This Oregon waterfowl guide collects the dates, limits, and fees for the 2026–27 season, for both residents and non-residents, along with where to hunt. Hunting Locator connects hunters with landowners, which is useful if you’re looking for late-season access.
The guide covers:
- Zone 1 and Zone 2 duck, scaup, and coot dates, plus the bag limits that trip hunters up
- The full license and permit stack, with a cost breakdown for residents and non-residents
- Where to hunt: public wildlife areas, guided options, and how to find private duck ground in Oregon
Oregon Waterfowl Season 2026: Quick Overview
Oregon splits duck hunting into two zones with different openers, split gaps, and closers. Zone 1 runs through Jan. 31, 2027, and Zone 2 runs through Jan. 24, 2027. The daily bag is 7 ducks, with species caps inside that total. For the full calendar, see our complete Oregon hunting season guide.
Oregon Waterfowl Season 2026–27 at a Glance
| Species/Zone | Season Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks & Mergansers – Zone 1 | Oct. 17 – Nov. 1, 2026; Nov. 5, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 | 7 (species caps apply) | Triple daily bag |
| Scaup – Zone 1 | Nov. 7, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 | 2 (within the 7) | Triple daily bag |
| Ducks & Mergansers – Zone 2 | Oct. 10 – Nov. 29, 2026; Dec. 3, 2026 – Jan. 24, 2027 | 7 (species caps apply) | Triple daily bag |
| Scaup – Zone 2 | Oct. 10 – Nov. 29, 2026; Dec. 3, 2026 – Jan. 6, 2027 | 2 (within the 7) | Triple daily bag |
| Coots – Statewide | Concurrent with duck seasons by zone | $25 | 75 |
| Youth Waterfowl – Statewide | Sept. 26–27, 2026 | Same as regular season by zone | Same as regular season by zone |
| Veterans & Active Military – Statewide | Feb. 6, 2027 | Same as regular season by zone | Same as regular season by zone |
Confirm your zone on ODFW’s zone map and check current regulations before you head out. The ODFW 2026 game bird summary details the 104-day regular duck season and its two-zone structure.
Before you hunt, you need:
- Annual Oregon hunting license: required for every hunter.
- State Waterfowl Validation: an add-on to your license, required for ages 18 and older.
- HIP validation: a free registration the Harvest Information Program uses to survey migratory bird hunters. It’s required for all migratory game bird hunters.
- Federal Duck Stamp: required for ages 16 and older, with a face value of about $25.
- Special $2 permits: needed only if you hunt Northwest Oregon geese, brant, or sea ducks.
- Hunter education: required for young hunters under 18. Confirm specifics with ODFW.
- Non-toxic shot: federally required for waterfowl.
Oregon Duck Hunting Seasons
Oregon runs a 104-day regular duck season with different dates in each of two zones. Each zone is split, meaning a short closed gap separates two open segments. For more on the calendar, see our Oregon waterfowl hunting season breakdown.
Zone 1 Duck Season
Zone 1’s first segment runs Oct. 17 – Nov. 1, 2026. The zone is closed Nov. 2–4, and segment 2 runs Nov. 5, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027.
- Segment 1: Oct. 17 – Nov. 1, 2026
- Closed: Nov. 2–4, 2026
- Segment 2: Nov. 5, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027
- Scaup: Nov. 7, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027
Ducks reopen Nov. 5, but scaup don’t open until Nov. 7, so shooting scaup on Nov. 5 or 6 is illegal. With today being Oct. 20, Zone 1 hunters have under two weeks left in segment 1, and the Nov. 5 reopening is worth planning for now.
Zone 2 Duck Season
Zone 2’s first segment runs Oct. 10 – Nov. 29, 2026. The zone is closed Nov. 30 – Dec. 2, and segment 2 runs Dec. 3, 2026 – Jan. 24, 2027.
- Segment 1: Oct. 10 – Nov. 29, 2026
- Closed: Nov. 30 – Dec. 2, 2026
- Segment 2: Dec. 3, 2026 – Jan. 24, 2027
- Scaup: Oct. 10 – Nov. 29, 2026 and Dec. 3, 2026 – Jan. 6, 2027
In Zone 2 the scaup mismatch is at the end of the season: scaup close Jan. 6, while ducks stay open through Jan. 24.
Zone 2 opens a week earlier than Zone 1, and Zone 1 runs a week longer at the end (Jan. 31 vs. Jan. 24). Check ODFW’s zone map to confirm which zone your hunting area falls in.
Coots and Special Hunts
Coots run concurrently with duck seasons in your zone. The limits are 25 per day and 75 in possession.
Youth Waterfowl Hunt: This statewide hunt ran Sept. 26–27, 2026, and has passed. Mentors can put next September on the calendar. Bag limits matched the regular season by zone.
