Summary of Migratory Birds Hunting Regulations: Quebec, August 2022 to July 2023
Warning to hunters
Barrow's Goldeneye (PDF, 12 MB)
Summary
To hunt migratory game birds in Canada, you must possess:
- a valid Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit
- a Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp on the permit
These two documents are issued by the federal government and are valid in all provinces and territories.
The 2022 federal permit is also valid for the 2023 spring special conservation harvest for Snow Geese.
Hunting districts
Long description
District A: Provincial Hunting Zones (PHZs) 17 and 22 to 24 inclusive.
District B: PHZs 19 south, 20 and 29 and that portion of PHZ 21 included in the electoral district of Duplessis that is situated opposite to PHZs 19 south and 20.
District C: PHZs 12 to 14 inclusive and 16.
District D: the portion of Quebec included in PHZs 18, 21 and 28 lying west of longitude 70°00′ W and the portion of PHZ 27 lying west of longitude 70°00′ W and north of the latitude at the Saint-Siméon wharf to Route 381 and from there to the northern limit of PHZ 27.
District E: PHZ 1; the portion of PHZ 2 lying east of Route 185 to its intersection with du Loup River and lying east of a line running along the centre of that river to the north end of the Rivière-du-Loup wharf; the portion of PHZ 28 lying east of longitude 70°00′ W; the portion of PHZ 27 lying east of longitude 70°00′ W and north of the latitude at the Saint-Siméon wharf; and the portion of PHZ 18 and the waters of the Saguenay lying east of the limit of District D, including the portion of the waters of Chaleur Bay and the St. Lawrence River lying east of the ferry crossing from Saint-Siméon to Rivière-du-Loup to the boundaries of Districts B and G.
District F: the portion of Quebec included in PHZ 2 lying west of District E; PHZs 3 to 11 inclusive, 15 and 26; and the portion of PHZ 27 lying south of Districts D and E, including the portion of the waters of the St. Lawrence River lying west of District E.
District G: the lands and waters included in the County of the Magdalen Islands in the Quebec.
Most provinces and territories have additional licence requirements for hunting migratory birds and/or to carry firearms. To know what you require, and if there are further restrictions for hunting migratory birds, please verify the applicable regulations for the province/territory where you will be hunting. Municipalities may have additional restrictions on discharging firearms. Note that all required permits and licences must be in your possession while you are hunting.
Buy permit online
You can purchase and print your Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit by visiting the Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit web page.
New! It is no longer required to sign the Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit (both physical and electronic forms). This allows you to carry your permit in a digital format, such as on a mobile device. If you choose to carry your permit on your mobile device, it must be in the PDF format provided by the e-permitting system (a photograph or screenshot of your permit is not valid). It is also your responsibility to be able to show the permit to a game officer immediately upon request.
Consultation process and migratory birds regulatory reports
A national consultation process has been developed to provide an opportunity for everyone to participate in developing the migratory birds hunting regulations. For more information, consult the Migratory Birds Regulatory Report Series web page.
Important updates
The format of the Summary has changed. The Migratory Birds Regulations have been modernized. Many important clarifications and changes have been made to the regulations regarding migratory game bird hunting, including: the concept of possession, gifting of harvested birds, labelling requirements, hunting methods and equipment, and the introduction of new permits.
New! Youth Migratory Game Bird Hunting (MGBH) permit
Waterfowler Heritage Days have been abolished and replaced with a MGBH permit for youth, which is referred to as the Youth MGBH permit.
Hunters who are minors (less than 18 years old) may now hunt with a Youth MGBH permit. The Youth MGBH permit, as well as the Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation stamp, can be obtained through our online purchasing system, free of charge.
The Youth MGBH permit provides young hunters with the opportunity to practice their skills under the supervision of an adult mentor (in possession of a MGBH Permit) throughout the full Open season and the special conservation season, and provides Youth MGBH Permit holders with their own daily bag and possession limits.
Mentors must possess their own MGBH permit, must have held such a permit in a previous year, and may accompany no more than two youth hunters. Mentors may carry a firearm, and may hunt. For more information on the new rules pertaining to hunting migratory game birds in the modernized Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022, please consult the Migratory Game Bird Hunting web page.
Enforcement
The Environmental Violations Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations authorize game officers to use administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) to enforce the provisions of the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (MBCA) and its associated regulations.
