North Dakota Waterfowl Hunting
Plan your North Dakota waterfowl hunt with season dates, license options, and hunting opportunities organized by unit. Browse available private-land hunts and book access directly from landowners.
Last updated by Aricin Rotarius
Find Hunts by Unit
Browse private-land waterfowl hunts across North Dakota, organized by unit, and book directly with landowners.
North Dakota Waterfowl Seasons
These dates represent the “general” season dates. Check the individual hunting unit regulations for the most accurate season dates and regulations.
Regular
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North Dakota Waterfowl Licenses
Resident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Canada Goose License | — | Ages 0–15; 15 and younger | $10.00 |
| Early Canada Goose License | — | Ages 16+; 16 and older | $10.00 |
| Sandhill Crane Permit | — | Ages 0–15; 15 and younger | $10.00 |
| Sandhill Crane Permit | — | Ages 16+; 16 and older | $10.00 |
| Small Game License | — | 16 or older | $20.00 |
| Swan License | Draw | Ages 0–15; 15 and younger | $10.00 |
| Swan License | Draw | Ages 16+; 16 and older | $10.00 |
Tundra swan licenses are issued by lottery. | |||
Nonresident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Canada Goose | — | Ages 0–15; Ages 15 and younger | $10.00 |
Waterfowl Restoration Stamp $5. | |||
| Early Canada Goose | — | Ages 16+; Ages 16 and older | $50.00 |
Federal Waterfowl Stamp $29; Waterfowl Restoration Stamp $5. Early Canada goose license does not count against the 14-day regular season nonresident license. | |||
| Sandhill Crane Permit | — | Ages 0–15; Ages 15 and younger | $10.00 |
HIP registration is required. | |||
| Sandhill Crane Permit | — | Ages 16+; Ages 16 and older | $30.00 |
Requires Small Game License ($150) or Waterfowl License ($153). HIP registration is required. | |||
| Small Game | — | Ages 16+; Ages 16 and older | $150.00 |
A nonresident must choose between a 14-consecutive-day or two 7-consecutive-day license periods and may purchase more than one license per year. | |||
| Spring Light Goose Conservation Order | — | Ages 16+; Ages 16 and older | $50.00 |
Waterfowl Restoration Stamp $5. A Federal Waterfowl Stamp is not required. Spring light goose license does not count against the 14-day regular season license. | |||
| Swan | Draw | Ages 0–15; Ages 15 and younger | $50.00 |
Waterfowl Restoration Stamp $5. HIP registration is required. | |||
| Swan | Draw | Ages 16+; Ages 16 and older | $50.00 |
Requires Waterfowl License $153; Federal Waterfowl Stamp $29; Waterfowl Restoration Stamp $5. HIP registration is required. | |||
Other Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Waterfowl Stamp (Duck Stamp) | — | — | $25.00 |
Required of all hunters ages 16 and older to hunt ducks, geese, swans, mergansers and coot. Not required to hunt during spring light goose conservation season. Stamps cost $25 + $4 mailing. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
North Dakota's approximate 2026 regular waterfowl season runs October 3, 2026–January 3, 2027. Check the regulations for species-specific dates and requirements.
Yes, for tundra swan hunting. Nonresidents can apply for a North Dakota Tundra Swan License through a draw.
See the latest Field Notes from properties offering waterfowl hunts in North Dakota.
Data Sources
- North Dakota Game and Fish Department
- North Dakota Game and Fish Department
- North Dakota Game and Fish Department
- North Dakota Game and Fish Department
- North Dakota Game and Fish Department
- North Dakota Game and Fish Department
- North Dakota Game and Fish Department
- North Dakota Game and Fish Department
- North Dakota Game and Fish Department
- North Dakota Game and Fish Department
Discover More
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- North Dakota Waterfowl Unit Central Flyway
- North Dakota Waterfowl Unit Eastern Zone
- North Dakota Waterfowl Unit High Plains
- North Dakota Waterfowl Unit Low Plains
- North Dakota Waterfowl Unit Zone 3 Geese
- North Dakota Waterfowl Unit Goose Zone 3
- North Dakota Waterfowl Unit South Central Nonresident
- North Dakota Waterfowl Unit North Central Nonresident
- North Dakota Waterfowl Unit Northeast Nonresident
- North Dakota Waterfowl Unit Southeast Nonresident
- North Dakota Waterfowl Unit Northwest Nonresident
- North Dakota Waterfowl Unit Southwest Nonresident
- North Dakota Waterfowl Unit Low Plains Resident
- North Dakota Waterfowl Unit Unit 3 Geese
- North Dakota Waterfowl Unit Waterfowl South Central Nonresident
- North Dakota Waterfowl Unit And Goose Zone 3