Read from Division of Fisheries and Wildlife on September 6, 2026.
Seasons and limits change, and corrections are issued mid-season. Confirm with Division of Fisheries and Wildlife before you hunt.
Open the official Massachusetts regulationsHunting Massachusetts this season? Keep these dates and bag limits in your pocket — free in the BlindBook app.
Massachusetts is part of the Atlantic Flyway, one of four major migratory bird corridors in North America. The 2026–2027 waterfowl season runs from September 1 through February 13, 2027, with 48 distinct season segments covering ducks, geese, coots, and other migratory game birds. Season dates and bag limits are set annually by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife within frameworks established by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Season dates, bag limits, shooting hours, and other regulatory information are provided for convenience only, may be inaccurate or out of date, and do not constitute legal advice. You are solely responsible for verifying current regulations with your state or provincial wildlife agency before every hunt.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Zone1,2 | Oct 10 – Nov 28 First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 No more than 4 sea ducks; no more than 5 mergansers (any species). Mallard: 4 (no more than 2 females); Wood duck: 3; American black duck: 2; Northern pintail: 1; Canvasback: 2; Redhead: 2; Fulvous whistling duck: 1; Mottled duck: 1; Scaup: 1; Scoter: 3; Eider: 3 (no more than 1 female); Long-tailed duck: 3; No harlequin ducks. Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 18 |
| Dec 15 – Jan 2 Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 No more than 4 sea ducks; no more than 5 mergansers (any species). Mallard: 4 (no more than 2 females); Wood duck: 3; American black duck: 2; Northern pintail: 1; Canvasback: 2; Redhead: 2; Fulvous whistling duck: 1; Mottled duck: 1; Scaup: 1; Scoter: 3; Eider: 3 (no more than 1 female); Long-tailed duck: 3; No harlequin ducks. Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 18 | |
| Coastal Zone2,3,4,5 | Oct 10 – Oct 17 First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 No more than 4 sea ducks; no more than 5 mergansers (any species). Mallard: 4 (no more than 2 females); Wood duck: 3; American black duck: 2; Northern pintail: 1; Canvasback: 2; Redhead: 2; Scaup: 1 (except 2 in coastal zone Jan. 7–27 only); Scoter: 3; Eider: 3 (no more than 1 female); Long-tailed duck: 3; No harlequin ducks. Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 18 |
| Nov 27 – Jan 27 Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 Mallard: 4 (no more than 2 females); Wood duck: 3; American black duck: 2; Northern pintail: 1; Canvasback: 2; Redhead: 2; Scaup: 1 (except 2 in coastal zone Jan. 7–27 only); Scoter: 3; Eider: 3 (no more than 1 female); Long-tailed duck: 3; No harlequin ducks; Sea ducks: no more than 4; Mergansers: no more than 5 (any species); Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 18 | |
| Berkshire Zone6,7 | Oct 12 – Nov 28 First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 Mallard: 4 (no more than 2 females); Wood duck: 3; American black duck: 2; Northern pintail: 1; Canvasback: 2; Redhead: 2; Scaup: 1; Scoter: 3; Eider: 3 (no more than 1 female); Long-tailed duck: 3; No harlequin ducks; Sea ducks: no more than 4; Mergansers: no more than 5 (any species); Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 18 |
| Dec 14 – Jan 2 Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 Mallard: 4 (no more than 2 females); Wood duck: 3; American black duck: 2; Northern pintail: 1; Canvasback: 2; Redhead: 2; Scaup: 1; Scoter: 3; Eider: 3 (no more than 1 female); Long-tailed duck: 3; No harlequin ducks; Sea ducks: no more than 4; Mergansers: no more than 5 (any species); Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 18 |
| Species | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|
| Mallard no more than 2 females | 4 | 12 |
| Wood Duck | 3 | 9 |
| Black Duck | 2 | 6 |
| Pintail (Northern) | 1 | 3 |
| Canvasback | 2 | 6 |
| Redhead | 2 | 6 |
| Lesser Scaup Berkshire Zone · Oct 12–Nov 28 · 1 all seasons/zones | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Scaup Berkshire Zone · Dec 14–Jan 2 · 1 all seasons/zones | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Scaup Central Zone · Oct 10–Nov 28 · Scaup: 1 all seasons/zones | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Scaup Central Zone · Dec 15–Jan 2 · Scaup: 1 all seasons/zones | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Scaup Coastal Zone · 1 in this segment; 2 allowed Jan 7-27 only | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Scaup Coastal Zone · 2 allowed Jan. 7–27 in coastal zone only | 1 | 3 |
| Sea Ducks (general) no more than 4 sea ducks within 6-duck bag | 4 | 12 |
| Scoter (Black) 3 scoters total (any species) | 3 | 9 |
| Common Eider no more than 1 female | 3 | 9 |
| Long-tailed Duck | 3 | 9 |
| Mottled Duck | 1 | 3 |
1No more than 4 sea ducks; no more than 5 mergansers (any species). Mallard: 4 (no more than 2 females); Wood duck: 3; American black duck: 2; Northern pintail: 1; Canvasback: 2; Redhead: 2; Fulvous whistling duck: 1; Mottled duck: 1; Scaup: 1; Scoter: 3; Eider: 3 (no more than 1 female); Long-tailed duck: 3; No harlequin ducks. Hunting prohibited on Sundays.
