Proposals to amend the Canadian Migratory Birds Regulations - 2024: consultation document, hunting seasons 2024-2025 and 2025-2026

Proposals to amend the Canadian Migratory Birds Regulations - 2024
Hunting Seasons 2024-25 and 2025-26
Consultation document

Canadian Wildlife Service
Waterfowl Technical Committee
CWS Migratory Birds Regulatory Report
Number 59

Alternate format

Background

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is responsible for the conservation of migratory birds in Canada and the management of the sustainable hunting of migratory game birds. The hunting regulations for migratory game birds are reviewed and amended biennially by ECCC, with input from provinces and territories, as well as from other stakeholders. The population status of migratory game birds is assessed on an annual basis to ensure that the regulations are appropriate, and amendments can be made between review periods, if necessary, for conservation reasons.

As part of the regulatory process to amend the hunting regulations, the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) produces a series of regulatory reports:

The first report, Population Status of Migratory Game Birds in Canada, contains population and other biological information on migratory game birds and thus provides the scientific basis for informing management decisions that ensure the long-term sustainability of their population. Every two years, ECCC reviews hunting regulations and publishes the population status report. However, CWS analyzes population trends on a yearly basis to evaluate the status of migratory game bird populations.

The second report, Proposals to Amend the Canadian Migratory Birds Regulations, outlines the proposed changes to the hunting regulations for the next two hunting seasons, as well as proposals to amend the overabundant species regulations and other proposed amendments to the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022. Proposals for hunting regulations are developed in accordance with the Objectives and Guidelines for the Establishment of National Regulations for Migratory Game Bird Hunting (see Appendix A of this report or visit the web site Establishing national regulations for migratory game bird hunting: objectives and guidelines - Canada.ca). The consultation document is published every second year, concurrently with the revision of hunting regulations.

The third report, Migratory Birds Regulations in Canada, summarizes the hunting regulations that were approved for the next two hunting seasons. The report is published every second year, concurrently with the revision of hunting regulations.

The three reports are distributed to organizations and individuals with an interest in migratory bird conservation, to provide an opportunity for input on the development of hunting regulations in Canada. They are also available on the ECCC website: Migratory birds regulatory report series.

Regulatory proposals described in the current document, if approved, would be in place starting in September 2024 and remain in effect through winter 2025. There is no proposed change to the special conservation measures for overabundant geese for spring 2025 and spring 2026 (note that the regulations for spring 2024 were made into law as part of the fall 2021 process).

Schedule for the Development of Hunting Regulations

The schedule for the development of hunting regulations is based on the requirement to have the hunting regulations made into law by July:

• September through November – The Population Status of Migratory Game Birds in Canada report, containing biological information on migratory game birds, is developed. In January, it is distributed and posted on the Government of Canada's website
• September and October – CWS regional offices develop proposals for hunting regulations in consultation with the provinces and territories and interested stakeholders
• January – The Proposals to Amend the Canadian Migratory Birds Regulations report containing the regulation proposals is posted on the Government of Canada's website and distributed to allow for public consultation
• July – Hunting regulations become law
• July – The Migratory Birds Regulations in Canada report, containing the approved hunting regulations, is distributed, and posted on the Government of Canada's website
• August – Summaries of migratory birds hunting regulations are available with the Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permits at Canada Post outlets, independent vendors and on the Government of Canada's website

Migratory game bird hunters are made aware of the migratory game bird hunting regulations at the same time as they receive information on season dates and bag and possession limits, when they purchase their hunting permits.

American Black Duck International Harvest Strategy

The American Black Duck International Harvest Strategy was adopted in 2012 by the CWS and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) based on the value of Black Ducks to both countries and the ability of each country to affect harvest. The objectives of the Strategy, based on the principles of adaptive harvest management (AHM), are to:

• maintain a Black Duck population that provides consumptive and non-consumptive use commensurate with habitat carrying capacity
• maintain societal values associated with the hunting tradition; and
• maintain equitable access to the Black Duck resource

In 2022, the strategy was evaluated by partners to ensure that its objectives were achieved. Based on this evaluation, a number of parameters used in the AHM framework were updated. First, the spatial extent of spring survey data used to calculate the abundance of breeding Black Ducks in the integrated population model expanded from the core survey area (Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey [WBPHS] strata 51, 52, 63, 64, 66, 67, 68, 70, 71, and 72) to eastern Canada (WBPHS strata 51–53, 56, 62–72). Second, the definition of an “indicated pair” changed from 1.5 to 1.0 based on an updated analysis of observation data from Quebec and New Jersey from 1990-2009. Prior to 2023, one “indicated pair” was defined as 1.5 pairs based on sex-specific observations that showed approximately 50% of historical observed groups of two birds were male-male and 50% were male-female. For the “indicated pair” calculation, a male-female group equals one “indicated pair” while a male-male group equals two; therefore, two “unknown sex” bird groups equaled 1.5. Updated analysis of observation data showed that this calculation is now 1.0. Third, the effect of Mallard competition on Black Ducks has been removed from the AHM framework based on an evaluation of the Mallard competition model versus a model with only random effects. These results showed no appreciable difference in the predictive capacity of the Mallard model and, as such, the parameter that accounts for Mallard competition has been removed. Fourth, band reporting rates were updated, which subsequently updated the value of the harvest additivity parameter.

The strategy continues to identify appropriate Black Duck harvest levels in Canada and the U.S. based on the size of the breeding population while maintaining equity in the harvest between the two countries. However, recognizing incomplete control of harvest through regulations, it allows the realized harvest in either country to vary between 40% and 60% of the annual continental harvest before a strong penalty is applied under the parity constraint. During the evaluation of the strategy in 2022, the parity constraint was also assessed, which showed that the current difference in predicted harvest rates between Canada and the U.S. would trigger a strong restriction penalty to U.S. hunters, even though Canada is under a liberal regulatory option. Given this result does not align with the original intent of the parity constraint, for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 policy optimization, the parity constraint was temporarily modified so that if one country was under its most liberal regulatory package, the other country would not be penalized by the constraint. To further address the parity issue, Canada is also proposing to modify its province-specific Black Duck harvest regulations implemented under the Liberal regulatory package.

