Read from Game Commission on September 14, 2026.
Seasons and limits change, and corrections are issued mid-season. Confirm with Game Commission before you hunt.
Open the official Pennsylvania regulationsHunting Pennsylvania this season? Keep these dates and bag limits in your pocket — free in the BlindBook app.
Pennsylvania 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 10, 2027, with 57 distinct season segments covering ducks, geese, coots, and other migratory game birds. Season dates and bag limits are set annually by the Game Commission 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bag limits, shooting hours, and other regulatory information are provided for convenience only, may be inaccurate or out of date, and do not constitute legal advice.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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Zone1,2,3 | Oct 10 – Nov 27 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only First Split · Closed Sundays | 6 4 mallards (no more than 2 hens); 1 scaup daily Oct. 10-Nov. 25, 2 scaup daily Nov. 26-27; 2 black ducks; 3 wood ducks; 2 redheads; 2 canvasbacks; 3 pintail; 4 sea ducks daily (12 possession). No open season for Harlequin Ducks. Closed Sundays. | 18 |
| Dec 21 – Jan 9 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Second Split · Closed Sundays | 6 4 mallards (no more than 2 hens); 2 scaup daily Dec. 21-Jan. 9; 2 black ducks; 3 wood ducks; 2 redheads; 2 canvasbacks; 3 pintail; 4 sea ducks daily (12 possession). No open season for Harlequin Ducks. Closed Sundays. | 18 | |
| North Zone2,4,5 | Oct 10 – Oct 24 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only First Split · Closed Sundays | 6 4 mallards (no more than 2 hens); 1 scaup (2 scaup at times); 2 black ducks; 3 wood ducks; 2 redheads; 2 canvasbacks; 3 pintail; 4 sea ducks daily (12 possession). No open season for Harlequin Ducks. Closed Sundays. 1 scaup daily Oct. 10-24. | 18 |
| Nov 17 – Jan 9 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Second Split · Closed Sundays | 6 4 mallards (no more than 2 hens); 1 scaup daily Nov. 17-Dec. 17, 2 scaup daily Dec. 18-Jan. 9; 2 black ducks; 3 wood ducks; 2 redheads; 2 canvasbacks; 3 pintail; 4 sea ducks daily (12 possession). No open season for Harlequin Ducks. Closed Sundays. | 18 | |
| South Zone2,6,7 | Oct 10 – Oct 17 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only First Split · Closed Sundays | 6 4 mallards (no more than 2 hens); 1 scaup daily Oct. 10-17; 2 black ducks; 3 wood ducks; 2 redheads; 2 canvasbacks; 3 pintail; 4 sea ducks daily (12 possession). No open season for Harlequin Ducks. Closed Sundays. | 18 |
| Nov 18 – Jan 18 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Second Split · Closed Sundays | 6 4 mallards (no more than 2 hens); 1 scaup daily Nov. 18-Dec. 25, 2 scaup daily Dec. 26-Jan. 18; 2 black ducks; 3 wood ducks; 2 redheads; 2 canvasbacks; 3 pintail; 4 sea ducks daily (12 possession). No open season for Harlequin Ducks. Closed Sundays. | 18 | |
