Hunting Nova Scotia this season? Keep these dates and bag limits in your pocket — free in the BlindBook app.
Nova Scotia is part of the Central Flyway, one of four major migratory bird corridors in North America. The 2026–2027 waterfowl season runs from October 1 through January 22, 2027, with 19 distinct season segments covering ducks, geese, coots, and other migratory game birds. Season dates and bag limits are set annually by the Nova Scotia Dept of Natural Resources and Renewables within frameworks established by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 11,2 | Oct 1 – Jan 15 | 6 | 18 |
| Zone 21,2 | Oct 8 – Jan 22 | 6 | 18 |
Species-by-species limits are being verified against Nova Scotia Dept of Natural Resources and Renewables. Dates and daily bag limits above are confirmed.
1Not more than 1 may be Barrow's Goldeneye. Excludes Harlequin Ducks, Common and Red-breasted Mergansers, Long-tailed Ducks, Eiders, and Scoters.
2Possession limit not more than 1 may be Barrow's Goldeneye. Harlequin Duck: no open season.
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| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 21,2,3 | Sep 1 – Sep 15 Early Season | 5 | 20 |
| Oct 23 – Jan 22 Regular Season | |||
| Zone 11,2,4 | Sep 1 – Sep 15 Early Season | 5 | 20 |
| Oct 1 – Dec 31 Regular Season |
1All geese combined. Plus an additional 5 Canada Geese or Cackling Geese in any combination.
2Early goose season with bonus Canada/Cackling Geese allowance.
3All geese combined. Updated per 2026-2027 regulations: second open season is now Oct 23–Jan 22 (one week later than prior year). Possession limit 20.
4All geese combined. Possession limit 20.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 11 | Oct 1 – Dec 31 Snow/Ross Goose Season | 5 | 20 |
| Zone 21 | Oct 16 – Jan 15 Snow/Ross Goose Season | 5 | 20 |
| Zone 31 | Oct 16 – Jan 15 Snow/Ross Goose Season | 5 | 20 |
1Verified against ECCC 2025-26 NS regs. NS combines ALL geese at 5/20 (Snow/Ross included in combined goose limit). Dates aligned to goose season per zone.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 21,2,3 | Oct 8 – Nov 1 First Segment | 5 | 10 |
| Nov 2 – Dec 31 Second Segment (Eider Season) | |||
| Jan 1 – Jan 22 Third Segment | |||
| Zone 11,2,3,4 | Oct 1 – Nov 1 First Segment | 5 | 10 |
| Nov 2 – Dec 31 Second Segment (Eider Season) | |||
| Jan 1 – Jan 15 Third Segment |
1Not more than 4 may be Scoters. No Eiders this segment. Includes Common and Red-breasted Mergansers, Long-tailed Ducks, Eiders, and Scoters combined.
2Possession limit: not more than 4 may be Eiders and not more than 8 may be Scoters.
3Not more than 2 may be Eiders (of which not more than 1 may be female), not more than 4 may be Scoters. Only season for Eiders. Includes Common and Red-breasted Mergansers, Long-tailed Ducks, Eiders, and Scoters combined.
4Possession limit: not more than 4 may be Eiders and not more than 8 may be Scoters (overall across all segments).
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 11,2 | Oct 1 – Nov 30 | 8 | 16 |
| Oct 1 – Nov 30 | |||
| Zone 21,2 | Oct 1 – Nov 30 | 8 | 16 |
| Oct 1 – Nov 30 |
1Woodcock season. Lead shot allowed for woodcock (non-toxic shot exemption applies to woodcock in NS).
2Snipe 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 July 16, 2026. Always confirm with your state's official regulations before hunting.
For waterfowl population trends, harvest analysis, and conservation research, see WaterfowlAI Insights.