The strategy, used to determine the appropriate Black Duck harvest regulations, consists of four pre-defined regulatory packages in Canada and three in the U.S. Country-specific harvest opportunities are determined from a set of expected harvest rate distributions defined as regulatory alternatives. Canada has developed four regulatory packages (liberal, moderate, restrictive and closed) with the Canadian moderate alternative defined as the 1997 to 2010 mean harvest rate (the reference package). The Canadian regulatory packages are as follows:

• Liberal: 30% increase in harvest rate over the 1997–2010 mean harvest rate
• Moderate: 1997–2010 mean harvest rate (3.5% per year [mean harvest rate for adult males])
• Restrictive: 30% decrease in harvest rate below the 1997–2010 mean harvest rate; and
• Closed: no Black Duck harvest allowed

As part of the evaluation of the strategy, each regulatory package is evaluated after at least three years of implementation before changes to that specific regulatory package will be considered. Over the past five years, province-specific harvest regulations implemented under the Liberal regulatory package have not been able to achieve the expected 30% increase in harvest rate for Black Ducks in Canada. As a result, it is proposed to modify the harvest regulations for Black Ducks in each province in an attempt to increase harvest rate to levels prescribed within the strategy. As per the strategy, CWS will continue to monitor harvest rate in addition to the breeding population to ensure that the strategy continues to meet the objectives stated above.

The optimal Canadian policy recommendation for the 2024-2025 hunting season is the liberal regulatory package. This recommendation is based on long-term trend in the Black Duck breeding population in eastern Canada as well as the estimated effect of hunting on the Black Duck population. According to data collected by the CWS and USFWS, the current level of harvest has only a low effect on population levels. The liberal package is therefore the optimal alternative.

Management of overabundant geese

Seasons 2024-2025 and 2025-2026

There is no proposed change for Snow Geese and Ross’s Geese as well as Temperate-breeding Canada Goose population in southern Manitoba.

The special conservation measures for Snow Geese, Ross’s Geese and the Manitoba Temperate-breeding population of Canada Geese that were implemented in past regulatory cycles will continue to be in effect in spring 2024. They are included in Appendix B and posted on the Government of Canada's website : Hunting regulations for migratory birds: provincial and territorial summaries - Canada.ca

Proposed Changes to Hunting Regulations for the 2024-2025 and the 2025-2026 Seasons

The Canadian Wildlife Service and the provinces and territories have jointly developed the regulatory proposals presented here. To facilitate the comparison of changes proposed in this text with current regulations, the summaries of the 2023-2024 Migratory Birds Hunting Regulations are available in Appendix B of this report and posted on the Government of Canada’s website: Hunting regulations for migratory birds: provincial and territorial summaries - Canada.ca

Newfoundland and Labrador

• American Black Duck International Harvest Strategy – Updated Hunting Regulations Under The Liberal Regulatory Package

It is proposed to remove the late season American Black Duck harvest restrictions (not more than four ducks in the daily bag limit) throughout Newfoundland and allow the harvest of six American Black Ducks per day for the entire proposed 107-day season. These changes are consistent with the target harvest rate of American Black Ducks under the liberal regulatory package as per the International Black Duck Harvest Strategy. Current American Black Duck hunting regulations in Canada result in a harvest rate much lower than the maximum allowed in the liberal package. This proposal was supported by the Black Duck Adaptive Harvest Management Working Group, Mississippi and Atlantic Flyway Councils, as well as, at the Atlantic Migratory Game Bird Technical Committee meeting in October 2023. Similar increases are also proposed for Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick as well as for Quebec and Ontario.

• Increase season length and change generic season dates to fixed dates for duck, geese and snipe

It is proposed to change all waterfowl (ducks and geese) and snipe opening and closing hunting season dates in Newfoundland and Labrador from generic dates to fixed calendar dates. Further, it is proposed to increase the number of waterfowl and snipe hunting days to the maximum allowable of 107 days. These measures would allow for up to seven more hunting days. Further, one additional day is added to compensate for the removal of the Waterfowl Heritage Day. Finally, it is proposed to add an eider season to Western Labrador Zone. The proposed season dates by hunting zone for Newfoundland and Labrador are presented in Tables 1 and 2 respectively. All these changes would simplify the regulations and provide more hunting opportunities for hunters. It is not expected that these changes would result in an appreciable increase in harvest and will be monitored through the National Harvest Survey. This proposal was supported by the Atlantic Migratory Game Bird Technical Committee at a meeting in October 2023.

Table 1: Proposed changes to the season dates in Newfoundland hunting zones for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 hunting seasons

Prince Edward Island

• American Black Duck International Harvest Strategy – Updated Hunting Regulations Under The Liberal Regulatory Package

It is proposed to remove the late season American Black Duck harvest restrictions (not more than four ducks in the daily bag limit) throughout Prince Edward Island and allow the harvest of six American Black Ducks for the entire proposed 107-day season. These changes are consistent with the target harvest rate of American Black Ducks under the liberal regulatory package as per the International Black Duck Harvest Strategy. Current American Black Duck hunting regulations in Canada result in a harvest rate much lower than the maximum allowed in the liberal package. This proposal was supported by the Black Duck Adaptive Harvest Management Working Group, Mississippi and Atlantic Flyway Councils, as well as, at the Atlantic Migratory Game Bird Technical Committee meeting in October 2023. Similar increases are also proposed for Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick as well as for Quebec and Ontario.

• Increase season length for ducks

It is proposed to increase the number of duck hunting dates to the maximum allowable of 107 days throughout Prince Edward Island. The seasons would be increased by 15 days (Table 3). These changes would provide more hunting opportunities for hunters. It is not expected that the increase in season length would result in an appreciable increase in harvest and will be monitored through the National Harvest Survey. This proposal was supported by the Atlantic Migratory Game Bird Technical Committee at a meeting in October 2023.

Table 3. Proposed changes to the season dates throughout Prince Edward Island for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 hunting seasons

Nova Scotia

• American Black Duck International Harvest Strategy – Updated Hunting Regulations Under The Liberal Regulatory Package

It is proposed to remove the late season American Black Duck harvest restrictions (not more than four ducks in the daily bag limit) throughout Nova Scotia and allow the harvest of six American Black Ducks for the entire proposed 107-day season. These changes are consistent with the target harvest rate of American Black Ducks under the liberal regulatory package as per the International Black Duck Harvest Strategy. Current American Black Duck hunting regulations in Canada result in a harvest rate much lower than the maximum allowed in the liberal package. This proposal was supported by the Black Duck Adaptive Harvest Management Working Group, Mississippi and Atlantic Flyway Councils, as well as, at the Atlantic Migratory Game Bird Technical Committee meeting in October 2023. Similar increases are also proposed for Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick as well as for Quebec and Ontario.

• Increase season length for ducks and advance eider season

It is proposed to increase the number of duck hunting dates to the maximum allowable of 107 days throughout Nova Scotia. The duck seasons would be increased by up to eight days. It is also proposed to change the eider season to align open season dates between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick (Table 4). These changes would provide more hunting opportunities for hunters. It is not expected that these measures would result in an appreciable increase in harvest and will be monitored through the National Harvest Survey. This proposal was supported by the Atlantic Migratory Game Bird Technical Committee at a meeting in October 2023.