| Lake Erie Zone2,8 | Nov 2 – Jan 9 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Lake Erie Zone Duck Season · Closed Sundays | 6 4 mallards (no more than 2 hens); 1 scaup (2 scaup at times); 2 black ducks; 3 wood ducks; 2 redheads; 2 canvasbacks; 3 pintail; 4 sea ducks daily (12 possession); 3 eiders (no more than 1 hen); 3 long-tailed ducks; 3 scoters. No open season for Harlequin Ducks. Closed Sundays. | 18 |
| Species | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|
| Mallard no more than 2 hens | 4 | 12 |
| Lesser Scaup South Zone · Nov 18–Dec 25 · Scaup step-down dated 2026-09-14 from PGC 26-27 Digest p.43. SOUTH ZONE Oct. 10-17, Nov. 18-Jan. 18 | 1 scaup daily, Oct. 10-17 and Nov. 18-Dec. 25; 2 scaup daily, Dec. 26-Jan. 18 | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Scaup South Zone · Dec 26–Jan 18 · Scaup step-down dated 2026-09-14 from PGC 26-27 Digest p.43. SOUTH ZONE Oct. 10-17, Nov. 18-Jan. 18 | 1 scaup daily, Oct. 10-17 and Nov. 18-Dec. 25; 2 scaup daily, Dec. 26-Jan. 18 | 2 | 6 |
| Lesser Scaup Northwest Zone · Oct 10–Nov 25 · Scaup step-down dated 2026-09-14 from PGC 26-27 Digest p.43. NORTHWEST ZONE Oct. 10-Nov. 27, Dec. 21-Jan. 9 | 1 scaup daily, Oct. 10-Nov. 25; 2 scaup daily, Nov. 26-27 and Dec. 21-Jan. 9 | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Scaup Northwest Zone · Nov 26–Nov 27 · Scaup step-down dated 2026-09-14 from PGC 26-27 Digest p.43. NORTHWEST ZONE Oct. 10-Nov. 27, Dec. 21-Jan. 9 | 1 scaup daily, Oct. 10-Nov. 25; 2 scaup daily, Nov. 26-27 and Dec. 21-Jan. 9 | 2 | 6 |
| Lesser Scaup Northwest Zone · Dec 21–Jan 9 · Scaup step-down dated 2026-09-14 from PGC 26-27 Digest p.43. NORTHWEST ZONE Oct. 10-Nov. 27, Dec. 21-Jan. 9 | 1 scaup daily, Oct. 10-Nov. 25; 2 scaup daily, Nov. 26-27 and Dec. 21-Jan. 9 | 2 | 6 |
| Lesser Scaup North Zone · Nov 17–Dec 17 · Scaup step-down dated 2026-09-14 from PGC 26-27 Digest p.43. NORTH ZONE Oct. 10-24, Nov. 17-Jan. 9 | 1 scaup daily, Oct. 10-24 and Nov. 17-Dec. 17; 2 scaup daily, Dec. 18-Jan.9 | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Scaup North Zone · Dec 18–Jan 9 · Scaup step-down dated 2026-09-14 from PGC 26-27 Digest p.43. NORTH ZONE Oct. 10-24, Nov. 17-Jan. 9 | 1 scaup daily, Oct. 10-24 and Nov. 17-Dec. 17; 2 scaup daily, Dec. 18-Jan.9 | 2 | 6 |
| Lesser Scaup Lake Erie Zone · Nov 2–Nov 24 · Scaup step-down dated 2026-09-14 from PGC 26-27 Digest p.43. LAKE ERIE ZONE Nov. 2-Jan. 9 | 1 scaup daily, Nov. 2-24 and Dec. 18-Jan. 9; 2 scaup daily, Nov. 25-Dec. 17 | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Scaup Lake Erie Zone · Nov 25–Dec 17 · Scaup step-down dated 2026-09-14 from PGC 26-27 Digest p.43. LAKE ERIE ZONE Nov. 2-Jan. 9 | 1 scaup daily, Nov. 2-24 and Dec. 18-Jan. 9; 2 scaup daily, Nov. 25-Dec. 17 | 2 | 6 |
