Migratory Bird Hunting; 2024-25 Seasons for Certain Migratory Game Birds
This rule prescribes the seasons, hours, areas, and daily bag and possession limits for hunting migratory birds. Taking of migratory birds is prohibited unless specifically prov...
This rule prescribes the seasons, hours, areas, and daily bag and possession limits for hunting migratory birds. Taking of migratory birds is prohibited unless specifically provided for by annual regulations. This rule permits the taking of designated species during the 2024-25 season.
Jerome Ford, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, (703) 358-2606. Individuals in the United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services. Individuals outside the United States should use the relay services offered within their country to make international calls to the point-of-contact in the United States.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Regulations Schedule for 2024
On February 8, 2024, we published in the
Federal Register
(89 FR 8631) a proposal to amend title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at part 20. The proposal provided a background and overview of the migratory bird hunting regulations process and addressed the establishment of seasons, limits, and other regulations for hunting migratory game birds under §§ 20.100 through 20.107, 20.109, and 20.110 of subpart K. Major steps in the 2024-25 regulatory cycle relating to open public meetings and
Federal Register
notifications were illustrated in the diagram at the end of the February 8, 2024, proposed rule.
We provided the meeting dates and locations for the Service Regulations Committee (SRC) on our website at
https://www.fws.gov/event/us-fish-and-wildlife-service-migratory-bird-regulations-committee-meeting
and Flyway Council meetings on flyway calendars posted on our website at
https://www.fws.gov/partner/migratory-bird-program-administrative-flyways.
On October 10, 2023, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council Consultants, at which the participants reviewed information on the current status of migratory game birds and developed recommendations for the 2024-25 regulations for these species. The February 8, 2024, proposed rule provided detailed information on the proposed 2024-25 regulatory schedule.
On May 13, 2024, we published in the
Federal Register
(89 FR 41522) the proposed frameworks for migratory game bird hunting regulations during the 2024-25 season. On August 26, 2024, we published in the
Federal Register
(89 FR 68500) the final frameworks for migratory game bird hunting regulations, from which State wildlife conservation agency officials selected seasons, hours, areas, and limits for hunting migratory birds during the 2024-25 season.
The final rule described here is the final in the series of proposed, supplemental, and final rulemaking documents for migratory game bird hunting regulations for the 2024-25 season and deals specifically with amending subpart K of 50 CFR part 20. It sets hunting seasons, hours, areas, and limits for migratory game bird species. This final rule is the culmination of the
( printed page 70546)
annual rulemaking process allowing migratory game bird hunting, which started with the February 8, 2024, proposed rule. As discussed elsewhere in this document, we supplemented that proposal on May 13, 2024, and published final season frameworks on August 26, 2024, that provided the regulatory frameworks from which the States selected their hunting seasons. This final rule sets the migratory game bird hunting seasons based on that input from the States.
Required Determinations
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Consideration
The programmatic document, “Second Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (EIS 20130139),” filed with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on May 24, 2013, addresses NEPA compliance by the Service for issuance of the annual framework regulations for hunting of migratory game bird species. We published a notice of availability in the
Federal Register
on May 31, 2013 (78 FR 32686), and our Record of Decision on July 26, 2013 (78 FR 45376). We also address NEPA compliance for waterfowl hunting frameworks through the annual preparation of separate environmental assessments, the most recent being “Duck Hunting Regulations for 2024-25,” with its corresponding 2024 finding of no significant impact, available at
https://www.regulations.gov
at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2023-0113.
Endangered Species Act Consideration
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531et seq.), provides that the Secretary shall insure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered species or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat. Consequently, we conducted formal consultations to ensure that actions resulting from these regulations would not likely jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical habitat. Findings from these consultations are included in a biological opinion, which concluded that the regulations are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species. Additionally, these findings may have caused modification of some regulatory measures previously proposed, and the final frameworks (89 FR 68500, August 26, 2024) reflect any such modifications. The biological opinion is available from
https://www.regulations.gov
at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2023-0113.
Regulatory Planning and Review—Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and 14094
Executive Order 14094 amends and reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 and E.O. 13563. Regulatory analysis should facilitate agency efforts to develop regulations that serve the public interest, advance statutory objectives, and are consistent with E.O. 12866, E.O. 13563, and the Presidential Memorandum of January 20, 2021 (Modernizing Regulatory Review). Regulatory analysis, as practicable and appropriate, shall recognize distributive impacts and equity, to the extent permitted by law. We have developed this final rule in a manner consistent with these requirements.
E.O. 12866, as reaffirmed by E.O. 13563 and amended by E.O. 14094, provides that the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will review all significant rules. This action is a “significant regulatory action,” as defined under section 3(f)(1) of E.O. 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), as amended by E.O. 14094 (88 FR 21879, April 11, 2023).
An economic analysis was prepared for the 2024-25 migratory bird hunting season. This analysis was based on data from the 2011 and the 2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (National Survey), the most recent years for which data are available. See discussion under Required Determinations,
Regulatory Flexibility Act,
below. This analysis estimated consumer surplus for four alternatives for duck hunting regulations. As defined by OMB in Circular A-4, consumers' surplus is the difference between what a consumer pays for a unit of a good or service and the maximum amount the consumer would be willing to pay for that unit. The duck hunting regulatory alternatives are (1) not opening a hunting season, (2) issuing restrictive regulations that allow fewer days than the 2023-24 season, (3) issuing moderate regulations that allow more days than in Alternative 2 but fewer days than the 2023-24 season, and (4) issuing liberal regulations that allow days similar to the 2023-24 season. The estimated consumer surplus associated with liberal regulations issued for the 2024-25 season across all flyways was $606 million to $797 million (2023$). We also chose Alternative 4 (liberal regulations) for the 2009-10 through 2023-24 seasons. The 2024-25 analysis is part of the record for this rulemaking action and is available at
https://www.regulations.gov
at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2023-0113.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The annual migratory bird hunting regulations have a significant economic impact on substantial numbers of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601et seq.). An initial regulatory flexibility analysis was prepared to analyze the economic impacts of the annual hunting regulations on small business entities. This analysis is updated annually. The primary source of information about hunter expenditures for migratory game bird hunting is the National Survey, which is generally conducted at 5-year intervals. The 2022 National Survey did not collect migratory bird expenditure data, so the 2024-25 migratory bird hunting season analysis is based on the 2011 and 2016 National Surveys and the U.S. Department of Commerce's County Business Patterns, from which it is estimated that migratory bird hunters will spend approximately $2.6 billion (2023$) at small businesses during the 2024-25 migratory bird hunting season. Copies of the analysis are available upon request from the person listed above under
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
or from
https://www.regulations.gov
at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2023-0113.
Congressional Review Act
The Congressional Review Act (CRA; 5 U.S.C. 801et seq.) was signed into law as part of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA; title II of Pub. L. 104-121, March 29, 1996). Pursuant to the CRA, OIRA designated this action as a major rule, as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2), because it is likely to result in an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. However, because this final rule establishes a regulatory program for an activity related to hunting and because hunting seasons are time sensitive, we establish the effective date of this final rule using the exemption in the CRA at 5 U.S.C. 808(1).
Paperwork Reduction Act
This rule does not contain any new collection of information that requires approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501et seq.). OMB has previously approved the information collection requirements
( printed page 70547)
associated with migratory bird surveys and the procedures for establishing annual migratory bird hunting seasons under the following OMB control numbers:
1018-0019, “North American Woodcock Singing Ground Survey” (expires 02/28/2027).
1018-0023, “Migratory Bird Surveys,50 CFR 20.20” (expires 05/31/2026). Includes Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program, Migratory Bird Hunter Surveys, Sandhill Crane Survey, and Parts Collection Survey.
1018-0171, “Establishment of Annual Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons,50 CFR part 20” (expires 10/31/2024).
You may view the information collection request(s) at
https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.
An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
We have determined and certify, in compliance with the requirements of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1501et seq.,
that this final rulemaking does not include any Federal mandate that may result in the expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 million or more (adjusted for inflation) in any 1 year and does not significantly or uniquely affect small governments.
The Department, in promulgating this final rule, has determined that this rule will not unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of E.O. 12988.
In accordance with E.O. 12630, this final rule, authorized by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA; 16 U.S.C. 703-711), does not have significant takings implications and does not affect any constitutionally protected property rights. This final rule will not result in the physical occupancy of property, the physical invasion of property, or the regulatory taking of any property. In fact, this final rule allows hunters to exercise otherwise unavailable privileges and, therefore, reduces restrictions on the use of private and public property.
E.O. 13211 requires agencies to prepare statements of energy effects when undertaking certain actions. While this final rule is a significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866, it is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy and has not been designated by OIRA as a significant energy action. Therefore, no statement of energy effects is required.
Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes
In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, “Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal Governments” (59 FR 22951), E.O. 13175, and 512 DM 2, we have evaluated possible effects on federally recognized Indian Tribes with respect to impacts to Tribes' treaty rights to hunt waterfowl, and we have determined that there are de minimis effects on Indian Tribes for that aspect of their treaty rights. Through this process to establish annual hunting regulations, we regularly coordinate with Tribes that are affected by this final rulemaking action. This final rule will not have substantial direct effects on one or more Indian Tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian Tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian Tribes. This rule is general in nature and does not directly affect any specific Tribal lands, treaty rights, or Tribal trust resources. In addition, this final rule does not interfere with the ability of Tribes to manage themselves or their funds or to regulate migratory bird activities on Tribal lands. We recognize that, in certain cases, conflicts may arise between States and specific Tribes on aspects of other Tribal treaty rights. The Service actively supports the parties reaching a mutually agreeable solution to such conflicts. Therefore, we conclude that this final rule does not have “Tribal implications” under section 1(a) of E.O. 13175 with respect to waterfowl treaty rights. Thus, formal government-to-government consultation is not required by E.O. 13175 and related policies of the Department of the Interior. We will continue to collaborate with Tribes on concerns related to migratory bird hunting regulations.
Due to the migratory nature of certain species of birds, the Federal Government has been given responsibility over these species by the MBTA. We annually prescribe frameworks from which the States make selections regarding the hunting of migratory birds, and we employ guidelines to establish special regulations on Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. This process preserves the ability of the States and Tribes to determine which seasons meet their individual needs. We recognize that, in certain cases, conflicts may arise between States and specific Tribes on aspects of other Tribal treaty rights. The Service actively supports the parties reaching a mutually agreeable solution to such conflicts.
Any State or Tribe may be more restrictive in its regulations than the Federal frameworks at any time. The frameworks are developed in a cooperative process with the States and the Flyway Councils. This process allows States to participate in the development of frameworks from which they will make selections, thereby having an influence on their own regulations. This final rule will not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in accordance with E.O. 13132, this final regulation does not have federalism implications and does not warrant the preparation of a federalism summary impact statement.
