Regulations Amending the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022: SOR/2026-118

Canada Gazette, Part II, Volume 160, Number 13

Registration
SOR/2026-118 June 12, 2026

MIGRATORY BIRDS CONVENTION ACT, 1994

P.C. 2026-592 June 12, 2026

Her Excellency the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of the Environment, makes the annexed Regulations Amending the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 under subsection 12(1)^{footnote a} of the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994^{footnote b}.

Regulations Amending the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022

Amendments

1 Paragraphs 1(d) and (e) of Table 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 3 to the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022^{footnote 1} are renumbered as (e) and (f), respectively, and item 1 is amended by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (c):
Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
1	(d) Harlequin Ducks	N/A	No open season	N/A

2 Paragraphs 2(d) and (e) of Table 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations are renumbered as (e) and (f), respectively, and item 2 is amended by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (c):
Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
2	(d) Harlequin Ducks	N/A	No open season	N/A

3 The portion of paragraph 3(a) of Table 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations in column 2 is replaced by the following:
Item	Column 2 Species
3	(a) Harlequin Ducks, Long-tailed Ducks, Eiders and Scoters, combined

4 Paragraphs 4(d) and (e) of Table 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations are renumbered as (e) and (f), respectively, and item 4 is amended by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (c):
Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
4	(d) Harlequin Ducks	N/A	No open season	N/A

5 Paragraphs 5(e) and (f) of Table 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations are renumbered as (f) and (g), respectively, and item 5 is amended by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (d):
Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
5	(e) Harlequin Ducks	N/A	No open season	N/A

6 Paragraphs 6(d) and (e) of Table 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations are renumbered as (e) and (f), respectively, and item 6 is amended by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (c):
Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
6	(d) Harlequin Ducks	N/A	No open season	N/A

7 Paragraphs 7(d) and (e) of Table 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations are renumbered as (e) and (f), respectively, and item 7 is amended by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (c):
Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
7	(d) Harlequin Ducks	N/A	No open season	N/A

8 (1) Paragraphs 1(c) to (e) of Table 1 of Part 2 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations are renumbered as (d) to (f), respectively, and item 1 is amended by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (b):
Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
1	(c) Harlequin Ducks	N/A	No open season	N/A

(2) Clauses 1(d)(ii)(A) and (B) of Table 1 of Part 2 of Schedule 3 to the English version of the Regulations are replaced by the following:
Item	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
1(d)(ii)	(A) 5 (from October 1 to November 14) (B) 3 (from November 15 to December 31)

(3) The portion of paragraph 1(e) of Table 1 of Part 2 of Schedule 3 of the Regulations in column 4 is replaced by the following:
Item	Column 4 Open Season
1(e)	September 26 to December 10

9 Paragraphs 1(c) to (e) of Table 1 of Part 3 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations are renumbered as (d) to (f), respectively, and item 1 is amended by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (b):
Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
1	(c) Harlequin Ducks	N/A	No open season	N/A

10 (1) Paragraphs 2(c) to (e) of Table 1 of Part 3 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations are renumbered as (d) to (f), respectively, and item 2 is amended by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (b):
Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
2	(c) Harlequin Ducks	N/A	No open season	N/A

(2) The portion of subparagraph 2(d)(ii) of Table 1 of Part 3 of Schedule 3 of the Regulations in column 4 is replaced by the following:
Item	Column 4 Open Season
2(d)	(ii) October 23 to January 22

11 Paragraph 2(b) of Part 4 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations is amended by replacing “65°38′09″” and “65°38′48″” with “-65°38′09″” and “-65°38′48″”, respectively.

12 (1) Subparagraphs 1(a)(ii.1) and (iii) of Table 1 of Part 4 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations are renumbered as subparagraphs (iii) and (iv), respectively.

(2) Paragraphs 1(c) to (e) of Table 1 of Part 4 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations are renumbered as (d) to (f), respectively, and item 1 is amended by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (b):
Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
1	(c) Harlequin Ducks	N/A	No open season	N/A

13 Paragraphs 2(c) to (e) of Table 1 of Part 4 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations are renumbered as (d) to (f), respectively, and item 2 is amended by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (b):
Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
2	(c) Harlequin Ducks	N/A	No open season	N/A

14 (1) Paragraphs 1(b) to (g) of Table 1 of Part 5 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations are renumbered as (c) to (h), respectively, and item 1 is amended by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (a):
Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
1	(b) Harlequin Ducks	N/A	No open season	N/A

(2) Subparagraphs 1(c)(ii) and (iii) of Table 1 of Part 5 of Schedule 3 of the Regulations are replaced by the following:
Item	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
1(c)	(ii) September 26 to December 16	5

(3) The portion of paragraph 1(d) of Table 1 of Part 5 of Schedule 3 to the English version of the Regulations in column 2 is replaced by the following:
Item	Column 2 Species
1	(d) Geese (other than Snow Geese, Canada Geese and Cackling Geese), combined

(4) Item 1 of Table 1 of Part 5 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations is amended by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (h):
Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
1	(i) Sandhill Cranes	N/A	No open season	N/A

15 Paragraphs 2(b) to (g) of Table 1 of Part 5 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations are renumbered as (c) to (h), respectively, and item 2 is amended

(a) by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (a):

Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
2	(b) Harlequin Ducks	N/A	No open season	N/A

(b) by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (h):

Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
2	(i) Sandhill Cranes	N/A	No open season	N/A

16 (1) Paragraphs 3(b) to (g) of Table 1 of Part 5 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations are renumbered as (c) to (h), respectively, and item 3 is amended by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (a):
Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
3	(b) Harlequin Ducks	N/A	No open season	N/A

(2) Subparagraph 3(c)(iii) and (iv) of Table 1 of Part 5 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations are replaced by the following:
Item	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
3(c)	(iii) September 26 to December 16	5

(3) Item 3 of Table 1 of Part 5 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations is amended by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (h):
Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
3	(i) Sandhill Cranes	1	The first Saturday after September 11 to the first Friday after September 24, only for residents of Canada and on farmland	1

17 Paragraphs 4(b) to (g) of Table 1 of Part 5 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations are renumbered as (c) to (h), respectively, and item 4 is amended

(a) by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (a):

Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
4	(b) Harlequin Ducks	N/A	No open season	N/A

(b) by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (h):

Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
4	(i) Sandhill Cranes	N/A	No open season	N/A

18 (1) Paragraphs 5(b) to (g) of Table 1 of Part 5 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations are renumbered as (c) to (h), respectively, and item 5 is amended by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (a):
Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
5	(b) Harlequin Ducks	N/A	No open season	N/A

(2) Subparagraph 5(c)(iii) and (iv) of Table 1 of Part 5 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations are replaced by the following:
Item	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
5(c)	(iii) September 26 to December 21	5

(3) Item 5 of Table 1 of Part 5 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations is amended by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (h):
Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
5	(i) Sandhill Cranes	N/A	No open season	N/A

19 Paragraphs 6(b) to (g) of Table 1 of Part 5 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations are renumbered as (c) to (h), respectively, and item 6 is amended

(a) by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (a):

Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
6	(b) Harlequin Ducks	N/A	No open season	N/A

(b) by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (h):

Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
6	(i) Sandhill Cranes	N/A	No open season	N/A

20 The portion of paragraph 1(b) of Table 2 of Part 5 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations in column 5 is replaced by the following:
Item	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
1(b)	12

21 The portion of paragraph 3(c) of Table 2 of Part 5 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations in columns 4 and 5 is replaced by the following:
Item	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
3	(c) April 10 to May 18 (only on farmland)	12

22 The portion of paragraph 4(c) of Table 2 of Part 5 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations in columns 4 and 5 is replaced by the following:
Item	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
4	(c) April 10 to May 18 (only on farmland)	12

23 The portion of paragraph 5(c) of Table 2 of Part 5 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations in columns 4 and 5 is replaced by the following:
Item	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
5	(c) April 10 to May 18 (only on farmland that is not within the following locations: (i) south of the St. Lawrence River and north of the road right-of-way of Route 132 between the western limit of the municipality of Montmagny and the eastern limit of the municipality of Cap-Saint-Ignace, other than in lots 4,598,472, 2,611,981 and 2,611,982 of the cadastre of Quebec (in the municipality of Montmagny), (ii) north of the St. Lawrence River and south of a line that is 1000 m north of Highway 40 between Montée Saint-Laurent and the Maskinongé River, or (iii) south of the St. Lawrence River and north of the railroad right-of-way located near Route 132 between the Nicolet River in the east and Lacerte Road in the west)	12

24 Section 1 of Part 6 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations is amended by adding the following in alphabetical order:

resident of Canada: means a person whose primary or habitual place of residence is in Canada. (résident du Canada)

