Read from Department of Environmental Conservation on September 14, 2026.
Seasons and limits change, and corrections are issued mid-season. Confirm with Department of Environmental Conservation before you hunt.
Open the official New York regulationsHunting New York this season? Keep these dates and bag limits in your pocket — free in the BlindBook app.
New York 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 March 31, 2027, with 90 distinct season segments covering ducks, geese, coots, and other migratory game birds. Season dates and bag limits are set annually by the Department of Environmental Conservation 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bag limits, shooting hours, and other regulatory information are provided for convenience only, may be inaccurate or out of date, and do not constitute legal advice.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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern Zone1,2,3,4 | Oct 10 – Nov 29 First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 No harlequin ducks; ≤4 mallards (2 hens max); ≤3 wood ducks; ≤2 black ducks; ≤3 pintail; ≤1 scaup (2 during the special 20-day scaup window); ≤2 redheads; ≤2 canvasback; ≤4 sea ducks total (≤3 scoters, ≤3 eiders of which ≤1 hen, ≤3 long-tailed ducks). Includes mergansers and sea ducks in the 6-duck bag. | 18 |
| Nov 19 – Nov 29 Scaup Season - First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 2 2 scaup daily bag limit during this period | 6 | |
| Dec 12 – Dec 20 Scaup Season - Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 2 2 scaup daily bag limit during this period | 6 | |
| Dec 12 – Dec 20 Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 No harlequin ducks; ≤4 mallards (2 hens max); ≤3 wood ducks; ≤2 black ducks; ≤3 pintail; ≤1 scaup (2 during the special 20-day scaup window); ≤2 redheads; ≤2 canvasback; ≤4 sea ducks total (≤3 scoters, ≤3 eiders of which ≤1 hen, ≤3 long-tailed ducks). Includes mergansers and sea ducks in the 6-duck bag. | 18 | |
| Southeastern Zone1,2,4,5 | Oct 10 – Oct 18 First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 No harlequin ducks; ≤4 mallards (2 hens max); ≤3 wood ducks; ≤2 black ducks; ≤3 pintail; ≤1 scaup (2 during the special 20-day scaup window Dec. 8-Dec. 27); ≤2 redheads; ≤2 canvasback; ≤4 sea ducks total (≤3 scoters, ≤3 eiders of which ≤1 hen, ≤3 long-tailed ducks). Includes mergansers and sea ducks in the 6-duck bag. | 18 |
| Nov 7 – Dec 27 Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 No harlequin ducks; ≤4 mallards (2 hens max); ≤3 wood ducks; ≤2 black ducks; ≤3 pintail; ≤1 scaup (2 during the special 20-day scaup window Dec. 8-Dec. 27); ≤2 redheads; ≤2 canvasback; ≤4 sea ducks total (≤3 scoters, ≤3 eiders of which ≤1 hen, ≤3 long-tailed ducks). Includes mergansers and sea ducks in the 6-duck bag. | 18 | |
| Dec 8 – Dec 27 Scaup Season · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 2 2 scaup daily bag limit during this period | 6 | |
| Western Zone2,3,4,6 | Oct 10 – Nov 1 First Split | 6 No harlequin ducks; ≤4 mallards (2 hens max); ≤3 wood ducks; ≤2 black ducks; ≤3 pintail; ≤1 scaup (2 during the special 20-day scaup window); ≤2 redheads; ≤2 canvasback; ≤4 sea ducks total (≤3 scoters, ≤3 eiders of which ≤1 hen, ≤3 long-tailed ducks). Includes mergansers and sea ducks in the 6-duck bag. | 18 |
