Utah waterfowl season opens with dry conditions, lower bird numbers

DWR says drought around the Great Salt Lake could make hunting more challenging this fall.

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s 2026 waterfowl hunting season begins this month, and state wildlife officials say hunters should expect dry conditions, reduced wetland habitat, and tougher hunting across the state.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources said habitat conditions improved slightly in some North American duck breeding areas this year. However, overall duck numbers declined from about 34 million in 2025 to 33.4 million in 2026. Meanwhile, conditions around the Great Salt Lake remain particularly dry, with fewer wetlands available for migrating birds.

“Hunters should be prepared for challenging conditions for waterfowl hunting across Utah this year,” DWR Waterfowl and Migratory Game Birds Coordinator Jason Jones said.

The northern zone youth duck hunt is Saturday, Sept. 19, followed by the general-season hunt from Oct. 3 through Jan. 16, 2027. The southern zone youth hunt is Sept. 26, with the general season running Oct. 10 through Jan. 23.

Canada goose numbers in the Pacific Flyway also declined this year. DWR reported a 2026 population index of 350,624 birds, down 17.6% from 2025. Even so, the three-year average remains above the minimum population objective. Migrating geese typically begin arriving in Utah in mid-to-late November.

Tundra swan season runs Oct. 3 through Dec. 13. Hunters must have received a swan permit through the state drawing and may harvest one tundra swan during the season. In contrast, hunting trumpeter swans has been illegal in Utah since 2023.

Most Utah waterfowl hunts are open to anyone with a valid hunting or combination license, but hunters must also obtain a free Harvest Information Program number. In addition, hunters age 16 and older must carry a federal duck stamp when hunting ducks, geese, or tundra swans.

DWR manages more than 20 waterfowl management areas statewide. Officials said water and access conditions are generally fair but have declined since last year because of drought. As a result, hunters are encouraged to check current conditions before heading out, particularly if they plan to launch an airboat.

Season boundaries, bag limits, and additional regulations are available in the 2026-27 Utah Waterfowl, Upland Game and Turkey Guidebook.