Washington Mallard Hunting
Regulations 2026

Mallards are the most abundant and widely distributed duck in the world. Drakes are unmistakable — iridescent green head, white neck ring, chestnut breast, and curled black tail feathers. Hens are mottled brown with an orange-sided bill. Both sexes show a purple-blue speculum (wing patch) bordered by white bars, visible in flight. Mallards make up a significant portion of most hunters' waterfowl bags and are the target of more duck calls, decoys, and blinds than any other species.

WA Mallard — 2026 At a Glance

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Washington Mallard Hunting — 2026 Regulation Quick Reference Verified August 2026

Buy WA License — Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Official All WA Hunting Regulations

Source: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (wdfw.wa.gov) · Last verified: August 2026

What You Need

License & Tag Requirements to Hunt Mallard in Washington

License / Tag	Resident	Non-Resident	Required For

Season Overview

Washington Mallard Season Calendar 2026

Season	2026 Dates	Legal Methods	Extra License Needed	Notes

By Management Zone

Season Dates & Rules by Zone

Harvest Rules

Washington Mallard Bag Limits & Harvest Regulations

Animal Type	Season Bag Limit	How to Get the Tag	Key Rules

Legal Hunting Methods

Washington Mallard Hunting — Seasons by Method

After the Harvest

Mallard Registration — Washington's Check-In Requirements

Washington-Specific Rules

Washington Mallard Hunting Rules You Must Know

Where to Hunt

Best Mallard Hunting Areas in Washington

Know Your Quarry

Washington Mallard — Biology & Population Facts

Hunting Tactics

Washington Mallard Hunting Tactics — By Season

Official Data Source

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife) — wdfw.wa.gov

Verified August 2026

Questions & Answers

Washington Mallard Hunting — FAQs

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