Summary of the Migratory Birds Hunting Regulations: British Columbia, August 2026 to July 2027
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Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit
To hunt migratory game birds in Canada, you must possess:
- a valid Migratory Game Bird Hunting (MGBH) Permit
- a Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation (CWHC) Stamp on the permit
The MGBH Permit is valid anywhere in Canada where and when there is an open season to hunt migratory game birds.
Hunting districts
Long description
A map of British Columbia divided into eight hunting districts.
- Provincial Management Units (PMUs) 1-1 to 1-15
- PMUs 2-2 to 2-19
- PMUs 3-12 to 3-20 and 3-26 to 3-44
- PMUs 4-1 to 4-9 and 4-14 to 4-40
- PMUs 5-1 to 5-15
- PMUs 6-1 to 6-30
- PMUs 7-2 to 7-58
- PMUs 8-1 to 8-15 and 8-21 to 8-26
Open seasons and daily bag and possession limits for migratory game birds in British Columbia
District No. 1
District No. 1
All ducks, combined
- Open season:
- October 10 to January 24
- Daily bag limit:
- 8 (not more than 4 may be Northern Pintails, not more than 4 may be Canvasbacks, not more than 2 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye or Common Goldeneye in any combination, and not more than 2 may be Harlequin Ducks)
- Possession limit:
- 24 (not more than 12 may be Northern Pintails, not more than 12 may be Canvasbacks, not more than 6 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye or Common Goldeneye in any combination, and not more than 6 may be Harlequin Ducks)
Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined
- Open season:
- September 5 to September 15
(only in PMUs 1-1, 1-2 and 1-4 to 1-7)
- October 10 to November 22
- November 23 to December 18
(only in PMUs 1-3 and 1-8 to 1-15)
- December 19 to January 10
- January 11 to January 24
(only in PMUs 1-3 and 1-8 to 1-15)
- February 10 to March 10
(only in PMUs 1-1, 1-2 and 1-4 to 1-7) - Daily bag limit:
- 10
- Possession limit:
- 30
White-fronted Geese
- Open season:
- October 10 to January 24
- Daily bag limit:
- 5
- Possession limit:
- 15
Snow Geese and Ross’s Geese, combined
- Open season:
- October 10 to January 24
- Daily bag limit:
- 5
- Possession limit:
- 15
Brant
- Open season:
- No open season
- Daily bag limit:
- Not applicable
- Possession limit:
- Not applicable
- Open season:
- October 10 to January 24
- Daily bag limit:
- 10
- Possession limit:
- 30
- Open season:
- October 10 to January 24
- Daily bag limit:
- 10
- Possession limit:
- 30
- Open season:
- No open season
- Daily bag limit:
- Not applicable
- Possession limit:
- Not applicable
- Open season:
- September 15 to September 30
- Daily bag limit:
- 5
- Possession limit:
- 15
Coots
Snipe
Mourning Doves and Eurasian Collared Doves, combined
Band-Tailed Pigeons
District No. 2
District No. 2
All ducks, combined
- Open season:
- October 10 to January 24
- Daily bag limit:
- 8 (not more than 4 may be Northern Pintails, not more than 4 may be Canvasbacks, not more than 2 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye or Common Goldeneye in any combination, and not more than 2 may be Harlequin Ducks)
- Possession limit:
- 24 (not more than 12 may be Northern Pintails, not more than 12 may be Canvasbacks, not more than 6 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye or Common Goldeneye in any combination, and not more than 6 may be Harlequin Ducks)
Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined
- Open season:
- September 5 to September 15
- October 10 to November 22
- December 19 to January 10
- February 10 to March 10
- Daily bag limit:
- 10
- Possession limit:
- 30
White-fronted Geese
- Open season:
- October 10 to January 24
- Daily bag limit:
- 5
- Possession limit:
- 15
Snow Geese and Ross’s Geese, combined
- Open season:
- October 10 to January 5
- February 20 to March 10
- Daily bag limit:
- 10 (not more than 5 may be Ross’s Geese). An additional 5 Snow Geese may be killed or taken in PMUs 2-4 and 2-5.