25 Paragraphs 1(b) to (h) of Table 1 of Part 6 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations are renumbered as (c) to (i), respectively, and item 1 is amended

(a) by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (a):


Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
1	(b) Harlequin Ducks	N/A	No open season	N/A

(b) by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (i):


Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
1	(j) Sandhill Cranes	1	September 1 to September 14, for residents of Canada only	1

26 Paragraphs 2(b) to (h) of Table 1 of Part 6 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations are renumbered as (c) to (i), respectively, and item 2 is amended

(a) by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (a):

Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
2	(b) Harlequin Ducks	N/A	No open season	N/A

(b) by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (i):

Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
2	(j) Sandhill Cranes	1	The first Saturday after September 11 to the first Friday after September 24, only for residents of Canada and on farmland in Provincial Wildlife Management Units 23, 24, 27 to 30, 36, 37, 39 to 41 and 45	1

27 Paragraphs 3(b) to (h) of Table 1 of Part 6 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations are renumbered as (c) to (i), respectively, and item 3 is amended

(a) by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (a):

Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
3	(b) Harlequin Ducks	N/A	No open season	N/A

(b) by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (i):

Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
3	(j) Sandhill Cranes	1	The first Saturday after September 11 to the first Friday after September 24, only for residents of Canada and on farmland in Provincial Wildlife Management Units 42, 43, 47 and 48	1

28 (1) Paragraphs 4(b) to (h) of Table 1 of Part 6 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations are renumbered as (c) to (i), respectively, and item 4 is amended by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (a):
Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
4	(b) Harlequin Ducks	N/A	No open season	N/A

(2) The portion of paragraphs 4(c) and (d) of Table 1 of Part 6 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations in columns 4 and 5 is replaced by the following:
Item	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
4(c)	(i) The Thursday after the first Monday of September to the second Sunday after that Monday	(A) 10 (in Provincial Wildlife Management Units 60 to 81, 83, 86 to 92 and 95) (B) 8 (in Provincial Wildlife Management Units 82, 84, 85, 93 and 94)
	(ii) The fourth Saturday in September to the first Wednesday after December 25 (in Provincial Wildlife Management Units 60 to 68, 69B, 74 to 76, 82 to 85, 94 and 95)	(A) 5 (in Provincial Wildlife Management Units 60 to 68, 69B, 74 to 76, 83 and 95 from the fourth Saturday in September to the first Friday after October 25) (B) 3 (in Provincial Wildlife Management Units 82, 84 and 85 from the fourth Saturday in September to the first Friday after October 25) (C) 5 (in Provincial Wildlife Management Units 60 to 68, 69B, 74 to 76, 82 to 85 and 95 from the first Saturday after October 26 to the first Wednesday after December 25) (D) 3 (in Provincial Wildlife Management Unit 94)
	(iii) The Saturday following the fourth Saturday in September to the first Wednesday after December 25 (in Provincial Wildlife Management Units 69A, 70 to 73, 77 to 81 and 86 to 93)	(A) 5 (in Provincial Wildlife Management Units 69A, 70 to 73, 77 to 81 and 86 to 92 from the Saturday following the fourth Saturday in September to the first Friday after October 25) (B) 3 (in Provincial Wildlife Management Unit 93 from the Saturday following the fourth Saturday in September to the first Friday after October 25) (C) 5 (in Provincial Wildlife Management Units 69A, 70 to 73, 77 to 81 and 86 to 93 from the first Saturday after October 26 to the first Wednesday after December 25)
	(iv) The fourth Saturday in February to the following Friday (in Provincial Wildlife Management Units 69A, 70 to 73, 77 to 81 and 86 to 93)	(A) 10 (in Provincial Wildlife Management Units 69A, 70 to 73, 77 to 81 and 86 to 92) (B) 8 (in Provincial Wildlife Management Unit 93)
4(d)	(i) The fourth Saturday in September to the first Sunday after January 5 (in Provincial Wildlife Management Units 60 to 68, 69B, 74 to 76, 82 to 85, 94 and 95)	20
	(ii) The Saturday following the fourth Saturday in September to the first Sunday after January 5 (in Provincial Wildlife Management Units 69A, 70 to 73, 77 to 81 and 86 to 93)	20
	(iii) The fourth Saturday in February to the following Friday (in Provincial Wildlife Management Units 69A, 70 to 73, 77 to 81 and 86 to 93)	20

(3) The portion of paragraphs 4(g) of Table 1 of Part 6 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations in column 4 is replaced by the following:
Item	Column 4 Open Season
4(g)	(i) September 15 to September 24 (in Provincial Wildlife Management Units 60 to 67 and 69B) (ii) September 25 to December 20 (in Provincial Wildlife Management Units 60 to 95)

(4) Item 4 of Table 1 of Part 6 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations is amended by adding, in columns 2 to 5, the following after paragraph (i):
Item	Column 2 Species	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
4	(j) Sandhill Cranes	N/A	No open season	N/A

29 (1) The portion of item 1 of Table 2 of Part 6 of Schedule 3 to the English version of the Regulations in column 1 is replaced by the following:
Item	Column 1 Area
1	Southern District (only Provincial Wildlife Management Units 65, 66, 67 and 69B)

(2) The portion of paragraph 1(b) of Table 2 of Part 6 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations in columns 4 and 5 is replaced by the following:
Item	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
1	(b) April 1 to April 30 (only on farmland)	12

(3) Paragraph 1(c) of Table 2 of Part 6 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations is repealed.

30 The definition Zone No. 1 in section 1 of Part 9 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations is replaced by the following:

Zone No. 1: means Provincial Wildlife Management Units 200, 202 to 204, 206, 208, 216, 220 to 222, 224, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 240, 242, 244, 246 to 248, 250, 252, 254, 256, 258, 260, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, 326, 328, 330, 332, 334, 336 to 340, 342, 344, 346 to 360, 400, 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414, 416 to 418, 420, 422, 426, 428 to 430, 432, 434, 436 to 442, 444 to 446, 500 to 512, 514 to 532, 534 to 537, 539 to 542, 544, 841 and 936. (Zone n^o 1)

31 (1) The portion of paragraph 1(a) of Table 1 of Part 9 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations in columns 3 to 5 is replaced by the following:
Item	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
1(a)	(i) 24 for residents of Canada	September 1 to December 16	8
1(a)	(ii) 24 (not more than 6 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye or Common Goldeneye in any combination) for non-residents of Canada	September 1 to December 16	8 (not more than 2 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye or Common Goldeneye in any combination)

(2) The portion of paragraph 1(c) of Table 1 of Part 9 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations in column 4 is replaced by the following:
Item	Column 4 Open Season
1(c)	September 1 to December 16 (in Provincial Wildlife Management Units 200, 202 to 204, 206, 208, 220, 222, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 240, 242, 244, 247, 248, 250, 252, 254, 256, 258, 260, 336, 500 to 510, 514, 515 and 841)

32 (1) The portion of paragraph 2(a) of Table 1 of Part 9 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations in columns 3 to 5 is replaced by the following:
Item	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
2(a)	(i) 24 for residents of Canada	September 8 to December 23	8
2(a)	(ii) 24 (not more than 6 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye or Common Goldeneye in any combination) for non-residents of Canada	September 8 to December 23	8 (not more than 2 may be Barrow’s Goldeneye or Common Goldeneye in any combination)

(2) The portion of paragraph 2(c) of Table 1 of Part 9 of Schedule 3 to the French version of the Regulations in column 4 is replaced by the following:
Article	Colonne 4 Saison de chasse
2c)	Du 8 septembre au 23 décembre, dans les secteurs provinciaux de gestion de la faune 102, 104, 106, 112, 116, 118, 119, 124, 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 148, 150 à 152, 156, 158, 160, 162 à 164, 166 et 210

33 (1) The portion of paragraphs 1(a) and (b) of Table 1 of Part 11 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations in columns 3 to 5 is replaced by the following:
Item	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
1(a)	(i) No limit for residents of Canada	September 1 to December 10	25
1(a)	(ii) 16 for non-residents of Canada	September 1 to December 10	8
(b)	(i) No limit for residents of Canada	September 1 to December 10	15
(b)	(ii) 10 (not more than 4 may be White-fronted Geese) for non-residents of Canada	September 1 to December 10	5 (not more than 2 may be White-fronted Geese)

(2) The portion of paragraph 1(d) of Table 1 of Part 11 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations in columns 3 to 5 is replaced by the following:
Item	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
1(d)	(i) No limit for residents of Canada	September 1 to December 10	10
1(d)	(ii) 20 for non-residents of Canada	September 1 to December 10	10

