2023-17684. Migratory Bird Hunting; 2023-2024 Seasons for Certain Migratory Game Birds

AGENCY:

Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This rule prescribes the seasons, hours, areas, and daily bag and possession limits for hunting migratory birds. Taking of migratory birds is prohibited unless specifically provided for by annual regulations. This rule permits the taking of designated species during the 2023–24 season.

DATES:

This rule takes effect on August 18, 2023.

ADDRESSES:

You may inspect comments received on the migratory bird hunting regulations at https://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS–HQ–MB–2022–0090. You may obtain copies of referenced reports from the Division of Migratory Bird Management's website at https://www.fws.gov/​migratorybirds/​ or at https://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS–HQ–MB–2022–0090.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Jerome Ford, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, (703) 358–2606. Individuals in the United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services. Individuals outside the United States should use the relay services offered within their country to make international calls to the point-of-contact in the United States.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulations Schedule for 2023

On November 3, 2022, we published in the Federal Register (87 FR 66247) a proposal to amend title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at part 20. The proposal provided a background and overview of the migratory bird hunting regulations process and addressed the establishment of seasons, limits, and other regulations for hunting migratory game birds under §§ 20.100 through 20.107, 20.109, and 20.110 of subpart K. Major steps in the 2023–24 regulatory cycle relating to open public meetings and Federal Register notifications were illustrated in the diagram at the end of the November 3, 2022, proposed rule. For this regulatory cycle, we combined the elements described in that diagram as “Supplemental Proposals” with the one described as “Proposed Season Frameworks.”

We provided the meeting dates and locations for the Service Regulations Committee (SRC) on our website at https://www.fws.gov/​event/​us-fish-and-wildlife-service-migratory-bird-regulations-committee-meeting and Flyway Council meetings on flyway calendars posted on our website at https://www.fws.gov/​partner/​migratory-bird-program-administrative-flyways. On October 12–13, 2022, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council Consultants, at which the participants reviewed information on the current status of migratory game birds and developed recommendations for the 2023–24 regulations for these species. The November 3, 2022, proposed rule provided detailed information on the proposed 2023–24 regulatory schedule.

On January 30, 2023, we published in the Federal Register (88 FR 6054) the proposed frameworks for migratory game bird hunting regulations during the 2023–24 season. On August 11, 2023, we published in the Federal Register (88 FR 54830) the final frameworks for migratory game bird hunting regulations, from which State wildlife conservation agency officials selected seasons, hours, areas, and limits for hunting migratory birds during the 2023–24 season.

The final rule described here is the final in the series of proposed, supplemental, and final rulemaking documents for migratory game bird hunting regulations for the 2023–24 season and deals specifically with amending subpart K of 50 CFR part 20. It sets hunting seasons, hours, areas, and limits for migratory game bird species. This final rule is the culmination of the annual rulemaking process allowing migratory game bird hunting, which started with the November 3, 2022, proposed rule. As discussed elsewhere in this document, we supplemented that proposal on January 30, 2023, and published final season frameworks on August 11, 2023, that provided the regulatory frameworks from which the States selected their hunting seasons. This final rule sets the migratory game bird hunting seasons based on that input from the States. We previously addressed all comments in the August 11, 2023, Federal Register (88 FR 54830).

Required Determinations

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Consideration

The programmatic document, “Second Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (EIS 20130139),” filed with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on May 24, 2013, addresses NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) compliance by the Service for issuance of the annual framework regulations for hunting of migratory game bird species. We published a notice of availability in the Federal Register on May 31, 2013 (78 FR 32686), and our record of decision on July 26, 2013 (78 FR 45376). We also address NEPA compliance for waterfowl hunting frameworks through the annual preparation of separate environmental assessments, the most recent being “Duck Hunting Regulations for 2023–24,” with its corresponding finding of no significant impact. The programmatic document, as well as the separate environmental assessment, are available on our website at https://www.fws.gov/​birds/​index.php or at https://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS–HQ–MB–2022–0090.

Endangered Species Act Consideration

Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), provides that the Secretary shall insure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered species or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat. Consequently, we conducted formal consultations to ensure that actions resulting from these regulations would not likely jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical habitat. Findings from these consultations are included in a biological opinion, which concluded that the regulations are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species. Additionally, these findings may have caused modification of some regulatory measures previously proposed, and the final frameworks (88 FR 54830, August 11, 2023) reflect any such modifications. The biological opinion is available from https://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS–HQ–MB–2022–0090.

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and 14094)

Executive Order (E.O.) 12866, as reaffirmed by E.O. 13563 and E.O. 14094, provides that the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will review all significant rules. OIRA has reviewed this rule and has determined that this rule is significant because it will have an annual effect of $200 million or more on the economy.

Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while calling for improvements in the Nation's regulatory system to promote predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends. The Executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further that regulations must be based on the best available science and that the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open exchange of ideas.

Executive Order 14094 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 and E.O. 13563 and states that regulatory analysis should facilitate agency efforts to develop regulations that serve the public interest, advance statutory objectives, and are consistent with E.O. 12866, E.O. 13563, and the Presidential Memorandum of January 20, 2021 (Modernizing Regulatory Review). Regulatory analysis, as practicable and appropriate, shall recognize distributive impacts and equity, to the extent permitted by law.

We have developed this rule in a manner consistent with these requirements.

An economic analysis was prepared for the 2023–24 migratory bird hunting season. This analysis was based on data from the 2011 and 2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (National Survey), the most recent year for which data are available. See discussion under Required Determinations, Regulatory Flexibility Act, below. This analysis estimated consumer surplus for four alternatives for duck hunting regulations. As defined by OMB in Circular A–4, consumers' surplus is the difference between what a consumer pays for a unit of a good or service and the maximum amount the consumer would be willing to pay for that unit. The duck hunting regulatory alternatives are (1) not opening a hunting season, (2) issuing restrictive regulations that allow fewer days than the 2022–23 season, (3) issuing moderate regulations that allow more days than those in Alternative 2 but fewer days than the 2022–23 season, and (4) issuing liberal regulations that allow days similar to the 2022–23 season. For the 2023–24 season, we chose Alternative 4, with an estimated consumer surplus across all flyways of $356 million. We also chose Alternative 4 for the 2009–10 through 2022–2023 seasons. The 2023–24 analysis is part of the record for this rulemaking action and is available at https://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS–HQ–MB–2022–0090.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

The annual migratory bird hunting regulations have a significant economic impact on substantial numbers of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA; 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.). We analyzed the economic impacts of the annual hunting regulations on small business entities. This analysis is updated annually. The primary source of information about hunter expenditures for migratory game bird hunting is the National Survey, which is generally conducted at 5-year intervals. The 2023 analysis is based on the 2016 National Survey and the U.S. Department of Commerce's County Business Patterns, from which it is estimated that migratory bird hunters will spend approximately $2.2 billion at small businesses in 2023. The analysis is available from https://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS–HQ–MB–2022–0090.

This final rule is a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. For the reasons outlined above, this rule will have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. However, because this rule establishes regulations for hunting seasons, we do not plan to defer the effective date under the exemption contained in 5 U.S.C. 808(1).

Paperwork Reduction Act

This rule does not contain any new collection of information that requires approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. OMB has previously approved the information collection requirements associated with migratory bird surveys and the procedures for establishing annual migratory bird hunting seasons under the following OMB control numbers:

• 1018–0019, “North American Woodcock Singing Ground Survey” (expires 02/29/2024).
• 1018–0023, “Migratory Bird Surveys, 50 CFR 20.20” (expires 05/31/2026). Includes Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program, Migratory Bird Hunter Surveys, Sandhill Crane Survey, and Parts Collection Survey.
• 1018–0171, “Establishment of Annual Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons, 50 CFR part 20” (expires 10/31/2024).

You may view the information collection request(s) at http://www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​PRAMain. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

We have determined and certify, in compliance with the requirements of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this rulemaking will not impose a cost of $100 million or more in any given year on local or State government or private entities. Therefore, this rule is not a “significant regulatory action” under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

Civil Justice Reform—Executive Order 12988

The Department, in promulgating this rule, has determined that this rule will not unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of E.O. 12988.

Takings Implication Assessment

In accordance with E.O. 12630, this rule, authorized by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, does not have significant takings implications and does not affect any constitutionally protected property rights. This rule will not result in the physical occupancy of property, the physical invasion of property, or the regulatory taking of any property. In fact, this rule will allow hunters to exercise otherwise unavailable privileges and, therefore, reduce restrictions on the use of private and public property.

Energy Effects—Executive Order 13211

E.O. 13211 requires agencies to prepare statements of energy effects when undertaking certain actions. While this rule is a significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866, it is not expected to adversely affect energy supplies, distribution, or use. Therefore, this action is not a significant energy action and no statement of energy effects is required.

Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, “Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal Governments” (59 FR 22951), E.O. 13175, and 512 DM 2, we have evaluated possible effects on federally recognized Indian Tribes and have determined that there are de minimis effects on Indian trust resources. Through this process to establish annual hunting regulations, we regularly coordinate with Tribes that are affected by this rulemaking action. As noted in the November 3, 2022, proposed rule, for the 2023–24 season, we will handle Tribal regulations via a separate rulemaking in other Federal Register documents.

Federalism Effects—Executive Order 13132

Due to the migratory nature of certain species of birds, the Federal Government has been given responsibility over these species by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually prescribe frameworks from which the States make selections regarding the hunting of migratory birds, and we employ guidelines to establish special regulations on Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. This process preserves the ability of the States and Tribes to determine which seasons meet their individual needs. Any State or Tribe may be more restrictive than the Federal frameworks at any time. The frameworks are developed in a cooperative process with the States and the Flyway Councils. This process allows States to participate in the development of frameworks from which they will make selections, thereby having an influence on their own regulations. These rules do not have a substantial direct effect on fiscal capacity, change the roles or responsibilities of Federal or State governments, or intrude on State policy or administration. Therefore, in accordance with E.O. 13132, these regulations do not have significant federalism effects and do not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a federalism summary impact statement.

Review of Public Comments

The November 3, 2022, proposed rulemaking (87 FR 66247) opened the public comment period for 2023–24 migratory game bird hunting regulations. We previously addressed all comments in a August 11, 2023, Federal Register publication (88 FR 54830).

Regulations Promulgation

The rulemaking process for migratory game bird hunting, by its nature, operates under a time constraint as seasons must be established each year or hunting seasons remain closed. However, we intend that the public be provided extensive opportunity for public input and involvement in compliance with Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. subchapter II) requirements. Thus, when the preliminary proposed rulemaking was published, we established what we concluded were the longest periods possible for public comment and the most opportunities for public involvement. We also provided notification of our participation in multiple Flyway Council meetings, opportunities for additional public review and comment on all Flyway Council proposals for regulatory change, and opportunities for additional public review during the SRC meeting. Therefore, we conclude that sufficient public notice and opportunity for involvement have been given to affected persons.

Further, States need sufficient time to communicate these season selections to their affected publics, and to establish and publicize the necessary regulations and procedures to implement these seasons. Thus, we find that “good cause” exists, within the terms of 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) of the Administrative Procedure Act, and, therefore, under authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (July 3, 1918), as amended (16 U.S.C. 703–711), these regulations will take effect less than 30 days after publication. Accordingly, with each conservation agency having had an opportunity to participate in selecting the hunting seasons desired for its State or Territory on those species of migratory birds for which open seasons are now prescribed, and consideration having been given to all other relevant matters presented, certain sections of title 50, chapter I, subchapter B, part 20, subpart K, are hereby amended as set forth below.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20

• Exports
• Hunting
• Imports
• Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
• Transportation
• Wildlife

Shannon A. Estenoz,

Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

For the reasons set out in the preamble, title 50, chapter I, subchapter B, part 20, subpart K of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:

PART 20—MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING

1. The authority citation for part 20 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 703 et seq., and 16 U.S.C. 742a–j.

2. Section § 20.100 is amended by adding paragraph © to read as follows:

§ 20.100

General provisions.

* * * * *

(c) Migratory Game Bird Seasons in the Atlantic Flyway: In the Atlantic Flyway States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, if Sunday hunting of migratory birds is prohibited statewide by State law or regulation, all Sundays are closed to the take of all migratory game birds.

Note:

The following annual hunting regulations provided for by §§ 20.101 through 20.107 and 20.109 of 50 CFR part 20 will not appear in the Code of Federal Regulations because of their seasonal nature.

3. Section 20.101 is revised to read as follows:

§ 20.101

Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows:

Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset.

CHECK COMMONWEALTH REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.

(a) Puerto Rico.

Restrictions: In Puerto Rico, the season is closed on the ruddy duck, white-cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck, masked duck, purple gallinule, American coot, Caribbean coot, white-crowned pigeon, and plain pigeon.

Closed Areas: Closed areas are described in the August 11, 2023, Federal Register (88 FR 54830).

Species	Season dates	Limits
		Bag	Possession
Doves and Pigeons:
Zenaida, white-winged, and mourning doves (1)	Sept. 2–Oct. 30	30	90
Scaly-naped pigeons	Sept. 2–Oct. 30	5	15
Ducks	Nov. 11–Dec. 18 & Jan. 13–Jan. 29	6 6	18 18
Common Gallinules	Nov. 11–Dec. 18 & Jan. 13–Jan. 29	6 6	18 18
Wilson's Snipe	Nov. 11–Dec. 18 & Jan. 13–Jan. 29	8 8	24 24
(1) The daily bag limit for Zenaida, white-winged, and mourning doves is in the aggregate and may include not more than 10 Zenaida and 3 mourning doves. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.

(b) Virgin Islands.

Restrictions: In the Virgin Islands, the seasons are closed for ground or quail doves, pigeons, ruddy duck, white-cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck, masked duck, and all other ducks, and purple gallinule.

Closed Areas: Ruth Cay, just south of St. Croix, is closed to the hunting of migratory game birds. All Offshore Cays under jurisdiction of the Virgin Islands Government are closed to the hunting of migratory game birds.

Species	Season dates	Limits
		Bag	Possession
Zenaida doves	Sept. 1–Sept. 30	10	10
Ducks	Closed

4. Section 20.102 is revised to read as follows:

§ 20.102

Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for Alaska.

Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows:

Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset. Area descriptions were published in the August 11, 2023, Federal Register (88 FR 54830).

Note:

Light geese include lesser snow (including blue) geese, greater snow geese, and Ross's geese.

Falconry: The total combined bag and possession limit for migratory game birds taken with the use of a raptor under a falconry permit is 3 per day, 9 in possession, and may not exceed a more restrictive limit for any species listed in this section.

Special Tundra Swan Season: In Game Management Units (Units) 17, 18, 22, and 23, in the North Zone, the tundra swan season is from September 1 through October 31 with a season limit of 3 tundra swans per hunter. This season is by State permit only; hunters will be issued 1 permit allowing the take of up to 3 tundra swans. Hunters will be required to file a harvest report with the State after the season is completed. Up to 500 permits may be issued in Unit 18; 300 permits each in Units 22 and 23; and 200 permits in Unit 17.

CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.

Area	Season dates
North Zone	Sept. 1–Dec. 16.
Gulf Coast Zone	Sept. 1–Dec. 16.
Southeast Zone	Sept. 1–Nov. 30. Dec. 16–Dec. 31.
Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zone	Oct. 8–Jan. 22.
Kodiak Zone	Oct. 8–Jan. 22.

Area	Daily bag and possession limits
	Ducks (1)	Canada & cackling geese (2)(3)(4)	White-fronted geese (5)(6)	Light geese	Brant	Emperor geese (7)(8)	Snipe	Sandhill cranes (9)
North Zone	10–30	4–12	4–12	6–18	2–6	1–1	8–24	3–9
Gulf Coast Zone	8–24	4–12	4–12	6–18	2–6	1–1	8–24	2–6
Southeast Zone	7–21	4–12	4–12	6–18	2–6	1–1	8–24	2–6
Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zone	7–21	4–12	4–12	6–18	2–6	1–1	8–24	2–6
Kodiak Zone	7–21	4–12	4–12	6–18	2–6	1–1	8–24	2–6
(1) The basic duck bag limits may include no more than 2 canvasbacks daily and may not include sea ducks. In addition to the basic duck limits, the sea duck limit is 10 daily, including no more than 6 each of either harlequin or long-tailed ducks. Sea ducks include scoters, common and king eiders, harlequin ducks, long-tailed ducks, and common, hooded, and red-breasted mergansers. The season for Steller's and spectacled eiders is closed.
(2) Daily bag and possession limits are in the aggregate for the two species.
(3) In Game Management Units (Units) 5 and 6, in the Gulf Coast Zone, the taking of Canada and cackling geese is only permitted from September 28 through December 16. In the Middleton Island portion of Unit 6, the taking of Canada and cackling geese is by special permit only. The maximum number of Canada and cackling geese permits is 10 for the season. A mandatory goose-identification class is required. Hunters must check in and out. The daily bag and possession limits are 1 Canada or cackling goose. The season will close if harvest includes 5 dusky Canada geese. A dusky Canada goose is any dark-breasted Canada goose (Munsell 10 YR color value five or less) with a bill length between 40 and 50 millimeters.
(4) In Unit 10, in the Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zone, for Canada and cackling geese, the daily bag limit is 6 and the possession limit is 18.
(5) In Unit 9, in the Gulf Coast Zone, Unit 10, in the Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zone, and Unit 17, in the North Zone, for white-fronted geese, the daily bag limit is 6 and the possession limit is 18.
(6) In Unit 18, in the North Zone, for white-fronted geese, the daily bag limit is 10 and the possession limit is 30.
(7) In Unit 8, in the Kodiak Zone, the Kodiak Island Roaded Area is closed to emperor goose hunting. The Kodiak Island Roaded Area consists of all lands and water (including exposed tidelands) east of a line extending from Crag Point in the north to the west end of Saltery Cove in the south and all lands and water south of a line extending from Termination Point along the north side of Cascade Lake extending to Anton Larsen Bay. Marine waters adjacent to the closed area are closed to harvest within 500 feet from the water's edge. The offshore islands are open to harvest, for example: Woody, Long, Gull and Puffin Islands.
(8) Emperor goose hunting is by State permit only; no more than 1 emperor goose may be harvested per hunter per season. Hunters will be required to file a harvest report with the State after harvesting an emperor goose. Total emperor goose harvest may not exceed 500 birds. See State regulations for specific dates, times, and conditions of permit hunts and closures.
(9) In Unit 17, in the North Zone, for sandhill cranes, the daily bag limit is 2 and the possession limit is 6.

