Read from Department of Wildlife Resources on August 13, 2026.
Seasons and limits change, and corrections are issued mid-season. Confirm with Department of Wildlife Resources before you hunt.
Open the official Virginia regulationsHunting Virginia this season? Keep these dates and bag limits in your pocket — free in the BlindBook app.
Virginia 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 32 distinct season segments covering ducks, geese, coots, and other migratory game birds. Season dates and bag limits are set annually by the Department of Wildlife Resources 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bag limits, shooting hours, and other regulatory information are provided for convenience only, may be inaccurate or out of date, and do not constitute legal advice.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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2,3,4,5 | Oct 9 – Oct 12 First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 Black duck closed Oct. 9–12. No more than 4 mallards (2 hen mallards max), 3 wood ducks, scaup 1/day (Oct. 9–12), 2 redheads, 2 canvasback, 3 pintails, 1 mottled duck, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 4 total sea ducks (no more than 3 scoters, 3 eiders [only 1 hen], 3 long-tailed ducks). Closed season on harlequin ducks. | 18 |
| Nov 18 – Nov 29 Second Split | 6 No more than 4 mallards (only 2 hen mallards), 3 wood ducks, 2 black ducks, scaup: 1/day for 40 days (Oct. 9-12, Nov. 18-29, Dec. 19-Jan. 11), 2 redheads, 2 canvasback, 3 pintails, 1 mottled duck, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 4 total sea ducks (no more than 3 scoters, 3 eiders [only 1 hen], 3 long-tailed ducks). Closed season on harlequin ducks. | 18 | |
| Dec 19 – Jan 31 Third Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 No more than 4 mallards (2 hen mallards max), 3 wood ducks, 2 black ducks, scaup 1/day Dec. 19–Jan. 11 then 2/day Jan. 12–31, 2 redheads, 2 canvasback, 3 pintails, 1 mottled duck, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 4 total sea ducks (no more than 3 scoters, 3 eiders [only 1 hen], 3 long-tailed ducks). Closed season on harlequin ducks. | 18 |
| Species | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|
| Mallard no more than 2 hen mallards | 4 | 12 |
| Wood Duck | 3 | 9 |
| Black Duck Statewide · Closed Oct. 9–12 | 0 | 0 |
| Black Duck Statewide · Nov 18–Nov 29 | 2 | 6 |
| Black Duck Statewide · Dec 19–Jan 31 | 2 | 6 |
| Lesser Scaup Statewide · 1/day for 40 days (Oct. 9–12 portion) | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Scaup Statewide · 1/day for 40 days (Oct. 9-12, Nov. 18-29, Dec. 19-Jan. 11); 2/day for 20 days (Jan. 12-31) | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Scaup Statewide · 1/day Dec. 19–Jan. 11; 2/day Jan. 12–31 | 1 | 3 |
| Greater Scaup Statewide · 1/day for 40 days (Oct. 9–12 portion) | 1 | 3 |
| Greater Scaup Statewide · 1/day Dec. 19–Jan. 11; 2/day Jan. 12–31 | 1 | 3 |
| Redhead | 2 | 6 |
| Canvasback | 2 | 6 |
| Pintail (Northern) | 3 | 9 |
| Mottled Duck | 1 | 3 |
| Sea Ducks (general) No more than 3 scoters, 3 eiders (only 1 hen), 3 long-tailed ducks | 4 | 12 |
| Greater Scaup Statewide · Combined scaup limit | 1 | 3 |
1Black duck closed Oct. 9–12. No more than 4 mallards (2 hen mallards max), 3 wood ducks, scaup 1/day (Oct. 9–12), 2 redheads, 2 canvasback, 3 pintails, 1 mottled duck, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 4 total sea ducks (no more than 3 scoters, 3 eiders [only 1 hen], 3 long-tailed ducks). Closed season on harlequin ducks.
2Black duck closed this split.
3No more than 4 mallards (only 2 hen mallards), 3 wood ducks, 2 black ducks, scaup: 1/day for 40 days (Oct. 9-12, Nov. 18-29, Dec. 19-Jan. 11), 2 redheads, 2 canvasback, 3 pintails, 1 mottled duck, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 4 total sea ducks (no more than 3 scoters, 3 eiders [only 1 hen], 3 long-tailed ducks). Closed season on harlequin ducks.
