This Ohio waterfowl guide covers what’s left of the 2026 season: second-split dates and bag limits (including the scaup and hen-mallard rules), a license and stamp checklist for residents and non-residents, and options for public, private, and guided hunting. Cold water and wary late-season birds make equipment matter, so stock up on top-quality gear for Ohio hunting before your next sit.
All dates come from ODNR’s 2026–27 season schedule. Start with the at-a-glance table, then find your zone.
Ohio Waterfowl Season Quick Overview
Your zone determines your dates. Zone A covers northwest Ohio, Zone B covers northeast Ohio plus all of Lake Erie, and Zone C covers southern Ohio. Every date below follows ODNR’s 2026–27 hunting seasons.
| Zones | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | Youth, Veteran & Active-Military Days | October 3 – October 4, 2026 | 6 ducks (standard sub-limits) | Completed |
| Zone A | First Split | October 17 – November 1, 2026 | 6 ducks | Open now |
| Zone A | Second Split | November 14 – December 27, 2026 | 6 ducks | — |
| Zone B | First Split | October 17 – October 25, 2026 | 6 ducks | Closes Oct 25; includes Lake Erie |
| Zone B | Second Split | November 21, 2026 – January 10, 2027 | 6 ducks | — |
| Zone C | First Split | October 17 – October 25, 2026 | 6 ducks | Closes Oct 25 |
| Zone C | Second Split | December 12, 2026 – January 31, 2027 | 6 ducks | Latest close in the state |
| Statewide | Geese | Varies by zone; check regulations | Typically 5 dark / 10 light | Check the Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations |
Always confirm with the current Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations.
The duck rows apply to ducks, coots, and mergansers. Early teal (September 5–13) and the early goose season (5 daily, Canada and cackling geese) have already ended.
The daily limit of 6 ducks carries these sub-limits:
| Species | Daily Max |
|---|---|
| Mallards | 4 (max 2 hens) |
| Wood ducks | 3 |
| Pintails | 3 |
| Black ducks | 2 |
| Redheads | 2 |
| Canvasbacks | 2 |
| Mottled duck | 1 |
| Scaup | 1 per day for the first 15 days of the season in your zone, 2 per day thereafter |
The scaup day count starts on your zone’s opener, October 17. Shooting hours run from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. Check the regulations for the possession limit before you hunt.
You need all four of the following in the field. For Ohio rules beyond waterfowl, see our complete Ohio hunting guide.
- A valid Ohio Hunting License, bought through the Ohio DNR License Portal
- HIP (Harvest Information Program) certification, the federal survey registration required for migratory bird hunters
- A printed Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp endorsement, required for hunters 18 and older
- A signed federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp)
Hunter education is required to buy a first license, though an apprentice license is an alternative for newcomers. Federal law requires non-toxic shot for all waterfowl hunting.
Ohio Waterfowl Hunting Seasons
2026 is the first season under the new zones. Ohio sits where the Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways overlap, and the splits are timed to match migration across the state’s regions.
Youth, Veteran & Active-Military Days
These statewide days ran October 3 – October 4, 2026, and are now over. They give youth hunters, veterans, and active military dedicated days afield before the regular opener. Check the regulations for qualification rules.
Early teal (September 5–13) and the early goose season also ran in September. For other upland and migratory species, see our rundown of Ohio game bird seasons.
First Split by Zone
First-split dates:
- Zone A: October 17 – November 1, 2026
- Zone B: October 17 – October 25, 2026
- Zone C: October 17 – October 25, 2026
Zone A hunters have through November 1. Zone B and Zone C close October 25, which leaves this weekend. The 15-day window of 1-per-day scaup runs from October 17, your zone’s opener. Confirm in the regulations how second-split days count toward that total.
Second Split by Zone
Second-split dates:
- Zone A: November 14 – December 27, 2026
- Zone B: November 21, 2026 – January 10, 2027
- Zone C: December 12, 2026 – January 31, 2027
Zone A covers northwest Ohio and closes December 27, the earliest finish of the three. Zone B takes in all of Lake Erie and the state’s best-known marshes, where late-season hunts can be cold and windy. Zone C runs the latest, through January 31, 2027, with river and farm-country hunting across southern Ohio.
For geese, ODNR’s 2026–27 schedule lists Zone A running to February 1, 2027, and Zone B to February 15, 2027. Verify those dates before you hunt, and confirm Zone C goose dates in the regulations. Typical limits are 5 dark geese (Canada, cackling, white-fronted), 10 light geese, and 1 brant, but check the regulations for current numbers.
