The 2026-27 Pacific Flyway Duck Hunting Forecast
Posted 2026-09-30 by
Whether you hunt California's Central Valley or points north, the West Coast is in store for a great season
Pintails remain one of the most important ducks in the waterfowl-rich Pacific Flyway. Photo by Danita Delimont.
Every waterfowl flyway is unique, but the one that hugs North America’s West Coast might offer the most interesting gems. Think cinnamon teal, Pacific brant, harlequin ducks, and a seven-duck daily limit.
Better, signs point toward the 2025-2026 campaign as being one for the books. Here’s how Duck Hunting Nation ranks each state.
ALASKA
The Land of the Midnight Sun is a first-class waterfowl hunting destination, even if it takes some time and money to get there. Take the trip of a lifetime for king eiders and harlequin ducks. Or chase mallards, pintails, and other puddlers inland.
ARIZONA
Don’t let the low grade fool you. Arizona actually has some good duck hunting in areas with sufficient habitat. You just have to seek them out.
CALIFORNIA
The Golden State is a classic waterfowl hunting region. Remember all those pictures of Bing Crosby duck hunting? No? Maybe James Hetfield then? The state still produces mammoth annual harvest numbers, too. Public access can be tricky, but California is loaded with opportunity.
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HAWAII
Beautiful state. No waterfowl hunting. Next.
IDAHO
The Gem State is just that when it comes to waterfowl hunting: an overlooked jewel. With great duck and goose numbers, and lots of public land, it earns a surprising A grade.
MONTANA
OK, full disclosure: Only the western portion of Montana is in the Pacific Flyway. The eastern half is in the Central Flyway. We’re splitting hairs. The state features great waterfowl opportunities and tons of public ground.
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NEVADA
How does an arid, mountainous state score a B from Duck Hunting Nation? It actually features some pretty good hunting, including several wildlife management areas throughout the state
OREGON
Perhaps Oregon is overshadowed by Washington and California, but it’s a first-class waterfowling state, with specks, tidal hunts, divers on the Columbia River and more.
UTAH
The Great Salt Lake alone would make Utah a must-visit duck hunting destination. Pressure can be high, but there are plenty of public areas to roam.
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WASHINGTON
An easy A grade here. The Evergreen State features clouds of puddlers, divers, sea ducks and geese. And there’s ample public land in the eastern portion of the state.