34 The portion of item 3 of Table 2 of Part 12 of Schedule 3 to the English version of the Regulations in column 4 is replaced by the following:
Item	Column 4 Open Season
3	(a) September 1 to October 31 (b) May 1 to May 28

35 (1) The portion of paragraphs 1(a) and (b) of Table 1 of Part 13 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations in columns 3 to 5 is replaced by the following:
Item	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
1(a)	(i) No limit for residents of Canada	September 1 to December 10	25
1(a)	(ii) 24 for non-residents of Canada	September 1 to December 10	8
(b)	(i) No limit for residents of Canada	September 1 to December 10	15
(b)	(ii) 15 (not more than 6 may be White-fronted Geese) for non-residents of Canada	September 1 to December 10	5 (not more than 2 may be White-fronted Geese)

(2) The portion of paragraph 1(d) of Table 1 of Part 13 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations in columns 3 to 5 is replaced by the following:
Item	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
1(d)	(i) No limit for residents of Canada	September 1 to December 10	10
1(d)	(ii) 30 for non-residents of Canada	September 1 to December 10	10

36 (1) The portion of paragraph 2(b) of Table 1 of Part 13 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations in columns 3 to 5 is replaced by the following:
Item	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
2(b)	(i) No limit for residents of Canada	September 1 to December 10	15 (not more than 5 may be Canada Geese or Cackling Geese in any combination)
2(b)	(ii) 15 White-fronted Geese and Brant, combined, (not more than 6 may be White-fronted Geese) and no limit in respect of Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, for non-residents of Canada	September 1 to December 10	5 (not more than 2 may be White-Fronted Geese)

(2) The portion of paragraph 2(d) of Table 1 of Part 13 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations in columns 3 to 5 is replaced by the following:
Item	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
2(d)	(i) No limit for residents of Canada	September 1 to December 10	10
2(d)	(ii) 30 for non-residents of Canada	September 1 to December 10	10

37 (1) The portion of paragraph 3(b) of Table 1 of Part 13 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations in columns 3 to 5 is replaced by the following:
Item	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
3(b)	(i) 20 for residents of Canada	September 1 to December 10	15
3(b)	(ii) 20 (not more than 6 may be White-fronted Geese) for non-residents of Canada	September 1 to December 10	5 (not more than 2 may be White-fronted Geese)

(2) The portion of paragraph 3(d) of Table 1 of Part 13 of Schedule 3 to the Regulations in columns 3 to 5 is replaced by the following:
Item	Column 3 Possession Limit	Column 4 Open Season	Column 5 Daily Bag Limit
3(d)	(i) No limit for residents of Canada	September 1 to December 10	10
3(d)	(ii) 30 for non-residents of Canada	September 1 to December 10	10

Coming into Force

38 These Regulations come into force on the day on which they are registered.

REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS STATEMENT

(This statement is not part of the Regulations.)

Issues

The status of migratory game bird populations in Canada fluctuates over time. Regular amendments to possession limits, season dates and daily bag limits are needed to help ensure a sustainable harvest and to ensure that Canada is meeting its obligations under the Convention for the Protection of Migratory Birds in the United States and Canada (the Migratory Birds Convention).

Background

Canada and the United States share a commitment to work together to conserve migratory birds in North America. In 1916, the United Kingdom, on behalf of Canada and the United States, signed the Migratory Birds Convention, which was amended in 1995 by the Parksville Protocol. Canada implements those agreements via the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (the MBCA) and regulations made under that statute, including the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 (MBR, 2022). The objective of the Migratory Birds Convention, the MBCA, and the MBR, 2022 is to conserve and protect migratory birds. This objective is achieved in part for migratory game birds through the collaborative management of sustainable hunting.

Canada and the United States agreed through the Migratory Birds Convention, as amended by the Parksville Protocol, to limit the hunting of migratory game birds to a period that may not exceed 107 days, beginning no earlier than September 1 and ending no later than March 10.^{footnote 2} Within this period, the hunting areas, hunting season dates (also known as open season date), daily bag limits, and possession limits may be adjusted to manage the impact of hunting on migratory game bird populations. The MBR, 2022 protect migratory birds when they are present in Canada. The hunting provisions (hunting areas, hunting season dates, daily bag and possession limits) are listed in Schedule 3 of the MBR, 2022 and are reviewed and amended every two years to ensure that the hunting of migratory game birds is consistent with the goal of maintaining sustainable migratory game bird populations.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (the Department) is responsible for the conservation and the management of sustainable hunting of migratory game birds and evaluates the status of migratory game birds on an annual basis to ensure migratory game bird hunting continues to support conservation objectives. While Schedule 3 of the MBR, 2022 is amended every two years, urgent regulatory amendments for conservation purposes may be made at any time if necessary.

Objective

The objective of the Regulations Amending the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 — Biennial Hunting Amendments for 2026-2028 (the amendments) is to ensure the sustainable hunting of migratory game birds and to clarify specific provisions in the MBR, 2022, thus facilitating compliance and enforcement, and ensuring Canada meets its obligations under the MBCA.

Description

Two types of amendments are being made to the MBR, 2022. First, amendments to Schedule 3 of the MBR, 2022 to adjust season dates, daily bag and possession limits for hunting seasons 2026-2027 and 2027-2028. Second, administrative amendments to Schedule 3 to correct errors and to clarify certain hunting provisions.

1. Amendments to Schedule 3 of the MBR, 2022

The amendments for each province and territory are outlined below.

Prince Edward Island

Fixed calendar date for Woodcock

The Woodcock season in Prince Edward Island is changed from a generic date to a fixed calendar date from September 26 to December 10. This aligns with Prince Edward Island’s upland provincial game seasons, thus reducing the potential for confusion and errors.

Table 1: Amendment to a fixed date season for Woodcock in Prince Edward Island for hunting seasons 2026-2027 and 2027-2028
Hunting Area	Species	Change	Previous Open Season	New Open Season
Throughout Prince Edward Island	Woodcock	Setting a fixed calendar date	The last Monday of September to the second Saturday of December	September 26 to December 10

Nova Scotia

Later start to goose season

The regular goose hunting season in Zone 2 is pushed to start 7 days later. The season now runs from October 23 to January 22, rather than October 16 to January 15. This change does not impact the length of the open season and will allow for closer consistency between open goose and duck hunting seasons and reduce potential confusion and errors.

Table 2: Amendments to goose open season dates in Nova Scotia for hunting seasons 2026-2027 and 2027-2028
Hunting Area	Species	Change	Previous Open Season	New Open Season
Zone 2	All Geese, combined	Delay the season start date by 7 days	October 16 to January 15	October 23 to January 22

Quebec

Increase bag limit for Canada Geese and Cackling Geese

Remove the temporary restriction to the daily bag limit for Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined, from September to the end of October in districts A, C, D and F. The bag limit was reduced from 5 to 3 in 2020, and this reduction was intended to be a temporary measure. It has been determined that the daily bag limit can return to 5.

Table 3: Amendments to Canada Geese and Cackling Geese daily bag limits in Quebec for hunting seasons 2026-2027 and 2027-2028
Hunting Areas	Species	Change	Previous Daily Bag limit	New Daily Bag Limit
Districts A, C, D, and F	Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined	Removal of the temporary restriction to the daily bag limit from September to the end of October, increasing the limit by 2	3	5

New season for Sandhill Crane

The amendments establish a season for Sandhill Cranes (for residents of Canada only) in Districts C and D, only on farmland. The new season allows for a daily bag and possession limit of 1.

Table 4: Amendments to establish a season for Sandhill Cranes in Quebec for hunting seasons 2026-2027 and 2027-2028
Hunting Areas	Species	Change	New Open Season	New Daily Bag and Possession Limit
Districts C and D	Sandhill Cranes	New season	The first Saturday after September 11 to the first Friday after September 24 for residents of Canada only (only on farmland)	1

Special measures for overabundant species season — Reduced opportunity to harvest Snow Geese

In District A, the daily bag limit for Snow Geese is reduced from 20 to 12. In districts C, D, E and F, during the special measures for overabundant species season, the daily bag limit is reduced from 20 to 12, and the special measures for overabundant species season is shortened by 53 days (from March 1 to May 31, to April 10 to May 18). This reduction in bag limit and season is in response to a declining spring population in those areas.

Table 5: Amendments to special measures for overabundant species in Quebec for hunting seasons 2026-2027 and 2027-2028
Hunting Areas	Species	Change	Previous Provisions	New Provisions
District A	Snow Geese	Reduction of daily bag limit by 8	Daily bag limit: 20	Daily bag limit: 12
Districts C, D, E, F	Snow Geese	Shortening of the special measures for overabundant species season by 53 days and reduction of daily bag limit by 8	Open season: March 1 to May 31 Daily bag limit: 20	Open season: April 10 to May 18 Daily bag limit: 12

Ontario

Increased opportunity to harvest Canada Geese and Cackling Geese

The reduction to the daily bag limit for Canada Geese and Cackling Geese (combined) from late September to the end of October in the Provincial Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 65 is removed. The bag limit was reduced from 5 to 3 in 2020. This reduction was intended to be a temporary measure.