The fine regime and penalty provisions in the MBCA and the Designation of Regulatory Provisions for Purposes of Enforcement (Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994) Regulations allow courts to impose penalties that reflect the seriousness of offences following a conviction pursuant to the MBCA or its associated regulations.
For more information on AMPs and the fine regime, consult the About the Environmental Enforcement Act web page.
Game officers
Game officers enforce the federal MBCA throughout Canada. This law regulates human interventions, such as hunting that could adversely affect long-term wildlife conservation. For any questions, please contact Wildlife Enforcement by telephone or by email at the contact information at the end of this hunting summary.
Shot
- Non-toxic shot must be used to hunt all migratory game birds, except for Woodcock
- Within National Wildlife Areas that allow hunting, the possession of lead shot is prohibited for all hunting, including the hunting of migratory and upland game birds
- Hunters should consult provincial or territorial regulations for additional restrictions
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
Species at Risk
- Barrow’s Goldeneye is listed in the Species at Risk Act as a species of special concern, and the daily bag and possession limit is 1 bird.
- Harlequin Duck is listed in the Species at Risk Act as a species of special concern. There is no Open season for this species.
Crime stoppers
Anyone wishing to report illegal hunting activities, illegal selling of birds or other offences related to migratory birds is asked to call “Échec au crime” in the province of Quebec at 1-800-711-1800 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Your call is anonymous, and you may be eligible for a cash reward.
Open season and daily bag and possession limits for migratory game birds in Quebec
| Species | Open season | Daily bag limit | Possession limit |
|---|---|---|---|
Ducks (other than Harlequin Ducks), combined |
September 1 to December 16 |
6 (not more than 1 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye and not more than 1 may be Blue-winged Teal) |
18 (not more than 1 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye and not more than 2 may be Blue-winged Teal) |
Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined |
September 1 to September 25 |
10 |
No limit |
Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined |
September 26 to October 31 |
3 |
No limit |
Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined |
November 1 to December 16 |
5 |
No limit |
Geese (other than Snow Geese, Canada Geese and Cackling Geese) combined |
September 1 to December 16 |
5 |
15 |
Coots and Gallinules, combined |
No Open season |
N/A |
N/A |
Woodcock |
September 1 to December 16 |
8 for residents of Canada 4 for non-residents of Canada |
24 |
Snipe |
September 1 to December 16 |
10 |
30 |
Mourning Doves |
No Open season |
N/A |
N/A |
| Species | Open season | Daily bag limit | Possession limit |
|---|---|---|---|
Ducks (other than Harlequin Ducks), combined |
September 17 to September 30, for ducks other than Eiders and Long-tailed Ducks October 1 to October 24 October 25 to November 14. This is not an Open season for Eiders and Long-tailed ducks in locations that are on the North Shore and west of the Natashquan River November 15 to December 31 |
6 (not more than 1 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye and not more than 1 may be Blue-winged Teal) |
18 (not more than 1 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye and not more than 2 may be Blue-winged Teal) |
Ducks (other than Harlequin Ducks), combined |
January 1 to January 14, only for Eiders and Long-tailed Ducks January 15 to February 5, only for Eiders and Long-tailed Ducks in locations that are on the North Shore and west of the Natashquan River |
6 |
18 (not more than 1 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye and not more than 2 may be Blue-winged Teal) |
Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined |
September 17 to September 25 |
10 |
No limit |
Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined |
September 26 to December 31 |
5 |
No limit |
Geese (other than Snow Geese, Canada Geese and Cackling Geese) combined |
September 17 to December 31 |
5 |
15 |
Coots and Gallinules, combined |
No Open season |
N/A |
N/A |
Woodcock |
September 10 to December 24 |
8 for residents of Canada 4 for non-residents of Canada |
24 |
Snipe |
September 17 to December 31 |
10 |
30 |
Mourning Doves |
No Open season |
N/A |
N/A |
| Species | Open season | Daily bag limit | Possession limit |
|---|---|---|---|
Ducks (other than Harlequin Ducks), combined |
September 17 to December 31 |
6 (not more than 1 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye and not more than 1 may be Blue-winged Teal) |
18 (not more than 1 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye and not more than 2 may be Blue-winged Teal) |
Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined |
September 1 to September 16. The season is open only on farmland September 17 to September 25 |
