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.
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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 26 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bag limits, shooting hours, and other regulatory information are provided for convenience only, may be inaccurate or out of date, and do not constitute legal advice.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 | 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. Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it. | 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. Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it. | 18 | |
| Dec 19 – Jan 31 Third Split | 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. Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it. | 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. Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it.
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. Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it.
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. Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| East of I-951,2 | Sep 19 – Sep 27 | 6 Any combination of blue-winged and green-winged teal only. Positively identify ducks before shooting. | 18 |
| West of I-952,3 | 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. Positively identify ducks before shooting.
2Federal duck stamp and Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp required in addition to HIP.
318 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| September Canada Goose Zone1,2 | 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 |
| Atlantic Population (AP) Hunt Zone3,4 | Nov 24 – Nov 29 First Split | 2 Includes white-fronted geese. Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it. | 6 |
| Dec 24 – Jan 31 Second Split | 2 Includes white-fronted geese. Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it. | 6 | |
| Resident Population (RP) Hunt Zone3,4 | Nov 18 – Nov 29 First Split | 5 Includes white-fronted geese. Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it. | 15 |
| Dec 19 – Feb 21 Second Split | 5 Includes white-fronted geese. Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it. | 15 |
1East 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.
2Shooting hours vary by sub-zone and date within this season.
3Includes white-fronted geese. Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it.
4White-fronted geese included in this bag.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2 | Dec 19 – Dec 31 First Split | 1 Atlantic Brant. Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it. | 3 |
| Jan 15 – Jan 31 Second Split | 1 Atlantic Brant. Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it. | 3 |
1Atlantic Brant. Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it.
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. Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it. | – |
1No possession limit. Use of electronic calls and unplugged shotguns permitted in areas and at times when other waterfowl seasons are closed. Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it.
2Possession limit listed as 'no limit' in source.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1 | Oct 9 – Oct 12 First Split | 15 Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it. | 45 |
| Nov 18 – Nov 29 Second Split | 15 Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it. | 45 | |
| Dec 19 – Jan 31 Third Split | 15 Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it. | 45 |
1Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1 | Sep 5 – Oct 24 Gallinules First Split | 15 Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it. | 45 |
| Nov 10 – Nov 29 Gallinules Second Split | 15 Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it. | 45 |
1Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it.
| 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. Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it. | 15 |
| Nov 18 – Nov 29 Second Split | 5 Can include any combination of hooded, red-breasted, and common mergansers. Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it. | 15 | |
| Dec 19 – Jan 31 Third Split | 5 Can include any combination of hooded, red-breasted, and common mergansers. Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it. | 15 |
1Can include any combination of hooded, red-breasted, and common mergansers. Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tundra Swan Hunt Area1,2 | Nov 15 – Jan 31 | 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. Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it. | 1 |
11 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. Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it.
2Must 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 | 6 Open to Youth 15 years of age and under Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it. | 18 |
| Feb 6 – Feb 6 Youth & Veterans Waterfowl Hunting Day - February | 6 Open to Youth 15 years of age and under Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it. | 18 |
1Open to Youth 15 years of age and under Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it.
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 | 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). Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it. | 18 |
| Feb 6 – Feb 6 Youth & Veterans Waterfowl Hunting Day - February | 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). Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it. | 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). Sunday hunting allowed except within 200 yards of a house of worship; public land only where the owner allows it.
2Allowed limit per species.
Spring 2027 turkey season
Checked October 16, 2026.
Official regulations
Virginia Department of Wildlife ResourcesZones, tags, bag limits and public-land rules.
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See the turkey hunting appOfficial regulations
Virginia Department of Wildlife ResourcesThe state sets the deer seasons, limits and tags. Check its current regulations before you go.
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See the deer hunting appOfficial regulations
Virginia Department of Wildlife ResourcesThe state sets the upland bird seasons, limits and tags. Check its current regulations before you go.
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See the upland bird hunting appOfficial regulations
Hunting allowedper Virginia Dept. of Wildlife Resources
Virginia Dept. of Wildlife ResourcesThe state sets the feral hog seasons, limits and tags. Check its current regulations before you go.
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See the feral hog hunting appSeason 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.