I live in IL 2 miles from the IL river. people here hunt the river all of the time. I've never, but, from what i've been told. You can legally hunt the river if you are anchored in the "channel". around here that is pretty much imposible. due to the current and the barge traffic. so, most people just find a spot pull close to shore or beach and put there spread out. not really legal but the land owner would have to report you. in most cases it's a farmer. i don't want to risk it ( always seem to have bad luck). that's the way it is around here. don't know if it helped at all.