Review of Public Comments
The February 8, 2024, proposed (preliminary) rulemaking (89 FR 8631) opened the public comment period for 2024-25 migratory game bird hunting regulations. We previously addressed all pertinent comments in our May 13, 2024, proposed rule (see 89 FR 41522) and August 26, 2024, final rule (89 FR 68500).
Regulations Promulgation
The rulemaking process for migratory game bird hunting, by its nature, operates under a time constraint as seasons must be established each year or hunting seasons remain closed. However, we intend that the public be provided extensive opportunity for public input and involvement in compliance with Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. subchapter II) requirements. Thus, when the preliminary proposed rulemaking was published, we established what we concluded were the longest periods possible for public comment and the most opportunities for public involvement. We also provided
( printed page 70548)
notification of our participation in multiple Flyway Council meetings, opportunities for additional public review and comment on all Flyway Council proposals for regulatory change, and opportunities for additional public review during the SRC meeting. Therefore, we conclude that sufficient public notice and opportunity for involvement have been given to affected persons.
Further, States need sufficient time to communicate these season selections to their affected publics, and to establish and publicize the necessary regulations and procedures to implement these seasons. Thus, we find that “good cause” exists, within the terms of 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) of the Administrative Procedure Act, and, therefore, under authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (July 3, 1918), as amended (16 U.S.C. 703-711), these regulations will take effect less than 30 days after publication. Accordingly, with each conservation agency having had an opportunity to participate in selecting the hunting seasons desired for its State or Territory on those species of migratory birds for which open seasons are now prescribed, and consideration having been given to all other relevant matters presented, certain sections of title 50, chapter I, subchapter B, part 20, subpart K, are hereby amended as set forth below.
Signing Authority
Shannon Estenoz, Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, approved this action on July 31, 2024, for publication. On August 22, 2024, Shannon Estenoz authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the document to the Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as an official document of the Department of the Interior.
Chief of Staff, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, title 50, chapter I, subchapter B, part 20, subpart K of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:
PART 20—MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING
1. The authority citation for part 20 continues to read as follows:
The following annual hunting regulations provided for by §§ 20.101 through 20.107 and 20.109 of 50 CFR part 20 will not appear in the Code of Federal Regulations because of their seasonal nature.
Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows:
Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
CHECK COMMONWEALTH REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.
(a)
Puerto Rico.
Restrictions:
In Puerto Rico, the season is closed on the ruddy duck, white-cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck, masked duck, purple gallinule, American coot, Caribbean coot, white-crowned pigeon, and plain pigeon.
Closed Areas:
Closed areas are described in the August 26, 2024,
Federal Register
(89 FR 68500).
Species
Season dates
Limits
Bag
Possession
Doves and Pigeons:
Zenaida, white-winged, and mourning doves (1)
Sept. 7-Nov. 4
30
90
Scaly-naped pigeons
Sept. 7-Nov. 4
5
15
Ducks
Nov. 16-Dec. 23 & Jan. 11-Jan. 27
6
18
Common Gallinules
Nov. 16-Dec. 23 & Jan. 11-Jan. 27
6
18
Snipe
Nov. 16-Dec. 23 & Jan. 11-Jan. 27
8
24
(1) The daily bag limit for Zenaida, white-winged, and mourning doves is in the aggregate and may include not more than 10 Zenaida and 3 mourning doves. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.
(b)
Virgin Islands.
Restrictions:
In the Virgin Islands, the seasons are closed for ground or quail doves, pigeons, ruddy duck, white-cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck, masked duck, and all other ducks, and purple gallinule.
Closed Areas:
Ruth Cay, just south of St. Croix, is closed to the hunting of migratory game birds. All Offshore Cays under jurisdiction of the Virgin Islands Government are closed to the hunting of migratory game birds.
Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows:
( printed page 70549)
Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset. Area descriptions were published in the August 26, 2024,
Federal Register
(89 FR 68500).
Note:
Light geese include lesser snow (including blue) geese, greater snow geese, and Ross's geese.
Falconry:
The total combined bag and possession limit for migratory game birds taken with the use of a raptor under a falconry permit is 3 per day, 9 in possession, and may not exceed a more restrictive limit for any species listed in this section.
Special Tundra Swan Season:
In Game Management Units (Units) 17, 18, 22, and 23, in the North Zone, the tundra swan season is from September 1 through October 31 with a season limit of 3 tundra swans per hunter. This season is by State permit only; hunters will be issued 1 permit allowing the take of up to 3 tundra swans. Hunters will be required to file a harvest report with the State after the season is completed. Up to 500 permits may be issued in Unit 18; 300 permits each in Units 22 and 23; and 200 permits in Unit 17.
CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.
Area
Season dates
North Zone
Sept. 1-Dec. 16.
Gulf Coast Zone
Sept. 1-Dec. 16.
Southeast Zone
Sept. 1-Nov. 30.
Dec. 16-Dec. 31.
Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zone
Oct. 8-Jan. 22.
Kodiak Zone
Oct. 8-Jan. 22.
Area
Daily bag and possession limits
Ducks (1)
Canada &
Cackling
geese
(2)(3)(4)
White-
Fronted
geese
(5)(6)
Light
geese
Brant
Emperor
geese
(7)(8)
Snipe
Sandhill
cranes
(9)
North Zone
10-30
4-12
4-12
6-18
2-6
1-1
8-24
3-9
Gulf Coast Zone
8-24
4-12
4-12
6-18
2-6
1-1
8-24
2-6
Southeast Zone
7-21
4-12
4-12
6-18
2-6
1-1
8-24
2-6
Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zone
7-21
4-12
4-12
6-18
2-6
1-1
8-24
2-6
Kodiak Zone
7-21
4-12
4-12
6-18
2-6
1-1
8-24
2-6
(1) The basic duck bag limits may include no more than 2 canvasbacks daily and may not include sea ducks. In addition to the basic duck limits, the sea duck limit is 10 daily, including no more than 6 each of either harlequin or long-tailed ducks. Sea ducks include scoters, common and king eiders, harlequin ducks, long-tailed ducks, and common, hooded, and red-breasted mergansers. The season for Steller's and spectacled eiders is closed.
(2) Daily bag and possession limits are in the aggregate for the two species.
(3) In Game Management Units (Units) 5 and 6, in the Gulf Coast Zone, the taking of Canada and cackling geese is only permitted from September 28 through December 16. In the Middleton Island portion of Unit 6, the taking of Canada and cackling geese is by special permit only. The maximum number of Canada and cackling geese permits is 10 for the season. A mandatory goose-identification class is required. Hunters must check in and out. The daily bag and possession limits are 1 Canada or cackling goose. The season will close if harvest includes 5 dusky Canada geese. A dusky Canada goose is any dark-breasted Canada goose (Munsell 10 YR color value five or less) with a bill length between 40 and 50 millimeters.
(4) In Unit 10, in the Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zone, for Canada and cackling geese, the daily bag limit is 6 and the possession limit is 18.
(5) In Unit 9, in the Gulf Coast Zone, Unit 10, in the Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zone, and Unit 17, in the North Zone, for white-fronted geese, the daily bag limit is 6 and the possession limit is 18.
(6) In Unit 18, in the North Zone, for white-fronted geese, the daily bag limit is 10 and the possession limit is 30.
(7) In Unit 8, in the Kodiak Zone, the Kodiak Island Roaded Area is closed to emperor goose hunting. The Kodiak Island Roaded Area consists of all lands and water (including exposed tidelands) east of a line extending from Crag Point in the north to the west end of Saltery Cove in the south and all lands and water south of a line extending from Termination Point along the north side of Cascade Lake extending to Anton Larsen Bay. Marine waters adjacent to the closed area are closed to harvest within 500 feet from the water's edge. The offshore islands are open to harvest, for example: Woody, Long, Gull and Puffin Islands.
(8) Emperor goose hunting is by State permit only; no more than 1 emperor goose may be harvested per hunter per season. Hunters will be required to file a harvest report with the State after harvesting an emperor goose. Total emperor goose harvest may not exceed 500 birds. See State regulations for specific dates, times, and conditions of permit hunts and closures.
(9) In Unit 17, in the North Zone, for sandhill cranes, the daily bag limit is 2 and the possession limit is 6.
Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for doves and pigeons.
Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows:
Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in the August 26, 2024,
Federal Register
(89 FR 68500).
CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.
(a)
Doves.
Note:
Unless otherwise specified, the seasons listed below are for mourning and white-winged doves. The daily bag and possession limits are in the aggregate for the two species.
(1) In
Illinois and Ohio,
shooting hours are sunrise to sunset.
(2) In
Texas,
the daily bag limit is 15 mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be white-tipped doves with a maximum 90-day season. Possession limits are three times the daily bag limit. During the special season in the Special White-winged Dove Area of the South Zone, the daily bag limit is 15 mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be mourning doves and no more than 2 may be white-tipped doves. Possession limits are three times the daily bag limit. Shooting hours in the Special White-winged Dove area are from noon to sunset.
(3) In
Arizona and California,
the daily bag limit is 15 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 10 may be white-winged doves.
(4) In
Hawaii,
the season is open only on the islands of Hawaii and Maui. On the island of Hawaii, the daily bag limit is 10 mourning doves, spotted doves, and chestnut-bellied sandgrouse in the aggregate. On the island of Maui, the daily bag limit is 10 mourning doves. Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise through one-half hour after sunset. See State regulations for additional restrictions on hunting dates and areas.
(b)
Band-tailed Pigeons.
Area
Season dates
Limits
Bag
Possession
Arizona
Sept. 27-Oct. 10
2
6
California:
North Zone
Sept. 21-Sept. 29
2
6
South Zone
Dec. 21-Dec. 29
2
6
Colorado
(1)
Sept. 1-Sept. 14
2
6
New Mexico
(1):
North Zone
Sept. 1-Sept. 14
2
6
South Zone
Oct. 1-Oct. 14
2
6
Oregon
Sept. 15-Sept. 23
2
6
Utah
(1)
Sept. 2-Sept. 14
2
6
Washington
Sept. 15-Sept. 23
2
6
(1) Each band-tailed pigeon hunter must have a band-tailed pigeon hunting permit issued by the State.
Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for rails, woodcock, and snipe.
Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows:
Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in the August 26, 2024,
Federal Register
(89 FR 68500).
Note:
Unless otherwise specified, the daily bag and possession limits for sora and Virginia rails are in the aggregate, and the daily bag and possession limits for clapper and king rails are in the aggregate.
CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.
Area
Sora and Virginia rails
Clapper and King rails
Woodcock
Snipe
Daily bag limit
25
15
3
8
Possession limit
75
45
9
24
ATLANTIC FLYWAY
Connecticut
(1)
Sept. 2-Oct. 22 & Nov. 1-Nov. 30
Sept. 2-Oct. 22 & Nov. 1-Nov. 30
Oct. 24-Dec. 14
Sept. 2-Oct. 11 & Oct. 18-Dec. 31.