2Sundays closed statewide.
3No more than 4 sea ducks; no more than 5 mergansers (any species). Mallard: 4 (no more than 2 females); Wood duck: 3; American black duck: 2; Northern pintail: 1; Canvasback: 2; Redhead: 2; Scaup: 1 (except 2 in coastal zone Jan. 7–27 only); Scoter: 3; Eider: 3 (no more than 1 female); Long-tailed duck: 3; No harlequin ducks. Hunting prohibited on Sundays.
4Mallard: 4 (no more than 2 females); Wood duck: 3; American black duck: 2; Northern pintail: 1; Canvasback: 2; Redhead: 2; Scaup: 1 (except 2 in coastal zone Jan. 7–27 only); Scoter: 3; Eider: 3 (no more than 1 female); Long-tailed duck: 3; No harlequin ducks; Sea ducks: no more than 4; Mergansers: no more than 5 (any species); Hunting prohibited on Sundays.
5Scaup: 2 allowed Jan. 7–27 in coastal zone only. Hunting prohibited on Sundays per statewide rule.
6Mallard: 4 (no more than 2 females); Wood duck: 3; American black duck: 2; Northern pintail: 1; Canvasback: 2; Redhead: 2; Scaup: 1; Scoter: 3; Eider: 3 (no more than 1 female); Long-tailed duck: 3; No harlequin ducks; Sea ducks: no more than 4; Mergansers: no more than 5 (any species); Hunting prohibited on Sundays.
7Hunting prohibited on Sundays per statewide rule.
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| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2 | Sep 1 – Sep 25 Early Season | 15 Canada goose only. Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of the Canada goose daily and possession limits. Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 45 |
| North Coastal Zone3,4 | Jan 28 – Feb 13 Late Season · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 15 Canada goose late season. North coastal zone only — portion of Coastal Zone lying north of Cape Cod Canal and east of Sagamore Bridge/Route 3, extending north to NH line. Remainder of Coastal Zone is closed during late season. Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 45 |
| Central Zone5,6,7,8,9,10 | Sep 1 – Sep 25 Early Season | 15 Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of the Canada goose daily and possession limits. | 45 |
| Oct 10 – Nov 28 Regular Canada Goose - First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 2 Bag 2 (Central & Coastal). Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of Canada goose daily/possession limits. Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 6 | |
| Dec 15 – Jan 2 Regular Canada Goose - Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 2 Bag 2 (Central & Coastal). Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of Canada goose daily/possession limits. Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 6 | |
| Jan 16 – Feb 13 Late Season | 15 Canada goose late season. Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 45 | |
| Berkshire Zone5,7,8,11,12,13 | Sep 1 – Sep 25 Early Season | 15 Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of the Canada goose daily and possession limits. | 45 |
| Oct 12 – Nov 28 Regular Season | 3 Canada goose. Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of the Canada goose daily and possession limits. Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 9 | |
| Dec 15 – Feb 13 Late Season | 15 Canada goose late season. Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 45 | |
| Coastal Zone7,8,9,10 | Sep 1 – Sep 25 Early Season | 15 Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of the Canada goose daily and possession limits. | 45 |
| Oct 10 – Oct 17 Regular Canada Goose - First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 2 Bag 2 (Central & Coastal). Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of Canada goose daily/possession limits. Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 6 | |
| Nov 27 – Jan 27 Regular Canada Goose - Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 2 Bag 2 (Central & Coastal). Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of Canada goose daily/possession limits. Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 6 |
1Canada goose only. Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of the Canada goose daily and possession limits. Hunting prohibited on Sundays.
2Early Canada goose season is statewide (all three zones: Berkshire, Central, Coastal all show Sept. 1–Sept. 25). Special shooting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
3Canada goose late season. North coastal zone only — portion of Coastal Zone lying north of Cape Cod Canal and east of Sagamore Bridge/Route 3, extending north to NH line. Remainder of Coastal Zone is closed during late season. Hunting prohibited on Sundays.
