Rivers
Slip a canoe down a slow stretch of river and jump ducks off the bends and back eddies. Plan a takeout before you put in.
906-214-2308
906-265-9100
40 E Adams St
Iron River, MI 49935
Duck and Goose Hunting in Iron County, Michigan
Iron County • Michigan
Plan an Iron County duck and goose hunt: the kinds of water birds use, the 2026 Upper Peninsula season dates and limits, the licenses you need, and where to stay.
NOV. 22
Duck season runs to Nov. 22, plus Nov. 28–29
DEC. 16
Goose season runs Sept. 1 – Dec. 16
6 DUCKS
Daily limit, with species limits inside it
5 GEESE
Daily limit for Canada and other dark geese
Start With The Water
Where Do Ducks Gather in Iron County?
Iron County is forest and water: slow rivers like the Paint and the Brule, beaver flowages and wetlands tucked into the woods, and lakes and reservoirs of every size.
That mix gives you options. Wood ducks and mallards use the small, wooded water early in the season. Diving ducks show up on the bigger lakes as the fall migration moves through.
The county is in Michigan's North Zone, which covers the whole Upper Peninsula, so the North Zone dates and limits apply.
DNR Where to HuntRead The Water
What Kind of Water Should You Hunt?
Most Iron County waterfowl hunting happens on three kinds of water. Each one calls for a slightly different plan.
Beaver Ponds & Flowages
Small wooded water with standing timber draws wood ducks and mallards. A handful of decoys and a quiet walk-in is often all it takes.
Lakes & Reservoirs
Open water holds diving ducks like bluebills as the season goes on. Watch the wind, and carry the gear for big water.
Scout Before You Arrive
How to Find Duck Water Before You Arrive
The county's largest open water includes Peavy Pond, a 2,400-acre reservoir on the Michigamme and Paint rivers. Big water like this is only part of the picture. Many of the best spots are small ponds you'll only find on a map.
- Open MiHunt and look for public land that touches water.
- Mark rivers, flowages and wetlands inside that land.
- Check that the shoreline you plan to hunt is public.
- Save a backup pond for windy or crowded mornings.
Build Your Plan
Pack for Cold, Wet Mornings
Lead-free shot is required for all waterfowl hunting in Michigan, and shotguns must be plugged to hold no more than three shells. After that, it comes down to decoys, a way onto the water and a good dog.
Canada Geese
What About Goose Hunting?
Goose season in the Upper Peninsula opens September 1 and runs through December 16, the longest waterfowl season of the fall.
Geese feed in hayfields and farm fields and rest on open water. Most field hunting is on private land, so ask the landowner first.
The daily limit is five dark geese (Canada, white-fronted and brant), with no more than one brant.
Goose RulesBefore You Go
Licenses and Rules to Know
Waterfowl are migratory birds, so you need more than a base hunting license.
Licenses
What You Need to Hunt
Hunters 16 and older need a Michigan base license, a waterfowl license (it includes HIP registration) and a federal duck stamp. Electronic duck stamps are valid July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.
License RulesIn The Field
Shot, Guns and Hours
Use lead-free shot only, and plug your shotgun to three shells. Legal hours run from one half-hour before sunrise to sunset. Iron County is on Central Time, so check sunrise for where you hunt.
Waterfowl RegulationsStay In Iron County
Where Can You Stay?
Iron River and Crystal Falls put you close to the rivers and lakes, with hotels, motels, cabins and resorts to dry out in after an early morning on the water.
Find Lodging in Iron CountyWaterfowl Season
Duck and Goose Season for Iron County
Dates below are the 2026 North Zone dates from the Michigan DNR, which cover all of the Upper Peninsula. The DNR's proposed North Zone duck opener for 2027 is September 25.
Ducks
September 26 – November 22
Late Ducks
November 28 – 29
Geese
September 1 – December 16
Daily Limits
6 ducks (no more than 4 mallards, 2 of them hens). 5 dark geese.
Bluebills:
The scaup limit is 2 a day through November 9, then 1 a day for
the rest of the season. Other species limits apply inside the
6-duck total, so read the full rules before you go.
Start Planning
Start Planning Your Iron County Duck Hunt
Mark a few rivers, ponds and lakes on MiHunt, get your licenses and duck stamp in order, and book a room close to the water.
Plan an Iron County duck and goose hunt: 2026 Upper Peninsula season dates and limits, the rivers, ponds and lakes birds use, the licenses you need, and where to stay.
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Rewarding Places to Stay in Michigan
AmericInn
by Wyndham
Chicaugon
Lake Inn
906-265-9244
1700 County Road 424
Gaastra, MI 49917
Lakeshore Motel
Ice Lake
906-265-3611
1257 W Ice Lake Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Pioneer
Lodge
800-362-7853
373 Brule Mountain Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Ski Brule
Village
800-DO-BRULE
906-265-4957
397 Brule Mountain Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Tall
Pines
906-822-7713
1968 US 141 Highway
Amasa, MI 49903
Iron County Michigan Visitors Guide
Iron County is one of the Upper Peninsula’s best kept secrets. From camping to fishing, hunting to canoeing, mountain biking to forest bathing – no matter your interests, the great outdoors and clear crisp air await you here.