Federal Migratory Birds Laws in Ontario:

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Last Updated: September 21 2026

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Question:How do the federal Migratory Birds laws and Ontario rules work together for migratory game bird hunting permit requirements in Ontario?

Answer:To hunt migratory game birds in Ontario, you need to follow both federal rules under Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 and detailed federal hunting rules in Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022, then comply with Ontario requirements that may apply alongside the federal system.  Practically, recreational hunting requires a valid federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit plus the Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp, and also meeting Ontario licensing requirements like the Ontario Outdoors Card and Ontario Small Game Licence, while also checking the current Ontario Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations Summary for the right district, seasons, hunting hours, methods, and bag and possession limits for your specific species and location.  If you want help confirming what applies to your situation or responding to a charge, DefendCharges.ca™ can assist, contact (647) 559-3377 to discuss your options.

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Federal Migratory Birds Laws

Migratory game bird hunting in Ontario is governed by both federal and provincial law.  The main federal legislation is the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 and the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022.  Together, they regulate matters such as federal hunting permits, seasons, hunting districts, bag and possession limits, hunting methods, ammunition, baiting, possession, and transportation.

Note: Please contact DefendCharges.ca™ by phone at: (647) 559-3377 to discuss any specific questions that you may have.

The basic distinction is straightforward: the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 provides the federal legal framework, while the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 contain most of the detailed rules that hunters must follow.  Ontario hunting requirements apply alongside these federal rules.

This resource explains the principal federal migratory game bird laws that apply in Ontario, identifies important 2026–2027 requirements and federal ticket fines, and provides direct links to the current official Government of Canada and Ontario government sources.

What Federal Laws Govern Migratory Game Bird Hunting?

The Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 is the principal federal statute protecting migratory birds in Canada.  A statute is a law passed by Parliament.  The Act provides the legal framework for protecting migratory birds and their nests and authorizes detailed regulations.

The Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 contain most of the detailed federal rules governing recreational migratory game bird hunting.

Part 2 of the Regulations deals specifically with hunting migratory game birds.  Schedule 3 contains open seasons, daily bag limits, possession limits, and special measures organized by province and hunting area.

Are the Federal Laws Current?

Yes.  The current consolidated federal legislation should be used when checking a migratory bird hunting rule.

• The Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 is currently identified by Justice Laws as current to June 21, 2026 and last amended on March 26, 2026; and
• The Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 are currently identified by Justice Laws as current to June 21, 2026 and last amended on June 12, 2026.

Because seasons, limits, and special measures can change between hunting years, the current annual Ontario migratory game bird hunting summary should also be checked.

What Is a Migratory Game Bird?

A migratory game bird is a migratory bird that federal law allows to be hunted during an open season when the applicable legal requirements are satisfied.

Ontario examples include various species of ducks and geese, American Woodcock, common snipe, rails, coots, gallinules, Mourning Doves where an open season exists, and Sandhill Cranes in the limited areas where a season is authorized.

Not every migratory bird may be hunted, and not every migratory game bird has an open season throughout Ontario.  The species, federal hunting district, applicable Wildlife Management Unit where relevant, season, and limits must be checked together.

What Do You Need to Hunt Migratory Game Birds in Ontario?

Ordinary recreational migratory game bird hunting in Ontario requires both federal and Ontario hunting authority.

Current Ontario guidance requires:

• A valid federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit;
• A Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp appearing on the federal permit;
• A valid Ontario Outdoors Card; and
• A valid Ontario Small Game Licence.

Additional requirements can apply depending on the circumstances.  For example, Ontario firearm accreditation requirements can apply when hunting with a gun, and additional falconry requirements apply when hunting with a falconry bird.

What Is a Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit?

A Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit, commonly called an MGBH Permit, is the principal federal permit for recreational migratory game bird hunting.

Section 30 of the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 provides for the permit.  It authorizes its holder to hunt migratory game birds, primarily for human consumption, and to possess birds hunted under the permit, subject to the other requirements of the Regulations.

The permit does not override season dates, hunting districts, hunting hours, bag limits, possession limits, equipment rules, ammunition requirements, or other federal and provincial hunting rules.

Section 34 also requires the permit holder to have the permit on their person while hunting and to show it immediately to a game officer when requested.

What Is the Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp?

The Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp forms part of the federal authorization required to hunt under an MGBH Permit.

Section 31 of the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 prohibits hunting migratory game birds under an MGBH Permit unless an authorized conservation stamp appears on the permit.

The 2026 electronic MGBH Permit includes an electronic image of the conservation stamp.

How Long Is an MGBH Permit Valid?

Under section 33 of the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022, an MGBH Permit expires on June 30 following the date it was issued.

The 2026 electronic MGBH Permit became available on August 1, 2026 and is valid until June 30, 2027.

What Rules Apply to Youth MGBH Permits?

A Youth MGBH Permit is available to a person who is under 18 years of age when the permit is issued.

The Youth MGBH Permit and electronic Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp are available free of charge.  A youth hunter must satisfy the federal supervision requirements.