5. Section 20.103 is revised to read as follows:

§ 20.103

Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for doves and pigeons.

Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows:

Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in the August 11, 2023, Federal Register (88 FR 54830).

CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.

(a) Doves.

Note:

Unless otherwise specified, the seasons listed in the following table are for mourning and white-winged doves. The daily bag and possession limits are in the aggregate for the two species.

Area	Season dates	Limits
		Bag	Possession
EASTERN MANAGEMENT UNIT
Alabama:
North Zone:
12 noon to sunset	Sept. 2 only	15	15
1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset	Sept. 3–Oct. 22 &	15	45
	Nov. 18–Nov. 26 &	15	45
	Dec. 16–Jan. 14	15	45
South Zone:
12 noon to sunset	Sept. 9 only	15	15
1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset	Sept. 10–Oct. 29 &	15	45
	Nov. 18–Nov. 26 &	15	45
	Dec. 16–Jan. 14	15	45
Delaware	Sept. 1–Oct. 2 &	15	45
	Nov. 20–Jan. 31	15	45
Florida	Sept. 23–Oct. 15 &	15	45
	Nov. 11–Dec. 3 &	15	45
	Dec. 19–Jan. 31	15	45
Georgia	Sept. 2–Oct. 8 &	15	45
	Nov. 18–Nov. 26 &	15	45
	Dec. 19–Jan. 31	15	45
Illinois (1)	Sept. 1–Nov. 14 &	15	45
	Dec. 26–Jan. 9	15	45
Indiana	Sept. 1–Oct. 15 &	15	45
	Nov. 1–Nov. 26 &	15	45
	Dec. 16–Jan. 3	15	45
Kentucky:
11 a.m. to sunset	Sept. 1 only	15	15
1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset	Sept. 2–Oct. 26 &	15	45
	Nov. 23–Dec. 3 &	15	45
	Dec. 23–Jan. 14	15	45
Louisiana:
North Zone	Sept. 2–Sept. 24 &	15	45
	Oct. 7–Nov. 12 &	15	45
	Dec. 23–Jan. 21	15	45
South Zone	Sept. 2–Sept. 17 &	15	45
	Oct. 14–Nov. 26 &	15	45
	Dec. 16–Jan. 14	15	45
Maryland:
12 noon to sunset	Sept. 1–Oct. 14	15	45
1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset	Oct. 21–Nov. 24 &	15	45
	Dec. 16–Jan. 10	15	45
Mississippi:
North Zone	Sept. 2–Oct. 15 &	15	45
	Oct. 28–Nov. 26 &	15	45
	Dec. 30–Jan. 14	15	45
South Zone	Sept. 2–Sept. 24 &	15	45
	Oct. 7–Nov. 5 &	15	45
	Dec. 23–Jan. 28	15	45
North Carolina	Sept. 2–Oct. 7 &	15	45
	Nov. 11–Nov. 25 &	15	45
	Dec. 9–Jan. 31	15	45
Ohio (1)	Sept. 1–Nov. 5 &	15	45
	Dec. 9–Jan. 1	15	45
Pennsylvania	Sept. 1–Nov. 24	15	45
	Dec. 19–Jan. 6	15	45
Rhode Island:
12 noon to sunset	Sept. 9–Oct. 8	15	45
1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset	Oct. 21–Dec. 3 &	15	45
	Dec. 9–Dec. 24	15	45
South Carolina:
12 noon to sunset	Sept. 2–Sept. 4	15	45
1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset	Sept. 5–Oct. 7 &	15	45
	Nov. 11–Nov. 25 &	15	45
	Dec. 24–Jan. 31	15	45
Tennessee:
12 noon to sunset	Sept. 1 only	15	15
1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset	Sept. 2–Sept. 28 &	15	45
	Oct. 14–Nov. 5 &	15	45
	Dec. 8–Jan. 15	15	45
Virginia:
12 noon to sunset	Sept. 2 only	15	15
1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset	Sept. 3–Oct. 22 &	15	45
	Nov. 18–Nov. 26 &	15	45
	Dec. 22–Jan. 20	15	45
West Virginia:
12 noon to sunset	Sept. 1 only	15	15
1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset	Sept. 2–Oct. 8 &	15	45
	Oct. 30–Nov. 12 &	15	45
	Dec. 18–Jan. 24	15	45
Wisconsin	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	15	45
CENTRAL MANAGEMENT UNIT
Arkansas	Sept. 2–Oct. 22 &	15	45
	Dec. 8–Jan. 15	15	45
Colorado	Sept. 1–Nov. 29	15	45
Iowa	Sept. 1–Nov. 29	15	45
Kansas	Sept. 1–Nov. 29	15	45
Minnesota	Sept. 1–Nov. 29	15	45
Missouri	Sept. 1–Nov. 29	15	45
Montana	Sept. 1–Oct. 30	15	45
Nebraska	Sept. 1–Oct. 30	15	45
New Mexico:
North Zone	Sept. 1–Nov. 29	15	45
South Zone	Sept. 1–Oct. 28 &	15	45
	Dec. 1–Jan. 1	15	45
North Dakota	Sept. 1–Nov. 29	15	45
Oklahoma	Sept. 1–Oct. 31 &	15	45
	Dec. 1–Dec. 29	15	45
South Dakota	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	15	45
Texas (2):
North Zone	Sept. 1–Nov. 12 &	15	45
	Dec. 15–Dec. 31	15	45
Central Zone	Sept. 1–Oct. 29 &	15	45
	Dec. 15–Jan. 14	15	45
South Zone	Sept. 14–Oct. 29 &	15	45
	Dec. 15–Jan. 21	15	45
Special White-winged Dove Area	Sept. 1–Sept. 3 &	15	45
	Sept. 8–Sept. 10	15	45
Wyoming	Sept. 1–Nov. 29	15	45
WESTERN MANAGEMENT UNIT
Arizona (3)	Sept. 1–Sept. 15 &	15	45
	Nov. 17–Dec. 31	15	45
California (4)	Sept. 1–Sept. 15 &	15	45
	Nov. 11–Dec. 25	15	45
Idaho	Sept. 1–Oct. 30	15	45
Nevada	Sept. 1–Oct. 30	15	45
Oregon:
Zone 1	Sept. 1–Sept. 30 &	15	45
	Nov. 15–Dec. 14	15	45
Zone 2	Sept. 1–Oct. 30	15	45
Utah	Sept. 1–Oct. 30	15	45
Washington	Sept. 1–Oct. 30	15	45
OTHER POPULATIONS
Hawaii (5)	Nov. 4–Jan. 14	10	30
(1) In Illinois and Ohio, shooting hours are sunrise to sunset.
(2) In Texas, the daily bag limit is 15 mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be white-tipped doves with a maximum 90-day season. Possession limits are three times the daily bag limit. During the special season in the Special White-winged Dove Area of the South Zone, the daily bag limit is 15 mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be mourning doves and no more than 2 may be white-tipped doves. Possession limits are three times the daily bag limit. Shooting hours in the Special White-winged Dove area are from noon to sunset.
(3) In Arizona, during September 1 through 15, the daily bag limit is 15 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 10 may be white-winged doves. During November 17 through December 31, the daily bag limit is 15 mourning doves.
(4) In California, the daily bag limit is 15 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 10 may be white-winged doves.
(5) In Hawaii, the season is open only on the islands of Hawaii and Maui. On the island of Hawaii, the daily bag limit is 10 mourning doves, spotted doves, and chestnut-bellied sandgrouse in the aggregate. On the island of Maui, the daily bag limit is 10 mourning doves. Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise through one-half hour after sunset. See State regulations for additional restrictions on hunting dates and areas.

(b) Band-tailed Pigeons.

Area	Season dates	Limits
		Bag	Possession
Arizona	Sept. 29–Oct. 12	2	6
California:
North Zone	Sept. 16–Sept. 24	2	6
South Zone	Dec. 16–Dec. 24	2	6
Colorado (1)	Sept. 1–Sept. 14	2	6
New Mexico (1):
North Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 14	2	6
South Zone	Oct. 1–Oct. 14	2	6
Oregon	Sept. 15–Sept. 23	2	6
Utah (1)	Sept. 1–Sept. 14	2	6
Washington	Sept. 16–Sept. 24	2	6
(1) Each band-tailed pigeon hunter must have a band-tailed pigeon hunting permit issued by the State.

6. Section 20.104 is revised to read as follows:

§ 20.104

Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for rails, woodcock, and snipe.

Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows:

Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in the August 11, 2023, Federal Register (88 FR 54830).

Note:

Unless otherwise specified, the daily bag and possession limits for sora and Virginia rails are in the aggregate, and the daily bag and possession limits for clapper and king rails are in the aggregate.

CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.

Area	Sora and Virginia rails	Clapper and king rails	Woodcock	Snipe
Daily bag limit	25	15	3	8
Possession limit	75	45	9	24
ATLANTIC FLYWAY
Connecticut (1)	Sept. 1–Oct. 14 & Oct. 25–Nov. 30	Sept. 1–Oct. 14 & Oct. 25–Nov. 30	Oct. 25–Dec. 15	Sept. 1–Dec. 30.
Delaware (2)	Sept. 2–Nov. 22	Sept. 2–Nov. 22	Nov. 20–Nov. 25 & Dec. 16–Jan. 30	Sept. 29–Jan. 31.
Florida	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	Dec. 18–Jan. 31	Nov. 1–Feb. 15.
Georgia	Sept. 26–Oct. 4 & Oct. 25–Dec. 24	Sept. 26–Oct. 4 & Oct. 25–Dec. 24	Dec. 9–Jan. 22	Nov. 14–Feb. 28.
Maine (3)	Sept. 1–Nov. 21	Closed	Sept. 30–Nov. 21	Sept. 1–Jan. 3.
Maryland (1)	Sept. 1–Nov. 21	Sept. 1–Nov. 21	Oct. 21–Nov. 24 & Jan. 11–Jan. 27	Sept. 29–Jan. 31.
Massachusetts (4)	Sept. 1–Nov. 7	Closed	Oct. 2–Nov. 22	Sept. 1–Dec. 16.
New Hampshire	Closed	Closed	Oct. 1–Nov. 14	Sept. 15–Nov. 14.
New Jersey (2)(5):
North Zone	Sept. 1–Nov. 21	Sept. 1–Nov. 21	Oct. 14–Oct. 28 & Oct. 31–Nov. 25	Sept. 9–Jan. 11.
South Zone	Sept. 1–Nov. 21	Sept. 1–Nov. 21	Nov. 11–Dec. 2 & Dec. 14–Jan. 2	Sept. 9–Jan. 11.
New York (6)	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	Closed	Oct. 1–Nov. 14	Sept. 1–Nov. 9.
North Carolina	Sept. 2–Nov. 22	Sept. 2–Nov. 22	Dec. 11–Jan. 31	Oct. 27–Feb. 28.
Pennsylvania (7)	Sept. 1–Nov. 21	Closed	Oct. 14–Nov. 24 & Dec. 11–Dec. 20	Oct. 14–Nov. 24 & Dec. 11–Dec. 20.
Rhode Island (8)	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	Oct. 21–Dec. 4	Sept. 1–Nov. 9.
South Carolina	Sept. 1–Sept. 4 & Sept. 27–Dec. 1	Sept. 1–Sept. 4 & Sept. 27–Dec. 1	Dec. 18–Jan. 31	Nov. 12–Feb. 26.
Vermont	Closed	Closed	Sept. 30–Nov. 13	Sept. 30–Nov. 13.
Virginia (9)	Sept. 11–Nov. 5 & Nov. 13–Nov. 26	Sept. 11–Nov. 5 & Nov. 13–Nov. 26	Nov. 10–Nov. 27 & Dec. 26–Jan. 21	Sept. 25–Nov. 26 & Dec. 19–Jan. 31.
West Virginia (10)	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	Closed	Oct. 14–Nov. 18 & Nov. 27–Dec. 5	Sept. 1–Dec. 16.
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
Alabama (11)	Sept. 9–Sept. 24 & Nov. 25–Jan. 17	Sept. 9–Sept. 24 & Nov. 25–Jan. 17	Dec. 15–Jan. 28	Nov. 11–Feb. 25.
Arkansas	Sept. 9–Nov. 17	Closed	Nov. 4–Dec. 18	Nov. 1–Feb. 15.
Illinois (12)	Sept. 9–Nov. 17	Closed	Oct. 21–Dec. 4	Sept. 9–Dec. 24.
Indiana (13)	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	Closed	Oct. 15–Nov. 28	Sept. 1–Dec. 16.
Iowa (14)	Sept. 2–Nov. 10	Closed	Oct. 7–Nov. 20	Sept. 2–Nov. 30.
Kentucky	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	Closed	Oct. 28–Nov. 10 & Nov. 13–Dec. 13	Sept. 20–Oct. 29 & Nov. 23–Jan. 28.
Louisiana	Sept. 15–Sept. 30 & Nov. 11–Jan. 3	Sept. 15–Sept. 30 & Nov. 11–Jan. 3	Dec. 18–Jan. 31	Nov. 2–Dec. 3 & Dec. 16–Feb. 28.
Michigan	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	Closed	Sept. 15–Oct. 29	Sept. 1–Nov. 9.
Minnesota	Sept. 1–Nov. 6	Closed	Sept. 23–Nov. 6	Sept. 1–Nov. 6.
Mississippi	Sept. 1–Oct. 1 & Nov. 23–Dec. 31	Sept. 1–Oct. 1 & Nov. 23–Dec. 31	Dec. 18–Jan. 31	Nov. 14–Feb. 28.
Missouri	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	Closed	Oct. 15–Nov. 28	Sept. 1–Dec. 16.
Ohio (12)	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	Closed	Oct. 13–Nov. 26	Sept. 1–Nov. 22 & Dec. 9–Jan. 1.
Tennessee	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	Closed	Nov. 11–Dec. 3 & Jan. 10–Jan. 31	Nov. 14–Feb. 28.
Wisconsin	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	Closed	Sept. 23–Nov. 6	Sept. 1–Nov. 9.
CENTRAL FLYWAY
Colorado	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	Closed	Closed	Sept. 1–Dec. 16.
Kansas	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	Closed	Oct. 14–Nov. 27	Sept. 1–Dec. 16.
Montana	Closed	Closed	Closed	Sept. 1–Dec. 16.
Nebraska (10)	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	Closed	Oct. 7–Nov. 19	Sept. 1–Dec. 16.
New Mexico (15)	Sept. 9–Nov. 17	Closed	Closed	Oct. 7–Jan. 21.
North Dakota	Closed	Closed	Sept. 23–Nov. 6	Sept. 9–Dec. 3.
Oklahoma	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	Closed	Oct. 28–Dec. 11	Sept. 30–Jan. 14.
South Dakota (16)	Closed	Closed	Closed	Sept. 1–Oct. 31.
Texas	Sept. 9–Sept. 24 & Nov. 4–Dec. 27	Sept. 9–Sept. 24 & Nov. 4–Dec. 27	Dec. 18–Jan. 31	Nov. 4–Feb. 18.
Wyoming	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	Closed	Closed	Sept. 1–Dec. 16.
PACIFIC FLYWAY
Arizona:
North Zone	Closed	Closed	Closed	Oct. 23–Jan. 31.
South Zone	Closed	Closed	Closed	Oct. 23–Jan. 31.
California	Closed	Closed	Closed	Oct. 21–Feb. 4.
Colorado	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	Closed	Closed	Sept. 1–Dec. 16.
Idaho:
Zone 1	Closed	Closed	Closed	Oct. 7–Jan. 19.
Zone 2	Closed	Closed	Closed	Oct. 7–Jan. 19.
Zone 3	Closed	Closed	Closed	Oct. 19–Jan. 31.
Zone 4	Closed	Closed	Closed	Oct. 7–Jan. 19.
Montana	Closed	Closed	Closed	Sept. 1–Dec. 16.
Nevada:
Northeast Zone	Closed	Closed	Closed	Sept. 23–Nov. 28 & Dec. 9–Jan. 15.
Northwest Zone	Closed	Closed	Closed	Oct. 14–Jan. 7 & Jan. 10–Jan. 28.
South Zone (17)	Closed	Closed	Closed	Oct. 14–Oct. 22 & Oct. 25–Jan. 28.
New Mexico	Sept. 9–Nov. 17	Closed	Closed	Oct. 17–Jan. 31.
Oregon:
Zone 1	Closed	Closed	Closed	Nov. 4–Feb. 18.
Zone 2	Closed	Closed	Closed	Oct. 14–Jan. 28.
Utah:
Northern Zone	Closed	Closed	Closed	Oct. 7–Jan. 20.
Southern Zone	Closed	Closed	Closed	Oct. 14–Jan. 27.
Washington:
East Zone	Closed	Closed	Closed	Oct. 14–Oct. 22 & Oct. 25–Jan. 28.
West Zone	Closed	Closed	Closed	Oct. 14–Oct. 22 & Oct. 25–Jan. 28.
Wyoming	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	Closed	Closed	Sept. 1–Dec. 16.
(1) In Connecticut and Maryland, the daily bag limit for clapper and king rails is 10 and may include no more than 1 king rail. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.
(2) In Delaware and New Jersey, the limits for clapper and king rails are 10 daily and 30 in possession.
(3) In Maine, the daily bag and possession limit for sora and Virginia rails is 25.
(4) In Massachusetts, the limits for sora are 5 daily and 15 in possession; the limits for Virginia rails are 10 daily and 30 in possession.
(5) In New Jersey, the season for king rail is closed by State regulation.
(6) In New York, the limits for sora and Virginia rails are 8 daily and 24 in possession. Seasons for sora and Virginia rails and snipe are closed on Long Island.
(7) In Pennsylvania, the limits for sora and Virginia rails are 3 daily and 9 in possession.
(8) In Rhode Island, the limits for sora and Virginia rails are 3 daily and 9 in possession, the limits for clapper and king rails are 1 daily and 3 in possession, and the limits for snipe are 5 daily and 15 in possession.
(9) In Virginia, the limit for king rail is 1 daily and 3 in possession.
(10) In West Virginia and Nebraska, the limits for sora and Virginia rails are 10 daily and 30 in possession.
(11) In Alabama, the limits for sora and Virginia rails are 15 daily and 45 in possession.
(12) In Illinois and Ohio, shooting hours are from sunrise to sunset.
(13) In Indiana, the season on Virginia rails is closed.
(14) In Iowa, the limits for sora and Virginia rails are 12 daily and 36 in possession.
(15) In New Mexico, in the Central Flyway portion of the State, the limits for sora and Virginia rails are 10 daily and 20 in possession.
(16) In South Dakota, the snipe limits are 5 daily and 15 in possession.
(17) In Nevada, the snipe season in that portion of the South Zone including Moapa Valley to the confluence of the Muddy and Virgin rivers is only open October 28 through January 28.

