FAW_0049_2023_-_Waterfowl_Regulations_-_PRINT.pdf

www.mndnr.gov

Effective September through April 30, 2024

MINNESOTA

WATERFOWL

HUNTING

REGULATIONS

SHARE

THE

PASSION

#huntmnwww.mndnr.gov/huntingwww.mndnr.gov/hunting

Available in Hmong, Karen, Somali and Spanish!

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Future hunters are relying on you to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species … do your part.

WATERFOWL HUNTERS

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 www.mndnr.gov/ais

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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.

Blue-winged teal painting by Jim Caturia, Cannon Falls, Minnesota.

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.

License Information 2023 Season Dates and Daily Limits Goose Seasons Youth Hunt Sandhill Crane Harvest Information Program (HIP) Questions About Licenses General Waterfowl Regulations Migratory Feeding and Resting Areas Illustrated Ducks and Geese of Minnesota Blinds for Hunters with Disabilities State Refuges Open to Goose Hunting Summary of Federal Regulations Shooting Hours

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$7.50

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Blue-winged Teal

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2023 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations4

LICENSE INFORMATION

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

Early Teal Season Shooting Restrictions Early-season teal hunters may not hunt 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 (Sept. 2-6). For more information, contact the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe (www.llojibwe.org).

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LICENSE INFORMATION

GENERAL

Resident and nonresident waterfowl hunters 16 years old or older must have 1 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:

• A Federal Duck Stamp is required for all persons age 16 and older. An electronically-issued federal stamp is valid for 45 days. Pictorial stamps, when received by mail, must be signed and in the possession of the hunter ($25).

• 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.

• Special goose permit (residents ages 18-64 and all nonresidents) required for the September season, $4.

• 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 2023 Hunting and Trapping Regulations for a complete listing of license requirements.

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2023 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations6

2023 SEASON DATES

2023 POSSESSION LIMIT FOR ALL

DUCKS, COOTS, MERGANSERS,

MOORHENS (GALLINULES)

SEASON DATES

North Zone Sept. 23 - Nov. 21

Central Zone Sept. 23 - Oct. 1; Oct. 7 - Nov. 26

South Zone Sept. 23 - Oct. 1; Oct. 7 - Nov. 26

Ducks and Coots

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 12; 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.

Regular Goose Season

Teal Season (Statewide)

SPECIES SEASON DATES DAILY LIMITS

Blue-winged, Green-winged, and cinnamon teal

Sept. 2-6 statewide 6 (blue-winged, green-winged and cinnamon teal combined)

Shooting hours: for teal during the teal season are sunrise to sunset.

License, stamp and HIP requirements for teal season are the same as regular duck season.

More information about special restrictions within the boundaries of the Leech Lake reservation is on page 4.

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).

Regular Season Duck and Goose Zones

SEASON DATES SPECIES DAILY LIMITS

North Zone Sept. 23 - Dec. 22

Canada, white-fronted, brant 5 combined

Snow, blue snow and Ross’s 20

Central Zone Sept. 23 - Oct. 1; Oct. 7 - Dec. 27

Canada, white-fronted, brant 5 combined

Snow, blue snow and Ross’s 20

South Zone Sept. 23 - Oct. 1; Oct. 7 - Dec. 27

Canada, white-fronted, brant 5 combined

Snow, blue snow and Ross’s 20

SEASON DATES SPECIES DAILY LIMITS

Sept. 2 - 17 Canada, white-fronted, brant 5 combined

Snow, blue snow and Ross’s 20

POSSESSION LIMIT

The possession limit for all migratory birds is 3 times the daily limit.

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DUCKS, COOTS, MERGANSERS,

MOORHENS (GALLINULES)

SEASON DATES

North Zone Sept. 23 - Nov. 21

Central Zone Sept. 23 - Oct. 1; Oct. 7 - Nov. 26

South Zone Sept. 23 - Oct. 1; Oct. 7 - Nov. 26

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 12; 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.

September Goose Season (Statewide)

Regular Goose Season

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).

Regular Season Duck and Goose Zones

SEASON DATES SPECIES DAILY LIMITS

North Zone Sept. 23 - Dec. 22

Canada, white-fronted, brant 5 combined

Snow, blue snow and Ross’s 20

Central Zone Sept. 23 - Oct. 1; Oct. 7 - Dec. 27

Canada, white-fronted, brant 5 combined

Snow, blue snow and Ross’s 20

South Zone Sept. 23 - Oct. 1; Oct. 7 - Dec. 27

Canada, white-fronted, brant 5 combined

Snow, blue snow and Ross’s 20

SEASON DATES SPECIES DAILY LIMITS

Sept. 2 - 17 Canada, white-fronted, brant 5 combined

Snow, blue snow and Ross’s 20

POSSESSION LIMIT

The possession limit for all migratory birds is 3 times the daily limit.