The accompanying adult must hold a valid MGBH Permit, must have held an MGBH Permit in a previous year, and must not be a minor.  One qualifying adult may accompany no more than two youth permit holders at the same time.

Ontario youth hunting, apprenticeship, licensing, and hunter accreditation requirements can also apply separately.

Where Are Ontario's Migratory Game Bird Seasons and Limits Found?

Environment and Climate Change Canada publishes an Ontario Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations Summary for each hunting year.

The current Ontario summary covers August 2026 through July 2027.  It identifies federal hunting districts and provides open seasons, daily bag limits, possession limits, and special measures for species that may legally be hunted.

Federal hunting districts do not always follow ordinary municipal or regional boundaries.  Where the federal rules refer to Ontario Wildlife Management Units, the applicable federal district and Wildlife Management Unit must be considered together.

The annual summary is a practical guide.  The controlling federal law remains the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022, and Schedule 3.

What Changed in Ontario for 2026–2027?

The 2026–2027 federal migratory game bird rules include several changes affecting Ontario.

A significant change is a new limited Sandhill Crane hunting season.  Canadian residents may hunt Sandhill Cranes in specified areas and during specified September seasons.

The season applies throughout the Hudson-James Bay District and, on farmland only, in specified Wildlife Management Units in the Northern and Central Districts.  The daily bag limit is one Sandhill Crane and the possession limit is one.

The 2026–2027 rules also include changes affecting Canada and Cackling Geese and Snow and Ross's Geese in parts of southern Ontario.  The applicable district, Wildlife Management Unit, species, dates, and limits should be checked in the current Ontario federal hunting summary.

What Hunting Rules Are Controlled by Federal Law?

Federal law controls many of the principal rules for migratory game bird hunting.

These include:

• MGBH Permit requirements;
• Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp requirements;
• Open and closed seasons;
• Federal hunting districts;
• Permitted hunting hours;
• Daily bag limits;
• Possession limits;
• Baiting restrictions;
• Authorized bows, crossbows, and shotguns;
• Shotgun capacity;
• Non-toxic shot requirements;
• Restrictions on particular hunting methods;
• Requirements to retrieve killed or wounded birds;
• Possession and identification requirements;
• Labelling requirements; and
• Transportation, gifting, and other handling requirements.

Having a valid MGBH Permit does not replace any of these separate requirements.

What Is the Federal Shotgun Capacity Rule?

A shotgun used to hunt migratory game birds must comply with the federal three cartridge capacity rule.

Section 37 permits a qualifying shotgun no larger than number 10 gauge that is either designed to hold no more than three cartridges or has been properly altered so that its capacity is no more than three cartridges in the magazine and chamber combined.

A person hunting migratory game birds must also not possess in the hunting area a shotgun holding more than three cartridges or a detachable magazine capable of holding more than two cartridges.

Is Non-Toxic Shot Required?

Federal law generally requires non-toxic shot when hunting migratory game birds.  Non-toxic shot means shot that meets the federal requirements for approved non-toxic ammunition.

Section 38 generally prohibits hunting a migratory game bird while possessing or using shot other than legally defined non-toxic shot in the hunting area.

The Regulations contain exceptions for certain species.  The applicable species and current federal provision should be checked before relying on an exception.

What Are the Federal Baiting Rules?

Section 36 generally prohibits hunting migratory game birds within 400 metres of a place where bait has been deposited.

An area that previously contained bait generally must have been free of bait for at least seven days before hunting can occur, subject to the exceptions and authorizations in the Regulations.

The Regulations also distinguish prohibited baiting from certain normal agricultural activities.  Where bait or agricultural activity is part of a charge or investigation, the exact circumstances and regulatory wording can be important.

What Are the Federal Hunting Hours?

Federal law restricts migratory game bird hunting during specified nighttime periods.

In Ontario, section 28 generally prohibits hunting migratory game birds from one half hour after sunset until one half hour before sunrise, unless Schedule 3 provides otherwise.

Separate Ontario or municipal firearm restrictions can also apply.

What Are Daily Bag and Possession Limits?

A daily bag limit is the maximum number of birds of a species or group that may be killed or taken in one day.  Section 43 connects the applicable daily bag limit to Schedule 3.

A possession limit restricts how many unpreserved migratory game birds of a species or group may be possessed at one time where a possession limit applies.

The applicable numbers depend on the species, federal hunting district, and current Schedule 3 rules.  The current Ontario Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations Summary provides these limits in a more convenient format.

Are There Federal Rules About Retrieving Birds?

Yes.  Section 42 requires a hunter to have adequate means immediately available to retrieve migratory game birds that are killed or injured.

A bird that is killed must be retrieved as soon as circumstances permit.  A wounded bird must be killed and retrieved as soon as circumstances permit.

These duties apply separately from permit, season, hunting method, bag limit, and possession requirements.

How Do Federal Ticket Fines Work?

There is no single ticket fine for every federal migratory bird offence.  The Contraventions Regulations prescribe particular ticket fines for designated contraventions of the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022.