Delaware
(2)
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
Nov. 25-Dec. 1 & Dec. 21-Jan. 27
Sept. 24-Dec. 1 & Dec. 21-Jan. 27
Florida
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
Dec. 18-Jan. 31
Nov. 1-Feb. 15.
Georgia
Sept. 16-Sept. 23 & Oct. 15-Dec. 15
Sept. 16-Sept. 23 & Oct. 15-Dec. 15
Dec. 7-Jan. 20
Nov. 15-Feb. 28.
Maine
(3)
Sept. 2-Nov. 7
Closed
Oct. 3-Nov. 30
Sept. 2-Dec. 16.
Maryland
(1)
Sept. 2-Nov. 21
Sept. 2-Nov. 21
Oct. 26-Nov. 29 & Jan. 13-Jan. 29
Sept. 28-Jan. 30.
( printed page 70552)
Massachusetts
(4)
Sept. 2-Nov. 7
Closed
Oct. 3-Nov. 30
Sept. 2-Dec. 16.
New Hampshire
Closed
Closed
Oct. 1-Nov. 14
Sept. 15-Nov. 14.
New Jersey
(2)(5):
North Zone
Sept. 2-Nov. 21
Sept. 2-Nov. 21
Oct. 19-Oct. 26 & Oct. 29-Nov. 30
Sept. 7-Jan. 9.
South Zone
Sept. 2-Nov. 21
Sept. 2-Nov. 21
Nov. 9-Dec. 7 & Dec. 19-Dec. 31
Sept. 7-Jan. 9.
New York
(6)
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
Closed
Oct. 1-Nov. 14
Sept. 1-Nov. 9.
North Carolina
Sept. 2-Nov. 21
Sept. 2-Nov. 21
Dec. 11-Jan. 31
Oct. 28-Feb. 28.
Pennsylvania
(7)
Sept. 2-Nov. 21
Closed
Oct. 19-Nov. 29 & Dec. 16-Dec. 24
Oct. 19-Nov. 29 & Dec. 16-Dec. 24.
Rhode Island
(8)
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
Oct. 19-Dec. 2
Sept. 1-Nov. 9.
South Carolina
Sept. 18-Sept. 22 & Oct. 16-Dec. 19
Sept. 18-Sept. 22 & Oct. 16-Dec. 19
Dec. 18-Jan. 31
Nov. 14-Feb. 28.
Vermont
Closed
Closed
Sept. 28-Nov. 11
Sept. 28-Nov. 11.
Virginia
(9)
Sept. 13-Nov. 3 & Nov. 14-Dec. 1
Sept. 13-Nov. 3 & Nov. 14-Dec. 1
Nov. 11-Nov. 30 & Dec. 27-Jan. 20
Sept. 30-Dec. 1 & Dec. 19-Jan. 31.
West Virginia
(10)
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
Closed
Oct. 12-Nov. 23 & Dec. 2-Dec. 3
Sept. 1-Dec. 16.
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
Alabama
(11)
Sept. 14-Sept. 29 & Nov. 29-Jan. 21
Sept. 14-Sept. 29 & Nov. 29-Jan. 21
Dec. 7-Dec. 8 & Dec. 14-Jan. 25
Nov. 9-Feb. 23.
Arkansas
Sept. 14-Nov. 22
Closed
Nov. 2-Dec. 16
Nov. 1-Feb. 15.
Illinois
(12)
Sept. 7-Nov. 15
Closed
Oct. 19-Dec. 2
Sept. 7-Dec. 22.
Indiana
(13)
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
Closed
Oct. 15-Nov. 28
Sept. 1-Dec. 16.
Iowa
(14)
Sept. 7-Nov. 15
Closed
Oct. 5-Nov. 18
Sept. 7-Nov. 30.
Kentucky
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
Closed
Oct. 26-Nov. 8 & Nov. 11-Dec. 11
Sept. 18-Oct. 27 & Nov. 28-Feb. 2.
Louisiana
Sept. 14-Sept. 29 & Nov. 9-Jan. 1
Sept. 14-Sept. 29 & Nov. 9-Jan. 1
Dec. 18-Jan. 31
Nov. 2-Dec. 8 & Dec. 21-Feb. 28.
Michigan
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
Closed
Sept. 15-Oct. 29
Sept. 1-Nov. 9.
Minnesota
Sept. 1-Nov. 4
Closed
Sept. 21-Nov. 4
Sept. 1-Nov. 4.
Mississippi
Sept. 1-Sept. 30 & Nov. 22-Dec. 31
Sept. 1-Sept. 30 & Nov. 22-Dec. 31
Dec. 18-Jan. 31
Nov. 14-Feb. 28.
Missouri
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
Closed
Oct. 18-Dec. 1
Sept. 1-Dec. 16.
Ohio
(12)
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
Closed
Oct. 12-Nov. 25
Sept. 1-Nov. 20 & Dec. 7-Jan. 1.
Tennessee
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
Closed
Nov. 9-Dec. 1 & Jan. 10-Jan. 31
Nov. 14-Feb. 28.
Wisconsin
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
Closed
Sept. 21-Nov. 4
Sept. 1-Nov. 9.
CENTRAL FLYWAY
Colorado
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
Closed
Closed
Sept. 1-Dec. 16.
Kansas
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
Closed
Oct. 12-Nov. 25
Sept. 1-Dec. 16.
Montana
Closed
Closed
Closed
Sept. 1-Dec. 16.
Nebraska
(10)
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
Closed
Oct. 5-Nov. 18
Sept. 1-Dec. 16.
New Mexico
(15)
Sept. 14-Nov. 22
Closed
Closed
Oct. 12-Jan. 26.
North Dakota
Closed
Closed
Sept. 21-Nov. 4
Sept. 14-Dec. 1.
Oklahoma
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
Closed
Oct. 26-Dec. 9
Sept. 28-Jan. 12.
South Dakota
(16)
Closed
Closed
Closed
Sept. 1-Oct. 31.
Texas
Sept. 14-Sept. 29 & Nov. 2-Dec. 25
Sept. 14-Sept. 29 & Nov. 2-Dec. 25
Dec. 18-Jan. 31
Nov. 2-Feb. 16.
Wyoming
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
Closed
Closed
Sept. 1-Dec. 16.
PACIFIC FLYWAY
Arizona:
North Zone
Closed
Closed
Closed
Oct. 23-Jan. 31.
South Zone
Closed
Closed
Closed
Oct. 23-Jan. 31.
California
Closed
Closed
Closed
Oct. 26-Feb. 9.
Colorado
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
Closed
Closed
Sept. 1-Dec. 16.
Idaho:
Zone 1
Closed
Closed
Closed
Oct. 5-Jan. 17.
Zone 2
Closed
Closed
Closed
Oct. 5-Jan. 17.
Zone 3
Closed
Closed
Closed
Oct. 19-Jan. 31.
Zone 4
Closed
Closed
Closed
Oct. 5-Jan. 17.
Montana
Closed
Closed
Closed
Sept. 1-Dec. 16.
Nevada:
Northeast Zone
Closed
Closed
Closed
Sept. 28-Dec. 3 & Dec. 14-Jan. 20.
Northwest Zone
Closed
Closed
Closed
Oct. 12-Jan. 6 & Jan. 9-Jan. 26.
South Zone (17)
Closed
Closed
Closed
Oct. 12-Oct. 20 & Oct. 23-Jan. 26.
New Mexico
Sept. 14-Nov. 22
Closed
Closed
Oct. 17-Jan. 31.
Oregon:
Zone 1
Closed
Closed
Closed
Nov. 2-Feb. 16.
Zone 2
Closed
Closed
Closed
Oct. 12-Jan. 26.
Utah:
Northern Zone
Closed
Closed
Closed
Oct. 5-Jan. 18.
Southern Zone
Closed
Closed
Closed
Oct. 12-Jan. 25.
( printed page 70553)
Washington:
East Zone
Closed
Closed
Closed
Oct. 12-Oct. 20 & Oct. 23-Jan. 26.
West Zone
Closed
Closed
Closed
Oct. 12-Oct. 20 & Oct. 23-Jan. 26.
Wyoming
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
Closed
Closed
Sept. 1-Dec. 16.
(1) In
Connecticut
and
Maryland,
the daily bag limit for clapper and king rails is 10 and may include no more than 1 king rail. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.
(2) In
Delaware
and
New Jersey,
the limits for clapper and king rails are 10 daily and 30 in possession.
(3) In
Maine,
the daily bag and possession limit for sora and Virginia rails is 25.
(4) In
Massachusetts,
the limits for sora are 5 daily and 15 in possession; the limits for Virginia rails are 10 daily and 30 in possession.
(5) In
New Jersey,
the season for king rail is closed by State regulation.
(6) In
New York,
the limits for sora and Virginia rails are 8 daily and 24 in possession. Seasons for sora and Virginia rails and snipe are closed on Long Island.
(7) In
Pennsylvania,
the limits for sora and Virginia rails are 3 daily and 9 in possession.
(8) In
Rhode Island,
the limits for sora and Virginia rails are 3 daily and 9 in possession, the limits for clapper and king rails are 1 daily and 3 in possession, and the limits for snipe are 5 daily and 15 in possession.
(9) In
Virginia,
the limit for king rail is 1 daily and 3 in possession.
(10) In
West Virginia
and
Nebraska,
the limits for sora and Virginia rails are 10 daily and 30 in possession.
(11) In
Alabama,
the limits for sora and Virginia rails are 15 daily and 45 in possession.
(12) In
Illinois
and
Ohio,
shooting hours are from sunrise to sunset.
(13) In
Indiana,
the season on Virginia rails is closed.
(14) In
Iowa,
the limits for sora and Virginia rails are 12 daily and 36 in possession.
(15) In
New Mexico,
in the Central Flyway portion of the State, the limits for sora and Virginia rails are 10 daily and 20 in possession.
(16) In
South Dakota,
the snipe limits are 5 daily and 15 in possession.
(17) In
Nevada,
the snipe season in that portion of the South Zone including Moapa Valley to the confluence of the Muddy and Virgin rivers is only open October 26 through January 26.
Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for waterfowl, coots, and gallinules.
Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows:
Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in the August 26, 2024,
Federal Register
(89 FR 68500).
CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.
(a)
Gallinules.
