Hunting

• Where can I find the Migratory Bird Hunting Summary?

  Each year, the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) determines hunting seasons and bag limits for migratory game bird species which are then published as Schedule I of the Migratory Birds Regulations. These hunting regulations are posted on the CWS websites annually in early August, as soon as the Gazetting process is complete. For hunting summaries for all provinces and territories, refer to the Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations section. Refer to the provincial regulations in the province you plan to hunt for additional restrictions that may be applicable.

  If the link to the hunting summary is out of date, then the new hunting regulation dates have not yet been released. Please check frequently for an update.

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• How do I know if Sunday hunting is allowed in the area that I hunt?

  For information on Sunday Migratory Game Bird Hunting, please refer to your provincial or territorial ministry.

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• Where do I find information on hunting large and small game animals?

  The Canadian Wildlife Service of Environment Canada only regulates migratory game bird hunting. For inquiries regarding large and small game hunting in your province or territory, please contact your provincial or territorial ministry.

  In general, provinces and territories manage wildlife harvesting through a permit and tag system. Permits are generally used for the small game and tags are used to regulate the large game - deer, moose and bear. Individuals granted a permit or tag are required to report their harvest to their provincial or territorial conservation authority for statistical purposes. This information is used by the agency to manage the population and set harvest limits.

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• What is the difference between the daily bag limits and the possession limits?

  The daily bag limit is the maximum number of birds you may kill during any single day of hunting. The possession limit is the maximum number of birds that you may have in your possession, including the number of birds you have at your residence or any other place, and those in the field.

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• Where can I find the Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA)?

  You can find information on the MBCA on Environment Canada’s Enforcement Branch website.

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