Available in Hmong, Karen,

Somali and Spanish! Effective September

2024
through April 30, 2025
Updated 9.12.24

MINNESOTA
WATERFOWL
HUNTING
REGULATIONS

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1 mndnr.gov/hunting
2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations #huntmn
WATERFOWL HUNTERS

Future hunters are relying on you to prevent the

spread of aquatic invasive species… do your part.

CLEAN aquatic plants, animals and

mud from all gear, boats, clothing,
dogs and vehicles.
DRAIN all water from boats and
equipment and leave drain plugs out
when transporting.
DRY everything for at least 5 days
before hunting in other waters.

Learn more at mndnr.gov/ais

 TABLE OF CONTENTS
License Information........................................................................................................ 5
2024 Season Dates and Daily Limits........................................................................ 6
Goose Seasons..................................................................................................................7
Youth Hunt......................................................................................................................... 8
Sandhill Crane Season................................................................................................... 9
Harvest Information Program (HIP)....................................................................... 10
Questions About Licenses.......................................................................................... 10
General Waterfowl Regulations................................................................................12
Migratory Feeding and Resting Areas.....................................................................16
Illustrated Ducks and Geese of Minnesota...........................................................18
Accessible blinds for hunters....................................................................................25
State Refuges Open to Goose Hunting................................................................25
Summary of Federal Regulations.............................................................................28
Shooting Hours............................................................................................................. 30

Minnesota State Duck Stamp

Funds raised through the sale of Minnesota state duck stamps pay for
waterfowl research, management and habitat thereby improving conditions
for the state’s resident and migrating waterfowl.
© 2024 MIGRATORY WATERFOWL STAMP

$7.50 Ringneck
Ducks

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Ringneck duck painting by Mark Kness, Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Cover waterfowl photo by Ryan Hagerty, USFWS.

Cover landscape photo by Minnesota DNR.
Waterfowl images on pages 18-23 from Waterfowl Identification by Richard LeMaster, Stackpole
Books. www.stackpolebooks.com. Used with permission.

This publication is partially funded through advertising revenue. The State of Minnesota
and Department of Natural Resources can neither endorse the products or services
advertised nor accept any liability arising from the use of these products or services.
3 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations
⁕ NEW FOR 2024
• Early-season teal hunters may not hunt on active wild rice beds that are
posted open to ricing within the boundaries of the White Earth Reservation
or within one-half mile of posted wild rice beds open to harvest within the
boundaries of the Leech Lake Reservation during the early-teal season
(September 1-5). For more information, contact the White Earth Nation
(whiteearth.com) or the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe (www.llojibwe.org).
• Early teal season and the September Goose Season will begin on Sunday
September 1st which is the earliest seasons can open according to federal
frameworks.
• Special permits are no longer required to hunt the September Goose Season.
Hunters still need to possess a small game license, state waterfowl stamp,
federal duck stamp, and HIP certification. Prices and age requirements are on
page 5.
• Electronically-issued federal duck stamps are now valid for the entire
waterfowl season. Pictorial stamps will be mailed to purchasers after the close
of waterfowl seasons.

Your donation to No Child

Left Inside provides grants to
programs that help children
experience the outdoors.

Learn more and

donate today:

mndnr.gov/kidsoutdoors

FAW_0056_2022

4 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

 LICENSE INFORMATION
GENERAL
Resident and nonresident waterfowl hunters 16 years old or older must have one
of the following licenses: (Prices do not include additional issuing fees.)

FEE LICENSE AGE

$13.50 Resident Senior Citizen Small Game 65 and older
$5 Resident Youth Small Game 16 and 17
$22 Resident Small Game 18 to 64
$19 Resident 72-hour Small Game 18 to 64
$41 Resident Individual Sports 18 and older
$57 Resident Combination Sports 18 and older
$100 Resident Individual Super Sports 18 and older
$126 Resident Combination Super Sports 18 and older
Prices vary by age Resident lifetime small game
Prices vary by age Resident lifetime sports
$5 Nonresident Youth Small Game 16 and 17
$75 Nonresident 72-hour Small Game 18 and older
$102 Nonresident Small Game 18 and older

In addition:
• ⁕NEW—A Federal Duck Stamp is required for all persons age 16 and older.
Electronically issued federal stamps are now valid for the entire season.
Pictorial stamps will be mailed to purchasers after the close of waterfowl
seasons.
• HIP certification is required for any licensed waterfowl or migratory bird
hunter. (See HIP information page 10.)
• A Minnesota state waterfowl stamp is required for residents age 18 to
64 and nonresidents age 16 and over. 72-hour licenses include the state
waterfowl stamp $7.50.
• Sandhill crane permit required for northwest crane season (residents and
nonresidents) $3.
• Persons hunting waterfowl on commercial shooting preserves are required
to have both a federal and a state duck stamp validation in addition to
a small game license. The only exception is when taking only marked,
pen‑reared mallards.
• There are licensing exceptions for landowners, military personnel and
others. See the 2024 Hunting and Trapping Regulations for a complete
listing of license requirements.

5 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

 2024 SEASON DATES
SHOOTING HOURS
Shooting hours for sandhill crane, rail, snipe, ducks, coots, moorhens, mergansers
and geese are ½ hour before sunrise to sunset for the entire season (except
during teal season when shooting hours for teal begin at sunrise).

