Hunting & Trapping Seasons

Check the Code

This is NOT a legal document. Regulations are subject to revision during the current year.

Refer to the Wildlife Code

Ducks and Coots Hunting: Middle Zone

Season Open
November 4, 2023 to November 12, 2023
November 18, 2023 to January 7, 2024
Hours

One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

Notes

See the zone boundary map for areas in the middle zone.

Ducks: Daily limit of 6 with species restrictions below, possession limit of 18
Mallards: 4 (no more than 2 females)
Scaup: 2 scaup for first 45 days and 1 scaup for last 15 days
Wood ducks: 3
Hooded mergansers: 2
Redheads: 2
Canvasback: 2
Black duck: 2
Mottled duck: 1
​Pintails: 1

Limit of 6 per species: American wigeon, blue-winged teal, gadwall, green-winged teal, Northern shoveler, ring-necked duck

Coots: Daily limit of 15, possession limit of 45.

Three permits are required.

  1. Small Game Hunting Permit
  2. Migratory Bird Hunting Permit
  3. Federal Duck Stamp
Federal Duck Stamp
Migratory Bird Hunting Permit
Small Game Hunting Permit
Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit
Nonresident Daily Small Game Permit
Lifetime Conservation Partner (Hunting and Fishing) Permit (residents only)
Lifetime Small Game Hunting Permit (residents only)
Military Reduced Cost Permit

Waterfowl: Hunting: Allowed Methods

Shotguns, 10 gauge or smaller. Must not hold more than 3 shells in the magazine and chamber combined. Use nontoxic shot only.

Hunting dogs

Motor boats or sailboats may be used, but only if the motor has been shut off and/or the sails furled, and the boat’s progress therefrom has stopped.

Waterfowl: Hunting: Prohibited Methods

Lead shot or other shot that has not been listed as nontoxic by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Rifles and pistols

Firearms that propel a single projectile at one discharge

Punt guns, battery guns, swivel guns, fully automatic firearms, traps, snares, nets, fish hooks, poisons, drugs, explosives, and stupefying substances

Motor vehicles or aircraft. Paraplegics and people missing one or both legs may hunt from a stationary vehicle

Sink boxes or any other type of low-floating device that conceals the hunter beneath the surface of the water

Electronic calls or electronically activated calls

Any sighting device that casts a beam of light on the game

Night vision or thermal imagery equipment

Live decoys

Bait

Learn more about the species
Waterfowl in water
Waterfowl
Hunting
Canada goose in water
Goose
Hunting

Light Geese Hunting

Season Open
November 11, 2023 to February 6, 2024
Hours

One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

Notes

Hunting is limited to snow geese white and blue phases), and Ross's geese.

Daily limit: 20
No possession limit.

Three permits are required.

  1. Small Game Hunting Permit
  2. Migratory Bird Hunting Permit
  3. Federal Duck Stamp
Federal Duck Stamp
Small Game Hunting Permit
Migratory Bird Hunting Permit
Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit
Nonresident Daily Small Game Permit
Lifetime Conservation Partner (Hunting and Fishing) Permit (residents only)
Lifetime Small Game Hunting Permit (residents only)
Military Reduced Cost Permit

Waterfowl: Hunting: Allowed Methods

Shotguns, 10 gauge or smaller. Must not hold more than 3 shells in the magazine and chamber combined. Use nontoxic shot only.

Hunting dogs

Motor boats or sailboats may be used, but only if the motor has been shut off and/or the sails furled, and the boat’s progress therefrom has stopped.

Waterfowl: Hunting: Prohibited Methods

Lead shot or other shot that has not been listed as nontoxic by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Rifles and pistols

Firearms that propel a single projectile at one discharge

Punt guns, battery guns, swivel guns, fully automatic firearms, traps, snares, nets, fish hooks, poisons, drugs, explosives, and stupefying substances

Motor vehicles or aircraft. Paraplegics and people missing one or both legs may hunt from a stationary vehicle

Sink boxes or any other type of low-floating device that conceals the hunter beneath the surface of the water

Electronic calls or electronically activated calls

Any sighting device that casts a beam of light on the game

Night vision or thermal imagery equipment

Live decoys

Bait

Learn more about the species
Waterfowl in water
Waterfowl
Hunting
Canada goose in water
Goose
Hunting

Canada Geese: Hunting

Season Open
October 7, 2023 to October 15, 2023
November 11, 2023 to February 6, 2024
Hours

One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

Daily limit: 3
Possession limit: 9

Daily and possession limits are brant and Canada geese combined.

Three permits are required.

