Duck Hunting Season Ontario: Everything You Need To Know

If you’re going hunting, here’s the best duck hunting season Ontario guide. If you are already preparing for the 2025 waterfowl season, this guide will give you the best advice when you need to plan a successful, legal and safe hunt. Loaded with details on when the seasons run, what you’ll typically be permitted to bag and possess, which permits you’ll need to carry, where the best hunting regions are, and so much more, this guide is your go-to resource for maximizing duck hunting season Ontario.

Overview: Why Ontario is Prime For Duck Hunting

If you are a duck hunter and don’t like hunting baby ducks, then Ontario is your heaven. With vast wetlands, thousands of lakes and rivers, and as part of the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, you have great fall migration viewing plus sound breeding populations.

There’s a great mix of species including mallards, black ducks, teal, woodies, pintails, cans and redheads. Habitats from the boreal bogs to southern marshes of Ontario feed every eastern North American species of duck. Thanks to conservation partners like Ducks Unlimited, these abundant resources remain healthy and sustainable for future generations.

What keeps Ontario’s world-class duck hunting so special is strict seasons, bag and possession limits and promotion of ethical behaviour in the field. Wondering what are Ontario duck hunting season regulations like? Well, duck hunting season in Ontario is set up to be protective of our waterfowl while still allowing you a ton a chance to enjoy your sport.

2024–2025 Ontario Duck Season Dates

Duck hunting season in Ontario isn’t one-size-fits-all. There is quite a lot to know about these duck emigrations, but they differ slightly by region, so always confirm which district you’re in before racking the shotgun. Ontario is separated into four districts for duck hunting which are Hudson–James Bay, Northern, Central and Southern.

Early and regular seasons (or split seasons) occur according to the municipality or Wildlife Management Unit (WMU). Some additional special rules, including Sunday gun hunting or specific municipal restrictions, apply particularly in the Southern District so always check specific WMU rules by visiting the government's interactive map.

Here’s the list of the 2024–2025 duck hunting season Ontario dates and limits summarized below:

Only 1 Barrow’s Goldeneye and up to 3 American Black Ducks may be harvested per bag in certain Southern district WMUs (88-95). Be sure to confirm seasons and regulations in the official Migratory Birds Hunting Regulations Summary for Ontario.

Bag and Daily Possession Limits

Comprehension of and adherence to daily bag and possession limits are crucial. Ontario’s limits aren’t established for legality but rather for the ongoing conservation of ducks. For the majority of Ontario, the duck hunting season in Ontario is: daily bag limit for ducks (except Harlequin Ducks which have no open season) is 6 ducks total.

• A maximum of 1 Barrow's Goldeneye daily in each district.
• In the southern district’s WMUs 88–95, no more than 3 American Black Ducks and just 1 Barrows Goldeneye per day.

Your maximum for the state is 18 and species (i.e. not more than one Barrow’s Goldeneye total at any time; 3 Black Ducks if in those WMUs) specific restrictions apply. If you are hunting geese or mergansers at the same time, different limits apply. Here’s a quick comparison:

Double-check for district-specific regulations, particularly regarding geese and merganser limits, as well as any restrictions concerning the amount of one particular species in your mixed bag. Ontario’s enforcement regime is stringent. Possession of a bird over the legal limit in Ontario, even a single duck too many, can mean stiff fines and revocation of hunting privileges.

Licensing and Permits You Need

The most frequent enforcement violation on the duck hunting season Ontario is improper or missing paperwork. You must have updated licenses and have them available at each hunt. Some of the licenses you need legally to hunt ducks in Ontario:

1. Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit (MGBHP)

Hunters need to obtain a Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit in order to participate in duck hunting season Ontario legally. This federal license, bought annually, has attached or digitally added to it the Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp. It may be presented as a printed PDF or an official digital document . Screenshots or photographs are not acceptable.

2. Ontario Small Game Licence

The provincial Ontario Small Game Licence, in addition to the federal permit, is needed in order to hunt for migratory birds. This license is valid for residents and non-residents during duck hunting season Ontario. Hunters can buy for one, two or three years at a time if they prefer.

3. Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL)

A Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) is required for people who hunt with a shotgun or any other firearm. This license is the standard Canadian firearms license and provides authorization to hunters to carry and use their firearm during duck hunting season Ontario.

4. Proof of Hunter Education

Prior to participating in duck hunting season Ontario, participants are also required to provide evidence of getting hunter education. This need is fulfilled by taking the Ontario Hunter Education Program (or an acceptable equivalent).

Where to Buy Licences

• Online at the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service.
• In person at ServiceOntario centres.
• The majority of Canada Post locations (for federal migratory permits).