Teal Season (Statewide)

SPECIES SEASON DATES DAILY LIMITS
Blue-winged, Green-winged, Sept. 1-5 statewide 6 (blue-winged, green-winged and
and cinnamon teal cinnamon teal combined)

Shooting hours for teal during the teal season are sunrise to sunset. Note
that this is different from other waterfowl seasons.

License, stamp and HIP requirements for teal season are the same as regular duck
season.
Early Teal Season Shooting Restrictions
Early-season teal hunters may not hunt on active wild rice beds that are posted
open to ricing within the boundaries of the White Earth Reservation or within
one-half mile of posted wild rice beds open to harvest within the boundaries
of the Leech Lake Reservation during the early-teal season (September 1-5).
For more information, contact the the White Earth Nation (whiteearth.com) or
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe (www.llojibwe.org).

Ducks and Coots

DUCKS, COOTS, MERGANSERS, SEASON DATES
MOORHENS (GALLINULES)
North Zone Sept. 21 - Nov. 19
Central Zone Sept. 21 - 29; Oct. 5 - Nov. 24
South Zone Sept. 21 - 29; Oct. 5 - Nov. 24

Duck: Daily limit is 6. No more than any of the following species: 4 mallards
(2 hen mallards), 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 2 black ducks,
1 pintail.
One scaup may be taken per day through October 10; 2 scaup per day through
the remainder of the season in each zone.
If not listed up to 6 ducks of a species may be taken daily until the possession
limit is reached.
Coot and moorhen (gallinule) daily limits: Daily limit is 15.
Merganser daily limit: Daily limit is 5, no more than 2 of which may be a
hooded merganser.
The possession limit for all migratory birds is 3 times the daily limit.

6 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

Regular Goose Season
SEASON DATES SPECIES DAILY LIMITS
North Zone Canada, white-fronted, brant 5 combined
Sept. 21 - Dec. 21
Snow, blue snow and Ross’s 20
Central Zone Canada, white-fronted, brant 5 combined
Sept. 21 - 29; Oct. 5 - Dec. 26
Snow, blue snow and Ross’s 20
South Zone Canada, white-fronted, brant 5 combined
Sept. 21 - 29; Oct. 5 - Dec. 26
Snow, blue snow and Ross’s 20

September Goose Season (Statewide)

SEASON DATES SPECIES DAILY LIMITS
Canada, white-fronted, brant 5 combined
Sept. 1 - 15
Snow, blue snow and Ross’s 20

Hunting over water: During the September goose season, hunting over water is
legal statewide.
⁕NEW—Required licenses: A special permit is no longer required for the
September goose season. Hunters may still need to obtain a small game license,
state waterfowl stamp, federal duck stamp, and HIP certification. Prices and age
requirements are on page 5.

Regular Season Duck and Goose Zones

7 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

Other Migratory Birds
SPECIES SEASON DATES DAILY LIMIT POSSESSION
LIMIT
Mourning doves Sept. 1 - Nov. 29 15 45
Woodcock Sept. 21 - Nov. 4 3 9
Sora and Virginia rail Sept. 1 - Nov. 4 25 (in aggregate) 75 (in aggregate)
Common snipe Sept. 1 - Nov. 4 8 24
(Wilson’s)
Sandhill Crane (Sandhill Sept. 14 - Oct. 20 2 6
Crane Zone only)

Special Falconry Season

Hunting hours: are ½ hour before sunrise to sunset.

SPECIES SEASON DATES DAILY LIMITS POSSESSION

LIMIT
Ducks, Coots, North Zone 3 combined 9 combined
Mergansers, Moorhens Sept. 21 - Nov. 19
and Geese Dec. 7 - Jan. 20
Ducks, Coots, South and Central 3 combined 9 combined
Mergansers, Moorhens Zones
and Geese Sept. 21 - 29;
Oct. 5 - Nov. 24;
Dec. 7 - Jan. 20
Woodcock, Rail, Doves Statewide Sept. 1 - 3 combined 9 combined
and Snipe Dec. 15

YOUTH HUNT
On September 7 - 8, 2024, waterfowl hunters age 17 and younger, when
accompanied by a non-hunting adult (age 18 and older) may take ducks, geese,
mergansers, coots and moorhens from ½ hour before sunrise to sunset.
• Daily limits are the same as the regular duck and goose seasons.
• Hunters ages 13 to 17 must have a firearms safety certificate or apprentice
hunter validation in their possession.
• No hunting license or state waterfowl stamps are required, except all
youths age 16 and older must have a Federal Duck Stamp.
• All other migratory bird hunting regulations apply.
• Motorized decoys are legal during the youth hunt.

8 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

SANDHILL CRANE SEASON
• Open area: Sandhill crane zone only
• Season dates: September 14 - October 20
• Daily limit: 2 sandhill crane
• Shooting hours: ½ hour before sunrise to sunset
• License: Small game
• Stamps: Not required
• Permit: Sandhill crane permit ($3): all hunters
• Nontoxic shot required

Sandhill Crane Zone

9 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

 HARVEST INFORMATION PROGRAM (HIP)
Before hunting waterfowl or migratory game birds (except sandhill cranes),
you must be Harvest Information Program (HIP) certified by answering “yes”
when asked whether you intend to hunt migratory birds at the time you buy
your small game or sports license. If you don’t, you can still answer “yes” at
a later date by getting a HIP receipt at any electronic license sales location
online or by telephone. Evidence of compliance will be noted on your license as
“HIP Certified” and must be carried while hunting migratory birds.