10 |
No limit |
Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined |
September 26 to October 31 |
3 (in District C) 2 (in District D) |
No limit |
Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined |
November 1 to December 16 |
5 |
No limit |
Geese (other than Snow Geese, Canada Geese and Cackling Geese) combined |
September 17 to December 31 |
5 |
15 |
Coots and Gallinules, combined |
No Open season |
N/A |
N/A |
Woodcock |
September 17 to December 31 |
8 for residents of Canada 4 for non-residents of Canada |
24 |
Snipe |
September 17 to December 31 |
10 |
30 |
Mourning Doves |
No Open season |
N/A |
N/A |
| Species | Open season | Daily bag limit | Possession limit |
|---|---|---|---|
Ducks (other than Harlequin Ducks), combined |
September 17 to October 20 October 21 to December 31. This is not an Open season for Barrow’s Goldeneye or Common Goldeneye in locations that are within PHZ No. 21 or are less than 100 m from that Zone |
6 (not more than 1 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye and not more than 1 may be Blue-winged Teal) |
18 (not more than 1 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye and not more than 2 may be Blue-winged Teal) |
Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined |
September 1 to September 16. The season is open only on farmland September 17 to September 25 |
10 |
No limit |
Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined |
September 26 to December 16 |
5 |
No limit |
Geese (other than Snow Geese, Canada Geese and Cackling Geese) combined |
September 17 to December 31 |
5 |
15 |
Coots and Gallinules, combined |
No Open season |
N/A |
N/A |
Woodcock |
September 17 to December 31 |
8 for residents of Canada 4 for non-residents of Canada |
24 |
Snipe |
September 17 to December 31 |
10 |
30 |
Mourning Doves |
No Open season |
N/A |
N/A |
| Species | Open season | Daily bag limit | Possession limit |
|---|---|---|---|
Ducks (other than Harlequin Ducks), combined |
September 24 to October 20 |
6 (not more than 1 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye, not more than 1 may be Blue-winged Teal and, in locations south of Route 148 and west of Highway 15, not more than 2 may be American Black Ducks) |
18 (not more than 1 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye and not more than 2 may be Blue-winged Teal) |
Ducks (other than Harlequin Ducks), combined |
October 21 to January 7. This is not an Open season for Barrow’s Goldeneye or Common Goldeneye in locations between Pointe Jureux (Saint-Irénée) and Gros Cap à l’Aigle (Saint-Fidèle) from routes 362 and 138 and extending 2 km within Provincial Hunting Zone 21 |
6 (not more than 1 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye, not more than 1 may be Blue-winged Teal and, in locations south of Route 148 and west of Highway 15, not more than 2 may be American Black Ducks) |
18 (not more than 1 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye and not more than 2 may be Blue-winged Teal) |
Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined |
September 6 to September 23. The season is open only on farmland September 24 and September 25 |
10 |
No limit |
Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined |
September 26 to October 31 |
3 (in locations west of Highway 15 and its northerly extension consisting of Route 117) 2 (in locations east of Highway 15 and its northerly extension consisting of Route 117) |
No limit |
Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined |
November 1 to December 21 |
5 |
No limit |
Geese (other than Snow Geese, Canada Geese and Cackling Geese) combined |
September 24 to January 7 |
5 |
15 |
Coots and Gallinules, combined |
September 24 to January 7 |
4 |
12 |
Woodcock |
September 17 to December 31 |
8 for residents of Canada 4 for non-residents of Canada |
24 |
Snipe |
September 24 to January 7 |
10 |
30 |
Mourning Doves |
September 17 to December 31 |
8 |
24 |
| Species | Open season | Daily bag limit | Possession limit |
|---|---|---|---|
Ducks (other than Harlequin Ducks), combined |
September 24 to October 31. This is not an Open season for Eiders or Long-tailed Ducks. November 1 to December 26 |
6 (not more than 1 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye and not more than 1 may be Blue-winged Teal |
18 (not more than 1 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye and not more than 2 may be Blue-winged Teal) |
Ducks (other than Harlequin Ducks), combined |
December 27 to February 14. This is an Open season only for Eiders and Long-tailed Ducks. |
6 |
18 (not more than 1 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye and not more than 2 may be Blue-winged Teal) |
Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined |
September 24 to December 26 |
5 |
No limit |
Geese (other than Snow Geese, Canada Geese and Cackling Geese) combined |
September 24 to December 26 |
5 |
15 |
Coots and Gallinules, combined |
No Open season |
N/A |
N/A |
Woodcock |
September 24 to December 26 |
8 for residents of Canada 4 for non-residents of Canada |
24 |
Snipe |
September 24 to December 26 |