| Lesser Scaup Lake Erie Zone · Dec 18–Jan 9 · Scaup step-down dated 2026-09-14 from PGC 26-27 Digest p.43. LAKE ERIE ZONE Nov. 2-Jan. 9 | 1 scaup daily, Nov. 2-24 and Dec. 18-Jan. 9; 2 scaup daily, Nov. 25-Dec. 17 | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Scaup North Zone · Oct 10–Oct 24 · Scaup step-down dated 2026-09-14 from PGC 26-27 Digest p.43. NORTH ZONE Oct. 10-24, Nov. 17-Jan. 9 | 1 scaup daily, Oct. 10-24 and Nov. 17-Dec. 17; 2 scaup daily, Dec. 18-Jan.9 | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Scaup South Zone · Oct 10–Oct 17 · Scaup step-down dated 2026-09-14 from PGC 26-27 Digest p.43. SOUTH ZONE Oct. 10-17, Nov. 18-Jan. 18 | 1 scaup daily, Oct. 10-17 and Nov. 18-Dec. 25; 2 scaup daily, Dec. 26-Jan. 18 | 1 | 3 |
| Greater Scaup South Zone · Nov 18–Dec 25 · Scaup step-down dated 2026-09-14 from PGC 26-27 Digest p.43. SOUTH ZONE Oct. 10-17, Nov. 18-Jan. 18 | 1 scaup daily, Oct. 10-17 and Nov. 18-Dec. 25; 2 scaup daily, Dec. 26-Jan. 18 | 1 | 3 |
| Greater Scaup South Zone · Dec 26–Jan 18 · Scaup step-down dated 2026-09-14 from PGC 26-27 Digest p.43. SOUTH ZONE Oct. 10-17, Nov. 18-Jan. 18 | 1 scaup daily, Oct. 10-17 and Nov. 18-Dec. 25; 2 scaup daily, Dec. 26-Jan. 18 | 2 | 6 |
| Greater Scaup Northwest Zone · Oct 10–Nov 25 · Scaup step-down dated 2026-09-14 from PGC 26-27 Digest p.43. NORTHWEST ZONE Oct. 10-Nov. 27, Dec. 21-Jan. 9 | 1 scaup daily, Oct. 10-Nov. 25; 2 scaup daily, Nov. 26-27 and Dec. 21-Jan. 9 | 1 | 3 |
| Greater Scaup Northwest Zone · Nov 26–Nov 27 · Scaup step-down dated 2026-09-14 from PGC 26-27 Digest p.43. NORTHWEST ZONE Oct. 10-Nov. 27, Dec. 21-Jan. 9 | 1 scaup daily, Oct. 10-Nov. 25; 2 scaup daily, Nov. 26-27 and Dec. 21-Jan. 9 | 2 | 6 |
| Greater Scaup Northwest Zone · Dec 21–Jan 9 · Scaup step-down dated 2026-09-14 from PGC 26-27 Digest p.43. NORTHWEST ZONE Oct. 10-Nov. 27, Dec. 21-Jan. 9 | 1 scaup daily, Oct. 10-Nov. 25; 2 scaup daily, Nov. 26-27 and Dec. 21-Jan. 9 | 2 | 6 |
| Greater Scaup North Zone · Nov 17–Dec 17 · Scaup step-down dated 2026-09-14 from PGC 26-27 Digest p.43. NORTH ZONE Oct. 10-24, Nov. 17-Jan. 9 | 1 scaup daily, Oct. 10-24 and Nov. 17-Dec. 17; 2 scaup daily, Dec. 18-Jan.9 | 1 | 3 |
| Greater Scaup North Zone · Dec 18–Jan 9 · Scaup step-down dated 2026-09-14 from PGC 26-27 Digest p.43. NORTH ZONE Oct. 10-24, Nov. 17-Jan. 9 | 1 scaup daily, Oct. 10-24 and Nov. 17-Dec. 17; 2 scaup daily, Dec. 18-Jan.9 | 2 | 6 |
| Greater Scaup Lake Erie Zone · Nov 2–Nov 24 · Scaup step-down dated 2026-09-14 from PGC 26-27 Digest p.43. LAKE ERIE ZONE Nov. 2-Jan. 9 | 1 scaup daily, Nov. 2-24 and Dec. 18-Jan. 9; 2 scaup daily, Nov. 25-Dec. 17 | 1 | 3 |
| Greater Scaup Lake Erie Zone · Nov 25–Dec 17 · Scaup step-down dated 2026-09-14 from PGC 26-27 Digest p.43. LAKE ERIE ZONE Nov. 2-Jan. 9 | 1 scaup daily, Nov. 2-24 and Dec. 18-Jan. 9; 2 scaup daily, Nov. 25-Dec. 17 | 2 | 6 |