7. Section 20.105 is revised to read as follows:

§ 20.105

Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for waterfowl, coots, and gallinules.

Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows:

Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in the August 11, 2023, Federal Register (88 FR 54830).

CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.

(a) Gallinules.

Area	Season dates	Limits
		Bag	Possession
ATLANTIC FLYWAY
Delaware	Sept. 2–Nov. 22	15	45
Florida (1)	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	15	45
Georgia	Nov. 18–Nov. 26 &	15	45
	Dec. 9–Jan. 28	15	45
New Jersey	Sept. 1–Nov. 21	1	3
New York:
Long Island	Closed
Remainder of State	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	8	24
North Carolina	Sept. 2–Nov. 22	15	45
Pennsylvania	Sept. 1–Nov. 21	3	9
South Carolina	Sept. 1–Sept. 4 &	15	45
	Sept. 27–Dec. 1	15	45
Virginia	Sept. 11–Nov. 5 &	15	45
	Nov. 13–Nov. 26	15	45
West Virginia	Oct. 1–Oct. 14 &	15	45
	Dec. 7–Jan. 31	15	45
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
Alabama	Sept. 9–Sept. 24 &	15	45
	Nov. 25–Jan. 17	15	45
Arkansas	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	15	45
Kentucky	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	3	9
Louisiana	Sept. 15–Sept. 30 &	15	45
	Nov. 11–Jan. 3	15	45
Michigan	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	1	3
Minnesota (2):
North Zone	Sept. 23–Nov. 21	15	45
Central Zone	Sept. 23–Oct. 1 &	15	45
	Oct. 7–Nov. 26	15	45
South Zone	Sept. 23–Oct. 1 &	15	45
	Oct. 7–Nov. 26	15	45
Mississippi	Sept. 1–Oct. 1 &	15	45
	Nov. 23–Dec. 31	15	45
Ohio (3)	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	15	45
Tennessee	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	15	45
Wisconsin	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	8	24
CENTRAL FLYWAY
New Mexico:
Zone 1	Sept. 9–Nov. 17	1	3
Zone 2	Sept. 9–Nov. 17	1	3
Oklahoma	Sept. 1–Nov. 9	15	45
Texas	Sept. 9–Sept. 24 &	15	45
	Nov. 4–Dec. 27	15	45
PACIFIC FLYWAY
All States	Seasons are in the aggregate with coots and listed in paragraph (d).
(1) The season applies to common gallinules only.
(2) In Minnesota, the daily bag limit is 15 and the possession limit is 45 coots and gallinules in the aggregate.
(3) In Ohio, shooting hours are from sunrise to sunset.

(b) Early (September) Duck Seasons.

Note:

Unless otherwise specified, the seasons listed in the following table are for teal only.

Area	Season dates	Limits
		Bag	Possession
ATLANTIC FLYWAY
Delaware (1)	Sept. 13–Sept. 30	6	18
Florida (2)	Sept. 16–Sept. 24	6	18
Georgia	Sept. 9–Sept. 24	6	18
Maryland (1)	Sept. 16–Sept. 30	6	18
North Carolina (1)	Sept. 13–Sept. 30	6	18
South Carolina (3)	Sept. 15–Sept. 30	6	18
Virginia (1):
Area East of Interstate 95	Sept. 17–Sept. 30	6	18
Area West of Interstate 95	Sept. 21–Sept. 30	6	18
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
Alabama	Sept. 9–Sept. 24	6	18
Arkansas (3)	Sept. 15–Sept. 30	6	18
Illinois (3)	Sept. 9–Sept. 24	6	18
Indiana (3)	Sept. 9–Sept. 24	6	18
Iowa (3)	Sept. 1–Sept. 16	6	18
Kentucky (2)	Sept. 16–Sept. 24	6	18
Louisiana	Sept. 15–Sept. 30	6	18
Michigan	Sept. 1–Sept. 15	6	18
Minnesota (1)(3)	Sept. 2–Sept. 6	6	18
Mississippi	Sept. 9–Sept. 24	6	18
Missouri (3)	Sept. 9–Sept. 24	6	18
Ohio (3)	Sept. 2–Sept. 17	6	18
Tennessee (2)	Sept. 9–Sept. 17	6	18
Wisconsin	Sept. 1–Sept. 9	6	18
CENTRAL FLYWAY
Colorado (1)	Sept. 9–Sept. 17	6	18
Kansas (1):
Low Plains	Sept. 9–Sept. 24	6	18
High Plains	Sept. 16–Sept. 24	6	18
Nebraska (1):
Low Plains	Sept. 2–Sept. 17	6	18
High Plains	Sept. 2–Sept. 10	6	18
New Mexico	Sept. 9–Sept. 17	6	18
Oklahoma	Sept. 9–Sept. 24	6	18
Texas:
High Plains	Sept. 9–Sept. 24	6	18
Rest of State	Sept. 9–Sept. 24	6	18
(1) Area restrictions. See State regulations.
(2) In Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee, the daily bag limit for the first 5 days of the season is 6 wood ducks and teal in the aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be wood ducks. During the last 4 days of the season, the daily bag limit is 6 teal only. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.
(3) Shooting hours are from sunrise to sunset.
(c) Special Early Canada and Cackling Geese Seasons.

Note:

Unless otherwise specified, the daily bag and possession limits for Canada and cackling geese are in the aggregate.

Area	Season dates	Limits
		Bag	Possession
ATLANTIC FLYWAY
Connecticut (1):
North Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 30	15	45
South Zone	Sept. 15–Sept. 30	15	45
Delaware	Sept. 1–Sept. 25	15	45
Florida	Sept. 2–Sept. 24	5	15
Georgia	Sept. 2–Sept. 24	5	15
Maine:
Northern Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 25	8	24
Southern Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 25	10	30
Coastal Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 25	10	30
Maryland (1)(2):
Eastern Unit	Sept. 1–Sept. 15	8	24
Western Unit	Sept. 1–Sept. 25	8	24
Massachusetts:
Central Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 22	15	45
Coastal Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 22	15	45
Western Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 22	15	45
New Hampshire	Sept. 1–Sept. 25	5	15
New Jersey (1)(2)(3)	Sept. 1–Sept. 30	15	45
New York (4):
Lake Champlain Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 25	8	24
Northeastern Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 25	15	45
East Central Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 25	15	45
Hudson Valley Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 25	15	45
West Central Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 25	15	45
South Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 25	15	45
Western Long Island Zone	Closed
Central Long Island Zone	Sept. 5–Sept. 30	15	45
Eastern Long Island Zone	Sept. 5–Sept. 30	15	45
North Carolina (5)(6)	Sept. 1–Sept. 30	15	45
Pennsylvania (7)(8)(9):	Sept. 1–Sept. 25	8	24
Rhode Island (1)	Sept. 1–Sept. 30	15	45
South Carolina	Sept. 1–Sept. 30	15	45
Vermont:
Lake Champlain Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 25	8	24
Interior Vermont Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 25	8	24
Connecticut River Zone (10)	Sept. 1–Sept. 25	5	15
Virginia (11)	Sept. 1–Sept. 25	10	30
West Virginia	Sept. 1–Sept. 10	5	15
CENTRAL FLYWAY
North Dakota:
Missouri River Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 7	15	45
Western ND Canada, and Cackling Goose Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 15	15	45
Remainder of State	Sept. 1–Sept. 22	15	45
Oklahoma	Sept. 9–Sept. 18	8	24
South Dakota (12)	Sept. 1–Sept. 30	15	45
Texas:
East Goose Zone (12)	Sept. 9–Sept. 24	5	15
PACIFIC FLYWAY
Colorado	Sept. 1–Sept. 9	5	15
Idaho:
Zone 4	Sept. 1–Sept. 15	5	15
Oregon:
Northwest Permit Zone	Sept. 9–Sept. 17	5	15
Southwest Zone	Sept. 9–Sept. 13	5	15
Eastern Zone	Sept. 9–Sept. 13	5	15
Mid-Columbia Zone	Sept. 9–Sept. 13	5	15
Washington:
Area 1	Sept. 2–Sept. 7	5	15
Area 2 Inland	Sept. 2–Sept. 10	5	15
Area 2 Coast (13)	Sept. 2–Sept. 10	5	15
Area 3	Sept. 2–Sept. 7	5	15
Area 4	Sept. 2–Sept. 3	5	10
Area 5	Sept. 2–Sept. 3	5	10
Wyoming:
Teton County Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 8	5	15
Balance of State Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 8	5	15
(1) Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
(2) The use of shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shotshells is allowed.
(3) The use of electronic calls is allowed.
(4) In New York, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, the use of shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shotshells is allowed, and the use of electronic calls is allowed, except during Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days in Lake Champlain, Northeastern, and Southeastern Goose Hunting Areas. During the designated Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days in these areas, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset, shotguns must be capable of holding no more than 3 shotshells, and electronic calls are not allowed. See State regulations for further details.
(5) In North Carolina, the use of unplugged guns and electronic calls is allowed in that area west of U.S. Highway 17 only.
(6) In North Carolina, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset in that area west of U.S. Highway 17 only.
(7) In Pennsylvania, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset from September 1 to September 22, and September 25. On September 23, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
(8) In Pennsylvania, the area south of State Route (SR) 198 from the Ohio State line to intersection of I–79, west of I–79 to SR 358, north of SR 358 to the Ohio State line: The season dates are Sept. 1–Sept. 16. The daily limit is 1 Canada goose with a possession limit of 3 geese. The season is closed on State Game Lands 214. Note: this restriction does not apply to youth participation on youth waterfowl hunting days when regular season regulations apply.
(9) In Pennsylvania, in the area of Lancaster and Lebanon Counties north of the Pennsylvania Turnpike I–76, east of SR 501 to SR 419, south of SR 419 to the Lebanon-Berks County line, west of the Lebanon-Berks County line and the Lancaster-Berks County line to SR 1053, west of SR 1053 to the Pennsylvania Turnpike I–76, the daily bag limit is 1 goose with a possession limit of 3 geese. On State Game Lands No. 46 (Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area), the season is closed. However, during youth waterfowl hunting days, regular season regulations apply.
(10) In Vermont, the season in the Connecticut River Zone is the same as the New Hampshire Inland Zone season, set by New Hampshire.
(11) In Virginia, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset from September 1 to September 16 in the area east of I–95. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset from September 1 to September 20 in the area west of I–95.
(12) See State regulations for additional information and restrictions.
(13) In Washington, in Pacific County, the daily bag and possession limits are 15 and 45 Canada and cackling geese in the aggregate, respectively.

(d) Waterfowl, Coots, and Pacific-Flyway Seasons for Gallinules.

Definitions

Atlantic Flyway: Includes Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Mississippi Flyway: Includes Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

Central Flyway: Includes Colorado (east of the Continental Divide), Kansas, Montana (Blaine, Carbon, Fergus, Judith Basin, Stillwater, Sweetgrass, Wheatland, and all counties east thereof), Nebraska, New Mexico (east of the Continental Divide except that the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation is in the Pacific Flyway), North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming (east of the Continental Divide).

Pacific Flyway: Includes the States of Arizona, California, Colorado (west of the Continental Divide), Idaho, Montana (including and to the west of Hill, Chouteau, Cascade, Meagher, and Park Counties), Nevada, New Mexico (the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation and west of the Continental Divide), Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming (west of the Continental Divide including the Great Divide Basin).

Light Geese: Includes lesser snow (including blue) geese, greater snow geese, and Ross's geese.

Dark Geese: Includes Canada geese, cackling geese, white-fronted geese, brant (except in California, Oregon, Washington, and the Atlantic Flyway), and all other goose species except light geese.

Note:

Unless otherwise specified, the daily bag and possession limits for Canada and cackling geese are in the aggregate.

Atlantic Flyway

Flyway-Wide Restrictions

Duck Limits: The daily bag limit of 6 ducks may include no more than 4 mallards (2 female mallards), 1 scaup (except as footnoted below), 2 black ducks, 1 pintail, 1 mottled duck, 1 fulvous whistling-duck, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 4 sea ducks (including no more than 3 scoters, 3 long-tailed ducks, and 3 eiders [and no more than 1 may be a hen eider]). The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.

Note:

Notwithstanding the provisions of this part, the shooting of crippled waterfowl from a motorboat under power will be permitted in Connecticut, Delaware,Georgia, Maine,Maryland, Massachusetts,New Hampshire, New Jersey,New York, North Carolina,Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia in those areas described, delineated, and designated in their respective hunting regulations as special sea duck hunting areas.

Harlequin Ducks: All areas of the Flyway are closed to harlequin duck hunting.

Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5 mergansers. In States that include mergansers in the duck bag limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.