Table 4. Proposed changes to the season dates in Nova Scotia hunting zones for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 hunting seasons

New Brunswick

• American Black Duck International Harvest Strategy – Updated Hunting Regulations Under The Liberal Regulatory Package

It is proposed to remove the late season American Black Duck harvest restrictions (not more than four ducks in the daily bag limit) throughout New Brunswick and allow the harvest of six American Black Ducks for the entire proposed 107-day season. These changes are consistent with the target harvest rate of American Black Ducks under the liberal regulatory package as per the International Black Duck Harvest Strategy. Current American Black Duck hunting regulations in Canada result in a harvest rate much lower than the maximum allowed in the liberal package. This proposal was supported by the Black Duck Adaptive Harvest Management Working Group, Mississippi and Atlantic Flyway Councils, as well as, at the Atlantic Migratory Game Bird Technical Committee meeting in October 2023. Similar increases are also proposed for Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia as well as for Quebec and Ontario.

• Increase season length for ducks and advance eider season

It is proposed to increase the number of duck hunting dates to the maximum allowable of 107 days throughout New Brunswick. The duck seasons would be increased by up to 15 days. It is also proposed to change the eider season to align open season dates within New Brunswick and between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia (Table 5). These changes would provide more hunting opportunities for hunters. It is not expected that these measures would result in an appreciable increase in harvest and will be monitored through the National Harvest Survey. This proposal was supported by the Atlantic Migratory Game Bird Technical Committee at a meeting in October 2023.

Table 5. Proposed changes to the season dates in New Brunswick hunting zones for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 hunting seasons

Quebec

• American Black Duck International Harvest Strategy – Updated Hunting Regulations Under The Liberal Regulatory Package

It is proposed to increase the daily bag limit from two to six Black Ducks per day in all locations within hunting district F, thus removing the current restriction of two birds per day in locations south of Route 148 and west of Highway 15. Opening and closing season dates will not change. These changes are consistent with the target harvest rate of American Black Ducks under the liberal regulatory package as per the International Black Duck Harvest Strategy. Current American Black Duck hunting regulations in Canada result in a harvest rate much lower than the maximum allowed in the liberal package. This proposal was supported by the Black Duck Adaptive Harvest Management Working Group, Mississippi and Atlantic Flyway Councils, as well as, at the provincial stakeholder’s meeting (Table de concertation sur la gestion des oiseaux migrateurs gibier) in September 2023. Similar increases are also proposed for the Atlantic provinces and Ontario.

• Advance the opening date for American Woodcock hunting season

It is proposed to advance the opening date of the American Woodcock hunting season for hunting districts B, C, D, E and F to the first Saturday after August 31, with no change to the length of the season (106 days), and to close the season on the first Saturday after December 14 (i.e. season would be from September 7 to December 21, 2024). The current season runs from the first Saturday after September 14 to the first Saturday after December 28 for districts C, D, E and F (i.e. from September 21 to January 4, 2024) and from the first Saturday after September 7 to the first Saturday after December 21 for district B (i.e. from September 14 to December 28, 2024). No changes are proposed to the daily bag and possession limits.

Data from the American Woodcock Singing-Ground Survey indicate a relatively stable population trend (non-significant short-, medium- and long-term decline) in Quebec, and a much higher breeding bird density than the average density for North-Eastern states/provinces. The average number of singing males per route in 2023 was 4.25 in Quebec, almost 50% higher than the average for all participating North-Eastern states/provinces (2.62 singing males per route; Seamans and Rau 2023). Despite a healthy population and liberal hunting regulations (106-day hunting season; daily bag limit of eight woodcocks), the Canadian National Harvest Survey indicates a marked decline in woodcock harvested in Quebec in recent decades. The estimated annual harvest has fallen from around 20,000 woodcocks in the early 2000s to less than 8,000 since 2018. Hunting effort is also very limited, with fewer than 2,500 active woodcock hunters, including fewer than 1,000 hunters who report having harvested at least one woodcock in 2022. By comparison, the eastern states of the U.S., with their moderate hunting regulations (45-day hunting season; daily bag limit of three woodcocks) harvested over 65,400 woodcocks in 2022, for 36,500 active hunters. Maine alone accounts for nearly a third (20,400 woodcocks) of this harvest. In both Quebec and the northern U.S., harvest data show that the peak harvest occurs between the second and third weeks after the season opens, with harvest success directly linked to the timing of fall foliage.

Recent telemetry data from a major collaborative study on American Woodcock migration confirms that woodcock breeding in Quebec begin their migration on October 22 on average, and have mostly left the province by the first week of November (Environment and Climate Change Canada, unpublished data). In short, despite a 106-day open season, Quebec woodcock hunters can expect a 35–45-day window of hunting because of the timing of migration.

Bringing forward the hunting season in Quebec from mid-September to early September would offer better hunting opportunities before peak migration. This proposal is not expected to have a marked effect on the number of harvested birds or population size.

This proposal was presented to the provincial stakeholder’s meeting (Table de concertation sur la gestion des oiseaux migrateurs gibier) and to the technical committee of the Atlantic Flyway Council, both held in September 2023, and received the support of both committees.

Literature cited

Seamans, M. E. and Rau, R. D. 2023. American Woodcock Population Status, 2023. – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Laurel, Maryland. 21.

• Considering the establishment of a Sandhill Crane season in Quebec

A proposal for the establishment of a Sandhill Crane hunting season in Quebec in hunting districts C and D is under consideration for a future round of amendments. An evaluation by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) determined that Sandhill Cranes could be hunted sustainably in Quebec. A summary of the evaluation is provided below. A similar proposal is also being issued for Ontario. The Eastern population of Sandhill Crane is currently hunted in three U.S. states (Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama). The Mid-Continent population is also sustainably hunted in Canada's three prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba) and in the Yukon. The earliest possible implementation date for the season would be September 2026.

A Sandhill Crane hunting season would provide a new harvesting opportunity for hunters in Quebec, and an additional tool to help alleviate crop damage problems caused by cranes. The introduction of a Sandhill Crane hunting season has been the subject of repeated requests from hunting and agricultural organizations in Quebec for several years.

As a person or organization interested in the management of migratory game bird hunting in Canada, your comments are invited on this proposal. Your comments can be forwarded to the following address : MbregsReports-Rapports-Omregs@ec.gc.ca

Population status of Sandhill Cranes in Quebec

There are two main populations of Sandhill Crane in Canada: The Mid-Continent population and the Eastern population. The Mid-Continent population numbers close to a million individuals, and its range covers Alaska and the central states/provinces of North America. The core breeding area for the Eastern population is the Great Lakes region.