Hunting over water: During the September goose season, hunting over water is legal statewide.

Required licenses: Small game license, state waterfowl stamp, federal duck stamp, special goose permit and HIP certification. Prices and age requirements are on page 5.

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2023 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations8

YOUTH HUNT

On September 9-10, 2023, 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.

• Youth hunters age 16 and 17 must have a Federal Duck Stamp and a youth small game license. Hunters under age 16 are not required to possess a small game license or stamps.

• All other migratory bird hunting regulations apply.

• Motorized decoys are legal during the youth hunt.

Special Falconry Season

SPECIES SEASON DATES DAILY LIMITS POSSESSION

LIMIT

Ducks, Coots, Mergansers, Moorhens and Geese

North Zone Sept. 23 - Nov. 21 Dec. 9 - Jan. 22

3 combined 9 combined

Ducks, Coots, Mergansers, Moorhens and Geese

South and Central Zones Sept. 23 - Oct. 1;

Oct. 7 - Nov. 26;

Dec. 9 - Jan. 22

3 combined 9 combined

Woodcock, Rail, Doves and Snipe

Statewide Sept. 1 - Dec. 15

3 combined 9 combined

Hunting hours: are ½ hour before sunrise to sunset.

Other Migratory Birds

SPECIES SEASON DATES DAILY LIMIT POSSESSION

LIMIT

Mourning doves Sept. 1 - Nov. 29 15 45

Woodcock Sept. 23 - Nov. 6 3 9

Sora and Virginia rail Sept. 1 - Nov. 6 25 (in aggregate) 75 (in aggregate)

Common snipe (Wilson’s)

Sept. 1 - Nov. 6 8 24

Sandhill Crane (Sandhill Crane Zone only)

Sept. 16 - Oct. 22 2 6

SANDHILL CRANE SEASON

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Sandhill Crane Zone

Nontoxic shot required.

YOUTH HUNT

Special Falconry Season

SPECIES SEASON DATES DAILY LIMITS POSSESSION

LIMIT

Ducks, Coots, Mergansers, Moorhens and Geese

North Zone Sept. 23 - Nov. 21 Dec. 9 - Jan. 22

3 combined 9 combined

Ducks, Coots, Mergansers, Moorhens and Geese

South and Central Zones Sept. 23 - Oct. 1;

Oct. 7 - Nov. 26;

Dec. 9 - Jan. 22

3 combined 9 combined

Woodcock, Rail, Doves and Snipe

Statewide Sept. 1 - Dec. 15

3 combined 9 combined

Other Migratory Birds

SPECIES SEASON DATES DAILY LIMIT POSSESSION

LIMIT

Mourning doves Sept. 1 - Nov. 29 15 45

Woodcock Sept. 23 - Nov. 6 3 9

Sora and Virginia rail Sept. 1 - Nov. 6 25 (in aggregate) 75 (in aggregate)

Common snipe (Wilson’s)

Sept. 1 - Nov. 6 8 24

Sandhill Crane (Sandhill Crane Zone only)

Sept. 16 - Oct. 22 2 6

• Open area: Sandhill crane zone only

• Season dates: September 16 - October 22

• 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

SANDHILL CRANE SEASON

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2023 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations10

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.

Federal migratory waterfowl stamp validations will be available at all electronic license vendors. The electronic validation for the federal stamp is valid for up to 45 days until the customer receives the pictorial stamp by mail, when it must be signed in ink across the face and kept in possession.

HOW DO I BUY A LICENSE ONLINE OR BY TELEPHONE?

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

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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.

Federal migratory waterfowl stamp validations will be available at all electronic license vendors. The electronic validation for the federal stamp is valid for up to 45 days until the customer receives the pictorial stamp by mail, when it must be signed in ink across the face and kept in possession.

HOW DO I BUY A LICENSE ONLINE OR BY TELEPHONE?

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

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.

Youth Duck Hunting Opportunity

Carlos Avery WMA Controlled Hunt Zone—A special restricted access hunt will be held in the Pool 2 portion of the sanctuary at Carlos Avery WMA in Anoka County. Two areas will be available by drawing on Saturday and Tuesday mornings until the beginning of the firearm deer season. Applications will be accepted for groups of up to 4 with preference given to groups with at least 1 youth hunter (age 17 and under) or 1 senior hunter (age 65 and over). Drawings for blinds will be conducted 2 weeks prior to each week of hunting.

