Pennsylvania offers unmatched waterfowl and migratory game bird hunting. With careful regulations, the diversified landscapes provide fascinating duck, goose, and other migratory bird hunting. Hunters may enjoy the state’s natural splendor while practicing sustainable hunting in marshes and lakes.
Here are the 2026-2027 Pennsylvania waterfowl and migratory bird season dates, as officially released by the Pennsylvania Game Commission .
ðĶ Ducks, Coots, Mergansers & Sea Ducks
| Zone | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit (Ducks) |
|---|---|---|
| North Zone | Oct. 10-24, 2026 & Nov. 17, 2026 â Jan. 9, 2027 | 6 (species-specific restrictions) |
| South Zone | Oct. 10-17, 2026 & Nov. 18, 2026 â Jan. 18, 2027 | 6 (species-specific restrictions) |
| Northwest Zone | Oct. 10 â Nov. 27, 2026 & Dec. 21, 2026 â Jan. 9, 2027 | 6 (species-specific restrictions) |
| Lake Erie Zone | Nov. 2, 2026 â Jan. 9, 2027 | 6 (species-specific restrictions) |
| Mergansers | Same as duck zone dates | 5 daily, 15 possession |
| Coots | Same as duck zone dates | 15 daily, 45 possession |
| Brant | Oct. 10 â Nov. 13, 2026 | 1 daily, 3 possession |
Scaup Bag Limits: Vary by zone and date (e.g., 1 daily early season, 2 daily late season) . Please consult the official digest for zone-specific scaup dates.
ðĶĒ Geese
| Species / Zone | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Geese (Resident Population Zone) | Sept. 1-25, 2026 | 8 |
| (All of PA except AP Zone) | Oct. 24 â Nov. 27, 2026 | 5 |
| Dec. 15, 2026 â Jan. 18, 2027 | 5 | |
| Jan. 29 â Feb. 20, 2027 | 5 | |
| Canada Geese (Atlantic Population Zone) | Sept. 1-25, 2026 | 8 |
| (Southeastern PA, see digest for specific boundary) | Nov. 21-27, 2026 | 3 |
| Dec. 4, 2026 â Jan. 18, 2027 | 3 | |
| Light Geese (Snow & Ross’s) | Nov. 6, 2026 â March 10, 2027 | 25 daily, no possession limit |
| Brant | Oct. 10 â Nov. 13, 2026 | 1 daily, 3 possession |
Key Change: The Atlantic Population (AP) Zone Canada goose season has been expanded to 45 days with a 3-goose daily bag limit (increased from 30 days and 1 goose) .
ðïļ Other Migratory Birds
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Mourning Doves | Sept. 1 â Nov. 27, 2026 & Dec. 18, 2026 â Jan. 2, 2027 | 15 |
| Woodcock | Oct. 17 â Dec. 8, 2026 | 3 |
| Wilson’s Snipe | Oct. 17 â Dec. 8, 2026 | 8 |
| Virginia & Sora Rails | Sept. 1 â Nov. 20, 2026 | 3 (aggregate) |
| Gallinules | Sept. 1 â Nov. 20, 2026 | 3 |
ðŊ Junior & Military Days
| Hunt Type | Dates | Zone / Details |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Hunt Day | Sept. 19, 2026 | Statewide (youth & mentored youth) |
| Junior, Veteran & Active Military Days | Sept. 26, 2026 | Northwest Zone |
| Oct. 24, 2026 | Lake Erie Zone | |
| Oct. 31, 2026 | North Zone | |
| Nov. 7, 2026 | South Zone | |
| Veteran & Active Military Days | Jan. 16, 2027 | Lake Erie, Northwest & North Zones |
| Jan. 23, 2027 | South Zone |
Note: These special days follow the same bag limits as the regular season .
â ïļ Important Regulations
- No Sunday Hunting: There is no Sunday hunting for migratory game birds (including waterfowl, doves, woodcock, and snipe) in Pennsylvania for the 2026-2027 season .
- Federal Duck Stamp: Hunters age 16 and older must possess a valid federal duck stamp.
- HIP Certification: All migratory bird hunters must obtain a free Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification annually.
- Harlequin Ducks & Swans: No open season for harlequin ducks, tundra swans, or trumpeter swans .
PA Hunting Regulations for Migratory Birds
License Requirements
- Either a mentored permit or a normal hunting license is needed.
- A federal duck stamp that is carried and signed across the face is required for hunters who are 16 years of age and above.
- Pennsylvania residents may acquire the Electronic Duck Stamp (E-Stamp) by visiting “HuntFishPA.”
- Hunting some bird species requires a Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird License.
Guided Hunting
- For permitted species, migratory game bird permits may be obtained by mentored hunters.
- Licenses may be obtained online at https://huntfish.pa.gov or via license issuing agencies.
Light Geese Conservation Season
- A conservation season permit must be obtained, and hunters are required to submit a report detailing their hunting activities and harvest.
- You may get more information by contacting 717-787-4250 or visiting www.pgc.pa.gov.
Weapons and Ammunition
- Firearms permitted are 10-gauge manual and semiautomatic shotguns with a maximum shell capacity of three.
- Waterfowl may be shot with bows and arrows, crossbows, and only non-toxic fine shot up to size T (.20 inches).
- It is illegal to use lead shot for waterfowl hunting.
Fluorescent Orange
- Not necessary for hunters of doves and ducks.
Restrictions on Migratory Game Birds
- Shotguns with more than three rounds in them need to be plugged.
- Hunting from sink boxes, motorized land vehicles, motorboats, airplanes, and sailboats in motion are all forbidden.
- Baiting, using electronic bird call imitations, and using live decoys are prohibited.
- After the bait is removed, the baited sites are off-limits for 30 days.
Decoys
- You may use electronic decoys to trick crows, doves, and ducks.
Hunting Parties
- Hunters of waterfowl and doves may hunt in groups larger than six provided they are positioned immobile or in a blind.
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John Lewis, the passionate founder of HuntingSeasons.org, is committed to promoting responsible hunting and a profound love for the wilderness. With years of expertise, his platform serves as a reliable guide for hunting enthusiasts, advocating ethical practices and nature preservation.
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