- Possession limit:
- 30 (not more than 15 may be Ross’s Geese). An additional 15 Snow Geese may be possessed in PMUs 2-4 and 2-5.
Brant
- Open season:
- March 1 to March 10
(only in PMU 2-4) - Daily bag limit:
- 3
- Possession limit:
- 9
- Open season:
- October 10 to January 24
- Daily bag limit:
- 10
- Possession limit:
- 30
- Open season:
- October 10 to January 24
- Daily bag limit:
- 10
- Possession limit:
- 30
- Open season:
- No open season
- Daily bag limit:
- Not applicable
- Possession limit:
- Not applicable
- Open season:
- September 15 to September 30
- Daily bag limit:
- 5
- Possession limit:
- 15
Coots
Snipe
Mourning Doves and Eurasian Collared Doves, combined
Band-Tailed Pigeons
District No. 3
District No. 3
All ducks, combined
- Open season:
- September 8 to December 23
- Daily bag limit:
- 8 (not more than 4 may be Northern Pintails, not more than 4 may be Canvasbacks, not more than 2 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye or Common Goldeneye in any combination, and not more than 2 may be Harlequin Ducks)
- Possession limit:
- 24 (not more than 12 may be Northern Pintails, not more than 12 may be Canvasbacks, not more than 6 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye or Common Goldeneye in any combination, and not more than 6 may be Harlequin Ducks)
Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined
- Open season:
- September 8 to September 20
- October 1 to December 23
- March 1 to March 10
- Daily bag limit:
- 10
- Possession limit:
- 30
White-fronted Geese
- Open season:
- September 8 to December 23
- Daily bag limit:
- 5
- Possession limit:
- 15
Snow Geese and Ross’s Geese, combined
- Open season:
- September 8 to December 23
- Daily bag limit:
- 5
- Possession limit:
- 15
Brant
- Open season:
- No open season
- Daily bag limit:
- Not applicable
- Possession limit:
- Not applicable
- Open season:
- September 8 to December 23
- Daily bag limit:
- 10
- Possession limit:
- 30
- Open season:
- September 8 to December 23
- Daily bag limit:
- 10
- Possession limit:
- 30
- Open season:
- September 1 to September 30
- Daily bag limit:
- 5
- Possession limit:
- 15
- Open season:
- September 15 to September 30
(only in PMUs 3-13 to 3-17) - Daily bag limit:
- 5
- Possession limit:
- 15
Coots
Snipe
Mourning Doves and Eurasian Collared Doves, combined
Band-Tailed Pigeons
District No. 4
District No. 4
All ducks, combined
- Open season:
- September 8 to December 23
- Daily bag limit:
- 8 (not more than 4 may be Northern Pintails, not more than 4 may be Canvasbacks, not more than 2 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye or Common Goldeneye in any combination, and not more than 2 may be Harlequin Ducks)
- Possession limit:
- 24 (not more than 12 may be Northern Pintails, not more than 12 may be Canvasbacks, not more than 6 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye or Common Goldeneye in any combination, and not more than 6 may be Harlequin Ducks)
Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined
- Open season:
- September 8 to December 23
- Daily bag limit:
- 10
- Possession limit:
- 30
White-fronted Geese
- Open season:
- September 8 to December 23
- Daily bag limit:
- 5
- Possession limit:
- 15
Snow Geese and Ross’s Geese, combined
- Open season:
- September 8 to December 23
- Daily bag limit:
- 5
- Possession limit:
- 15
Brant
- Open season:
- No open season
- Daily bag limit:
- Not applicable
- Possession limit:
- Not applicable
- Open season:
- September 8 to December 23
- Daily bag limit:
- 10
- Possession limit:
- 30
- Open season:
- September 8 to December 23
- Daily bag limit:
- 10
- Possession limit:
- 30
- Open season:
- September 1 to September 30
- Daily bag limit:
- 5
- Possession limit:
- 15
- Open season:
- No open season
- Daily bag limit:
- Not applicable
- Possession limit:
- Not applicable
Coots
Snipe
