Fish & Wildlife Sets Duck Season Rules for States
Published Date: 8/31/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) announces the availability of the 2026 Migratory Game Bird Hunting (MGBH) Memorandum setting forth the authorization conditions (conditions or limits) within which States and Tribes may establish their hunting regulations for certain migratory game birds. The conditions include species for which seasons may be opened, season dates, season lengths, shooting hours, bag and possession limits, areas where migratory game bird hunting may occur, and other restrictions. The conditions are necessary to allow States and Tribes to establish their migratory game bird hunting regulations and to allow harvest at levels compatible with migratory game bird population status and habitat conditions. Migratory game bird hunting seasons provide opportunities for recreation and sustenance, and aid Federal, State, and Tribal governments in the management of migratory game birds. We are also announcing the availability of the 2026 memorandum with seasons, hours, areas, and daily bag and possession limits for migratory game bird hunting in certain States that requested we publish these. Taking of migratory birds is prohibited unless specifically provided for in this memorandum and other applicable State and Federal regulations.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Hunting Supports ~$2.7 Billion Economy
The Service estimates that migratory game bird hunting generates about $2.7 billion in associated economic activity nationwide based on 2011 and 2016 survey data. The Service says small, incremental federal adjustments to season lengths and bag limits are not expected to materially change that economic activity or impose additional Federal costs.
2026 Hunting Rules: Seasons and Limits
If you hunt migratory game birds, the 2026 Migratory Game Bird Hunting (MGBH) Memorandum sets the species that may be opened, season dates and lengths, shooting hours, daily bag and possession limits, where hunting may occur, and other restrictions for the 2026-27 season. Taking migratory birds is prohibited unless specifically allowed by this Memorandum and applicable State and Federal regulations.
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