| Greater Scaup Lake Erie Zone · Dec 18–Jan 9 · Scaup step-down dated 2026-09-14 from PGC 26-27 Digest p.43. LAKE ERIE ZONE Nov. 2-Jan. 9 | 1 scaup daily, Nov. 2-24 and Dec. 18-Jan. 9; 2 scaup daily, Nov. 25-Dec. 17 | 1 | 3 |
| Greater Scaup North Zone · Oct 10–Oct 24 · Scaup step-down dated 2026-09-14 from PGC 26-27 Digest p.43. NORTH ZONE Oct. 10-24, Nov. 17-Jan. 9 | 1 scaup daily, Oct. 10-24 and Nov. 17-Dec. 17; 2 scaup daily, Dec. 18-Jan.9 | 1 | 3 |
| Greater Scaup South Zone · Oct 10–Oct 17 · Scaup step-down dated 2026-09-14 from PGC 26-27 Digest p.43. SOUTH ZONE Oct. 10-17, Nov. 18-Jan. 18 | 1 scaup daily, Oct. 10-17 and Nov. 18-Dec. 25; 2 scaup daily, Dec. 26-Jan. 18 | 1 | 3 |
| Black Duck | 2 | 6 |
| Wood Duck | 3 | 9 |
| Redhead | 2 | 6 |
| Canvasback | 2 | 6 |
| Pintail (Northern) | 3 | 9 |
| Common Eider no more than 1 hen · within 4-sea-duck daily limit | 3 | 9 |
| Long-tailed Duck within 4-sea-duck daily limit | 3 | 9 |
| Scoter (Black) within 4-sea-duck daily limit | 3 | 9 |
| Scoter (Surf) within 4-sea-duck daily limit | 3 | 9 |
| Scoter (White-winged) within 4-sea-duck daily limit | 3 | 9 |
14 mallards (no more than 2 hens); 1 scaup daily Oct. 10-Nov. 25, 2 scaup daily Nov. 26-27; 2 black ducks; 3 wood ducks; 2 redheads; 2 canvasbacks; 3 pintail; 4 sea ducks daily (12 possession). No open season for Harlequin Ducks. Closed Sundays.
2Waterfowl hunting is closed on Sundays.
34 mallards (no more than 2 hens); 2 scaup daily Dec. 21-Jan. 9; 2 black ducks; 3 wood ducks; 2 redheads; 2 canvasbacks; 3 pintail; 4 sea ducks daily (12 possession). No open season for Harlequin Ducks. Closed Sundays.
44 mallards (no more than 2 hens); 1 scaup (2 scaup at times); 2 black ducks; 3 wood ducks; 2 redheads; 2 canvasbacks; 3 pintail; 4 sea ducks daily (12 possession). No open season for Harlequin Ducks. Closed Sundays. 1 scaup daily Oct. 10-24.
54 mallards (no more than 2 hens); 1 scaup daily Nov. 17-Dec. 17, 2 scaup daily Dec. 18-Jan. 9; 2 black ducks; 3 wood ducks; 2 redheads; 2 canvasbacks; 3 pintail; 4 sea ducks daily (12 possession). No open season for Harlequin Ducks. Closed Sundays.
64 mallards (no more than 2 hens); 1 scaup daily Oct. 10-17; 2 black ducks; 3 wood ducks; 2 redheads; 2 canvasbacks; 3 pintail; 4 sea ducks daily (12 possession). No open season for Harlequin Ducks. Closed Sundays.
74 mallards (no more than 2 hens); 1 scaup daily Nov. 18-Dec. 25, 2 scaup daily Dec. 26-Jan. 18; 2 black ducks; 3 wood ducks; 2 redheads; 2 canvasbacks; 3 pintail; 4 sea ducks daily (12 possession). No open season for Harlequin Ducks. Closed Sundays.
84 mallards (no more than 2 hens); 1 scaup (2 scaup at times); 2 black ducks; 3 wood ducks; 2 redheads; 2 canvasbacks; 3 pintail; 4 sea ducks daily (12 possession); 3 eiders (no more than 1 hen); 3 long-tailed ducks; 3 scoters. No open season for Harlequin Ducks. Closed Sundays.
