A Guide for Enthusiasts Waterfowl hunting in Saskatchewan is a celebrated two-season tradition that draws hunters from around the world. Thanks to the province’s vast wetlands and rich bird diversity, it’s often called a “duck factory” by biologists. Situated in the heart of the central flyway, Saskatchewan sees millions of ducks and geese pass through each […]
Waterfowl hunting in Saskatchewan is a celebrated two-season tradition that draws hunters from around the world. Thanks to the province’s vast wetlands and rich bird diversity, it’s often called a “duck factory” by biologists. Situated in the heart of the central flyway, Saskatchewan sees millions of ducks and geese pass through each year during their migration, making it one of North America’s premier waterfowl destinations. Hunters frequently refer to it as “on the X” that perfect spot in a field or on water where birds are actively feeding or resting.
Timing your hunt, both the season and time of day, can make all the difference in your ability to tap into that zone of high activity and enjoy success and an overall positive hunting experience. Below, we break down the prime hunting seasons in Saskatchewan and offer tips on when during the day you’re most likely to have a productive outing.
Our beautiful province features numerous lakes, rivers, and marshes that serve as ideal habitats for waterfowl, making Saskatchewan a prime location for hunting many species of ducks, geese, and sandhill cranes. While the entire season offers opportunities, certain windows consistently deliver better bird movement, larger flocks, and more action.
After visiting the province during this season, Randy, a passionate hunter, said:
“The first morning we shot all of our geese and ducks in the matter of an hour. It was the most unbelievable hunt I’ve ever seen in my life. I was just like in awe. It’ll start being a family tradition soon.”
Hunters see fall migration as the prime time for waterfowl hunting in Saskatchewan. As ducks and geese make their journey south from breeding grounds as far north as the Arctic, they funnel through the province’s rich farmlands and wetlands. The season typically runs from September through November, with peak action usually hitting between mid-September and mid-October, when bird numbers are high and movement is steady.
Hunters can expect to see local ducks and geese early in the month. As September advances, northern migratory birds continue to arrive, significantly increasing the population. In particular, snow geese begin arriving in massive flocks during the first week, often numbering in the tens of thousands. By the latter half of the month, strong numbers of every waterfowl species fill the skies, making for optimal “mixed-bag” hunting.
Considered the peak of the hunting season, this month’s cooler temperatures and abundant food supply draw large flocks of waterfowl to Saskatchewan’s wetlands. With the migration in full swing, hunters can expect a diverse array of species to be in the area, including popular options such as mallards, pintails, snow geese, Canada geese, white-fronted geese (also known as specklebellies), and sandhill cranes.
As the peak migration passes, November continues to offer excellent hunting opportunities. By late October and early November, most snow geese have already migrated south, but the season isn’t over. The timing of the hunt largely depends on the weather, as late migrants and resident birds still provide plenty of action and excitement. As long as open water remains, hunters can expect good opportunities for a rewarding experience.
Though less popular than the fall season, the spring snow goose migration still offers exciting opportunities. In late April and May, snow geese and Ross’s geese travel north to their breeding grounds, traveling in massive flocks. Unlike the fall, many species are off-limits during the spring, so the hunt focuses solely on these two. The season tends to be more unpredictable due to changing weather conditions. As snow melts from the fields and ice breaks up on larger water bodies, snow geese begin to arrive from their southern wintering grounds, gathering for several weeks to rest and refuel before continuing their journey north.
In Saskatchewan, ducks and geese typically follow a twice-daily feeding routine, heading out to feed in the early morning and late afternoon, and returning to water in between.
Most waterfowl hunts are done in fields, where hunters set up large decoy spreads in anticipation of these feeding flights. To align with these habits and take advantage of the first feed, morning hunts usually begin around 4:30 a.m. to allow time for travel, setup, and settling into ground blinds before legal shooting begins—half an hour before sunrise. The most intense action often occurs within the first hour to 90 minutes, though late flyers can keep the hunt going longer.
Afternoon hunts are less predictable, as flight times from roosting water to feeding fields vary depending on weather and wind. In-bound migrating flocks can arrive at any time, so it’s wise to be set up well in advance, even if that means spending some quiet time in the field waiting for movement.
Saskatchewan’s professional waterfowl outfitters are key to a successful and stress-free experience. More than just managing logistics and providing the necessary gear like decoys, blinds, and trailers. They bring invaluable local knowledge of bird movement throughout the season and have long-standing relationships with landowners. Since access to private land in Saskatchewan requires permission, having an outfitter who knows landowners by name makes all the difference for securing prime hunting spots quickly and respectfully, ensuring you’re in the right place at the right time.
Waterfowl hunting here offers more than just action-packed days. On your trip, you’ll also make memories that last in a stunning landscape. Whether it’s your first hunt or a return trip, there’s no better place than Saskatchewan to challenge your skills and connect with nature.