For rules, application form and dates go to:

www.mndnr.gov/averyhunt Or call the Carlos Avery WMA Headquarters at: 651-539-3323

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

ANYONE CAN REGISTER TO BE AN

ORGAN, EYE & TISSUE DONOR

www.DonateLifeMN.org

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2023 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations12

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 2023 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 www.mndnr.gov/AIS for more information.

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, mer gan sers, 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 suf fi cient to partially con ceal 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.

⁕ NEW FOR 2023

Shooting restrictions for the early teal season may be in effect within the boundaries of the Leech Lake Reservation. Details are on page 4.

Controlled Hunting Zone regulations have changed to reflect years of declining use by hunters. Details are on page 25.

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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, mer gan sers, 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 suf fi cient to partially con ceal 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.

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2023 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations14

WATERCRAFT

• A person using watercraft to take migratory wa ter fowl 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 wa ter craft propelled by motor or sails only if the motor is shut off and the sails are furled and the wa ter craft 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 un at tend ed 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 veg e ta tion 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, 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.

Report Your Bands at www.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

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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 con sidered public and not the property of the person who con struct ed 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.

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2023 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations16

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

COUNTY LAKE

Aitkin White Elk

Anoka Fish

Blue Earth Cottonwood

Blue Earth Perch

Blue Earth Eagle

Blue Earth Rice

Brown Hanska

Big Stone Lake 14

Carver Patterson

Carver Tiger

Cass Big Rice

Cottonwood Augusta

Cottonwood Bolstad Slough

Cottonwood Long Lake

Crow Wing Dog

Douglas Anka

Douglas Jennie

Douglas/Grant Christina

Faribault Rice

Faribault Minnesota

Freeborn Bear

Freeborn Lower Twin

Freeborn Geneva

Freeborn Upper Twin

Grant Ash

Grant Denton Slough

Grant Towner

Jackson Heron

Jackson Teal

Kandiyohi Middle

LeSueur Sanborn

Lyon Mahlke Marsh

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.

No motor-propelled watercraft are allowed during the open waterfowl season on the lakes listed below.

COUNTY LAKES

Big Stone, Lac qui Parle, Swift

Part of Marsh Lake, Thielke Lake

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.

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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

COUNTY LAKE

Aitkin White Elk

Anoka Fish

Blue Earth Cottonwood

Blue Earth Perch

Blue Earth Eagle

Blue Earth Rice

Brown Hanska

Big Stone Lake 14

Carver Patterson

Carver Tiger

Cass Big Rice

Cottonwood Augusta

Cottonwood Bolstad Slough

Cottonwood Long Lake

Crow Wing Dog

Douglas Anka

Douglas Jennie

Douglas/Grant Christina

Faribault Rice

Faribault Minnesota

Freeborn Bear

Freeborn Lower Twin

Freeborn Geneva

Freeborn Upper Twin

Grant Ash

Grant Denton Slough

Grant Towner

Jackson Heron

Jackson Teal

Kandiyohi Middle

LeSueur Sanborn

Lyon Mahlke Marsh

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.

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

Big Stone, Lac qui Parle, Swift

Part of Marsh Lake, Thielke Lake

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.

COUNTY LAKE

Martin Pierce

Mahnomen Beaulieu

McLeod Eagle

McLeod Ward

Mille Lacs Onamia

Murray Maria

Murray Round

Murray South Badger

Murray North Badger

Nicollet Swan

Otter Tail Mud

Otter Tail Upper Lightning

Pope Simon

St. Louis Little Rice

St. Louis Big Rice

Sibley Indian Lake

Sibley Sand

Stearns Cedar

Steele/Dodge Rice

Swift Hassel

Waseca Buffalo

Waseca Goose

Waseca Willis

Watonwan Sulem

Wright Pelican

Wright Smith

Yellow Medicine Curtis

Yellow Medicine Spellman (North and South)

Yellow Medicine Timm Lake

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2023 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations18 hen drake drake hen eclipse drake drake hen hen drake drake hen eclipse drake drake hen

ILLUSTRATED DUCKS OF MINNESOTA

(NOT ALL SPECIES ARE DEPICTED)

MALLARD

Length 24" Weight 2.75 lbs.

The mallard is the state’s most common duck. Typical Minnesota harvest: 270,000.

BLACK DUCK

Length 24" Weight 2.75 lbs.

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.

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GADWALL

Length 21" Weight 2 lbs.

Often called “gray mallards” or “gray ducks,” gadwalls are 1 of the earliest migrants. Typical Minnesota harvest: 36,000.

WOOD DUCK

Length 18.5" Weight 1.5 lbs.

Found in all flyways; most numerous in the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways.