Tracking data from Sandhill Cranes collected between 2019 and 2022 in agricultural areas of the western half of Quebec revealed that cranes present in this area belong to the Eastern Population (ECCC, unpublished data). There is a Sandhill Crane Management Plan for the Eastern Population, whose primary objective is to manage this crane population to a sustainable level, set between 30,000 and 60,000 individuals, which is compatible with societal values and habitat conditions in the Mississippi and Atlantic flyways (Ad Hoc Eastern Population Sandhill Crane Committee, 2010). The Eastern Sandhill Crane population has been monitored by an annual fall staging survey coordinated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (Pierce and Fronczak 2023). This survey shows an increasing trend of 4.4% annually since 1979. In addition, the most recent three-year average (2020-2022) of 97,385 cranes (Seamans 2023) is 62% above the population target of 60,000 set in the management plan.

In Quebec, the number of breeding pairs estimated by the ECCC-Canadian Wildlife Service's Eastern Waterfowl Survey shows an average growth rate of 11% per year since 1990, and the most recent 3-year average is 9,920 pairs (ECCC, unpublished data).

The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of Southern Quebec (2010-2014) revealed a considerable increase and extent of Sandhill Crane nesting evidence in the province, from a single occupied survey plot (0.04%) during the first atlas field campaign (1984-1989) to 424 occupied plots (10.5%) during the second atlas field campaign (2010-2014; Lepage, 2019).

According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), the Sandhill Crane population in Quebec increased by an average of 8% annually between 1970 and 2021 (Smith et al. 2023).

Casabonat I Amat et al (2022) analyzed three separate datasets and concluded that the probability of occupancy of Sandhill Cranes in southern Quebec has increased significantly from 2004 to 2019; these authors expect birds to nest more densely or expand their range eastwards into unoccupied and available habitats in the coming years.

All metrics used to monitor Sandhill Crane abundance in Quebec indicate that Sandhill Cranes are doing very well, with a positive population trend, with increasing density and expanding distribution across the province.

Sustainable harvest management and proposed framework

ECCC believes that it is possible to implement a Sandhill Crane hunting season in Quebec that would be consistent with the levels prescribed by the harvest strategy outlined in the Eastern Population Management Plan (Ad Hoc Eastern Population Sandhill Crane Committee, 2010).

One of the objectives of this management plan is to provide crane hunting opportunities when crane numbers exceed 60,000. Following this plan and considering that this population is estimated to exceed 60,000 individuals, three U.S. states have established hunting seasons for the Eastern population of Sandhill Cranes (Kentucky in 2015, Tennessee in 2017 and Alabama in 2023). These three states closely monitor the harvest via a tag system, where every bird shot must be tagged and reported. In 2022-23, American hunters harvested 1,085 Sandhill Cranes from the Eastern population (Seamans, 2023), i.e., 1% of the estimated population.

In the absence of a similar harvest monitoring system in Canada, ECCC is proposing a harvest framework for Quebec which would meet the criteria of the management plan's harvest strategy for this population. The framework is designed to achieve an allocated annual harvest of 500-1000 Sandhill Cranes, based on a peak fall staging population of 18,000 individuals in Quebec. This level of harvest represents between 0.5 and 1% of the entire Eastern population, which corresponds to a sustainable harvest under current conditions, and is consistent with the recommended management targets in the Eastern Population Harvest Strategy (Ad Hoc Eastern Population Sandhill Crane Committee, 2010).

The harvesting framework currently proposed is as follows: Sandhill Crane hunting would be limited to hunting districts C and D, and restricted to farmland. The hunting season would last 14 days, starting on the first Saturday after September 11, which coincides with the opening date of the duck hunting season in both districts. The daily bag limit would be one (1) crane, and the possession limit would also be one (1) crane. Harvesting would be permitted for Canadian residents only. The proposed districts (C and D) were chosen because of the high abundance of cranes in agricultural areas during fall migration, offering an attractive harvesting opportunity as well as ensuring that harvest does not disproportionately impact local breeding cranes.

Potential non-target species

Few species can be confused with the Sandhill Crane, given its size, morphology and particular ecology. The three main species that could be confused with the Sandhill Crane are the Whooping Crane, the Great Blue Heron and the Canada Goose. The Whooping Crane is designated as endangered under the Species at Risk Act. Its larger size, white plumage and black wing tips make it easily distinguishable from other species, including Sandhill Cranes. In addition, there is only one historical record of this species in Quebec (May 2005), significantly reducing the risk of accidental harvesting. The Great Blue Heron, apart from its smaller size and different silhouette in flight, does not commonly frequent farmland where harvest would be permitted. The Canada Goose is also relatively easy to distinguish from the Sandhill Crane, but its harvest is permitted in Quebec, and the hunting season proposed here would overlap entirely with the Canada Goose hunting season. ECCC therefore considers the risk of harvesting non-target species during Sandhill Crane hunting activities to be relatively low. ECCC will, however, develop identification tools to be provided to hunters to help them differentiate Sandhill Cranes from non-target species.

Benefits associated with opening a hunting season for Sandhill Cranes

The opening of a Sandhill Crane hunting season would provide hunters in Quebec with an opportunity to sustainably harvest a species that has been expanding its range and increasing in population size for several years. This hunting season could also serve as an additional tool for farmers to mitigate the risk of crop damage. While the proposed hunting season may slow the growth of Sandhill Cranes in Quebec, ECCC does not expect a hunting season, as proposed, to decrease the current population size or influence the distribution of cranes in the province, thus Sandhill Crane viewing opportunities would be maintained where cranes currently occur.

Harvest and population monitoring

Sandhill Crane harvest monitoring will be carried out mainly via the ECCC National Harvest Survey, as is done in other provinces and territories.

Population monitoring in Quebec will be conducted using two surveys. The first survey is the Fall Staging Survey which was initiated in 2023 to provide peak fall counts of Sandhill Cranes in strategic migratory stopover sites in Quebec. These staging areas correspond mainly to farmland in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue (hunting district C) and Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean (hunting district D) regions. This survey also enables estimates of recruitment and productivity of the population. The breeding population will continue to be monitored by the established Eastern Waterfowl Survey. There are a number of additional surveys (e.g.: USFWS Eastern Population Survey, Breeding Bird Survey) that provide supplemental information that will support the management of cranes in Quebec and help ensure the sustainability of the Quebec harvest.

Monitoring of hunting season implementation

If implemented, the proposed hunting season will be monitored closely for the first four years following implementation (2026 to 2029). ECCC will collect data on harvest (number of active hunters, hunting success, total harvest, etc.) as well as information on hunter behavior. This information will be used to assess the harvest framework, ensuring that Sandhill Crane numbers in Quebec remain at a sustainable level. At the end of the four-year open season, modifications to the framework may be made to ensure the desired objectives are achieved, including a cancellation of the season if harvest is deemed unsustainable.