Ohio Waterfowl Licenses and Permits
Every waterfowl hunter needs the same four items. Here is what each one costs and how to get it.
Ohio Hunting Licenses
| License | Who | Approx. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident annual | Ohio residents | Fee varies; confirm at the ODNR License Portal | Check the portal for the current price |
| Non-resident annual | Out-of-state hunters | ~$180.96 | Approximate; confirm at the ODNR License Portal |
| Non-resident 3-day | Out-of-state hunters on short trips | ~$40.56 | Approximate; suits a single late-season trip |
| Apprentice | Residents and non-residents, youth and adults | Varies | For hunters without hunter education |
| Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp | Hunters 18 and older | ~$15 | Must be printed |
| Federal Duck Stamp | Waterfowl hunters (the regulations set the age threshold) | ~$25 | Must be signed across the face |
| HIP certification | All migratory bird hunters | Free | Required before hunting |
Details are on the Ohio DNR licenses and permits page. Hunter education is required to purchase a first license, and the apprentice license lets newcomers try hunting first. Non-toxic shot is mandatory under federal law. All costs above are approximate, so confirm current fees at purchase.
Ohio Hunting Permits
Three items are specific to waterfowl:
- HIP: the Harvest Information Program is a federal harvest survey registration that helps wildlife managers set seasons and limits.
- Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp: this endorsement funds wetland habitat work and must be printed and carried.
- Federal Duck Stamp: the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp must be signed across the face.
You can buy your license, HIP, and the Wetlands stamp through the ODNR License Portal. The Duck Stamp may also be available at retailers and post offices, so verify before you go.
To get legal, work through these steps in order:
- Complete hunter education, or choose an apprentice license.
- Buy your Ohio hunting license (resident, non-resident annual, or 3-day) through the Ohio DNR License Portal.
- Complete HIP certification before you hunt.
- Buy the Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp endorsement, then print it and carry it.
- Buy the Federal Duck Stamp and sign it across the face.
- Confirm your zone and dates, then carry everything afield.
Common compliance problems:
- Unprinted Wetlands stamp: a digital copy on your phone is not enough
- Unsigned Duck Stamp: sign it before you hunt
- Skipping HIP: it takes minutes and is required
- The 2-hen mallard cap: only 2 of your 4 mallards can be hens
- The scaup day count: it is zone-specific
For non-residents, the 3-day license plus the stamps is the leanest legal setup for a weekend trip.
Ohio Waterfowl: Where to Hunt
Private clubs have long held much of Ohio’s prime marsh, and public areas rely on controlled draws. That pushes many hunters toward other options. If you want ground that doesn’t depend on a lottery, browse current Ohio hunting leases to see what’s available.
Best Public Lands for Ohio Waterfowl
Some public areas use controlled hunts, which are lottery draws run by the ODNR Division of Wildlife. Others are open-access with no draw. Access rules change, so check ODNR for current details before you go.
Birds on public areas become educated after opening week, which is when private ground starts to look better.
Private Land Hunting with Hunting Locator
Crowded boat ramps, draw odds, and wary birds after opening week all make public access harder. Less-pressured private ground gives you more control over when and how you hunt.
A lease is the lower-commitment route, with seasonal or annual access that suits individuals and small groups. Before you sign, ask about these:
- Water reliability through the late splits
- Blind rights
- Number of hunters allowed
- Guest policy
- Lease term relative to your zone’s split dates
Buying gives you long-term exclusive access and the ability to manage habitat, but it is a bigger commitment. Whether you lease or buy, look for these property features:
- Reliable water
- Flooded-crop or moist-soil potential
- Proximity to Lake Erie and Zone B marsh country
- River bottoms in Zone C
Federal rules govern baiting and manipulated habitat. Avoid hunting baited areas, and verify federal and state regulations before planting or flooding anything.
Hunting Locator connects hunters with landowners who lease or sell hunting land. You search by state, see what landowners are offering, and contact them directly, which saves time when the season is moving.
Before the second splits open, browse current Ohio hunting leases and land for sale. Private ground is often quieter than public marshes once the birds have been pressured.
Guided Duck Hunts in Ohio
A guide makes sense in a few situations:
- You’re a non-resident unfamiliar with Lake Erie conditions
- You don’t own a boat or decoy spread
- You’re on a short 3-day-license trip and want to make every hour count
Before you book, ask any guide these questions:
- Are you licensed and insured?
- What zone and property type will we hunt?
- What gear, blinds, and boats do you provide?
- What is the group size?
- What happens if weather cancels the hunt?
- What is the bird-handling and cleaning policy?
- Will you confirm I hold my license, HIP, and both stamps?