| Dec 5 – Jan 10 Second Split | 6 No harlequin ducks; ≤4 mallards (2 hens max); ≤3 wood ducks; ≤2 black ducks; ≤3 pintail; ≤1 scaup (2 during the special 20-day scaup window); ≤2 redheads; ≤2 canvasback; ≤4 sea ducks total (≤3 scoters, ≤3 eiders of which ≤1 hen, ≤3 long-tailed ducks). Includes mergansers and sea ducks in the 6-duck bag. | 18 | |
| Dec 22 – Jan 10 Scaup Season · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 2 2 scaup daily bag limit during this 20-day period (overlaps with regular duck season second split) | 6 | |
| Lake Champlain Zone1,2,3,4,5 | Oct 10 – Nov 1 First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 No harlequin ducks; ≤4 mallards (2 hens max); ≤3 wood ducks; ≤2 black ducks; ≤3 pintail; ≤1 scaup (2 during the special 20-day scaup window); ≤2 redheads; ≤2 canvasback; ≤4 sea ducks total (≤3 scoters, ≤3 eiders of which ≤1 hen, ≤3 long-tailed ducks). Includes mergansers and sea ducks in the 6-duck bag. | 18 |
| Nov 21 – Dec 27 Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 No harlequin ducks; ≤4 mallards (2 hens max); ≤3 wood ducks; ≤2 black ducks; ≤3 pintail; ≤1 scaup (2 during the special 20-day scaup window Dec. 8-Dec. 27); ≤2 redheads; ≤2 canvasback; ≤4 sea ducks total (≤3 scoters, ≤3 eiders of which ≤1 hen, ≤3 long-tailed ducks). Includes mergansers and sea ducks in the 6-duck bag. | 18 | |
| Dec 8 – Dec 27 Scaup Season · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 2 2 scaup daily bag limit during this period | 6 | |
| Long Island Zone1,2,4,7 | Nov 21 – Nov 29 First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 No harlequin ducks; ≤4 mallards (2 hens max); ≤3 wood ducks; ≤2 black ducks; ≤3 pintail; ≤1 scaup (2 during the special 20-day scaup window Jan. 12-Jan. 31); ≤2 redheads; ≤2 canvasback; ≤4 sea ducks total (≤3 scoters, ≤3 eiders of which ≤1 hen, ≤3 long-tailed ducks). Includes mergansers and sea ducks in the 6-duck bag. | 18 |
| Dec 12 – Jan 31 Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 No harlequin ducks; ≤4 mallards (2 hens max); ≤3 wood ducks; ≤2 black ducks; ≤3 pintail; ≤1 scaup (2 during the special 20-day scaup window Jan. 12-Jan. 31); ≤2 redheads; ≤2 canvasback; ≤4 sea ducks total (≤3 scoters, ≤3 eiders of which ≤1 hen, ≤3 long-tailed ducks). Includes mergansers and sea ducks in the 6-duck bag. | 18 | |
| Jan 12 – Jan 31 Scaup Season · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 2 2 scaup daily bag limit during this period | 6 |
| Species | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Duck | 3 | 9 |
| Black Duck | 2 | 6 |
| Pintail (Northern) | 3 | 9 |
| Lesser Scaup Long Island Zone · 2 may be taken Jan. 12-Jan. 31 | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Scaup Northeastern Zone · Oct 10–Nov 29 · 2 may be taken during the 20-day scaup window | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Scaup Lake Champlain Zone · Oct 10–Nov 1 · 2 may be taken during the 20-day scaup window | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Scaup Western Zone · Oct 10–Nov 1 · 2 may be taken during the 20-day scaup window | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Scaup