Area
Season dates
Limits
Bag
Possession
ATLANTIC FLYWAY
Delaware
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
15
45
Florida
(1)
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
15
45
Georgia
Nov. 23-Dec. 1 & Dec. 7-Jan. 26
15
45
New Jersey
Sept. 2-Nov. 21
1
3
New York:
Long Island
Closed
Remainder of State
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
8
24
North Carolina
Sept. 2-Nov. 21
15
45
Pennsylvania
Sept. 2-Nov. 21
3
9
South Carolina
Sept. 18-Sept. 22 & Oct. 16-Dec. 19
15
45
Virginia
Sept. 13-Nov. 3 & Nov. 14-Dec. 1
15
45
West Virginia
Oct. 1-Oct. 14 & Dec. 7-Jan. 31
15
45
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
Alabama
Sept. 14-Sept. 29 & Nov. 29-Jan. 21
15
45
Arkansas
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
15
45
Kentucky
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
3
9
Louisiana
Sept. 14-Sept. 29 & Nov. 9-Jan. 1
15
45
Michigan
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
1
3
Minnesota
(2):
North Zone
Sept. 21-Nov. 19
15
45
Central Zone
Sept. 21-Sept. 29 & Oct. 5-Nov. 24
15
45
South Zone
Sept. 21-Sept. 29 & Oct. 5-Nov. 24
15
45
Mississippi
Sept. 1-Sept. 30 & Nov. 22-Dec. 31
15
45
Ohio
(3)
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
15
45
Tennessee
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
15
45
Wisconsin
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
8
24
CENTRAL FLYWAY
New Mexico:
Zone 1
Sept. 14-Nov. 22
1
3
Zone 2
Sept. 14-Nov. 22
1
3
Oklahoma
Sept. 1-Nov. 9
15
45
( printed page 70554)
Texas
Sept. 14-Sept. 29 & Nov. 2-Dec. 25
15
45
PACIFIC FLYWAY
All States
Seasons are in the aggregate with coots and listed in paragraph (d).
(1) The season applies to common gallinules only.
(2) In
Minnesota,
the daily bag limit is 15 and the possession limit is 45 coots and gallinules in the aggregate.
(3) In
Ohio,
shooting hours are from sunrise to sunset.
(b)
Early (September) Duck Seasons.
Note:
Unless otherwise specified, the seasons listed below are for teal only.
Area
Season dates
Limits
Bag
Possession
ATLANTIC FLYWAY
Delaware
(1)
Sept. 14-Sept. 29
6
18
Florida
(2)
Sept. 21-Sept. 29
6
18
Georgia
Sept. 14-Sept. 29
6
18
Maryland
(1)
Sept. 16-Sept. 30
6
18
North Carolina
(1)
Sept. 12-Sept. 30
6
18
South Carolina
(3)
Sept. 14-Sept. 29
6
18
Virginia
(1):
Area East of Interstate 95
Sept. 16-Sept. 30
6
18
Area West of Interstate 95
Sept. 21-Sept. 30
6
18
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
Alabama
Sept. 14-Sept. 29
6
18
Arkansas
(3)
Sept. 15-Sept. 30
6
18
Illinois
(3)
Sept. 7-Sept. 22
6
18
Indiana
(3)
Sept. 14-Sept. 29
6
18
Iowa
(3)
Sept. 1-Sept. 16
6
18
Kentucky
(2)
Sept. 21-Sept. 29
6
18
Louisiana
Sept. 14-Sept. 29
6
18
Michigan
Sept. 1-Sept. 16
6
18
Minnesota
(3)(4)
Sept. 1-Sept. 5
6
18
Mississippi
Sept. 14-Sept. 29
6
18
Missouri
(3)
Sept. 7-Sept. 22
6
18
Ohio
(3)
Sept. 7-Sept. 22
6
18
Tennessee
(2)
Sept. 14-Sept. 22
6
18
Wisconsin
Sept. 1-Sept. 9
6
18
CENTRAL FLYWAY
Colorado
(1)
Sept. 14-Sept. 22
6
18
Kansas
(1):
Low Plains
Sept. 14-Sept. 29
6
18
High Plains
Sept. 21-Sept. 29
6
18
Nebraska
(1)(5):
Low Plains
Sept. 1-Sept. 16
6
18
High Plains
Sept. 1-Sept. 9
6
18
New Mexico
Sept. 14-Sept. 22
6
18
Oklahoma
Sept. 7-Sept. 22
6
18
Texas:
High Plains
Sept. 14-Sept. 29
6
18
Rest of State
Sept. 14-Sept. 29
6
18
(1) Area restrictions. See State regulations.
(2) In
Florida, Kentucky,
and
Tennessee,
the daily bag limit for the first 5 days of the season is 6 wood ducks and teal in the aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be wood ducks. During the last 4 days of the season, the daily bag limit is 6 teal only. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.
(3) Shooting hours are from sunrise to sunset.
(4) In
Minnesota,
within the boundaries of the Leech Lake Reservation, the taking of teal during the early-teal season is prohibited within one-half mile of wild rice beds that are posted open to rice harvest by Tribal authorities. Within the boundaries of the White Earth Reservation, taking teal during the early-teal season is prohibited on wild rice beds that are posted open to rice harvesting by Tribal authorities.
(5) In
Nebraska,
the season is open to both Tier I and Tier II licensed holders.
( printed page 70555)
(c)
Special Early Canada and Cackling Geese Seasons.
Note:
Unless otherwise specified, the daily bag and possession limits for Canada and cackling geese are in the aggregate.
Area
Season dates
Limits
Bag
Possession
ATLANTIC FLYWAY
Connecticut
(1):
North Zone
Sept. 2-Sept. 30
15
45
South Zone
Sept. 14-Sept. 30
15
45
Delaware
Sept. 1-Sept. 25
15
45
Florida
Sept. 7-Sept. 29
5
15
Georgia
Sept. 7-Sept. 29
5
15
Maine:
North Zone
Sept. 2-Sept. 25
8
24
South Zone
Sept. 2-Sept. 25
10
30
Coastal Zone
Sept. 2-Sept. 25
10
30
Maryland
(1)(2):
Eastern Unit
Sept. 2-Sept. 14
8
24
Western Unit
Sept. 2-Sept. 25
8
24
Massachusetts:
Central Zone
Sept. 2-Sept. 21
15
45
Coastal Zone
Sept. 2-Sept. 21
15
45
Western Zone
Sept. 2-Sept. 21
15
45
New Hampshire
Sept. 1-Sept. 25
5
15
New Jersey
(1)(2)(3)
Sept. 2-Sept. 30
15
45
New York
(4):
Lake Champlain Zone
Sept. 1-Sept. 25
8
24
Northeastern Zone
Sept. 1-Sept. 25
15
45
East Central Zone
Sept. 1-Sept. 25
15
45
Hudson Valley Zone
Sept. 1-Sept. 25
15
45
West Central Zone
Sept. 1-Sept. 25
15
45
South Zone
Sept. 1-Sept. 25
15
45
Western Long Island Zone
Closed
Central Long Island Zone
Sept. 1-Sept. 25
15
45
Eastern Long Island Zone
Sept. 1-Sept. 25
15
45
North Carolina
(5)(6)
Sept. 2-Sept. 30
15
45
Pennsylvania
(7)(8)(9):
Sept. 2-Sept. 25
8
24
Rhode Island
(1)
Sept. 1-Sept. 30
15
45
South Carolina
Sept. 1-Sept. 30
15
45
Vermont:
Lake Champlain Zone
Sept. 1-Sept. 25
8
24
Interior Vermont Zone
Sept. 1-Sept. 25
8
24
Connecticut River Zone (10)
Sept. 1-Sept. 25
5
15
Virginia
(11)
Sept. 1-Sept. 25
10
30
West Virginia
Sept. 1-Sept. 15
5
15
CENTRAL FLYWAY
North Dakota:
Missouri River Zone
Sept. 1-Sept. 7
15
45
Western ND Canada, and Cackling Goose Zone
Sept. 1-Sept. 15
15
45
Remainder of State
Sept. 1-Sept. 20
15
45
Oklahoma
Sept. 7-Sept. 16
8
24
South Dakota
(12)
Sept. 1-Sept. 30
15
45
Texas:
East Goose Zone (12)
Sept. 14-Sept. 29
5
15
PACIFIC FLYWAY
Colorado
Sept. 1-Sept. 9
5
15
Idaho:
Zone 4
Sept. 1-Sept. 15
5
15
Oregon:
Northwest Permit Zone
Sept. 7-Sept. 15
5
15
Southwest Zone
Sept. 7-Sept. 11
5
15
Eastern Zone
Sept. 7-Sept. 11
5
15
Mid-Columbia Zone
Sept. 7-Sept. 11
5
15
Washington:
Area 1
Sept. 7-Sept. 12
5
15
Area 2 Inland
Sept. 7-Sept. 15
5
15
Area 2 Coast (13)
Sept. 7-Sept. 15
5
15
Area 3
Sept. 7-Sept. 12
5
15
Area 4
Sept. 7-Sept. 8
5
10
( printed page 70556)
Area 5
Sept. 7-Sept. 8
5
10
Wyoming:
Teton County Zone
Sept. 1-Sept. 8
5
15
Balance of State Zone
Sept. 1-Sept. 8
5
15
(1) Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
(2) The use of shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shotshells is allowed.
(3) The use of electronic calls is allowed.
(4) In
New York,
shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, the use of shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shotshells is allowed, and the use of electronic calls is allowed, except during Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days in Lake Champlain, Northeastern, and Southeastern Goose Hunting Areas. During the designated Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days in these areas, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset, shotguns must be capable of holding no more than 3 shotshells, and electronic calls are not allowed. See State regulations for further details.
(5) In
North Carolina,
the use of unplugged guns and electronic calls is allowed in that area west of U.S. Highway 17 only.
(6) In
North Carolina,
shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset in that area west of U.S. Highway 17 only.
(7) In
Pennsylvania,
shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset from September 2 to September 20, and September 23 to September 25. On September 21, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
(8) In
Pennsylvania,
the area south of State Route (SR) 198 from the Ohio State line to intersection of I-79, west of I-79 to SR 358, north of SR 358 to the Ohio State line: The season dates are Sept. 2-Sept. 14. The daily limit is 1 Canada goose with a possession limit of 3 geese. The season is closed on State Game Lands 214. Note: this restriction does not apply to youth participation on youth waterfowl hunting days when regular season regulations apply.
(9) In
Pennsylvania,
in the area of Lancaster and Lebanon Counties north of the Pennsylvania Turnpike I-76, east of SR 501 to SR 419, south of SR 419 to the Lebanon-Berks County line, west of the Lebanon-Berks County line and the Lancaster-Berks County line to SR 1053, west of SR 1053 to the Pennsylvania Turnpike I-76, the daily bag limit is 1 goose with a possession limit of 3 geese. On State Game Lands No. 46 (Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area), the season is closed. However, during youth waterfowl hunting days, regular season regulations apply.
(10) In
Vermont,
the season in the Connecticut River Zone is the same as the New Hampshire Inland Zone season, set by New Hampshire.
(11) In
Virginia,
shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset from September 1 to September 16 in the area east of I-95. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset from September 1 to September 20 in the area west of I-95.
(12) See State regulations for additional information and restrictions.
(13) In
Washington,
in Pacific County, the daily bag and possession limits are 15 and 45 Canada and cackling geese in the aggregate, respectively.
(d)
Waterfowl, Coots, and Pacific-Flyway Seasons for Gallinules.