There will also be a 7-day Canada Goose and Cackling Goose hunting season added in Provincial WMUs 69A, 70–73, 77–81, and 86–93 beginning on the fourth Saturday in February to the following Friday. The regular Canada Goose season in these Provincial WMUs will be shortened by 7 days, starting the Saturday following the 4th Saturday in September and ending on the first Wednesday after December 25.

Hunting for Snow Geese and Ross’s Geese will be permitted in these Provincial WMUs 69A, 70–73, 77–81, and 86–93 at the same time, starting the Saturday following the 4th Saturday in September and ending on the first Sunday after January 5. With the addition of the 7-day Canada Goose hunting season beginning on the fourth Saturday in February to the following Friday, the Department will remove all references to municipal Sunday hunting that was previously used to determine where winter Canada Goose hunting could occur.

Table 6: Amendments to the daily bag limit for Canada Geese and Cackling Geese in Ontario Provincial WMU 65 for hunting seasons 2026-2027 and 2027-2028
Hunting Areas	Species	Change	Previous Bag Limit	New Bag Limit
Southern District	Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined	Removal of the temporary bag-limit reduction in WMU 65.	Daily Bag Limit: (A) 5 (in Provincial WMUs 60 to 64, 66 to 81, 83, 86 to 92 and 95 from the fourth Saturday in September to the first Friday after October 25), (B) 3 (in Provincial WMUs 65, 82, 84, 85 and 93 from the fourth Saturday in September to the first Friday after October 25)	Daily Bag Limit: (A) 5 (in Provincial WMUs 60 to 68, 69B, 74 to 76, 83 and 95 from the fourth Saturday in September to the first Friday after October 25), (B) 3 (in Provincial WMUs 82, 84 and 85 from the fourth Saturday in September to the first Friday after October 25)

Table 7: Amendments to add a 7-day winter season for Canada Geese, Cackling Geese, Snow Geese and Ross’s Geese and shorten the regular season length by 7-days in Ontario for hunting seasons 2026-2027 and 2027-2028
Hunting Areas	Species	Change	Previous Open Season and Bag Limit	New Open Season and Bag Limit
Southern District	Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined	Removal of the reference to Sunday hunting restrictions	(excluding Sundays in municipalities where hunting with guns on Sunday is not permitted by provincial regulations)	Removed throughout
Southern District	Canada Geese and Cackling Geese, combined	Addition of a 7-day Canada Goose and Cackling Goose hunting beginning on the fourth Saturday in February and shortening the regular season by 7 days, in Provincial WMUs 69A, 70–73, 77–81, and 86–93	Open Season: the fourth Saturday in September to the first Wednesday after December 25	Open Season: the fourth Saturday in September to the first Wednesday after December 25 (in Provincial WMUs 60 to 68, 69B, 74 to 76, 82 to 85, 94 and 95) the Saturday following the fourth Saturday in September to the first Wednesday after December 25 (in Provincial Wildlife Management Units 69A, 70 to 73, 77 to 81 and 86 to 93)
			Open Season: the fourth Saturday in February to the following Saturday (not an open season in Provincial WMU 94)	Open Season: the fourth Saturday in February to the following Friday, (in Provincial WMUs 69A, 70 to 73, 77 to 81 and 86 to 93)
			Open Season: the fourth Saturday in September to the first Sunday after January 5, the fourth Saturday in February to the following Saturday	Open Season: the fourth Saturday in September to the first Sunday after January 5 (in Provincial WMUs 60 to 68, 69B, 74 to 76, 82 to 85, 94 and 95), the Saturday following the fourth Saturday in September to the first Sunday after January 5 (in Provincial WMUs 69A, 70 to 73, 77 to 81 and 86 to 93), and the fourth Saturday in February to the following Friday (in Provincial WMUs 69A, 70 to 73, 77 to 81 and 86 to 93)
Southern District	Snow Geese and Ross’s Geese, combined	Hunting for Snow Geese and Ross’s Geese will be permitted in the same Provincial WMUs during the 7-day hunting season in the winter and the regular season will be shortened by 7 days	Open Season: the fourth Saturday in September to the first Sunday after January 5, the fourth Saturday in February to the following Saturday	Open Season: the fourth Saturday in September to the first Sunday after January 5 (in Provincial WMUs 60 to 68, 69B, 74 to 76, 82 to 85, 94 and 95), the Saturday following the fourth Saturday in September to the first Sunday after January 5 (in Provincial WMUs 69A, 70 to 73, 77 to 81 and 86 to 93), and the fourth Saturday in February to the following Friday (in Provincial WMUs 69A, 70 to 73, 77 to 81 and 86 to 93)

New season for Sandhill Crane

The amendments establish a season for hunting Sandhill Cranes (for residents of Canada only) in all areas of the Hudson and James Bay District (District 1) and on farmland only in the Northern and Central Districts (Districts 2 and 3) in Provincial WMUs 23, 24, 27-30, 36, 37, 39-43, 45, 47 and 48. The new season allows for a daily bag and possession limit of 1.

Table 8: Amendments to establish a season for Sandhill Cranes in Ontario for hunting seasons 2026-2027 and 2027-2028
Hunting Areas	Species	Change	New Open Season	New Daily Bag and Possession Limit
Hudson and James Bay District	Sandhill Cranes	New Season	September 1 to September 14 for residents of Canada only	1
Northern District	Sandhill Cranes	New Season	The first Saturday after September 11 to the first Friday after September 24 for residents of Canada only (only on farmland) in Provincial WMUs 23, 24, 27 to 30, 36, 37, 39 to 41 and 45	1
Central District	Sandhill Cranes	New Season	The first Saturday after September 11 to the first Friday after September 24 for residents of Canada only (only on farmland) in Provincial WMUs 42, 43, 47 and 48	1

Special measures for overabundant species season — Reduced opportunity to harvest Ross’s Geese and Snow Geese

On Provincial WMUs 65, 66, 67 and 69B, the daily bag limit for Ross’s Geese and Snow Geese is reduced from 20 to 12, and the special measures for overabundant species season is shortened by 62 days (from March 1 to May 31 to April 1 to April 30).

Table 9: Amendments to special measures for overabundant species in Ontario for hunting seasons 2026-2027 and 2027-2028
Hunting Areas	Species	Change	Previous Provisions	New Provisions
Southern District (only on Provincial WMUs 65, 66, 67 and 69B)	Snow Geese and Ross’s Geese combined	Shortening the season by 62 days, reduction of the daily bag limit, and removal of the reference to Sunday hunting restrictions	Open Season: the fourth Saturday in February to the following Saturday, excluding Sundays, in municipalities where hunting with guns on Sundays is not permitted by provincial regulations; and March 1 to May 31 Daily bag limit: 20	Open season: April 1 April 30 and only on farmland Daily bag limit: 12

Alberta

Increased opportunities for Sandhill Crane

The geographic hunting area for Sandhill Cranes is expanded into Provincial WMUs 247, 336, 501 to 510, 514, 515, and 841.

Table 10: Amendments to expand hunting areas for Sandhill Cranes in Alberta for hunting seasons 2026-2027 and 2027-2028
Hunting Areas	Species	Change	Previous Provisions	New Provisions
Zone No. 1	Sandhill Cranes	Expanding the allowable geographic hunting areas for Sandhill Cranes	September 1 to December 16 (in Provincial WMUs 200, 202 to 204, 206, 208, 220, 222, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 240, 242, 244, 248, 250, 252, 254, 256, 258, 260 and 500)	September 1 to December 16 (in Provincial WMUs 200, 202 to 204, 206, 208, 220, 222, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 240, 242, 244, 247, 248, 250, 252, 254, 256, 258, 260, 336, 500 to 510, 514, 515 and 841)

Note: No regulatory changes for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 hunting seasons are made for Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut.

2. Administrative amendments to Schedule 3 for hunting seasons 2026-2027 and 2027-2028

The amendments include administrative updates to Schedule 3, as follows:

For Newfoundland, PEI, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario, there is a separate line for Harlequin ducks in the table to clarify that there is no open season for Harlequin ducks in these provinces.
For New Brunswick, an error is corrected in the geographic coordinates of two islands in Bathurst Harbour.
For Ontario, a restriction that limited hunting to only on farmland was inadvertently removed and is reinstated for hunting on “farmland only” during the Special Measures for Overabundant Species Season for Snow Geese and Ross’s Geese in WMUs 65, 66, 67, and 69B.
For Alberta, the Province divided WMU 248. As a result, Schedule 3 now includes WMU 247, located in Zone 1.

