Where Do Illinois Ducks Come From?

The Prairie Pothole Region is critical to Illinois waterfowl hunters.
The vast majority of Illinois’ annual duck harvest migrates to us from the Prairie Pothole Region, also referred to as “the duck factory”. In addition, we receive a significant number of mallards from the Great Lakes region every fall and winter.


Click on Map to enlarge

Please note this map represents birds recovered in the same year they were banded to show a direct correlation between banding site and harvest. The Prairie Pothole Region is shaded and outlined in maroon.

The Prairie Pothole Region is DU’s #1 conservation focus area. The organization also has an aggressive waterfowl habitat conservation program in the Great Lakes Region. In addition, Illinois benefits from DU’s Upper Mississippi River conservation work as the organization continues to conserve critical waterfowl habitat in our state.

There is no waterfowl conservation organization that represents the needs of Illinois waterfowl hunters like Ducks Unlimited. Our vital conservation work provides support to our migration both on the breeding grounds and here at home.

With your help, we will preserve our waterfowl hunting heritage through habitat conservation of these areas vital to the Illinois migration and harvest.

Click here for more information on DU's conservation priority areas.