The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has published several important facts and guides about the 2024 waterfowl hunting season. At the time of going to press, it’s open season on many Utah waterfowl with a few exceptions. The Utah DWR has offered the following guidelines to ensure a happy and successful hunting season this year.

In order to hunt waterfowl this year, hunters need a small game or combination hunting license. Hunters will also be required to have a Harvest Information Program (HIP) number in order to hunt waterfowl or migratory upland species. Hunters also need a federal duck stamp if they are 16 years or older.

Ducks in Utah have a healthy population, as opposed to the national average, which is down 4% from the longterm average. Drought and disease have been the major culprits for the lack of reproduction in ducks this year, but experts have reported excellent duck production in waterfowl areas in the state.

“Many prairie pothole regions in North America that are of critical importance to breeding waterfowl species were dry last year, due to drought,” DWR Migratory Bird Coordinator Jason Jones said. “These conditions have persisted over several years, so generally waterfowl production was below average last year. Waterfowl numbers usually peak in mid-September in Utah, with the dabblers coming first, and the divers usually migrating through a bit later in October.” 

“Utah waterfowl hunters may experience fewer birds coming through Utah this hunting season, compared to the last 10 years. However, green-winged teal look to be far above their population objective, which is great for Utah waterfowl hunters. Also, water conditions in the managed wetland areas and in the shallow bays around the Great Salt Lake are in better condition than in the recent past.”

The DWR states that there are generally 15 different species of duck that can be found around the state throughout the year.

“Hunters can greatly improve their success during the duck hunt by spending some time scouting before each hunt,” Jones said. “Learning where and when birds are in a specific location can allow hunters to be where the birds want to be when they want to be there, and will greatly increase the number of birds they harvest.”

The DWR also suggests hunters look for ducks in specific and varied habitats that are suited to different species. The other suggestions include using different duck calls, as well as trained hunting dogs to assist with the hunt, both in flushing out ducks and retrieving downed birds as well. 

According to a DWR press release, the general-season duck hunt runs from Oct. 5 to Jan. 18, 2025 in Utah’s northern zone and runs from Oct. 12 to Jan. 25, 2025 in the southern zone. The northern zone youth waterfowl hunt takes place on Sept. 21, and the southern zone youth hunt will happen on Sept. 28. Check the Utah Waterfowl Guidebook for the boundaries of the two zones and to see the bag limits for ducks.  

More information on waterfowl hunting this season, other species available to hunt, and more information on laws, regulations and helpful hunting tips can all be found at the Utah DWR website, at wildlife.utah.gov.