Literature cited

Ad Hoc Eastern Population Sandhill Crane Committee. 2010. Management Plan for the Eastern Population of Sandhill Cranes. Report prepared for the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway Council. Minneapolis, MN. 36 pp.

Casabona I Amat, C. A. Adde, M.J. Mazerolle, C. Lepage and M. Darveau. 2022. Breeding expansion of Sandhill Cranes in Quebec. Journal of Wildlife Management 86(3): 1-17.

Lepage, C. 2019. Sandhill crane. Pages 194–195 in M. Robert, M.‐H. Hachey, D. Lepage, and A. R. Couturier, editors. Second atlas of the breeding birds of southern Quebec. Canadian Wildlife Service of Environment and Climate Change Canada, Regroupement QuébecOiseaux and Bird Studies Canada, Montréal, Québec, Canada. 694 pp.

Pierce, R. and Fronczak, D. 2023. Fall Survey of the Eastern Population of Greater Sandhill Cranes 2022 – Final Report. https://www.fws.gov/media/eastern-population-greater-sandhill-crane-fall-2022-survey

Seamans, M.E. 2023. Status and harvests of Sandhill Cranes: Mid-Continent, Rocky Mountain, Lower Colorado River Valley, and Eastern Populations. Administrative Report, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Lakewood, Colorado. 12pp.

Smith, A.C., Hudson, M-A.R. Aponte, V.I., English, W.B., and Francis, C.M. 2023. North American Breeding Bird Survey - Canadian Trends Website, Data-version 2021. Environment and Climate Change Canada, Gatineau, Quebec, K1A 0H3.

• Administrative change

It is proposed to correct a grammatical error in the French version of Table 2 of Part 5 of Schedule 3 of the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022. The terms “ces espèces” should be replaced by “cette espèce”.

Ontario

• American Black Duck International Harvest Strategy – Updated Hunting Regulations Under The Liberal Regulatory Package

It is proposed to increase the daily bag limit from four to six Black Ducks per day in the Hudson-James Bay, Northern and Central Hunting Districts. In the Southern Hunting District, the daily bag limit would increase from two to six Black Ducks per day in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 60 to 87E and two to three Black Ducks per day in WMUs 88 to 95. Opening and closing season dates will not change. These changes are consistent with the target harvest rate of American Black Ducks under the liberal regulatory package as per the International Black Duck Harvest Strategy. Current American Black Duck hunting regulations in Canada result in a harvest rate much lower than the maximum allowed in the liberal package. This proposal was supported by the Black Duck Adaptive Harvest Management Working Group, Mississippi and Atlantic Flyway Councils as well as provincial stakeholders at the Ontario Waterfowl Advisory Committee meeting in September 2023. Similar increases are also proposed for the Atlantic provinces and Quebec.

• Considering the establishment of a Sandhill Crane hunting season in Ontario

A proposal for the establishment of a Sandhill Crane hunting season in Ontario in portions of the Northern and Central Districts as well as the Hudson and James Bay District is under consideration for a future round of amendments. An evaluation by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) determined that Sandhill Cranes could be hunted sustainably in Ontario. A summary of the evaluation is provided below. A similar proposal is also being considered for Quebec. The Eastern population of Sandhill Crane is currently hunted in three U.S. states (Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama). The Mid-Continent population is also sustainably hunted in Canada's three prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba) and in the Yukon. The earliest possible implementation date for the season would be September 2026.

A Sandhill Crane hunting season would provide a new harvesting opportunity for hunters in Ontario, and an additional tool to help alleviate crop damage problems caused by cranes. The introduction of the Sandhill Crane hunting season has been the subject of repeated requests from hunting and agricultural organizations in Ontario since 2003.

As a person or organization interested in the management of migratory game bird hunting in Canada, your comments are invited on this proposal. Your comments can be forwarded to the following address: MbregsReports-Rapports-Omregs@ec.gc.ca.

Population status of Sandhill Cranes in Ontario

There are two main populations of Sandhill Crane in Canada: The Mid-Continent population and the Eastern population. The Mid-Continent population numbers close to a million individuals, and its range covers Alaska and the central states/provinces of North America. The core breeding area of the Eastern population is the Great Lakes region.

Tracking data from Sandhill Cranes in agricultural areas of Central and Eastern Ontario reveal that cranes present in this area belong to the Eastern Population (ECCC, unpublished data). There is a Sandhill Crane Management Plan for the Eastern Population, whose primary objective is to manage this crane population to a sustainable level, set between 30,000 and 60,000 individuals, which is compatible with societal values and habitat conditions in the Mississippi and Atlantic flyways (Ad Hoc Eastern Population Sandhill Crane Committee, 2010). The Eastern Sandhill Crane population has been monitored by an annual fall staging survey coordinated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (Pierce and Fronczak 2023). This survey shows an increasing trend of 4.4% annually since 1979. In addition, the most recent three-year average (2020-2022) of 97,385 cranes (Seamans 2023) is 62% above the population target of 60,000 set by the management plan.

The number of breeding cranes estimated by the ECCC-Canadian Wildlife Service's Eastern Waterfowl Survey in Quebec shows an average growth rate of 11% per year since 1990, and the most recent three-year average is 9920 pairs (ECCC, unpublished data). Estimates from the Ontario portion of the survey indicate a five-fold increase in the number of nesting cranes since the early 1990s (ECCC, unpublished data).

Results from the Second Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (OBBA; 2001-2005) indicated a dramatic increase in breeding density and breeding extent in Ontario (Sutherland and Crins, 2010). Early results from the third iteration of the OBBA suggest that the Sandhill Crane population continues to expand (Birds Canada. 2023).

According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, the Sandhill Crane population in Ontario increased by an average of 12% annually between 1970 and 2021 and has continued to increase at 6% annually since 2011 (Smith et al. 2023).

All metrics used to monitor Sandhill Crane abundance in Ontario indicate that Sandhill Cranes are doing very well, with a positive population trend, with increasing density and expanding distribution across the province.

Sustainable harvest management and proposed framework

ECCC believes that it is possible to implement a Sandhill Crane hunting season in Ontario that would be consistent with the levels prescribed by the harvest strategy outlined in the Eastern Population Management Plan (Ad Hoc Eastern Population Sandhill Crane Committee, 2010).

One of the objectives of this management plan is to provide crane hunting opportunities when crane numbers exceed 60,000. Following this plan and considering that this population is estimated to exceed 60,000 individuals, three U.S. states have established hunting seasons for the Eastern population of Sandhill Cranes (Kentucky in 2015, Tennessee in 2017 and Alabama in 2023). These three states closely monitor the harvest via a tag system, where every bird shot must be tagged and reported. In 2022-23, American hunters harvested 1,085 Sandhill Cranes from the Eastern population (Seamans, 2023), i.e., 1% of the estimated population.