Area	Season dates	Limits
		Bag	Possession
Connecticut:
Ducks and Mergansers (1):
North Zone	Oct. 7–Oct. 14 &	6	18
	Nov. 10–Jan. 10	6	18
South Zone	Oct. 12–Oct. 14 &	6	18
	Nov. 16–Jan. 20	6	18
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada, Cackling, and White-fronted Geese (2):
Atlantic Flyway Resident Population (AFRP) Unit	Oct. 10–Oct. 14 &	5	15
	Nov. 21–Feb. 15	5	15
North Atlantic Population (NAP) High Unit	Oct. 10–Oct. 14 &	2	6
	Nov. 10–Jan. 12	2	6
Late Season	Jan. 15–Feb. 15	5	15
Atlantic Population (AP) Unit	Oct. 10–Oct. 14 &	3	9
	Nov. 10–Dec. 15	3	9
Special Season	Dec. 27–Feb. 15	5	15
Light Geese	Oct. 2–Jan. 13 &	25
	Feb. 21–Mar. 9	25
Brant:
North Zone	Dec. 7–Jan. 10	1	3
South Zone	Dec. 18–Jan. 20	1	3
Delaware:
Ducks	Oct. 27–Nov. 4 &	6	18
	Nov. 20–Nov. 25 &	6	18
	Dec. 9–Jan. 31	6	18
Mergansers	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada, Cackling, and White-fronted Geese (2)	Nov. 20–Nov. 25 &	2	6
	Dec. 16–Jan. 30	2	6
Light Geese (3)	Oct. 2–Jan. 31 &	25
	Feb. 3 only	25
Brant	Dec. 23–Jan. 9 &	1	3
	Jan. 11–Jan. 27	1	3
Florida:
Ducks (4)	Nov. 18–Nov. 26 &	6	18
	Dec. 9–Jan. 28	6	18
Mergansers	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada and Cackling Geese	Nov. 18–Nov. 26	5	15
	Dec. 1–Jan. 30	5	15
Light Geese	Same as for Ducks	15
Georgia:
Ducks	Nov. 18–Nov. 26 &	6	18
	Dec. 9–Jan. 28	6	18
Mergansers	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada, Cackling, and White-fronted Geese (2)	Oct. 7–Oct. 22 &	5	15
	Nov. 18–Nov. 26 &	5	15
	Dec. 9–Jan. 28	5	15
Light Geese	Same as for Canada, Cackling, and White-fronted Geese	5	15
Brant	Closed
Maine:
Ducks (5):
North Zone	Sept. 25–Dec. 2	6	18
South Zone	Sept. 30–Oct. 14 &	6	18
	Nov. 1–Dec. 25	6	18
Coastal Zone	Sept. 30–Oct. 7 &	6	18
	Nov. 9–Jan. 9	6	18
Mergansers	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Canada, Cackling, and White-fronted Geese (2):
North Zone	Oct. 2–Dec. 9	2	6
South Zone	Oct. 2–Oct. 14 &	2	6
	Nov. 1–Dec. 25	2	6
Coastal Zone	Oct. 2–Oct. 7 &	3	9
	Oct. 27–Jan. 9	3	9
Light Geese	Oct. 2–Jan. 31	25
Brant:
North Zone	Sept. 25–Oct. 28	1	3
South Zone	Oct. 2–Oct. 14 &	1	3
	Oct. 31–Nov. 20	1	3
Coastal Zone	Oct. 2–Oct. 7 &	1	3
	Dec. 13–Jan. 9	1	3
Maryland:
Ducks and Mergansers (6)(7)
Eastern Zone	Oct. 14–Oct. 21 &	6	18
	Nov. 11–Nov. 24 &	6	18
	Dec. 15–Jan. 31	6	18
Western Zone	Sept. 30–Oct. 14 &	6	18
	Nov. 18–Nov. 24 &	6	18
	Dec. 15–Jan. 31	6	18
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada, Cackling, and White-fronted Geese (2):
Resident Population (RP) Zone	Nov. 18–Nov. 24 &	5	15
	Dec. 11–Mar. 5	5	15
AP Zone	Nov. 21–Nov. 24 &	2	6
	Dec. 15–Jan. 31	2	6
Light Geese	Oct. 1–Nov. 24 &	25	75
	Dec. 11–Jan. 31 &	25	75
	Feb. 3 only	25	75
Brant	Dec. 28–Jan. 31	1	3
Massachusetts:
Ducks (8)(9):
Western Zone	Oct. 9–Nov. 25 &	6	18
	Dec. 11–Dec. 30	6	18
Central Zone	Oct. 14–Nov. 25 &	6	18
	Dec. 12–Jan. 6	6	18
Coastal Zone	Oct. 14–Oct. 21 &	6	18
	Nov. 28–Jan. 27	6	18
Mergansers	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada and Cackling Geese:
NAP Zone:
Central Zone	Oct. 14–Nov. 25 &	2	6
	Dec. 12–Jan. 6	2	6
Late Season	Jan. 15–Feb. 12	5	15
Coastal Zone	Oct. 14–Oct. 21 &	2	6
	Nov. 29–Jan. 27	2	6
Late Season (10)	Jan. 29–Feb. 15	5	15
Western Zone	Oct. 10–Nov. 25 &	3	9
	Dec. 11–Dec. 14	3	9
Late Season	Jan. 1–Feb. 15	5	15
Light Geese:
Western Zone	Oct. 9–Nov. 25 &	15	45
	Dec. 11–Dec. 30	15	45
Central Zone	Oct. 14–Nov. 25 &	15	45
	Dec. 12–Jan. 6 &	15	45
	Jan. 15–Feb. 12	15	45
Coastal Zone (10)	Oct. 14–Oct. 21 &	15	45
	Nov. 28–Jan. 27 &	15	45
	Jan. 29–Feb. 15	15	45
Brant:
Western and Central Zones	Closed
Coastal Zone	Dec. 12–Jan. 15	1	3
New Hampshire:
Ducks:
Northern Zone	Oct. 2–Nov. 30	6	18
Inland Zone	Oct. 5–Nov. 3 &	6	18
	Nov. 22–Dec. 21	6	18
Coastal Zone	Oct. 4–Oct. 10 &	6	18
	Nov. 22–Jan. 13	6	18
Mergansers	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada and Cackling Geese:
Northern Zone	Oct. 2–Nov. 30	2	6
Inland Zone	Oct. 5–Nov. 3 &	2	6
	Nov. 22–Dec. 21	2	6
Coastal Zone	Oct. 4–Oct. 10 &	2	6
	Nov. 22–Jan. 13	2	6
Light Geese:
Northern Zone	Oct. 2–Nov. 30	25
Inland Zone	Oct. 5–Dec. 21	25
Coastal Zone	Oct. 4–Jan. 13	25
Brant:
Northern Zone	Oct. 2–Oct. 31	1	3
Inland Zone	Oct. 5–Nov. 3	1	3
Coastal Zone	Oct. 4–Oct. 10 &	1	3
	Nov. 22–Dec. 14	1	3
New Jersey:
Ducks (11):
North Zone	Oct. 14–Oct. 21 &	6	18
	Nov. 11–Jan. 11	6	18
South Zone	Oct. 21–Oct. 28 &	6	18
	Nov. 18–Jan. 18	6	18
Coastal Zone	Nov. 9–Nov. 11 &	6	18
	Nov. 23–Jan. 27	6	18
Mergansers	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada, Cackling, and White-fronted Geese (2):
North Zone	Nov. 18–Nov. 25 &	3	9
	Dec. 16–Jan. 29	3	9
Special Season	Jan. 30–Feb. 15	5	15
South Zone	Nov. 18–Nov. 25 &	3	9
	Dec. 16–Jan. 29	3	9
	Jan. 30–Feb. 15	5	15
Coastal Zone	Nov. 9–Nov. 11 &	2	6
	Nov. 23–Jan. 27	2	6
Light Geese:
North, South, and Coastal Zones	Oct. 17–Feb. 15	25
Brant:
North Zone	Nov. 11–Nov. 25 &	1	3
	Dec. 23–Jan. 11	1	3
South Zone	Oct. 21–Oct. 28 &	1	3
	Nov. 18–Dec. 14	1	3
Coastal Zone	Nov. 23–Dec. 2 &	1	3
	Dec. 14–Jan. 6	1	3
New York:
Ducks and Mergansers (12):
Long Island Zone	Nov. 18–Nov. 26 &	6	18
	Dec. 9–Jan. 28	6	18
Lake Champlain Zone	Oct. 7–Oct. 11 &	6	18
	Nov. 4–Dec. 28	6	18
Northeastern Zone	Oct. 7–Oct. 29 &	6	18
	Nov. 4–Dec. 10	6	18
Southeastern Zone	Oct. 21–Dec. 3 &	6	18
	Dec. 9–Dec. 24	6	18
Western Zone	Oct. 21–Nov. 12 &	6	18
	Nov. 25–Dec. 31	6	18
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada, Cackling, and White-fronted Geese (2):
Western Long Island (RP)	Oct. 7–Oct. 22 &	8	24
	Nov. 18–Nov. 26 &	8	24
	Dec. 6–Feb. 21	8	24
Central Long Island (NAP–L)	Nov. 18–Nov. 26 &	3	9
	Dec. 9–Feb. 7	3	9
Eastern Long Island (NAP–H)	Nov. 18–Nov. 26 &	2	6
	Dec. 9–Jan. 28	2	6
Lake Champlain (AP) Zone	Oct. 14–Nov. 27	3	9
Late Season	Dec. 1–Jan. 6	5	15
Northeast (AP) Zone	Oct. 28–Dec. 11	3	9
East Central (AP) Zone	Oct. 28–Nov. 17 &	3	9
	Nov. 25–Dec. 18	3	9
Hudson Valley (AP) Zone	Oct. 28–Nov. 11 &	3	9
	Dec. 9–Jan. 7	3	9
West Central (AP) Zone	Oct. 28–Nov. 26 &	3	9
	Dec. 26–Jan. 9	3	9
South (AFRP) Zone	Oct. 28–Nov. 17 &	5	15
	Nov. 25–Jan. 21	5	15
Light Geese (13):
Long Island Zone	Nov. 25–Mar. 10	25
Lake Champlain Zone	Oct. 1–Dec. 31	25
Northeastern Zone	Oct. 1–Jan. 15	25
Southeastern Zone	Oct. 1–Jan. 15	25
Western Zone	Oct. 1–Jan. 15	25
Brant:
Long Island Zone	Dec. 30–Jan. 28	1	3
Lake Champlain Zone	Oct. 14–Nov. 12	1	3
Northeastern Zone	Oct. 14–Nov. 12	1	3
Southeastern Zone	Oct. 14–Nov. 12	1	3
Western Zone	Oct. 14–Nov. 12	1	3
North Carolina:
Ducks (14)(15)
Coastal Zone	Oct. 27–Oct. 28 &	6	18
	Nov. 4–Nov. 25 &	6	18
	Dec. 18–Jan. 31	6	18
Inland Zone	Oct. 19–Oct. 21 &	6	18
	Nov. 4–Nov. 25 &	6	18
	Dec. 19–Jan. 31	6	18
Mergansers (16)	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada, Cackling, and White-fronted Geese (2):
RP Zone	Oct. 19–Oct. 28 &	5	15
	Nov. 4–Nov. 25 &	5	15
	Dec. 18–Feb. 10	5	15
Northeast Zone	Dec. 28–Jan. 31	2	6
Light Geese	Oct. 10–Feb. 10	25
Brant	Dec. 28–Jan. 31	1	3
Pennsylvania:
Ducks (17):
North Zone	Oct. 7–Oct. 21 &	6	18
	Nov. 14–Jan. 6	6	18
South Zone	Oct. 7–Oct. 14 &	6	18
	Nov. 21–Jan. 20	6	18
Northwest Zone	Oct. 7–Dec. 2 &	6	18
	Dec. 26–Jan. 6	6	18
Lake Erie Zone	Nov. 6–Jan. 13	6	18
Mergansers	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada, Cackling, and White-fronted Geese (2)(18):
AP Zone	Nov. 18–Nov. 24 &	3	9
	Dec. 7–Jan. 20	3	9
RP Zone	Oct. 28–Nov. 24 &	5	15
	Dec. 11–Jan. 20 &	5	15
	Feb. 2–Feb. 24	5	15
Light Geese:
AP Zone	Oct. 2–Jan. 27	25
RP Zone	Oct. 24–Feb. 24	25
Brant	Oct. 14–Nov. 17	1	3
Rhode Island:
Ducks (19)	Oct. 13–Oct. 16 &	6	18
	Nov. 22–Nov. 26 &	6	18
	Dec. 2–Jan. 21	6	18
Mergansers	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada and Cackling Geese	Nov. 18–Nov. 26 &	2	6
	Dec. 2–Jan. 21	2	6
Special Season	Jan. 27–Feb. 10	5	15
Light Geese	Oct. 7–Jan. 21	25
Brant	Dec. 23–Jan. 21	1	3
South Carolina:
Ducks (20)(21)(22)	Nov. 11 &	6	18
	Nov. 18–Nov. 25 &	6	18
	Dec. 12–Jan. 31	6	18
Mergansers (20)	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada, Cackling, and White-fronted Geese (2)(23)	Nov. 18–Nov. 25 &	5	15
	Dec. 12–Jan. 31	5	15
	Feb. 15–Mar. 1	5	15
Light Geese	Same as for Canada, Cackling, and White-fronted Geese	25
Brant	Jan. 2–Jan. 31	1	3
Vermont:
Ducks (24):
Lake Champlain Zone	Oct. 7–Oct. 11 &	6	18
	Nov. 4–Dec. 28	6	18
Interior Zone	Oct. 7–Dec. 5	6	18
Connecticut River Zone	Oct. 5–Nov. 3 &	6	18
	Nov. 22–Dec. 21	6	18
Mergansers	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada, Cackling, and White-fronted Geese (2):
Lake Champlain Zone	Oct. 14–Nov. 27	3	9
Late Season	Dec. 1–Jan. 6	5	15
Interior Zone	Oct. 14–Nov. 27	3	9
Late Season	Dec. 1–Jan. 6	5	15
Connecticut River Zone	Oct. 5–Nov. 3 &	2	6
	Nov. 22–Dec. 21	2	6
Late season	Dec. 22–Jan. 6	5	15
Light Geese:
Lake Champlain Zone	Oct. 1–Dec. 31 &	25
	Feb. 27–Mar. 10	25
Interior Zone	Oct. 1–Dec. 31 &	25
	Feb. 27–Mar. 10	25
Connecticut River Zone	Oct. 5–Dec. 21	25
Brant:
Lake Champlain Zone	Oct. 14–Nov. 12	1	3
Interior Zone	Oct. 14– Nov. 12	1	3
Connecticut River Zone	Oct. 5–Nov. 3	1	3
Virginia:
Ducks (25)(26)	Oct. 6–Oct. 9 &	6	18
	Nov. 15–Nov. 26 &	6	18
	Dec. 19–Jan. 31	6	18
Mergansers	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada, Cackling, and White-fronted Geese (2):
AP Zone	Nov. 22–Nov. 26 &	2	6
	Dec. 23–Jan. 31	2	6
RP Zone	Nov. 15–Nov. 26 &	5	15
	Dec. 19–Feb. 24	5	15
Light Geese	Oct. 17–Jan. 31	25
Brant	Dec. 23–Dec. 31 &	1	3
	Jan. 11–Jan. 31	1	3
West Virginia:
Ducks (27)(28)	Oct. 1–Oct. 14 &	6	18
	Nov. 6–Nov. 12 &	6	18
	Dec. 24–Jan. 31	6	18
Mergansers	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada, Cackling, and White-fronted Geese (2)	Oct. 1–Oct. 21 &	5	15
	Nov. 6–Nov. 12 &	5	15
	Dec. 11–Jan. 31	5	15
Light Geese	Same as for Canada, Cackling, and White-fronted Geese	5	15
Brant	Jan. 2–Jan. 31	1	3
(1) In Connecticut, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from December 19 through January 10 in the North Zone and from December 29 through January 20 in the South Zone.
(2) The daily bag and possession limits for Canada geese, cackling geese, and white-fronted geese are in the aggregate.
(3) In Delaware, the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge snow goose season is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only.
(4) In Florida, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from January 9 through January 28.
(5) In Maine, the daily bag limit may include no more than 4 of any species, with no more than 12 of any one species in possession. The season for Barrow's goldeneye is closed. Scaup bag limit is 1 for the entire season.
(6) In Maryland, the black duck season is closed in the first (October) segment. Two black ducks may be harvested as part of the daily duck bag limit during the 2nd and 3rd season segments of the regular duck season in both the Eastern and Western Duck Zones. Additionally, the daily bag limit of 6 ducks may include no more than 4 sea ducks, of which no more than 3 may be scoters, eiders, or long-tailed ducks (no more than 1 hen eider). Where the Sea Duck Zone (defined by State regulation 08.03.07.04) is not overlain by the Offshore Waterfowl Hunting Zone (defined by State regulation 08.03.07.07), only sea ducks (scoters, long-tailed ducks, and eiders) may be taken during the regular duck season.
(7) In Maryland, during the regular duck season the daily bag limit for scaup is 1 during all portions of the regular duck season that occur prior to January 9. The daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from January 9 through January 31 in both the Eastern and Western duck zones.
(8) In Massachusetts, the daily bag limit may include no more than 4 of any single species in addition to the flyway-wide bag restrictions.
(9) In Massachusetts, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from January 9 through January 31 in the Coastal Zone.
(10) In Massachusetts, the February 1 through 15 portion of the season in the Coastal Zone is restricted to that portion of the Coastal Zone north of the Cape Cod Canal.
(11) In New Jersey, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from December 20 through January 11 in the North Zone, from December 27 through January 18 in the South Zone, and from January 5 through January 27 in the Coastal Zone. Also, 1 black-bellied whistling-duck or fulvous whistling-duck in the aggregate.
(12) In New York, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from November 21 through December 10 in the Northeast Zone, from December 12 through December 31 in the Western Zone, from November 30 through December 3 and December 9 through December 24 in the Southeast Zone, from January 9 through January 28 in the Long Island Zone, and from December 9 through December 28 in the Lake Champlain Zone.
(13) In New York, the use of electronic calls and shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shotshells are allowed for hunting of light geese on any day when all other waterfowl hunting seasons are closed.
(14) In North Carolina, the season is closed for black ducks and mottled ducks October 19 through October 28 and November 4 through November 17.
(15) In North Carolina, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from January 9 through January 31.
(16) In North Carolina, the daily bag limit for mergansers is 5 of which no more than 2 may be hooded mergansers.
(17) In Pennsylvania, during the regular duck season in the North Zone, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from December 15 through January 6. During the regular duck season in the South Zone, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from December 29 through January 20. During the regular duck season in the Northwest Zone, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from November 23 through December 2 and from December 26 through January 6. During the regular duck season in the Lake Erie Zone, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from November 6 through November 28.
(18) In Pennsylvania, the daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese with a possession limit of 9 geese in the area south of SR 198 from the Ohio State line to the intersection of I–79, west of I–79 to SR 358, north of SR 358 to the Ohio State line.
(19) In Rhode Island, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from January 2 through January 21.
(20) In South Carolina, the daily bag limit of 6 may not exceed 1 black-bellied whistling-duck or hooded merganser. Further, the black duck/mottled duck limit is as follows: (1) For areas east and south of Interstate 95, either 1 black or 1 mottled duck in the daily bag in the aggregate; (2) for areas west and north of Interstate 95, either 2 black ducks, or 1 black duck and 1 mottled duck in the daily bag.
(21) In South Carolina, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 on November 11, between November 18 and November 25, and between December 12 and December 22.
(22) In South Carolina, on November 11, only hunters 17 years of age or younger can hunt ducks [2 scaup], coots, and mergansers. The youth must be accompanied by a person 21 years of age or older who is properly licensed, including State and Federal waterfowl stamps. Youth who are 16 or 17 years of age who hunt on this day are not required to have a State license or State waterfowl stamp but must possess a Federal waterfowl stamp and migratory bird permit.
(23) In South Carolina, the daily bag limit may include no more than 2 white-fronted geese.
(24) In Vermont, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 within the Lake Champlain Zone: From December 9 through December 28. Within the Interior Zone: From November 16 through December 5. Within the Connecticut River Zone: During the regular duck season the scaup bag limit will be 1 for the entire season.
(25) In Virginia, the season is closed for black ducks October 6 through October 9.
(26) In Virginia, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from January 12 through January 31.
(27) In West Virginia, the season is closed for eiders, whistling-ducks, and mottled ducks.
(28) In West Virginia, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from January 12 through January 31.

Mississippi Flyway

Flyway-Wide Restrictions

Duck Limits: The daily bag limit of 6 ducks may include no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be females), 1 mottled duck, 2 black ducks, 1 pintail, 2 canvasbacks, 2 redheads, 1 scaup (except as footnoted below), and 3 wood ducks. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.

Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5 mergansers and may include no more than 2 hooded mergansers. In States that include mergansers in the duck bag limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, of which only 2 may be hooded mergansers. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.