Southeastern Zone · 2 may be taken during the 20-day scaup window Dec. 8-Dec. 27 | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Scaup Long Island Zone · 2 may be taken during the 20-day scaup window Jan. 12-Jan. 31 | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Scaup Southeastern Zone · Nov 7–Dec 27 · 2 may be taken Dec. 8-Dec. 27 | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Scaup Lake Champlain Zone · Nov 21–Dec 27 · 2 may be taken Dec. 8-Dec. 27 | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Scaup Western Zone · 2 may be taken during the 20-day scaup window (Dec. 22 - Jan. 10) | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Scaup Northeastern Zone · 2 may be taken during the 20-day scaup window (Nov. 19-Nov. 29, Dec. 12-Dec. 20) | 1 | 3 |
| Greater Scaup Long Island Zone · 2 may be taken Jan. 12-Jan. 31 | 1 | 3 |
| Greater Scaup Northeastern Zone · Oct 10–Nov 29 · 2 may be taken during the 20-day scaup window | 1 | 3 |
| Greater Scaup Lake Champlain Zone · Oct 10–Nov 1 · 2 may be taken during the 20-day scaup window | 1 | 3 |
| Greater Scaup Western Zone · Oct 10–Nov 1 · 2 may be taken during the 20-day scaup window | 1 | 3 |
| Greater Scaup Southeastern Zone · 2 may be taken during the 20-day scaup window Dec. 8-Dec. 27 | 1 | 3 |
| Greater Scaup Long Island Zone · 2 may be taken during the 20-day scaup window Jan. 12-Jan. 31 | 1 | 3 |
| Greater Scaup Southeastern Zone · Nov 7–Dec 27 · 2 may be taken Dec. 8-Dec. 27 | 1 | 3 |
| Greater Scaup Lake Champlain Zone · Nov 21–Dec 27 · 2 may be taken Dec. 8-Dec. 27 | 1 | 3 |
| Greater Scaup Western Zone · 2 may be taken during the 20-day scaup window (Dec. 22 - Jan. 10) | 1 | 3 |
| Greater Scaup Northeastern Zone · 2 may be taken during the 20-day scaup window (Nov. 19-Nov. 29, Dec. 12-Dec. 20) | 1 | 3 |
| Redhead | 2 | 6 |
| Canvasback | 2 | 6 |
| Sea Ducks (general) ≤3 scoters, ≤3 eiders (≤1 hen), ≤3 long-tailed ducks | 4 | 12 |
| Harlequin Duck Closed | 0 | 0 |
| Mallard no more than 2 hens | 4 | 12 |
12 scaup daily bag limit during this period
2Scaup-specific dates within the regular duck season
3No harlequin ducks; ≤4 mallards (2 hens max); ≤3 wood ducks; ≤2 black ducks; ≤3 pintail; ≤1 scaup (2 during the special 20-day scaup window); ≤2 redheads; ≤2 canvasback; ≤4 sea ducks total (≤3 scoters, ≤3 eiders of which ≤1 hen, ≤3 long-tailed ducks). Includes mergansers and sea ducks in the 6-duck bag.
4Crippled sea ducks may be taken under power in the special sea duck area only.
5No harlequin ducks; ≤4 mallards (2 hens max); ≤3 wood ducks; ≤2 black ducks; ≤3 pintail; ≤1 scaup (2 during the special 20-day scaup window Dec. 8-Dec. 27); ≤2 redheads; ≤2 canvasback; ≤4 sea ducks total (≤3 scoters, ≤3 eiders of which ≤1 hen, ≤3 long-tailed ducks). Includes mergansers and sea ducks in the 6-duck bag.
62 scaup daily bag limit during this 20-day period (overlaps with regular duck season second split)
7No harlequin ducks; ≤4 mallards (2 hens max); ≤3 wood ducks; ≤2 black ducks; ≤3 pintail; ≤1 scaup (2 during the special 20-day scaup window Jan. 12-Jan. 31); ≤2 redheads; ≤2 canvasback; ≤4 sea ducks total (≤3 scoters, ≤3 eiders of which ≤1 hen, ≤3 long-tailed ducks). Includes mergansers and sea ducks in the 6-duck bag.