  • Small Game Hunting Permit
  • Migratory Bird Hunting Permit
  • Federal Duck Stamp
Federal Duck Stamp
Migratory Bird Hunting Permit
Small Game Hunting Permit
Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit
Nonresident Daily Small Game Permit
Lifetime Conservation Partner (Hunting and Fishing) Permit (residents only)
Lifetime Small Game Hunting Permit (residents only)
Military Reduced Cost Permit

Waterfowl: Hunting: Allowed Methods

Shotguns, 10 gauge or smaller. Must not hold more than 3 shells in the magazine and chamber combined. Use nontoxic shot only.

Hunting dogs

Motor boats or sailboats may be used, but only if the motor has been shut off and/or the sails furled, and the boat’s progress therefrom has stopped.

Waterfowl: Hunting: Prohibited Methods

Lead shot or other shot that has not been listed as nontoxic by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Rifles and pistols

Firearms that propel a single projectile at one discharge

Punt guns, battery guns, swivel guns, fully automatic firearms, traps, snares, nets, fish hooks, poisons, drugs, explosives, and stupefying substances

Motor vehicles or aircraft. Paraplegics and people missing one or both legs may hunt from a stationary vehicle

Sink boxes or any other type of low-floating device that conceals the hunter beneath the surface of the water

Electronic calls or electronically activated calls

Any sighting device that casts a beam of light on the game

Night vision or thermal imagery equipment

Live decoys

Bait

Learn more about the species
Canada goose in water
Goose
Hunting

Greater White-Fronted Geese: Hunting

Season Open
November 11, 2023 to February 6, 2024
Hours

One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

Daily limit: 2 
Possession limit: 6

Three permits are required.

  1. Small Game Hunting Permit
  2. Migratory Bird Hunting Permit
  3. Federal Duck Stamp
Federal Duck Stamp
Migratory Bird Hunting Permit
Small Game Hunting Permit
Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit
Nonresident Daily Small Game Permit
Lifetime Small Game Hunting Permit (residents only)
Lifetime Conservation Partner (Hunting and Fishing) Permit (residents only)
Military Reduced Cost Permit

Waterfowl: Hunting: Allowed Methods

Shotguns, 10 gauge or smaller. Must not hold more than 3 shells in the magazine and chamber combined. Use nontoxic shot only.

Hunting dogs

Motor boats or sailboats may be used, but only if the motor has been shut off and/or the sails furled, and the boat’s progress therefrom has stopped.

Waterfowl: Hunting: Prohibited Methods

Lead shot or other shot that has not been listed as nontoxic by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Rifles and pistols

Firearms that propel a single projectile at one discharge

Punt guns, battery guns, swivel guns, fully automatic firearms, traps, snares, nets, fish hooks, poisons, drugs, explosives, and stupefying substances

Motor vehicles or aircraft. Paraplegics and people missing one or both legs may hunt from a stationary vehicle

Sink boxes or any other type of low-floating device that conceals the hunter beneath the surface of the water

Electronic calls or electronically activated calls

Any sighting device that casts a beam of light on the game

Night vision or thermal imagery equipment

Live decoys

Bait

Learn more about the species
Canada goose in water
Goose
Hunting
Waterfowl in water
Waterfowl
Hunting

Brant Geese: Hunting

Season Open
October 7, 2023 to October 15, 2023
November 11, 2023 to February 6, 2024
Hours

One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

Daily limit: 3
Possession limit: 9

Daily and possession limits are brant and Canada geese combined.

Three permits are required.

  1. Small Game Hunting Permit
  2. Migratory Bird Hunting Permit
  3. Federal Duck Stamp
Federal Duck Stamp
Migratory Bird Hunting Permit
Small Game Hunting Permit
Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit
Nonresident Daily Small Game Permit
Lifetime Conservation Partner (Hunting and Fishing) Permit (residents only)
Lifetime Small Game Hunting Permit (residents only)
Military Reduced Cost Permit

Waterfowl: Hunting: Allowed Methods

Shotguns, 10 gauge or smaller. Must not hold more than 3 shells in the magazine and chamber combined. Use nontoxic shot only.

Hunting dogs

Motor boats or sailboats may be used, but only if the motor has been shut off and/or the sails furled, and the boat’s progress therefrom has stopped.

