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Maine › Hunting › Migratory Game Bird & Waterfowl Seasons

Migratory Game Bird & Waterfowl Seasons

2022-2023 Migratory Game Birds Seasons and Bag Limits

Species and AreaSeasonsLimits
First DayLast DayDaily BagPossession
Crows*
Wildlife Management Districts 1-6		August 1, 2022September 23, 2022No Limit
February 6, 2023April 15, 2023
August 1, 2023September 23, 2023
Crows*
Wildlife Management Districts 7-29		August 1, 2022September 23, 2022
January 21, 2023March 31, 2023
August 1, 2023September 23, 2023
Common Snipe**September 1, 2022January 3, 2023824
Woodcock**September 24, 2022November 15, 202239
Rails (Sora and Virginia)***September 1, 2022November 21, 20225
Singly or in aggregate
Canada Goose
(Early)		North ZoneSeptember 1, 2022September 24, 2022618
South ZoneSeptember 1, 2022September 24, 20221030
Coastal ZoneSeptember 1, 2022September 24, 20221030
Canada Goose
Regular, White-Fronted Geese		North ZoneOctober 1, 2022December 9, 202226
South ZoneOctober 1, 2022October 15, 2022
November 1, 2022December 24, 2022
Coastal ZoneOctober 1, 2022October 8, 202239
October 27, 2022January 7, 2023
Snow Geese
Including Blue Geese		October 1, 2022January 31, 202325
Regular Ducks
Including Black Ducks, American Coot, American Wigeon, Common Goldeneye, Scaup, Sea Ducks, Teal, Mergansers, Pintails, Ring-Necked Duck		North ZoneSeptember 26, 2022December 3, 20226

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 ZoneOctober 1, 2022October 15, 2022
November 1, 2022December 24, 2022
Coastal ZoneOctober 1, 2022October 8, 2022
November 8, 2022January 7, 2023
BrantNorth ZoneSeptember 26, 2022November 22, 202226
South ZoneOctober 1, 2022October 15, 2022
November 1, 2022December 13, 2022
Coastal ZoneOctober 1, 2022October 8, 2022
November 19, 2022January 7, 2023
Special Falconry Season
In addition to the regular migratory bird season (on Ducks, Geese, Mergansers, American Coots.)		North ZoneDecember 17, 2022February 7, 20213
Respectively, singly or in aggregate Species Restrictions Apply		9
Respectively, singly or in aggregate Species Restrictions Apply
South ZoneJanuary 9, 2023March 1, 2023
Coastal ZoneJanuary 9, 2023March 1, 2023
Special Youth Waterfowl Hunts
All duck species except Harlequins, Barrow’s Goldeneye, and Moorhens and Gallinules – may be hunted on these days, including geese. For the Sept 24, Oct 22, Oct 29 and Dec 10 youth 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 17, 2022 & December 10, 2022Special regulations apply to youth and accompanying adult. Please see Junior Hunters section.
South ZoneSeptember 24, 2022 & October 22, 2022
Coastal ZoneSeptember 24, 2022 & October 29, 2022

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, Scaup and Hen Mallards, Hen EidersThe daily limit on these species is 1 bird; possession limit is 3.
Black Duck, Redhead, and CanvasbackThe daily limit on these species is 2 birds; possession limit is 6.
MallardsThe daily limit is 2, only one may be a hen; possession limit is 6, only 3 may be hens.
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)Hunters may take 4 sea ducks under the general 6 duck daily bag limit. No more than 3 scoter, eider (no more than 1 hen eider), or long-tailed duck.
Wood DucksThe daily limit is 3 birds, possession limit is 9.

Hunting Hours

Hunting hours on migratory game birds are from 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset daily.
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