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To hunt migratory game birds in Canada, you need a valid Migratory Game Bird Hunting (MGBH) permit. This federal permit includes a Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp and is valid anywhere in Canada. It's available to both Canadian residents and visitors.

Check local restrictions

Some provinces, territories or municipalities may prohibit hunting in specific areas, even if you have a valid permit. Always check with local authorities before hunting.

When to buy

You can buy a MGBH permit between August 1 and June 30 each year.

Show your permit when asked

You must be able to show your permit to a game officer if requested. You can show either:

• a digital copy (PDF on your phone or other device)
• a printed paper copy

Important restrictions

• Permits are non-refundable
• Only the person named on the permit can use it
• Physical permits cannot be replaced if lost

How to get your permit

You have 3 options:

• Buy an electronic permit online: CAN$17.00 plus tax

  Buy an electronic permit now
  Includes the stamp.

• Buy a paper permit at select Canada Post outlets: CAN$17.00 plus tax

  Find a Canada Post outlet

• Buy a paper permit from an independent vendor: CAN$17.00 plus tax

  Find an independent vendor

Youth permits: Hunters under 18 can get a free youth MGBH electronic permit online only.

For more information, please visit the migratory game bird hunting permit page.

The migratory game bird hunting regulation summaries for 2024 to 2025 are published online. For the upcoming hunting season, look for updated summaries in July.

Check the specific regulations for the province/territory where you plan to hunt.

The free physical souvenir stamp is not required to validate the Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit.

If you requested a souvenir stamp when buying your electronic permit and haven’t received it, contact the Canadian Wildlife Service permit office by:

• Email: CWSPermit.PermisSCF@ec.gc.ca
• Toll-free: 1-855-869-8670

A permit officer can help verify your order and the address you provided.

To hunt migratory game birds in Canada, you may use:

• bows with a minimum draw weight of 18 kg (40 lb) and arrows tipped with a broadhead that has at least 2 sharpened blades and a minimum width of 22 mm
• crossbows with a minimum draw weight of 45 kg (100 lb) and a broadhead that has at least 2 sharpened blades and a minimum width of 22 mm
• shotguns no larger than 10 gauge

Shotgun capacity

Your shotgun must be designed or modified so it can hold no more than 3 cartridges in total (in the magazine and chamber combined).

Carrying more than one shotgun

You may carry more than one shotgun while hunting, but:

• only 1 shotgun may be ready for use at a time
• extra shotguns must be unloaded and either:
• disassembled, or
• in a closed case

Prohibited equipment

• Single-projectile cartridges are not allowed for hunting migratory game birds with a shotgun
• Drones are not allowed for hunting migratory game birds in Canada

Rules for using lead shot

The use of lead shot (toxic shot) is mostly prohibited. It is only allowed for hunting:

• murres
• American woodcock
• band-tailed pigeons
• Eurasian collared-doves
• mourning doves

Important exceptions

• In Ontario and Quebec, only non-toxic shot may be used for mourning doves
• When hunting a mix of species (for example, waterfowl and upland birds or murres and sea ducks), you must only use and possess non-toxic shot

For more information, please consult these regulations: Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022.

In addition to a federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit, you may need other licenses or permits to hunt legally.

The Canadian Firearms Act sets out national rules for:

• storing, transporting and possessing firearms
• licensing and registering certain firearms

Most provinces and territories have additional licensing requirements for:

• hunting migratory game birds
• carrying or using firearms while hunting

Check with the local authorities in the province or territory where you plan to hunt to make sure you meet all requirements.

Some municipalities have rules that restrict how close you can be to homes or businesses when discharging a firearm.

Before you hunt, make sure to check the regulations for the:

• province or territory
• city or municipality