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Waterfowl Hunting
A Partnership in Conservation
Did you know?
In addition to purchasing the Stamp to validate their Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit, waterfowl and other migratory game bird hunters also pay other license fees which directly support wildlife management.
Waterfowl hunting activities contribute about $327 million annually to the economy, roughly 18% of the $1.8 billion invested in hunting and trapping activities. This economic contribution is not easily replaced by other nature-related activities.
Waterfowl hunters support conservation activities
Find out about the projects that waterfowl hunters are supporting.
The future of conservation
Responsible management of our wildlife and natural resources is an important value that we must pass along to future generations. Our well-being is directly tied to how we manage our impact on the environment. Many organizations and individuals conduct youth mentoring programs to pass on the skills and knowledge of hunting. These programs are integral to instilling in our youth the importance of wildlife habitats and biodiversity so that they can continue to enjoy the abundance of species that we have today.
Thanks to Hunters
As a migratory game bird hunter, you are part of a long and proud history of wildlife and habitat conservation in Canada. With the purchase of your Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp (CWHCS) and MGBH Permit, you are supporting wildlife management and habitat conservation. Our success in advocating for wildlife and their habitats is directly linked to your contribution.
The MGBH Permit
A Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit is required to hunt waterfowl and other migratory game birds in Canada. Permits come with a Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp (CWHC) affixed for validation.
How to get your Permit
By purchasing your Permit, you are contributing to waterfowl and waterfowl habitat conservation across Canada. As part of the Permit, the cost of the Stamp is allocated to Wildlife Habitat Canada for our Grant Program.
There are three ways you can purchase your MGBH Permit:
E-Permit, Online
The MGBH Permit is administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada through an electronic permitting system. The cost of the Permit includes the CWHC Stamp. An additional physical stamp is not required for validation.
*If you have issues please call Environment and Climate Change Canada – Canadian Wildlife Service Permit Department at 1-855-869-8670 or at ec.permisscf-cwspermit.ec@canada.ca *
BUY YOUR PERMITPermit at a Canadian Post Outlet
Permits are also available at certain Canada Post outlets, mainly in city centres. Please contact Canada Post customer service at 1-866-607-6301 to access the list of outlets.
Permit From an independent vendor
All Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permits come with a Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp affixed for validation.
Please note that you must verify the provincial/territorial regulations pertaining to hunting and the carrying of firearms for the province/territory where you will be hunting migratory game birds. Visit the Resources for Hunters section for more information
Wildlife Habitat Canada thanks you for investing in Canadian conservation.
Resources for Hunters
New to Waterfowl Hunting?
Check out our beginner’s guide to waterfowl hunting >>.
Want to learn more?
Click on the link below to read a step-by-step tutorial on what you need to do for your first hunt.
Step-By-Step Tutorial credit to Ducks Unlimited and Waterfowling.com
MBHR Summaries
Summaries and other important information for waterfowl hunters »
Provincial/Territorial Requirements
These regulations play an important role in maintaining abundant waterfowl populations within the carrying capacity for the habitat in which they live.
Canadian Wildlife Service Reports
If you would like to learn more about the regulations that govern the management of our wildlife, please visit Environment and Climate Change Canada, where you can access a number of publications and reports.
Check out the links below for information on the state of migratory birds in Canada:
FAQs
Who regulates the hunting of Migratory Game Birds in Canada?
Environment and Climate Change Canada is responsible for managing migratory bird populations, and regulating the hunting of migratory game birds such as ducks and geese. Every two years, bag limits are determined for migratory game bird species and published as part of the Migratory Birds Regulations.
FAQs about these federal regulations and other pertinent questions related to Game bird Hunting can be found on HERE.
Canadian resident looking to hunt in the U.S.?
Canadian residents planning to waterfowl hunt in the U.S. must purchase a Federal Duck Stamp and keep it on them at all times while hunting. To purchase your Stamp and for more information visit the Federal Wildlife Service website today!
Where can I buy a MGBH permit?
The Migratory Game Bird Hunting permit must be purchased annually for the current hunting season.
How do I purchase a CWHC Stamp?
The Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp is affixed to the MGBH permit. You are NOT required to purchase a second Stamp to go with your MGBH permit.
What game birds can I hunt?
The regulations for game birds permitted for hunting in Canada can be found on the Environment and Climate Change Canada website. Please visit the FAQs section of their website for further information about game bird hunting rules and regulations. CLICK HERE »
Where can I get other hunting licences?
All other hunting activities in Canada are regulated through the provincial governments. To find out how to obtain a hunting licence for your province, visit the appropriate provincial government website. This website is a good place to start.
What if I’m not a hunter but I want to support WHC?
You can absolutely support our work without being a hunter. WHC is a conservation organization whose mandate is to wisely invest our funds in on-the-ground conservation projects with significant positive impact to wildlife and their habitats.
If you would like to make a donation or purchase a product to support our work, please CLICK HERE »
How are funds from the Stamp used for conservation?
Funds that we receive from the Stamp on the MGBH Permit and from the sale of our Stamp and Print program, along with donations and fundraising activities, are used to support WHC and the work we do. Our mandate is to wisely invest those funds in on-the-ground conservation projects in accordance with the priorities of NAWMP. We take great care in selecting our grant recipients to ensure that the projects are reflective of our mission and vision. If you would like to find out more about who we are, please visit the ABOUT section of the website.
How is the artwork on the Stamp selected?
Every year, WHC invites Canadian artists to enter a competition for our selected Stamp artwork. A panel of judges is called on to select the winning painting. The winner is chosen based on originality, artist merit and accuracy to the species of waterfowl. For more information on our art competition, please visit THE ART COMPETITION section of the website.