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| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast1,2,3,4,5Northeast goose zone. NY DEC migratory game bird seasons page; Canada goose hunting zone, distinct from the five duck zones (all of which still carry live 2026 rows). Registered 2026-08-23. | Sep 1 – Sep 25 September Season · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 15 Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of the Canada goose daily and possession limits. Electronic calls and shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shells permitted during September when other waterfowl seasons are closed. | 45 |
| Oct 24 – Nov 29 Regular Season - First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 3 Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of the Canada goose daily and possession limits. | 9 | |
| Dec 12 – Dec 19 Regular Season - Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 3 Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of the Canada goose daily and possession limits. | 9 | |
| East Central1,2,3,4,5East Central goose zone. NY DEC migratory game bird seasons page; Canada goose hunting zone, distinct from the five duck zones (all of which still carry live 2026 rows). Registered 2026-08-23. | Sep 1 – Sep 25 September Season · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 15 Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of the Canada goose daily and possession limits. Electronic calls and shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shells permitted during September when other waterfowl seasons are closed. | 45 |
| Oct 24 – Nov 20 Regular Season - First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 3 Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of the Canada goose daily and possession limits. | 9 | |
| Dec 5 – Dec 21 Regular Season - Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 3 Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of the Canada goose daily and possession limits. | 9 | |
| West Central1,2,3,6West Central goose zone. NY DEC migratory game bird seasons page; Canada goose hunting zone, distinct from the five duck zones (all of which still carry live 2026 rows). Registered 2026-08-23. | Sep 1 – Sep 25 September Season · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 15 Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of the Canada goose daily and possession limits. Electronic calls and shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shells permitted during September when other waterfowl seasons are closed. | 45 |
| Nov 7 – Dec 21 Regular Season · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 3 Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of the Canada goose daily and possession limits. | 9 | |
| Central Long Island7,8,9,10Central Long Island goose zone. NY DEC migratory game bird seasons page; Canada goose hunting zone, distinct from the five duck zones (all of which still carry live 2026 rows). Registered 2026-08-23. | Sep 8 – Sep 30 September Season | 15 Cackling and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of the Canada goose limit. | 45 |
| Nov 21 – Nov 29 Regular Season First Split | 3 Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of Canada goose limits. Daily limit 3. | 9 | |
| Dec 5 – Feb 3 Regular Season Second Split | 3 Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of Canada goose limits. Daily limit 3. | 9 | |
| South11,12,13,14South goose zone. NY DEC migratory game bird seasons page; Canada goose hunting zone, distinct from the five duck zones (all of which still carry live 2026 rows). Registered 2026-08-23. | Sep 1 – Sep 25 September Season | 15 Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of Canada goose limits. | 45 |
| Oct 24 – Jan 11 Regular Season | 5 Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of Canada goose limits. Daily limit 5. | 15 | |
| Eastern Long Island7,8,15,16,17Eastern Long Island goose zone. NY DEC migratory game bird seasons page; Canada goose hunting zone, distinct from the five duck zones (all of which still carry live 2026 rows). Registered 2026-08-23. | Sep 8 – Sep 30 September Season | 15 Cackling and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of the Canada goose limit. | 45 |
| Nov 21 – Nov 29 Regular Season First Split | 2 Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of Canada goose limits. Daily limit 2. | 6 | |
| Dec 5 – Jan 24 Regular Season Second Split | 2 Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of Canada goose limits. Daily limit 2. | 6 | |
| Western Long Island18,19Western Long Island goose zone. NY DEC migratory game bird seasons page; Canada goose hunting zone, distinct from the five duck zones (all of which still carry live 2026 rows). Registered 2026-08-23. | Nov 7 – Feb 21 Regular Season - Western Long Island · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 8 Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of Canada goose limits. Western Long Island goose zone. | 24 |
| Lake Champlain Goose Hunting Area9,10,11,13,14,20NYSDEC 2026-27 Canada goose area. Distinct from the Lake Champlain DUCK zone. | Sep 1 – Sep 25 September Season | 8 Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of Canada goose limits. | 24 |
| Oct 10 – Nov 23 Regular Season First Split | 3 Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of Canada goose limits. Daily limit 3. | 9 | |
| Dec 1 – Jan 4 Regular Season Second Split | 5 Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of Canada goose limits. Daily limit 5. | 15 | |
| Hudson Valley9,10,11,12Hudson Valley goose zone. NY DEC migratory game bird seasons page; Canada goose hunting zone, distinct from the five duck zones (all of which still carry live 2026 rows). Registered 2026-08-23. | Sep 1 – Sep 25 September Season | 15 Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of Canada goose limits. | 45 |
| Nov 7 – Dec 21 Regular Season | 3 Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of Canada goose limits. Daily limit 3. | 9 |
1Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of the Canada goose daily and possession limits. Electronic calls and shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shells permitted during September when other waterfowl seasons are closed.
