Western NY Waterfowl Hunting & Licensing Guide

 Western New York Waterfowl Hunting Guide

Planning a duck or goose hunt in Western New York? Understanding New York State licensing requirements, season dates, and bag limits is an important part of preparing for a successful hunt.

New York Waterfowl Hunting Licenses

New York Residents
Purchase A NYS Hunting License Here

• Annual Hunting License: $22 for adults ages 16–69
• Senior Hunting License: $5 for residents age 70+
• Junior Hunting License: $5 for residents ages 12–15
• HIP Registration: Free
• Federal Duck Stamp Link: $25 for hunters age 16 and older 

• Nontoxic shot: Required when hunting migratory waterfowl

   

Typical adult resident total: $47

Nonresidents
Purchase A NYS Hunting License Here

• Annual Hunting License: $100
• HIP Registration: Free
• Federal Duck Stamp Link: $25 for hunters age 16 and older
• Nontoxic shot: Required when hunting migratory waterfowl

Typical adult nonresident total: $125

Western Zone Duck Season

The regular Western Zone duck season runs:

• October 10 – November 1, 2026
• December 5, 2026 – January 10, 2027

Additional opportunities include:

• Youth Waterfowl Weekend: September 26–27, 2026
• Veteran & Active Military Waterfowl Weekend: November 7–8, 2026

Duck Bag Limits

• Ducks and mergansers: 6 per day
• Wood duck: Maximum 3 per day
• Mallard: Maximum 4 per day, including no more than 2 hens
• Black duck: Maximum 2 per day
• Pintail: Maximum 3 per day
• Redhead: Maximum 2 per day
• Canvasback: Maximum 2 per day
• Scaup: 1 per day, increasing to 2 during the designated late-season period
• Coot: 15 per day

Possession limits are generally three times the daily limit, subject to species-specific restrictions.

Canada Goose Hunting

Canada goose seasons are regulated by Goose Hunting Areas, so dates and bag limits can vary depending on where you hunt.

Western New York hunters should verify the specific Goose Hunting Area for their hunting property before the season.

Some areas also offer a September Canada Goose Season, with specific dates and bag limits established by NYSDEC.

Important Waterfowl Regulations

Before heading into the field, hunters should:

• Have a valid New York State hunting license
• Complete annual HIP registration
• Carry a valid Federal Duck Stamp if required
• Use approved nontoxic ammunition
• Follow daily and possession limits
• Hunt only during legal shooting hours
• Follow the regulations for the specific hunting area
• Verify current NYSDEC regulations before each hunt

Hunt Western New York

Western New York offers excellent opportunities for Canada goose, mallard, black duck, wood duck, and other migratory waterfowl. From agricultural fields and private wetlands to the waterways surrounding Buffalo and Grand Island, the region provides a variety of hunting opportunities throughout the season.

Always check the latest New York State DEC regulations before hunting. Season dates, bag limits, and special regulations can vary by species and location.