WHY HIP?
Using information gathered with HIP, DNR waterfowl biologists and the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service (USFWS) are developing more reliable estimates of the
number of all migratory birds harvested throughout the country.

FIREARMS SAFETY CERTIFICATE

Anyone born after December 31, 1979 must have a Firearms Safety Certificate,
Apprentice Hunter Validation, a previous hunting license with a firearms safety
indicator or other evidence of successfully completing a hunter safety course to
obtain a license to take wild animals with firearms in Minnesota.

QUESTIONS ABOUT LICENSES

WHERE CAN I BUY A LICENSE OR STAMP?

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources issues licenses at agent
locations throughout Minnesota — sporting goods stores, hunting and fishing
supplies stores and some retail chains.
⁕NEW—Federal migratory waterfowl stamp validations will be available at all
electronic license vendors. The electronic validation for the federal stamp is valid
for the entire season. Pictorial stamps will be mailed to purchasers after the close
of waterfowl seasons.

HOW DO I BUY A LICENSE ONLINE OR BY TELEPHONE?

Licenses may be purchased via the DNR website at mndnr.gov or by calling
888‑665-4236. Additional convenience fees are added for sales via the internet
or telephone.

10 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

 Avoid Spreading Invasive Species
It is illegal to transport aquatic plants, zebra mussels, snails or other
prohibited invasive species in or on boats, trailers, or other equipment
such as decoys and waders. Waterfowl hunters may use emergent aquatic
plants, such as cattails and bulrushes, cut above the waterline, for building
blinds or camouflage.
• Clean aquatic plants, animals and mud from your boat, trailer, waders or
hip boots, push poles, clothing, decoy and lines, dogs, and ATV or truck.
• Drain all water from boats and equipment and leave drain plugs out
when transporting.
• Dry everything for at least 5 days before hunting in other waters.
Use elliptical, bulb-shaped or strap decoy anchors to reduce snagging
aquatic plants.

ANYONE CAN REGISTER TO BE AN

ORGAN, EYE & TISSUE DONOR MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTERS:
DON’T SKIP HIP

Register as
a donor when
you get your
DNR waterfowl
hunting license
online.

www.DonateLifeMN.org FAW_0137_24

11 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

 GENERAL WATERFOWL REGULATIONS
STAMP AND APPRENTICE HUNTER VALIDATIONS
License validations for state migratory waterfowl stamps are legal for hunting
without the pictorial stamp. Purchasers can request the optional pictorial stamp
for a fee but it is not required for hunting.
Apprentice hunter validation is available for residents and non-residents who
would normally be required to possess a firearms safety certificate to hunt small
game or deer. Find details in the 2024 Hunting and Trapping Regulations.

Aquatic Invasive Species Alert: Faucet Snail

The faucet snail carries a parasite that has killed
thousands of diving ducks and coots in Minnesota.
Faucet snails can be moved to new lakes on waterfowl
hunting equipment — they can attach to your gear,
be hidden in mud, or attached to plants. You can
help prevent the spread of faucet snails by taking
a few moments to check your boat, waders, push
poles, decoys, and decoy anchors before leaving the
water access:
Clean aquatic plants, animals and mud from all gear, boats, clothing, dogs
and vehicles.
Drain all water from boats and equipment, and leave drain plugs out
when transporting.
Dry everything for at least 5 days before hunting in other waters.
Check your gear before you go back out to hunt — faucet snails can live
out of water for more than 5 days.
Visit mndnr.gov/AIS for more information.

12 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

DEFINITIONS
• “Migratory game birds” means ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, moorhens
(gallinules), woodcock, rails, snipe, sandhill cranes, and mourning doves.
• “Migratory waterfowl” means ducks, geese, and mergansers.
• “Undressed bird” means ducks, or geese or other migratory game birds with
one fully-­feathered wing attached.

NON-TOXIC SHOT REQUIRED

It is unlawful to take geese, ducks, mer­gan­sers, coots, moorhens, or sandhill
cranes with lead shot or while having any lead shot in possession. Only shot
approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may be used.

DON’T SHOOT A SWAN

Both tundra and trumpeter swans are found in Minnesota and are not
legal game birds. Trumpeter swans are entirely white with a black bill and black
legs. They weigh over 25 pounds. Young swans are gray-brown in color.

OPENING DAY POSSESSION LIMIT

On the opening day of the season, no person may possess more ­freshly killed
migratory game birds than is allowed by the daily limit.

RETRIEVAL
A person may not kill or wound any migratory game bird without making a
reasonable effort to retrieve the bird and include it in the daily limit.

TAKING IN OPEN WATER

A person may not take migratory waterfowl, coots, or rails in open water unless
that person is:
a) within a natural growth of vegetation suf­fi­cient to partially con­ceal the person
or boat, or
b) pursuing or shooting wounded birds (while in compliance with watercraft
restrictions), or
c) on a river or stream that is not more than 100 yards in width, or
d) hunting on one of the following water bodies:
1. Mississippi River from the Highway 61 bridge at Hastings to the Iowa
border: hunting is allowed from anchored boats not more than 100 feet
from any shoreline, including islands.
2. Lake Pepin, Lake of the Woods, and Lake Mille Lacs: open-water hunting is
allowed from boats that must be anchored.
3. Lake Superior: open water hunting is allowed on the Minnesota waters
north and east of the Minnesota/Park Point peninsula as long as boats
remain anchored.

