SPRINGFIELD, IL – Waterfowl hunters should take note of new procedures for the 2021 waterfowl hunting blind site random drawings to be held at Mississippi River Area SFWA (MRA) and Horseshoe Lake SP. New procedures will include a pre-registration period open for ten (10) days followed by a random drawing conducted by DNR staff. Hunters successful in the drawing will be mailed their drawing order and details on date, location and time for in-person blind selection. Pre-registration will begin in May with blind selection in June.
Details on additional blind drawings traditionally held in July and August at other sites throughout Illinois will be forthcoming. As COVID-19 guidelines continue to change, the Department will strive to take advantage of updated and liberalized guidelines to provide hunters with the safest and best possible blind drawing experience.
At MRA and Horseshoe Lake SP, duck and goose hunters must pre-register in person for waterfowl blind site drawings. Pre-registration will begin May 6 and close May 15 (see below for registration hours). Mail-in registrations or registrations by a friend or family member are not accepted. Blind allocations for these sites are good for three years (2021, 2022 and 2023 hunting seasons).
To register for a drawing, all applicants must present a 2020 or 2021 regular Illinois hunting license (no apprentice or youth license), a 2020 or 2021 Illinois Migratory Waterfowl Stamp at the time they register, unless exempted by law, and valid photo identification. Applicants must be at least 16 years old by the date of the drawing. Out-of-state residents must have an annual (5-day licenses not accepted) 2020 or 2021 non-resident hunting license for Illinois, a 2020 or 2021 Illinois Migratory Waterfowl Stamp and valid photo identification.
Applicants needing to purchase new licenses and stamps should do so prior to arriving for
