The Central Waterfowl Zone in Illinois basically consists of the middle half of the state. The boundaries of this large area were changed before the 2007 season, and still remain a source of confusion to some hunters. A complete description of this zone's current borders as defined in the 2008/09 Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations pamphlet.

Since the season opening and closing dates for duck and goose hunting varies among all three of the Illinois waterfowl zones, it is very important for hunters to be aware of these sometimes confusing boundary lines.

The main waterfowl migration flyways in Illinois pass through the Central Zone, making it a hotbed for duck and goose hunting. Ducks traveling south from Canadian and North Dakota prairies will angle across Minnesota, Iowa and northern Missouri before entering Illinois and funneling down the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. As always, weather and habitat conditions will determine the quality and extent of each season's hunt.

In order for the ducks to remain in large numbers along the two major rivers, they must be able to find sufficient food and secure resting areas. Water levels throughout the spring, summer and early fall will determine both of these basic requirements. A dry spring and summer allows wildlife beneficial moist soil plants to grow in backwater areas, and moderate rain in early fall floods this food supply, making it accessible to waterfowl. In 2008, spring and early fall flooding was so severe very little duck food was available when the seasonal migration took place.

A report from Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) waterfowl manager Ray Marshalla notes: "At some public waterfowl hunting areas some hunters were concerned about a lack of crops planted for ducks and duck hunting. As the state agency responsible for managing wildlife in Illinois, the DNR uses best management practices that benefit waterfowl and other wildlife."

Current research in waterfowl management emphasizes the value of moist-soil management for ducks and other wildlife. There appears to be an abundance of waste grains available to migrating waterfowl in Illinois, especially mallards and Canada geese, because of the advent of modern farming practices, such as no-till and reduced tillage farming.

However, many waterfowl won't eat corn, and wetland habitats along with moist-soil forage have been drastically reduced in Illinois when compared with historical times due to wetland drainage, siltation, dams and other human alterations to the landscape. A combination of cereal grains and moist-soil plants at public hunting areas and refuges will provide quality duck-hunting opportunity as could be expected with all cereal grains, while also providing waterfowl and other wildlife with ideal habitat and forage.

The advantages of moist-soil management are many. There's a lower cost per unit than row crop management. Moist-soil management is productive in a variety of moisture and weather conditions, especially when domestic grains fail. Moist-soil plants and seeds contain many essential nutrients that are lacking in domestic grains. Used in conjunction with nearby grain production on other sections, the best of both is provided to waterfowl and other wildlife.