P.Moraski/Tower

The crisp mornings and changing leaves signal more than just fall in northern Minnesota—it’s also the start of waterfowl hunting season. The season opens a half-hour before sunrise on Saturday, Sept. 27. Hunters across the region are gearing up for early mornings in the blind, the sound of wings overhead, and the challenge of bringing home ducks and geese. This year’s waterfowl opener promises good opportunities thanks to healthy duck and goose populations across the state. Many lakes and wetlands have rebounded nicely after spring rains, creating prime habitat for migrating birds. Hunters are reporting good numbers of mallards, wood ducks, and teal during scouting trips also the full report from the spring waterfowl survey available on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources waterfowl management webpage (mndnr.gov/waterfowl). In the report, total breeding duck abundance (excluding scaup) was estimated at 417,000, which is 8 percent above the 2024 estimate and 32 percent below the long-term average going back to 1968. Before heading out, though, hunters need to make sure they’re properly licensed and have the correct stamps. Minnesota requires a small game hunting license for anyone 16 or older to hunt ducks or geese. In addition, all waterfowl hunters age 18–64 must purchase a Minnesota Migratory Waterfowl Stamp, which helps fund habitat and conservation efforts. Hunters age 16 and older are also required to have the Federal Duck Stamp, officially called the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp. This stamp, which can be purchased online, at post offices, or through license vendors, supports vital wetlands across the country. Those hunting Canada geese during special seasons should also review any special goose permits or zone-specific requirements. And as always, hunters must have completed a firearm safety course if born after 1979, unless exempt. With the right preparation—licenses in order, gear ready, and blinds brushed in—Minnesota’s waterfowl season offers some of the best hunting of the year. Whether you’re after a limit of mallards or simply enjoy watching the sunrise over the marsh, the opener is a tradition that brings hunters back year after year.