Understanding Canada Migratory Game Bird Permit: A Guide for Hunters

What is the Canada Migratory Game Bird Permit?

Federal game officers enforce the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (MBCA) and its many associated regulations throughout Canada. This law regulates human activities, such as hunting, to oversee and aid wildlife conservation. Unregulated hunting would adversely impact already at risk species. The Migratory Bird Game Hunting (MGBH) Permit limits hunting seasons as well as game species.

Who Needs a Permit?

Adult Hunters

To hunt migratory game birds in Canada, you must have and present a valid federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting (MGBH) permit upon request by game officers. Your MGBH permit is valid anywhere in Canada to be used by you alone; it is not transferable. The cost of the MGBH permit (including $8.50 for the CWHC stamp) is $17.00 plus applicable taxes.

Carry your permit with you at all times, either in physical or electronic form, when hunting or when in possession of unpreserved migratory game birds or murres, in a place other than your home.

Hunters under the age of 18

The Youth MGBH permit is available to hunters who are minors (under the age of 18) at the time of application. It is valid until the following June, even if the permit holder turns 18 by then. Young hunters may practice their skills under the supervision of an adult hunter (known as a mentor) throughout the full open seasons and the special conservation season in spring. The Youth MGBH permit is free of charge and provides holders with their own daily bag and possession limits. Please note that youth must be accompanied an adult MGBH permit holder at all times.

• The mentor must hold a valid MGBH permit when out hunting with Youth MGBH permit holders, and must have also held one in a previous year
• In Ontario, the mentor may accompany 1 youth hunter
• A mentor may hunt him/herself while out with Youth MGBH permit holders

Hunters with Dogs

Hunting with your dog is exciting and rewarding. In most areas, using dogs to retrieve small game is permitted. Check with local authorities to see if your dog needs a special license or registration.

Hunting with Birds of Prey 

Falconry is one of the very oldest hunting traditions. If you are planning to use birds of prey to hunt, you must have a falonry license as well as a valid small game license. There are other requirements both for falconry birds and for non-indigenous falconry birds (such as leg bands and reporting). 

Types of Migratory Game Birds Covered

Waterfowl

Waterfowl refers to aquatic birds, specifically those that swim. Worldwide, there are over 180 species of waterfowl. In Ontario, when we speak of waterfows game, we generally talk about ducks and geese.

Upland Game Birds

Upland game birds are non-waterfowl game birds in groundcover-rich terrestrial ecosystems above wetlands and riparian zones. In Ontario, this includes pigeons, doves, partridges, turkeys, pheasants, and quail.

Other Protected Species

Since most species are protected in Canada, it is of utmost imortance that you check your MGBH permit as well as local regulations. Failing to do so can be costly and involve litigation.

Hunting Regulations and Restrictions

Bag Limits and Possession Limits

Bag limits refer to daily limits of hunted birds, while possession limits are the maximum number of unpreserved birds, or any murres, that a person may have in their possession at any time. You can view Ontario limits here »

Hunting Seasons

As a rule of thumb, ducks can be hunted from September 28th until January 12th while geese (Canada Geese and Cackling Geese) season is restricted to September 1st until December 16th. Again, you should always check and/or confirm with local authorities.

Prohibited Hunting Methods

At no time ever are you allowed to bait with poison. Similarly, only non-toxic shot may be used for game birds. Lead shot is toxic and not permitted. Also, prohibited (fully automatic) weapons may not be used for hunting. You are permitted to use air or pellet rifles to hunt small game.

Hawkeye: Your Resource for Compliance and Conservation

Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control is not only a leader in Bird Control, but we are also deeply involved in conservation efforts and rehabilitation of injured birds of prey. There is a delicate balance and equilibrium that must be observed and maintained to preserve and foster many of our important eco systems.