In the absence of a similar harvest monitoring system in Canada, ECCC is proposing a harvest framework for Ontario which would meet the criteria of the management plan's harvest strategy for this population. The framework is designed to achieve an allocated annual harvest of 500-1000 Sandhill Cranes, based on a peak fall staging population of 14,000 individuals in Ontario. This level of harvest represents between 0.5 and 1% of the entire Eastern population, which corresponds to a sustainable harvest under current conditions and is consistent with the recommended management targets in the Eastern Population Harvest Strategy (Ad Hoc Eastern Population Sandhill Crane Committee, 2010).

The harvesting framework currently proposed is as follows: Sandhill Crane hunting would be limited to the Hudson-James Bay District and the following Wildlife Management Units (WMU) in the Northern and Central Districts only: WMUs 23, 24, 27-30, 36, 37, 40, 41, 42, 43, 45, 47 and 48. The proposed hunting season would begin September 1 in the Hudson-James Bay District and the first Saturday after September 11 in the aforementioned WMUs in Northern and Central Districts. The season would be 14 days long in all districts. The daily bag limit would be one (1) crane, and the possession limit would also be one (1) crane. Harvest would be permitted for Canadian residents only and hunting would be restricted to farmland only in Northern and Central District WMUs. The proposed hunting districts and WMUs and season dates were chosen because of the high abundance of cranes in agricultural areas during fall migration, offering an attractive harvesting opportunity and to ensure that harvest does not disproportionately impact local breeding cranes.

Potential non-target species

Few species can be confused with the Sandhill Crane, given its size, morphology, and particular ecology. The three main species that could be confused with the Sandhill Crane are the Whooping Crane, the Great Blue Heron, and the Canada Goose. The Whooping Crane is designated as endangered under the Species at Risk Act. Its larger size, white plumage and black wing tips make it easily distinguishable from other species, including Sandhill Cranes. In addition, observations of Whooping Cranes in Ontario are extremely rare, with only four observations in the province since 1871. Moreover, there have been no observations ever of Whooping Cranes in the areas considered for a Sandhill Crane hunting season during the fall, significantly reducing the risk of accidental harvesting. The Great Blue Heron, apart from its smaller size and different silhouette in flight, does not commonly frequent farmland where harvest would be permitted. The Canada Goose is also relatively easy to distinguish from the Sandhill Crane, but its harvest is permitted in Ontario, and the hunting season proposed here would overlap entirely with the Canada Goose hunting season. The department therefore considers the risk of harvesting non-target species during Sandhill Crane hunting to be low. ECCC will, however, develop identification tools to be provided to hunters to help them differentiate Sandhill Cranes from non-target species.

Benefits associated with opening a hunting season for Sandhill Cranes

The opening of a Sandhill Crane hunting season would provide hunters in Ontario with an opportunity to sustainably harvest a species for human consumption that has been increasing for several years. This hunting season could also serve as an additional tool for farmers to mitigate the risk of crop damage. While the proposed hunting season may slow the growth of Sandhill Cranes in Ontario, ECCC does not expect a hunting season, as proposed, to decrease the current population size or influence the distribution of cranes in the province, thus Sandhill Crane viewing opportunities would be maintained where cranes currently occur.

Harvest and population monitoring

Sandhill Crane harvest monitoring will be conducted primarily via the ECCC National Harvest Survey, as is done in other provinces and territories. Population monitoring in Ontario will be conducted using two surveys. The first survey is the Fall Staging Survey which will be conducted annually starting in 2024 and will provide peak fall counts of Sandhill Cranes in Ontario. This survey will also enable estimates of recruitment and productivity of the population. The breeding population will continue to be monitored by the established Eastern Waterfowl Survey. There are a number of additional surveys (e.g.: USFWS Eastern Population Survey, Breeding Bird Survey) that provide supplemental information that will support the management of cranes in Ontario and help ensure the sustainability of the Ontario harvest.

Monitoring of hunting season implementation

If implemented, the proposed hunting season will be monitored closely for the first four years following implementation (2026 to 2029). ECCC will collect data on harvest (number of active hunters, hunting success, total harvest, etc.) as well as information on hunter behavior. This information will be used to assess the harvest framework, ensuring that Sandhill Crane numbers in Ontario remain at a sustainable level. At the end of the four-year open season, modifications to the framework may be made to ensure the desired objectives are achieved, including a cancellation of the season if harvest is deemed unsustainable.

Literature cited

Ad Hoc Eastern Population Sandhill Crane Committee. 2010. Management Plan for the Eastern Population of Sandhill Cranes. Report prepared for the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway Councils. Minneapolis, MN. 36pp.

Birds Canada. 2023. Sandhill Crane 2021-2023, Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. Data accessed from NatureCounts, a node of the Avian Knowledge Network, Birds Canada. Available: https://www.naturecounts.ca/. Accessed: 18 October 2023.

Pierce, R. and Fronczak, D. 2023. Fall Survey of the Eastern Population of Greater Sandhill Cranes 2022 – Final Report. https://www.fws.gov/media/eastern-population-greater-sandhill-crane-fall-2022-survey.

Seamans, M.E. 2023. Status and harvests of sandhill cranes: Mid-Continent, Rocky Mountain, Lower Colorado River Valley, and Eastern Populations. Administrative Report, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Lakewood, Colorado. 12pp + tables and figures.

Smith, A.C., Hudson, M-A.R. Aponte, V.I., English, W.B., and Francis, C.M. 2023. North American Breeding Bird Survey - Canadian Trends Website, Data-version 2021. Environment and Climate Change Canada, Gatineau, Quebec, K1A 0H3

Sutherland, D.A. and Crins, W.J. 2010. Sandhill Crane, p.208-209 in Cadman, M.D., Sutherland, D.A., Beck, G.G., Lepage, D. and Couturier, A.R. (dir), Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, 2001-2005. Bird Studies Canada, Environment Canada, Ontario Field Ornithologists, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and Ontario Nature, Toronto, xxii + 706 p.

• Administrative change to hunting zone denomination

It is proposed to add the term “provincial” in front of “Wildlife Management Unit” in Part 6 of Schedule 3 of the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 to clarify that those units are under provincial jurisdiction.

Manitoba

No regulatory changes are proposed for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 hunting seasons. However, minor changes are proposed to correct errors in Part 7 of Schedule 3 of the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022.

• Administrative changes
  • Hunting zone denomination

It is proposed to remove the term “provincial” in front of “Game Bird Hunting Zone”, those hunting zones are under federal jurisdiction.

• Correct grammatical errors

It is proposed to correct an error in Table 2. Replace “those” (species) by “that” (species).

