the Merodosia draw as well.  With only 11 blinds and around 150 people my odds were not in my favor.

Again no luck, however we noticed something this weekend.  Seems as though the IDNR is sick of hearing our complaints because the tone as well as the speeches before the drawing were similar. There was a condescention in their voices. It was offputting and changed the attitude of many at the draws.

If you were'nt able to make it to one of the several drawings this weekend, don't worry.  You can show up opening day and try you're luck there.  Just be prepared to head home because not everyone gets lucky enough to get drawn in.