Michigan Opens Duck and Goose Hunting Seasons
Waterfowl hunters across Michigan's three zones face staggered open and closed dates running into February 2027.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Hunting
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has opened its duck and goose hunting seasons for November 2026, with zone-specific schedules set for ducks, coots, mergansers, and geese. Seasons close and reopen on different dates in the North, Middle, and South Zones.
Why it matters
The staggered calendar determines when hunters across the state can pursue waterfowl and how long goose seasons run into early 2027. Managed hunts on specific sites also require separate access through the state's Wetland Wonders website.
The official Department of Natural Resources schedule sets the first closing date for South Zone duck and goose seasons at December 13, 2026, and for North Zone duck season at November 22, 2026. Final goose closures in the South Zone run through February 15, 2027, with bag limits and harvest figures not included in the source data.
The players
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
The state agency that sets and publishes Michigan's hunting season dates and regulations for waterfowl and other game.
The details
Duck, coot, and merganser seasons are open in the South Zone through December 13, 2026, and reopen December 26-27. South Zone goose hunting runs through December 13, reopens December 26 through January 3, 2027, and reopens again February 6-15, 2027. Hunters should check zone boundaries and managed-site rules before heading out.
Timeline
November 22, 2026: North Zone duck season pauses before reopening.
November 28-29, 2026: North Zone duck season reopens.
December 13, 2026: South Zone duck and goose seasons pause.
December 16, 2026: North Zone goose season closes.
February 15, 2027: South Zone goose season final closing date.
Seasonal Patterns
Michigan's waterfowl calendar continues its long-standing three-zone structure, with North, Middle, and South Zones each following distinct opening and closing dates under the Department of Natural Resources framework. The 2026 season extends goose hunting in the South Zone into February 2027, consistent with the state's use of late-winter goose windows.
Hunters should confirm their zone and check season dates before heading out, since North, Middle, and South Zones close and reopen on different days. Managed waterfowl hunts require registration through the Wetland Wonders website and may carry site-specific drawing requirements.
The takeaway
Waterfowl hunters in Michigan should map their zone's calendar early, since the staggered dates mean seasons open and close at different times across the state. Planning around the reopening windows can help hunters make the most of the extended goose season into early 2027.
Further reading
Explore more on Hunting for seasonal regulations and waterfowl hunting tips across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 100.7 WITL.