Mourning Doves and Eurasian Collared Doves, combined
Band-Tailed Pigeons
District No. 5
District No. 5
All ducks, combined
- Open season:
- September 13 to December 25
- Daily bag limit:
- 8 (not more than 4 may be Northern Pintails, not more than 4 may be Canvasbacks, not more than 2 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye or Common Goldeneye in any combination, and not more than 2 may be Harlequin Ducks)
- Possession limit:
- 24 (not more than 12 may be Northern Pintails, not more than 12 may be Canvasbacks, not more than 6 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye or Common Goldeneye in any combination, and not more than 6 may be Harlequin Ducks)
Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined
- Open season:
- September 13 to December 25
- Daily bag limit:
- 10
- Possession limit:
- 30
White-fronted Geese
- Open season:
- September 13 to December 25
- Daily bag limit:
- 5
- Possession limit:
- 15
Snow Geese and Ross’s Geese, combined
- Open season:
- September 13 to December 25
- Daily bag limit:
- 5
- Possession limit:
- 15
Brant
- Open season:
- No open season
- Daily bag limit:
- Not applicable
- Possession limit:
- Not applicable
- Open season:
- September 13 to December 25
- Daily bag limit:
- 10
- Possession limit:
- 30
- Open season:
- September 13 to December 25
- Daily bag limit:
- 10
- Possession limit:
- 30
- Open season:
- No open season
- Daily bag limit:
- Not applicable
- Possession limit:
- Not applicable
- Open season:
- No open season
- Daily bag limit:
- Not applicable
- Possession limit:
- Not applicable
Coots
Snipe
Mourning Doves and Eurasian Collared Doves, combined
Band-Tailed Pigeons
District No. 6
District No. 6
All ducks, combined
- Open season:
- September 1 to September 30
(only in PMUs 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 to 6-10 and 6-15 to 6-30)
- October 1 to November 30
- December 1 to January 15
(only in PMUs 6-3 and 6-11 to 6-14) - Daily bag limit:
- 8 (not more than 4 may be Northern Pintails, not more than 4 may be Canvasbacks, not more than 2 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye or Common Goldeneye in any combination, and not more than 2 may be Harlequin Ducks)
- Possession limit:
- 24 (not more than 12 may be Northern Pintails, not more than 12 may be Canvasbacks, not more than 6 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye or Common Goldeneye in any combination, and not more than 6 may be Harlequin Ducks)
Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined
- Open season:
- September 1 to September 30
(only in PMUs 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 to 6-10 and 6-15 to 6-30)
- October 1 to November 30
- December 1 to January 15
(only in PMUs 6-3 and 6-11 to 6-14) - Daily bag limit:
- 10
- Possession limit:
- 30
White-fronted Geese
- Open season:
- September 1 to September 30
(only in PMUs 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 to 6-10 and 6-15 to 6-30)
- October 1 to November 30
- December 1 to January 15
(only in PMUs 6-3 and 6-11 to 6-14) - Daily bag limit:
- 5
- Possession limit:
- 15
Snow Geese and Ross’s Geese, combined
- Open season:
- September 1 to September 30
(only in PMUs 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 to 6-10 and 6-15 to 6-30)
- October 1 to November 30
- December 1 to January 15
(only in PMUs 6-3 and 6-11 to 6-14) - Daily bag limit:
- 5
- Possession limit:
- 15
Brant
- Open season:
- No open season
- Daily bag limit:
- Not applicable
- Possession limit:
- Not applicable
- Open season:
- September 1 to September 30
(only in PMUs 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 to 6-10 and 6-15 to 6-30) - October 1 to November 30
- December 1 to January 15
(only in PMUs 6-3 and 6-11 to 6-14) - Daily bag limit:
- 10
- Possession limit:
- 30
- Open season:
- September 1 to September 30
