Photo by Nate Stroup / Polaris.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is abandoning a controversial duck hunting regulation proposal. Earlier this year, we reported that the state was considering following in the footsteps of wildlife agencies in Nebraska and South Dakota by offering a 3-bird, any sex and species, “splash limit.”
According to a press release, the rationale for offering the optional bag limit alongside the traditional 6-bird Central Flyway bag was to increase the recruitment and retention of new hunters. “Duck identification can be difficult and could prevent potential hunters from getting into waterfowl hunting,” explained the agency’s gamebird consultant Nate Huck.
That said, setting species- and sex-specific bag limits allows wildlife agencies to manage species with a level of precision that’s not otherwise possible. Additionally, many hunters believe that identifying birds on the wing is a critical skill that every hunter must learn. Some have argued that the 3-bird splash limits constitute “dumbing down” the pursuit.
During an open comment period, the Minnesota DNR heard from those hunters. “Our assessment suggested this evaluation would not negatively impact duck populations,” said Nate Huck, DNR migratory game bird consultant, in a press release. “However, we heard from many hunters who believe the existing six‑bird structure supports a culture of responsibility, mentorship and tradition.”
The agency was ultimately responsive to those comments and “determined it will not be implementing the optional three-duck bag limit at this time.”