Typical Minnesota harvest: 125,000.

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PINTAIL

Length 26" Weight 1.75 lbs.

These ducks use all 4 flyways but are most plentiful in the west.

Typical Minnesota harvest: 15,000.

HOODED MERGANSER

Length 18" Weight 1.5 lbs.

Often seen in pairs or very small flocks. Typical Minnesota harvest:

9,000.

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Lesser Greater

Lesser drake

Greater drake hen drake drake hen eclipse drake drake hen drake hen

Often seen in pairs or very small flocks. Typical Minnesota harvest:

9,000.

SCAUP

Greater:

Length 18.5" Weight 2 lbs.

Lesser:

Length 17" Weight 1.75 lbs.

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

RINGNECK

Length 17" Weight 1.5 lbs.

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.

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CANVASBACK

Length 22" Weight 3 lbs.

Tend to favor open-water areas.

Normally late to start south.

Typical Minnesota harvest: 3,000.

REDHEAD

Length 20" Weight 2.5 lbs.

Range coast to coast with the largest numbers in the Central Flyway. Often found associating with canvasback. Typical Minnesota harvest: 14,000.

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Canada goose snow goose blue snow goose white-fronted goose

CANADA GOOSE

Length 25-43"

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"

Black “grin patch” on bill is found only on snow geese.

The “blue” snow goose is a 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 identify this species. Uncommon in Minnesota, the average annual harvest is fewer than 200 birds.

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2023 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations24

Bring This Magazine to Your Next Hunt Before you hunker down in the duck blind, consider subscribing to Minnesota Conservation Volunteer for in-depth, in-the-field coverage of Minnesota’s wild things and wild places every other month.

MCV’s handy, pocket-size format is a natural fit to take with you as you head to the water for this year’s hunt.

Donate & Subscribe Visit mndnr.gov/mcvmagazine or call 844-245-7115 using promo code T23WTRFWL.

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ACCESSIBLE BLINDS FOR HUNTERS

COUNTY REFUGE OPEN SEASON

Beltrami Bemidji Game Refuge (except Lake Bemidji, Lake Irving, Miss. River and Stump Lake)

Early goose Sept. 2-17

Clay Clay County Game Refuge Early goose Sept. 2-17

Dakota Vermillion Highlands Research, Recreation and WMA

Goose Dec. 11 - 27

Dodge Claremont Game Refuge Goose hunting

Douglas Evansville Game Refuge Waterfowl hunting Early goose Sept. 2-17

Freeborn Moscow Game Refuge Goose hunting

Isanti Elizabeth Lake Game Refuge German Lake Game Refuge

Early goose season and youth participating in a designated hunting/mentoring program only.

Martin Mud Bardwell Game Refuge Fox Lake Game Refuge

Goose Hunting Oct. 7 - Dec. 27 Goose Hunting Nov. 27 - Dec. 27

Nobles Ocheda Lake Game Refuge Youth Waterfowl Weekend Early goose Sept. 2-17 Dec. 2 - 27

Olmsted Rochester Game Refuge Early goose Sept. 2-17

Steele Rickert Waterfowl Refuge except Myron Buelow Waterfowl Sanctuary WMA

Early goose Sept. 2-17

Stevens Harstad Slough Waterfowl Refuge Early goose Sept. 2-17

Watonwan Saint James Game Refuge Goose hunting Sept. 23 - 24

STATE REFUGES OPEN TO GOOSE HUNTING

The Lac qui Parle, Talcot Lake, Swan 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, Phone number: 320-734-4451;

• Nicollet Area Wildlife Office (Swan Lake WMA), 501 Ninth St., Nicollet, MN 56074, Phone number: 507-225-3572;

• Talcot Lake WMA, 40249 County Road 7, Dundee, MN 56131, Phone number: 507-873-5650;

• Whitewater WMA, 15035 Highway 74, Altura, MN 55910, Phone number: 507-468-2248;

• Thief Lake WMA, 42280 240th Ave. NE, Middle River, MN 56737, Phone number: 218-633-7670;

• Roseau River WMA, 27952 400th St., Roseau, MN 56751, Phone number: 218-463-1130.

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2023 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations26

⁕ NEW — 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

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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 2024. 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.

Lac qui Parle Game Refuge (Chippewa and Lac qui Parle counties) Waterfowl hunting at designated hunting stations only from Oct. 19 through the end of the goose season. Small game other than waterfowl may not be taken from Oct. 14 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. Small game hunting, including wild turkey, may not be taken in the Controlled Hunting Zone from Sept. 23 through Oct. 24.

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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: www.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.

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. Telephone:

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 www.fws.gov

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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.