(only in PMUs 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 to 6-10 and 6-15 to 6-30) - October 1 to November 30
- December 1 to January 15
(only in PMUs 6-3 and 6-11 to 6-14) - Daily bag limit:
- 10
- Possession limit:
- 30
- Open season:
- No open season
- Daily bag limit:
- Not applicable
- Possession limit:
- Not applicable
- Open season:
- No open season
- Daily bag limit:
- Not applicable
- Possession limit:
- Not applicable
Coots
Snipe
Mourning Doves and Eurasian Collared Doves, combined
Band-Tailed Pigeons
District No. 7
District No. 7
All ducks, combined
- Open season:
- September 1 to November 30
- Daily bag limit:
- 8 (not more than 4 may be Northern Pintails, not more than 4 may be Canvasbacks, not more than 2 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye or Common Goldeneye in any combination, and not more than 2 may be Harlequin Ducks)
- Possession limit:
- 24 (not more than 12 may be Northern Pintails, not more than 12 may be Canvasbacks, not more than 6 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye or Common Goldeneye in any combination, and not more than 6 may be Harlequin Ducks)
Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined
- Open season:
- September 1 to November 30
- Daily bag limit:
- 10
- Possession limit:
- 30
White-fronted Geese
- Open season:
- September 1 to November 30
- Daily bag limit:
- 5
- Possession limit:
- 15
Snow Geese and Ross’s Geese, combined
- Open season:
- September 1 to November 30
- Daily bag limit:
- 5
- Possession limit:
- 15
Brant
- Open season:
- No open season
- Daily bag limit:
- Not applicable
- Possession limit:
- Not applicable
- Open season:
- September 1 to November 30
- Daily bag limit:
- 10
- Possession limit:
- 30
- Open season:
- September 1 to November 30
- Daily bag limit:
- 10
- Possession limit:
- 30
- Open season:
- No open season
- Daily bag limit:
- Not applicable
- Possession limit:
- Not applicable
- Open season:
- No open season
- Daily bag limit:
- Not applicable
- Possession limit:
- Not applicable
Coots
Snipe
Mourning Doves and Eurasian Collared Doves, combined
Band-Tailed Pigeons
District No. 8
District No. 8
All ducks, combined
- Open season:
- September 23 to January 7
- Daily bag limit:
- 8 (not more than 4 may be Northern Pintails, not more than 4 may be Canvasbacks, not more than 2 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye or Common Goldeneye in any combination, and not more than 2 may be Harlequin Ducks)
- Possession limit:
- 24 (not more than 12 may be Northern Pintails, not more than 12 may be Canvasbacks, not more than 6 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye or Common Goldeneye in any combination, and not more than 6 may be Harlequin Ducks)
Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined
- Open season:
- September 20 to November 28
- December 20 to January 5
- February 21 to March 10
- Daily bag limit:
- 10
- Possession limit:
- 30
White-fronted Geese
- Open season:
- September 23 to January 7
- Daily bag limit:
- 5
- Possession limit:
- 15
Snow Geese and Ross’s Geese, combined
- Open season:
- September 23 to January 7
- Daily bag limit:
- 5
- Possession limit:
- 15
Brant
- Open season:
- No open season
- Daily bag limit:
- Not applicable
- Possession limit:
- Not applicable
- Open season:
- September 23 to January 7
- Daily bag limit:
- 10
- Possession limit:
- 30
- Open season:
- September 23 to January 7
- Daily bag limit:
- 10
- Possession limit:
- 30
- Open season:
- September 1 to September 30
- Daily bag limit:
- 5
- Possession limit:
- 15
- Open season:
- No open season
- Daily bag limit:
- Not applicable
- Possession limit:
- Not applicable
Coots
Snipe
Mourning Doves and Eurasian Collared Doves, combined
Band-Tailed Pigeons
Hunting hours
No person shall hunt earlier than half an hour before sunrise or later than half an hour after sunset.
