The public comment period for revised waterfowl hunting zones for the 2026 to 2030 seasons is open now until Wednesday, July 9, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

The Ohio Wildlife Council received the proposal for the waterfowl zone revisions in late April. In the new proposal, Zone A falls in northwest Ohio, Zone B includes northeast Ohio and some areas in northwest Ohio, and Zone C comprises the remainder of the state. A map and description of the proposed zones can be found at wildohio.gov. Hunters should note that under the proposed rules the waters of Lake Erie are part of Zone B, and the Zone A boundary extends 100 yards offshore into Lake Erie.

Click here to see proposed map of zones.

Public comments on the proposal are accepted at wildohio.gov until Wednesday, July 9. A statewide hearing on the proposed rules will be held on Wednesday, July 16.

The proposed waterfowl hunting zones were created in response to waterfowl hunter surveys and within regulation frameworks established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. As in past seasons, the proposal includes three zones.

The current waterfowl zones remain in place for the upcoming 2025-26 duck and goose hunting seasons. If approved, the proposed zone change would take effect for the 2026-27 waterfowl hunting season.

Ohio Wildlife Council

The Ohio Wildlife Council approves all Division of Wildlife proposed rules and regulations. Council meetings are open to the public. Individuals interested in providing comments are asked to call 614-265-6304 at least two days prior to the meeting to register. All comments are required to be three minutes or less.

The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.