Regulatory development

Consultation

The hunting provisions of the MBR, 2022 are reviewed by the Department every two years. During this review, the Department undertakes a consultation process that seeks input from a range of partners, stakeholders and Canadians.

Early engagement

Early engagement discussions on the amendments for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 hunting seasons began in the fall of 2025 when biological information on the status of migratory game bird populations became available. Biologists from the Department met with their provincial and territorial counterparts, as well as Indigenous partners, migratory game bird hunters, and non-governmental organizations, to review the new population information and discuss proposals for regulatory changes based on population changes. Early engagement with partners and stakeholders in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba occurred directly between the province and stakeholders, with information from the consultation provided back to the Department. The population information was published online in the report Population Status of Migratory Game Birds in Canada – 2025 on January 16, 2026.

Information gathered through this early engagement with partners and stakeholders was presented to the federal technical committee and was used to develop the proposed regulatory amendments. The proposals for the regulatory amendments, which reflect discussions between the Department and partners and stakeholders through the work of the technical committees, were also published online on January 16, 2026, in the report Proposals to Amend the Canadian Migratory Birds Regulations: 2026.

Public consultations

A Notice of intent was published in Part I of the Canada Gazette on January 17, 2026, advising Canadians of the publication of the consultation document and of a 30-day public comment period being held from January 17, 2026, to February 15, 2026.

As well as being posted online, the consultation document and the Population Status of Migratory Game Birds in Canada – 2025 report were distributed by email to a list of over 500 partners and stakeholders, including biologists in the federal governments of Canada and the United States and provincial and territorial governments, as well as Indigenous organizations and individual migratory game bird hunters. The documents were also distributed to many national and provincial hunting and outfitting organizations as well as other non-governmental organizations interested in migratory bird conservation.

During the public consultation period, the Department received more than 630 written comments on the proposals for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 seasons. Most comments were from individuals, however, 9% of comments were from organizations such as conservation groups, hunting associations and clubs, outdoor outfitters, environmental associations, ornithology and naturalist clubs, and agricultural societies. In addition, about 28% of comments received were linked to letter writing campaigns. The largest campaign was led by a waterfowl conservation organization, with over 160 members expressing support for various regional proposals that result in increased hunting opportunities.

The following presents a summary of comments received during the public consultation outlined on a regional basis.

Canada-wide

Changes to the Baiting Prohibition

Comments regarding the amendment to the baiting provision were mixed. Supporting comments came from hunting groups, outfitters and individual hunters, who view the change as a return to a practical regulation that would benefit goose and duck hunting. Although generally supportive, some comments from individual hunters raised concerns about the need for greater clarity and operational concerns such as the risk that hunters could unintentionally hunt over bait or lose hunting opportunities because of other hunters baiting on public land. Opposing comments from individual hunters also raised enforcement challenges and concerns about the potential risk of spreading avian influenza with a concentration of birds in a single area. In addition, one conservation organization and several individuals’ comments opposed the use of baiting in principle.

The Department will not move forward with the proposed baiting prohibition amendments at this time and will take more time to review and refine the amendments to ensure future changes are clear, consistent and enforceable.

Atlantic region

All comments received supported the proposals to delay the regular goose hunting season in Zone 2, Nova Scotia, by 7 days and to modify the American Woodcock hunting season on Prince Edward Island to fixed dates.

Quebec

Increase bag limit for Canada Geese and Cackling Geese

Most comments supported the proposal to remove the temporary restriction to the daily bag limit for Canada Geese and Cackling Geese in hunting districts A, C, D and F. Hunting organizations and agricultural producers welcomed the change, citing increased management flexibility and benefits for addressing local population pressures. One non-profit nature organization also supported the proposal, while emphasizing the importance of continued monitoring to distinguish between resident geese and the migratory Atlantic Population to ensure the long-term sustainability of Atlantic Canada Geese. Two comments were opposed to the removal of the temporary restriction, citing concerns about the potential for overharvest and a general opposition to hunting.

The Atlantic Population of Canada Geese is closely monitored through multiple monitoring activities, which contribute to the population model developed with the Atlantic Flyway Council. This model projects an increase in the number of breeding pairs, indicating that the population can sustain increased hunting pressure. The Department will continue to monitor the population and will amend the hunting provisions for Canada Geese as needed.

New season for Sandhill Crane

Some hunting organizations and individual hunters expressed support for the new hunting opportunity, citing Sandhill Crane population growth and the potential opportunity to control damage to surrounding agricultural crops. However, most comments opposed the new season. Opposing comments from naturalist and conservation organizations highlighted that hunting will not be able to reduce agricultural damage meaningfully and raised concerns that this new season, combined with other existing options for lethal control measures (e.g. through Damage and Danger permits), would cause excessive mortality. One comment raised concerns about long-term reliability of the monitoring data from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and United States Geological Survey with funding uncertainty, highlighting the need for reliable monitoring of this population. Other comments opposed the Sandhill Crane seasons in both Quebec and Ontario, raising concerns about low historic Sandhill Crane population levels in eastern Canada, where the population nearly disappeared. Individuals raised concerns that allowing hunting could cause cumulative pressure, due to already established hunting seasons in the United States, and the population could become threatened again due to low reproductive potential caused by life history factors such as delayed age of maturity, monogamous mating strategy, producing a small number of eggs, and low chick survival rates. Comments also pointed out the “charismatic nature” of the sandhill crane and the social importance of the species to birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, identifying concerns that the proposed harvest would reduce encounters and sightings.

A managed harvest of Sandhill Cranes could slow or stabilize population growth and potentially minimize crop damage. While the eastern population is surveyed through a fall staging survey coordinated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the main methods of tracking the population for harvest management in Quebec rely on surveys led by the Department, conducted both in fall and during the breeding season. Combined with data from Canada’s National Harvest Survey, these three surveys will ensure that the Sandhill Crane harvest is sustainable and provide the necessary information to evaluate the needs for regulatory adjustments. The harvest strategy accounts for Sandhill Crane life history and low productivity by allowing only a very limited harvest. The daily bag limit is intentionally set below the level the eastern population can sustainably support. Based on its current size, the population is still expected to grow, although more slowly than if there were no harvest. As a result, the new Sandhill Crane season should not reduce opportunities for people to see and enjoy Sandhill Cranes during activities like birdwatching and photography. Based on this assessment and a review of current population trends, the Department determined that the Sandhill Crane hunting season in Quebec is consistent with the harvest strategy outlined in the Eastern Population Sandhill Crane Management Plan.

Reduced opportunity to harvest Snow Geese

Most comments supported the reduced hunting opportunities during spring special measures season for overabundant Snow Geese, with some comments from individuals and an outfitter organization suggesting an even greater reduction in bag limit than what was proposed. One comment opposed the proposal to reduce the length of the special measures for overabundant species season and suggested that the bag limit should be reduced to 15 rather than 12 to protect agricultural production from damage throughout the month of May.

The intent of this proposal is to minimize disturbances to migrating Snow Geese during spring, given that human disturbance can be a contributing factor in recent population declines, while maintaining reasonable harvest pressure to mitigate agricultural conflicts. The daily bag limit is being reduced from 20 to 12 birds, but not further, because the conditions that caused the population to increase remain unchanged. As with most geese populations, this population could rebound quickly and create overabundance issues if control measures are relaxed too much. The Department will continue to monitor the population and will amend the hunting provisions for Snow Geese as needed.

Ontario

Increased opportunity to harvest Canada Geese and Cackling Geese

No comments were received on the proposal to lift a temporary restriction to the daily bag limit for Canada Geese and Cackling Geese in Provincial WMU 65.

Most comments supported the proposal to add a 7-day Canada Goose and Cackling Goose season. Several hunting and agricultural organizations welcome the additional late winter opportunity, citing high goose populations, agricultural damage mitigation, and improved regulatory clarity and consistency between Provincial WMUs as a result of removing references to municipal Sunday hunting restrictions. Among the supporting comments, some also suggest a longer February season, possibly extended into January, and extending hunting areas to additional Provincial WMUs 85 and 94. Most opposing comments came from individual hunters who objected to the loss of the week in September, which they view as prime goose hunting opportunity, aligned with the duck season open dates, and accessible for youth and senior hunters. Opposing comments also argued that February hunting is impractical or ineffective in some Provincial WMUs due to harsh winter conditions and lack of geese at that time of the year. Commenters included alternative suggestions, such as hunting days removed from the end of the regular season or from the middle of the season, possibly aligning with deer hunting season. One comment suggested shortening the end of the season in December by 14 days and create a spring hunt that overlaps with the spring turkey season in Central Zone.

