The Best Duck Hunting States for Waterfowling Adventures

In this guide, we'll highlight the best states for duck hunting, helping you plan your hunting calendar with early insights and breakdowns, whether you're chasing abundant populations of geese or ducks and a big bag limit, scenic marshlands, or isolated wetlands. 

What Criteria Makes a State One of the Best Duck Hunting States?

While one of the most significant benefits of duck hunting is that you can load up your ammo, slip into your waders, and find a decent waterway to work pretty much anywhere in North America, there are some measures that we can use to evaluate the differing states. 

Firstly, states with abundant bird numbers and a wider variety of species can tip a state toward being one of the best states for duck hunters due to the opportunities to harvest more birds and target different types.

Access is another essential consideration, as the availability of public lands, wildlife management areas, and private hunting opportunities means more chances to explore diverse regions and different hunting styles. Related to this is the access to the four major migratory flyways, such as the Central or Mississippi Flyways, which will indicate a higher rate of waterfowl traffic during the season. 

It can be worth checking a state's conservation and maintenance goals (like we see in Missouri), as departments with active conservation programs generally provide more substantial habitats that attract well-conditioned birds in higher numbers. 

Finally, you'll want to check the regional bag limits and hunting regulations to ensure they align with your hunting goals. 

Understanding Flyways and Migration Paths 

North America is divided into four distinct flyways, and a successful waterfowl season often hinges on understanding the migratory patterns of waterfowl. Knowing these pathways' direction, species, and timing will allow you to plan a better waterfowl hunt and prepare for the movements well in advance. 

The first central migratory Flyway we'll examine is the Atlantic Flyway, which covers the eastern portion of the U.S. It's the most densely populated Flyway and covers over 3,000 miles, benefitting states like North Carolina and Maryland.

Next is the Mississippi Flyway, a popular hunting run from the Gulf of Mexico to the northern prairies, offering ample opportunity in several states.

The Central Flyway runs through the heart of North America from the plains of Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, providing some stunning hunts in states such as Kansas and Texas.

And, the Pacific Flyway covers the western portion of the U.S., offering a diverse hunting experience in states everywhere, from Alaska to California, and supporting around 350 bird species. 

10 Top Duck Hunting States and Why They Stand Out 

So, if you had to narrow it down to plan a great hunt this year, where should you go? While a lot of states offer great opportunities to hunt waterfowl, here are our favorites for the top duck hunting states and why they made our list.

1. Arkansas 

A short drive to the east of Little Rock, you'll find yourself in Stuttgart, AKA the "Duck Capital of the World."

Situated on the Mississippi flyway, the rich wetlands and abundant populations of this jewel of duck hunting see duck hunters consecutively bagging out on beautifully conditioned mallards year after year. The success rate is staggering; with around one million ducks taken annually and plenty of carefully managed Wildlife Management Areas, this is one to put on your duck hunting bucket list. 

2. Louisiana 

Known for its iconic marshes and bayous opportunities, flooded timber and coastal wing hunting zones are plentiful in the Delta.

With 8,000 square miles of water and plenty of opportunity in the supported wildlife management areas, National Wildlife Refuges, and private hunt opportunities, Louisiana is home to almost every duck species on the North American roster. 

3. Texas

Thanks to the coastal marshes with inland water bodies, Texas attracts an impressive array of duck species (pintails, cinnamon teal, and blue-winged teal) with relatively low hunting pressure.

Bird hunting is divided into regional zones due to their size. Although they're not short on space, most of the hunting land in Texas is private, so you'll need to use the HuntWise app to start reaching out to private landowners. 

4. North Dakota

Well known for its "prairie potholes," North Dakota supports ideal breeding grounds for substantial duck populations.

The PLOTS program, or Private Land Open To Sportsmen, allows private landowners to open their land for public walk-in access for hunting. During your duck hunt, look for the triangular yellow PLOTS sign.

5. Missouri 

A minimum of 14 million ducks pass through Missouri on the Mississippi flyway, a narrow confluence of the Illinois, Mississippi, and Missouri rivers. Due to this, it's not surprising that Missouri has a robust duck-hunting culture and a conservational approach to these waterways.

There are 40,000 acres of public land on national wildlife refuges, and Missouri boasts some impressively managed wetland areas like Duck Creek Conservation Area. 

6. California 

California is an essential state on the Pacific Flyway, supporting more than 60% of the Flyway's duck and geese population at one time. The bird density and stunning shooting locations like the Sacramento Valley provide plentiful opportunities to bag out in the Golden State. 

7. Florida 

Where there's water, there are generally ducks, and if there's one thing Florida has, it's water. With mixed waterways, including wetlands, marshes, and swamps in coastal and freshwater locations, Florida supports a range of duck species, such as mottled ducks and teal.

Regulations and bag limits can get tricky, so check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for updates. 

8. Mississippi 

The waterways of Mississippi support a staggering amount of mallards, wood ducks, and other waterfowl during the wintering period. At its peak, more than fifty percent of the canvasback population and thousands of different waterfowl species settled in the Upper Mississippi region.

Mississippi would be higher on our list if this ranking were an exclusively late-season hunting state list. 

Honorable Mentions 

Let's round out our list and mention some other states offering an excellent opportunity to hunt ducks.

9. Utah

Synonymous with lakes, the great state of Utah rightfully earned a place in the top ten due to the millions of migratory waterfowl that settle in Great Salt Lake and connected marshes. You'll find plenty of public hunting opportunities on the lake and many waterfowl management zones along the shore. 

10 Washington

Washington often ranks second among the twelve western states for waterfowl abundance, harvest, and hunters. With substantial public hunting opportunities in regions like Puget Sound and Whatcom Washing, this state should not be overlooked as a premier duck hunting destination. 

How to Prepare for an Out-of-State Duck Hunt

If you live in any of the states we've mentioned, you are lucky to have prime duck hunting right in your backyard. However, if you're ready to explore any of these states that you don't call home, here are a few tips to make sure you have a great hunt.

Before heading out of state, familiarize yourself with all relevant legislation and regulations regarding your intended hunting zones. These include license requirements, season dates, and daily bag limits. You'll find this information on each state's Department of Wildlife page.

Also, make sure you bring the correct gear to match your intended hunting environment. From coastal marshes to humid swamps and frozen potholes, various hunting environments call for a difference in gear.

Always pack some decent waders (with a safety belt), decoys to match the migratory flow of species, weather-appropriate clothing, a GPS, and the correct ammunition (check local regulations regarding the prohibition of any ammunition types). 

If you're outfitting your next hunt and like to save money, use your HuntWise Pro of Elite subscription to take advantage of gear discounts of up to 40% from our partners!

For Duck Hunting Success In Any State, Use HuntWise 

One of the best parts of duck hunting is the places it can take you. Whether you're hunting in your home state or planning a trip across state lines for an adventure in any of the best duck hunting states, there's always something and somewhere new to discover in this great sport. 

To make sure you have a successful out-of-state duck hunt, download the HuntWise app. With features like detailed maps, weather forecasts, and access to private landowner contact details, you'll be able to plan, find the best spots, and identify peak hunting days no matter where you end up on your duck hunting adventure. 

Download HuntWise free and start planning your next duck hunt — free — for your first week in the app!