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Migratory Game Bird & Waterfowl Seasons

Upland and Migratory Birds Seasons and Bag Limits

SeasonsWMDsDatesLimits
First DayLast DayDaily BagPossession
Ruffed Grouse & Bobwhite QuailAllSeptember 30, 2023December 30, 202348
PheasantAllSeptember 30, 2023December 30, 202324
WoodcockAllSee migratory game bird laws for more information
Common SnipeAll
Ducks, Geese, Sea Ducks
(Scoter, Eider, Long-Tailed Duck)
Sora & Virginia Rails
(and Gallinules)		All
Crows1-6August 1, 2023

February 5, 2024

September 23, 2023

April 15, 2024

No Limit
7-29January 21, 2023
August 1, 2023		September 23, 2023

March 15, 2024

2023-2024 Migratory Game Birds Seasons and Bag Limits

Species and AreaSeasonsLimits
First DayLast DayDaily BagPossession
Crows*
Wildlife Management Districts 1-6		August 1,2023September 23, 2023No Limit
February5, 2024April 15,2024
August 1,2024September21, 2024
Crows*
Wildlife Management Districts 7-29		August 1,2023September 23, 2023
January22, 2024March 30, 2024
August 1,2024September21, 2024
Common Snipe**September 1, 2023January 3,20248 24
Woodcock**September30, 2023November21, 20233 9
Rails (Sora and Virginia)***September 1, 2023November 21, 202325
Single or in aggregate
Canada Goose
(Early)		North ZoneSeptember 1, 2023September25, 2023824
South ZoneSeptember 1, 2023September25, 202310 30
Coastal ZoneSeptember 1, 2023September25, 202310 30
Canada Goose
Regular,White-Fronted Geese		North ZoneOctober 2, 2023December 9, 20232 6
South ZoneOctober 2, 2023October14, 2023
November 1, 2023December25, 2023
Coastal ZoneOctober 2, 2023October 7, 20233 9
October 27, 2023January 9, 2024
Snow Geese
Including Blue Geese		October 2, 2023January 31, 202425
Ducks
Including Black Ducks, American Coot, American Wigeon, Common Goldeneye, Scaup, Sea Ducks, Teal, Mergansers, Pintails, Ring-Necked Duck		North ZoneSeptember25, 2023December2, 20236

Species-specific bag limits may be found below. All duck species not listed under exceptions below have a daily bag limit of 4 and possession limit of 12. 		18

Species-specific bag limits may be found below. All duck species not listed under exceptions below have a daily bag limit of 4 and possession limit of 12.
South ZoneSeptember 30, 2023October14, 2023
November 1, 2023December25, 2023
Coastal ZoneSeptember 30, 2023October 7, 2023
November9, 2023January 9, 2024
BrantNorth ZoneSeptember25, 2023October 28, 202313
South ZoneOctober 2, 2023October14, 2023
October 31, 2023November20, 2023
Coastal ZoneOctober 2, 2023October 7, 2023
December 13, 2023January 9, 2024
Special Falconry Season
In addition to the regular migratory bird season (on Ducks, Geese, Mergansers, American Coots.)		North ZoneDecember18, 2023February 7, 20243
Respectively, singly or in aggregate Species Restrictions Apply		9
Respectively, singly or in aggregate Species Restrictions Apply
South ZoneJanuary10, 2024March 1,2024
Coastal ZoneJanuary10, 2024March 1,2024
Special Youth Waterfowl Hunts
All duck species except Harlequins,Barrow'sGoldeneye, and Moorhens and Gallinules – may be hunted on these days, including geese. For the Sept 23, Oct 21, Oct 28 and Dec 9youth days, the goose limit is under the Regular Season limit. On youth waterfowl hunting days, scoters, eiders, and long-tailed ducks may be taken as part of the 6 bird daily limit on regular ducks. Also on these dates, 2 Black Ducks may be taken.		North ZoneSeptember 16, 2023 & December 9, 2023Special regulations apply to youth and accompanying adult. Please see Junior Hunters section.
South ZoneSeptember 23, 2023 & October 21, 2023
Coastal ZoneSeptember 23, 2023 & October 28, 2023

All dates are inclusive except that hunting is prohibited on Sunday.
* Crows are neither migratory waterfowl or migratory game birds. The use of lead shot and the use of a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells is permitted. A migratory waterfowl stamp is not required. Use of electronic calls is permitted.

** Woodcock & Snipe are considered migratory game birds, not migratory waterfowl. The use of lead shot is permitted.
The use of a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells is prohibited. A migratory waterfowl stamp is not required.

*** Rails are considered migratory game birds not migratory waterfowl. The use of lead shot and a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells is prohibited. A migratory waterfowl stamp is not required.

Exceptions

SpeciesLimit
Harlequin Ducks, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Moorhens & GallinulesClosed Season
American CootsIn addition to the 6 duck daily bag limit, hunters may take 5 coots. It is unlawful to possess more than 15 coots at any time.
Northern Pintails, Mottled Ducks, Fulvous Whistling Ducks, and ScaupThe daily limit on these species is 1 bird; possession limit is 3.
Black Duck, Redhead,Hen Mallards and CanvasbackThe daily limit on these species is 2 birds; possession limit is 6.
MallardsThe daily limit is 4 (2 hen mallards); possession limit is 12 (6 hen mallards).
Mergansers (Common, Red-breasted and Hooded)In addition to the 6 duck daily bag limit, hunters may take 5 mergansers in the aggregate, with a species specific limit of 5. It is unlawful to possess more than 15 mergansers at any time.
Sea Ducks (Scoter, Eider, and Long-Tailed Duck)The daily limit is 3 by species (4 total sea ducks), not exceeding 1 hen eider; possession limit is 9 by species (12 total sea ducks), not exceeding 3 hen eiders.
Wood DucksThe daily limit is 3 birds, possession limit is 9.



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