The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has completed its review of public input, biological data, and harvest information related to the proposed optional three‑duck bag limit and determined it will not be implementing the optional three-duck bag limit at this time.
People who commented on the proposal expressed diverse views, including that species identification is a valued part of waterfowl hunting, concerns that adding the option could adversely affect non-targeted waterfowl species, and support for adding the option to enhance recruitment and reactivation of hunters.
“We considered the perspectives shared and also evaluated the potential biological impacts of this option,” said Nate Huck, DNR migratory gamebird consultant. “Our assessment suggested this evaluation would not negatively impact duck populations. However, we heard from many hunters who believe the existing six‑bird structure supports a culture of responsibility, mentorship and tradition. We also heard from many hunters who were confused about the proposal and concerned they would be required to follow a reduced daily bag limit. We recognize and respect the input provided and appreciate the time hunters took to share their perspectives.”
The Minnesota DNR remains committed to transparent communication, ongoing evaluation, and science‑based management of waterfowl populations. Other states that opted in to the three-bird bag limit will be participating in a 5-year evaluation through 2031. When that evaluation is complete the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will decide whether additional states will be offered the opportunity to participate. More information about waterfowl hunting is available on the Minnesota DNR waterfowl hunting webpage.