13 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

WATERCRAFT
• A person using watercraft to take migratory wa­ter­fowl must comply with the
provisions for “Taking in Open Water.”
› Migratory waterfowl may be taken from a floating watercraft if the craft
is ­drifting, beached, moored, resting at anchor, or is being propelled by
paddle, oars, or pole.
› Migratory waterfowl may be taken from a wa­ter­craft propelled by
motor or sails only if the motor is shut off and the sails are furled and
the wa­ter­craft has stopped.
• While on the water and traveling to or from a site the person intends to
hunt, unloaded and uncased firearms may be transported in a boat or other
watercraft capable of being propelled by motor or sail. Firearms must be
transported unloaded and cased in such watercraft:
› Within Anoka, Hennepin and Ramsey counties.
› Within the boundaries of a home rule, charter or statutory city with a
­population of 2,500 or more.
› As otherwise restricted by game refuge, shining or night vision laws.
• All watercraft (including boats used for duck hunting during the duck season)
are required to carry and have readily accessible, one U.S. Coast Guard
approved wearable (Type I, II, or III) personal flotation device or life preserver
for each person on board. In addition, boats 16 feet or longer (except canoes
and kayaks) must carry at least one coast guard approved throwable device
(boat cushion or ring buoy) for the boat. Boat cushions are not acceptable as
­primary lifesaving devices.
• During open waterfowl seasons, a person may not leave an ­un­at­tend­ed boat
used for hunting waterfowl in public waters between sunset and one hour
before sunrise unless the boat is adjacent to private land under control of
the person and the water does not contain a natural growth of veg­et­ a­tion
sufficient to partially conceal a hunter or a boat.
• A waterfowl boat does not have to be licensed when used for
waterfowl hunting.
• Persons leaving waters of the state must drain boating-related equipment
holding water and live wells and bilges by removing the drain plug before
transporting the watercraft and associated equipment. Drain plugs, bailers,

Report Your Bands at reportband.gov

Each year, state and federal waterfowl biologists mark thousands of
waterfowl with numbered leg bands. Hunters who report recovered bands
receive specific information on where and when the bird was banded while
providing important information for waterfowl management.
Bands may be reported online at www.reportband.gov

14 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

 valves, or other devices used to control the draining of water from ballast
tanks, bilges and live wells must be removed or opened while transporting
watercraft on public roads.

BLINDS AND SINK BOXES

No person may erect a blind in public waters or on public land more than one
hour before the open season for waterfowl.
• No person may take migratory waterfowl, coots, or rails using a sink box or
in public waters from a permanent artificial blind. A sink box is a structure
that allows a hunter to hide beneath the water surface. Layout boats are not
considered sink boxes.
• Any blind on public land or in public waters when not in use is con­sidered
public and not the property of the person who con­struct­ed it. Any use
of threat or force against another person to gain possession of a blind
is unlawful.
• Hunters may use aquatic emergent plants, such as cattails and bulrushes,
cut above the waterline, for building blinds.

DECOYS
No person may place decoys in public waters more than one hour before the
open season for waterfowl.
• No person may place decoys on public lands or in public waters more than 2
hours before legal shooting hours for waterfowl.
• No person may leave decoys on public waters between sunset and 2 hours
before legal shooting hours or leave decoys unattended during other times
for more than 3 consecutive hours, except decoys may be left in waters
adjacent to private land under control of the hunter where there is not
sufficient natural vegetation growing in the water to partially conceal a
hunter. A person may not leave decoys in public waters between sunset and
one hour before shooting hours if the decoys constitute a navigational hazard.

MOTORIZED DECOY
Motorized decoys may be used statewide during the teal season and throughout
the entire waterfowl season, including on wildlife management areas. Remote
controls for motorized decoys are legal.

WHITEFISH NETTING SEASON OPEN

The whitefish netting season on Leech Lake and other lakes is open during duck
season. Be careful when venturing near buoys.

USE OF AERATION SYSTEMS

Aeration systems may not be used to create open water areas to attract or delay
the migration of wild waterfowl on public waters. Aeration systems means a
bubbler, fan, water circulation or similar system used to increase dissolved oxygen
or maintain open water.

15 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

POSSESSING AND TRANSPORTING MIGRATORY WATERFOWL
AND GAME BIRDS
Ducks and all other migratory game birds must be transported with a feathered
wing attached. Exception: doves may be fully dressed (wings and feet may
be removed).

MIGRATORY FEEDING AND RESTING AREAS

The following areas have been designated Migratory Waterfowl Feeding and
Resting Areas. Use of motor-propelled watercraft is restricted to the following:
Watercraft using trolling motors with battery power of 12 volts or less are allowed
during the open waterfowl season on the lakes listed below.