The additional week in February will provide new goose hunting opportunities in portions of southern Ontario where Canada Geese are relatively abundant throughout the winter. With the addition of the 7-day winter hunting season, the need to consider municipal Sunday hunting restrictions in effect in some municipalities was eliminated. Any reference to municipal Sunday hunting is removed, which simplifies the MBR, 2022 and provides clarity for migratory game bird hunters. It is also anticipated that the new season will increase harvest of temperate-breeding Canada Geese in southern Ontario, helping to mitigate human-goose conflicts associated with this population. While there will be 7 fewer days at the end of September for the Canada Goose open season in select WMUs, there remain significant September hunting opportunities for many migratory game bird species within all Provincial WMUs in the southern Ontario district.

New season for Sandhill Crane

The new season for Sandhill Cranes generated the most comments of all proposals. Comments were evenly divided between support and opposition. Supporting comments came from individual hunters, waterfowl conservation organizations and their members, hunter associations, regional agricultural groups, and farmers. These comments referred to significant and increasing crop damage, a perception of rapidly growing Sandhill Crane populations, and confidence that a regulated hunting season would be sustainable. Many supportive comments from farmers and agricultural societies focused on the harm Sandhill Cranes can cause to agricultural landscapes, and claimed increasing populations will have a greater impact, while opposing comments highlighted insufficient evidence linking overabundance of Sandhill Cranes to crop damage. While supportive of the new season for Sandhill Cranes, comments from individual hunters suggested that the low daily bag and possession limits would be insufficient to motivate hunters. To better align the MBR, 2022 with the scale of the crop damage, suggestions included increases in daily bag limits, higher possession limits, and expansion of the proposed hunting area. A few comments offered by individuals suggested alternative harvest systems, such as a tag system or a spring hunting season, to address issues with crop damage.

Opposing comments were received from an animal welfare advocacy organization, local ornithology and naturalist groups, birdwatchers, a First Nation, and individuals. As described above in the summary for comments from the Quebec region, some comments raised life history traits of Sandhill Cranes such as low reproductive rates, delayed age of maturity, monogamy, and low chick survival as a reason for their vulnerability to harvest. Many comments argued that the historic low numbers of the eastern population of Sandhill Cranes presents a high risk of reversing this population recovery. Other comments raised concerns around the limited number of staging and breeding areas, making Sandhill Cranes vulnerable to localized harvest pressure and suggested there could be an elevated risk for Sandhill Cranes due to their high susceptibility to Avian influenza, as there were large die-offs in 2025. Concerns were also raised by individuals and a naturalist club about species identification issues with Whooping Crane, Trumpeter Swan, and Great Blue Heron. Other concerns were raised about the lack of mandatory reporting, potential risks to Whooping Cranes, and a lack of demonstrated efficacy of the proposed hunting season in reducing crop damage. Similar to comments received about establishing a Sandhill Crane season in the Quebec region, individuals thought of ’the charismatic nature’ of the Sandhill Crane and the social importance to birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and local tourism, identifying concerns over the proposed harvest risk reducing encounters and sightings.

Six comments were received from individuals self-identifying as Indigenous and one response was received from a First Nation. Comments questioned the certainty of current population estimates and modelling for the new hunting season for Sandhill Crane in Ontario and expressed concerns because of spiritual and cultural connections with cranes (ajijaak). The First Nation also noted a lack of meaningful Indigenous consultation. There was one comment from an Indigenous individual in support of the proposal.

Other than in the Hudson and James Bay area, where farmland is limited, the proposal limits hunting to farmland and to Provincial WMUs, where agricultural conflicts are well documented. A managed harvest of Sandhill Cranes could slow or stabilize population growth and potentially minimize further expansion of crop damage. The hunting season is timed for the peak of Sandhill Crane migration through these areas. The increase in the number of birds available during this time will reduce harvest pressure on local-breeding Sandhill Cranes. As in the Quebec region, the harvest strategy accounts for life history traits and low productivity by allowing only a very limited harvest. The daily bag limit is intentionally set below the level the eastern population can sustainably support. Based on its current size, the population is still expected to grow, although more slowly than if there were no harvest. As a result, the harvest should not reduce opportunities for people to see and enjoy Sandhill Cranes during activities like birdwatching and photography. This harvest framework will allow the Department to carefully monitor the harvest in the first four years of implementation, while having a minimal impact on the Eastern Population. Non-target species such as Great Blue Heron, Swans, and Whooping Cranes are easily distinguishable from Sandhill Cranes well beyond shooting range, limiting concerns of unintentional harvest. To further limit risk of accidental harvest of non-target species, the Department will develop educational tools on how to differentiate Sandhill Cranes from non-target species. Furthermore, observations of Whooping Cranes in Ontario are extremely rare and there have been no observations of Whooping Cranes in the areas considered for a Sandhill Crane hunting season. The Department conducts surveys to provide fall staging counts as well as age ratio and productivity data for Sandhill Cranes. The Department will also contribute counts to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service coordinated survey to inform overall population size and trend information for the entire Eastern Population. The National Harvest Survey will be used to monitor harvest, and a volunteer photo survey of harvested Sandhill Cranes is also being considered to examine age ratios in the harvest. The Department continues to closely monitor and track any effects and spread of avian influenza in wild bird populations, and management actions will be adjusted if needed. Based on this assessment and a review of current population trends, distribution, and a restrictive harvest framework, the Department determined that it is possible to establish a Sandhill Crane hunting season in Ontario that is sustainable and consistent with the levels prescribed by the harvest strategy outlined in the Eastern Population Sandhill Crane Management Plan.

With regard to the cultural and spiritual significance of Sandhill Cranes, the Department’s analyses (described above) indicate that the population is still expected to grow, and therefore the new hunting season should not negatively impact the species. In March 2026, the Department had an informal follow-up discussion with the First Nation that provided comments to better understand their concerns. They emphasized that the primary concern was the lack of perceived effort and time from the Department to consult with them on the new Sandhill Crane hunt. Concerns were somewhat eased when the Department described steps it had taken to inform Indigenous peoples about the proposal. The Department is in the process of reviewing the consultation process for the biennial hunting amendments to strengthen meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities on the harvest and management of migratory game birds in the future.

Reduced opportunity to harvest Ross’s Geese and Snow Geese

Two comments were received, both in opposition. The comments raised concerns about the population status of Snow Geese and Ross’s Geese in Ontario, with one suggesting a hunting moratorium.

The purpose of the reduced opportunity to harvest is to reduce disturbance to migrating Snow Geese and Ross’s Geese in Ontario during spring, addressing a potential factor in recent population declines, while maintaining reasonable harvest pressure to mitigate agricultural conflicts. The Department plans to adapt its harvest management strategy, as required, to reflect available resources for monitoring migratory game bird harvest.

Manitoba

The Department participated in several meetings with the province of Manitoba to ensure alignment between federal and provincial regulations. However, the province of Manitoba has decided to not move forward with regulatory changes for this regulatory cycle. As such, the Department is also not moving forward with proposals to amend the MBR, 2022 in the province of Manitoba to avoid misalignment between the MBR, 2022 and provincial regulations.

Simplification of migratory game bird season dates for residents and non-residents of Canada

Most comments opposed the proposal to simplify migratory game bird open season dates for residents and non-residents of Canada. The comments came from hunt clubs, individual hunters, and an environmental non-governmental organization. The major concerns included increased competition from U.S. hunters, reduced access to private lands, re-emerging waterfowl harassment issues, and erosion of Canadian hunter retention. Comments included arguments that early September has always been a critical, low-competition period reserved for residents of Canada only, promotes young hunter recruitment, family hunting traditions, and equitable access. Many comments highlighted that this change conflicts with Manitoba’s 2023 Waterfowl Modernization Strategy, which restricted non-resident access specifically to protect resident of Canada opportunities. There were three supportive comments based on simplification to the MBR, 2022.

Removal of afternoon restriction for dark goose hunting in Southern Manitoba

Most comments opposed removing the afternoon restriction for dark goose hunting in Southern Manitoba. The comments argue that the change would reduce resident of Canada hunting opportunities through reduced access to hunting areas due to increased competition from heavily funded U.S. hunters. One opponent also commented that this proposal would undermine youth hunter recruitment and family hunting opportunities and recreate the high hunting pressure that is suggested to have caused dark geese to migrate prematurely in the past. A few supportive comments were also received that generally highlighted the benefit of the regulatory simplification that was proposed.