Area	Season dates	Limits
		Bag	Possession
Alabama:
Ducks	Nov. 24–Nov. 25 &	6	18
	Dec. 2–Jan. 28	6	18
Mergansers	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Dark Geese	Sept. 2–Oct. 1 &	5	15
	Oct. 14–Oct. 28 &	5	15
	Nov. 24–Nov. 25 &	5	15
	Dec. 2–Jan. 28	5	15
Light Geese	Same as for Dark Geese	5	15
Arkansas:
Ducks	Nov. 18–Nov. 26 &	6	18
	Dec. 9–Dec. 23 &	6	18
	Dec. 27–Jan. 31	6	18
Mergansers	Same as for Ducks	5	10
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada and Cackling Geese	Sept. 1–Oct. 15 &	5	15
	Nov. 18–Nov. 26 &	3	9
	Dec. 9–Dec. 23 &	3	9
	Dec. 27–Jan. 31	3	9
White-fronted Geese	Oct. 28–Nov. 10 &	3	9
	Nov. 18–Nov. 26 &	3	9
	Dec. 9–Dec. 23 &	3	9
	Dec. 27–Jan. 31	3	9
Brant	Closed
Light Geese	Same as for White-fronted Geese	20
Illinois:
Ducks (1):
North Zone	Oct. 21–Dec. 19	6	18
Central Zone	Oct. 28–Dec. 26	6	18
South Central Zone	Nov. 11–Jan. 9	6	18
South Zone	Dec. 2–Jan. 30	6	18
Mergansers	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada and Cackling Geese:
North Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 15 &	5	15
	Oct. 21–Jan. 18	3	9
Central Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 15 &	5	15
	Oct. 28–Nov. 5 &	3	9
	Nov. 12–Jan. 31	3	9
South Central Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 15 &	2	6
	Nov. 11–Jan. 31	3	9
South Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 15 &	2	6
	Dec. 2–Jan. 31	3	9
White-fronted Geese:
North Zone	Oct. 23–Jan. 18	2	6
Central Zone	Nov. 5–Jan. 31	2	6
South Central Zone	Nov. 11–Jan. 31	2	6
South Zone	Dec. 2–Jan. 31	2	6
Light Geese:
North Zone	Oct. 21–Jan. 18	20
Central Zone	Oct. 28–Jan. 31	20
South Central Zone	Nov. 11–Jan. 31	20
South Zone	Dec. 2–Jan. 31	20
Brant	Same as for Light Geese	1	3
Indiana:
Ducks (2):
North Zone	Oct. 28–Dec. 17 &	6	18
	Dec. 26–Jan. 3	6	18
Central Zone	Nov. 4–Nov. 12 &	6	18
	Nov. 24–Jan. 13	6	18
South Zone	Nov. 11–Nov. 12 &	6	18
	Dec. 2–Jan. 28	6	18
Mergansers	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Dark Geese (3):
North Zone	Sept. 9–Sept. 17 &	5	15
	Oct. 28–Nov. 5 &	5	15
	Nov. 18–Feb. 11	5	15
Central Zone	Sept. 9–Sept. 17 &	5	15
	Nov. 4–Nov. 18 &	5	15
	Nov. 24–Feb. 11	5	15
South Zone	Sept. 9–Sept. 17 &	5	15
	Nov. 11–Feb. 11	5	15
Light Geese:
North Zone	Same as for Dark Geese	20
Central Zone	Same as for Dark Geese	20
South Zone	Same as for Dark Geese	20
Iowa:
Ducks (4):
North Zone	Sept. 30–Oct. 6 &	6	18
	Oct. 14–Dec. 5	6	18
Central Zone	Oct. 7–Oct. 13 &	6	18
	Oct. 21–Dec. 12	6	18
South Zone	Oct. 14–Oct. 20 &	6	18
	Oct. 28–Dec. 19	6	18
Mergansers	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Dark Geese:
North Zone (5)	Sept. 9–Sept. 17 &	5	15
	Sept. 23–Oct. 8 &	5	15
	Oct. 14–Dec. 5 &	5	15
	Dec. 16–Jan. 13	5	15
Central Zone (5)	Sept. 9–Sept. 17 &	5	15
	Sept. 30–Oct. 15 &	5	15
	Oct. 21–Dec. 12 &	5	15
	Dec. 23–Jan. 20	5	15
South Zone (5)	Oct. 7–Oct. 22 &	5	15
	Oct. 28–Dec. 19 &	5	15
	Dec. 30–Jan. 27	5	15
Light Geese:
North Zone	Same as for Dark Geese	20
Central Zone	Same as for Dark Geese	20
South Zone	Same as for Dark Geese	20
Kentucky:
Ducks (6):
West Zone	Nov. 23–Nov. 26 &	6	18
	Dec. 7–Jan. 31	6	18
East Zone	Same as West Zone	6	18
Mergansers	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada and Cackling Geese
Eastern Zone	Sept. 16–Sept. 30 &	5	15
	Nov. 23–Feb. 15	3	9
Western Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 15 &	5	15
	Nov. 23–Feb. 15	3	9
White-fronted Geese	Nov. 23–Feb. 15	2	6
Brant	Nov. 23–Feb. 15	1	3
Light Geese	Nov. 23–Feb. 15	20	60
Louisiana:
Ducks (7):
East Zone	Nov. 18–Dec. 3 &	6	18
	Dec. 16–Jan. 28	6	18
West Zone	Nov. 11–Dec. 3 &	6	18
	Dec. 11–Jan. 7 &	6	18
	Jan. 13–Jan. 21	6	18
Mergansers	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada and Cackling Geese:
East Zone	Nov. 4–Dec. 3 &	1	3
	Dec. 16–Jan. 28	1	3
West Zone	Nov. 4–Dec. 3 &	1	3
	Dec. 11–Jan. 7 &	1	3
	Jan. 13–Jan. 28	1	3
White-fronted Geese	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese	3	9
Brant	Closed
Light Geese	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese	20
Michigan:
Ducks (8):
North Zone	Sept. 30–Nov. 26 &	6	18
	Dec. 2–Dec. 3	6	18
Middle Zone	Oct. 7–Dec. 3 &	6	18
	Dec. 16–Dec. 17	6	18
South Zone	Oct. 14–Dec. 10 &	6	18
	Dec. 30–Dec. 31	6	18
Mergansers	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Dark Geese (9):
North Zone	Sept. 1–Dec. 16	5	15
Middle Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 30 &	5	15
	Oct. 7–Dec. 22	5	15
South Zone:
Muskegon Wastewater Game Management Unit (GMU)	Oct. 17–Dec. 23	5	15
Allegan County GMU	Sept. 1–Sept. 30 &	5	15
	Nov. 4–Nov. 12 &	5	15
	Nov. 25–Dec. 3 &	5	15
	Dec. 16–Feb. 12	5	15
Remainder of South Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 30 &	5	15
	Oct. 14–Dec. 10 &	5	15
	Dec. 30–Jan. 7 &	5	15
	Feb. 3–Feb. 12	5	15
Light Geese:
North Zone	Same as for Dark Geese	20	60
Middle Zone	Same as for Dark Geese	20	60
South Zone:
Muskegon Wastewater GMU	Same as for Dark Geese	20	60
Allegan County GMU	Same as for Dark Geese	20	60
Remainder of South Zone	Same as for Dark Geese	20	60
Minnesota:
Ducks (10):
North Zone	Sept. 23–Nov. 21	6	18
Central Zone	Sept. 23–Oct. 1 &	6	18
	Oct. 7–Nov. 26	6	18
South Zone	Sept. 23–Oct. 1 &	6	18
	Oct. 7–Nov. 26	6	18
Mergansers	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots (11)	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Dark Geese:
North Zone	Sept. 2–Sept. 17 &	5	15
	Sept. 23–Dec. 22	5	15
Central Zone	Sept. 2–Sept. 17 &	5	15
	Sept. 23–Oct. 1 &	5	15
	Oct. 7–Dec. 27	5	15
South Zone	Sept. 2–Sept. 17 &	5	15
	Sept. 23–Oct. 1 &	5	15
	Oct. 7–Dec. 27	5	15
Light Geese:
North Zone	Same as for Dark Geese	20	60
Central Zone	Same as for Dark Geese	20	60
South Zone	Same as for Dark Geese	20	60
Mississippi:
Ducks (6)	Nov. 24–Nov. 26 &	6	18
	Dec. 1–Dec. 3 &	6	18
	Dec. 9–Jan. 31	6	18
Mergansers	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada and Cackling Geese	Sept. 1–Sept 30 &	5	15
	Nov. 10–Nov. 26 &	5	15
	Dec. 1–Dec. 3 &	5	15
	Dec. 9–Jan. 31	5	15
White-fronted Geese	Nov. 10–Nov. 26 &	3	9
	Dec. 1–Dec. 3 &	3	9
	Dec. 9–Jan. 31	3	9
Brant	Same as for White–fronted Geese	1	3
Light Geese	Same as for White–fronted Geese	20
Missouri:
Ducks and Mergansers (12):
North Zone	Oct. 28–Dec. 26	6	18
Middle Zone	Nov. 4–Nov. 12 &	6	18
	Nov. 18–Jan. 7	6	18
South Zone	Nov. 23–Nov. 26 &	6	18
	Dec. 7–Jan. 31	6	18
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada and Cackling Geese, and Brant (13):
North Zone	Oct. 7–Oct. 15 &	3	9
	Nov. 11–Feb. 6	3	9
Middle Zone	Same as North Zone	3	9
South Zone	Same as North Zone	3	9
White-fronted Geese:
North Zone	Nov. 11–Feb. 6	2	6
Middle Zone	Same as North Zone	2	6
South Zone	Same as North Zone	2	6
Light Geese:
North Zone	Nov. 11–Feb. 6	20
Middle Zone	Same as North Zone	20
South Zone	Same as North Zone	20
Ohio:
Ducks (14):
Lake Erie Marsh Zone	Oct. 14–Oct. 29 &	6	18
	Nov. 4–Dec. 17	6	18
North Zone	Oct. 21–Oct. 29 &	6	18
	Nov. 11–Dec. 31	6	18
South Zone	Oct. 21–Oct. 29 &	6	18
	Dec. 9–Jan. 28	6	18
Mergansers	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Dark Geese (15):
Lake Erie Goose Zone	Sept. 2–Sept. 10 &	5	15
	Oct. 14–Oct. 29 &	5	15
	Nov. 4–Dec. 17	5	15
	Dec. 31–Feb. 4	5	15
North Zone	Sept. 2–Sept. 10 &	5	15
	Oct. 21–Oct. 29 &	5	15
	Nov. 11–Feb. 5	5	15
South Zone	Sept. 2–Sept. 10 &	5	15
	Oct. 21–Oct. 29 &	5	15
	Nov. 18–Feb. 12	5	15
Light Geese:
Lake Erie Goose Zone	Same as for Dark Geese	10	30
North Zone	Same as for Dark Geese	10	30
South Zone	Same as for Dark Geese	10	30
Tennessee:
Ducks (6):
Reelfoot Zone	Nov. 25–Nov. 26 &	6	18
	Dec. 5–Jan. 31	6	18
Rest of State	Nov. 25–Nov. 26 &	6	18
	Dec. 5–Jan. 31	6	18
Mergansers	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada and Cackling Geese:
Reelfoot Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 17 &	5	15
	Oct. 14–Oct. 24 &	3	9
	Nov. 25–Nov. 26 &	3	9
	Dec. 5–Feb. 11	3	9
Rest of State	Sept. 1–Sept. 17 &	5	15
	Oct. 14–Oct. 24 &	3	9
	Nov. 25–Nov. 26 &	3	9
	Dec. 5–Feb. 11	3	9
White-fronted Geese:
Reelfoot Zone	Nov. 25–Nov. 26 &	3	9
	Dec. 5–Feb. 11	3	9
Rest of State	Nov. 25–Nov. 26 &	3	9
	Dec. 5–Feb. 11	3	9
Brant	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese	1	3
Light Geese	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese	20
Wisconsin:
Ducks (16):
North Zone	Sept. 23–Nov. 21	6	18
South Zone	Sept. 30–Oct. 8 &	6	18
	Oct. 14–Dec. 3	6	18
Open Water Zone	Oct. 14–Dec. 12	6	18
Mergansers	Same as for Ducks	5	15
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Dark Geese
North Zone (17)	Sept. 1–Sept. 15	5	15
	Sept. 16–Dec. 16	3	9
South Zone (17)	Sept. 1–Sept. 15	5	15
	Sept. 16–Oct. 8 &	3	9
	Oct. 14–Dec. 3 &	3	9
	Dec. 16–Jan. 2	3	9
Mississippi River Zone (17)	Sept. 1–Sept. 15	5	15
	Oct. 1–Oct. 9 &	3	9
	Oct. 15–Jan. 3	3	9
Light Geese:
North Zone	Sept. 1–Dec. 16	20
South Zone	Sept. 16–Oct. 8 &	20
	Oct. 14–Dec. 3 &	20
	Dec. 16–Jan. 2	20
Mississippi River Zone	Sept. 16–Oct. 8 &	20
	Oct. 14–Oct. 3 &	20
	Oct. 16–Jan. 2	20
(1) In Illinois, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 during the first 45 days in each of the 4 Zones.
(2) In Indiana, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from November 12 through December 17 and from December 26 through January 3 in the North Zone, from November 30 through January 8 in the Central Zone, and from December 15 through January 28 in the South Zone.
(3) In Indiana, the daily bag limit for dark geese is 5 per day in the aggregate. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.
(4) In Iowa, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 for the last 45 days of the season.
(5) In Iowa, Canada and cackling geese only September 9 through September 17, for the North and Central Zones. After September 17, the dark goose daily bag limit is 5 and may not include more than 2 Canada and cackling geese September 23 through October 8 in the North Zone, September 30 through October 15 in the Central Zone, and October 7 through October 22 in the South Zone. No more than 3 Canada and cackling geese thereafter, until the end of the season.
(6) In Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from December 18 through January 31.
(7) In Louisiana, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from November 26 through January 21 in the West Zone and from December 3 through January 28 in the East Zone. The mottled duck daily bag limit is 0 for the first 15 days of the season in each zone and 1 thereafter.
(8) In Michigan, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from September 30 through November 13 in the North Zone, from October 23 through December 3 and December 16 through December 17 in the Middle Zone, and from October 30 through December 10 and December 30 through December 31 in the South Zone.
(9) In Michigan, the dark goose daily bag limit is 5 and may not include more than 1 brant.
(10) In Minnesota, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 Statewide from October 13 through the remainder of the season.
(11) In Minnesota, the daily bag limit is 15, and the possession limit is 45 coots and gallinules in the aggregate.
(12) In Missouri, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from October 28 through December 11 in the North Zone, from November 4 through November 12 and November 18 through December 23 in the Middle Zone, and from November 23 through November 26 and December 7 through January 16 in the South Zone.
(13) In Missouri, Canada and cackling geese and brant have an aggregate daily bag and possession limits of 3 and 9, respectively.
(14) In Ohio, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 on October 29 and from November 4 through December 17 in the Lake Erie Zone, from November 17 through December 31 in the North Zone, and from December 15 through January 28 in the South Zone.
(15) In Ohio, the daily bag limit for dark geese may include no more than 1 brant, and only Canada and cackling geese during the first segment (September 2 through September 10).
(16) In Wisconsin, the daily bag limit for scaup is 2 from September 23 through November 6 in the North Zone, from October 20 through December 3 in the South Zone, and from October 14 through November 27 in the Open Water Zone.
(17) In Wisconsin, Canada and cackling geese only September 1 through 15. After September 15, the bag limit for dark geese is 3 and the possession is 9. The limit and possession for white-fronted geese and brant may be no more than 1 and 3, in the aggregate with Canada and cackling geese.

Central Flyway

Flyway-Wide Restrictions

Duck and Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 6 ducks (including mergansers), which may include no more than 5 mallards (2 female mallards), 1 pintail, 2 canvasbacks, 2 redheads, 1 scaup, 3 wood ducks, and 6 mergansers. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.

