Duck Hunting Over Flooded Fields

January 2, 2020
Question: Can you hunt ducks over flooded corn? (Jackson)

Answer: Regulations about migratory birds are covered by both state and federal law. It’s not illegal to hunt over standing crops that have been flooded or fields that were flooded after crops are harvested (California Code of Regulations Title14, section 509 and Code of Federal Regulations Title 50, part 20). There are some exceptions. Hunting waterfowl over a crop that has not been harvested but that has been manipulated (rolled/disked) is considered baiting under current regulations and therefore unlawful. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has their own version of a Q&A to provide a more detailed answer to this question.