4Late Canada goose season is North Coastal Zone only. Source footnote: '*North coastal zone only'.
5Canada goose late season. Hunting prohibited on Sundays.
6Late Canada goose season Central Zone.
7Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of the Canada goose daily and possession limits.
8Early goose season; hunting hours extended to 1/2 hour after sunset. Hunting prohibited on Sundays.
9Bag 2 (Central & Coastal). Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of Canada goose daily/possession limits. Hunting prohibited on Sundays.
10Sundays closed statewide.
11Late Canada goose season Berkshire Zone.
12Canada goose. Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of the Canada goose daily and possession limits. Hunting prohibited on Sundays.
13Regular Canada goose season Berkshire. Page notes 'New this year: Canada Goose Season in the Berkshire Zone increased from 30 days to 45 days; daily bag increased from 1 to 3 birds.'
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Zone1,2 | Nov 27 – Dec 31 Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 1 Coastal Zone only. Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 3 |
1Coastal Zone only. Hunting prohibited on Sundays.
2Berkshire and Central zones listed as '—' (closed). Sundays closed statewide.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Coastal Zone1,2 | Jan 28 – Feb 13 Late Season · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 15 Snow goose late season. North coastal zone only. Ross' and blue geese included. Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 45 |
| Central Zone3,4,5,6 | Oct 10 – Nov 28 First Split | 5 Snow goose (includes Ross' and blue geese). Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 15 |
| Dec 15 – Jan 2 Second Split | 5 Snow goose (includes Ross' and blue geese). Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 15 | |
| Jan 16 – Feb 13 Late Season | 15 Snow goose late season. Ross' and blue geese included. Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 45 | |
| Berkshire Zone5,6 | Oct 12 – Nov 28 First Split | 5 Snow goose (includes Ross' and blue geese). Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 15 |
| Dec 14 – Jan 2 Second Split | 5 Snow goose (includes Ross' and blue geese). Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 15 | |
| Coastal Zone5,6 | Oct 10 – Oct 17 First Split | 5 Snow goose (includes Ross' and blue geese). Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 15 |
| Nov 27 – Jan 27 Second Split | 5 Snow goose (includes Ross' and blue geese). Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 15 |
1Snow goose late season. North coastal zone only. Ross' and blue geese included. Hunting prohibited on Sundays.
2Late snow goose season North Coastal Zone only. Footnote '*North coastal zone only'.
3Snow goose late season. Ross' and blue geese included. Hunting prohibited on Sundays.
4Late snow goose season Central Zone. Berkshire has no late snow goose season (shown as '—').
5Snow goose (includes Ross' and blue geese). Hunting prohibited on Sundays.
6Ross' and blue (snow) geese may be taken as part of the snow goose bag limits.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Zone1,2,3 | Oct 10 – Nov 28 First Split | 15 American coot only. Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 45 |
| Dec 15 – Jan 2 Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 15 Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 45 | |
| Coastal Zone1,2,3 | Oct 10 – Oct 17 First Split | 15 American coot only. Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 45 |
| Nov 27 – Jan 27 Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 15 Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 45 | |
| Berkshire Zone1,2 | Oct 12 – Nov 28 First Split | 15 American coot only. Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 45 |
| Dec 14 – Jan 2 Second Split | 15 American coot only. Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 45 |
1American coot only. Hunting prohibited on Sundays.
2Sundays closed statewide.
3Hunting prohibited on Sundays.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Zone1,2,3 | Oct 10 – Nov 28 First Split | 5 No more than 5 mergansers (any species) within the 6-duck daily bag. Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 15 |
| Dec 15 – Jan 2 Second Split | 5 No more than 5 mergansers (any species) within the 6-duck daily bag. Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 15 | |
| Berkshire Zone1,4,5 | Oct 12 – Nov 28 First Split | 5 No more than 5 mergansers (any species) within the 6-duck daily bag. Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 15 |
| Dec 14 – Jan 2 Second Split | 5 No more than 5 mergansers (any species) within the 6-duck daily bag. Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 15 | |
| Coastal Zone1,6,7 | Oct 10 – Oct 17 First Split | 5 No more than 5 mergansers (any species) within the 6-duck daily bag. Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 15 |
| Nov 27 – Jan 27 Second Split | 5 No more than 5 mergansers (any species) within the 6-duck daily bag. Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 15 |
1No more than 5 mergansers (any species) within the 6-duck daily bag. Hunting prohibited on Sundays.
2Mergansers counted within the 6-duck aggregate daily bag. Concurrent with duck season Central split 1.