Area	Season dates	Limits
		Bag	Possession
Colorado:
Ducks and Mergansers:
Southeast Zone	Oct. 28–Jan. 31	6	18
Northeast Zone	Oct. 14–Nov. 26 &	6	18
	Dec. 11–Jan. 31	6	18
Mountain/Foothills Zone	Sept. 30–Nov. 26 &	6	18
	Dec. 25–Jan. 31	6	18
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Dark Geese:
South Park Unit	Sept. 30–Jan. 12	5	15
San Luis Valley Unit	Sept. 30–Oct. 18 &	5	15
	Nov. 18–Feb. 11	5	15
North Park Unit	Sept. 30–Jan. 12	5	15
Rest of State in Central Flyway	Oct. 30–Feb. 11	5	15
Light Geese:
Statewide	Oct. 28–Feb. 11	50
Kansas:
Ducks and Mergansers:
High Plains	Oct. 7–Dec. 31 &	6	18
	Jan. 19–Jan. 28	6	18
Low Plains:
Early Zone	Oct. 7–Dec. 3 &	6	18
	Dec. 23–Jan. 7	6	18
Late Zone	Oct. 28–Dec. 31 &	6	18
	Jan. 20–Jan. 28	6	18
Southeast Zone	Nov. 11–Jan. 7 &	6	18
	Jan. 13–Jan. 28	6	18
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Dark Geese (1)	Oct. 28–Oct. 29 &	6	18
	Nov. 1–Feb. 11	6	18
White-fronted Geese	Oct. 28–Dec. 31 &	2	6
	Jan. 20–Feb. 11	2	6
Light Geese	Oct. 28–Oct. 29 &	50
	Nov. 1–Feb. 11	50	;
Montana:
Ducks and Mergansers (2):
Zone 1	Sept. 30–Jan. 4	6	18
Zone 2	Sept. 30–Oct. 8 &	6	18
	Oct. 21–Jan. 16	6	18
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Dark Geese:
Zone 1	Sept. 30–Jan. 12	5	15
Zone 2	Sept. 30–Oct. 8 &	5	15
	Oct. 21–Jan. 24	5	15
Light Geese:
Zone 1	Same as for Dark Geese	20	60
Zone 2	Same as for Dark Geese	20	60
Nebraska:
Ducks and Mergansers (3):
High Plains Unit	Jan. 10–Jan. 31	6	18
Zone 1	Oct. 14–Dec. 26	6	18
Zone 2:	Oct. 7–Dec. 19	6	18
Zone 3:	Oct. 28–Jan. 9	6	18
Zone 4	Oct. 28–Jan. 9	6	18
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada and Cackling Geese:
Niobrara Unit	Oct. 28–Feb. 9	5	15
North Central Unit	Oct. 7–Jan. 19	5	15
Platte River Unit	Oct. 28–Feb. 9	5	15
White-fronted Geese	Oct. 7–Dec. 17 &	2	6
	Jan. 25–Feb. 9	2	6
Light Geese	Oct. 7–Jan. 3 &	50
	Jan. 25–Feb. 9	50
New Mexico:
Ducks and Mergansers (4):
North Zone	Oct. 7–Jan. 10	6	18
South Zone	Oct. 28–Jan. 31	6	18
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Dark Geese:
Middle Rio Grande Unit	Dec. 19–Jan. 31	2	2
Rest of State	Oct. 17–Jan. 31	5	15
Light Geese	Oct. 17–Jan. 31	50
North Dakota:
Ducks and Mergansers (2):
High Plains	Sept. 23–Dec. 3 &	6	18
	Dec. 9–Dec 31	6	18
Low Plains	Sept. 23–Dec. 3	6	18
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada and Cackling Geese and Brant (5):
Missouri River Zone	Sept. 23–Dec. 29	5	15
Western ND Zone	Sept. 23–Dec. 21	8	24
Rest of State	Sept. 23–Dec. 16	8	24
White-fronted Geese	Sept. 23–Dec. 3	3	9
Light Geese	Sept. 23–Dec. 29	50
Oklahoma:
Ducks and Mergansers:
High Plains	Oct. 7–Jan. 3	6	18
Low Plains:
Zone 1	Nov. 11–Nov. 26 &	6	18
	Dec. 2–Jan. 28	6	18
Zone 2	Nov. 11–Nov. 26 &	6	18
	Dec. 2–Jan. 28	6	18
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada and Cackling Geese and Brant (1)	Nov. 4–Nov. 26 &	8	24
	Dec. 2–Feb. 11	8	24
White-fronted Geese	Nov. 4–Nov. 26 &	2	6
	Dec. 2–Feb. 4	2	6
Light Geese	Nov. 4–Nov. 26 &	50
	Dec. 2–Feb. 11	50
South Dakota:
Ducks and Mergansers (2)(3):
High Plains	Oct. 14–Jan. 18	6	18
Low Plains:
North Zone	Sept. 23–Dec. 5	6	18
Middle Zone	Sept. 23–Dec. 5	6	18
South Zone	Oct. 28–Jan. 9	6	18
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada and Cackling Geese:
Unit 1	Oct. 1–Dec. 16	8	24
Unit 2	Nov. 6–Feb. 18	4	12
Unit 3	Oct. 21–Dec. 24 &	4	12
	Jan. 13–Jan. 21	4	12
White-fronted Geese	Sept. 30–Dec. 12	3	9
Light Geese	Sept. 30–Jan. 12	50
Texas:
Ducks and Mergansers (6):
High Plains	Oct. 28–Oct. 29 &	6	18
	Nov. 3–Jan. 28	6	18
Low Plains:
North Zone	Nov. 11–Nov. 26 &	6	18
	Dec. 2–Jan. 28	6	18
South Zone	Nov. 4–Nov. 26 &	6	18
	Dec. 9–Jan. 28	6	18
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Canada and Cackling Geese and Brant (7):
Southeast Goose Zone	Nov. 4–Jan. 28	5	15
Northeast Goose Zone	Nov. 4–Jan. 28	5	15
West Goose Zone	Nov. 4–Feb. 4	5	15
White-fronted Geese (7):
Southeast Goose Zone	Nov. 4–Jan. 28	2	6
Northeast Goose Zone	Nov. 4–Jan. 28	2	6
West Goose Zone	Nov. 4–Feb. 4	2	6
Light Geese:
Southeast Goose Zone	Nov. 4–Jan. 28	10	—
Northeast Goose Zone	Nov. 4–Jan. 28	10
West Goose Zone	Nov. 4–Feb. 4	10
Wyoming:
Ducks and Mergansers (2):
Zone C1	Sept. 30–Oct. 15 &	6	18
	Nov. 4–Jan. 23	6	18
Zone C2	Sept. 23–Dec. 3 &	6	18
	Dec. 16–Jan. 9	6	18
Zone C3	Same as Zone C2	6	18
Coots	Same as for Ducks	15	45
Dark Geese:
Zone G1A (8)	Sept. 30–Oct. 11 &	2	6
	Nov. 18–Feb. 18	4	12
Zone G1	Sept. 30–Oct. 8 &	5	15
	Nov. 4–Nov. 26 &	5	15
	Dec. 8–Feb. 18	5	15
Zone G2	Sept. 23–Dec. 3 &	5	15
	Dec. 16–Jan. 17	5	15
Zone G3	Same as Zone G2	5	15
Zone G4	Same as Zone G1	5	15
Light Geese	Sept. 30–Dec. 31 &	20	60
	Feb. 7–Feb. 18	20	60
(1) In Kansas and Oklahoma, dark geese include Canada, cackling geese, brant, and all other geese except white-fronted geese and light geese.
(2) In Montana, during the first 9 days of the duck season, and in North Dakota, South Dakota (Tier I license), and Wyoming, during the first 16 days of the duck season, the daily bag and possession limit may include 2 and 6 additional blue-winged teal, respectively.
(3) In Nebraska and South Dakota, for hunters possessing a Tier II license, the daily bag limit is 3 ducks or mergansers of any species in the aggregate, and the possession limit is 9.
(4) In New Mexico, Mexican ducks are included in the aggregate with mallards.
(5) In North Dakota, see State regulations for additional shooting hour restrictions.
(6) In Texas, the daily bag limit is 6 ducks, which may include no more than 5 mallards (only 2 of which may be females), 2 redheads, 3 wood ducks, 1 scaup, 2 canvasbacks, 1 pintail, and 1 dusky duck (mottled duck, Mexican duck, black duck and their hybrids). The season for dusky ducks is closed the first 5 days of the season in all zones. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.
(7) In Texas, in the East and West Goose Zone, the daily bag limit for dark geese is 5 in the aggregate and may include no more than 2 white-fronted geese. Possession limits are three times the daily bag limits.
(8) For Dark Goose Zone G1A, see State regulations for additional restrictions.

Pacific Flyway

Flyway-Wide Restrictions

Duck and Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit of 7 ducks (including mergansers) may include no more than 2 female mallards, 1 pintail, 2 redheads, 2 scaup, and 2 canvasbacks. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.

Coot and Gallinule Limits: Daily bag and possession limits are in the aggregate for the two groups.

Area	Season dates	Limits
		Bag	Possession
Arizona:
Ducks (1):
North Zone:
Scaup	Nov. 7–Jan. 31	2	6
Other Ducks	Oct. 23–Jan. 31	7	21
South Zone:
Scaup	Nov. 7–Jan. 31	2	6
Other Ducks	Oct. 23–Jan. 31	7	21
Coots and Gallinules	Same as for Other Ducks	25	75
Dark Geese:
North Zone	Oct. 23–Jan. 31	5	15
South Zone	Oct. 23–Jan. 31	5	15
Light Geese	Same as for Dark Geese	10	30
California:
Ducks:
Northeastern Zone:
Scaup	Oct. 7–Dec. 3 &	2	6
	Dec. 21–Jan. 17	2	6
Other Ducks	Oct. 7–Jan. 17	7	21
Colorado River Zone:
Scaup	Nov. 7–Jan. 31	2	6
Other Ducks	Oct. 23–Jan. 31	7	21
Southern Zone:
Scaup	Nov. 7–Jan. 31	2	6
Other Ducks	Oct. 21–Jan. 31	7	21
Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone:
Scaup	Nov. 7–Jan. 31	2	6
Other Ducks	Oct. 21–Jan. 31	7	21
Balance of State Zone:
Scaup	Nov. 7–Jan. 31	2	6
Other Ducks	Oct. 21–Jan. 31	7	21
Coots and Gallinule	Same as for Other Ducks	25	75
Canada and Cackling Geese (2)(3):
Northeastern Zone (4)	Oct. 7–Jan. 14	10	30
Klamath Basin Special Management Area	Oct. 7–Jan. 14	10	30
Colorado River Zone	Oct. 23–Jan. 31	4	12
Southern Zone	Oct. 21–Jan. 31	3	9
Balance of State Zone	Sept. 30–Oct. 2 &	10	30
	Oct. 21–Jan. 28 &	10	30
	Feb. 17–Feb. 18	10	30
North Coast Special Management Area	Oct. 7–Dec. 22 &	10	30
	Feb. 12–Mar. 10	10	30
White-fronted Geese (2):
Northeastern Zone	Oct. 7–Dec. 3 &	10	30
	Jan. 4–Jan. 17 &	10	30
	Feb. 7–Mar.10	10	30
Klamath Basin Special Management Area	Oct. 7–Jan. 19	10	30
Colorado River Zone	Oct. 23–Jan. 31	4	12
Southern Zone	Oct. 21–Jan. 31	3	9
Balance of State Zone	Oct. 21–Jan. 28 &	10	30
	Feb. 17–Feb. 21	10	30
Sacramento Valley Special Management Area	Oct. 21–Dec. 21	3	9
Light Geese:
Northeastern Zone	Oct. 7–Dec. 3 &	20	60
	Jan. 4–Jan. 17 &	20	60
	Feb. 7–Mar.10	20	60
Klamath Basin Special Management Area	Oct. 7–Jan. 19	20	60
Colorado River Zone	Oct. 23–Jan. 31	20	60
Southern Zone	Oct. 21–Jan. 31	20	60
Imperial County Special Management Area	Nov. 4–Feb. 2 &	20	60
	Feb. 5–Feb. 9 &	20	60
	Feb. 12–Feb. 20	20	60
Balance of State Zone	Oct. 21–Jan. 28 &	20	60
	Feb. 17–Feb. 21	20	60
Brant:
Northern Zone	Nov. 18–Dec. 14	2	6
Balance of State Zone	Nov. 19–Dec. 15	2	6
Colorado:
Ducks:
East Zone:
Scaup	Sept. 30–Dec. 24	2	6
Other Ducks	Sept. 30–Jan. 12	7	21
West Zone:
Scaup	Sept. 30–Oct. 17 &	2	6
	Nov. 6–Jan. 12	2	6
Other Ducks	Sept. 30–Oct. 17 &	7	21
	Nov. 6–Jan. 31	7	21
Coots	Same as for Other Ducks	25	75
Dark Geese:
East Zone	Sept. 30–Jan. 3	5	15
West Zone	Sept. 30–Oct. 8 &	5	15
	Nov. 6–Jan. 31	5	15
Light Geese	Same as for Dark Geese	10	30
Idaho:
Ducks:
Zone 1:
Scaup	Oct. 7–Dec. 31	2	6
Other Ducks	Oct. 7–Jan. 19	7	21
Zone 2:
Scaup	Oct. 26–Jan. 19	2	6
Other Ducks	Oct. 7–Jan. 19	7	21
Zone 3:
Scaup	Nov. 7–Jan. 31	2	6
Other Ducks	Oct. 19–Jan. 31	7	21
Zone 4:
Scaup	Oct. 7–Dec. 31	2	6
Other Ducks	Oct. 7–Jan. 19	7	21
Coots	Same as for Other Ducks	25	75
Canada and Cackling Geese, and Brant (5):
Zone 1	Oct. 7–Jan. 19	5	15
Zone 2	Oct. 19–Jan. 31	5	15
Zone 3	Oct. 19–Jan. 31	5	15
Zone 4	Oct. 7–Jan. 4	5	15
Zone 5	Oct. 7–Jan. 19	5	15
Zone 6	Oct. 7–Oct. 22	5	15
	Nov. 4–Jan. 31	5	15
White-fronted Geese:
Zone 1	Oct. 7–Jan. 19	10	30
Zone 2	Oct. 7–Jan. 19	10	30
Zone 3	Oct. 19–Jan. 31	10	30
Zone 4	Nov. 6–Feb. 18	10	30
Zone 5	Oct. 7–Jan. 19	10	30
Zone 6	Oct. 7–Jan. 19	10	30
Light Geese:
Zone 1	Oct. 7–Jan. 19	20	60
Zone 2	Oct. 7–Dec. 13 &	20	60
	Feb. 3–Mar. 10	20	60
Zone 3	Nov. 27–Mar. 10	20	60
Zone 4	Oct. 19–Jan. 31	20	60
Zone 5	Oct. 7–Jan. 19	20	60
Zone 6	Oct. 7–Jan. 19	20	60
Zone 7	Oct. 7–Jan. 19	20	60
Montana:
Ducks:
Scaup	Sept. 30–Dec. 24	2	6
Other Ducks	Sept. 30–Jan. 12	7	21
Coots	Same as for Other Ducks	25	25
Dark Geese (6)	Sept. 30–Jan. 12	5	15
Light Geese (6)	Same as for Dark Geese	20	60
Nevada:
Ducks:
Northeast Zone:
Scaup	Sept. 23–Nov. 28 &	2	6
	Dec. 9–Dec. 27	2	6
Other Ducks	Sept. 23–Nov. 28 &	7	21
	Dec. 9–Jan. 15	7	21
Northwest Zone:
Scaup	Nov. 2–Jan. 7 &	2	6
	Jan. 10–Jan. 28	2	6
Other Ducks	Oct. 14–Jan. 7 &	7	21
	Jan. 10–Jan. 28	7	21
South Zone:
Scaup	Nov. 4–Jan. 28	2	6
Other Ducks	Oct. 14–Oct. 22 &	7	21
	Oct. 25–Jan. 28	7	21
Moapa Valley Special Management Area (7):
Scaup	Nov. 4–Jan. 28	2	6
Other Ducks	Oct. 28–Jan. 28	7	21
Coots and Gallinule	Same as for Other Ducks	25	75
Canada and Cackling Geese, and Brant (5):
Northeast Zone	Sept. 23–Nov. 28 &	5	15
	Dec. 9–Jan. 15	5	15
Northwest Zone	Oct. 14–Jan. 7 &	5	15
	Jan. 10–Jan. 28	5	15
South Zone	Oct. 14–Oct. 22 &	5	15
	Oct. 25–Jan. 28	5	15
Moapa Valley Special Management Area (7):	Oct. 28–Jan. 28	5	15
White-fronted Geese:
Northeast Zone	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese, and Brant	10	30
Northwest Zone	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese, and Brant	10	30
South Zone	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese, and Brant	10	30
Moapa Valley Special Management Area (7):	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese, and Brant	10	30
Light Geese:
Northeast Zone (8)	Sept. 23–Nov. 28 &	20	60
	Dec. 9–Jan. 15	20	60
Northwest Zone (9)	Nov. 4–Jan. 7 &	20	60
	Jan. 10–Jan. 28 &	20	60
	Feb. 19–Mar. 10	20	60
South Zone	Oct. 14–Oct. 22 &	20	60
	Oct. 25–Jan. 28	20	60
Moapa Valley Special Management Area (7):	Oct. 28–Jan. 28	20	60
New Mexico:
Ducks:
Scaup	Oct. 19–Jan. 12	2	6
Other Ducks	Oct. 19–Jan. 31	7	21
Coots and Gallinules	Same as for Other Ducks	25	75
Canada and Cackling Geese, and Brant (5):
North Zone	Sept. 23–Oct. 8 &	5	15
	Nov. 2–Jan. 31	5	15
South Zone	Oct. 17–Jan. 31	5	15
White-fronted Geese:
North Zone	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese, and Brant	10	30
South Zone	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese, and Brant	10	30
Light Geese:
North Zone	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese, and Brant	20	60
South Zone	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese, and Brant	20	60
Oregon:
Ducks:
Zone 1:
Columbia Basin Unit and Rest of Zone 1:
Scaup	Nov. 4–Jan. 28	2	6
Other Ducks	Oct. 14–Oct. 29 &	7	21
	Nov. 2–Jan. 28	7	21
Zone 2:
Scaup	Oct. 14–Dec. 3 &	2	6
	Dec. 7–Jan. 10	2	6
Other Ducks	Oct. 14–Dec. 3 &	7	21
	Dec. 7–Jan. 28	7	21
Coots	Same as for Other Ducks	25	75
Canada and Cackling Geese:
Northwest Permit Zone (10)(11)	Oct. 21–Oct. 29 &	3	9
	Nov. 18–Jan. 12 &	3	9
	Feb. 10–Mar. 10	3	9
Southwest Zone	Oct. 14–Oct. 29 &	4	12
	Nov. 7–Jan. 28	4	12
South Coast Zone	Oct. 7–Dec. 10 &	6	18
	Dec. 23–Jan. 14 &	6	18
	Feb. 24–Mar. 10	6	18
Eastern Zone	Oct. 14–Dec. 3 &	4	12
	Dec. 12–Jan. 28	4	12
Mid-Columbia Zone	Oct. 14–Oct. 29 &	4	12
	Nov. 7–Jan. 28	4	12
White-fronted Geese:
Northwest Permit Zone (10)	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese	10	30
Southwest Zone	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese	10	30
South Coast Zone	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese	10	30
Eastern Zone (12)	Oct. 14–Dec. 3 &	10	30
	Jan. 17–Mar. 10	10	30
Mid-Columbia Zone	Nov. 7–Jan. 28 &	10	30
	Feb. 3–Feb. 24	10	30
Light Geese:
Northwest Permit Zone (10)	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese	20	60
Southwest Zone	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese	20	60
South Coast Zone	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese	20	60
Eastern Zone	Same as for White-fronted Geese	20	60
Mid-Columbia Zone	Same as for White-fronted Geese	20	60
Brant	Nov. 25–Dec. 10	2	6
Utah:
Ducks:
Northern Zone:
Scaup	Oct. 7–Dec. 31	2	6
Other Ducks	Oct. 7–Jan. 20	7	21
Southern Zone:
Scaup	Nov. 3–Jan. 27	2	6
Other Ducks	Oct. 14–Jan. 27	7	21
Coots	Same as for Other Ducks	25	75
Canada and Cackling Geese, and Brant (5):
East Box Elder County Zone	Oct. 7–Jan. 20	5	15
Wasatch Front Zone	Oct. 7–Oct. 14 &	5	15
	Nov. 10–Feb. 15	5	15
Northern Zone	Oct. 7–Oct. 14 &	5	15
	Oct. 26–Jan. 31	5	15
Southern Zone	Oct. 14–Jan. 27	5	15
White-fronted Geese:
East Box Elder County Zone	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese, and Brant	10	30
Wasatch Front Zone	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese, and Brant	10	30
Northern Zone	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese, and Brant	10	30
Southern Zone	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese, and Brant	10	30
Light Geese
Southern Zone	Oct. 25–Dec. 15 &	20	60
	Jan. 16–Mar. 10	20	60
Rest of State	Oct. 16–Dec. 22 &	20	60
	Feb. 1–Mar. 10	20	60
Washington:
Ducks (13):
East and West Zones (14):
Scaup	Nov. 4–Jan. 28	2	6
Other Ducks	Oct. 14–Oct 22 &	7	21
	Oct. 25–Jan. 28	7	21
Coots	Same as for Other Ducks	25	75
Canada and Cackling Geese:
Area 1 (15)	Oct. 14–Nov. 26 &	4	12
	Dec. 9–Jan. 28	4	12
Area 2 Inland (16)(17)	Oct. 14–Oct. 29 &	3	9
	Nov. 22–Jan. 14 &	3	9
	Feb. 10–Mar. 6	3	9
Area 2 Coast (16)(17)	Oct. 14–Dec. 3 &	3	9
	Dec. 20–Jan. 21 &	3	9
	Feb. 10–Feb. 21	3	9
Area 3 (15)	Oct. 14–Oct. 26 &	4	12
	Nov. 4–Jan. 28	4	12
Area 4 (15)	Oct. 14–Oct. 29 &	4	12
	Nov. 1 only &	4	12
	Nov. 4–Jan. 28	4	12
Area 5 (15)	Oct. 14–Oct. 30 &	4	12
	Nov. 4–Jan. 28	4	12
White-fronted Geese:
Area 1 (15)	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese	10	30
Area 2 Inland (16)	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese	10	30
Area 2 Coast (16)	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese	10	30
Area 3 (15)	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese	10	30
Area 4 (15)	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese	10	30
Area 5 (15)	Same as for Canada and Cackling Geese	10	30
Light Geese (18):
Area 1 (15)	Oct. 14–Nov. 26 &	20	60
	Dec. 9–Jan. 28 &	20	60
	Feb. 10–Feb. 20	20	60
Area 2 Inland (16)	Nov. 22–Jan. 14 &	20	60
	Feb. 10–Mar. 6	20	60
Area 2 Coast (16)	Oct. 14–Dec. 3 &	20	60
	Dec. 20–Jan. 21 &	20	60
	Feb. 10–Feb. 21	20	60
Area 3 (15)	Oct. 14–Oct. 26 &	20	60
	Nov. 4–Jan. 28	20	60
Area 4 (15)	Oct. 14–Oct. 22 &	20	60
	Nov. 10–Jan. 28 &	20	60
	Feb. 17–Mar. 3	20	60
Area 5 (15)	Oct. 14–Oct. 30 &	20	60
	Nov. 4–Jan. 28	20	60
Brant (19):
Coastal Zone	Jan.6–Jan. 28	2	6
Puget Sound Zone	Jan. 13–Jan. 28	2	6
Wyoming:
Ducks:
Snake River and Balance of State Zones:
Scaup	Sept. 23–Dec. 17	2	6
Other Ducks	Sept. 23–Jan. 5	7	21
Coots	Same as for Other Ducks	15	45
Dark Geese	Sept. 23–Dec. 28	5	15
Light Geese	Sept. 23–Dec. 28	10	30
(1) In Arizona, the daily bag limit may include no more than either 2 female mallards or 2 Mexican ducks, or 1 of each; and no more than 6 female mallards and Mexican ducks, in the aggregate, may be in possession. For black-bellied whistling-ducks, the daily bag limit is 1 and the possession limit is 3.
(2) In California, the daily bag and possession limits for Canada geese, cackling geese, and white-fronted geese are in the aggregate.
(3) In California, small Canada geese are cackling and Aleutian cackling geese, and large Canada geese are western and lesser Canada geese.
(4) In California, in the Northeastern Zone, the daily bag limit may include no more than 2 large Canada geese.
(5) The daily bag and possession limits for Canada and cackling geese and brant are in the aggregate.
(6) In Montana, check State regulations for special seasons and exceptions.
(7) In Nevada, youth 17 years of age or younger are allowed to hunt on October 21 on the Moapa Valley portion of Overton Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Youth must be accompanied by an adult who is 18 years of age or older.
(8) In Nevada, in the Northeast Zone, there is no open season on light geese in Ruby Valley within Elko and White Pine Counties.
(9) In Nevada, in the Northwest Zone, the season is closed in Mason Valley and Scripps WMAs and Washoe Lake State Park from February 19 to March 10.
(10) In Oregon, in the Northwest Permit Zone, see State regulations for specific dates, times, and conditions of permit hunts and closures.
(11) In Oregon, in the Northwest Permit Zone, the season for dusky Canada geese is closed.
(12) In Oregon, in Lake County, the daily bag and possession limits for white-fronted geese are 1 and 3, respectively.
(13) In Washington, the season for harlequin ducks is closed.
(14) In Washington, the daily bag limit in the West Zone may include no more than 2 scoters, 2 long-tailed ducks, and 2 goldeneyes, with the possession limit three times the daily bag limit.
(15) In Washington, in Areas 1, 3, and 5, hunting is allowed each day. In Area 4, hunting is allowed only on Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays, and certain holidays, except hunting is allowed each day only for light geese during the February and March portion of the season. See State regulations for details, including shooting hours.
(16) In Washington, in Areas 2 Inland and 2 Coast, see State regulations for specific dates, times, and conditions of permit hunts and closures.
(17) In Washington, in Areas 2 Inland and 2 Coast, the season for dusky Canada geese is closed.
(18) In Washington, the daily bag limit for light geese is 10 on or before January 30.
(19) In Washington, brant may be hunted in Clallam, Pacific, Skagit, and Watcom Counties only; see State regulations for specific dates.