Checklist for Licencing

• Take the Ontario Hunter Education Course.
• Get your PAL (if you don't have one already).
• Buy Ontario Small Game Licence (online or in store).
• Buy federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit and stamp (online, Canada Post, Service Ontario).
• Print all licenses/permits and carry, or keep in an official format as a PDF on your portable devices (screenshots are not acceptable).
• Check expiration dates and always walk armed with fresh documents

Ontario enforcement officers have the authority to request any documents, at any time. Penalties for non-compliance range from $5,000 to $300,000 including potential jail time for serious offences.

Where to Hunt and Best Zones

Once the seasons have been established, hunters should be aware that duck hunting season Ontario is broken down into four main waterfowl hunting districts with each district consisting of several designated Wildlife Management Units(WMUs). As always, you'll want to double check the WMU official map when it comes to exact district and boundary line ups.

Ontario Duck Hunting Districts

• Hudson-James Bay District: Farther north, extensive marshes -good for pintails,GW teal.
• Northern District: From Kenora to Timmins, has many boreal lakes and rivers known for mallards and divers.
• Central Zone: Lake central mid-province, and some highest concentrations of wood ducks and black ducks.
• Southern District: The best known and most accessible are on Lake St. Clair, Long Point, Rondeau Bay (Ottawa River marshes), and Niagara Peninsula.

Top Public Hunting Areas

• Sewing Lake St. Clair marshes: Famed for bluebills, mallards and canvasbacks. Many public and conservation-authority-regulated blinds.
• Long Point on Lake Erie: Internationally known for huge numbers of ducks.
• Ottawa River and tributaries: High-speed hunts for early-season wood ducks and teal.
• Northern wetland complexes: These are perfect for wild, pristine experiences but they can be challenging to access.

You can hunt on Crown land if you have the right permits, but not on private land unless you have written permission. There are also selected areas where local permits and/ or lottery systems exist for controlled waterfowl hunting (eg: Binbrook, Mud Lake programs in NPCA). Be sure to always check for the latest updates before going. npca

The official Ontario map is online at www.mnr.gov.on.ca and you should consult it before every trip, especially if you’re hunting near WMU lines.

Gear and Techniques for Successful Hunting

A good duck hunting season Ontario requires that a hunter have the appropriate gear, and make sure it is legal gear. Here’s what you need to carry:

Firearms and Ammunition

For Ontario duck-hunting seasons, most hunters use shotguns and non-toxic shot, usually of 12- or 20-gauge. Lead shot is restricted when hunting waterfowl. Ammunition should be clearly marked as non-toxic. Steel, bismuth or tungsten-matrix are some of the typical choices. The lone exception is for woodcock hunters, who may shoot lead. For those, including all migratory birds such as ducks and geese, you’re only allowed to use non-toxic shot.

Decoys and Blinds

In order to succeed during the duck hunting season Ontario, decoys and blinds are one of the most important aspects. Mallard and teal are the most versatile decoys to hunt with, but having a mix of species can be beneficial when hunting mixed bags. Hunters frequently use portable blinds, layout boats, marsh boxes or even disguised shorelines to hide and draw waterfowl.

Watercraft

Boats for canoes, kayaks and flat-bottomed jon boats are a very popular choice for hunting in Ontario marshes and open water. When taking part in duck hunting season Ontario it is imperative that hunters have safe and compliant boats to ensure that they are not fined under provincial boating safety regulations.

Clothing

Suitable clothing is necessary to keep you comfortable and protected while out on the water during duck hunting season Ontario. Water-tight waders are a necessity for marsh and wetland hunts. Weather is also dependent upon the area you are hunting. You will want to layer their clothing for chilly autumn mornings, when temperatures can drop below freezing, and have lighter gear ready for the beginning of the season if it’s milder.

Non-Toxic Shot Only (Mandatory)

While hunting ducks, geese or any migratory game birds ( except woodcock), you’re not allowed to use or have lead shot in your possession in Ontario. This is a federal as well as provincial law, it is strongly implementable. If you are found in breach, you will be heavily fined.

Backup Power Supply

The BLUETTI Apex 300 is the ultimate accessory for hunters who spend hours in blinds, camps or out on remote wetlands. Boasting 2,764.8Wh capacity & 3,840W output (expandable up to 58kWh), you will never run out of power during duck hunting season Ontario for your phones, lights and other vital devices.

With three 120V AC outlets, two USB outputs and a 12V car socket, as well as other accessories like solar input options, the included 1375W automotive-rechargeable LiFePO₄ battery offers greater than 6,000 cycles (or years of use). Its dual output system handles everything from camp heaters to cooking appliances without an adapter in sight. The built-in TT-30 outlet is perfect for RVs, and since solar input (up to 6,400W) forces in a full recharge over just 1.2 hours via portable panels, a big plus on long trips off the grid.

