The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued important reminders for waterfowl hunters regarding the requirements for federal duck stamps. These stamps are mandatory for all hunters aged 16 and older and are valid for the entire season. Each purchase of a federal stamp, priced at $30, includes immediate validation for hunting, while the physical pictorial stamp will be mailed after the close of the waterfowl seasons.
Hunters can obtain these federal duck stamps through the Minnesota DNR’s electronic licensing system, either in person or online. Additionally, they are available at duckstamp.com. As part of the hunting requirements, Minnesota waterfowl hunters must also possess a small game license, a state waterfowl stamp costing $7.50, and certification from the federal Harvest Information Program (HIP). The state waterfowl stamp is required for residents aged 18 to 64 and for nonresidents aged 16 and older.
Waterfowl Hunting Season Dates
The hunting season for ducks, mergansers, coots, and moorhens in Minnesota begins on September 27, 2025, and runs through November 25, 2025, in the North Zone. In the Central Zone, the dates span from September 27 to October 5 and then from October 11 to November 30. Meanwhile, the South Zone will have hunting available from September 27 to October 5 and again from October 18 to December 7.
For geese, the early season commenced on September 6 and runs until September 21. The general season for geese in the North Zone starts on September 27 and concludes on December 26. In the Central Zone, hunters can hunt from September 27 to October 5 and from October 11 to December 31. In the South Zone, the dates are the same as the Central Zone but extend to January 7, 2026 for the second portion.
North Dakota Regulations and New Requirements
In North Dakota, the waterfowl season for residents will open on September 27, while nonresidents can begin hunting on October 4. This year, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department has introduced a new requirement: all waterfowl hunters must purchase a $5 electronic state waterfowl stamp, which will aid the department in tracking the number of hunters in the state. A federal duck stamp remains a requirement for all hunters aged 16 and older.
Shooting hours for geese are set from one-half hour before sunrise until 14:00 each day, with extended hours allowed on Saturdays and Wednesdays until sunset. Starting November 28, all-day hunting will be permitted on Fridays and Sundays through the end of the season.
Waterfowl hunters are also urged to assist in preventing the spread of aquatic nuisance species (ANS). The North Dakota Game and Fish Department emphasizes the importance of cleaning all equipment, including decoys and boats, before leaving hunting areas. This includes removing aquatic plants and plant fragments, draining water from all equipment, and brushing hunting dogs to remove mud and seeds.
For more details on the waterfowl season and ANS regulations, hunters are advised to visit the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website at gf.nd.gov.