Waterfowl hunting zones
Ducks, coots, mergansers
| Zone | Hunting dates |
|---|---|
| North | Sept. 26 - Nov. 24 |
| Central | Sept. 26 - Oct. 4; Oct. 10 - Nov. 29 |
| South | Sept. 26 - Oct. 4; Oct. 17 - Dec. 6 |
Geese
| Zone | Hunting dates |
|---|---|
| Early goose (statewide) | Sept. 5-20 |
| North | Sept. 26-Dec. 25 |
| Central | Sept. 26-Oct. 4; Oct. 10-Dec. 30 |
| South | Sept. 26-Oct. 4; Oct. 17-Jan. 6, 2021 |
Information
- New: 2020 waterfowl hunting regulations
- Waterfowl Breeding Population Summary: May 2019
- The 2017 waterfowl season: A study of hunter's opinions and activities
- Spring light goose management
- Buy your license - find license agents, get applications or purchase licenses by phone or the Internet.
- HIP (Harvest Information Program) - certification necessary for hunting migratory birds.
- Hunting & Trapping Regulations
- Sunrise and sunset data
- Additional waterfowl information
Future hunters are relying on you. Prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Seasons
Scroll table right to see more »
| 10/12/19 - 01/02/20 | Canada geese - Season 2 | South duck zone | |
| 02/18/20 - 04/30/20 | Goose - spring light goose conservation action | Statewide | |
| 09/05/20 - 09/20/20 | Canada geese - Early season | Statewide | |
| 09/12/20 - 09/13/20 | Youth Waterfowl Hunt | Statewide | |
| 09/26/20 - 11/24/20 | Ducks - Season 1 | North duck zone | |
| 09/26/20 - 10/04/20 | Ducks - Season 1 | Central duck zone | |
| 09/26/20 - 10/04/20 | Ducks - Season 1 | South duck zone | |
| 10/10/20 - 11/29/20 | Ducks - Season 2 | Central duck zone | |
| 10/17/20 - 12/06/20 | Ducks - Season 2 | South duck zone |
News Releases
North Ottawa Flood Control Project
Moist Soils & Shallow Lakes
The DNR intensively manages restored wetlands by keeping them dry during a portion of the summer growing season and flooding them during spring and fall. This creates shallow waters that ducks favor.
Wetland and waterfowl habitat management »
Waterfowl information
Ducks
Geese
- Spring light goose regulations
- Lac qui Parle Goose Hunting Guide
- Learn the difference between swans and snow geese
- Goose hunting tips
General information