Minnesota's Regular Waterfowl Season Opens This Weekend

Duck and Goose Hunting Season Begins Saturday, September 24th

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that the state's regular waterfowl season will open this weekend, Saturday, September 24th. The season will run through December 11th for ducks and geese, and through January 8th for mergansers.

Hunters are reminded to follow all safety regulations, including wearing blaze orange, and to be aware of their surroundings. The DNR also recommends that hunters check the waterfowl hunting regulations for specific details on bag limits and other restrictions.

Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

The Minnesota DNR has established the following regulations for the 2022-2023 waterfowl hunting season:

• Daily bag limit: 6 ducks, including no more than 4 mallards (only 2 hens), 3 scaup, and 2 redheads.
• Possession limit: 18 ducks, including no more than 12 mallards (only 6 hens), 9 scaup, and 6 redheads.
• Season bag limit: 30 mallards (only 15 hens)
• Goose daily bag limit: 5 geese, including no more than 2 Canada geese and 3 white-fronted geese.
• Goose possession limit: 15 geese, including no more than 6 Canada geese and 9 white-fronted geese.
• Merganser daily bag limit: 5 mergansers, including no more than 2 hooded mergansers.
• Merganser possession limit: 15 mergansers, including no more than 6 hooded mergansers.

Hunters are also reminded that all waterfowl must be plugged, and that the use of lead shot is prohibited.

Waterfowl Hunting Safety

Waterfowl hunting can be a safe and enjoyable experience, but it is important to follow all safety regulations. The following tips can help ensure a safe hunting trip:

• Always wear blaze orange when hunting.
• Be aware of your surroundings and other hunters.
• Never shoot at a bird that you cannot clearly identify.
• Keep your gun pointed in a safe direction at all times.
• Never leave a loaded gun unattended.
• Be aware of the weather conditions and dress appropriately.
• Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

By following these safety tips, hunters can help ensure a safe and successful waterfowl hunting season.