Waterfowl: Hunting: Prohibited Methods

Lead shot or other shot that has not been listed as nontoxic by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Rifles and pistols

Firearms that propel a single projectile at one discharge

Punt guns, battery guns, swivel guns, fully automatic firearms, traps, snares, nets, fish hooks, poisons, drugs, explosives, and stupefying substances

Motor vehicles or aircraft. Paraplegics and people missing one or both legs may hunt from a stationary vehicle

Sink boxes or any other type of low-floating device that conceals the hunter beneath the surface of the water

Electronic calls or electronically activated calls

Any sighting device that casts a beam of light on the game

Night vision or thermal imagery equipment

Live decoys

Bait

Learn more about the species
Canada goose in water
Goose
Hunting
Waterfowl in water
Waterfowl
Hunting

Coyote: Trapping

Season Open
November 15, 2023 to February 29, 2024
Notes

Extended trapping season on private land from March 1 to April 14. Only foot-hold traps, foot-enclosing traps, and cage-type traps may be used.

Daily limit: Any number
Possession limit: Any number

Resident Trapping Permit
Nonresident Furbearer Hunting and Trapping Permit

Furbearers: Trapping: Allowed Methods

Traps must have smooth or rubber jaws only

Foot-hold trap

Conibear or other killing-type trap

Foot-enclosing trap

Cage-type trap

Colony traps with openings no greater than 6 inches in height and 6 inches wide

Cable restraint devices

Snares set underwater, have a loop 15 inches or less in diameter when set, have a stop device that prevents snare from closing to less than 2 1/2 inches in diameter, made with cable that is between 5/64 inch and 1/8 inch in diameter, and have a mechanical lock and anchor swivel.

From March 1 through April 14 only foot-hold traps, foot-enclosing traps, and cage-type traps may be used to trap coyote, opossum, raccoon, and striped skunk.

From August 1 through October 15 only foot-enclosing traps and cage-type traps may be used to trap opossum, raccoon,

Additional Info

Within communities having 10,000 or more inhabitants, only cage-type or foot-enclosing traps, may be set within 150 feet of any residence or occupied building.

Furbearers: Trapping: Prohibited Methods

Dogs may not be used for aquatic furbearers (beaver, muskrat, mink, otter) 

Snares on land

Pitfalls

Deadfalls

Nets

Traps may not be set in paths made or used by people or domestic animals.

Killing-type traps may not be set along public roadways.

Traps may not be placed or set before midnight of the first day of the applicable trapping season and must be removed by midnight of the last day of the applicable trapping season.

Additional Info

 

 

Learn more about the species
Coyote in the winter
Coyote
Hunting & Trapping

Fox (Red or Gray): Hunting and Trapping

Season Open
November 15, 2023 to January 31, 2024

Daily limit: Any number
Possession limit: Any number

Special Provision for Firearms Deer Season: During the November portion and Antlerless portion in open counties, furbearer hunters must also possess an unfilled firearms deer hunting permit if hunting during daylight hours.

Small Game Hunting Permit
Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit
Archer's Hunting Permit
Nonresident Furbearer Hunting and Trapping Permit
Nonresident Daily Small Game Permit
Lifetime Conservation Partner (Hunting and Fishing) Permit (residents only)
Lifetime Small Game Hunting Permit (residents only)
Military Reduced Cost Permit

Furbearers: Hunting: Allowed Methods

Pistols, revolvers, and rifles propelling a single projectile at one discharge

Firearms powered by spring, air, or compressed gas

Shotguns not larger than 10 gauge with magazine cut off or plugged to reduce the capacity to not more than three shells in the magazine and chamber combined.

Bows, including longbows, compound bows, and recurve bows.

Crossbows

Atlatls

Slingshots

Dogs may be used (Dogs may not be used during daylight hours from Nov. 1 through the end of November portion statewide and the antlerless portion in open areas.)

Electronic calls or electronically activated calls may be used.

Additional Info

During spring turkey season, coyotes may be taken only during legal shooting hours for turkey hunting, using only methods allowed for spring turkey hunting, and hunters must have an unfilled spring turkey hunting permit and either a Resident Small Game Hunting Permit or a Nonresident Furbearer Hunting and Trapping Permit.

Additional Allowed Methods (Feb. 1 - March 31)

During this time the below equipment is allowed in conjunction with other legal hunting methods to pursue and take coyotes.

  • Artificial light
  • Night vision equipment
  • Infrared or thermal imagery equipment

Furbearers: Hunting: Prohibited Methods

Arrows containing any drug, poison, chemical, or explosive

Poisons, tranquilizing drugs, chemicals, or explosives

Motor driven conveyances may not be used to take, drive, or molest wildlife

Artificial lights to search for, harass, or disturb wildlife (see special allowed methods for coyote)

You may not take wildlife from or across a public roadway with a firearm, bow, or crossbow

Additional Info

You may not possess night vision or thermal imagery equipment while carrying a firearm, bow, or other implement used to take wildlife. (See special allowed methods for coyote.) 

