Madison Reporter

Hunters in Wisconsin are being reminded by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to prepare for the start of the regular goose and duck hunting seasons this September.

The regular goose season begins on September 16 across the state. The daily bag limit is set at three Canada geese during the first part of the season. For those participating in the holiday hunt, hunters in both the Southern and Mississippi zones may take up to five birds per day. Hunters are encouraged to be aware of which zone they plan to hunt, as season dates vary depending on location.

To hunt Canada geese during this period, individuals must obtain a Regular Canada goose permit. The breakdown for this year's regular Canada goose season is as follows: In the Northern Zone, hunting runs from September 16 through December 16; in the Southern Zone, it spans September 16 to October 12, resumes October 18 through December 7, and continues again from December 20 until January 2, 2026; and in the Mississippi Zone, it mirrors these dates.

Duck hunters will see their season structured by region as well. In the Northern Zone, duck hunting will be open from September 27 through November 25. The Southern Zone opens October 4-12 and then again from October 18 through December 7. The Open Water Zone allows hunting from October 18 until December 16.

Statewide, hunters can harvest up to six ducks daily with specific limits within that total: no more than four mallards (only two may be hens), three pintail, three wood ducks, two black ducks, two redheads, and two canvasbacks. For other species not listed—such as teal or ring necks—the combined total with all species cannot exceed six ducks per day. Up to five mergansers may be taken daily with a maximum of two hooded mergansers included.

Scaup bag limits differ by zone and date according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulations: In the Northern Zone hunters may take two scaup per day between September 27 and November 10 but only one per day from November 11-25; in the Southern Zone one scaup is allowed per day on certain dates while up to two are permitted later in that segment; Open Water Zones also have varying daily limits depending on specific periods.

Licensing requirements include a Wisconsin small game license along with both state and federal waterfowl stamps for duck hunting. The federal migratory bird stamp costs $25 if purchased at a U.S. Post Office or $28.50 if obtained via Go Wild or an authorized DNR vendor due to an added surcharge; physical stamps arrive later by mail after purchase but proof is immediately noted on licenses.

All waterfowl hunters must also register annually with the federal Harvest Information Program (HIP), which is free and available when purchasing licenses or can be added later if needed.

Information about permits—including HIP registration—and access to all necessary licenses can be found online using Go Wild (https://gowild.wi.gov/).

The DNR has issued guidance regarding Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). They recommend avoiding contact with sick or dead birds found in nature and keeping dogs away from such animals as well. Hunters should use gloves when handling game birds, field dress them outdoors or in ventilated spaces, thoroughly wash hands and equipment after use, cook harvested birds thoroughly (to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit), and avoid feeding raw meat or dead wild birds to dogs. According to health officials cited by DNR guidelines (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/prevention.htm), HPAI does not present a food safety risk if proper cooking procedures are followed.

Additionally, those planning hunts around Green Bay should note updated advisories related to PFAS contamination affecting mallards and wood ducks harvested there; further details are available via DNR’s PFAS Consumption Advisory webpage (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/PFAS/Fish.html).

For more information about waterfowl seasons—including regulations updates and resources for finding public hunting grounds—hunters can visit Wisconsin’s official Waterfowl Hunting webpage (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/waterfowl.html).

"Waterfowl can be infected with the avian influenza virus without showing signs of disease," according to DNR recommendations regarding HPAI precautions.

"This strain of HPAI has not been shown to pose a food safety risk," notes guidance provided by health authorities.

"The DNR also reminds hunters who hunt on Green Bay that a new PFAS advisory is in place for harvested mallards and wood ducks," according to department statements.