(e) Youth and Veteran—Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days.

The following seasons are open only to youth and veteran–active military personnel, except where noted. Youth must be accompanied into the field by an adult 18 years of age or older. This adult cannot duck hunt but may participate in other open seasons.

Limits: Bag limits may include ducks, geese, swans, mergansers, coots, and gallinules. The bag and possession limits are the same as those allowed in the regular season except in States that are allowed a daily bag limit of 1 or 2 scaup during different portions of the season, in which case the daily bag limit is 2 scaup per day and the possession limit is 4 scaup. Flyway species and area restrictions remain in effect.

Definitions

Youth: States may use their established definition of age for youth hunters. However, youth hunters may not be older than 17 years of age. Youth hunters 16 years of age and older must possess a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (also known as Federal Duck Stamp). Swans may be taken only by participants possessing applicable swan permits.

Veteran—Active Military Personnel: Veterans (as defined in section 101 of title 38, U.S. Code) and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training), may participate. All hunters must possess a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (also known as Federal Duck Stamp). Swans may be taken only by participants possessing applicable swan permits.

Area	Species	Season dates
ATLANTIC FLYWAY
Connecticut (1)	Ducks, mergansers, coots, geese, and brant	Sept. 30 & Nov. 4.
Delaware (1)(2)(3)	Ducks, mergansers, coots, geese, brant, and tundra swans	Oct. 21 & Feb. 3.
Florida:	Ducks, mergansers, coots, gallinules, Canada geese, and light geese
Youth		Nov. 11 & Feb. 10.
Veteran–Active Military Personnel		Feb. 3 & 4.
Georgia	Ducks, mergansers, coots, gallinules, dark geese, and brant	Nov. 11 & 12.
Maine (1):	Ducks, mergansers, coots, geese, and brant
North Zone		Sept. 16 & Dec. 9.
South Zone		Sept. 23 & Oct. 21.
Coastal Zone		Sept. 23 & Oct. 28.
Maryland (4)(5)	Ducks, mergansers, coots, geese, and brant	Nov. 4 & Feb. 3.
Massachusetts:	Ducks, mergansers, coots, Canada and cackling geese, and light geese
Youth Hunters		Sept. 23 & Oct. 11.
Veteran–Active Military Personnel		Sept. 23 & Jan. 29.
New Hampshire (1)	Ducks, mergansers, coots, Canada and cackling geese, and brant	Sept. 23 & 24.
New Jersey:	Ducks, mergansers, coots, gallinules, geese, and brant
Youth:
North Zone		Oct. 7 & Feb. 3.
South Zone		Oct. 14 & Feb. 3.
Coastal Zone		Oct. 28 & Feb. 3.
Veteran–Active Military Personnel		Nov. 4 & Feb. 3.
New York:	Ducks, mergansers, coots, dark geese, and brant,
Youth:
Long Island Zone		Nov. 4 & 5.
Lake Champlain Zone		Sept. 23 & 24.
Northeastern Zone		Sept. 23 & 24.
Southeastern Zone		Sept. 23 & 24.
Western Zone		Sept. 30 & Oct. 1.
Veteran–Active Military Personnel:
Long Island Zone		Nov. 11 & 12.
Northeastern Zone		Sept. 23 & 24.
Southeastern Zone		Oct. 23 & 24.
Western Zone		Oct. 7 & Jan. 20.
North Carolina (6)(3)	Ducks, mergansers, coots, geese, brant, and tundra swans	Feb. 3 & 10.
Pennsylvania (7):	Ducks, mergansers, coots, gallinules, dark geese, and brant
Youth:
North Zone		Sept. 23 & Nov. 4.
South Zone		Sept. 23 & Nov. 11.
Northwest Zone		Sept. 23 & Dec. 16.
Lake Erie Zone		Sept. 23 & Oct. 28.
Veteran–Active Military Personnel:
North Zone		Nov. 4 & Jan. 13.
South Zone		Nov. 11 & Jan. 27.
Northwest Zone		Dec. 16 & Jan. 13.
Lake Erie Zone		Oct. 28 & Jan. 20.
Rhode Island (1)	Ducks, mergansers, coots, Canada and cackling geese, light geese, and brant	Oct. 28 & 29.
South Carolina	Ducks, mergansers, coots, gallinules, and geese	Feb. 3 & 10
Vermont (1)	Ducks, mergansers, coots, geese, and brant	Sept. 23 & 24.
Virginia (3)	Ducks, mergansers, coots, dark geese, and tundra swans	Oct. 21 & Feb. 3.
West Virginia (1)	Ducks, mergansers, coots, gallinules, geese, and brant	Sept. 16 & Nov. 4.
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
Alabama	Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules	Nov. 18 & Feb. 3.
Arkansas:	Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules
Youth		Dec. 2 & Feb. 3.
Veteran-Active Military Personnel		Feb. 3 only.
Illinois (1):	Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots
North Zone		Oct. 14 & 15.
Central Zone		Oct. 21 & 22.
South Central Zone		Nov. 4 & 5.
South Zone		Nov. 25 & 26.
Indiana:	Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots
North Zone		Oct. 21 & 22
Central Zone		Oct. 28 & 29
South Zone		Nov. 4 & 5.
Iowa (1):	Ducks, mergansers, and coots
North Zone		Sept. 23 & 24.
Central Zone		Sept. 30 & Oct. 1.
South Zone		Oct. 7 & 8.
Kentucky:	Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules
Youth		Nov. 18 & Feb. 10.
Veteran-Active Military Personnel		Nov. 19 & Feb. 11.
Louisiana:	Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules
East Zone		Nov. 11 & Feb. 3.
West Zone		Nov. 4 & 5.
Michigan	Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules	Sept. 16 & 17.
Minnesota (1)	Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules	Sept. 9 & 10.
Mississippi	Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules	Feb. 3 & 4.
Missouri (1):	Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots
North Zone		Oct. 21 & 22.
Middle Zone		Oct. 21 & 22.
South Zone		Nov. 18 & 19.
Ohio	Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules	Sept. 30 & Oct. 1.
Tennessee:
Youth	Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules	Feb. 3 & 10.
Veteran–Active Military Personnel	Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots	Feb. 4 & 11.
Wisconsin (1)	Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules	Sept. 16 & 17
CENTRAL FLYWAY
Colorado:	Ducks, dark geese, mergansers, and coots
Mountain/Foothills Zone		Sept. 23 & 24.
Northeast Zone		Oct. 7 & 8.
Southeast Zone		Oct. 21 & 22.
Kansas (8):	Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots
High Plains		Sept. 30 & Oct. 1.
Low Plains:
Early Zone		Sept. 30 & Oct. 1.
Late Zone		Oct. 21 & 22.
Southeast Zone		Nov. 4 & 5.
Montana (1)	Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots	Sept. 23 & 24.
Nebraska (1)(9):	Ducks, dark geese, mergansers, and coots
Zone 1		Oct. 7 & 8.
Zone 2		Sept. 30 & Oct. 1.
Zone 3		Oct. 21 & 22.
Zone 4		Oct. 21 & 22.
New Mexico (1):	Ducks, mergansers, coots, and gallinules
North Zone		Sept. 23 & 24.
South Zone		Sept. 30 & Oct. 1.
North Dakota	Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots	Sept. 16 & 17.
Oklahoma:	Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots
High Plains		Sept. 30 & Feb. 3.
Low Plains:
Zone 1		Nov. 4 & Feb. 3.
Zone 2		Nov. 4 & Feb. 3.
South Dakota (1)(9)	Ducks, Canada and cackling geese, mergansers, and coots	Sept. 9 & 10.
Texas:	Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules
High Plains		Oct. 21 & 22.
Low Plains:
North Zone		Nov. 4 & 5.
South Zone		Oct. 28 & Oct. 29.
Wyoming:	Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots
Zone C1		Sept. 23 & 24.
Zone C2		Sept. 16 & 17.
Zone C3		Sept. 16 & 17.
PACIFIC FLYWAY
Arizona (1)	Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and gallinules	Feb. 10 & 11.
California:
Youth:	Ducks, geese, brant, mergansers, coots, and gallinules
Northeastern Zone		Sept. 23 & 24.
Colorado River Zone		Feb. 10 & 11.
Southern Zone		Feb. 3 & 4.
Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone		Feb. 3 & 4.
Balance of State Zone		Feb. 3 & 4.
Veteran–Active Military Personnel:	Ducks, brant, mergansers, coots, and gallinules
Northeastern Zone		Jan. 20 & 21.
Southern Zone		Feb. 10 & 11.
Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone		Feb. 10 & 11.
Balance of State Zone		Feb. 10 & 11.
Colorado:	Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots
East Zone		Sept. 23 & 24.
West Zone		Oct. 21 & 22.
Idaho	Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots	Sept. 23 & 24.
Montana (1)	Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots	Sept. 23 & 24.
Nevada (1)(3):	Ducks, geese, swans, mergansers, coots, and gallinules
Northeast Zone		Sept. 16 & 17.
Northwest Zone		Sept. 30 & Feb. 10.
South Zone		Feb. 10 & 11.
New Mexico (1)	Ducks, mergansers, coots, and gallinules	Oct. 7 & 8.
Oregon	Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots
Youth		Sept. 30 & Oct. 1.
Veteran–Active Military Personnel		Feb. 3.
Utah (1)(3):	Ducks, dark geese, swans, mergansers, and coots
Northern Zone		Sept. 23.
Southern Zone		Sept. 30.
Washington (10):	Ducks, geese, brant, mergansers, and coots
Youth:
East Zone		Sept. 30 & Feb. 3.
West Zone		Sept. 23 & Feb. 3.
Veteran–Active Military Personnel		Feb. 3.
Wyoming	Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots	Sept. 16 & 17.
(1) The season is open to youth hunters only.
(2) In Delaware, tundra swans may be taken only on February 3.
(3) In Delaware, North Carolina,Virginia, Nevada, and Utah, the daily bag limit may not include swans except by permit.
(4) In Maryland, youth hunter(s) must be accompanied by an adult 21 years of age or older that holds a valid Maryland hunting license or is exempt from the hunting license requirements. One adult may take one or more young hunters, and that adult may call waterfowl, assist with decoys and retrieve downed birds but may not possess a hunting weapon and may not participate in other seasons that are open on the youth waterfowl hunting days. Active military and honorably discharged veterans, of any age, that possess a valid Maryland hunting license or are exempt from the hunting license requirements may also hunt waterfowl on November 4, 2023, and February 3, 2024. Active military and honorably discharged veterans at least 21 years of age or older may possess hunting weapons and hunt while also providing assistance to eligible youth hunters.
(5) In Maryland, the bag limit for Canada and cackling geese is 1 in the AP Zone and 5 in the RP Zone.
(6) In North Carolina, a permit is no longer required to hunt Canada geese or white-fronted geese in the Northeast Zone.
(7) In Pennsylvania, the second youth day in each duck zone is open to youth, veterans, and active-duty military.
(8) In Kansas, youth 17 years of age and younger may participate in the youth waterfowl hunting days.
(9) In Nebraska and South Dakota, Tier II license holders may take 3 ducks or mergansers of any species in the aggregate, and the possession limit is 9.
(10) In Washington, the brant and light goose seasons are closed in September.

8. Section 20.106 is revised to read as follows:

§ 20.106

Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for sandhill cranes.

Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits on the species designated in this section are as follows:

Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in the August 11, 2023, Federal Register (88 FR 54830).

Federally authorized, State-issued permits are issued to individuals, and only the individual whose name and address appears on the permit at the time of issuance is authorized to take sandhill cranes at the level allowed by the permit, in accordance with provisions of both Federal and State regulations governing the hunting season. The permit must be carried by the permittee when exercising its provisions and must be presented to any law enforcement officer upon request. The permit is not transferable or assignable to another individual, and may not be sold, bartered, traded, or otherwise provided to another person. If the permit is altered or defaced in any way, the permit becomes invalid.

CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.