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| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Population Zone (AP)1PGC 2026-27 Canada goose zone. Distinct from the four PA duck zones. | Sep 1 – Sep 25 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Early Season · Closed Sundays | 8 EXCEPTIONS: In the area south of SR 198 from the Ohio state line to I-79, west of I-79 to SR 358, north of SR 358 to the Ohio line (western Crawford / northwestern Mercer counties): season is Sept. 1-12 ONLY, daily limit 1, possession 3; CLOSED on State Game Lands 214. In Lancaster and Lebanon counties north of I-76, east of SR 501 to SR 419, south of SR 419 to the Lebanon-Berks line, west of the Lebanon-Berks and Lancaster-Berks lines to SR 1053, west of SR 1053 to I-76: daily limit 1, possession 3; CLOSED on State Game Lands 46 (Middle Creek WMA). | 24 |
| Nov 21 – Nov 27 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Regular Season - First Segment · Closed Sundays | 3 | 9 | |
| Dec 4 – Jan 18 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Regular Season - Second Segment · Closed Sundays | 3 | 9 | |
| Resident Population Goose Zone (RP)1,2PGC 2026-27 Canada goose zone. Distinct from the four PA duck zones. | Sep 1 – Sep 25 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Early Season · Closed Sundays | 8 EXCEPTIONS: In the area south of SR 198 from the Ohio state line to I-79, west of I-79 to SR 358, north of SR 358 to the Ohio line (western Crawford / northwestern Mercer counties): season is Sept. 1-12 ONLY, daily limit 1, possession 3; CLOSED on State Game Lands 214. In Lancaster and Lebanon counties north of I-76, east of SR 501 to SR 419, south of SR 419 to the Lebanon-Berks line, west of the Lebanon-Berks and Lancaster-Berks lines to SR 1053, west of SR 1053 to I-76: daily limit 1, possession 3; CLOSED on State Game Lands 46 (Middle Creek WMA). | 24 |
| Oct 24 – Nov 27 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Regular Season - First Segment · Closed Sundays | 5 EXCEPTIONS: In western Crawford County and northwestern Mercer County the daily limit is 3 and possession limit is 9. On State Game Lands 46 (Middle Creek WMA), public hunting areas outside the controlled goose hunting areas have a daily limit of 1 and possession limit of 3; inside the controlled goose hunting areas the season limit is one. | 15 | |
| Dec 15 – Jan 18 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Regular Season - Second Segment · Closed Sundays | 5 EXCEPTIONS: In western Crawford County and northwestern Mercer County the daily limit is 3 and possession limit is 9. On State Game Lands 46 (Middle Creek WMA), public hunting areas outside the controlled goose hunting areas have a daily limit of 1 and possession limit of 3; inside the controlled goose hunting areas the season limit is one. | 15 | |
| Jan 29 – Feb 20 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Regular Season - Third Segment · Closed Sundays | 5 EXCEPTIONS: In western Crawford County and northwestern Mercer County the daily limit is 3 and possession limit is 9. On State Game Lands 46 (Middle Creek WMA), public hunting areas outside the controlled goose hunting areas have a daily limit of 1 and possession limit of 3; inside the controlled goose hunting areas the season limit is one. | 15 |
1EXCEPTIONS: In the area south of SR 198 from the Ohio state line to I-79, west of I-79 to SR 358, north of SR 358 to the Ohio line (western Crawford / northwestern Mercer counties): season is Sept. 1-12 ONLY, daily limit 1, possession 3; CLOSED on State Game Lands 214. In Lancaster and Lebanon counties north of I-76, east of SR 501 to SR 419, south of SR 419 to the Lebanon-Berks line, west of the Lebanon-Berks and Lancaster-Berks lines to SR 1053, west of SR 1053 to I-76: daily limit 1, possession 3; CLOSED on State Game Lands 46 (Middle Creek WMA).