Hunting restrictions and requirements
For more information on restrictions and requirements to hunt migratory game birds, please refer to the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 and/or consult the Migratory game bird hunting web page, which includes a frequently asked questions page.
The Canadian Firearms Act outlines the requirements for the licensing, possession, storage and transportation of firearms. Learn more at the RCMP page on Firearms.
Most provinces and territories have additional requirements to hunt and/or carry firearms. Check the provincial/territorial and municipal regulations where you will be hunting. Restrictions such as minimum required distances from residences and businesses for the discharge of firearms may apply.
Buy your MGBH Permit online
You can purchase an electronic MGBH Permit through the Regulatory Services Platform.
Hunters must carry their MGBH Permit with them at all times when hunting or when in possession of unpreserved migratory game birds. Permits obtained online may be presented as an electronic PDF or as a printed copy. A provincial or territorial licence may also be required. It is the hunter’s responsibility to be able to show all required permits to a game officer immediately upon request.
As of the 2027–2028 hunting season, Environment and Climate Change Canada will no longer print physical (paper) copies of the hunting regulation summaries. They will continue to be available online at Hunting regulations for migratory birds: provincial and territorial summaries.
The physical MGBH Permits may be phased out as early as the 2027-2028 hunting season. Hunters will be invited to obtain their MGBH Permit through the Regulatory Services Platform.
Youth Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit
The Youth MGBH Permit is an option available to hunters who are minors (under 18 years old on the day the permit is issued). The Youth MGBH Permit and electronic CWHC Stamp are free of charge and can only be obtained through the Regulatory Services Platform.
The Youth MGBH Permit provides young hunters with the opportunity to practice their skills under the supervision of an adult hunter (known as a mentor) and allows them to have their own daily bag and possession limits.
Mentors must possess their own MGBH Permit, must have held a MGBH Permit in a previous year, and may accompany no more than two Youth MGBH Permit holders at a time. Mentors may carry a firearm and may hunt.
Many provinces and territories have additional requirements and restrictions for hunters who are minors and/or for their mentors.
Enforcement
Federal game officers enforce the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 and its associated regulations. This law regulates human activities, such as hunting, that could adversely affect the conservation of migratory birds. Game officers may use warnings, administrative monetary penalties, tickets or prosecutions. Fines and penalties vary depending on the severity of the offence. Individuals found guilty of a summary conviction for a first offence are liable to a fine between $5,000 and $300,000, a maximum imprisonment term of six months, or both.
Crime Stoppers
Report illegal hunting activities, illegal selling of birds or other offences related to migratory birds to Crime Stoppers online or at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Your tip is anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Shot
- Lead shot is toxic to wildlife and the environment
- In British Columbia, the use and possession of shot other than non-toxic shot is prohibited while hunting migratory game birds, except for Band-tailed Pigeons, Eurasian Collared Doves and Mourning Doves
- Within National Wildlife Areas (NWA) that allow hunting, the possession of lead shot is prohibited for all hunting, including the hunting of migratory and upland game birds. Refer to Schedule I.1 of the Wildlife Area Regulations to know which NWAs allow hunting and what restrictions or requirements apply
To reduce your exposure to contaminants in meat, make sure, before cooking it, to:
- remove the shot from birds hunted with lead shot;
- remove the skin and fat from fish-eating birds
Consultation process and migratory birds regulatory reports
There is a national consultation process which includes a report on the population status of migratory game birds and a proposal report that provides an opportunity to participate in developing the hunting regulations. To learn more, visit Migratory birds regulatory report series.
Report your migratory bird bands
Report a bird with a federal band or colour marker online or call 1-800-327-BAND (2263) to leave a message.
Contact us
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Canadian Wildlife Service
Regional office
Pacific Wildlife Research Centre
5421 Robertson Road
Delta BC V4K 3N2
Tel.: 1-800-668-6767
enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca
The information presented here is a summary of the law. If there is a discrepancy between the law and this summary, the law prevails.