COUNTY LAKES
Beltrami Puposky Lake and Little Puposky Lake
Carver Tiger Lake
Faribault Part of Minnesota Lake
Freeborn Bear Lake and Upper Twin Lake
Jackson Part of South Heron Lake, all of North Heron Lake except Winzer Bay
and North Marsh
Kandiyohi Wakanda Lake, Lake Lillian
LeSueur Dora, Diamond and Sanborn
McLeod Bakers Lake and the unnamed lake (Penn Marsh) in Sec. 28, Twp 114N,
R 29W (Penn Twp.)
Polk Turtle Lake
Pope Nelson Lake
Traverse Part of Mud Lake

No motor-propelled watercraft are allowed during the open waterfowl season

on the lakes listed below.
COUNTY LAKES
Big Stone, Lac qui Part of Marsh Lake, Thielke Lake
Parle, Swift
Blue Earth Cottonwood Lake
Cass Big Rice, Goose, Mud Lakes
Clearwater Upper Rice Lake
Grant and Douglas Part of Lake Christina
Itasca Rice Lake (near Max) and Nature’s Lake
LeSueur Henry, Rice and Scotch lakes
Nicollet Oakleaf Lake
Otter Tail That part of Lake Lizzie, also known as Rush Lake, located in Sec. 3-9,
Twp 136 N, R. 42 (Lida Twp.); and Mud Lake in Aastad Twp.
Pope Lake Johanna
Scott Pleasant Lake
Sibley Washington Lake and Mud (Erin) Lake in Washington Lake Twp.

16 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

OUTBOARD MOTOR USE ON STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS
The use of outboard motors (including electric trolling motors) or motorized
water vehicles (including amphibious vehicles) is prohibited on most state wildlife
management areas, federal waterfowl production areas or national wildlife
refuges. See the Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations for more details.

AIRBOAT USE ON DESIGNATED WILDLIFE LAKES

The use of airboats is prohibited at all times on the following lakes, which have
been designated for wildlife management purposes, except as specifically
authorized. Additional motorized restrictions may be posted at access points.

COUNTY LAKE COUNTY LAKE

Aitkin White Elk Lyon Mahlke Marsh
Anoka Fish Martin Pierce
Blue Earth Cottonwood Mahnomen Beaulieu
Blue Earth Perch McLeod Eagle
Blue Earth Eagle McLeod Ward
Blue Earth Rice Mille Lacs Onamia
Brown Hanska Murray Maria
Big Stone Lake 14 Murray Round
Carver Patterson Murray South Badger
Carver Tiger Murray North Badger
Cass Big Rice Nicollet Swan
Cottonwood Augusta Otter Tail Mud
Cottonwood Bolstad Slough Otter Tail Upper Lightning
Cottonwood Long Lake Pope Simon
Crow Wing Dog St. Louis Little Rice
Douglas Anka St. Louis Big Rice
Douglas Jennie Sibley Indian Lake
Douglas/Grant Christina Sibley Sand
Faribault Rice Stearns Cedar
Faribault Minnesota Steele/Dodge Rice
Freeborn Bear Swift Hassel
Freeborn Lower Twin Waseca Buffalo
Freeborn Geneva Waseca Goose
Freeborn Upper Twin Waseca Willis
Grant Ash Watonwan Sulem
Grant Denton Slough Wright Pelican
Grant Towner Wright Smith
Jackson Heron Yellow Medicine Curtis
Jackson Teal Yellow Medicine Spellman
Kandiyohi Middle (North and South)

LeSueur Sanborn Yellow Medicine Timm Lake

17 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

 ILLUSTRATED DUCKS AND GEESE OF MINNESOTA
(NOT ALL SPECIES ARE DEPICTED)

MALLARD
Length 24"
drake
Weight 2.75 lbs. hen drake

eclipse drake
hen

The mallard is the state’s

most common duck. Typical
Minnesota harvest: 270,000.
drake hen

BLACK DUCK eclipse drake

Length 24"
Weight 2.75 lbs.
hen

drake

hen drake

Primarily found in the Atlantic

Flyway and, to a lesser extent, the
Mississippi. There is a small breeding
population in northeast Minnesota.
Typical Minnesota harvest: 1,000.

drake hen

18 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

GADWALL
Length 21" eclipse drake
Weight 2 lbs.
drake

hen

hen drake

Often called “gray mallards” or “gray ducks,”

gadwalls are one of the earliest migrants.
Typical Minnesota harvest: 36,000.

drake hen

WOOD DUCK
Length 18.5"
Weight 1.5 lbs. drake

eclipse drake

hen

hen drake

Found in all flyways; most numerous

drake hen
in the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways.
Typical Minnesota harvest: 125,000.

19 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

PINTAIL
Length 26"
Weight 1.75 lbs.
drake

eclipse drake

hen

hen drake

These ducks use all 4 flyways but

are most plentiful in the west.
Typical Minnesota harvest: 15,000.

drake hen

HOODED MERGANSER
Length 18"
Weight 1.5 lbs.
eclipse drake

drake

hen

hen drake

Often seen in pairs or very small

flocks. Typical Minnesota harvest:
drake hen 9,000.

20 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

SCAUP eclipse drake
Greater:
Length 18.5"
Weight 2 lbs.
Lesser drake
Lesser:
Length 17" hen
Weight 1.75 lbs.

Greater drake

Lesser Greater

hen hen

drake drake

Except for the wing marks, greater

and lesser scaup appear nearly
identical in the field. The North
American breeding population has
drake hen rebounded in recent years. Minnesota
harvest is at historic low levels and
averages only about 10,000 birds.

