Duck Populations and Kill: an Evaluation of Some Waterfowl Regulations in Illinois

Abstract

This paper was conceived and written in an attempt to evaluate the effect of various hunting regulations on the kill of ducks in Illinois, and to ascertain the optimum dates for Illinois hunting seasons of various lengths.  Recent open seasons in Illinois' (1938-1942) have protected blue-winged teals more than any other species.  These open seasons have protected other species in the following descending order: shovelers, green-winged teals, pintails, widgeons, mallards and black ducks, ring-necked ducks, canvasbacks, lesser scaups, ruddy ducks and gadwalls. The dates for the waterfowl hunting season in Illinois should depend upon what species of ducks need the greatest protection, and whether the hunter or the waterfowl population should be favored. Open dates suggested by this study are as follows: For a 30-day season, November 1-30; for a 45-day season, October 22-December 5; for a 60-day season, October 10-December 8; for a 70-day season, October 1-December 9; for an 80-day season, September 26-December 14; for a 100-day season, September 20-December 28.