Carbondale Reporter

Earlier this year, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) proposed changes to the state’s waterfowl hunting season, including a plan that would have prevented hunting during the Christmas holiday break. The proposal led to numerous complaints from hunters in the region.

State Representative Paul Jacobs stated that his office received significant feedback from constituents concerned about losing the opportunity for families to hunt together during the holidays. Jacobs said he communicated these concerns to IDNR officials and advocated for maintaining access during Christmas break.

Jacobs announced that IDNR will hold public meetings to discuss waterfowl hunting seasons for 2026-2030. The first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Southern Illinois University’s Lawson Hall in Carbondale. A second meeting will take place on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Carlyle High School.

Jacobs was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 118th House District in 2023, succeeding Patrick Windhorst.

"Jacobs says he took his constituents’ concerns to IDNR officials and advocated that the change should be reversed to allow children and their parents to hunt together during Christmas break."

"Jacobs is pleased to inform his constituents that their voice has been heard, and that the Department will host public meetings to discuss the 2026-2030 waterfowl hunting seasons on the following dates:

Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Southern Illinois University

Lawson Hall, Room 151

1075 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, IL

Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Carlyle High School

Cafeteria and commons area

1461 12th St., Carlyle, IL"