2EXCEPTIONS: In western Crawford County and northwestern Mercer County the daily limit is 3 and possession limit is 9. On State Game Lands 46 (Middle Creek WMA), public hunting areas outside the controlled goose hunting areas have a daily limit of 1 and possession limit of 3; inside the controlled goose hunting areas the season limit is one.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Population Zone (AP)1PGC 2026-27 Canada goose zone. Distinct from the four PA duck zones. | Sep 1 – Sep 25 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Early Season · Closed Sundays | 8 EXCEPTIONS: In the area south of SR 198 from the Ohio state line to I-79, west of I-79 to SR 358, north of SR 358 to the Ohio line (western Crawford / northwestern Mercer counties): season is Sept. 1-12 ONLY, daily limit 1, possession 3; CLOSED on State Game Lands 214. In Lancaster and Lebanon counties north of I-76, east of SR 501 to SR 419, south of SR 419 to the Lebanon-Berks line, west of the Lebanon-Berks and Lancaster-Berks lines to SR 1053, west of SR 1053 to I-76: daily limit 1, possession 3; CLOSED on State Game Lands 46 (Middle Creek WMA). | 24 |
| Nov 21 – Nov 27 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Regular Season - First Segment · Closed Sundays | 3 | 9 | |
| Dec 4 – Jan 18 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Regular Season - Second Segment · Closed Sundays | 3 | 9 | |
| Resident Population Goose Zone (RP)1,2PGC 2026-27 Canada goose zone. Distinct from the four PA duck zones. | Sep 1 – Sep 25 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Early Season · Closed Sundays | 8 EXCEPTIONS: In the area south of SR 198 from the Ohio state line to I-79, west of I-79 to SR 358, north of SR 358 to the Ohio line (western Crawford / northwestern Mercer counties): season is Sept. 1-12 ONLY, daily limit 1, possession 3; CLOSED on State Game Lands 214. In Lancaster and Lebanon counties north of I-76, east of SR 501 to SR 419, south of SR 419 to the Lebanon-Berks line, west of the Lebanon-Berks and Lancaster-Berks lines to SR 1053, west of SR 1053 to I-76: daily limit 1, possession 3; CLOSED on State Game Lands 46 (Middle Creek WMA). | 24 |
| Oct 24 – Nov 27 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Regular Season - First Segment · Closed Sundays | 5 EXCEPTIONS: In western Crawford County and northwestern Mercer County the daily limit is 3 and possession limit is 9. On State Game Lands 46 (Middle Creek WMA), public hunting areas outside the controlled goose hunting areas have a daily limit of 1 and possession limit of 3; inside the controlled goose hunting areas the season limit is one. | 15 | |
| Dec 15 – Jan 18 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Regular Season - Second Segment · Closed Sundays | 5 EXCEPTIONS: In western Crawford County and northwestern Mercer County the daily limit is 3 and possession limit is 9. On State Game Lands 46 (Middle Creek WMA), public hunting areas outside the controlled goose hunting areas have a daily limit of 1 and possession limit of 3; inside the controlled goose hunting areas the season limit is one. | 15 | |
| Jan 29 – Feb 20 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Regular Season - Third Segment · Closed Sundays | 5 EXCEPTIONS: In western Crawford County and northwestern Mercer County the daily limit is 3 and possession limit is 9. On State Game Lands 46 (Middle Creek WMA), public hunting areas outside the controlled goose hunting areas have a daily limit of 1 and possession limit of 3; inside the controlled goose hunting areas the season limit is one. | 15 |
1EXCEPTIONS: In the area south of SR 198 from the Ohio state line to I-79, west of I-79 to SR 358, north of SR 358 to the Ohio line (western Crawford / northwestern Mercer counties): season is Sept. 1-12 ONLY, daily limit 1, possession 3; CLOSED on State Game Lands 214. In Lancaster and Lebanon counties north of I-76, east of SR 501 to SR 419, south of SR 419 to the Lebanon-Berks line, west of the Lebanon-Berks and Lancaster-Berks lines to SR 1053, west of SR 1053 to I-76: daily limit 1, possession 3; CLOSED on State Game Lands 46 (Middle Creek WMA).
2EXCEPTIONS: In western Crawford County and northwestern Mercer County the daily limit is 3 and possession limit is 9. On State Game Lands 46 (Middle Creek WMA), public hunting areas outside the controlled goose hunting areas have a daily limit of 1 and possession limit of 3; inside the controlled goose hunting areas the season limit is one.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2 | Oct 10 – Nov 13 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Closed Sundays | 1 Federal duck stamp needed. Closed Sundays. Both goose zones. | 3 |
1Federal duck stamp needed. Closed Sundays. Both goose zones.
2Applies to both Atlantic Population Zone and Resident Population Zone ('BOTH GOOSE ZONES').
