The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding waterfowl hunters that federal duck stamps, available for purchase, are valid for the entire hunting season. Each stamp, priced at $30, includes an immediate validation for hunting and a pictorial stamp that will be mailed after the season concludes. These stamps are mandatory for all hunters aged 16 and older.
Hunters can obtain federal duck stamps through the Minnesota DNR’s electronic licensing system, either online or in person. Additionally, stamps are also available at the website duckstamp.com. To legally hunt waterfowl in Minnesota, individuals must possess a small game license, a $7.50 state waterfowl stamp, and federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification. The state waterfowl stamp is required for residents aged 18 to 64 and nonresidents aged 16 and older.
2024 Waterfowl Hunting Season Dates
The hunting season for ducks, mergansers, coots, and moorhens in Minnesota is scheduled as follows:
– **North Zone**: September 27 to November 25
– **Central Zone**: September 27 to October 5, and October 11 to November 30
– **South Zone**: September 27 to October 5, and October 18 to December 7
For geese, the hunting dates are as follows:
– **Early Goose Season**: September 6 to September 21
– **North Zone**: September 27 to December 26
– **Central Zone**: September 27 to October 5, and October 11 to December 31
– **South Zone**: September 27 to October 5, and October 18 to January 7
In neighboring North Dakota, the waterfowl hunting season opens for residents on September 27, while nonresidents can begin hunting on October 4. The swan season also starts on October 4 for those who have acquired a swan license. Shooting hours for geese are set from half an hour before sunrise until 14:00 each day. Extended hours are allowed on Saturdays and Wednesdays until sunset, with all-day hunting permitted on Fridays and Sundays starting November 28.
Regulations and Conservation Efforts
This year, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department has introduced a new regulation requiring all waterfowl hunters, regardless of age, to purchase a $5 electronic state waterfowl stamp. According to John Palarski, the migratory game bird management supervisor, this initiative aims to enhance tracking of both resident and nonresident hunters.
Hunters should also note that a federal duck stamp is necessary for those aged 16 and older. Stamps for the current year can be purchased electronically through the Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov or from registered license vendors. Migratory bird hunters who have not yet certified with HIP when purchasing a North Dakota license can do so through the Game and Fish website.
To support conservation efforts, hunters are encouraged to purchase additional duck stamps via the Amplex website at duckstamp.com. It is important to remember that hunters who registered for North Dakota’s spring light goose season or the early Canada goose season do not need to register with HIP again within the same year.
In order to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department urges hunters to take specific precautions. This includes removing aquatic plants and fragments from decoys, waders, and other equipment before leaving hunting areas, as well as draining all water from boats and decoys.
Hunters are reminded that motorized watercraft not licensed in North Dakota must display an Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) sticker, which requires an annual fee. For further details on regulations or to purchase the ANS sticker, visit the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website at gf.nd.gov.
As the 2024 waterfowl hunting season approaches, hunters in both Minnesota and North Dakota are advised to prepare accordingly and adhere to all regulations to ensure a successful and responsible hunting experience.
