Arizona Duck & Goose Hunts | Waterfowl Scouting

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Waterfowl Hunting in Arizona

Arizona waterfowl hunting ranges from high-country lakes, ponds and stock tanks in the north to desert rivers, marshes and the Colorado River in the west and south. Common ducks include mallards, pintail, wigeon, gadwall, teal and ring-necked ducks, along with Canada geese and snow geese. Water levels and bird numbers change from week to week, especially in the high country as it freezes, so knowing which water is holding birds right now is the difference between a good shoot and an empty sky.

Arizona Waterfowl Seasons

• General duck and goose season: opens in October and runs through January 31, with exact opening dates set each year.
• Two zones: the Mountain Zone (northern high country, including Units 1–5, 7, 9, 11M, 12A and parts of 6 and 8) and the Desert Zone (most of central, southern and western Arizona). Opening dates differ between zones.
• Species limits: some species, like scaup, have shorter seasons and special bag limits.

See the current Arizona hunting regulations for exact dates and bag limits.

What You Need to Hunt Ducks and Geese in Arizona

1. An Arizona hunting license. No draw is needed for waterfowl. Buy a license from AZGFD.
2. Arizona migratory bird stamp / HIP authorization, required for ducks, geese, doves and other migratory birds.
3. A federal duck stamp (Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp) if you're 16 or older.
4. Non-toxic shot. Lead shot is not allowed for waterfowl.

How I Scout Your Waterfowl Hunt

1. You book your dates. We talk about whether you want ducks, geese or both, and the country you'd like to hunt.
2. I scout the water. I check which lakes, tanks, rivers and fields are holding birds and how they're moving between roosting and feeding.
3. You hunt where the birds are. We set up on the water and flight lines with the most activity.

Arizona Waterfowl Hunt FAQ

Do I need to draw a tag to hunt ducks in Arizona?

No. Waterfowl hunting doesn't require a draw. You need an Arizona hunting license, the Arizona migratory bird stamp (HIP authorization) and, if you're 16 or older, a federal duck stamp.

When is duck season in Arizona?

The general duck and goose season opens in October and ends January 31. Opening dates differ between the Mountain Zone and the Desert Zone and change each year.

What ducks and geese can I hunt in Arizona?

Common species include mallards, pintail, wigeon, gadwall, teal and ring-necked ducks, plus Canada and snow geese.

Do I need non-toxic shot?

Yes. Lead shot is not allowed for waterfowl hunting. Use steel or another approved non-toxic shot.

What's included in the price?

3-day hunts are $950 for one person or $1,650 for two, and $1,250 or $1,950 with camp included. Extra hunt days are $200 per day. Licenses and stamps are not included.

Can nonresidents hunt waterfowl in Arizona?

Yes. Nonresidents need a nonresident Arizona hunting license, the migratory bird stamp/HIP authorization and a federal duck stamp. No draw is required.

Want to hunt Arizona ducks and geese? Call Marco at 928-821-1192 or email me.