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Population Goose Zone (RP)1PGC 2026-27 Canada goose zone. Distinct from the four PA duck zones. | Nov 6 – Mar 10 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Snow Goose Season · Closed Sundays | 25 | – |
| Atlantic Population Zone (AP)1PGC 2026-27 Canada goose zone. Distinct from the four PA duck zones. | Nov 6 – Mar 10 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Snow Goose Season · Closed Sundays | 25 | – |
1Corrected 2026-09-14 from PGC 26-27 Digest p.45. Season is statewide (both goose zones), Nov 6-Mar 10, 25 daily, no possession limit. Closed on Sundays.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Zone1,2,3 | Oct 10 – Nov 27 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only First Split · Closed Sundays | 15 Closed Sundays. | 45 |
| Dec 21 – Jan 9 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Second Split · Closed Sundays | 15 Closed Sundays. | 45 | |
| North Zone1,4,5 | Oct 10 – Oct 24 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only First Split · Closed Sundays | 15 Closed Sundays. | 45 |
| Nov 17 – Jan 9 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Second Split · Closed Sundays | 15 Closed Sundays. | 45 | |
| South Zone1,6,7 | Oct 10 – Oct 17 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only First Split · Closed Sundays | 15 Closed Sundays. | 45 |
| Nov 18 – Jan 18 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Second Split · Closed Sundays | 15 Closed Sundays. | 45 | |
| Lake Erie Zone | Nov 2 – Jan 9 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Coot Season · Closed Sundays | 15 | 45 |
1Closed Sundays.
2Concurrent with duck season in Northwest Zone (segment 1).
3Concurrent with duck season in Northwest Zone (segment 2).
4Concurrent with duck season in North Zone (segment 1).
5Concurrent with duck season in North Zone (segment 2).
6Concurrent with duck season in South Zone (segment 1).
7Concurrent with duck season in South Zone (segment 2).
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Zone1,2 | Oct 10 – Oct 24 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only First Segment · Closed Sundays | 5 | 15 |
| Nov 17 – Jan 9 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Second Split · Closed Sundays | 5 Hooded mergansers are now part of the overall merganser limit. Closed Sundays. | 15 | |
| Northwest Zone1,3 | Oct 10 – Nov 27 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only First Segment · Closed Sundays | 5 | 15 |
| Dec 21 – Jan 9 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Second Split · Closed Sundays | 5 Hooded mergansers are now part of the overall merganser limit. Closed Sundays. | 15 | |
| South Zone1,4 | Oct 10 – Oct 17 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only First Segment · Closed Sundays | 5 | 15 |
| Nov 18 – Jan 18 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Second Split · Closed Sundays | 5 Hooded mergansers are now part of the overall merganser limit. Closed Sundays. | 15 | |
| Lake Erie Zone | Nov 2 – Jan 9 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Closed Sundays | 5 | 15 |
1Hooded mergansers are now part of the overall merganser limit. Closed Sundays.
2Concurrent with duck season in North Zone (segment 2).
3Concurrent with duck season in Northwest Zone (segment 2).
4Concurrent with duck season in South Zone (segment 2).
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | Sep 19 – Sep 19 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Junior Day (statewide) · Closed Sundays | – | – |
| North Zone1,2 | Oct 31 – Oct 31 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Youth, Veterans and Active Military · Closed Sundays | 6 Regular season bag limits apply. Hunters 16 or older need federal duck stamp. All hunters need PA migratory game bird license. Hunting hours end at sunset. | 18 |
| Northwest Zone1,3 | Sep 26 – Sep 26 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Youth, Veterans and Active Military · Closed Sundays | 6 Regular season bag limits apply. Hunters 16 or older need federal duck stamp. All hunters need PA migratory game bird license. Hunting hours end at sunset. | 18 |
| South Zone1,4 | Nov 7 – Nov 7 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Youth, Veterans and Active Military · Closed Sundays | 6 Regular season bag limits apply. Hunters 16 or older need federal duck stamp. All hunters need PA migratory game bird license. Hunting hours end at sunset. | 18 |
| Lake Erie Zone1,4 | Oct 24 – Oct 24 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Youth, Veterans and Active Military · Closed Sundays | 6 Regular season bag limits apply. Hunters 16 or older need federal duck stamp. All hunters need PA migratory game bird license. Hunting hours end at sunset. | 18 |
1Regular season bag limits apply. Hunters 16 or older need federal duck stamp. All hunters need PA migratory game bird license. Hunting hours end at sunset.
