Thinking about waterfowl hunting north of the border? Duck hunting in Canada offers some of the most rewarding opportunities in North America. With its vast wetlands, flyways, and remote marshes, Canada is a duck hunter’s paradise. But before you pack your waders and head to the blind, it’s crucial to understand the basic rules and regulations that govern duck hunting across the provinces and territories.

Whether you’re a resident or a visiting hunter, this guide covers the essentials you need to stay legal and ethical in the field.

1. Licensing Requirements

To legally hunt ducks in Canada, you must have the following:

  • Provincial or Territorial Hunting License – Required for residents and non-residents.
  • Federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit
  • Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp – Often bundled with the federal permit.

These documents must be carried at all times while hunting.

Where to get them:
Permits can be purchased online through Environment and Climate Change Canada, or in person at licensed vendors.

2. Seasons and Bag Limits

Hunting seasons and bag limits vary depending on the Migratory Bird Zone you’re hunting in. Canada is divided into several zones across provinces, each with its own regulations.

Typical regulations include:

  • Daily bag limits (e.g., 6 ducks per day, with limits on species like pintail or canvasback)
  • Possession limits (often 3x the daily limit)
  • Season dates (early September to late December in most areas)

Always check with your provincial wildlife office for exact dates and limits in your hunting area.

Allowed:

  • Shotguns with a magazine capacity limited to 3 shells
  • Non-toxic shot (steel, bismuth, tungsten)
  • Decoys and duck calls

Not allowed:

  • Lead shot (banned for all migratory bird hunting)
  • Hunting with a rifle
  • Use of motorized boats to chase or harass birds

Tip: Ensure your firearm is properly registered if crossing the border into Canada.

4. Hunting Times

You may only hunt ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset. Hunting outside of these legal hours is strictly prohibited.

It’s always best to arrive early and know the local sunrise/sunset times before you begin.

5. Retrieval and Waste

Canadian law requires that you make every effort to retrieve downed birds and ensure they are not wasted. It is illegal to:

  • Leave harvested ducks in the field
  • Abandon edible portions
  • Exceed your limit and discard birds

6. Transporting and Tagging

  • Each hunter must tag their own birds if being transported with a group.
  • If gifting birds, the name and address of the giver and the date of kill must be included.
  • All harvested birds must be easily identifiable by species (usually by leaving one fully feathered wing attached).

7. Non-Resident (U.S.) Hunters

U.S. residents coming to Canada to hunt ducks must:

  • Purchase Canadian licenses and permits
  • Declare and register firearms at the border
  • Comply with all Canadian firearm transport and storage regulations

Note: Bringing game birds back into the U.S. requires adherence to U.S. import/export laws and proof of licensing. Have a dog with you to retrieve your ducks? Have them pickup a few antlers along the way, read also: https://monsterwhitetails.ca/how-to-train-your-dog-to-find-whitetail-antlers/