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North Dakota is fondly referred to as “The Duck Factory” and therefore offers arguably some of the best duck and goose hunting in the country. The best thing about it? It doesn’t take much to get started, follow the guide below to learn more.
Anyone born after 1961 is required to take a certified hunter education course prior to obtaining a hunting license (with a couple of exceptions).
A one time apprentice license is available to those who would like to try hunting prior to taking the hunter education course. If you have an apprentice license, you must be accompanied by a licensed adult when hunting. Note: An individual who was issued an apprentice hunter validation license in 2020-21 may receive another.
Hunter education courses are taught by volunteers and offered throughout the year (though most are held January - March).
To legally hunt ducks in North Dakota you need the appropriate licenses. Note: If you are unsure if you meet North Dakota residency requirements for purchasing a license, take a look at our residency page.
Residents
Must possess the following licenses:
Nonresidents
Must possess the following licenses:
Nonresident Youth Hunting Licenses - A nonresident under age 16 need only purchase a North Dakota resident fishing, hunting and furbearer certificate and a North Dakota resident general game and habitat license to hunt small game and waterfowl, except swans and wild turkeys. To be eligible, a nonresident youth must not turn 16 before September 1 of the year for which the license is issued, and must possess a certificate of completion for a certified hunter education course. The nonresident youth may only hunt under the supervision of an adult family member or legal guardian.
Be aware that regulations for waterfowl may differ some based on species. Know the species before you shoot. The Central Flyway Council has some good duck identification resources here.
Required gear:
Firearms – Recommended: Shotgun, 10, 12, 16 or 20 gauge, any action, with modified choke OR specialized choke for waterfowl hunting
Ammunition – Non-toxic shot is required when hunting waterfowl. Typical shot sizes used for waterfowl are BB, 1, 2, 3, and 4 depending on the size of ducks and individual preference.
Note: A firearm and ammunition are all that is necessary to either jump shoot or pass shoot (see Hunting Tips - Water Hunting Strategies below) ducks, but the optional gear listed below can be helpful in your pursuit.
Optional gear:
Hunting with a water dog can add an entirely new element to waterfowl hunting. A well-trained water dog can provide not only companionship while hunting but can also be an extremely useful tool in retrieving downed game and reducing crippling loss.
Scouting for suitable wetlands to hunt can greatly improve odds of harvesting waterfowl.
Jump Shooting – This method entails taking a concealed approach and sneaking up on loafing waterfowl and when close enough, flushing or jumping the birds, picking a single bird at a time to target.
Pass Shooting – Encompasses many aspects required for hunting ducks over decoys such as scouting and picking a desirable hunting location, but instead of decoying birds, hunters intercept birds passing over a particular course.
Hunting over decoys – This method is designed to decoy ducks within close shooting range.
Proper decoy placement is often debated while sitting in a duck blind, but ultimately how one deploys decoys is based on experience and personal preference. Keep in mind if something is not working, don’t be afraid to change things up.
Considerations when setting out decoys:
When placing decoys leave an open space(s) for ducks to land in. An open area within the decoys will entice ducks into close shooting range as they attempt to land amongst the decoys.
Openings do not have to be exceptionally large. A ten foot by ten foot opening can be sufficient. Decoys may also be deployed in separate pods with enough space for ducks to land between them.
The J-hook works well with a crossing wind (coming from the hunters left or right).
This decoy spread is shaped like a “J” with more numerous decoys being placed upwind at the curved end of the “J” with decoys being strung out in a narrow grouping as they are placed down wind from the curve.
Ducks approaching from downwind follow the long part of the “J” spread landing in the curved end with the bulk of the decoys.
NOTE: Always identify the species of the bird you are targeting prior to firing. Be sure that your target fits your bag limit.
Low light v. bluebird conditions
Birds may be more likely to decoy under low light conditions, but they are harder to identify – colors will not stand out as much. May have to identify based on other characteristics such as shape and size.
Pick one bird to shoot at. Don’t flock shoot.
In theory, one would think there is a better chance of hitting one or more birds by shooting at a flock but that is most often not the case. Plus, multiple species of waterfowl may come decoy in the same flock that have different limits
Only take ethical shots within shooting distance and your comfort zone
Shooting too far may increase the number of birds you cripple and need to chase. Shoot within established shooting safety zones. Watch for dogs that break and other non-game species which you might encounter while waterfowl hunting (shorebirds, raptors, pelicans, etc.)
As a migratory game bird, ducks might be carrying a metal leg band – if you harvest any birds with bands, report the band numbers at: www.reportband.gov.
Do you still have questions about hunting ducks in North Dakota?