WVDNR Announces Migratory Game Bird Seasons and Regulation Changes

Youth age limit expanded, new federal duck bag limits take effect Sept. 1 for the 2025-2026 waterfowl season

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced season dates and new regulations for the 2025-2026 migratory game bird hunting seasons, which open Sept. 1 in accordance with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s annual guidelines.

“From expanded youth participation to increased bag limits, updates to this year’s Migratory Game Bird Regulations give hunters more flexibility in the field and more opportunities to get out and enjoy West Virginia’s waterfowl hunting,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. 

The youth waterfowl season now includes everyone under the age of 18, concurrent waterfowl and deer gun season limitations have been modified and an interim strategy adopted by the USFWS increases the northern pintail bag limit to three and the possession limit to nine. Duck segment dates have also been adjusted.

Seasons for mourning dove, sora and Virginia rail, Wilson’s snipe and Canada goose will open on Sept. 1. Additional season dates are listed in the West Virginia Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations Summary, available to download at WVdnr.gov/hunting-regulations.

Hunters are reminded to report harvested banded birds online at reportband.gov and to purchase a federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly known as a duck stamp. Stamps are now available for purchase online at duckstamp.com/e-stamp.

Federal regulations also require all licensed migratory bird hunters, including lifetime license holders and senior citizens, to register with the Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) and carry proof of registration while hunting. HIP cards are free and available at authorized license agents and online at WVhunt.com.