Which state has the cheapest non-resident waterfowl hunting license?

Rhode Island ($18) and Delaware ($25) have the lowest non-resident waterfowl license costs in the US for the 2025–26 season. However, the total cost to hunt includes the Federal Duck Stamp ($25) plus any state-specific stamps or endorsements. Rhode Island's total non-resident cost (license + federal duck stamp) is approximately $43, making it the most affordable state for non-resident duck hunting. Source: Rhode Island DFW and USFWS, verified 2026-05-08.

What is the total cost to hunt ducks as a non-resident?

Total non-resident waterfowl hunting cost includes the state hunting license, the Federal Migratory Bird (Duck) Stamp ($25), HIP registration (usually free), and any state-specific stamps or endorsements. Examples for 2025–26: Rhode Island ~$43 total, Delaware ~$50 total, New Jersey ~$59 total, North Carolina ~$65 total, Georgia ~$80 total, Oklahoma ~$100 total, Arkansas ~$110–$175 total. Washington ($218+) and Florida ($176+) are among the most expensive. Source: State agencies, verified 2026-05-08.

Do cheap license states have good duck hunting?

Not necessarily. Rhode Island and Delaware are among the cheapest, but they have limited waterfowl populations and smaller public lands compared to top destinations. North Carolina ($40 NR license) is a notable exception — affordable AND offers quality hunting on coastal sounds and inland impoundments. Oklahoma ($75) and Arkansas ($85–$150) offer the best value combination of low cost and high hunting quality in the Mississippi and Central Flyways. Source: BlindBook Research Team, verified 2026-05-08.

Do you need a federal duck stamp in every state?

Yes — the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp ($25 for 2025–26) is required in every US state for any waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or older. This is a federal requirement separate from state licensing and applies regardless of which state you hunt in. The duck stamp must be physically signed across the face and carried while hunting. It is valid from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. Source: USFWS, verified 2026-05-08.

Which state has the most expensive non-resident waterfowl license?

Washington ($218), Florida ($151.50), California (~$94 hunting license + duck validation), and West Virginia ($160) have the highest non-resident waterfowl license costs for 2025–26. Add the federal Duck Stamp ($25) to each for the true total. Washington's high cost reflects its conservative management approach and significant non-resident demand for Pacific Flyway hunting. Source: State agencies, verified 2026-05-08.

Seasons/Cheapest Non-Resident Licenses

Cheapest Non-Resident Waterfowl Licenses — 2025–26 Rankings

All 50 states ranked by non-resident license cost. Rhode Island leads at $18, but the “best value” states balance cost with hunting quality. Here's the full picture.

Total cost reminder: Add the Federal Duck Stamp ($25) to every state cost shown below. HIP registration is free in most states. Some states also require additional stamps or endorsements.

Rank	State	NR License	~Total w/ Stamp	Flyway
1	Rhode Island	$18	~$43	Atlantic
2	Delaware	$25	~$50	Atlantic
3	New Jersey	$34	~$59	Atlantic
4	North Carolina	$40	~$65	Atlantic
5	Georgia	$55	~$80	Atlantic
6	Maryland	$61	~$86	Atlantic
7	Massachusetts	$65.50	~$91	Atlantic
8	Oklahoma	$75	~$100	Central
9	Texas	$80	~$105	Central
10	South Carolina	$82	~$107	Atlantic
11	Virginia	$85	~$110	Atlantic
12	Arkansas	$85–$150	~$110–$175	Mississippi
13	Connecticut	$91	~$116	Atlantic
14	California	~$94 (lic+validation)	~$119	Pacific
15	Minnesota	$96	~$121	Mississippi
16	Nebraska	$96	~$121	Central
17	Kansas	$97.50	~$123	Central
18	Mississippi	$100	~$125	Mississippi
19	Utah	$101	~$126	Pacific
20	Pennsylvania	$101.97	~$127	Atlantic
21	Hawaii	$105	~$130	Pacific
22	Kentucky	$115	~$140	Mississippi
23	Alabama	$116	~$141	Mississippi
24	Maine	$116	~$141	Atlantic
25	Iowa	$121	~$146	Mississippi
26	Indiana	$125	~$150	Mississippi
27	Ohio	$125	~$150	Mississippi
28	Tennessee	$125	~$150	Mississippi
29	New York	$125	~$150	Atlantic
30	South Dakota	$126	~$151	Central
31	Wyoming	$128	~$153	Central
32	New Hampshire	$131	~$156	Atlantic
33	Montana	$131	~$156	Central
34	Missouri	$135	~$160	Mississippi
35	New Mexico	$137	~$162	Central
36	Nevada	$142	~$167	Pacific
37	Colorado	$148.63	~$174	Central
38	Louisiana	$150	~$175	Mississippi
39	Florida	$151.50	~$177	Atlantic
40	North Dakota	$155	~$180	Central
41	West Virginia	$160	~$185	Atlantic
42	Arizona	$160	~$185	Pacific
43	Alaska	$160	~$185	Pacific
44	Oregon	$166	~$191	Pacific
45	Wisconsin	$165	~$190	Mississippi
46	Michigan	$165	~$190	Mississippi
47	Idaho	$168.50	~$194	Pacific
48	Illinois	$170	~$195	Mississippi
49	Vermont	$103	~$128	Atlantic
50	Washington	$218	~$243	Pacific

Frequently Asked Questions — License Costs

Related Rankings

Longest Seasons →Highest Bag Limits →Earliest Openers →

License costs compiled from state agency websites for the 2025–26 hunting season. Costs may not include all required stamps, endorsements, or access permits. Always verify current pricing at the official state agency website before purchasing. Last verified: May 8, 2026. Source: BlindBook Research Team. Always confirm with official state agency regulations before hunting.

For waterfowl population trends, harvest analysis, and conservation research, see WaterfowlAI Insights.