Reduction in dark goose bag limit in Game Hunting Area 38 in Manitoba

Few comments were received about the reduction in dark goose bag limit in Game Hunting Area 38. Three comments support the change, with one highlighting the benefit of simplifying the regulations. Two comments opposed the change, citing the loss of liberalized bag limits as an effective population management tool, especially as the Mississippi Flyway temperate breeding Canada Geese are still overabundant.

Changes in Woodcock season dates and bag and possession limits

Comments about changes in Woodcock season dates and bag and possession limits were mixed, with general support for aligning Woodcock season with provincial grouse season, but mixed support for increasing the daily bag limits for non-residents of Canada hunters. Supporting comments emphasize regulatory clarity and consistency, while an opposing comment expressed their scientific concerns about increasing hunting pressure without an updated population survey. The individual cited the United States Fish and Wildlife Service American Woodcock Population Status, 2024 (PDF) as evidence of woodcock population decline and raise broader ecological concerns (habitat loss, avian influenza, cumulative effects).

The decision not to move forward with the Manitoba proposals was based solely on the Province of Manitoba’s decision not to move forward and was not informed by the public comments received.

Alberta

Increased opportunities for Sandhill Crane

Comments from individuals, a conservation organization, and an animal rights group predominantly opposed the expansion of the geographic hunting areas and mainly related to concerns about the risk to endangered Whooping Cranes through misidentification. Several comments pointed out that expansion into Provincial WMUs 501, 506, 509, and 510 will extend hunting into known Whooping Crane breeding habitat, based on evidence from the breeding bird atlas, and further into the autumn migratory pathway of Whooping Cranes. Other comments raised concerns regarding uncertainty about population size, wetland habitat loss threatening breeding success and limiting stopover locations, and risk of avian influenza. Other comments highlight that no evidence for agricultural crop damage in these additional Provincial WMUs is presented. A minority of comments support the expansion, generally citing improved hunter opportunity, simplification of the regulations, and confidence in identification skills.

The Department selected the range of expansion to avoid commonly used Whooping Crane migratory routes while targeting areas of recent Sandhill Crane use to mitigate crop damage concerns raised by Alberta agricultural producers. Since 2020, whooping crane descriptions have been published online and in Alberta’s guide to hunting regulations. Sandhill Crane hunting has occurred in adjacent areas of Saskatchewan for many years without any detrimental effects to Whooping Crane populations, even though migration routes of the two species overlap throughout much of that province. Although the Alberta Parklands fall within the historical breeding range of Whooping Cranes, no nesting has been documented south of Wood Buffalo National Park since 1914. Additional proposed Provincial WMUs are over 500 km from current breeding habitat of Whooping Cranes.

In addition, the Mid-continent population of Sandhill Crane is monitored each spring through aerial and ground surveys and has increased steadily since 1982. The latest three-year average (2023–2025) is about 1.06 million, which is well above management targets and more than double their level in 2000. The Department continues to closely monitor and track any effects from loss of breeding habitat and spread of avian influenza in wild bird populations, and management actions will be adjusted if needed.

Prepublication

Given the extensive consultations undertaken, including the publication of a Notice of Intent in the Canada Gazette, Part I, the amendments were not prepublished in the Canada Gazette, Part I.

Indigenous engagement, consultation and modern treaty obligations

To ensure that these amendments have been developed and will be implemented in a way that respects and complies with modern treaties and the rights of modern treaty partners, an Assessment of Modern Treaty Implications (AMTI) has been conducted. The results of the AMTI are as follows:

These regulatory amendments only apply to hunters who are required to possess a hunting permit, which does not include Indigenous peoples who are exercising their Aboriginal or treaty rights. However, modern treaty holders are engaged in early discussions regarding proposed hunting regulations. In the three territories, engagement occurs via the Wildlife Management Boards, which are co-management instruments that allow for direct involvement of Indigenous governments and organizations in wildlife management in their land claim areas or regions. In Labrador, modern treaties holders are engaged through a migratory game birds technical committee that meets biannually. Representatives are given the opportunity to ask questions, discuss possible scenarios, and take potential changes back to their respective governments or organizations for further discussion before presenting further comments and input to the Department. Similar approaches are taken for modern treaty holders in Quebec, where engagement occurs through coordinating committees and wildlife management boards that are established under modern treaty holders’ respective agreements. In British Columbia, the provincial Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations conducts the consultation for development of hunting regulation proposals and modern treaty holders are engaged at a regional level according to the terms of reference described in their Modern Treaties.

The biennial amendments to the hunting provisions (open season dates, daily bag limits and possession limits) of the MBR, 2022 will help promote broad treaty objectives by ensuring a sustainable harvest of migratory game bird populations regionally and nationally. The hunting provisions ensure access to abundant migratory game birds by Indigenous people, which promotes the broad objectives of socio-economic development, traditional harvest rights, and protection and promotion of Indigenous cultures.

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) is an international human rights instrument that sets out minimum standards for the survival, dignity, and well-being of Indigenous peoples. The Government of Canada is committed to taking effective measures, including legislative and policy measures, in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples, to achieve the objectives of the UN Declaration. The amendments will help advance this commitment by enhancing, respecting, protecting, and promoting Indigenous rights related to control over resources, traditional harvesting, and cultural practices. While individuals exercising section 35 rights are not subject to the hunting regulations, regularly adjusting the migratory game bird hunting provisions ensures healthy populations, which will result in sustainable access to migratory game birds for Indigenous peoples practising their section 35 rights. In addition, the amendments help to respect Indigenous environmental rights by promoting conservation of migratory game bird populations through sustainable hunting.

Instrument choice

Article II of the Convention requires that, as an effective means of preserving migratory birds, the Governments of Canada and the United States establish hunting seasons. It has been determined that other instruments, such as voluntary codes or guidelines, would not allow Canada to meet this obligation. Regulation with enforceable penalties is the only type of instrument that would allow Canada to use the establishment of hunting seasons as an effective means of preserving migratory birds. Moreover, section 5 of the MBCA prohibits the possession of a migratory bird, except as authorized by the MBR, 2022. Regulations are needed to allow the possession of harvested migratory game birds. This cannot be achieved using other non-regulatory instruments.

Regulatory analysis

Benefits

Migratory game birds provide substantial social, environmental, and economic benefits to communities across the country. These benefits to Canadians result from both hunting and non-hunting uses of migratory birds (e.g. bird-watching). According to the 2012 Canadian Nature Survey, the total expenditures related to hunting and trapping in Canada were 1.8 billion dollars, including hunting waterfowl ($327 million) and other games birds ($312 million).^{footnote 3} Although these expenditures are not a measure of net benefits of these activities, they demonstrate the importance of these activities to Canadians. Moreover, in 2023, approximately 22% of Canadian households reported making purchases to feed or shelter birds on their property, and 8% of Canadian households made purchases to watch birds or travelled for the purpose of bird-watching.^{footnote 4} The number of MGBH Permits sold in a given year is a proxy of the number of migratory game bird hunters. Between August 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, 165 224 MGBH Permits were sold compared to 163 956 permits in 2023, representing a small increase of 0.77%.^{footnote 5}

The hunting provisions of the MBR, 2022 are reviewed every two years to ensure that hunting of migratory game birds is consistent with the goal of maintaining sustainable migratory game bird populations. Given that many of the amendments for hunting seasons 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 increase hunting opportunities, there is an overall benefit for Canadians who enjoy hunting. Moreover, the proposed establishment of a Sandhill Crane hunting season in parts of Ontario and Quebec may be of particular interest for some hunters, since the meat of this species is highly prized. The tourism sector and outdoor outfitters may indirectly benefit from these increased opportunities if hunters spend more time travelling for this activity or spend more on hunting equipment.

Costs

There are minimal anticipated costs to businesses or Canadians. The MBR, 2022 are intended to ensure that migratory game bird populations remain healthy, and it is anticipated that these changes will not result in an appreciable change in harvest levels. In this way, the value that some Canadians may place on these species through non-hunting uses (e.g. bird-watching or wildlife photography) is not anticipated to be negatively impacted.

The reductions in daily bag limits and open season dates for Ross’ Geese and Snow Geese due to declining spring populations may impact some Canadians who specifically hunt these species. However, as this represents a reduction of daily bag limits and hunting open season dates and not an elimination of a season, the reduced benefits that some Canadians may experience from these proposed changes are likely minimal. In addition, these restrictions aim to ensure sustainable hunting opportunities in the long term.

It is anticipated that there will be low costs to the Government of Canada as a result of the amendments due to compliance and promotion activities. This includes preparation, publishing, printing, and distributing the Migratory Birds Hunting Regulations Summaries. This cost is not in itself incremental to this amendment. However, there are incremental costs related to updating the Migratory Birds Hunting Regulations Summaries with amendment-specific information, communicating with stakeholders, as well as reviewing the existing content of MGBH web pages and updating them accordingly. The total incremental costs for these activities are estimated to be approximately $2,600 (2025 constant CAD).

