Duck season starts early in Florida

It is almost September, which means duck season in Florida is close at hand. Hunters across the state are starting to pull their gear out, check water levels, and make sure everything is ready before the first flights arrive. The preparation done now often shapes the success of the season, whether it is securing the right licenses, scouting wetlands, or making adjustments to equipment.

Florida’s landscape gives hunters a wide range of opportunities, from shallow marshes and wooded swamps to big inland lakes. Each area attracts different ducks, and each part of the season has its own rhythm. Early hunts bring teal and wood ducks, while the colder months deliver larger flocks of divers and the prized mottled duck. By taking time to plan ahead, hunters put themselves in position to enjoy the full range of what Florida’s duck season has to offer.

Why Florida Duck Hunting Stands Out

Florida offers a duck season that is hard to match anywhere else. The state’s wetlands, lakes, and marshes create habitats that support an unusual mix of species. Hunters may start the morning shooting teal over a shallow marsh, then watch rafts of ringnecks raft up on big lakes by midday. On top of that, Florida is home to birds you will not find in most other states, including the mottled duck and two species of whistling ducks. Cold fronts continue pushing new arrivals throughout the season, which keeps the action changing week by week. The combination of diversity, unique species, and steady migration makes hunting here a one-of-a-kind experience.

Licenses and Regulations

Every hunter needs to be properly licensed before heading into the marsh. Florida’s waterfowl rules are specific, and it is important to have the right documents and follow seasonal guidelines. Key requirements include:

• Florida hunting license — required for residents and nonresidents

• Migratory bird permit — state permit that allows hunting of migratory species

• Federal duck stamp — required for all hunters age 16 and older

• Bag limits — vary by species and are updated yearly by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

• Possession limits — regulate how many birds can be kept after multiple days of hunting

• Legal shooting hours — generally from half an hour before sunrise until sunset, with specific exceptions for early teal or wood duck seasons

• Area restrictions — some wildlife management areas enforce additional rules, so always review them before hunting

For the 2025–2026 season, Florida’s duck hunting dates and limits are set as follows:

• Early Teal and Wood Duck Season runs Sept. 20–24 with a bag limit of six daily, of which no more than two may be wood ducks.

• Regular Duck Season runs Nov. 22–30 and Dec. 6–Jan. 25. The daily limit is six ducks, but within that total there are additional restrictions: no more than four mallards (two hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two black ducks, two canvasbacks, three pintails, one mottled duck, and one fulvous whistling duck. Scaup are limited to one daily from Nov. 22–30 and Dec. 6–Jan. 5, then two daily from Jan. 6–25.

• Special Hunt Days include Youth Waterfowl Days (Nov. 15 and Feb. 7) and Veterans and Active Military Waterfowl Days (Jan. 31 and Feb. 1).

The overall daily bag limit remains six ducks, with a possession limit equal to three times the daily bag. Harlequin ducks, brant, and purple gallinule may not be taken, and only approved non-toxic shot is legal for waterfowl.

Scouting the Marshes and Lakes

The difference between a full strap of ducks and an empty morning often comes down to scouting. Florida’s wetlands are varied, including coastal marshes, inland lakes, cypress swamps, and river systems.

• Puddle ducks such as teal and wood ducks favor shallow water full of vegetation. Teal arrive early in September and fly in tight, fast groups, while wood ducks thrive in creeks and flooded timber.
• Diving ducks like ringnecks, scaup, redheads, and buffleheads concentrate in deeper lakes and larger waters. Ringnecks are especially common in Florida’s freshwater systems.

Because rainfall changes water levels every year, pre-season scouting is essential. A spot loaded with ducks one year could be bone dry the next.

Weather and Migration Timing

Cold fronts are the lifeblood of Florida duck hunting. When northern states freeze, waves of birds funnel down the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways into the Sunshine State. Watching the weather can be as important as scouting. New birds often arrive the day after a strong front.

• Early teal season opens in September and offers some of the fastest action of the year.
• Main season in late fall and winter brings more variety, including ringnecks, wood ducks, and the prized Florida mottled duck.
• Whistling ducks including black-bellied and fulvous add a unique trophy element, their high-pitched calls echoing over the marsh.

Essential Gear Checklist

Shotguns and Loads

A 12-gauge is the standard, though many hunters carry a 20-gauge for lighter recoil. Only non-toxic shot is legal: steel, bismuth, or tungsten. Modified or improved cylinder chokes balance well for close and mid-range shots, but it is wise to pattern your shotgun before the opener.