Saskatchewan

• remove the restriction of half-day hunting for dark geese

It is proposed to remove the current restriction of half-day hunting in Saskatchewan and allow all-day hunting for Canada Geese, Cackling Geese and White-fronted Geese. Hunting would be allowed from one half-hour before sunrise until one half-hour after sunset for the entire hunting season. Currently, the open season includes only that part of day from one half-hour before sunrise until noon, local time from the opening date up to and including October 14, and, after that period, from one half-hour before sunrise until one half-hour after sunset. Allowing all-day hunting for dark geese for the entire season would be consistent with the hunting times for all other species of migratory game birds in Saskatchewan. The rationale for the half-day hunting was to provide refuge for dark geese for part of the day for conservation benefits and improved predictability and quality of hunts. However, given there is a possibility of disturbance of dark geese through hunting of other species for which there are open seasons and times, the benefit of half-day hunting is likely low. The effects of the regulation change will be monitored through the Canada National Harvest Survey and through survival and harvest rates derived from banding efforts.

• Administrative change

It is proposed to correct a grammatical error in the French version of Table 2 in Part 8 of Schedule 3. The terms “…toute autre espèce d’oiseau migrateur dont c’est la saison de chasse peut chassée” should be replaced by “…toute autre espèce d’oiseau migrateur dont c’est la saison de chasse peut être chassée”.

Alberta

No regulatory changes are proposed for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 hunting seasons. However, minor changes are proposed to clarify Part 9 in Schedule 3 of the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022.

• Administrative change to hunting zone denomination

It is proposed to add the term “provincial” in front of “Wildlife Management Unit”, to clarify that those units are under provincial jurisdiction.

British Columbia

No regulatory changes are proposed for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 hunting seasons. However, minor changes are proposed to clarify the regulations and correct errors in Part 10 of Schedule 3 of the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022.

• Administrative changes to species names
  • It is proposed to make a clarification. The additional geese that may be killed in Provincial Management Units 2-4 and 2-5 in the hunting district No. 2 exclude Ross’ Geese
  • It is proposed to clarify in the English version of Schedule 3 that the term “Goldeneyes” mentioned in the Open Season and Daily Bag and Possession Limit Table includes both Common Goldeneye and Barrow’s Goldeneye

Yukon Territory

No regulatory changes are proposed for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 hunting seasons.

Northwest Territories

No regulatory changes are proposed for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 hunting seasons.

Nunavut

No regulatory changes are proposed for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 hunting seasons.

Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit

Since 2022, the Youth Migratory Game Bird Hunting (MGBH) permit is available to hunters who are minors (under the age of 18), providing the opportunity to youth to practice their skills under the supervision of an adult hunter throughout the hunting seasons, while enabling them to benefit from having their own daily bag and possession limits. Youth MGBH permits along with Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamps (CWHC stamps) are offered free of charge and are only available for order through the MGBH e-Permitting System.

The options to obtain MGBH permits have evolved over time to increase service and optimize availability to hunters. MGBH permits along with the CWHC stamps can be purchased:

1. Electronically
2. At select Canada Post corporation outlets (physical permit)
3. At some independent vendors (physical permit)

The MGBH e-Permitting system provides hunters additional convenience and benefits compared to purchasing the physical permit at traditional outlets. The system is accessible to hunters 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Hunters can order a Youth MGBH permit or purchase a MGBH permit including the CWHC stamp online from the comfort and safety of their home, download the permit immediately from the checkout complete page as well as receive electronic copies of the stamp and permit by email. The e-permit is valid and can be used immediately either in the printed or electronic format. MGBH permits that were purchased online can also be reprinted if lost or damaged. If your permit (physical or electronic format) cannot be presented when requested by a game officer, you will be seen in contravention of the law. There have been versions of the electronic system since 2014 and every year the number of permits purchased online continues to increase. The current version was successfully launched on August 1, 2019, and since then there have been additional enhancements to increase user satisfaction and to promote a robust MGBH e-Permitting system.

It should also be noted that the MGBH e-permitting system makes it easier for hunters to respond to the questions on the permit, which help inform the National Harvest Survey. Data from this and other CWS surveys are used to assess the status of migratory game bird populations in Canada, their productivity, their survival rates, and the amount of harvest they can sustain. This information also provides data to inform hunting regulations and harvest management plans for future years.

New options, features, and conveniences continue to be assessed and planned for future MGBH e-Permitting releases.

Physical MGBH Permits continue to be distributed and sold through some Canada Post outlets and a select number of independent vendors. Canada Post is the original MGBH permit vendor and continues to offer them in over 3,700 postal outlets. ECCC works closely with Canada Post to promote communication with outlets and manage inventory and distribution. There are also approximately 45 independent vendors across seven provinces that sell the physical MGBH permits. Examples of vendors include Canadian Tire and Cabela’s as well as small local convenience stores and registry offices.

Please report bird bands

• North American Bird Banding Program

The North American Bird Banding Program is jointly administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Bird Banding Office and the United States Geological Service’s Bird Banding Laboratory. The program relies on the public to report their observations or recoveries of bird bands and other bird markers to the Bird Banding Office. These data help scientists and wildlife managers better understand, monitor and conserve migratory bird populations by providing information on the distribution and movement of birds. Although over 1.2 million birds are banded in the US and Canada each year, only about 10 percent of game bird bands are recovered. Your contribution is important!

• How to report band

If you see a marked bird or find a bird band you may contribute to the program by reporting birds online or call toll-free 1-800-327-BAND (2263) to leave a message. Visit the Report a Banded Bird web page for more details or contact the Bird Banding Office at:

Bird Banding Office
National Wildlife Research Centre.
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive (Raven Rd)
Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3

Email: bbo@ec.gc.ca
Telephone: 613-998-0524

• Certificate of appreciation

After your information has been submitted, you will receive a certificate of appreciation by email which will tell you the species of bird, where and when it was banded, its age, whether it was male or female, and who banded it. We will tell the bander where and when the bird or band was found and its status.

Appendices

Appendix A. Objectives and guidelines for the establishment of national regulations for migratory game bird hunting

A. Description of regulations

The Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 are part of the regulations respecting the protection of migratory birds in general, as mandated by the Migratory Birds Convention. According to the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, the Governor in Council may make regulations providing for:

1. The periods during which, or the geographic areas in which, migratory birds may be killed
2. The species and number of migratory game birds that a person may kill in any period when doing so is permitted by regulation
3. The manner in which migratory game birds may be killed and the equipment that may be used
4. The periods in each year during which a person may have in their possession migratory game birds killed during the season when the taking of such birds was legal, and the number of birds that may be possessed

This document deals with these four aspects of regulation, although the Migratory Birds Regulations deal with other areas as well.

