The federal Migratory Birds Convention Act and its regulations govern the hunting of migratory game birds.
The term "migratory game birds" includes:
- waterfowl
- common moorhens
- American coots
- common snipe
- woodcock
- rails (other than yellow and king rails which cannot be harvested)
To hunt migratory game birds in Ontario you must have a federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp AS WELL AS an Ontario licence to hunt small game. (This includes hunting with falconry birds and non-indigenous falconry birds.)
Ontario residents may buy a Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp at most post offices. Ontario residents may buy an Ontario licence to hunt small game over the Internet or from a participating licence issuer or ServiceOntario counter.
Migratory game birds are the responsibility of the federal government. Please refer to the federal Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations for open season dates, hunting districts, bag and possession limits, non-toxic shot requirements and the reporting of banded birds on Environment Canada's migratory birds website.
Additional useful information is available on Environment Canada's Enforcement website.