10 |
30 |
Mourning Doves |
No Open season |
N/A |
N/A |
Special measures for overabundant species in Quebec
| Species | Open season | Daily bag limit | Possession limit | Additional hunting method or equipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Snow Geese |
September 1 to December 16 |
20 |
No limit |
Electronic bird calls of Snow Geese may be used. While hunting that species with those calls, any other species of migratory bird for which it is the Open season may be hunted. |
Snow Geese |
May 1 to June 30 |
20 |
No limit |
Electronic bird calls of Snow Geese may be used. |
| Species | Open season | Daily bag limit | Possession limit | Additional hunting method or equipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Snow Geese |
September 17 to December 31 |
20 |
No limit |
Electronic bird calls of Snow Geese may be used. While hunting that species with those calls, any other species of migratory bird for which it is the Open season may be hunted. |
| Species | Open season | Daily bag limit | Possession limit | Additional hunting method or equipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Snow Geese |
September 1 to September 16. The season is open only on farmland. September 17 to December 31 |
20 |
No limit |
Electronic bird calls of Snow Geese may be used. While hunting that species with those calls, any other species of migratory bird for which it is the Open season may be hunted. |
Snow Geese |
March 1 to May 31.The season is open only on farmland. |
20 |
No limit |
Electronic bird calls of Snow Geese may be used. |
| Species | Open season | Daily bag limit | Possession limit | Additional hunting method or equipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Snow Geese |
September 1 to September 16. The season is open only on farmland. September 17 to December 31 |
20 |
No limit |
i) Electronic bird calls of Snow Geese may be used. While hunting that species with those calls, any other species of migratory bird for which it is the Open season may be hunted. ii) Hunting with bait that is crops that are cut and left on the ground in the fall is permitted if the Minister has given consent. |
Snow Geese |
March 1 to May 31. The season is open only on farmland |
20 |
No limit |
i) Electronic bird calls of Snow Geese may be used ii) Hunting with bait in the spring is permitted if the Minister has given consent. |
| Species | Open season | Daily bag limit | Possession limit | Additional hunting method or equipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Snow Geese |
September 6 to September 23. The season is open only on farmland September 24 to January 7 |
20 |
No limit |
i) Electronic bird calls of Snow Geese may be used. While hunting that species with those calls, any other species of migratory bird for which it is the Open season may be hunted. ii) Hunting with bait that is crops that are cut and left on the ground in the fall is permitted if the Minister has given consent. |
Snow Geese |
March 1 to May 31, the season is open only on farmland that is not within the following locations: i) south of the St. Lawrence River and north of the road right-of-way of Route 132 between the western limit of the municipality of Montmagny and the eastern limit of the municipality of Cap-Saint-Ignace, other than in lots 4 598 472, 2 611 981 and 2 611 982 of the cadastre of Quebec (located in the municipality of Montmagny); ii) north of the St. Lawrence River and south of a line that is 1000 m north of Highway 40 between Montée St- Laurent and the Maskinongé River, or; iii) south of the St. Lawrence River and north of the railroad right-of-way located near Route 132 between the Nicolet River in the east and Lacerte Road in the west. |
20 |
No limit |
i) Electronic bird calls of Snow Geese may be used. ii) Hunting with bait in the spring is permitted if the Minister has given consent. |
| Species | Open season | Daily bag limit | Possession limit | Additional hunting method or equipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Snow Geese |
September 24 to December 26 |
20 |
No limit |
Electronic bird calls of Snow Geese may be used. While hunting that species with those calls, any other species of migratory bird for which it is the Open season may be hunted. |
For more information
The information presented here is a summary of the law. If there is a discrepancy between the law and this summary, the law prevails.
For more information, consult:
- the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994
- the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022
- the frequently asked questions for hunters
You may also direct your questions to:
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Canadian Wildlife Service
801-1550 D’Estimauville Avenue
Québec QC G1J 0C3
Tel.: 1-800-668-6767
Fax: 418-649-6591
enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca
Report your migratory bird bands
Call 1-800-327-BAND (2263) to leave a message or go to the Report a bird with a Federal Band or Color Marker website.
Report a problem or mistake on this page
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