As publishedNorth Zone: Nov 7, 2026 – Jan 8, 2027; South Zone: Nov 7, 2026 – Jan 15, 2027
Called 'Hungarian Partridge' in the IL digest.Same north/south zone split and boundary line as pheasant/quail. Until the 3rd day of the season, possession may not exceed twice the daily limit. No HIP requirement.
Gray (Hungarian) partridge is one of three species (with pheasant, bobwhite quail) covered by IDNR's annual Upland Hunting Forecast, built on the spring/summer Upland Bird Route Survey plus the retrospective Hunter Harvest Survey. Re-confirmed via fresh search 2026-08-19: the most recent edition found is still 'The 2025-2026 Upland Hunting Forecast' (published Nov 3, 2025); no 2026-27 edition found. Expected ~early November 2026, close to the Nov 1 season opener.