4No more than 4 mallards (2 hen mallards max), 3 wood ducks, 2 black ducks, scaup 1/day Dec. 19–Jan. 11 then 2/day Jan. 12–31, 2 redheads, 2 canvasback, 3 pintails, 1 mottled duck, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 4 total sea ducks (no more than 3 scoters, 3 eiders [only 1 hen], 3 long-tailed ducks). Closed season on harlequin ducks.
5Scaup limit changes mid-split: 1/day through Jan. 11, then 2/day Jan. 12–31.
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| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2,3 | Sep 19 – Sep 27 East of I-95 · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 Any combination of blue-winged and green-winged teal only. Requires Federal Duck Stamp and Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp. | 18 |
| Sep 22 – Sep 27 West of I-95 · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 Any combination of blue-winged and green-winged teal only. Requires Federal Duck Stamp and Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp. | 18 | |
| East of I-954,5 | Sep 19 – Sep 27 Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 Any combination of blue-winged and green-winged teal only. Positively identify ducks before shooting. | 18 |
| West of I-955,6 | Sep 22 – Sep 27 | 6 18 in possession (any combination of blue-winged and green-winged teal only). HIP registration, federal migratory duck stamp, and Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp required. | 18 |
1Any combination of blue-winged and green-winged teal only. Requires Federal Duck Stamp and Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp.
2East of I-95 zone for September Teal season.
3West of I-95 zone for September Teal season.
4Any combination of blue-winged and green-winged teal only. Positively identify ducks before shooting.
5Federal duck stamp and Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp required in addition to HIP.
618 in possession (any combination of blue-winged and green-winged teal only). HIP registration, federal migratory duck stamp, and Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp required.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2,3,4,5,6 | Sep 1 – Sep 25 September Canada Goose · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 10 Statewide. Not permitted within Amelia and Dick Cross WMA boundaries. Requires Federal Duck Stamp and Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp. Shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shells may be used when no other waterfowl seasons are open. | 30 |
| Nov 18 – Nov 29 RP Zone - First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 5 Resident Population Zone. Includes White-fronted Geese. | 15 | |
| Nov 24 – Nov 29 AP Zone - First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 2 Atlantic Population Zone. Includes White-fronted Geese. | 6 | |
| Dec 19 – Feb 21 RP Zone - Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 5 Resident Population Zone. Includes White-fronted Geese. | 15 | |
| Dec 24 – Jan 31 AP Zone - Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 2 Atlantic Population Zone. Includes White-fronted Geese. | 6 | |
| Resident Population (RP) Hunt Zone7,8 | Nov 18 – Nov 29 First Split | 5 Includes white-fronted geese. | 15 |
| Dec 19 – Feb 21 Second Split | 5 Includes white-fronted geese. | 15 | |
| Atlantic Population (AP) Hunt Zone7,8 | Nov 24 – Nov 29 First Split | 2 Includes white-fronted geese. | 6 |
| Dec 24 – Jan 31 Second Split | 2 Includes white-fronted geese. | 6 | |
| September Canada Goose Zone9,10 | Sep 1 – Sep 25 | 10 East of I-95 Sep. 1-18: one half-hour before sunrise until one half-hour after sunset. East of I-95 Sep. 19-25: one half-hour before sunrise to sunset. West of I-95 Sep. 1-21: one half-hour before sunrise until one half-hour after sunset. West of I-95 Sep. 22-25: one half-hour before sunrise to sunset. Not permitted within boundaries of Amelia and Dick Cross WMAs. Unplugged shotguns permitted when other waterfowl seasons are closed. | 30 |
1Resident Population Zone. Includes White-fronted Geese.
2RP Zone is portion of state west of the AP Zone boundary.
3Statewide. Not permitted within Amelia and Dick Cross WMA boundaries. Requires Federal Duck Stamp and Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp. Shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shells may be used when no other waterfowl seasons are open.
4East of I-95: Sep 1–18 half-hour before sunrise to half-hour after sunset; Sep 19–25 to sunset. West of I-95: Sep 1–21 half-hour before sunrise to half-hour after sunset; Sep 22–25 to sunset.
5Atlantic Population Zone. Includes White-fronted Geese.