 

 

Furbearers: Trapping: Allowed Methods

Traps must have smooth or rubber jaws only

Foot-hold trap

Conibear or other killing-type trap

Foot-enclosing trap

Cage-type trap

Colony traps with openings no greater than 6 inches in height and 6 inches wide

Cable restraint devices

Snares set underwater, have a loop 15 inches or less in diameter when set, have a stop device that prevents snare from closing to less than 2 1/2 inches in diameter, made with cable that is between 5/64 inch and 1/8 inch in diameter, and have a mechanical lock and anchor swivel.

From March 1 through April 14 only foot-hold traps, foot-enclosing traps, and cage-type traps may be used to trap coyote, opossum, raccoon, and striped skunk.

From August 1 through October 15 only foot-enclosing traps and cage-type traps may be used to trap opossum, raccoon,

Additional Info

Within communities having 10,000 or more inhabitants, only cage-type or foot-enclosing traps, may be set within 150 feet of any residence or occupied building.

Furbearers: Trapping: Prohibited Methods

Dogs may not be used for aquatic furbearers (beaver, muskrat, mink, otter) 

Snares on land

Pitfalls

Deadfalls

Nets

Traps may not be set in paths made or used by people or domestic animals.

Killing-type traps may not be set along public roadways.

Traps may not be placed or set before midnight of the first day of the applicable trapping season and must be removed by midnight of the last day of the applicable trapping season.

Additional Info

 

 

Learn more about the species
Red fox staring at the camera
Fox
Hunting & Trapping

Bobcat: Hunting and Trapping

Season Open
November 15, 2023 to February 29, 2024
Notes

Bobcat pelts must be registered or tagged. Tagged bobcats and otters or their pelts may be possessed by the taker throughout the year.

Daily limit: Any number
Possession limit: Any number

Special Provision for Firearms Deer Season: During the November portion and Antlerless portion in open counties, furbearer hunters must also possess an unfilled firearms deer hunting permit if hunting during daylight hours.

Small Game Hunting Permit
Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit
Resident Trapping Permit
Nonresident Furbearer Hunting and Trapping Permit
Archer's Hunting Permit
Lifetime Conservation Partner (Hunting and Fishing) Permit (residents only)
Lifetime Small Game Hunting Permit (residents only)

Furbearers: Hunting: Allowed Methods

Pistols, revolvers, and rifles propelling a single projectile at one discharge

Firearms powered by spring, air, or compressed gas

Shotguns not larger than 10 gauge with magazine cut off or plugged to reduce the capacity to not more than three shells in the magazine and chamber combined.

Bows, including longbows, compound bows, and recurve bows.

Crossbows

Atlatls

Slingshots

Dogs may be used (Dogs may not be used during daylight hours from Nov. 1 through the end of November portion statewide and the antlerless portion in open areas.)

Electronic calls or electronically activated calls may be used.

Additional Info

During spring turkey season, coyotes may be taken only during legal shooting hours for turkey hunting, using only methods allowed for spring turkey hunting, and hunters must have an unfilled spring turkey hunting permit and either a Resident Small Game Hunting Permit or a Nonresident Furbearer Hunting and Trapping Permit.

Additional Allowed Methods (Feb. 1 - March 31)

During this time the below equipment is allowed in conjunction with other legal hunting methods to pursue and take coyotes.

  • Artificial light
  • Night vision equipment
  • Infrared or thermal imagery equipment

Furbearers: Hunting: Prohibited Methods

Arrows containing any drug, poison, chemical, or explosive

Poisons, tranquilizing drugs, chemicals, or explosives

Motor driven conveyances may not be used to take, drive, or molest wildlife

Artificial lights to search for, harass, or disturb wildlife (see special allowed methods for coyote)

You may not take wildlife from or across a public roadway with a firearm, bow, or crossbow

Additional Info

You may not possess night vision or thermal imagery equipment while carrying a firearm, bow, or other implement used to take wildlife. (See special allowed methods for coyote.) 

 

 

Furbearers: Trapping: Allowed Methods

Traps must have smooth or rubber jaws only

Foot-hold trap

Conibear or other killing-type trap

Foot-enclosing trap

Cage-type trap

Colony traps with openings no greater than 6 inches in height and 6 inches wide

Cable restraint devices

Snares set underwater, have a loop 15 inches or less in diameter when set, have a stop device that prevents snare from closing to less than 2 1/2 inches in diameter, made with cable that is between 5/64 inch and 1/8 inch in diameter, and have a mechanical lock and anchor swivel.