Decoys and Calls

Early-season teal hunts often use a small spread, while late-season diver hunts may require dozens of decoys to imitate natural rafts. A simple quack and feeding chuckle are usually enough to coax birds in, but tailoring your calls to the species you are targeting pays off.

Clothing and Extras

Florida mornings can be chilly, and standing water demands waders. Camouflage that blends with marsh grass helps break up your silhouette.

Duck Species You Can Expect in Florida

Florida offers a wide variety of ducks throughout the season, from early migrators to year-round residents. Knowing the main species helps you match your scouting, calling, and decoy spreads to the birds most likely to show up in your area.

Teal

Blue-winged and green-winged teal arrive first in September, offering fast, challenging shooting. Their quick, twisting flight makes them a favorite target during early season hunts.

Wood Ducks

Wood ducks live in Florida year-round, thriving in wooded swamps, creeks, and flooded timber. Their colorful plumage and tight cover flights make them both beautiful and challenging to hunt.

Ringneck Ducks

One of the most common divers in Florida, ringnecks arrive in big numbers by mid-season. They prefer inland lakes and often travel in flocks that demand quick shooting decisions.

Redheads and Scaup

These divers migrate later in the year, bringing strong flights and bold coloration. Scaup, often called bluebills, are known for their speed, while redheads are prized for their striking appearance.

Mottled and Whistling Ducks

Florida’s mottled duck is a resident species and considered a trophy because of its limited range. Hunters may also encounter black-bellied and fulvous whistling ducks, which stand out with their upright posture and unique calls.

Florida’s Duck Season Breakdown

Florida’s duck season progresses in stages, beginning with a short early hunt and building toward the peak winter months. Each phase brings different species and conditions, and hunters who adjust their approach accordingly are best prepared for success.

• September brings the early teal and wood duck season. Blue-winged and green-winged teal dominate this stretch, while wood ducks remain steady in creeks and swampy timber. Fast flight patterns and smaller decoy spreads define this portion of the season.
• Late fall marks the opening of the regular season. Ringneck ducks become the most common bird across Florida’s lakes, and cold fronts begin pushing fresh waves of waterfowl into the state. Scouting plays a key role in locating the areas with the heaviest concentrations.
• Winter is the height of the migration. December and January deliver the greatest variety, with redheads, scaup, buffleheads, and other divers arriving in larger numbers. Trophy opportunities increase as Florida mottled ducks and both species of whistling ducks appear more frequently. Birds are more cautious during this phase, often requiring larger spreads and more deliberate setups to draw them into range.

Preparing for the Hunt

Preparation before the season is where much of the success begins. Scouting is often the most time-consuming part, since water levels, food sources, and hunting pressure shift every year. A marsh that was filled with ducks last season might be dry or empty this year, so checking wetlands at first light and watching evening flights helps pinpoint where birds will be once the season opens.

Essential equipment to check ahead of time includes:

• Boat and motor in working order
• Blinds brushed and set
• Shotgun cleaned and patterned with the right loads
• Waders and jackets checked for leaks
• Headlamp and extra batteries
• Dry bag for shells and gear
• Cooler for harvested birds
• Game strap for carrying

Practical Considerations

These steps add up, and overlooking even small details can disrupt a hunt. Boats that have not been tested, blinds left unprepared, or waders that leak on a cold morning all take away from the focus once the birds are flying. A guide can remove much of this workload by handling scouting, blinds, decoys, and boat access. What remains are the essentials that only you can bring: licenses and permits, your firearm and ammunition, and clothing suited to the conditions. With those bases covered, you arrive ready to hunt without carrying the full burden of preparation.

The Experience of Florida Duck Hunting

Duck season in Florida brings with it a wide mix of challenges and rewards. From the early flights of teal to the big winter rafts of divers, every stage of the season offers something different to look forward to. Careful preparation, attention to detail, and time spent in the marsh are what turn those opportunities into full straps. For hunters who want to make the most of the season without carrying all of the workload themselves, working with a guide service can take the experience to another level, and that is where HuntnFL comes in.

HuntnFL has spent years guiding hunters through Florida’s wetlands, lakes, and marshes. With scouting, blinds, boats, and decoys already handled, you can focus on the hunt itself while relying on local expertise to put you where the birds are. Their commitment to safety, ethical practices, and memorable hunts has made them a trusted name across the region. If you are ready to experience Florida duck hunting at its best, book a trip with us today.