Contact Environment and Climate Change Canada
Help with common topics
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Reporting environmental pollution and emergencies
You can help protect the environment by quickly reporting on any of the following topics:
- Environmental pollution issues/emergencies
- Environmental marine emergencies
- Pipeline emergencies
- Oil spills or a chemical release
Find out who to contact: Environmental emergency contacts - Canada.ca
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Reporting suspected wildlife violations
Help protect wildlife and their habitats by reporting suspected violations. Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers work across the country to:
- enforce laws and regulations that protect migratory birds, species at risk and protected areas
- prevent poaching, trafficking and smuggling of threatened plant and animal species
- collaborate with federal, provincial, territorial and international partners
To report a suspected wildlife violation:
- email the Public Inquiries Centre at enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca
- call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477
- if you're in Quebec, call 1-800-711-1800
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Migratory birds
Hunting Migratory Birds
How to get a permit for Migratory Game Bird Hunting
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
- Buy a paper permit from an independent vendor: CAN$17.00 plus tax
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.
Hunting regulations summaries for migratory birds by region for 2024-25
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.
My souvenir stamp didn’t arrive in the mail
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.
Hunting weapons and ammunition authorized for hunting migratory game birds
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.
Other license requirements to hunt migratory game birds in Canada
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.
Check local rules before hunting
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
For other questions about migratory bird hunting: Migratory game bird hunting: frequently asked questions
Canada geese causing damage or danger
Protection under the law
Canada geese are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act.
It is illegal to:
- capture, kill, injure or harass Canada geese
- disturb, damage or destroy their nests or eggs when they are occupied by a live bird or viable eggs (typically during the nesting season)
- hunt geese or fire a gun to scare them
Managing conflicts
If Canada geese are behaving aggressively or causing property damage, such as crop damage, you may apply for a damage or danger permit to scare them away from your property.
To request a permit, contact your regional Canadian Wildlife Service permit office.
Learn more about managing Canada geese:
What to do if you find an injured migratory bird
If you find an injured migratory bird, you may temporarily possess it to transport it to a wildlife rehabilitation centre.
The Government of Canada:
- does not operate or manage wildlife rehabilitation centres
- does not maintain a list of available centres
You are responsible for finding and contacting a nearby rehabilitation centre. Some centres may be able to pick up injured birds if you report them.
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Bringing or shipping exotic animals or wildlife products
Do I need a permit?
You may need a permit to import or export:
- exotic animals
- souvenirs or personal items made from plants, wildlife or wood
If the item is made from a species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), you must present a valid permit at customs.
Check if your item is on the CITES checklist of species.
Permits are issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada and its partners. We do not issue permits retroactively for wildlife or wildlife products that have been seized at customs.
Get help with your permit
To determine which application form you need or for help filling it out, contact:
Questions about importing or exporting wildlife
For questions about exotic pets, souvenirs, antiques, household items or other wildlife products, contact: ReglementsFaune-WildlifeRegulations@ec.gc.ca
Learn more about international wildlife trade regulations in Canada: International trade in protected animals and plants - Canada.ca
Contacts for other topics:
Use the following contacts and resources to find more information or get help:
- Clean fuels/alternative energy: Energy sources - Natural Resources Canada
- Earthquakes: Earthquakes Canada
- Fishing: Fisheries. Contact the province/territory where you plan to fish
- Flood response (except scientific data): How to prepare for floods
- Green funding: Funding, Grants and Incentives
- Hunting animals that are not migratory birds (ex. bears, moose, turkeys, any mammals): contact wildlife authorities in the province or territory where you plan to hunt
- Indoor air quality: Improve indoor air quality in your home
- Immigrate to Canada: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
- Injured wildlife other than migratory birds: contact your provincial or territorial wildlife authorities
- Local recycling/recycling bins: contact your municipality
- Municipal hunting guidelines and firing weapons: contact the municipality where you plan to hunt
- Travelling with domestic pets: Find out more on the CFIA page Travelling with a pet
- Wildfire forest management: Wildfires
Contact us
Place Vincent Massey Building
351 Saint-Joseph Boulevard
Gatineau QC K1A 0H3
Toll-free: 1-800-668-6767
Email: enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca
Make an access to information or personal information request (ATIP)
Media relations
Toll-free (within Canada): 1-844-836-7799
Outside of Canada: +1 819-938-3338
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET
Email: media@ec.gc.ca
Minister of ECCC
The Honourable Julie Dabrusin
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada, K1A 0A6
Email: ministre-minister@ec.gc.ca
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