RINGNECK
Length 17"
eclipse
Weight 1.5 lbs. drake drake

hen

hen
drake

Similar in appearance to scaup but

more often found in fresh marshes
and wooded ponds. Flocks of up to
200,000 stage on north central
Minnesota refuges. Typical Minnesota
harvest: 80,000.
drake hen

21 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

CANVASBACK
Length 22"
Weight 3 lbs.
drake

eclipse
drake
hen

hen
drake

Tend to favor open-water areas.

Normally late to start south.
Typical Minnesota harvest: 3,000.

drake hen

REDHEAD
Length 20" eclipse drake
drake
Weight 2.5 lbs.

hen

hen drake

Range coast to coast with the

largest numbers in the Central
Flyway. Often found associating
with canvasback. Typical Minnesota
harvest: 14,000.
drake hen

22 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

CANADA GOOSE
Length 25-43"

Canada goose

Average annual Minnesota harvest:

249,000. About 36 percent of
the harvest occurs during the
September season.

SNOW GOOSE
Length 25-38"

BLUE SNOW GOOSE

Length 25-30"

snow goose

Black “grin patch” on bill is found

only on snow geese.
blue snow The “blue” snow goose is a
goose variation of the lesser snow goose
species. Average annual Minnesota
harvest of snow geese and blue
snow geese: 3,000.

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
Length 25-30"

The pinkish bill, white patch on front

of head and dark bars on the belly
white-fronted identify this species. Uncommon
goose
in Minnesota, the average annual
harvest is fewer than 200 birds.

23 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

 DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
MINNESOTA IT SERVICES

Coming in March 2025: fishing and

hunting licensing, made easy.

A new DNR mobile app

and licensing system
are coming soon,
giving Minnesotans
more options for
on-the-go licensing
and registration.

This mockup is intended for concept

purposes only. It may not reflect the
final content.

Scan the QR code to

learn more, sign up for
updates, and access our
FAQ webpage.
engage.dnr.state.mn.us/
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AGY_0435_24 ©2024 Minnesota DNR. An equal opportunity provider.

24 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

 ACCESSIBLE BLINDS FOR HUNTERS
The Lac qui Parle, Talcot Lake, Roseau River, and Thief Lake Management Areas
have a number of duck or goose hunting blinds for hunters with mobility issues.
For more information, contact:
• Lac qui Parle WMA, 14047 20th St NW, Watson, MN 56295, 320-734-4451
• Talcot Lake WMA, 40249 County Rd 7, Dundee, MN 56131, 507-873-5650
• Whitewater WMA, 15035 Hwy 74, Altura, MN 55910, 507-468-2248
• Thief Lake WMA, 42280 240th Ave NE, Middle River, MN 56737,
218‑633‑7670
• Roseau River WMA, 27952 400th St, Roseau, MN 56751, 218-452-7610

STATE REFUGES OPEN TO GOOSE HUNTING

COUNTY REFUGE OPEN SEASON
Beltrami Bemidji Game Refuge (except Lake Early goose Sept. 1 - 15
Bemidji, Lake Irving, Mississippi
River and Stump Lake)
Clay Clay County Game Refuge Early goose Sept. 1 - 15

Dakota Vermillion Highlands Research, Goose Dec. 16 - 26

Recreation and WMA
Dodge Claremont Game Refuge Goose hunting
Douglas Evansville Game Refuge Waterfowl hunting
Early goose Sept. 1 - 15
Freeborn Moscow Game Refuge Goose hunting
Isanti Elizabeth Lake Game Refuge Early goose season and youth participating
German Lake Game Refuge in a designated hunting/mentoring
program only.
Martin Mud Bardwell Game Refuge Goose Hunting Oct. 12 - Dec. 26
Fox Lake Game Refuge Goose Hunting Nov. 25 - Dec. 26
Nobles Ocheda Lake Game Refuge Youth Waterfowl Weekend
Early goose Sept. 1 - 15, Dec. 7 - 26
Olmsted Rochester Game Refuge Early goose Sept. 1 - 15
Steele Rickert Waterfowl Refuge except Early goose Sept. 1 - 15
Myron Buelow Waterfowl
Sanctuary WMA
Stevens Harstad Slough Waterfowl Refuge Early goose Sept. 1 - 15
Watonwan Saint James Game Refuge Goose hunting Sept. 1 - 15; 21 - 22

25 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

 CONTROLLED HUNTING ZONES
Controlled Hunt Zone (CHZ) regulations have changed to reflect declining use by
hunters. The CHZ at Rochester was eliminated. At Talcot Lake and Lac qui Parle,
a reduced number of designated hunting stations will be maintained on adjacent
game refuges. The boundary at the Thief Lake CHZ was modified slightly while
CHZs at the Orwell and Roseau River WMAs were not changed.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS
The following regulations apply to designated hunting stations in game refuges or
controlled hunting zones at Roseau River, Thief Lake, Orwell, Lac qui Parle, and
Talcot Lake. Additional regulations for hunting stations at Lac qui Parle, Talcot
Lake and Thief Lake can be found on the next page.
• Hunters must use designated hunting stations on a first-come, first-served
basis.
• No person may park in or otherwise occupy any designated controlled hunting
zone parking lot or occupy any hunting station from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
• General regulations for wildlife management areas and state game refuges
apply to hunters who are using designated blinds. Hunters must also comply
with all other waterfowl and general hunting regulations.
• No person may leave any refuse, offal, or feathers on public lands in the
controlled hunting zone or in any parking lot or designated overnight use area
of the management area.
• No alcoholic beverages may be consumed or possessed at any of the hunting
stations on public lands.