6AP Zone defined as east of the Blue Ridge to NC border.
7Includes white-fronted geese.
8White-fronted geese included in this bag.
9East of I-95 Sep. 1-18: one half-hour before sunrise until one half-hour after sunset. East of I-95 Sep. 19-25: one half-hour before sunrise to sunset. West of I-95 Sep. 1-21: one half-hour before sunrise until one half-hour after sunset. West of I-95 Sep. 22-25: one half-hour before sunrise to sunset. Not permitted within boundaries of Amelia and Dick Cross WMAs. Unplugged shotguns permitted when other waterfowl seasons are closed.
10Shooting hours vary by sub-zone and date within this season.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2 | Dec 19 – Dec 31 First Split | 1 Atlantic Brant. | 3 |
| Jan 15 – Jan 31 Second Split | 1 Atlantic Brant. | 3 |
1Atlantic Brant.
2Atlantic Brant. Shooting hours inferred from general waterfowl rule.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2 | Nov 25 – Mar 10 Regular Season | 25 No possession limit. Use of electronic calls and unplugged shotguns permitted in areas and at times when other waterfowl seasons are closed. | – |
1No possession limit. Use of electronic calls and unplugged shotguns permitted in areas and at times when other waterfowl seasons are closed.
2Possession limit listed as 'no limit' in source.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | Oct 9 – Oct 12 First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 15 | 45 |
| Nov 18 – Nov 29 Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 15 | 45 | |
| Dec 19 – Jan 31 Third Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 15 | 45 |
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1 | Oct 9 – Oct 12 First Split | 5 Can include any combination of hooded, red-breasted, and common mergansers. | 15 |
| Nov 18 – Nov 29 Second Split | 5 Can include any combination of hooded, red-breasted, and common mergansers. | 15 | |
| Dec 19 – Jan 31 Third Split | 5 Can include any combination of hooded, red-breasted, and common mergansers. | 15 |
1Can include any combination of hooded, red-breasted, and common mergansers.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2 | Nov 15 – Jan 31 Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 1 Permit required. 1 per permittee per season. Hunt area: all counties east of I-95 and south of the Prince William/Stafford County line in Chopawamsic Creek at Quantico Marine Corps Base. Max 475 permits issued. Application deadline Sept 25, 2026. | 1 |
| Tundra Swan Hunt Area3,4 | Nov 15 – Jan 31 Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 1 1 per permittee per season. Hunting permitted in all counties and portions of counties lying east of I-95 and south of the Prince William/Stafford County line in Chopawamsic Creek at Quantico Marine Corps Base. Permit required. | 1 |
1Permit required. 1 per permittee per season. Hunt area: all counties east of I-95 and south of the Prince William/Stafford County line in Chopawamsic Creek at Quantico Marine Corps Base. Max 475 permits issued. Application deadline Sept 25, 2026.
2Possession limit = 1 per season per permittee. Hunters must complete tundra swan questionnaire by Feb 15, 2027.
31 per permittee per season. Hunting permitted in all counties and portions of counties lying east of I-95 and south of the Prince William/Stafford County line in Chopawamsic Creek at Quantico Marine Corps Base. Permit required.
4Must apply for and receive a tundra swan hunt permit before hunting.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2,3 | Oct 24 – Oct 24 Youth & Veterans Waterfowl Hunting Day - October · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 Open to Youth 15 years of age and under | 18 |
| Feb 6 – Feb 6 Youth & Veterans Waterfowl Hunting Day - February · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 Open to Youth 15 years of age and under | 18 |
1Open to Youth 15 years of age and under
2Allowed limit per species. Youth 15 and under only for this game_type row.
3Allowed limit per species.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2 | Oct 24 – Oct 24 Youth & Veterans Waterfowl Hunting Day - October · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 Open to Military Veterans (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code) and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training). | 18 |
| Feb 6 – Feb 6 Youth & Veterans Waterfowl Hunting Day - February · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 Open to Military Veterans (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code) and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training). | 18 |
1Open to Military Veterans (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code) and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training).
2Allowed limit per species.
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 August 13, 2026. Always confirm with the official regulations before hunting.
For waterfowl population trends, harvest analysis, and conservation research, see WaterfowlAI Insights.