Current examples include:

• Unauthorized hunting under subsection 27(1): $250 per bird;
• Hunting in a specified area during a closed season under subsection 28(1): $250 per bird;
• Hunting under a permit without the required conservation stamp under subsection 31(1): $150;
• Failing to have the hunting permit on one's person under subsection 34(1): $250;
• Hunting within 400 metres of bait contrary to subsection 36(1): $250;
• Hunting with an unauthorized shotgun under paragraph 37(1)(c): $250;
• Hunting while possessing or using toxic shot contrary to subsection 38(1): $500; and
• Exceeding the daily bag limit under subsection 43(1): $250 plus $50 for each additional bird.

These are prescribed ticket amounts for the listed federal contraventions.  They are not a universal penalty schedule for every migratory bird offence.

A prosecution under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 can involve different and substantially greater statutory penalties depending on the offence and how the matter proceeds.

Why Do the Exact Federal Provision and Fine Matter to a Hunting Charge?

A federal migratory bird ticket or summons should be matched to the exact statutory or regulatory provision identified in the charge.

There is no single set of legal elements for every migratory bird offence.  What must be established depends on the particular provision involved.  A closed season charge, permit charge, bag limit charge, shotgun charge, baiting charge, possession charge, or transportation charge can involve different facts, exceptions, and legal requirements.

The provision also determines which prescribed ticket fine or broader statutory penalty framework applies.  The species, location, hunting district, date, permit status, equipment, number of birds, and any applicable exception can therefore be important when reviewing a federal migratory bird charge.

Can Federal and Ontario Rules Apply to the Same Hunt?

Yes.  Federal migratory bird authorization does not replace Ontario hunting requirements.

A hunter may need an MGBH Permit and conservation stamp while also requiring an Ontario Outdoors Card and Small Game Licence.  Ontario rules involving hunter accreditation, firearm use, Sunday gun hunting, private property, municipal restrictions, and other hunting requirements can also apply depending on the circumstances.

The federal and provincial requirements should therefore be considered separately rather than assuming that one licence or permit satisfies both systems.

Where Can You Read the Current Federal Migratory Bird Laws?

Use official Government of Canada and Ontario government sources when checking current migratory bird hunting requirements.

• Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994

  : the principal federal statute protecting migratory birds;

• Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022

  : the detailed federal regulations governing migratory birds and migratory game bird hunting;

• Ontario Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations Summary, 2026–2027

  : current Ontario federal hunting districts, seasons, daily bag limits, possession limits, and special measures;

• Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit

  : current federal permit, Youth MGBH Permit, conservation stamp, and permit information;

• Migratory Game Bird Hunting

  : Environment and Climate Change Canada's main migratory game bird hunting resource;

• Contraventions Regulations

  : prescribed federal ticket descriptions and fines for designated contraventions; and

• Ontario Hunting Licence Information

  : Ontario Outdoors Card, Small Game Licence, and related provincial licensing requirements.

When reviewing conduct from an earlier hunting season, the version of the law and hunting summary that applied on the date of the alleged offence may need to be checked.

How Can DefendCharges.ca™ Help?

DefendCharges.ca™ can help explain how the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022, and related Ontario hunting requirements apply to a particular legal issue.  This can include identifying the applicable federal provision, hunting district, season, permit requirement, bag or possession limit, hunting method rule, prescribed ticket fine, or related Ontario requirement.

Where a hunting ticket, summons, investigation, seizure, or court proceeding is involved, DefendCharges.ca™ can review the applicable federal and provincial legislation, explain the legal issues and potential consequences, and help the person understand their options.

Key Takeaways

• The Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 provides the principal federal statutory framework for protecting migratory birds;
• The Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 contain most of the detailed federal rules governing recreational migratory game bird hunting;
• Part 2 contains the principal recreational hunting rules, while Schedule 3 contains seasons, limits, and special measures;
• Hunting migratory game birds in Ontario ordinarily requires an MGBH Permit, Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp, Ontario Outdoors Card, and Ontario Small Game Licence;
• The current Ontario federal hunting summary covers August 2026 through July 2027;
• Federal law regulates matters including seasons, hunting hours, bag and possession limits, baiting, shotguns, ammunition, retrieval, possession, labelling, and transportation;
• Ontario has a new limited Sandhill Crane hunting season for 2026–2027 in specified areas and subject to specific conditions;
• There is no single federal migratory bird ticket fine because the amount depends on the exact contravention;
• A federal ticket or summons should be matched to the exact legal provision, applicable exception, and prescribed fine; and
• Federal migratory bird requirements apply alongside applicable Ontario hunting requirements.

Conclusion

The Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 and Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 work together to establish the principal federal rules governing migratory birds and migratory game bird hunting in Ontario.  The Act provides the statutory framework, while the Regulations contain most of the detailed requirements involving permits, seasons, hunting districts, limits, hunting methods, ammunition, retrieval, possession, and transportation.  Hunters must also comply with applicable Ontario requirements, and a ticket or summons should be reviewed against the exact federal provision and the law that applied on the date of the alleged offence.