B. Guiding principles

Guiding principles for migratory bird hunting regulations include those laid out in the Guidelines for Wildlife Policy in Canada as approved by the Wildlife Ministers at the Wildlife Ministers Conference, September 30, 1982. In particular, the most relevant principles are:

1. The maintenance of viable natural wildlife stocks always takes precedence over their use
2. Canadians are temporary custodians, not the owners, of their wildlife heritage
3. Canadians are free to enjoy and use wildlife in Canada, subject to laws aimed at securing its sustainable enjoyment and use
4. The cost of management essential to preserving viable populations of wildlife should be borne by all Canadians; special management measures required to permit intensive uses should be supported by the users
5. Wildlife has intrinsic, social and economic values, but wildlife sometimes causes problems that require management
6. Conservation of wildlife relies upon a well‑informed public

C. Objectives of the Migratory Game Birds Hunting Regulations

1. To provide an opportunity for Canadians to hunt migratory game birds, by establishing hunting seasons. Guidelines for hunting regulations are described in Section D. Briefly, regulations should be based on a number of features specific to the geographic area under consideration. Factors such as the timing of arrival and departure of migrating birds, the status of local breeding populations, fledging of local broods and completion of the moult of successfully breeding females, and other special issues such as the status of species, should be used to determine the most effective hunting regulations. Sometimes regulations may need to be based on the species of highest conservation concern
2. To manage the take of migratory game birds at levels compatible with the species’ ability to sustain healthy populations consistent with the available habitat throughout their range
3. To conserve the genetic diversity within migratory game bird populations
4. To provide hunting opportunity in various parts of Canada within the limits imposed by the abundance, migration and distribution patterns of migratory bird populations, and with due respect for the traditional use of the migratory game bird resource in Canada
5. To limit the accidental killing of a migratory game bird species requiring protection because of poor population status, where there is a reasonable possibility that a hunter might confuse that species with another for which there is an open season
6. To assist, at times and in specific locations, in the prevention of damage to natural habitat or depredation of agricultural crops by migratory game birds

D. Guidelines for the Regulations on Migratory Game Bird Hunting

1. Regulations shall be established according to the requirements of the Migratory Birds Convention and the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994
2. Regulations shall address the principles of Section B and the objectives of Section C
3. Unless needs dictate otherwise, hunting regulations will be changed as little as possible from year to year
4. Regulations should be simple and readily enforceable
5. Where a conflict arises between allocation of harvest among jurisdictions and the conservation of migratory game bird populations, the conservation objective shall take precedence
6. When uncertainty exists about the status of a migratory game bird population, a precautionary approach will be taken in establishing sustainable hunting regulations
7. Hunting regulations may not discriminate among Canadian hunters based on their province or territory of residence. This guideline does not preclude recognition of Aboriginal rights
8. Regulations should be consistent in jurisdictions where important concentration areas for staging waterfowl straddle borders
9. Where possible, regional, national and international harvest strategies will be developed among management agencies that share populations. Regulations will be designed to meet mutual targets for harvest, harvest rate or population size
10. Specific regulation changes will be developed through a process of co‑management and public consultation with other interested groups and individuals
11. Hunting regulations should be consistent with terms of agreements in Aboriginal land claim settlements

E. Biennial regulatory process

Regulations may be established in one of two ways: selection of a regulatory package from a pre‑established set of possible packages, or through a biannual regulatory consultation process.

Pre-established sets of regulatory alternatives:

Regulatory alternatives may be pre‑established according to the guidelines outlined in section D, with the selection made in any year based on a predetermined set of conditions. For example, a set of three regulatory packages with decreasing harvest rates could be described: liberal, moderate and restrictive. The criteria for selection among the alternatives could be based on the results of population surveys. This method would reduce the time required to conduct the usual process, simplify the implementation of multi‑jurisdictional harvest strategies, and increase the predictability of regulations.

Regulatory process:

The Minister of the Environment must be in a position to proceed with any changes to the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 for the purpose of managing hunting. As a policy decision, the hunting regulations for migratory game birds are reviewed and amended biennially. To ensure that the regulations are made with the best possible advice, a broad process of consultation must be carried out. Reports produced as part of this process may be obtained from Regional Directors, Canadian Wildlife Service, or the Director of Wildlife Management and Regulatory Affairs Division at the national office of the Canadian Wildlife Service.

1. The National office of the Canadian Wildlife Service publishes a status report on migratory game bird populations in January. This report describes the biological information available to determine the status of each population
2. Regional officials (biologists and management) of the Canadian Wildlife Service and provincial and territorial wildlife officials consult with non‑governmental organizations and interested individuals on issues related to hunting regulations, and every two years the CWS prepares regulatory submissions to amend the regulations. To ensure that all parties have access to the best possible biological information, the Population Status of Migratory Game Birds in Canada report may be used as an aid
3. The initial suggestions for regulation changes will be developed through regional consultation processes. These processes may vary among regions, but should include active participation by provincial and territorial wildlife agencies, wildlife co‑management boards and affected stakeholders. The changes, with rationale and predicted effect (Section F), are described in a regulation report issued at the beginning of January from the national office entitled Proposals to Amend the Canadian Migratory Birds Regulations. This report allows inter‑regional and international consideration of proposed changes
4. Public and organizational comments on the proposals outlined in the Proposals to Amend the Canadian Migratory Birds Regulations report should be sent to the appropriate Regional Director, or the Director of Wildlife Management and Regulatory Affairs Division at the national office of the Canadian Wildlife Service
5. Final regulation proposals, incorporating input from the consultations, are submitted from the Regional Directors to the Director of Wildlife Management and Regulatory Affairs Division at the national office of the Canadian Wildlife Service, by the end of February
6. The regulation proposals are moved, by the national office, through the regulatory process for consideration by the government in June
7. Population surveys are carried out throughout the year. From time to time, these surveys may show an unexpected change in migratory game bird populations that require a sudden revision to the national regulation proposals
8. The final regulations, as approved by the Governor‑in‑Council, are described in a report entitled Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations in Canada, which is distributed to all involved parties in July. Each purchaser of a migratory game bird hunting permit receives a summary of the regulations for that province

F. Items to be addressed in regulatory proposals

Proposals to change migratory game bird hunting regulations should address the following questions:

1. What is the goal of the regulatory change?
2. How does the change address the objectives and guidelines set out in this document?
3. What is the predicted effect of the proposal? An analysis based on existing data sources should be included
4. How will the actual effect of the regulatory change be measured?

The proposals should be as concise as possible, while still including the required elements. A simplified rationale would apply for regulations that carry out previously negotiated harvest strategies and agreements.

Appendix B. Summaries of Migratory Birds Hunting Regulations by province and territory, 2023-2024 hunting season

The hunting summaries are also available on the Government of Canada's website: Hunting regulations for migratory birds: provincial and territorial summaries - Canada.ca