Due to the increased length of some hunting seasons and the introduction of a Sandhill Crane hunting season in parts of Ontario and Quebec, these amendments are anticipated to increase enforcement resources in some regions/territories. However, these increases are expected to be minimal and will be covered by existing enforcement efforts.

Small business lens

Analysis under the small business lens concluded that the amendments will not impact Canadian small businesses. The amendments do not reduce or impose new or incremental administrative burden on business. There is no commercial harvest of migratory birds in Canada; the MBR, 2022 apply to hunters as individuals and not businesses.

One-for-one rule

The one-for-one rule does not apply, as there is no incremental change in administrative burden on business and no regulatory titles are repealed or introduced. There is no commercial harvest of migratory game birds in Canada; the MBR, 2022 apply to hunters as individuals and not businesses.

Regulatory cooperation and alignment

In Canada, wildlife conservation is a shared responsibility between the federal government and the provincial and territorial governments. Provinces and territories are primarily responsible for habitat protection and wildlife conservation and are also responsible for managing hunting of most other wildlife species. However, the Department is responsible for the conservation and protection of migratory birds in Canada, including management of migratory game bird hunting.

The Department’s legislative mandate for migratory birds originates in the Convention between Canada and the United States. Most bird species that migrate are listed in the Convention and are protected by the MBCA and the MBR, 2022. Bird species that are not listed in the Convention are under provincial and territorial jurisdictions, with species at risk also protected under the Species at Risk Act.

Provinces and territories protect wildlife through their respective wildlife legislation and conservation programs. Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia have their own provincial migratory game bird hunting regulations, and they work closely with the Department to ensure alignment with the MBR, 2022. The other provinces and territories do not have their own provincial or territorial migratory game bird hunting regulations; instead they refer residents to the MBR, 2022. Regardless of regulatory approach, most provinces and territories have additional licence requirements for hunting migratory birds and/or to carry firearms. When provinces and territories develop summaries of their hunting regulations, they either include summaries of the federal regulations (or the provincial regulations that reflect the federal ones) for migratory game birds in their province or territory, or they refer hunters to Government of Canada web pages for information about migratory game bird hunting and permits.

As outlined in previous sections, the amendments were developed in collaboration with the United States and Canadian provincial and territorial governments. They will promote regulatory alignment with these jurisdictions, which share responsibility with Canada for the management of migratory birds. The amendments are also in line with Canada’s obligations under the Convention.

International obligations

The amendments meet the requirements of the Convention for the Protection of Migratory Birds in the United States and Canada, signed in 1916 between the United Kingdom, on behalf of Canada, and the United States, and amended in 1995 by the Parksville Protocol. Article II of the Migratory Birds Convention, as amended by the Parksville Protocol, requires that, as an effective means of preserving migratory birds, the Governments of Canada and the United States establish hunting seasons.

The Migratory Birds Convention is implemented in Canada by the MBCA. The objective of the Convention, the MBCA, and the MBR, 2022 is the protection and conservation of migratory birds and their nests. Hunting migratory game birds is regulated in both Canada and the United States. Each country shares a commitment to work together to conserve migratory game bird populations throughout North America. This is accomplished, in part, by protecting them through biennial amendments to the hunting provisions in the MBR, 2022.

Effects on the environment

A Strategic Environmental and Economic Assessment was conducted in respect of the amendments. The Department does not anticipate that the amendments will produce important effects related to greenhouse gas, nor will they impact Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction plans. The amendments also do not face a heightened risk of achieving their stated objectives because of current or projected impacts of climate change. They may have small, positive impacts on Canada’s adaptation to climate change by ensuring that migratory game bird populations remain healthy. Sustainable migratory bird populations will be best positioned to adapt to climate change impacts. Similarly, sustainable migratory game bird populations will allow for continued hunting opportunities, which could contribute to alleviating food insecurity issues that could arise from climate change. However, both impacts are minor – neither will be an important or large contributor to Canada’s adaptation and resilience to climate change.

The amendments will have modest, positive impacts on migratory birds and their habitat. Through adjustments to the hunting provisions, the amendments ensure that migratory game bird populations remain sustainable. This supports the following targets of Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy: Target 5 – Exploitation of species / wild species harvesting, use, and trade, Target 9 – Sustainable use and management of wild species, and Target 16/15b – Sustainable consumption.

The amendments ensure that migratory game bird populations remain sustainable and are expected to have some effects on human health; however, they are not likely to be important or significant. They may contribute to other human health effects by supporting opportunities to harvest and consume a sustainable resource. For example, establishing a new season for Sandhill Cranes in parts of Ontario and Quebec and expanding the geographic hunting areas in Alberta could create further opportunities for hunters to harvest and consume this resource, potentially resulting in nutritional benefits for households.

Gender-based analysis plus

A gender-based analysis plus (GBA+) was performed to evaluate whether sex, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, income, education, employment status, language, visible minority status, disability or religion could influence how a person is impacted by the changes.

The amendments target hunters who are required to possess a valid federal MGBH Permit. Information on the demographics of this group is limited; however, the age of permit holders is collected through the permit sales. For the 2023-2024 hunting season, 39% of permits were purchased by individuals who were between the age of 28-47 years old. In addition, most hunters are likely to be male, white, highly educated and with middle to high income levels.

The amendments are expected to contribute to social, environmental and economic benefits to communities across the country. While the amendments would be beneficial to all Canadians, they may particularly benefit the demographic groups described above, who are most likely to be hunters.

The amendments will also indirectly benefit Indigenous peoples by ensuring their access to abundant migratory game birds, which promotes the broad objectives of socio-economic development, traditional harvesting rights, and protection and promotion of Indigenous cultures.

As a result of this analysis, it was determined that the amendments are not expected to have any negative impacts on, nor present any direct barriers to any particular groups on the basis of gender and other identity factors, such as culture, religion, sexual orientation, age, mental or physical disability and income.

Implementation, compliance and enforcement, and service standards

The amendments will come into force on the day on which they are registered.

The Department has developed a compliance strategy for the amendments. Compliance will be promoted to hunters via the publication of Migratory Birds Hunting Regulations Summaries, which are one-page summaries of the hunting regulations for each province and territory outlining the allowable hunting areas, daily bag and possession limits, and open season dates for each of the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 hunting seasons. In addition, paper copies of the Migratory Birds Hunting Regulations Summaries are distributed at the point of sale of MGBH Permits, posted on the Canada.ca website, and available for downloading when hunters purchase their permits online.

The Department’s enforcement officers and provincial and territorial conservation officers have authority to enforce the MBCA and its associated Regulations. Officers may verify compliance with the law by patrolling known hunting areas, checking MGBH Permits, provincial hunting licenses, equipment, daily bag limits and possession limits, to name a few.

When a violation of the law occurs, federal game officers may proceed with a range of enforcement actions. This can include issuing verbal or written warnings, tickets (where applicable), imposing Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs), issuing compliance orders, seizing the specimen and any items used to commit the offence, or recommending prosecution. The fines and penalties imposed reflect the seriousness of the offence. For example, the ticket fine ranges from $150 to $1,000, higher amounts are issued when a case involves multiple migratory game birds and an additional “per-bird fee” can be applied. In situations where an individual is found guilty of a first offence through summary conviction, they may face a fine between $5,000 and $300,000, a maximum of six months’ imprisonment, or both.

Contact

Caroline Ladanowski
Director
Wildlife Management and Regulatory Affairs Division
Canadian Wildlife Service
Environment and Climate Change Canada
351 Saint-Joseph Boulevard, 13th Floor
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0H3
Email: ReglementsFaune-WildlifeRegulations@ec.gc.ca

Footnotes

Footnote a

S.C. 2009, c. 14, s. 101

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Footnote b

S.C. 1994, c. 22

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Footnote 1

SOR/2022-105

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Footnote 2

The Parksville Protocol provides an exception for residents of Yukon and the Northwest Territories, for whom the closed season may be made shorter, with the hunting season starting as early as August 15.

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Footnote 3

Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Governments of Canada, 2014. 2012 Canadian Nature Survey: Awareness, participation, and expenditures in nature-based recreation, conservation, and subsistence activities. Ottawa, Ontario. Canadian Councils of Resource Ministers.

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Footnote 4

Statistics Canada. Table 38-10-0015-01 Purchases to feed, shelter or watch birds

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Footnote 5

Canadian Wildlife Service Waterfowl Committee. 2023. Population Status of Migratory Game Birds in Canada: 2023. CWS Migratory Birds Regulatory Report Number 58.

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