2Canada Goose. September season. Daily limit 15.
3Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of the Canada goose daily and possession limits.
4Canada Goose. Regular season split 1. Daily limit 3.
5Canada Goose. Regular season split 2. Daily limit 3.
6Canada Goose. Regular season. Daily limit 3.
7Cackling and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of the Canada goose limit.
8September season, daily limit 15.
9Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of Canada goose limits. Daily limit 3.
10Daily limit is 3 per the map notation.
11Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of Canada goose limits.
12Sept. season daily limit 15.
13Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of Canada goose limits. Daily limit 5.
14Daily limit is 5 per the map notation superscript.
15Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of Canada goose limits. Daily limit 2.
16Daily limit is 2 per the map notation superscript.
17Daily limit is 2 per the map notation.
18Cackling geese and white-fronted geese may be taken as part of Canada goose limits. Western Long Island goose zone.
19Canada Goose Regular Season; Western Long Island goose zone; daily limit 8
20Sept. season daily limit is 8 for Lake Champlain area.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| NortheastNortheast goose zone. NY DEC migratory game bird seasons page; Canada goose hunting zone, distinct from the five duck zones (all of which still carry live 2026 rows). Registered 2026-08-23. | Oct 10 – Nov 8 | 1 | 3 |
| Northeastern Zone | Oct 10 – Nov 8 Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 1 | 3 |
| Southeastern Zone | Oct 10 – Nov 8 | 1 | 3 |
| Western Zone | Oct 10 – Nov 8 Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 1 | 3 |
| Long Island Zone | Jan 2 – Jan 31 Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 1 | 3 |
| Lake Champlain Zone | Oct 10 – Nov 8 | 1 | 3 |
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern Zone1,2 | Oct 1 – Dec 31 First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 25 Pending regulatory changes to the Spring Conservation order. Possession limit: no limit. | – |
| Feb 26 – Mar 10 Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 25 Pending regulatory changes to the Spring Conservation order. Possession limit: no limit. | – | |
| Southeastern Zone1,2 | Nov 24 – Mar 10 | 25 Pending regulatory changes to the Spring Conservation order. Possession limit: no limit. | – |
| Western Zone1,2 | Nov 24 – Mar 10 | 25 Pending regulatory changes to the Spring Conservation order. Possession limit: no limit. | – |
| Long Island Zone1,2 | Nov 24 – Mar 10 | 25 Pending regulatory changes to the Spring Conservation order. Possession limit: no limit. | – |
| Lake Champlain Zone1,2 | Oct 1 – Dec 31 First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 25 Pending regulatory changes to the Spring Conservation order. Possession limit: no limit. | – |
| Feb 26 – Mar 10 Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 25 Pending regulatory changes to the Spring Conservation order. Possession limit: no limit. | – |
1Pending regulatory changes to the Spring Conservation order. Possession limit: no limit.
