Mallard

ND Mallard Hunting Guide

NDWaterfowl
Anas platyrhynchos Wing spread 36 inches Body length 25 inches Weight 2.8 poundsNorth DakotaWaterfowl

Also known as: Greenhead (male), Mallard duck

Mallard Fact Sheet Mallards are large ducks. From late fall through spring, males have a glossy green head, brown chest, and gray back. Females are a drab brownish gray. Both sexes have a glossy violet blue wing speculum with white bars. Fun Facts: The mallard is one of the most researched animal species in the world, and the most abundant in the hunter' s bag.

Habitat & Range

Highly variable in nest site selection, but do best in large blocks of undisturbed grassland cover. Clutch size 9 eggs Incubation period 28 days

Life History

Food: The mallard is highly adaptive, feeding on a variety of foods ranging from aquatic seeds and grains to acorns.

Status, Trends & Threats

The mallard is abundant during migration seasons, and commonly nests in North Dakota, and some birds winter in the state anywhere there is open water and food.

Hunting Season

Sep 27 – Dec 7 (Low Plains and High Plains units); High Plains continues Dec 13 – Jan 4

Bag Limit: 6 ducks daily (max 5 mallards including only 2 females), 3x daily possession
Size Limit: No specific size limit

Frequently Asked Questions

Regulations for hunting Mallard in North Dakota

Mallard hunting follows federal migratory bird regulations. Season: Sep 27 – Dec 7 statewide with High Plains unit extending to Jan 4. Daily bag limit: 6 ducks total including max 5 mallards (only 2 female mallards). Bonus teal: additional 2 blue-winged teal Sep 27 – Oct 5. Federal Duck Stamp required for ages 16+. Non-toxic shot required. Nonresidents restricted Sep 27 – Oct 3 (residents only).

How common are mallards in North Dakota?

Mallards are abundant during migration and commonly nest in the state. They are the most abundant duck in the hunter's bag.

What do mallards eat?

Mallards are highly adaptive feeders, eating everything from aquatic seeds and grains to acorns.

When is Mallard hunting season in North Dakota?

Sep 27 – Dec 7 (Low Plains and High Plains units); High Plains continues Dec 13 – Jan 4

What is the bag limit for Mallard in North Dakota?

6 ducks daily (max 5 mallards including only 2 females), 3x daily possession

What's another name for Mallard?

Mallard is also known as Greenhead (male), Mallard duck in North Dakota.

References

State Category Directory Subcategory Content Source
North Dakota Hunting Regulations Season Dates Sep 27 – Dec 7 (Low Plains and High Plains units); High Plains continues Dec 13 – Jan 4 Link
North Dakota Hunting Regulations Regulations Mallard hunting follows federal migratory bird regulations. Season: Sep 27 – Dec 7 statewide with High Plains unit exten Link