Veterans and Active Military Hunt: This statewide hunt runs Feb. 6, 2027, and is still upcoming. Confirm eligibility details in ODFW regulations before you plan.
Bag Limits: 7 Total, With Caps Inside It
- Daily bag: 7 ducks or mergansers
- No more than 3 pintails
- No more than 2 hen mallards (drakes count toward the 7 but not the hen cap)
- No more than 2 redheads
- No more than 2 canvasbacks
- No more than 2 scaup, only during scaup season
- No more than 1 harlequin
- Possession limit: triple the daily bag (21 ducks)
Three things cause most violations. The hen mallard cap is separate from your total mallard limit. Scaup are closed outside their window even when duck season is open. And every bird needs to be identified before you shoot.
If you’re pairing waterfowl with upland trips, review the Oregon game bird seasons to plan around your dates.
Oregon Waterfowl Licenses and Permits
Waterfowl licensing stacks in layers: your base license, the State Waterfowl Validation (18+), free HIP, and the Federal Duck Stamp (16+). Add $2 permits only if you target Northwest geese, brant, or sea ducks.
Oregon Hunting Licenses
| Item | Who Needs It | Resident Cost | Non-Resident Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Hunting License | All hunters | $39 | $193.00 |
| State Waterfowl Validation | Hunters 18 and older | $15 | $15.00 |
| HIP Validation | All migratory game bird hunters | Free | Free |
| Federal Duck Stamp | Hunters 16 and older | ~$25.00 (approx.) | ~$25.00 (approx.) |
Added up:
- Non-resident: $193 + $15 + free HIP + about $25 = roughly $233, plus $2 per applicable permit.
- Resident: $39 + $15 + free HIP + about $25 = roughly $79.
The Duck Stamp amount is approximate, based on face value. HIP is free but mandatory, so it’s easy to forget. The same annual hunting license is the base for your other Oregon hunts, such as deer and elk.
Oregon Hunting Permits
Three special permits apply to specific waterfowl hunts:
- Northwest Oregon Goose Permit: $2.00
- Brant Permit: $2.00
- Sea Duck Permit: $2.00
Buy them with your license and validations through ODFW license channels. Non-residents need the same permits if they target these species. Confirm requirements and goose and brant season dates in ODFW regulations.
Oregon Waterfowl Hunting: Where to Hunt
Oregon has three main waterfowl habitats: the coast, the Willamette Valley, and Eastern Oregon. Pacific Flyway birds stack up through the late season, so there are options in each.
Best Public Lands
Public wildlife areas are a good starting point, especially for beginners. Follow the regulations and respect other hunters and the habitat, since these areas depend on all of us.
- Sauvie Island Wildlife Area: Near Portland. Over 11,000 acres of wetlands, fields, and forest. Many units can be hunted in chest waders.
- Fern Ridge: Willamette Valley. A publicly managed access area often recommended for beginners.
- E.E. Wilson: Willamette Valley. Another beginner-friendly managed area.
- Summer Lake: Eastern Oregon. A key public waterfowl destination.
- Klamath Basin / Lower Klamath NWR: On the Oregon–California border. A major Pacific Flyway stopover with managed wetlands.
Check each area’s current rules with ODFW before you go. Popular public areas can get busy on peak days, and private Oregon hunting leases are a quieter alternative.
Private Land Hunting with Hunting Locator
If crowded public ground or limited scouting time is a concern, private land can help with both. Leasing gives you predictable access and less competition.
Leasing: When you evaluate a lease, look at water, field access, terms, and landowner expectations. Treat the landowner’s property the way you’d want yours treated, since good stewardship keeps leases open for the next hunter.
Buying land: For a long-term path, owning hunting ground in Oregon gives you control over habitat and access year after year.
Hunting Locator connects hunters directly with landowners who lease or sell land. You can start with Hunting Locator’s hunting access platform, or browse Oregon duck hunting leases by location and game type. Late-season access after the Nov. 5 and Dec. 3 reopenings is a good reason to look now.
Guided Hunts
A guide makes sense for short trips, non-residents, and first-timers.
Typically included:
- A guide who knows the birds and the property
- Decoys and, often, dogs
- A start at legal shooting light
- Sometimes lunch
Questions to ask before you book:
- Is the hunt on private or public ground?
- What species and zone will we hunt?
- What is the group size?
- What do I need to bring, including my license, validations, stamp, and permits?
- What is the cancellation policy for weather?
A guide beats a lease when you have limited days, no time to scout locally, or it’s your first hunt. You can explore outfitter connections through Hunting Locator.