From March 1 through April 14 only foot-hold traps, foot-enclosing traps, and cage-type traps may be used to trap coyote, opossum, raccoon, and striped skunk.

From August 1 through October 15 only foot-enclosing traps and cage-type traps may be used to trap opossum, raccoon,

Additional Info

Within communities having 10,000 or more inhabitants, only cage-type or foot-enclosing traps, may be set within 150 feet of any residence or occupied building.

Furbearers: Trapping: Prohibited Methods

Dogs may not be used for aquatic furbearers (beaver, muskrat, mink, otter) 

Snares on land

Pitfalls

Deadfalls

Nets

Traps may not be set in paths made or used by people or domestic animals.

Killing-type traps may not be set along public roadways.

Traps may not be placed or set before midnight of the first day of the applicable trapping season and must be removed by midnight of the last day of the applicable trapping season.

Additional Info

 

 

Learn more about the species
Bobcat sitting in a tree
Bobcat
Hunting & Trapping

Beaver and Nutria: Trapping

Season Open
November 15, 2023 to March 31, 2024

Daily limit: Any number
Possession limit: Any number

Permits valid until June 30.

Resident Trapping Permit
Nonresident Furbearer Hunting and Trapping Permit

Furbearers: Trapping: Allowed Methods

Traps must have smooth or rubber jaws only

Foot-hold trap

Conibear or other killing-type trap

Foot-enclosing trap

Cage-type trap

Colony traps with openings no greater than 6 inches in height and 6 inches wide

Cable restraint devices

Snares set underwater, have a loop 15 inches or less in diameter when set, have a stop device that prevents snare from closing to less than 2 1/2 inches in diameter, made with cable that is between 5/64 inch and 1/8 inch in diameter, and have a mechanical lock and anchor swivel.

From March 1 through April 14 only foot-hold traps, foot-enclosing traps, and cage-type traps may be used to trap coyote, opossum, raccoon, and striped skunk.

From August 1 through October 15 only foot-enclosing traps and cage-type traps may be used to trap opossum, raccoon,

Additional Info

Within communities having 10,000 or more inhabitants, only cage-type or foot-enclosing traps, may be set within 150 feet of any residence or occupied building.

Furbearers: Trapping: Prohibited Methods

Dogs may not be used for aquatic furbearers (beaver, muskrat, mink, otter) 

Snares on land

Pitfalls

Deadfalls

Nets

Traps may not be set in paths made or used by people or domestic animals.

Killing-type traps may not be set along public roadways.

Traps may not be placed or set before midnight of the first day of the applicable trapping season and must be removed by midnight of the last day of the applicable trapping season.

Additional Info

 

 

Learn more about the species
Photo of a beaver crouched on land
Beaver
Trapping

Otter and Muskrat: Trapping

Season Open
November 15, 2023 to February 29, 2024

Daily limit: Any number
Possession limit: Any number

Resident Trapping Permit
Nonresident Furbearer Hunting and Trapping Permit

Furbearers: Trapping: Allowed Methods

Traps must have smooth or rubber jaws only

Foot-hold trap

Conibear or other killing-type trap

Foot-enclosing trap

Cage-type trap

Colony traps with openings no greater than 6 inches in height and 6 inches wide

Cable restraint devices

Snares set underwater, have a loop 15 inches or less in diameter when set, have a stop device that prevents snare from closing to less than 2 1/2 inches in diameter, made with cable that is between 5/64 inch and 1/8 inch in diameter, and have a mechanical lock and anchor swivel.

From March 1 through April 14 only foot-hold traps, foot-enclosing traps, and cage-type traps may be used to trap coyote, opossum, raccoon, and striped skunk.

From August 1 through October 15 only foot-enclosing traps and cage-type traps may be used to trap opossum, raccoon,

Additional Info

Within communities having 10,000 or more inhabitants, only cage-type or foot-enclosing traps, may be set within 150 feet of any residence or occupied building.

Furbearers: Trapping: Prohibited Methods

Dogs may not be used for aquatic furbearers (beaver, muskrat, mink, otter) 

Snares on land

Pitfalls

Deadfalls

Nets

Traps may not be set in paths made or used by people or domestic animals.

Killing-type traps may not be set along public roadways.

Traps may not be placed or set before midnight of the first day of the applicable trapping season and must be removed by midnight of the last day of the applicable trapping season.

Additional Info

 

 

Learn more about the species
Otter in water
Otter
Trapping
Photograph of a muskrat standing on grass
Muskrat
Trapping