Area	Season dates	Limits
		Bag	Possession
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
Alabama (1)(2)
North Zone	Dec. 2–Jan. 7 &	3 per season.
	Jan. 15–Jan. 30	3 per season.
Kentucky (1)(2)	Dec. 7–Jan. 31	2	3 per season.
Minnesota (1):
NW Zone	Sept. 16–Oct. 22	2	6.
Tennessee (1)(4):
Southeast Zone	Dec. 2–Jan. 30	2 per season.
Rest of State	Dec. 2–Jan. 30	2 per season.
CENTRAL FLYWAY
Colorado (1)	Sept. 30–Nov. 26	3	9.
Kansas (1)(2)(3)
West Zone	Oct. 21–Dec. 17	3	9.
Central Zone	Nov. 8–Jan. 4	3	9.
Montana:
Regular Season Area (1)	Sept. 30–Nov. 26	3	9.
Special Season Area (4)	Sept. 1–Oct. 30	2 per season.
New Mexico:
Regular Season Area (1)	Oct. 28–Jan. 28	3	6.
Middle Rio Grande Valley Area (4)(5)	Nov. 11–Nov. 12 &	3	6 per season.
	Nov. 18 &	3 per season.
	Nov. 25–Nov. 26 &	3	6 per season.
	Dec. 9–Dec. 10 &	3	6 per season.
	Jan. 6–Jan. 7 &	3	6 per season.
	Jan. 13–Jan. 14	3	6 per season.
Southwest Area (4)	Oct. 28–Nov. 5 &	3	6 per season.
	Jan. 6–Jan. 7	3	6 per season.
Estancia Valley (4)(6)	Oct. 28–Nov. 5	3	6.
North Dakota (1):
Area 1	Sept. 16–Nov. 12	3	9.
Area 2	Sept. 16–Nov. 12	2	6.
Oklahoma (1)	Oct. 21–Jan. 21	3	9.
South Dakota (1)	Sept. 23–Nov. 19	3	9.
Texas (1):
Zone A	Oct. 28–Jan. 28	3	9.
Zone B	Nov. 24–Jan. 28	3	9.
Zone C	Dec. 16–Jan. 21	2	6.
Wyoming:
Regular Season (Area 7) (1)	Sept. 9–Nov. 5	3	9.
Riverton-Boysen Unit (Area 4) (4)	Sept. 30–Oct. 22	1 per season.
Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park, and Washakie Counties (Area 6) (4)	Sept. 16–Oct. 8	1 per season.
Johnson, Natrona, and Sheridan Counties (Area 8) (4)	Sept. 1–Sept. 30	1 per season.
PACIFIC FLYWAY
Arizona (4):
Zone 1 (7)	Nov. 10–Dec. 17	3 per season.
Zone 2 (8)	Dec. 8–Dec. 17	3 per season.
Zone 3 (9)	Nov. 25–Dec. 17	3 per season.
Idaho (4):
Areas 1, 3, 4, 5, & 6	Sept. 1–Sept. 30	2 per season.
Area 2	Sept. 1–Sept. 15	2 per season.
Montana (4):
Zones 1 & 5	Sept. 1–Oct. 30	1 per season.
Zones 2, 3 & 4	Sept. 1–Oct. 30	2 per season.
Utah (4):
Cache County	Sept. 2–Sept. 10	1 per season.
East Box Elder County	Sept. 2–Oct. 31	1 per season.
Rich County	Sept. 2–Sept. 10	1 per season.
Uintah Basin Zone	Oct. 7–Dec. 5	1 per season.
Wyoming (4):
Areas 1, 2, 3, & 5	Sept. 1–Sept. 8	1 per season.
(1) Each person participating in the regular sandhill crane seasons must have a valid sandhill crane hunting permit and/or a State-issued Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification for game bird hunting in their possession while hunting.
(2) In Alabama, Kansas, and Kentucky, shooting hours are from sunrise to sunset.
(3) In Kansas, each person desiring to hunt sandhill cranes is required to pass an annual, online sandhill crane identification examination.
(4) Hunting is by State permit only. See State regulations for further information.
(5) In New Mexico, in the Middle Rio Grande Valley Area (Bernardo and Casa Colorado Wildlife Management Areas), the season is only open for youth hunters on November 18. See State regulations for further details.
(6) In New Mexico, in the Estancia Valley Area, the season will be closed to crane hunting on November 1.
(7) In Arizona, in Zone 1, season dates are November 10 to 12, November 17 to 19, November 21 to 23, November 25 to 27, November 29 to December 1, December 3 to 5, December 8 to 10, and December 15 to 17. November 10 to 12 is restricted to archery hunters only, and December 8 to 10 is restricted to youth hunters only.
(8) In Arizona, in Zone 2, season dates are December 8 to 10 and December 15 to 17.
(9) In Arizona, in Zone 3, season dates are November 25 to 27, November 29 to December 1, December 3 to 5, December 7 to 9, December 11 to 13, and December 15 to 17.

9. Section 20.107 is revised to read as follows:

§ 20.107

Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for swans.

Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits on the species designated in this section are as follows:

Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except as otherwise restricted by State regulations. Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in the August 11, 2023, Federal Register (88 FR 54830). Hunting is by State permit only.

Federally authorized, State-issued permits are issued to individuals, and only the individual whose name and address appears on the permit at the time of issuance is authorized to take swans at the level allowed by the permit, in accordance with provisions of both Federal and State regulations governing the hunting season. The permit must be carried by the permittee when exercising its provisions and must be presented to any law enforcement officer upon request. The permit is not transferable or assignable to another individual, and may not be sold, bartered, traded, or otherwise provided to another person. If the permit is altered or defaced in any way, the permit becomes invalid.

Note:

Successful permittees must immediately validate their harvest by that method required in State regulations.

CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS AND DELINEATIONS OF GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS. SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY ON FEDERAL AND STATE PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS AND FEDERAL INDIAN RESERVATIONS.

Area	Season dates	Limits
ATLANTIC FLYWAY
Delaware	Nov. 11–Jan. 31	1 tundra swan per permit.
North Carolina	Nov. 4–Jan. 31	1 tundra swan per permit.
Virginia	Nov. 15–Jan. 31	1 tundra swan per permit.
CENTRAL FLYWAY (1)
Montana (2)	Sept. 30–Jan. 4	1 swan per permit.
North Dakota	Sept. 30–Dec. 31	1 tundra swan per permit.
South Dakota	Sept. 30–Jan. 12	1 swan per permit.
PACIFIC FLYWAY (1)
Idaho (2)	Oct. 7–Dec. 1	1 swan per season.
Montana (2)	Oct. 7–Dec. 1	1 swan per season.
Nevada (3)(4)	Oct. 14–Jan. 7 &	2 swans per season.
	Jan. 10–Jan. 28	2 swans per season.
Utah (3)(4)	Oct. 7–Dec. 9	1 swan per season.
(1) See State regulations for description of area open to swan hunting.
(2) In Idaho and Montana, all harvested swans must be reported by way of a bill measurement card within 3 days of harvest.
(3) In Nevada and Utah, all harvested swans and tags must be checked or registered within 3 days of harvest.
(4) Harvests of trumpeter swans are limited to 20 in Utah and 10 in Nevada. When it has been determined that the quota of trumpeter swans allotted to Nevada and Utah have been filled, the season for taking of any swan species in the respective State will be closed by either the Director upon giving public notice through local information media at least 48 hours in advance of the time and date of closing, or by the State through State regulations with such notice and time (not less than 48 hours) as they deem necessary.

10. Section 20.109 is revised to read as follows:

§ 20.109

Extended seasons, limits, and hours for taking migratory game birds by falconry.

Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows:

Hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset except as otherwise restricted by State regulations.

Area descriptions were published in the August 11, 2023, Federal Register (88 FR 54830).

Limits: The daily bag limit may include no more than 3 migratory game birds in the aggregate. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. These limits apply to falconry during both regular hunting seasons and extended falconry seasons, unless further restricted by State regulations. The falconry bag and possession limits are not in addition to regular season limits.

Although many States permit falconry during the gun seasons, only extended falconry seasons are shown below. Please consult State regulations for details.

CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS AND DELINEATIONS OF GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS. SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY ON FEDERAL AND STATE PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS AND FEDERAL INDIAN RESERVATIONS.

Area	Extended falconry dates
ATLANTIC FLYWAY
Delaware:
Doves	Feb. 1–Feb. 20.
Rails	Nov. 25–Jan. 6.
Woodcock	Oct. 1–Nov. 3 & Feb. 1–Mar. 10.
Ducks, mergansers, and coots	Feb. 1–Mar. 6.
Brant	Feb. 1–Feb. 24.
Florida:
Doves	Feb. 1–Feb. 17.
Rails	Nov. 10–Dec. 16.
Woodcock	Nov. 24–Dec. 17 & Feb. 1–Mar. 9.
Gallinules	Nov. 10–Dec. 13.
Ducks, mergansers, and coots	Nov. 3–Nov. 12 & Feb. 5–Feb. 29.
Georgia:
Ducks, Canada and cackling geese, white-fronted geese, brant, and gallinules	Nov. 27–Dec. 2.
Maine:
Ducks, geese, and brant:
North Zone	Dec. 18–Feb. 7.
South & Coastal Zones	Jan. 10–Mar. 1.
Maryland:
Doves	Jan. 12–Jan. 31.
Rails	Nov. 22–Jan. 3.
Woodcock	Oct. 1–Oct. 20 & Jan. 29–Mar. 9.
Ducks	Feb. 1–Mar. 9.
Brant	Feb. 1–Mar. 9.
Light Geese	Feb. 23–Mar. 9.
Massachusetts:
Ducks, mergansers, and coots	Nov. 23 & Jan. 29–Feb. 9.
New Hampshire:
Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
Northern Zone	Dec. 1–Jan. 14.
Inland Zone	Nov. 4–Nov. 21 & Dec. 22–Jan. 17.
Coastal Zone	Jan. 26–Mar. 10.
New Jersey:
Woodcock:
North Zone	Oct. 2–Oct. 13 & Nov. 27–Jan. 31.
South Zone	Oct. 2–Nov. 10 & Dec. 4–Dec. 13 & Jan. 3–Jan. 31.
Ducks, mergansers, coots, and brant:
North Zone	Jan. 18–Mar. 9.
South Zone	Jan. 19–Mar. 9.
Coastal Zone	Jan. 29–Mar. 9.
New York:
Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
Long Island Zone	Nov. 1–Nov. 17 & Nov. 27–Dec. 8 & Jan. 29–Feb. 13.
Northeastern Zone	Oct. 1–Oct. 6 & Oct. 30–Nov. 3 & Dec. 11–Jan. 13.
Southeastern Zone	Oct. 1–Oct. 20 & Dec. 4–Dec. 8 & Dec. 25–Jan. 30.
Western Zone	Oct. 1–Oct. 20 & Nov. 13–Nov. 24 & Jan. 1–Jan. 13.
North Carolina:
Doves	Oct. 9–Oct. 21.
Rails and gallinules	Dec. 9–Jan. 13.
Woodcock	Dec. 1–Dec. 9 & Feb. 3–Feb. 24.
Ducks, mergansers, and coots	Oct. 2–Oct. 14 & Feb. 1–Feb. 10.
Pennsylvania:
Doves	Nov. 25–Dec. 14.
Rails	Nov. 22–Jan. 3.
Woodcock and snipe	Sept. 1–Oct. 13 & Nov. 25–Dec. 9 & Dec. 21–Jan. 3.
Gallinules	Nov. 22–Dec. 31.
Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
North Zone	Oct. 23–Nov. 13 & Feb. 9–Mar. 9.
South Zone	Oct. 16–Nov. 20 & Feb. 23–Mar. 9.
Northwest Zone	Dec. 4–Dec. 25 & Feb. 9–Mar. 9.
Lake Erie Zone	Jan. 18–Mar. 9.
Canada, cackling, and white-fronted geese:
AP Zone	Jan. 24–Mar. 9.
RP Zone	Mar. 5–Mar. 9.
South Carolina:
Ducks, mergansers, and coots	Oct. 30–Nov. 17 & Dec. 1–Dec. 11.
Virginia:
Doves	Jan. 21–Jan. 31.
Rails, gallinules	Nov. 6–Nov. 12 & Nov. 27–Dec. 26.
Woodcock	Oct. 17–Nov. 9 & Nov. 28–Dec. 25 & Jan. 22–Jan. 31.
Ducks, mergansers, and coots	Nov. 27–Dec. 18 & Feb. 1–Feb. 9.
Canada, cackling, and white-fronted geese:
Eastern (AP) Zone	Nov. 15–Nov. 21 & Dec. 19–Dec. 22 & Feb. 1–Feb. 24.
Brant	Oct. 17–Dec. 22 & Jan. 1–Jan. 10.
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
Arkansas:
Ducks, mergansers, and coots	Feb. 1–Feb. 15.
Illinois:
Doves	Nov. 15–Dec. 1.
Rails	Sept. 1–Sept. 8 & Nov. 18–Dec. 16.
Woodcock	Sept. 1–Oct. 20 & Dec. 5–Dec. 16.
Ducks, mergansers, and coots	Feb. 10–Mar. 9.
Indiana:
Doves	Oct. 17–Oct. 31 & Jan. 6–Jan. 7.
Woodcock	Sept. 20–Oct. 14 & Nov. 29–Jan. 4.
Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
North Zone	Sept. 27–Sept. 30 & Feb. 14–Mar. 9.
Central Zone	Oct. 28–Nov. 3 & Feb. 17–Mar. 9.
South Zone	Nov. 4–Nov. 10 & Feb. 17–Mar. 9.
Iowa:
Ducks, mergansers, and coots	Jan. 6–Feb. 3.
Kentucky:
Ducks, mergansers, and coots	Nov. 27–Dec. 6 & Feb. 1–Feb. 25.
Louisiana:
Doves	Sept. 15–Oct. 1.
Rails and gallinules:
East Zone	Nov. 4–Nov. 17 & Jan. 4–Jan. 25.
West Zone	Nov. 4–Nov. 11 & Jan. 4–Jan. 25.
Woodcock	Nov. 4–Dec. 17.
Ducks:
East Zone	Nov. 4–Jan. 31.
West Zone	Nov. 4–Jan. 31.
Michigan:
Ducks, mergansers, coots, and gallinules	Jan. 1–Jan. 14 & Feb. 24–Mar. 10.
Minnesota:
Doves	Nov. 30–Dec. 16.
Rails and snipe	Nov. 7–Dec. 16.
Woodcock	Sept. 1–Sept. 22 & Nov. 7–Dec. 16.
Ducks, mergansers, coots, and gallinules	Dec. 9–Jan. 22.
Mississippi:
Doves	Dec. 6–Dec. 22.
Ducks, mergansers, and coots	Feb. 1–Feb. 29.
Missouri:
Doves	Nov. 30–Dec. 16.
Ducks, mergansers, and coots	Sept. 9–Sept. 24 & Feb. 11–Mar. 10.
Tennessee:
Doves	Sept. 29–Sept. 30 & Jan. 16–Jan. 30.
Rails	Nov. 10–Dec. 14.
Woodcock	Nov. 1–Nov. 10 & Dec. 4–Jan. 9 & Feb. 1–Feb. 15.
Snipe	Nov. 14–Feb. 28.
Gallinules	Nov. 10–Dec. 14.
Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
Reelfoot Zone	Nov. 27–Dec. 4 & Feb. 1–Feb. 28.
Remainder of the State	Nov. 27–Dec. 4 & Feb. 1–Feb. 28.
Wisconsin:
Rails, snipe, and gallinules:
North Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 22 & Nov. 22–Dec. 3.
South Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 29 & Oct. 9–Oct. 13.
Open Water Zone	Sept. 1–Oct. 13.
Woodcock	Sept. 1–Sept. 22 & Nov. 7–Dec. 16.
Ducks, mergansers, and coots	Sept. 16–Sept. 17 & Jan. 13–Feb. 17.
CENTRAL FLYWAY
Kansas:
Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
Low Plains: Early Zone	Feb. 25–Mar. 10.
Low Plains: Late Zone	Feb. 25–Mar. 10.
Southeast Zone	Feb. 25–Mar. 10.
Montana (1):
Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
Zone 1	Sept. 20–Sept. 29.
Zone 2	Sept. 20–Sept. 29.
Nebraska:
Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
Zone 1	Feb. 25–Mar. 10.
Zone 2	Feb. 25–Mar. 10.
Zone 3	Closed.
Zone 4	Feb. 25–Mar. 10.
New Mexico:
Doves:
North Zone	Nov. 30–Dec. 4 & Dec. 21–Jan. 1.
South Zone	Oct. 29–Nov. 5 & Nov. 22–Nov. 30.
Band-tailed pigeons:
North Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 14.
South Zone	Oct. 1–Oct. 14.
Ducks and coots	Sept. 9–Sept. 17.
Sandhill cranes (2)	Oct. 14–Oct. 27 & Nov. 6–Dec. 26.
Gallinules	Nov. 18–Dec. 24.
Sora and Virginia rails	Nov. 18–Dec. 24.
North Dakota:
Ducks, mergansers, coots, and snipe	Sept. 1 & Sept. 4–Sept. 8.
Oklahoma:
Doves	Feb. 18–Mar. 5.
Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
Low Plains Zones 1 and 2	Feb. 12–Feb. 26.
Gallinules and rails	Feb. 1–Mar. 8.
Woodcock	Dec. 12–Feb. 11.
Sandhill cranes	Jan. 22–Feb. 4.
South Dakota:
Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
High Plains	Sept. 1–Sept. 8.
Low Plains:
North Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 22 & Dec. 6–Dec. 14.
Middle Zone	Sept. 1–Sept. 22 & Dec. 6–Dec. 14.
South Zone	Oct. 1–Oct. 20 & Jan. 3–Jan. 13.
Texas:
Doves	Nov. 17–Dec. 3.
Rails, gallinules, and woodcock	Jan. 29–Feb. 12.
Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
Low Plains—North and South Zones	Jan. 29–Feb. 12.
Wyoming:
Doves	Nov. 30–Dec. 16.
Rails	Nov. 10–Dec. 16.
Ducks, mergansers, and coots
Zone C1	Sept. 23–Sept. 24 & Oct. 18–Oct. 25.
Zone C2	Sept. 18–Sept. 22 & Dec. 4–Dec. 6.
Zone C3	Same as Zone C2.
PACIFIC FLYWAY
Arizona:
Doves	Sept. 16–Nov. 1.
Ducks, mergansers, coots, and gallinules	Feb. 1–Feb. 4.
California:
Ducks, mergansers, coots, and gallinules:
Colorado River Zone	Feb. 1–Feb. 4.
Idaho:
Doves	Jan. 24–Mar. 10.
New Mexico:
Doves:
North Zone	Nov. 30–Dec. 4 & Dec. 21–Jan. 1.
South Zone	Oct. 29–Nov. 5 & Nov. 22–Nov. 30.
Oregon:
Doves:
Zone 1	Oct. 1–Nov. 14 & Dec. 15–Dec. 16.
Zone 2	Oct. 31–Dec. 16.
Band-tailed pigeons (3)	Sept. 1–Sept. 14 & Sept. 24–Dec. 16.
Utah:
Doves	Oct. 31–Dec. 16.
Band-tailed pigeons	Oct. 31–Dec. 16.
Washington:
Doves	Oct. 31–Dec. 16.
Ducks, mergansers, coots, and dark geese:
East Zone	Sept. 30 & Feb. 3.
West Zone	Sept. 23 & Feb. 3.
Light geese and brant	Feb. 3.
Wyoming:
Doves	Nov. 30–Dec. 16.
Sora and Virginia rails	Nov. 10–Dec. 16.
Ducks, mergansers, and coots	Sept. 16–Sept. 17.
(1) In Montana, the limits are 2 daily and 6 in possession.
(2) In New Mexico, the limits for sandhill cranes are 3 daily and 6 in possession.
(3) In Oregon, no more than 1 pigeon daily in bag or possession.