Ask a Conservation Officer:

[Lee Borgersen]

    Ask a Conservation Officer: 

              Rules for duck hunting on Lake Superior:

By Matthew S. Miller, Minnesota DNR  Today at 7:33 a.m.


 

Q: I've heard that it's now legal for me to hunt ducks out in Lake Superior. Are there any special rules regarding that season?


 


A: Several years ago, open-water duck hunting opportunities were legalized for certain bodies of water in Minnesota, including Lake Superior.



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Waterfowl may be taken in open water on Minnesota waters of Lake Superior as long as the duck boat, layout boat, etc., remains anchored. Other watercraft restrictions, such as the requirement for PFDs, lights, safety equipment, and the motorized transport of loaded firearms, apply as on any other body of water. A duck boat is not required to be registered when used specifically for duck hunting during the open season.

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Before hunting a certain area of the lake, it is important to check with local municipalities for any restrictions or ordinances that may be in place regulating the safe discharge of firearms.

For other open-water duck hunting opportunities and regulations, see the 2017 Minnesota Waterfowl Regulation synopsis at files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/hunting/waterfowl.

Matthew S. Miller is a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officer with the Lake Superior Marine Unit.