It’s heavy (83.7 lbs.) enough to keep stable, but the ability to attach a mobility cart does allow for easy transport and turn it into essentially zero ms UPS protecting gear from loss in a power outage. Silent, fume-free power for the great outdoors cable of going anywhere maintaining power autonomy and sleep through almost every gas generator known to mankind.

Conservation and Ethical Hunting

Ontario duck hunting season only continues by close regulation and the development of a hunter constituency representing the best of conservation. Ethical hunting practices are not just the law, but also the culture. Here’s the best way to adhere to this.

• Bag and possession limits are designed so that local breeding populations are not overtaken.
• Habitat conservation by groups like Ducks Unlimited has conserved millions of acres of nesting and stopover marshes in Ontario, saving not only ducks but thousands of other species.
• Responsible hunters always bring back all downed birds, never let what is killed go to waste and uphold the principles of fair chase.
• Reporting banded birds assists biologists who are tracking migration patterns and survival rates. If you leave a band in the honker blind, report it on line at the government portal or by telephone.

You must always follow all closed seasons, all species at risk (e.g. no open season for Harlequin Duck, King Rail or Yellow Rail etc.) and local and international conservation laws.

Safety and Field Etiquette

All duck hunters who hunt in Ontario must be tested to meet the province’s safety conditions.

• Guns must be unloaded at all times until you’re in the field ready to shoot. Avoid shooting from, over or across a public roadway.
• Watch for your hunting partners, know your safe shooting lanes and always make sure of your target before pulling the trigger.
• Dogs must be kept under control at all times, except while actively being sent to retrieve.
• Respect private property: Always seek permission to go onto or hunt private land. Leave no trace and carry out all debris, shells and hulls.
• There is no shortage of hypothermia and thin ice this time of the year. Always have a plan and dedicated safety kit in your blind or boat.

Keeping Your Devices Charged During The Duck Hunting Season Ontario

The BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 is a compact and lightweight solution for all that duck hunting season Ontario portability without compromising on performance. At only 9.5 lbs, and a 288Wh capacity with 600W output, it slips into your pack or boat. For heavier gear, the 1,500W Power Lifting Mode powers through high-resistive loads like kettles or induction cooktops.

With dual 100W and 140W PD USB-C ports, you can charge laptops, GPS units, and smartphones quickly so you stay on the move, while nine extra outlets mean less equipment left behind. Charge in only 70 mins and go back to hunting instead of waiting, see the rest of your battery level on a larger indicator with better sighting.

Silent at 30dB, it won't break the silence of the marsh or give away your position to the game. Its ultra-durable LiFePO₄ battery offers 3,000+ life cycles and holds its performance even in cold morning starts down to -4°F. With WiFi and Bluetooth functions on the BLUETTI app, the Elite 30 V2 is a SMART solution for hunters requiring long duration power without heavy equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does duck hunting open in Ontario this year?

Ontario duck hunting season opens September 1, 2025(Hudson–James Bay), September 10(Northern District), September 20(Central) and September 27(Southern District). Always check the start date of your WMU before hunting.

What type of ducks are seen around Ontario?

There are mallards, American black ducks, teal, wood ducks, pintails, canvasbacks, redheads and ring-necked ducks as well as scaup and mergansers and more.

Is it illegal to shoot ducks with a gun in private or conservation areas?

You can hunt, provided you’re properly licensed and (on private property) have written permission from the owner of the land. Some conservation authorities run waterfowl hunting programs and issuances but would need additional permits or a lottery win (e.g. NPCA Binbrook and Mud Lake).

Do you have to wear orange when duck hunting?

Hunter orange is not mandatory when hunting migratory game birds, except woodcock. However, it is required during concurrent big game (deer, moose, elk) firearm seasons if you are hunting those species in that same area.

What is the punishment for hunting waterfowl without a license?

You can be fined from $5,000 to $300,000 for hunting without the right (federal or provincial) permits during duck hunting season Ontario and may also spend some time in jail if you are a repeat offender or have committed a more serious offense.

Resources and Next Steps

For the most up-to-date regulations and maps:

• Canada.ca official Migratory Birds Regulations Summary PDF: Contains season dates, limits, and complete legal text for duck hunting season Ontario.
• Ontario’s Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) Map: Find WMU boundaries and restrictions.
• Ducks Unlimited Canada Ontario Resources: Conservation projects, hunt club listings, and land access guidance.
• Local Ontario hunting associations and outfitters: Provide regional insight, safety briefings, and often guided hunt opportunities for newcomers and visitors.