2Snow geese: 25/day, no possession limit. Pending regulatory changes to Spring Conservation order.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern Zone1 | Oct 10 – Nov 29 First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 15 | 45 |
| Dec 12 – Dec 20 Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 15 | 45 | |
| Southeastern Zone1 | Oct 10 – Oct 18 First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 15 | 45 |
| Nov 7 – Dec 27 Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 15 | 45 | |
| Western Zone2,3 | Oct 10 – Nov 1 First Split | 15 | 45 |
| Dec 5 – Jan 10 Second Split | 15 | 45 | |
| Long Island Zone1 | Nov 21 – Nov 29 First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 15 | 45 |
| Dec 12 – Jan 31 Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 15 | 45 | |
| Lake Champlain Zone1 | Oct 10 – Nov 1 First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 15 | 45 |
| Nov 21 – Dec 27 Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 15 | 45 |
1Listed together with ducks/mergansers in season table
2Concurrent with duck season in Western Zone, first split.
3Concurrent with duck season in Western Zone, second split.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern Zone1,2,3 | Oct 10 – Nov 29 First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 Mergansers counted within the 6-duck aggregate bag limit. | 18 |
| Dec 12 – Dec 20 Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 Mergansers counted within the 6-duck aggregate bag limit. | 18 | |
| Southeastern Zone1,2,3 | Oct 10 – Oct 18 First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 Mergansers counted within the 6-duck aggregate bag limit. | 18 |
| Nov 7 – Dec 27 Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 Mergansers counted within the 6-duck aggregate bag limit. | 18 | |
| Western Zone1,2,3 | Oct 10 – Nov 1 First Split | 6 Mergansers counted within the 6-duck aggregate bag limit. | 18 |
| Dec 5 – Jan 10 Second Split | 6 Mergansers counted within the 6-duck aggregate bag limit. | 18 | |
| Lake Champlain Zone1,2,3 | Oct 10 – Nov 1 First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 Mergansers counted within the 6-duck aggregate bag limit. | 18 |
| Nov 21 – Dec 27 Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 Mergansers counted within the 6-duck aggregate bag limit. | 18 | |
| Long Island Zone1,2,3 | Nov 21 – Nov 29 First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 Mergansers counted within the 6-duck aggregate bag limit. | 18 |
| Dec 12 – Jan 31 Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 Mergansers counted within the 6-duck aggregate bag limit. | 18 |
1Mergansers counted within the 6-duck aggregate bag limit.
2Mergansers included in the 6-duck daily bag. Concurrent with duck season split 1.
3Mergansers included in the 6-duck daily bag. Concurrent with duck season split 2.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern Zone1,2 | Sep 26 – Sep 27 Source unconfirmed — check state regs | – Junior Hunters only (ages 12-15 with junior hunting license). Bag limits same as regular season. Adult mentor may not carry firearm/longbow/crossbow. | – |
| Southeastern Zone1,2 | Sep 26 – Sep 27 Source unconfirmed — check state regs | – Junior Hunters only (ages 12-15 with junior hunting license). Bag limits same as regular season. Adult mentor may not carry firearm/longbow/crossbow. | – |
| Western Zone1,2 | Sep 26 – Sep 27 Source unconfirmed — check state regs | – Junior Hunters only (ages 12-15 with junior hunting license). Bag limits same as regular season. Adult mentor may not carry firearm/longbow/crossbow. | – |
| Lake Champlain Zone1,2 | Sep 26 – Sep 27 Source unconfirmed — check state regs | – Junior Hunters only (ages 12-15 with junior hunting license). Bag limits same as regular season. Adult mentor may not carry firearm/longbow/crossbow. | – |
| Long Island Zone1,2 | Nov 7 – Nov 8 Source unconfirmed — check state regs | – Junior Hunters only (ages 12-15 with junior hunting license). Bag limits same as regular season. Adult mentor may not carry firearm/longbow/crossbow. | – |
1Junior Hunters only (ages 12-15 with junior hunting license). Bag limits same as regular season. Adult mentor may not carry firearm/longbow/crossbow.