Definitions
Atlantic Flyway:
Includes Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Mississippi Flyway:
Includes Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
Central Flyway:
Includes Colorado (east of the Continental Divide), Kansas, Montana (Blaine, Carbon, Fergus, Judith Basin, Stillwater, Sweetgrass, Wheatland, and all counties east thereof), Nebraska, New Mexico (east of the Continental Divide except that the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation is in the Pacific Flyway), North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming (east of the Continental Divide).
Pacific Flyway:
Includes the States of Arizona, California, Colorado (west of the Continental Divide), Idaho, Montana (including and to the west of Hill, Chouteau, Cascade, Meagher, and Park Counties), Nevada, New Mexico (the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation and west of the Continental Divide), Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming (west of the Continental Divide including the Great Divide Basin).
Light Geese:
Includes lesser snow (including blue) geese, greater snow geese, and Ross's geese.
Dark Geese:
Includes Canada geese, cackling geese, white-fronted geese, brant (except in California, Oregon, Washington, and the Atlantic Flyway), and all other goose species except light geese.
Note:
Unless otherwise specified, the daily bag and possession limits for Canada and cackling geese are in the aggregate.
Atlantic Flyway
Flyway-Wide Restrictions
Duck Limits:
The daily bag limit of 6 ducks may include no more than 4 mallards (2 female mallards), 1 scaup (except as footnoted below), 2 black ducks, 1 pintail, 1 mottled duck, 1 fulvous whistling-duck, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 4 sea ducks (including no more than 3 scoters, 3 long-tailed ducks, and 3 eiders [and no more than 1 may be a hen eider]). The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.
Note:
Notwithstanding the provisions of this part, the shooting of crippled waterfowl from a motorboat under power will be permitted in
Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina,
and
Virginia
in those areas described, delineated, and designated in their respective hunting regulations as special sea duck hunting areas.
Harlequin Ducks:
All areas of the Flyway are closed to harlequin duck hunting.
Merganser Limits:
The daily bag limit is 5 mergansers. In States that include mergansers in the duck bag limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.
Area
Season dates
Limits
Bag
Possession
Connecticut:
Ducks and Mergansers (1):
North Zone
Oct. 12-Oct. 19 & Nov. 9-Jan. 9
6
18
( printed page 70557)
South Zone
Nov. 11-Jan. 18
6
18
Coots
Same as for Ducks
15
45
Canada, Cackling, and White-fronted Geese (2):
Atlantic Flyway Resident Population (AFRP) Unit
Oct. 12-Oct. 19 & Nov. 23-Feb. 15
5
15
North Atlantic Population (NAP) High Unit
Oct. 12-Oct. 19 & Nov. 9-Jan. 9
2
6
Late Season
Jan. 15-Feb. 15
5
15
Atlantic Population (AP) Unit
Oct. 12-Oct. 19 & Nov. 9-Nov. 30
3
9
Special Season
Dec. 16-Feb. 15
5
15
Light Geese
Oct. 1-Jan. 11 & Feb. 20-Mar. 10
25
Brant
North Zone
Dec. 6-Jan. 9
1
3
South Zone
Dec. 16-Jan. 18
1
3
Delaware:
Ducks
Oct. 26-Nov. 3 & Nov. 25-Dec. 1 & Dec. 14-Jan. 26
6
18
Mergansers
Same as for Ducks
5
15
Coots
Same as for Ducks
15
45
Canada, Cackling, and White-fronted Geese (2)
Nov. 28-Dec. 1 & Dec. 21-Jan. 15
2
6
Light Geese (3)
Oct. 18-Feb. 1
25
Brant
Dec. 21-Jan. 5 & Jan. 18-Jan. 31
1
3
Florida:
Ducks (4)
Nov. 23-Dec. 1 & Dec. 7-Jan. 26
6
18
Mergansers
Same as for Ducks
5
15
Coots
Same as for Ducks
15
45
Canada and Cackling Geese
Nov. 23-Dec. 1 & Dec. 1-Jan. 30
5
15
Light Geese
Same as for Ducks
15
Georgia:
Ducks
Nov. 23-Dec. 1 & Dec. 7-Jan. 26
6
18
Mergansers
Same as for Ducks
5
15
Coots
Same as for Ducks
15
45
Canada, Cackling, and White-fronted Geese (2)
Oct. 12-Oct. 27 & Nov. 23-Dec. 1 & Dec. 7-Jan. 26
5
15
Light Geese
Same as for Canada, Cackling, and White-fronted Geese
Same as for Canada, Cackling, and White-fronted Geese
5
15
Brant
Jan. 2-Jan. 31
1
3
(1) In
Connecticut,
the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from December 18 through January 9 in the North Zone and from December 27 through January 18 in the South Zone.
(2) The daily bag and possession limits for Canada geese, cackling geese, and white-fronted geese are in the aggregate.
(3) In
Delaware,
the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge snow goose season is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only.
(4) In
Florida,
the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from January 7 through January 26.
(5) In
Maine,
the daily bag limit may include no more than 4 of any species, with no more than 12 of any one species in possession. The season for Barrow's goldeneye is closed. Scaup daily bag limit is 1 for the entire season. Eider daily bag limit is 2.
(6) In
Maryland,
the black duck season is closed in the first (October) segment. Two black ducks may be harvested as part of the daily duck bag limit during the 2nd and 3rd season segments of the regular duck season in both the Eastern and Western Duck Zones. Additionally, the daily bag limit of 6 ducks may include no more than 4 sea ducks, of which no more than 3 may be scoters, eiders, or long-tailed ducks (no more than 1 hen eider). Where the Sea Duck Zone (defined by State regulation 08.03.07.04) is not overlain by the Offshore Waterfowl Hunting Zone (defined by State regulation 08.03.07.07), only sea ducks (scoters, long-tailed ducks, and eiders) may be taken during the regular duck season.
(7) In
Maryland,
during the regular duck season the daily bag limit for scaup is 1 during all portions of the regular duck season that occur prior to January 9. The daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from January 9 through January 31 in both the Eastern and Western duck zones.
(8) In
Massachusetts,
the daily bag limit may include no more than 4 of any single species in addition to the flyway-wide bag restrictions.
(9) In
Massachusetts,
the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from January 6 through January 28 in the Coastal Zone.
(10) In
Massachusetts,
the February 1 through 15 portion of the season in the Coastal Zone is restricted to that portion of the Coastal Zone north of the Cape Cod Canal.
(11) In
New Jersey,
the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from December 25 through January 16 in the North Zone, from January 1 through January 23 in the South Zone, and from January 9 through January 31 in the Coastal Zone. Also, the daily bag limit for black-bellied whistling-duck or fulvous whistling-duck in the aggregate is 1.
(12) In
New York,
the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from November 21 through December 1 and December 14 through December 22 in the Northeast Zone, from December 24 through January 12 in the Western Zone, from December 10 through December 29 in the Southeast Zone, from January 7 through January 26 in the Long Island Zone, and from December 10 through December 29 in the Lake Champlain Zone.
(13) In
New York,
the use of electronic calls and shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shotshells are allowed for hunting of light geese on any day when all other waterfowl hunting seasons are closed.
(14) In
North Carolina,
the season is closed for black ducks and mottled ducks October 17 through November 22.
(15) In
North Carolina,
the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from January 9 through January 31.
(16) In
North Carolina,
the daily bag limit for mergansers is 5 of which no more than 2 may be hooded mergansers.
(17) In
Pennsylvania,
during the regular duck season in the North Zone, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from December 20 through January 11. During the regular duck season in the South Zone, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from December 27 through January 18. During the regular duck season in the Northwest Zone, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from November 28 through November 29 and from December 23 through January 11. During the regular duck season in the Lake Erie Zone, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from December 20 through January 11.
(18) In
Pennsylvania,
the daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese with a possession limit of 9 geese in the area south of SR 198 from the Ohio State line to the intersection of I-79, west of I-79 to SR 358, north of SR 358 to the Ohio State line.
(19) In
Rhode Island,
the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from January 7 through January 26.
(20) In
South Carolina,
the daily bag limit of 6 may not exceed 1 black-bellied whistling-duck or hooded merganser. Further, the black duck/mottled duck limit is as follows: (1) For areas east and south of Interstate 95, either 1 black or 1 mottled duck in the daily bag in the aggregate; (2) for areas west and north of Interstate 95, either 2 black ducks, or 1 black duck and 1 mottled duck in the daily bag.
(21) In
South Carolina,
the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 on November 16, November 23 through November 30, and December 12 through December 22.
(22) In
South Carolina,
on November 16, only hunters 17 years of age or younger can hunt ducks [2 scaup], coots, and mergansers. The youth must be accompanied by a person 21 years of age or older who is properly licensed, including State and Federal waterfowl stamps. Youth who are 16 or 17 years of age who hunt on this day are not required to have a State license or State waterfowl stamp but must possess a Federal waterfowl stamp and migratory bird permit.
(23) In
South Carolina,
the daily bag limit may include no more than 2 white-fronted geese.
(24) In
Vermont,
the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 within the Lake Champlain Zone: From December 10 through December 29. Within the Interior Zone: From December 3 through December 22. Within the Connecticut River Zone: During the regular duck season the scaup bag limit will be 1 for the entire season.
(25) In
Virginia,
the season is closed for black ducks October 11 through October 14.
(26) In
Virginia,
the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from January 12 through January 31.
(27) In
West Virginia,
the season is closed for eiders, whistling-ducks, and mottled ducks.
(28) In
West Virginia,
the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from January 12 through January 31.
( printed page 70561)
Mississippi Flyway
Flyway-Wide Restrictions
Duck Limits:
The daily bag limit of 6 ducks may include no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be females), 1 mottled duck, 2 black ducks, 1 pintail, 2 canvasbacks, 2 redheads, 1 scaup (except as footnoted below), and 3 wood ducks. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.
Merganser Limits:
The daily bag limit is 5 mergansers and may include no more than 2 hooded mergansers. In States that include mergansers in the duck bag limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, of which only 2 may be hooded mergansers. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.
(1) In
Illinois,
the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 during the first 45 days in each of the 4 Zones.
(2) In
Indiana,
the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from November 3 through December 8 and from December 28 through January 5 in the North Zone, from November 29 through January 12 in the Central Zone, and from December 13 through January 26 in the South Zone.
(3) In
Indiana,
the daily bag limit for dark geese is 5 per day in the aggregate. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. White-fronted geese are excluded from this aggregation.
(4) In
Iowa,
the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 for the last 45 days of the season.
(5) In
Iowa,
Canada and cackling geese only September 14 through September 22, for the North and Central Zones. Beginning September 21, the dark goose daily bag limit is 5 and may not include more than 2 Canada and cackling geese September 21 through October 6 in the North Zone, September 28 through October 13 in the Central Zone, and October 5 through October 20 in the South Zone. No more than 3 Canada and cackling geese thereafter, until the end of the season.
