Guide to Duck Hunting in Minnesota

Experience World-Class Duck Hunting in Minnesota

Welcome to Minnesota, one of the premier duck hunting destinations in the U.S., known for its diverse habitats, abundant waterfowl species, and deep-rooted hunting traditions. With over 80,000 active waterfowl hunters annually, Minnesota offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and exceptional hunting opportunities. From the northern wilds of the Lake of the Woods to the backwaters of the mighty Mississippi, Minnesota is where hunters converge to chase migrating ducks.

With a rich heritage of waterfowl hunting dating back generations, Minnesota consistently ranks among the top states for total duck harvest, with hunters bagging over 500,000 birds each season. Whether you’re a veteran waterfowler or a newcomer to the sport, Minnesota offers unmatched hunting experiences in pristine wetlands, lakes, rivers, and marshes.

Popular Duck Species in Minnesota

Minnesota is home to a wide variety of waterfowl species, making it an exciting destination for hunters. The following are some of the most commonly encountered ducks in the state:

  • Mallard: The most prevalent species in Minnesota, the mallard is known for its adaptability and large numbers. With over 270,000 harvested annually in MN, they thrive in a variety of habitats from small ponds to large lakes​.
  • Wood Duck: These brightly colored birds are a favorite among hunters, especially in the state’s forested wetlands. Minnesota sees a yearly harvest of 125,000 wood ducks​.
  • Ring-necked Duck: Found primarily in northern Minnesota’s lakes and marshes, the ring-neck is a favorite during migration periods, with flocks up to 200,000 birds staging in north central Minnesota​.
  • Canvasback: Known for their preference for open water, canvasbacks are less common but highly prized by hunters. Minnesota’s annual canvasback harvest is around 3,000​.
  • Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal: Fast flyers, these small ducks are abundant during the early teal season. Their populations peak in September, providing early-season excitement for hunters​.
  • Pintail: Though fewer in numbers, pintails are highly sought after in Minnesota. 

Top Duck Hunting Locations in Minnesota

Minnesota’s landscape is rich with prime duck hunting spots that offer exceptional opportunities. Here are five must-visit locations for waterfowl hunters:

  • Lake of the Woods: Situated in northern Minnesota with thousands of acres of public land, this massive lake is a duck hunter’s dream. 
  • Thief Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA): Known for its controlled hunting zones and blinds, Thief Lake offers excellent waterfowl habitat and is a top destination for hunters seeking both ducks and geese​.
  • Lac qui Parle WMA: Located in western Minnesota, Lac qui Parle is excellent for goose hunting, but its wetlands also provide great duck hunting. 
  • Leech Lake: Notable for teal hunting, Leech Lake is surrounded by wild rice beds and marshlands that provide excellent cover and habitat for ducks​​.

Hunting Seasons and Regulations

Minnesota’s duck hunting season is broken down into zones and dates, allowing hunters to experience diverse habitats and species as the migration progresses. The 2024 waterfowl hunting seasons are as follows:

  • North Zone: Sept 21 – Nov 19
  • Central Zone: Sept 21-29; Oct 5 – Nov 24
  • South Zone: Sept 21-29; Oct 5 – Nov 24​​.

Hunters in Minnesota can harvest up to 6 ducks per day, but species-specific restrictions apply:

Duck Daily Bag Limits

  • No more than 4 mallards (only 2 hens)
  • 3 wood ducks
  • 2 redheads
  • 2 canvasbacks
  • 2 black ducks
  • 1 pintail

Coot and Moorhen Daily Bag Limits

  • 15 coots
  • 15 moorhens

Merganser Limits

  • 5 mergansers (no more than 2 may be hooded)

In addition, the possession limit is three times the daily bag limit​.

Key Licensing and Permits:

  • Small Game License – Required for both residents and non-residents.
  • Minnesota State Waterfowl Stamp – Required for residents aged 18-64 and non-residents aged 16 and over.
  • Federal Duck Stamp – Required for all hunters aged 16 and over. The federal stamp can now be electronically issued and is valid for the entire season​​.
  • HIP Certification – All waterfowl hunters must be HIP certified.

Essential Gear for Duck Hunting in Minnesota

Minnesota’s diverse and often challenging terrain calls for specialized gear to ensure a successful hunt. Whether you’re wading through marshes or setting up on frozen lakes, having the right equipment is crucial.

  • Decoys: Effective decoy spreads are one of the best ways to prepare for a successful hunt. 
  • Waders: Given Minnesota’s marshy terrain and cold conditions, durable, insulated waders are a must. Look for breathable yet insulated waders to keep you warm and dry throughout the season.
  • Portable Blinds: Many of Minnesota’s best duck hunting spots are in open water or sparsely vegetated areas, making concealment crucial. A portable blind will allow you to adapt to various terrains, from riverbanks to lake shores.
  • Duck and Goose Calls: Minnesota offers a wide variety of waterfowl species, so having a set of duck and goose calls is smart planning. Master the art of calling mallards, teal, and geese with high-quality calls to bring the birds within shooting range.
  • Boats and Motors: Many of Minnesota’s prime hunting areas are accessible only by boat. Whether you’re hunting in the Mississippi backwaters or large lakes like Lake of the Woods, having a stable hunting boat can expand your opportunities​​.

Check out our full range of Cupped hunting gear!

Join Minnesota’s Thriving Hunting Community

Minnesota’s hunting community is one of the most vibrant in the country. Local clubs, forums, and annual events allow hunters to connect, share tips, and celebrate the state’s hunting heritage.

  • Minnesota Waterfowl Association: This group offers resources, events, and conservation initiatives that keep the tradition of duck hunting alive in the state.
  • Annual Hunting Events: Minnesota hosts several festivals and events, such as waterfowl expos and youth hunting weekends, where hunters of all ages can come together to celebrate the season​.

Plan Your Ultimate Minnesota Duck Hunting Adventure

Minnesota offers a diverse, challenging, and rewarding duck hunting experience. Whether you’re hunting the state’s vast lakes or secluded marshlands, Cupped has the gear you to help make your next hunt successful. From our realistic decoys to quality gear, we are committed to helping you get the most out of every Minnesota hunting trip.

Explore our full line of Cupped products and start preparing for an amazing duck hunting season in Minnesota!