Regulation Changes

Hunting Regulation Changes

The following are brief descriptions of regulation changes. This summary of regulation changes is intended to be used as a reference only. You are required to be familiar with all the changes to regulations that apply to each of these items.

• Waterfowl hunting blinds constructed on public lands are to be daily blinds only, unless otherwise provided.
• Anyone accessing certain areas open to the public for hunting must check in and out of the area through ODWC's online system effective Fall 2025. More information, including a list of required areas, can be found here.
• Any nonresident hunting game birds on a WMA (this includes any GMA, PHA, WRP, WDU, or WMU), must possess a game bird permit.
• Added an exception to the importation of deer, elk or other cervidae.

Fishing Regulation Changes

• Echota and Stunkard access areas on the upper Illinois River were added to the list of Department Fishing Areas and will now be managed under those regulations. See Department Fishing Areas for more information.
• The special area 18" size limits for walleye, saugeye, and sauger in Shell and Bluestem lakes have reverted to the statewide 14" limit. See Statewide Daily & Size Limits for more information.
• The 14" minimum for spotted bass in Blue River Public Fishing Area has reverted to the statewide black bass limits for rivers and streams. See Public Fishing Areas: Special Regulations for more information.
• The list of restricted aquatic species was updated. See Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) for more information.
• Rules for the legal establishment of recirculating aquaculture systems were developed. Contact Fisheries Division for more information (405) 521-3721.