(6) In
Kentucky, Mississippi,
and
Tennessee,
the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from December 18 through January 31.
(7) In
Louisiana,
the daily bag limit for scaup daily bag limit is 2 after November 23 in the West Zone and after November 30 in the East Zone. The mottled duck daily bag limit is 0 for the first 15 days of the season in each zone and 1 thereafter.
(8) In
Michigan,
the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from September 28 through November 11 in the North Zone, from October 21 through December 1 and December 14 through December 15 in the Middle Zone, and from October 28 through December 8 and December 28 through December 29 in the South Zone.
(9) In
Michigan,
the dark goose daily bag limit is 5 and may not include more than 1 brant.
(10) In
Minnesota,
the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 Statewide from October 11 through the remainder of the season.
(11) In
Minnesota,
the daily bag limit is 15, and the possession limit is 45 coots and gallinules in the aggregate.
(12) In
Missouri,
the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from November 2 through December 16 in the North Zone, from November 2 through November 10 and November 16 through December 21 in the Middle Zone, and from November 28 through December 1 and December 7 through January 16 in the South Zone.
(13) In
Missouri,
Canada and cackling geese and brant have an aggregate daily bag and possession limits of 3 and 9, respectively.
(14) In
Ohio,
the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 on October 27 and from November 9 through December 22 in the Lake Erie Zone, from November 22 through January 5 in the North Zone, and from December 13 through January 26 in the South Zone.
(15) In
Ohio,
the daily bag limit for dark geese may include no more than 1 brant, and only Canada and cackling geese during the first segment (September 7 through September 15).
(16) In
Wisconsin,
the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from September 21 through November 4 in the North Zone, from October 18 through December 1 in the South Zone, and from October 12 through November 25 in the Open Water Zone.
(17) In
Wisconsin,
Canada and cackling geese only September 1 through 15. After September 15, the bag limit for dark geese is 3 and the possession is 9. The limit and possession for white-fronted geese and brant may be no more than 1 and 3, in the aggregate with Canada and cackling geese.
Central Flyway
Flyway-Wide Restrictions
Duck and Merganser Limits:
The daily bag limit is 6 ducks (including mergansers), which may include no more than 5 mallards (2 female mallards), 1 pintail, 2 canvasbacks, 2 redheads, 1 scaup, 3 wood ducks, and 6 mergansers. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.
Area
Season dates
Limits
Bag
Possession
Colorado:
Ducks and Mergansers:
Southeast Zone
Oct. 28-Jan. 31
6
18
Northeast Zone
Oct. 19-Dec. 1 & Dec. 11-Jan. 31
6
18
Mountain/Foothills Zone
Oct. 5-Dec. 1 & Dec. 25-Jan. 31
6
18
Coots
Same as for Ducks
15
45
Dark Geese:
South Park Unit
Oct. 5-Jan. 17
5
15
San Luis Valley Unit
Oct. 5-Oct. 23 & Nov. 23-Feb. 16
5
15
North Park Unit
Oct. 5-Jan. 17
5
15
Rest of State in Central Flyway
Nov. 4-Feb. 16
5
15
Light Geese:
Statewide
Nov. 2-Feb. 16
50
Kansas:
Ducks and Mergansers:
( printed page 70565)
High Plains
Oct. 12-Jan. 5 & Jan. 17-Jan. 26
6
18
Low Plains:
Early Zone
Oct. 12-Dec. 8 & Dec. 21-Jan. 5
6
18
Late Zone
Oct. 26-Dec. 29 & Jan. 18-Jan. 26
6
18
Southeast Zone
Nov. 9-Jan. 5 & Jan. 11-Jan. 26
6
18
Coots
Same as for Ducks
15
45
Dark Geese (1)
Oct. 26-Oct. 27 & Nov. 6-Feb. 16
6
18
White-fronted Geese
Oct. 26-Dec. 29 & Jan. 25-Feb. 16
2
6
Light Geese
Oct. 26-Oct. 27 & Nov. 6-Feb. 16
50
Montana:
Ducks and Mergansers (2):
Zone 1
Sept. 28-Jan. 2
6
18
Zone 2
Sept. 28-Oct. 6 & Oct. 26-Jan. 21
6
18
Coots
Same as for Ducks
15
45
Dark Geese:
Zone 1
Sept. 28-Jan. 10
5
15
Zone 2
Sept. 28-Oct. 6 & Oct. 26-Jan. 29
5
15
Light Geese:
Zone 1
Same as for Dark Geese
20
60
Zone 2
Same as for Dark Geese
20
60
Nebraska:
Ducks and Mergansers (3):
High Plains Unit
Jan. 8-Jan. 29
6
18
Zone 1
Oct. 12-Dec. 24
6
18
Zone 2
Oct. 5-Dec. 17
6
18
Zone 3
Oct. 26-Jan. 7
6
18
Zone 4
Oct. 26-Jan. 7
6
18
Coots
Same as for Ducks
15
45
Canada and Cackling Geese:
Niobrara Unit
Oct. 28-Feb. 9
5
15
North Central Unit
Oct. 5-Jan. 17
5
15
Platte River Unit
Oct. 28-Feb. 9
5
15
White-fronted Geese
Oct. 12-Dec. 22 & Jan. 25-Feb. 9
2
6
Light Geese
Oct. 12-Jan. 8 & Jan. 25-Feb. 9
50
New Mexico:
Ducks and Mergansers (4):
North Zone
Oct. 12-Jan. 15
6
18
South Zone
Oct. 28-Jan. 31
6
18
Coots
Same as for Ducks
15
45
Dark Geese:
Middle Rio Grande Unit
Dec. 19-Jan. 31
2
2
Rest of State
Oct. 17-Jan. 31
5
15
Light Geese
Oct. 17-Jan. 31
50
North Dakota:
Ducks and Mergansers (2):
High Plains
Sept. 21-Dec. 1 & Dec. 7-Dec 29
6
18
Low Plains
Sept. 21-Dec. 1
6
18
Coots
Same as for Ducks
15
45
Canada and Cackling Geese and Brant (5):
Missouri River Zone
Sept. 21-Dec. 27
5
15
Western ND Zone
Sept. 21-Dec. 21
8
24
Rest of State
Sept. 21-Dec. 16
8
24
White-fronted Geese
Sept. 21-Dec. 1
3
9
Light Geese
Sept. 21-Dec. 27
50
-
Oklahoma:
Ducks and Mergansers:
High Plains
Oct. 5-Jan. 1
6
18
Low Plains:
Zone 1
Nov. 9-Nov. 24 & Nov. 30-Jan. 26
6
18
Zone 2
Nov. 9-Nov. 24 & Nov. 30-Jan. 26
6
18
Coots
Same as for Ducks
15
45
Canada and Cackling Geese and Brant (1)
Nov. 2-Nov. 24 & Nov. 30-Feb. 9
8
24
White-fronted Geese
Nov. 2-Nov. 24 & Nov. 30-Feb. 2
2
6
Light Geese
Nov. 2-Nov. 24 & Nov. 30-Feb. 9
50
South Dakota:
Ducks and Mergansers (2)(3):
High Plains
Oct. 12-Jan. 16
6
18
Low Plains:
North Zone
Sept. 21-Dec. 3
6
18
Middle Zone
Sept. 21-Dec. 3
6
18
South Zone
Oct. 26-Jan. 7
6
18
Coots
Same as for Ducks
15
45
( printed page 70566)
Canada and Cackling Geese:
Unit 1
Oct. 1-Dec. 16
8
24
Unit 2
Nov. 4-Feb. 16
4
12
Unit 3
Oct. 19-Dec. 22 & Jan. 11-Jan. 19
4
12
White-fronted Geese
Sept. 28-Dec. 10
3
9
Light Geese
Sept. 28-Jan. 10
50
Texas:
Ducks and Mergansers (6):
High Plains
Oct. 26-Oct. 27 & Nov. 1-Jan. 26
6
18
Low Plains:
North Zone
Nov. 9-Dec. 1 & Dec. 7-Jan. 26
6
18
South Zone
Nov. 2-Dec. 1 & Dec. 14-Jan. 26
6
18
Coots
Same as for Ducks
15
45
Canada and Cackling Geese and Brant (7):
Southeast Goose Zone
Nov. 2-Jan. 26
5
15
Northeast Goose Zone
Nov. 2-Jan. 26
5
15
West Goose Zone
Nov. 2-Feb. 2
5
15
White-fronted Geese (7):
Southeast Goose Zone
Nov. 2-Jan. 26
2
6
Northeast Goose Zone
Nov. 2-Jan. 26
2
6
West Goose Zone
Nov. 2-Feb. 2
2
6
Light Geese:
Southeast Goose Zone
Nov. 2-Feb. 14
10
Northeast Goose Zone
Nov. 2-Feb. 14
10
West Goose Zone
Nov. 2-Feb. 2
10
Wyoming:
Ducks and Mergansers (2):
Zone C1
Sept. 28-Oct. 13 & Nov. 2-Jan. 21
6
18
Zone C2
Sept. 21-Dec. 1 & Dec. 14-Jan. 7
6
18
Zone C3
Same as Zone C2
6
18
Coots
Same as for Ducks
15
45
Dark Geese:
Zone G1A (8)
Sept. 28-Oct. 9
2
6
Nov. 16-Feb. 16
4
12
Zone G1
Sept. 28-Oct. 6 & Nov. 2-Nov. 24 & Dec. 6-Feb. 16
5
15
Zone G2
Sept. 21-Dec. 1 & Dec. 14-Jan. 15
5
15
Zone G3
Same as Zone G2
5
15
Zone G4
Same as Zone G1
5
15
Light Geese
Sept. 28-Dec. 29 & Feb. 5-Feb. 16
20
60
(1) In
Kansas
and
Oklahoma,
dark geese include Canada, cackling geese, brant, and all other geese except white-fronted geese and light geese.
(2) In
Montana,
during the first 9 days of the duck season, and in
North Dakota, South Dakota (Tier I license),
and
Wyoming,
during the first 16 days of the duck season, the daily bag and possession limit may include 2 and 6 additional blue-winged teal, respectively.
(3) In
Nebraska
and
South Dakota,
for hunters possessing a Tier II license, the daily bag limit is 3 ducks or mergansers of any species in the aggregate, and the possession limit is 9.
(4) In
New Mexico,
Mexican ducks are included in the aggregate with mallards.
(5) In
North Dakota,
see State regulations for additional shooting hour restrictions.
(6) In
Texas,
the daily bag limit is 6 ducks, which may include no more than 5 mallards (only 2 of which may be females), 2 redheads, 3 wood ducks, 1 scaup, 2 canvasbacks, 1 pintail, and 1 dusky duck (mottled duck, Mexican duck, black duck and their hybrids). The season for dusky ducks is closed the first 5 days of the season in all zones. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.