Stations designated for waterfowl hunting

26 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

LAC QUI PARLE GAME REFUGE (CHIPPEWA AND
LAC QUI PARLE COUNTIES)
Waterfowl hunting allowed at designated hunting stations only from Oct. 17
through the end of the goose season. Small game other than waterfowl may
not be taken from Oct. 12 through Nov. 30. Small game hunting, including wild
turkey, is otherwise allowed during open seasons. Deer hunting is also allowed on
the refuge.

TALCOT LAKE GAME REFUGE (COTTONWOOD COUNTY)

The Talcot Lake Game Refuge is open to waterfowl hunting at designated hunting
stations only during the Canada goose season.
• All waterfowl hunting is prohibited upon or from the 1.5-miles of Minnesota
Highway 62 and its right-of-way along the south boundary of the Talcot Lake
Waterfowl Refuge (between the Cottonwood County line on the west and
County Highway 7 on the east).
• The Talcot Lake Waterfowl Refuge is closed to waterfowl hunting except for
persons with disabilities hunting geese at designated hunting stations.

THIEF LAKE CONTROLLED HUNTING ZONE

The Thief Lake Controlled Hunt Zone boundary has changed slightly. Signs are
posted in the areas that have changed.

Spring Snow Goose Season

(Light Goose Conservation Action)
Minnesota again plans to participate in a cooperative light goose
conservation action in February, March and April 2025. This action is being
taken in an attempt to reduce an overabundance of snow geese that is
threatening their arctic breeding habitat. All participants must have a Light
Goose Conservation Permit in their possession while attempting to take
light geese.

27 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

 SUMMARY OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS

In addition to state regulations, the following federal rules

apply to the taking, possession, shipping, transporting and
storing of migratory game birds.
The following material is a summary. Each hunter should also
consult the actual federal regulations found in Title 50, Code of
Federal Regulations, Part 20. More restrictive regulations may
apply to national wildlife refuges and state wildlife management
areas open to public hunting.

ILLEGAL HUNTING METHODS

You may not hunt migratory waterfowl:
• With a trap, snare, net, rifle, pistol, swivel gun, shotgun larger than 10 gauge,
punt gun, battery gun, machine gun, fish hook, poison, drug, explosive or
stupefying substance.
• From a sink box or any other low floating device that conceals you beneath
the surface of the water.
• From a motorboat or sailboat, unless you shut the motor off or furl the sail
and the vessel is no longer in motion.
• Using live birds as decoys.
• Using recorded or electrically amplified bird calls or sounds or imitations of
these calls and sounds.
• While possessing any shot other than approved nontoxic shot.
A list of approved shot is available online at: fws.gov/story/2022-04/
nontoxic-shot-regulations-hunting-waterfowl-and-coots-us
• With a shotgun that can hold more than 3 shells, unless you plug it with a
1-piece filler that cannot be removed without disassembling the gun.
• From or by means, aid, or use of any motor vehicle, motor-driven land
conveyance, or aircraft (if you are a paraplegic or are missing 1 or both legs,
you may hunt from a stationary car or other stationary motor-driven land
vehicle or conveyance).
• By the aid of baiting or on or over a baited area where a person knows or
reasonably should know that the area is or has been baited. A baited area is
considered to be baited for 10 days after removal of bait.

POSSESSION LIMIT
No person shall possess more migratory game birds taken in the United States
than the possession limit or the aggregate possession limit, whichever applies.

28 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

FIELD POSSESSION LIMIT
No person shall possess, have in custody or transport more than the daily limit
or aggregate daily limit, whichever applies, of migratory game birds, tagged or
not tagged at or between the place where taken and either (a) his automobile or
principal means of land transportation; or (b) his personal abode or temporary
transient place of lodging; or (c) migratory bird preservation facility; or (d) a post
office or (e) a common carrier facility.

WANTON WASTE
You must make a reasonable effort to retrieve all migratory game birds that
you kill or wound and keep these birds in your actual custody while in the field.
You must immediately kill any wounded birds that you retrieve and count those
birds toward your daily limit. Birds must remain in your possession while in the
field. You may not give your birds to another person in the field regardless of
whether or not they are properly tagged.

TAGGING
You may not put or leave migratory game birds at any place or in the custody of
another person unless you tag the birds with your signature, address, number
of birds identified by species and the date you killed them.

RALLYING
You may not hunt migratory game birds that have been concentrated, driven,
rallied or stirred up with a motorized vehicle or sailboat.

DRESSING
You may not completely field dress migratory birds (except doves) before taking
them from the field. See page 13.

DUAL VIOLATION
A violation of a federal migratory game bird regulation is also a violation
of state regulations.

PROTECTED BIRDS
Federal law prohibits the killing of nongame migratory birds.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Federal migratory game bird hunting regulations can be found in 50 CFR
Part 20. If you have additional questions about waterfowl hunting and the law,
contact Division of Law Enforcement, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 5600
American Blvd. W, Suite 990, Bloomington, MN 55437-1458, 612‑713‑5320.
National Wildlife Refuge specific regulations may differ from state
regulations
Please consult the refuge specific hunting regulations where you plan to hunt or
follow the link to find the individual refuge website at fws.gov

29 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

 SHOOTING HOURS
+16 +12 +8 +4 IN -4 -8 -12
Shooting hours for migratory Minutes Minutes Minutes Minutes TABLE Minutes Minutes Minutes
game birds are 1 ⁄2 hour before
sunrise until sunset the entire
season, except during teal
season when shooting hours
are sunrise to sunset.
Nine hunting time zones are
shown on the Minne­so­ta state
map (right). Sunrise and sunset
times to be used for hunting in
the zone titled “In Table” are
shown in the table (right). For
other zones, add or subtract
the minutes shown at the top
of the map to the times shown
in the table.