If you’d rather run your own hunt, self-guided Ohio lease options give you private ground without a guide’s schedule.
Ohio Waterfowl Hunting Tips
Second splits bring colder water, wary birds, and ice. These tips are built for late-season Ohio conditions:
- Know your zone’s calendar: plan trips around your second-split dates, not the old zone system.
- Track the scaup day count: it counts from your zone’s opener, so know which day you’re on.
- Watch the hen count: within your 4 mallards, no more than 2 can be hens.
- Scale down spreads for pressured birds: smaller, realistic spreads and lighter calling work on educated late-season mallards.
- Hunt the open water: when ice forms, find moving water, river bottoms in Zone C, or the big water of Lake Erie in Zone B.
- Respect Lake Erie weather: never hunt big water alone in a gale.
- Layer for cold: insulated waders, good layers, and a blind that blends into winter cover keep you in the field longer.
- Use non-toxic shot at ethical ranges: non-toxic loads are federally required.
- Mind shooting hours: 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.
Decoys, waders, and calls built for late-season Ohio water are available in the Hunting Locator store.
More Resources from Hunting Locator
Hunting Locator pages for Ohio planning, grouped by what you need.
Find Land
- Hunting Locator: connect with landowners who lease or sell hunting land.
- Ohio hunting leases: browse current Ohio hunting leases.
Ohio Season Guides
- Ohio hunting guide: the hub for every Ohio season and species.
- Ohio waterfowl hunting season overview: an evergreen look at Ohio waterfowl.
- Ohio game bird hunting season: dates and rules for upland and other game birds.
Other Ohio seasons
- Ohio small game hunting season: squirrel, rabbit, and more.
- Ohio deer hunting season: archery, gun, and muzzleloader dates.
- Ohio turkey hunting season: spring and fall turkey rules.
- Ohio furbearer hunting season: trapping and furbearer seasons.
Gear
- Hunting Locator store: waterfowl gear for Ohio’s late splits.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the second split in Zone A, Zone B, and Zone C for Ohio Waterfowl?
Each zone has its own second-split dates:
- Zone A: November 14 – December 27, 2026
- Zone B: November 21, 2026 – January 10, 2027
- Zone C: December 12, 2026 – January 31, 2027
Confirm in the Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations before you hunt.
What is Ohio’s daily duck limit?
The daily limit is 6 ducks. Within your 6, you can take no more than 4 mallards (max 2 hens), 3 wood ducks, 3 pintails, 2 black ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, and 1 mottled duck. Scaup have their own rule, covered below.
How does the Ohio scaup limit work?
You can take 1 scaup per day for the first 15 days of the season in your zone, then 2 per day after that. The count starts on your zone’s opener. Check the Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations for how split seasons count toward the 15 days.
What stamps do I need to hunt ducks in Ohio?
You need a printed Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp endorsement (hunters 18 and older) and a signed Federal Duck Stamp. You also need your Ohio hunting license and HIP certification. Missing any of the four can lead to a citation.
Do non-residents need HIP certification?
Yes. All waterfowl hunters must complete HIP before hunting, regardless of residency. It is free and quick, and you can complete it when you buy your license through the ODNR License Portal.
Is there a 3-day non-resident license in Ohio?
Yes. The non-resident 3-day license costs about $40.56, so confirm the price at the ODNR License Portal. You still need HIP, the printed Wetlands stamp, and the signed Duck Stamp to hunt waterfowl.
What are Ohio waterfowl shooting hours?
Shooting hours run from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.
Can I lease private land for duck hunting in Ohio?
Yes. You can lease for seasonal or annual access, or buy land for long-term exclusive hunting. Hunting Locator connects you with landowners, so start with Ohio duck hunting leases to see what’s available.
Is non-toxic shot required?
Yes. Federal law requires non-toxic shot for all waterfowl hunting. Check your loads before you leave the truck, since hunting waterfowl with lead shot is a violation.
When does Ohio goose season end?
According to ODNR’s schedule, Zone A runs to February 1, 2027, and Zone B to February 15, 2027. Verify both dates in the regulations, and confirm Zone C dates there as well. Typical limits are 5 dark geese and 10 light geese, so check the regulations for current numbers.
The Final Shot
Your zone decides your dates. Zone B and Zone C first splits close October 25, so this weekend is the last chance at those early birds. Carry all four requirements every time, and keep the scaup and hen-mallard counts straight in the blind.
To plan for the late splits, line up your ground now. Browse Ohio leases before your second split opens: Zone A on November 14, Zone B on November 21, and Zone C on December 12. Then visit Hunting Locator to connect with landowners who lease or sell hunting land.
