Minnesota not only boasts 23 species of ducks and geese, about 60% of North America's migratory birds pass through the state during their journeys each spring and fall along the Mississippi Flyway.
DNR waterfowl management focuses on providing high-quality habitat for those nesting, brood rearing and migrating birds. Working at the state, regional and national levels, our work actively promotes abundant duck populations, the high-quality habitats they need, clean water and soil conservation benefits and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
- Duck action plan
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The DNR's Duck Action Plan, which outlines short-term strategies to help meet long-term conservation goals, enables the DNR and conservation partners to more frequently assess and adjust activities in response to changing conditions that impact ducks.
DNR staff are finalizing the draft of the updated plan for implementation in 2025.
The plan's goals are to:
- Increase the amount of wetland and grassland habitat for ducks.
- Maintain and enhance wetland, grassland and forest habitats for ducks.
- Increase opportunities for and participation in outdoor recreation related to ducks and their habitats.
- Increase public awareness and appreciation of wetland conservation for ducks and people.
- Waterfowl habitat
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Whether it's a large collaborative plan like the multi-organizational Prairie Conservation Plan, restoring wetlands, reclaiming shallow lakes, practicing moist soils management or individual landowners stepping up to be stewards, conserving and enhancing habitat is an integral part of managing and maintaining waterfowl in Minnesota.
- Waterfowl hunting
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Waterfowl hunting is more than harvesting a feathered target. It's about building a blind, setting decoys, embracing the fall wind and rejoicing at the sound of wings.
Mallards, woodies, redheads, scaup, ringnecks, teal and pintails still rest, feed and breed in Minnesota. Those birds offer opportunities to be part of the generations-old fall tradition of crouching in duck blinds and hiding along marshy shores.
- Waterfowl in Minnesota
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Minnesota's waterfowl population – both nesting and migratory – is varied and abundant. You'll find puddle and diving ducks, a giant subspecies of Canada goose that nests here and several variety of mergansers. You'll also see loons, swans, pelicans, storks, herons, cranes and cormorants – migratory waterfowl and shorebirds that spend significant time in Minnesota's fields, forests, waters and wetlands.
- Waterfowl research
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The Wetland Wildlife Populations and Research Group is responsible for providing information needed to manage waterfowl. Research biologists and scientists coordinate and interpret population surveys; conduct research projects that provide critical information; and provide technical assistance and information for DNR and the public.
Human dimension surveys such as the 2017 survey of hunter activity and opinion that explore the attitudes, experiences and understanding of people also are a part of their work.
- Population monitoring
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Since 1968, the number of breeding waterfowl in Minnesota have been estimated as part of the DNR’s annual breeding population summary.
Aerial observations in addition to more intensive ground counts on selected routes are conducted in May. The count in Minnesota is included in the overall inventory of North American breeding waterfowl.
- Reports & statistics
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Teal