Changes to migratory game bird hunting

Summary#

The Minister of the Environment, through Environment and Climate Change Canada, is proposing changes to the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 that would alter hunting dates and limits for some migratory game birds for the 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 hunting seasons. The department is also considering a new Sandhill Crane season in Ontario and Quebec that could start as early as 2026–2027. Comments are invited until February 12, 2024.

What it does#

• Updates hunting season dates, daily bag limits and possession limits for certain migratory game bird species for 2024–2025 and 2025–2026.
• Makes other related and mostly administrative changes, mainly to Schedule 3 of the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022.
• Explores creating a Sandhill Crane hunting season in Ontario and Quebec, with the earliest possible start of 2026–2027.
• Asks for public feedback on the proposed changes; consultation materials and scientific reports are available from Environment and Climate Change Canada to inform comments.
• Notes that hunting rules are normally reviewed every two years, but the department reviews bird populations yearly to allow urgent changes if needed.

Who's affected#

• People who hunt migratory game birds in Canada — changes will affect when and how many birds can be taken.
• Provincial and territorial wildlife managers and co‑managers who work with federal hunting regulations.
• Conservation groups, Indigenous communities and anyone involved in migratory bird stewardship or monitoring.
• Local communities and businesses that rely on hunting seasons (tourism, guides, outfitters).
• The notice does not list every species or every provincial detail; the specific species and exact limits will be in the consultation materials.

Why it matters#

• These changes determine when and how many migratory birds can be legally hunted. That affects hunters’ plans and local hunting economies.
• The goal is to keep bird harvests sustainable and to respond to changing population data. Adding a Sandhill Crane season would create a new hunting opportunity but would also need careful monitoring.
• There is a limited window to give feedback: submit comments by February 12, 2024 if you want to influence the proposed rules.