22-day special season for junior hunters
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern Zone1,2 | Sep 26 – Sep 27 Source unconfirmed — check state regs | – Any person who meets the definition of active military or veteran (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code). Daily bag limits same as regular season. | – |
| Southeastern Zone1,2 | Nov 7 – Nov 8 Source unconfirmed — check state regs | – Any person who meets the definition of active military or veteran (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code). Daily bag limits same as regular season. | – |
| Western Zone1,3 | Nov 7 – Nov 8 | – Any person who meets the definition of active military or veteran (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code). Daily bag limits same as regular season. | – |
| Long Island Zone1,3 | Nov 7 – Nov 8 | – Any person who meets the definition of active military or veteran (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code). Daily bag limits same as regular season. | – |
Not yet confirmed against the official source. We have not matched every value here to Department of Environmental Conservation. Check the official regulations before you hunt.
1Any person who meets the definition of active military or veteran (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code). Daily bag limits same as regular season.
2Two special veteran/active military days: Sept. 26 and Sept. 27
3Two special veteran/active military days: Nov. 7 and Nov. 8
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2 | Oct 1 – Nov 14 Woodcock · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 3 Upstate NY only (north of Bronx-Westchester County boundary). Long Island: same dates. Non-toxic shot NOT required. HIP required. Federal Migratory Bird Stamp NOT required. | 9 |
| Northeastern Zone3 | Oct 10 – Nov 8 Brant Season · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 1 | 3 |
| Southeastern Zone3 | Oct 10 – Nov 8 Brant Season · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 1 | 3 |
| Western Zone3 | Oct 10 – Nov 8 Brant Season · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 1 | 3 |
| Long Island Zone3,4,5 | Oct 1 – Nov 14 Woodcock · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 3 Federal Migratory Bird Stamp NOT required. HIP registration required. | 9 |
| Jan 2 – Jan 31 Brant Season · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 1 | 3 | |
| Upstate New York6,7,8,9,10,11Upstate New York goose zone. NY DEC migratory game bird seasons page; Canada goose hunting zone, distinct from the five duck zones (all of which still carry live 2026 rows). Registered 2026-08-23. | Sep 1 – Mar 31 Crow | – Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays & Mondays ONLY. Electronic calls and rifles permitted. No duck stamp required. | – |
| Sep 1 – Nov 9 Snipe · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 8 Non-toxic shot required. HIP registration required. Federal Migratory Bird Stamp NOT required. | 24 | |
| Oct 1 – Nov 14 Woodcock | 3 Fed Migratory Bird Stamp NOT Required. Non-toxic shot NOT required. | 9 | |
| Lake Champlain Zone3 | Oct 10 – Nov 8 Brant Season · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 1 | 3 |
1Upstate NY only (north of Bronx-Westchester County boundary). Long Island: same dates. Non-toxic shot NOT required. HIP required. Federal Migratory Bird Stamp NOT required.
2American Woodcock season. Upstate and Long Island both Oct. 1 - Nov. 14. Daily bag 3, possession 9.
3Brant season
4Federal Migratory Bird Stamp NOT required. HIP registration required.
5Woodcock season. Long Island (WMUs 1A and 1C - Nassau and Suffolk counties). Bag limit 3/day, 9 in possession.
6Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays & Mondays ONLY. Electronic calls and rifles permitted. No duck stamp required.
7No bag limit for crows. Hunting on Fri., Sat., Sun. & Mon. only.
8Fed Migratory Bird Stamp NOT Required. Non-toxic shot NOT required.
9American Woodcock season, Upstate New York.
10Non-toxic shot required. HIP registration required. Federal Migratory Bird Stamp NOT required.
11Common Snipe (Wilson's Snipe) season. Upstate NY. 8/day, 24 in possession. Long Island: Closed.
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 14, 2026. Always confirm with the official regulations before hunting.
For waterfowl population trends, harvest analysis, and conservation research, see WaterfowlAI Insights.