2Youth, veterans and active military – Oct. 31.
3Youth, veterans and active military – Sept. 26.
4Added 2026-09-14. PGC publishes ONE combined 'Youth, Veterans and Active-Duty Military Day' per zone; it had been recorded only as veterans_waterfowl for this zone, so junior hunters saw no youth day.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Zone1,2,3,4 | Oct 31 – Oct 31 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Youth, Veterans and Active Military · Closed Sundays | 6 Regular season bag limits apply. Hunters 16 or older need federal duck stamp. All hunters need PA migratory game bird license. Hunting hours end at sunset. | 18 |
| Jan 16 – Jan 16 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Veterans and Active Military Only · Closed Sundays | 6 Regular season bag limits apply. Hunters 16 or older need federal duck stamp. All hunters need PA migratory game bird license. | 18 | |
| Northwest Zone1,2,5 | Sep 26 – Sep 26 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Youth, Veterans and Active Military · Closed Sundays | 6 Regular season bag limits apply. Hunters 16 or older need federal duck stamp. All hunters need PA migratory game bird license. | 18 |
| Jan 16 – Jan 16 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Veterans and Active Military Only · Closed Sundays | 6 Regular season bag limits apply. Hunters 16 or older need federal duck stamp. All hunters need PA migratory game bird license. | 18 | |
| South Zone1,6,7 | Nov 7 – Nov 7 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Youth, Veterans and Active Military · Closed Sundays | 6 Regular season bag limits apply. Hunters 16 or older need federal duck stamp. All hunters need PA migratory game bird license. | 18 |
| Jan 23 – Jan 23 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Veterans and Active Military Only · Closed Sundays | 6 Regular season bag limits apply. Hunters 16 or older need federal duck stamp. All hunters need PA migratory game bird license. | 18 | |
| Lake Erie Zone1,2,8 | Oct 24 – Oct 24 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Youth, Veterans and Active Military · Closed Sundays | 6 Regular season bag limits apply. Hunters 16 or older need federal duck stamp. All hunters need PA migratory game bird license. | 18 |
| Jan 16 – Jan 16 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Veterans and Active Military Only · Closed Sundays | 6 Regular season bag limits apply. Hunters 16 or older need federal duck stamp. All hunters need PA migratory game bird license. | 18 |
1Regular season bag limits apply. Hunters 16 or older need federal duck stamp. All hunters need PA migratory game bird license.
2Veterans and active military only – Jan. 16.
3Regular season bag limits apply. Hunters 16 or older need federal duck stamp. All hunters need PA migratory game bird license. Hunting hours end at sunset.
4Youth, veterans and active military – Oct. 31.
5Youth, veterans and active military – Sept. 26. Per rule 4b, emitting veterans row for same date.
6Veterans and active military only – Jan. 23.
7Youth, veterans and active military – Nov. 7. Per rule 4b, emitting veterans row for same date.
8Youth, veterans and active military – Oct. 24. Per rule 4b, emitting veterans row for same date.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 | Sep 1 – Nov 20 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Gallinules · Closed Sundays | 3 Closed Sundays. | 9 |
| Sep 1 – Nov 27 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Dove — First Split · Closed Sundays | 15 Closed Sundays. | 45 | |
| Sep 1 – Nov 20 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Rails · Closed Sundays | 3 Closed Sundays. Clapper and King Rail hunting is closed statewide. | 9 | |
| Oct 17 – Dec 8 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Snipe · Closed Sundays | 8 Closed Sundays. | 24 | |
| Oct 17 – Dec 8 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Woodcock · Closed Sundays | 3 Closed Sundays. | 9 | |
| Dec 18 – Jan 2 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat only Dove — Second Split · Closed Sundays | 15 Closed Sundays. | 45 |
1Closed Sundays.
2Wilson's Snipe season.
3American Woodcock season. Listed under 'WEBLESS BIRDS & BRANT' on page 45.
4Gallinules season.
5Mourning Dove season, first split.
6Closed Sundays. Clapper and King Rail hunting is closed statewide.
7Virginia & Sora Rails. Bag limit singly or combined.
8Mourning Dove season, second split.
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.