(7) In
Texas,
in the Southeast, Northeast, and West Goose Zones, the daily bag limit for dark geese is 5 in the aggregate and may include no more than 2 white-fronted geese. Possession limits are three times the daily bag limits.
(8) In
Wyoming,
for Dark Goose Zone G1A, see State regulations for additional restrictions.
Pacific Flyway
Flyway-Wide Restrictions
Duck and Merganser Limits:
The daily bag limit of 7 ducks (including mergansers) may include no more than 2 female mallards, 1 pintail, 2 redheads, 2 scaup, and 2 canvasbacks. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.
Coot and Gallinule Limits:
Daily bag and possession limits are in the aggregate for the two groups.
(1) In
Arizona,
the daily bag limit may include no more than either 2 female mallards or 2 Mexican ducks, or 1 of each; and no more than 6 female mallards and Mexican ducks, in the aggregate, may be in possession. For black-bellied whistling-ducks, the daily bag limit is 1 and the possession limit is 3.
(2) In
California,
the daily bag and possession limits for Canada geese, cackling geese, and white-fronted geese are in the aggregate.
(3) In
California,
small Canada geese are cackling and Aleutian cackling geese, and large Canada geese are western and lesser Canada geese.
(4) In
California,
in the Northeastern Zone, the daily bag limit may include no more than 2 large Canada geese.
(5) In
Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico,
and
Utah,
the daily bag and possession limits for Canada and cackling geese and brant are in the aggregate.
(6) In
Montana,
check State regulations for special seasons and exceptions.
(7) In
Nevada,
youth 17 years of age or younger are allowed to hunt on October 19 on the Moapa Valley portion of Overton Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Youth must be accompanied by an adult who is 18 years of age or older.
(8) In
Nevada,
in the Northeast Zone, there is no open season on light geese in Ruby Valley within Elko and White Pine Counties.
(9) In
Nevada,
in the Northwest Zone, the season is closed in Mason Valley and Scripps WMAs and Washoe Lake State Park from February 20 to March 9.
(10) In
Oregon,
the daily bag limit may include no more than 1 harlequin duck.
(11) In
Oregon,
in the Northwest Permit Zone, see State regulations for specific dates, times, and conditions of permit hunts and closures.
(12) In
Oregon,
in the Northwest Permit Zone, the season for dusky Canada geese is closed.
(13) In
Oregon,
in Lake County, the daily bag and possession limits for white-fronted geese are 1 and 3, respectively.
(14) In
Washington,
the hunting of harlequin ducks is by State-issued permit only. See State regulations for additional information.
(15) In
Washington,
the daily bag limit in the West Zone may include no more than 2 scoters, 2 long-tailed ducks, and 2 goldeneyes, with the possession limit three times the daily bag limit.
(16) In
Washington,
in Areas 1, 3, and 5, hunting is allowed each day. In Area 4, hunting is allowed only on Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays, and certain holidays, except hunting is allowed each day only for light geese during the February and March portion of the season. See State regulations for details, including shooting hours.
(17) In
Washington,
in Areas 2 Inland and 2 Coast, see State regulations for specific dates, times, and conditions of permit hunts and closures.
(18) In
Washington,
in Areas 2 Inland and 2 Coast, the season for dusky Canada geese is closed.
(19) In
Washington,
the daily bag limit for light geese is 10 on or before January 30.
(20) In
Washington,
brant may be hunted in Clallam, Pacific, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties only; see State regulations for specific dates.
(e)
Youth and Veteran—Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days.
The following seasons are open only to youth and veteran—active military personnel, except where noted. Youth must be accompanied into the field by an adult 18 years of age or older. This adult cannot duck hunt but may participate in other open seasons.
Limits:
Bag limits may include ducks, geese, swans, mergansers, coots, and gallinules. The bag and possession limits are the same as those allowed in the regular season except in States that are allowed a daily bag limit of 1 or 2 scaup during different portions of the season, in which case the daily bag limit is 2 scaup per day and the possession limit is 4 scaup. Flyway species and area restrictions remain in effect.
Definitions
Youth:
States may use their established definition of age for youth hunters. However, youth hunters may not be older than 17 years of age. Youth hunters 16 years of age and older must possess a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (also known as Federal Duck Stamp). Swans may be taken only by participants possessing applicable swan permits.
Veteran—Active Military Personnel:
Veterans (as defined in section 101 of title 38, U.S. Code) and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training), may participate. All hunters must possess a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (also known as Federal Duck Stamp). Swans may be taken only by participants possessing applicable swan permits.
( printed page 70571)
Area
Species
Season dates
ATLANTIC FLYWAY
Connecticut
(1)
Ducks, mergansers, coots, geese, and brant
Oct. 5 & Nov. 2.
Delaware
(1)(2)(3)
Ducks, mergansers, coots, gallinules, geese, brant, and tundra swans
Oct. 20 & Feb. 1.
Florida:
Ducks, mergansers, coots, gallinules, Canada geese, and light geese
Youth
Nov. 16 & Feb. 8.
Veteran-Active Military Personnel
Feb. 1 & 2.
Georgia
Ducks, mergansers, coots, gallinules, dark geese, and brant
Nov. 16 & 17.
Maine
(1):
Ducks, mergansers, coots, geese, and brant
North Zone
Sept. 14 & Dec. 7.
South Zone
Sept. 21 & Oct. 19.
Coastal Zone
Sept. 28 & Oct. 26.
Maryland
(4)(5)
Ducks, mergansers, coots, geese, brant, and light geese
Nov. 2 & Feb. 8.
Massachusetts:
Ducks, mergansers, coots, Canada and cackling geese, and light geese
Sept. 21 & Oct. 5.
New Hampshire
Ducks, mergansers, coots, Canada and cackling geese, and brant
Youth
Sept. 28 & 29.
Veteran-Active Military Personnel
Jan. 25 & 26.
New Jersey:
Ducks, mergansers, coots, gallinules, geese, and brant
Youth:
North Zone
Oct. 5 & Feb. 1.
South Zone
Oct. 12 & Feb. 1.
Coastal Zone
Oct. 26 & Feb. 1.
Veteran-Active Military Personnel
Nov. 2 & Feb. 1.
New York:
Ducks, mergansers, coots, dark geese, and brant
Youth:
Long Island Zone
Nov. 9 & 10.
Lake Champlain Zone
Sept. 28 & 29.
Northeastern Zone
Sept. 28 & 29.
Southeastern Zone
Sept. 28 & 29.
Western Zone
Sept. 28 & 29.
Veteran-Active Military Personnel:
Long Island Zone
Nov. 16 & 17.
Northeastern Zone
Sept. 28 & 29.
Southeastern Zone
Sept. 28 & 29.
Western Zone
Nov. 9 & Nov. 10.
North Carolina
(6)(3)
Ducks, mergansers, coots, geese, brant, and tundra swans
Feb. 1 & 8.
Pennsylvania
(7):
Ducks, mergansers, coots, gallinules, dark geese, and brant
Youth:
North Zone
Sept. 21 & Nov. 2.
South Zone
Sept. 21 & Nov. 9.
Northwest Zone
Sept. 21 & Sept. 28.
Lake Erie Zone
Sept. 21 & Oct. 26.
Veteran-Active Military Personnel:
North Zone
Nov. 2 & Jan. 18.
South Zone
Nov. 9 & Jan. 25.
Northwest Zone
Sept. 28 & Jan. 18.
Lake Erie Zone
Oct. 26 & Jan. 18.
Rhode Island
(1)
Ducks, mergansers, coots, Canada and cackling geese, light geese, and brant
Oct. 26 & 27.
South Carolina
Ducks, mergansers, coots, gallinules, and geese
Feb. 1 & 8.
Vermont
(1)
Ducks, mergansers, coots, geese, and brant
Sept. 28 & 29.
Virginia
(3)
Ducks, mergansers, coots, dark geese, and tundra swans
Oct. 26 & Feb. 8.
West Virginia
(1)
Ducks, mergansers, coots, gallinules, geese, and brant
Sept. 21 & Nov. 9.
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
Alabama
Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules
Nov. 23 & Feb. 8.
Arkansas:
Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules
Youth
Feb. 8 & Feb. 9.
Veteran-Active Military Personnel
Feb. 9 only.
Illinois
(1):
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots
North Zone
Oct. 12 & 13.
Central Zone
Oct. 19 & 20.
South Central Zone
Nov. 9 & 10.
South Zone
Nov. 16 & 17.
Indiana:
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots
North Zone
Oct. 12 & 13.
Central Zone
Oct. 26 & 27.
South Zone
Nov. 2 & 3.
Iowa
(1):
Ducks, mergansers, and coots
North Zone
Sept. 21 & 22.
Central Zone
Sept. 28 & Sept. 29.
South Zone
Oct. 5 & 6.
Kentucky:
Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules
( printed page 70572)
Youth
Nov. 23 & Feb. 8.
Veteran-Active Military Personnel
Nov. 24 & Feb. 9.
Louisiana:
Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules
Youth:
East Zone
Nov. 9 & Feb. 1.
West Zone
Nov. 2 & 3.
Veteran-Active Military Personnel:
East Zone
Nov. 9 & Feb. 1.
West Zone
Feb. 1 & 2.
Michigan
Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules
Sept. 21 & 22.
Minnesota
(1)
Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules
Sept. 7 & 8.
Mississippi
Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules
Feb. 8 & 9.
Missouri
(1):
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots
North Zone
Oct. 26 & 27.
Middle Zone
Oct. 26 & 27.
South Zone
Nov. 23 & 24.
Ohio
Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules
Sept. 28 & Sept. 29.
Tennessee:
Youth
Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules
Feb. 1 & 8.
Veteran-Active Military Personnel
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots
Feb. 2 & 9.
Wisconsin
(1)
Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules
Sept. 14 & 15.
CENTRAL FLYWAY
Colorado:
Ducks, dark geese, mergansers, and coots
Mountain/Foothills Zone
Sept. 28 & 29.
Northeast Zone
Oct. 12 & 13.
Southeast Zone
Oct. 19 & 20.
Kansas
(8):
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots
High Plains
Oct. 5 & 6.
Low Plains:
Early Zone
Oct. 5 & 6.
Late Zone
Oct. 19 & 20.
Southeast Zone
Nov. 2 & 3.
Montana
(1)
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots
Sept. 21 & 22.
Nebraska
(9):
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots
Zone 1
Oct. 5 & 6.
Zone 2
Sept. 28 & 29.
Zone 3
Oct. 19 & 20.
Zone 4
Oct. 19 & 20.
New Mexico
(1):
Ducks, mergansers, coots, and gallinules
North Zone
Oct. 5 & 6.
South Zone
Oct. 26 & 27.
North Dakota
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots
Sept. 14 & 15.
Oklahoma:
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots
High Plains
Sept. 28 & Feb. 1.
Low Plains:
Zone 1
Nov. 2 & Feb. 1.
Zone 2
Nov. 2 & Feb. 1.