3Mergansers counted within the 6-duck aggregate daily bag. Concurrent with duck season Central split 2.
4Mergansers counted within the 6-duck aggregate daily bag; limit is no more than 5 of any species. Concurrent with duck season dates.
5Mergansers counted within the 6-duck aggregate daily bag. Concurrent with duck season Berkshire split 2.
6Mergansers counted within the 6-duck aggregate daily bag. Concurrent with duck season Coastal split 1.
7Mergansers counted within the 6-duck aggregate daily bag. Concurrent with duck season Coastal split 2.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2,3,4 | Sep 26 – Sep 26 Youth Waterfowl Hunt — Day 1 | 6 Ages 12–17 only. Must be accompanied by licensed adult hunter with valid MA waterfowl stamp. One firearm only. Adult may not hunt. All regular season waterfowl hunting regulations and bag limits apply. | 18 |
| Oct 3 – Oct 3 Youth Waterfowl Hunt Day 2 | 6 Youth ages 12–17 only. All regular season waterfowl regulations and bag limits apply. Must be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter with valid MA waterfowl stamp. One firearm only. Adult may not hunt. Note: Youth Deer Hunt is also October 2 and 3, 2026 — special blaze orange rules apply during transit. | 18 |
1Ages 12–17 only. Must be accompanied by licensed adult hunter with valid MA waterfowl stamp. One firearm only. Adult may not hunt. All regular season waterfowl hunting regulations and bag limits apply.
2Two youth waterfowl hunt dates: September 26 and October 3, 2026.
3Youth ages 12–17 only. All regular season waterfowl regulations and bag limits apply. Must be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter with valid MA waterfowl stamp. One firearm only. Adult may not hunt. Note: Youth Deer Hunt is also October 2 and 3, 2026 — special blaze orange rules apply during transit.
4Youth Waterfowl Hunt: October 3, 2026. Note: Youth Deer Hunt is Oct. 2–3, 2026; waterfowl hunters must wear 500 sq in blaze orange in transit to blind/boat on that date.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2,3,4 | Sep 26 – Sep 26 Active Military and Veterans Waterfowl Hunt — Day 1 | 6 Active duty Armed Forces (including National Guard/Reserve on active duty other than training) and veterans as defined by 38 USC 101. Proof of eligibility required. All regular season waterfowl hunting regulations and bag limits apply. | 18 |
| Oct 3 – Oct 3 Active Military and Veterans Waterfowl Hunt Day 2 | 6 Veterans and current active duty Armed Forces (including National Guard and Reserve on active duty) only. Proof of eligibility required. All regular season waterfowl regulations and bag limits apply. Note: Youth Deer Hunt is also October 2 and 3, 2026 — special blaze orange rules apply during transit. | 18 |
1Active duty Armed Forces (including National Guard/Reserve on active duty other than training) and veterans as defined by 38 USC 101. Proof of eligibility required. All regular season waterfowl hunting regulations and bag limits apply.
2Two Active Military and Veterans Waterfowl Hunt dates: September 26 and October 3, 2026.
3Veterans and current active duty Armed Forces (including National Guard and Reserve on active duty) only. Proof of eligibility required. All regular season waterfowl regulations and bag limits apply. Note: Youth Deer Hunt is also October 2 and 3, 2026 — special blaze orange rules apply during transit.
4Active Military and Veterans Waterfowl Hunt: October 3, 2026. Ducks, coot, mergansers, and geese only. Note: Youth Deer Hunt is Oct. 2–3, 2026; waterfowl hunters must wear 500 sq in blaze orange in transit to blind/boat on that date.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2 | Oct 10 – Feb 9 | 3 Ducks and American coot only, no geese. | 9 |
1Ducks and American coot only, no geese.
2Falconry closed Sundays. Daily bag limit is 3, possession limit is 9.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2,3,4,5 | Sep 1 – Dec 15 Snipe | 8 Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 24 |
| Sep 1 – Nov 6 Virginia Rail | 10 Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 30 | |
| Sep 1 – Nov 6 Sora Rail | 5 Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 15 | |
| Oct 1 – Nov 21 American Woodcock | 3 Hunting prohibited on Sundays. | 9 |
1Hunting prohibited on Sundays.
2American woodcock season. Non-toxic shot not required for woodcock.
3Common snipe (Wilson's snipe) season.
4Virginia rail season.
5Sora rail season.
Season dates and bag limits are verified against official state wildlife agency publications and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Data shown is for the 2026-2027 season. This data was verified on September 6, 2026. Always confirm with the official regulations before hunting.
For waterfowl population trends, harvest analysis, and conservation research, see WaterfowlAI Insights.