Minnesota DNR proposes optional three‑duck limit to attract new hunters

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input on a proposal to add an optional, flat three‑duck‑per‑day bag limit for waterfowl hunting. Under the plan, hunters could choose either the existing six‑duck total limit with species‑ and sex‑specific sub‑limits, or a simplified three‑duck limit that applies to any species and sex, eliminating the need for complex identification. The agency says the change aims to recruit, retain and reactivate waterfowl hunters whose numbers have declined sharply over the past two decades.

The proposal follows a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service evaluation of three‑duck limits in Nebraska and South Dakota, which found that new hunters were more likely to select the simpler option and harvested fewer sensitive species such as canvasbacks, hen mallards, redheads and scaup. Minnesota DNR officials, including migratory‑gamebird consultant Nate Huck, note that “duck identification can be difficult and could prevent potential hunters from getting into waterfowl hunting.” The agency is accepting comments through an online questionnaire until Aug. 17 and will host a webinar on Aug. 6 to explain the option and answer questions.