South Dakota
(1)(9)
Ducks, Canada and cackling geese, mergansers, and coots
Sept. 7 & 8.
Texas:
Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules
High Plains
Oct. 19 & 20.
Low Plains:
North Zone
Nov. 2 & 3.
South Zone
Oct. 26 & Oct. 27.
Wyoming:
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots
Zone C1
Sept. 21 & 22.
Zone C2
Sept. 14 & 15.
Zone C3
Sept. 14 & 15.
PACIFIC FLYWAY
Arizona
(1)
Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules
Feb. 8 & 9.
California:
Youth:
Ducks, geese, brant, mergansers, coots, and gallinules
Northeastern Zone
Sept. 21 & 22.
Colorado River Zone
Feb. 8 & 9.
Southern Zone
Feb. 1 & 2.
Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone
Feb. 1 & 2.
Balance of State Zone
Feb. 1 & 2.
Veteran-Active Military Personnel:
Ducks, mergansers, coots, and gallinules
Northeastern Zone
Jan. 18 & 19.
Southern Zone
Feb. 8 & 9.
( printed page 70573)
Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone
Feb. 8 & 9.
Balance of State Zone
Feb. 8 & 9.
Colorado:
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots
East Zone
Sept. 28 & 29.
West Zone
Oct. 26 & 27.
Idaho
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots
Sept. 28 & 29.
Montana
(1)
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots
Sept. 21 & 22.
Nevada
(1)(3):
Ducks, geese, swans, mergansers, coots, and gallinules
Northeast Zone
Sept. 21 & 22.
Northwest Zone
Sept. 28 & Feb. 8.
South Zone
Feb. 8 & 9.
New Mexico
(1)
Ducks, mergansers, coots, and gallinules
Oct. 12 & 13.
Oregon
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots
Youth
Sept. 28 & Sept. 29.
Veteran-Active Military Personnel
Feb. 1.
Utah
(1)(3):
Ducks, dark geese, swans, mergansers, and coots
Northern Zone
Sept. 21.
Southern Zone
Sept. 28.
Washington
(10):
Ducks, geese, brant, mergansers, and coots
Youth:
East Zone
Sept. 28 & Feb. 1.
West Zone
Sept. 21 & Feb. 1.
Veteran-Active Military Personnel
Feb. 1.
Wyoming
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots
Sept. 14 & 15.
(1) The season is open to youth hunters only.
(2) In
Delaware,
tundra swans may be taken only on February 1.
(3) In
Delaware, North Carolina, Virginia, Nevada,
and
Utah,
the daily bag limit may not include swans except by permit.
(4) In
Maryland,
youth hunter(s) must be accompanied by an adult 21 years of age or older that holds a valid Maryland hunting license or is exempt from the hunting license requirements. One adult may take one or more young hunters, and that adult may call waterfowl, assist with decoys, and retrieve downed birds but may not possess a hunting weapon and may not participate in other seasons that are open on the youth waterfowl hunting days. Active military and honorably discharged veterans, of any age, that possess a valid Maryland hunting license or are exempt from the hunting license requirements may also hunt waterfowl on November 2, 2024, and February 8, 2025. Active military and honorably discharged veterans at least 21 years of age or older may possess hunting weapons and hunt while also providing assistance to eligible youth hunters.
(5) In
Maryland,
the bag limit for Canada and cackling geese is 2 in the AP Zone and 5 in the RP Zone.
(6) In
North Carolina,
a permit is no longer required to hunt Canada geese or white-fronted geese in the Northeast Zone.
(7) In
Pennsylvania,
the second youth day in each duck zone is open to youth, veterans, and active-duty military.
(8) In
Kansas,
youth 17 years of age and younger may participate in the youth waterfowl hunting days.
(9) In
Nebraska
and
South Dakota,
Tier II license holders may take 3 ducks or mergansers of any species in the aggregate, and the possession limit is 9.
(10) In
Washington,
the brant and light goose seasons are closed in September.
Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for sandhill cranes.
Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits on the species designated in this section are as follows:
Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in the August 26, 2024,
Federal Register
(89 FR 68500).
Federally authorized, State-issued permits are issued to individuals, and only the individual whose name and address appears on the permit at the time of issuance is authorized to take sandhill cranes at the level allowed by the permit, in accordance with provisions of both Federal and State regulations governing the hunting season. The permit must be carried by the permittee when exercising its provisions and must be presented to any law enforcement officer upon request. The permit is not transferable or assignable to another individual, and may not be sold, bartered, traded, or otherwise provided to another person. If the permit is altered or defaced in any way, the permit becomes invalid.
CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.
Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park, and Washakie Counties (Area 6)(4)
Sept. 14-Oct. 6
1 per season.
Johnson, Natrona, and Sheridan Counties (Area 8) (4)
Sept. 1-Sept. 30
1 per season.
PACIFIC FLYWAY
Arizona
(4):
Zone 1 (7)
Nov. 8-Dec. 15
3 per season.
Zone 2 (8)
Dec. 6-Dec. 15
3 per season.
Zone 3 (9)
Nov. 23-Dec. 15
3 per season.
Idaho
(4):
Areas 1, 3, 4, 5, & 6
Sept. 1-Sept. 30
2 per season.
Area 2
Sept. 1-Sept. 15
2 per season.
Montana
(4):
Zones 1 & 5
Sept. 1-Oct. 30
1 per season.
Zones 2, 3, 4 & 6
Sept. 1-Oct. 30
2 per season.
Utah
(4):
Cache County
Sept. 7-Sept. 15
1 per season.
East Box Elder County
Sept. 7-Nov. 5
1 per season.
Rich County
Sept. 7-Sept. 15
1 per season.
Uintah Basin Zone
Sept. 28-Nov. 26
1 per season.
Wyoming
(4):
Areas 1, 2, & 5
Sept. 1-Sept. 15
1 per season.
Area 3
Sept. 1-Sept. 8
1 per season.
(1) Each person participating in the regular sandhill crane seasons must have a valid sandhill crane hunting permit and/or a State-issued Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification for game bird hunting in their possession while hunting.
(2) In
Alabama, Kansas,
and
Kentucky,
shooting hours are from sunrise to sunset.
(3) In
Kansas,
each person desiring to hunt sandhill cranes is required to pass an annual, online sandhill crane identification examination.
(4) Hunting is by State permit only. See State regulations for further information.
( printed page 70575)
(5) In
New Mexico,
in the Middle Rio Grande Valley Area (Bernardo and Casa Colorado Wildlife Management Areas), the season is only open for youth hunters on November 23. See State regulations for further details.
(6) In
New Mexico,
in the Estancia Valley Area, the season will be closed to crane hunting on November 6.
(7) In
Arizona,
in Zone 1, season dates are November 8 to 10, November 15 to 17, November 19 to 21, November 23 to 25, November 27 to 29, December 1 to 3, December 6 to 8, and December 13 to 15. November 8 to 10 is restricted to archery hunters only, and December 6 to 8 is restricted to youth hunters only.
(8) In
Arizona,
in Zone 2, season dates are December 6 to 8 and December 13 to 15.
(9) In
Arizona,
in Zone 3, season dates are November 23 to 25, November 27 to 29, December 1 to 3, December 5 to 7, December 9 to 11, and December 13 to 15.
Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits on the species designated in this section are as follows:
Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except as otherwise restricted by State regulations. Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in the August 26, 2024,
Federal Register
(89 FR 68500). Hunting is by State permit only.
Federally authorized, State-issued permits are issued to individuals, and only the individual whose name and address appears on the permit at the time of issuance is authorized to take swans at the level allowed by the permit, in accordance with provisions of both Federal and State regulations governing the hunting season. The permit must be carried by the permittee when exercising its provisions and must be presented to any law enforcement officer upon request. The permit is not transferable or assignable to another individual, and may not be sold, bartered, traded, or otherwise provided to another person. If the permit is altered or defaced in any way, the permit becomes invalid.
Note:
Successful permittees must immediately validate their harvest by that method required in State regulations.
CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS AND DELINEATIONS OF GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS. SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY ON FEDERAL AND STATE PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS AND FEDERAL INDIAN RESERVATIONS.
Area
Season dates
Limits
ATLANTIC FLYWAY
Delaware
Nov. 9-Jan. 31
1 tundra swan per permit.
North Carolina
Nov. 9-Jan. 31
1 tundra swan per permit.
Virginia
Nov. 15-Jan. 31
1 tundra swan per permit.
CENTRAL FLYWAY
(1)
Montana
(2)
Sept. 28-Jan. 2
1 swan per permit.
North Dakota
(1)
Sept. 28-Dec. 27
1 tundra swan per permit.
South Dakota
Sept. 28-Jan. 10
1 swan per permit.
PACIFIC FLYWAY
(1)
Idaho
(2)
Oct. 5-Dec. 1
1 swan per season.
Montana
(2)
Oct. 5-Nov. 29
1 swan per season.
Nevada
(3)(4)
Oct. 12-Jan. 6 & Jan. 9-Jan. 26
1 swan per day, 2 per season.
Utah
(3)(4)
Oct. 5-Dec. 8
1 swan per season.
(1) See State regulations for description of area open to swan hunting.
(2) In
Idaho
and
Montana,
all harvested swans must be reported by way of a bill measurement card within 3 days of harvest.
(3) In
Nevada
and
Utah,
all harvested swans and tags must be checked or registered within 3 days of harvest.
(4) Harvests of trumpeter swans are limited to 20 in Utah and 10 in Nevada. When it has been determined that the quota of trumpeter swans allotted to Nevada and Utah have been filled, the season for taking of any swan species in the respective State will be closed by either the Director upon giving public notice through local information media at least 48 hours in advance of the time and date of closing, or by the State through State regulations with such notice and time (not less than 48 hours) as they deem necessary.
Extended seasons, limits, and hours for taking migratory game birds by falconry.
Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows:
Hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset except as otherwise restricted by State regulations.
Area descriptions were published in the August 26, 2024,
Federal Register
(89 FR 68500).
Limits:
The daily bag limit may include no more than 3 migratory game birds in the aggregate. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. These limits apply to falconry during both regular hunting seasons and extended falconry seasons, unless further restricted by State regulations. The falconry bag and possession limits are not in addition to regular season limits.
Although many States permit falconry during the gun seasons, only extended falconry seasons are shown below. Please consult State regulations for details.
CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS AND DELINEATIONS OF GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS. SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY ON FEDERAL AND STATE PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS AND FEDERAL INDIAN RESERVATIONS.
( printed page 70576)
Use this for formal legal and research references to the published document.
89 FR 70545
Web Citation
Suggested Web Citation
Use this when citing the archival web version of the document.
“Migratory Bird Hunting; 2024-25 Seasons for Certain Migratory Game Birds,” thefederalregister.org (August 30, 2024), https://thefederalregister.org/documents/2024-19420/migratory-bird-hunting-2024-25-seasons-for-certain-migratory-game-birds.