Source: U.S. Naval Observatory 97º 96º 95º 94º 93º 92º 91º 90º

Just wear it.

Waterfowlers are more
likely to drown in a duck boat
capsizing accident than they
are to be accidentally injured
in a firearms mishap.

For a free brochure on duck boat

safety contact the Minnesota DNR.
Call 888-MINNDNR or email
info.dnr@state.mn.us

30 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

Sunrise/Sunset Table
Times shown in the table vary by specific location. For the exact time in your
area check online at www.dnr.state.mn.us/sunrise-sunset

DATE SEPT. SEPT. OCT. OCT. NOV. NOV. DEC. DEC.

RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET
AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM
1 6:35 7:51 7:11 6:54 7:51 6:02 7:31 4:33
2 6:36 7:49 7:12 6:52 7:52 6:00 7:32 4:33
3 6:37 7:47 7:13 6:51 6:54 5:00 7:33 4:33
4 6:38 7:45 7:14 6:49 6:55 4:58 7:34 4:32
5 6:39 7:44 7:16 6:47 6:57 4:57 7:35 4:32
6 6:41 7:42 7:17 6:45 6:58 4:55 7:36 4:32
7 6:42 7:40 7:18 6:43 7:00 4:54 7:37 4:32
8 6:43 7:38 7:19 6:41 7:01 4:53 7:38 4:32
9 6:44 7:36 7:21 6:40 7:02 4:51 7:39 4:32
10 6:45 7:34 7:22 6:38 7:04 4:50 7:40 4:32
11 6:47 7:32 7:23 6:36 7:05 4:49 7:41 4:32
12 6:48 7:30 7:25 6:34 7:06 4:48 7:42 4:32
13 6:49 7:28 7:26 6:32 7:08 4:47 7:43 4:32
14 6:50 7:27 7:27 6:31 7:09 4:46 7:44 4:32
15 6:51 7:25 7:28 6:29 7:10 4:45 7:44 4:32
16 6:53 7:23 7:30 6:27 7:12 4:44 7:45 4:32
17 6:54 7:21 7:31 6:25 7:13 4:43 7:46 4:33
18 6:55 7:19 7:32 6:24 7:14 4:42 7:46 4:33
19 6:56 7:17 7:34 6:22 7:16 4:41 7:47 4:33
20 6:57 7:15 7:35 6:20 7:17 4:40 7:48 4:34
21 6:59 7:13 7:36 6:19 7:18 4:39 7:48 4:34
22 7:00 7:11 7:38 6:17 7:20 4:39 7:49 4:35
23 7:01 7:09 7:39 6:16 7:21 4:38 7:49 4:35
24 7:02 7:08 7:40 6:14 7:22 4:37 7:50 4:36
25 7:03 7:06 7:42 6:12 7:24 4:36 7:50 4:37
26 7:05 7:04 7:43 6:11 7:25 4:36 7:50 4:37
27 7:06 7:02 7:44 6:09 7:26 4:35 7:51 4:38
28 7:07 7:00 7:46 6:08 7:27 4:35 7:51 4:39
29 7:08 6:58 7:46 6:07 7:28 4:34 7:51 4:39
30 7:09 6:56 7:48 6:05 7:30 4:34 7:51 4:40
31 7:50 6:03 7:51 4:41

31 2024 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

 CALL US
Interpreters are available to answer all of your questions.
License, titling and registration: M-F 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
General information: M-F 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
888-MINNDNR (646-6367) or 651-296-6157
info.dnr@state.mn.us

mnfishwildlife mndnr minnesotadnr

TURN IN POACHERS
24-hour hotline; 800-652-9093

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155-4040
888-MINNDNR (646-6367) or 651-296-6157
mndnr.gov

The Minnesota DNR prohibits discrimination in its programs and services based on race,
color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital or familial status, disability, public
assistance status, age, sexual orientation, and local human rights commission activity.
Individuals with a disability who need a reasonable accommodation to access or participate
in DNR programs and services, including those who would like to request this document
in an alternative format, should contact the DNR ADA Title II Coordinator at info.dnr@
state.mn.us or 651-296-6157. We welcome calls from Telecommunications Relay Service
(TRS) users. For assistance in other languages, please call 651-296-6157 or 888-MINNDNR
(646‑6367). Discrimination inquiries should be sent to Minnesota DNR, 500 Lafayette
Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4049.

© 2024, State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources.

Publication printed using vegetable-based ink. Please Recycle.

FAW_0032_25

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MINNESOTA WATERFOWL HUNTING REGULATIONS
The following updates were made after the waterfowl hunting regulations were
printed. The updates are summarized below. See the page listed for the detailed
regulation.

September 12, 2024

Page 3. Goose Seasons page reference corrected.
Page 8. Youth waterfowl license and stamp requirements clarified (third bullet).