Oregon Waterfowl Hunting Tips
Oregon’s late season is wet and cold, so gear matters. The Hunting Locator store carries the equipment categories waterfowlers rely on.
- Know your zone and dates: Check the overview before every trip. Split gaps catch hunters out.
- Identify before you shoot: Hen mallards, pintails, and scaup are the common cap violations.
- Stay dry with good waders: Many Oregon marsh units are hunted in chest waders. Browse waterfowl waders and gear before the cold sets in.
- Run legal motion: Jerk rigs and spinning-wing decoys are popular, but all motion must be human-powered. Motorized or battery-powered decoys are illegal.
- Start simple with calls: Begin with a basic single-reed duck call and practice. Decoys and duck calls are available for building a first setup.
- Shoot non-toxic and pattern your gun: Non-toxic shot is federally required. Beginners can start with a modified choke and practice on trap or skeet.
- Layer for late season: Plan for cold, wet days from November through January.
Stock up before the next reopening.
More Resources from Hunting Locator
These Hunting Locator pages help you plan Oregon hunts beyond ducks.
Plan and Access
- Hunting Locator: the hunting access platform connecting hunters and landowners
- Oregon hunting leases: browse private leases and land in Oregon
Oregon Season Hub
- Oregon hunting season guide: the hub for every Oregon season
Birds
- Oregon waterfowl hunting season: a deeper look at ducks and geese
- Oregon game bird hunting season: upland and other game birds
- Oregon turkey hunting season: spring and fall turkey dates
Big Game
- Oregon deer hunting season: deer seasons and planning
- Oregon elk hunting season: elk seasons and planning
- Oregon antelope hunting season: pronghorn hunting
Bear and Predators
- Oregon black bear hunting season: black bear dates and rules
- Oregon cougar hunting season: cougar hunting information
Once-in-a-Lifetime Species
- Oregon mountain goat hunting season: mountain goat hunts
- Oregon bighorn sheep hunting season: bighorn sheep hunts
Gear
- Hunting Locator store: gear for your next hunt
FAQ
When does duck season open in Oregon in 2026?
Zone 2 opened Oct. 10, and Zone 1 opened Oct. 17, 2026. Zone 1 runs Oct. 17 – Nov. 1 and Nov. 5 – Jan. 31, 2027. Zone 2 runs Oct. 10 – Nov. 29 and Dec. 3 – Jan. 24, 2027. Verify your zone on ODFW’s map.
What is the duck bag limit in Oregon?
You can take 7 ducks or mergansers per day, with species caps inside that total: 3 pintails, 2 hen mallards, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 2 scaup (during open season), and 1 harlequin. Your possession limit is triple the daily bag.
How many hen mallards can I shoot in Oregon?
You can take 2 hen mallards per day, and they count within your 7-duck daily limit. Drake mallards count toward the 7 total but not toward the hen cap. Identify each bird carefully before you shoot.
Do I need a Federal Duck Stamp in Oregon?
Yes, if you’re 16 or older. Its face value is about $25. You’ll also need your hunting license, the $15 State Waterfowl Validation (if you’re 18 or older), and your free HIP validation.
How much is a non-resident waterfowl license in Oregon?
The non-resident annual hunting license costs $193. Add the $15 validation, free HIP, and an approximately $25 Duck Stamp for a total near $233, plus $2 for each special permit you need.
When is the Oregon scaup season?
In Zone 1, scaup run Nov. 7, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027. In Zone 2, they run Oct. 10 – Nov. 29 and Dec. 3, 2026 – Jan. 6, 2027. The scaup limit is 2 per day, inside your 7-duck bag.
When is the veterans waterfowl hunt?
The Veterans and Active Military hunt is statewide on Feb. 6, 2027. Bag limits match the regular season by zone. Confirm eligibility details with ODFW before you plan your hunt.
Do I need a permit for geese in Northwest Oregon?
Yes. The Northwest Oregon Goose Permit costs $2. Brant and sea duck permits are also $2 each. Check ODFW regulations for goose dates. For less-pressured goose and duck ground, look at private Oregon leases.
The Final Shot
The next dates to know: Zone 1 reopens Nov. 5, scaup open Nov. 7, and Zone 2 reopens Dec. 3. Keep the license stack and the 7-bird limit with its species caps in mind, and this guide should keep you legal in the blind.
To get ready:
- Confirm your zone with ODFW’s zone map.
- Buy your license stack: license, State Waterfowl Validation, HIP, and Federal Duck Stamp.
- Secure access before the late-season rush.
To find a spot, browse Oregon leases and land, and pick up gear at the Hunting Locator store.
Waterfowling depends on respect for the birds, the landowners who open their gates, and the wetlands that hold it all together. Take only what you’re allowed and leave the place better than you found it.
