Written by: Matt Cox, Illinois LandGuys Broker
As someone who has spent a career around land, wildlife, and waterfowl hunting in Illinois, I have to admit that HB2726 has me concerned. On the surface, this new law promotes “rewilding,” giving the Illinois Department of Natural Resources more authority to restore land to a natural state, reintroduce native species, and focus on ecological processes. While the language may sound broad and well-intentioned, I see potential ripple effects that could change the way we manage waterfowl properties in this state.
Public Land and Hunter Access
Here in Illinois, 97 percent of the land is privately owned. That leaves a very small slice of ground available to the public. Yet public land carries much of the weight when it comes to waterfowl opportunity. Roughly 43 percent of waterfowl hunters rely on public land for access, and nearly half of all ducks harvested in Illinois come from public ground. That reality makes the management of state-run waterfowl areas critically important to the future of hunting in Illinois.
The Planting Question
One of my biggest concerns is how HB2726 could influence planting on public areas. If “rewilding” becomes the guiding philosophy, managers may be encouraged to replace traditional food plots like corn and milo with native moist-soil plants. Those natural seed producers can be excellent duck food in the right conditions, but they do not always deliver the same consistency that standing crops do, especially in high-pressure states like ours.
Federal baiting rules will still apply, but I worry that managers may scale back predictable grain food sources on public marshes. That kind of shift may not sound dramatic on paper, but it could directly affect hunter success, especially during cold snaps and peak migration periods when energy-rich food is critical for birds.
Private Landowner Impacts
Private landowners are not immune from these changes either. Any property owner who partners with the state on cost-share programs or access initiatives could see new strings attached. Funding priorities may shift toward projects that emphasize native vegetation and restoration over agricultural food plots. There could also be more pressure to tolerate species like beaver or predators labeled as “keystone” or “apex,” which in practice could complicate habitat management.
My Take
I support native habitat and believe it plays an important role. But dependable food is what keeps ducks in Illinois when pressure builds and weather gets tough. Public areas play an outsized role in supporting our hunting tradition. A move away from proven grain strategies without a solid replacement plan could undermine both public and private hunting opportunities.
As this law takes shape in management decisions, I will be watching closely. For now, I recommend diversifying habitat strategies and staying involved with program requirements. It is equally important to make your voice heard in upcoming management discussions.
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Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. LandGuys, LLC does not offer legal counsel. Readers should consult with qualified legal professionals or appropriate agencies regarding questions about HB2726 or any related regulations.
