Authorization Conditions and State Seasons for Seasonal Migratory Game Bird Hunting

Issuing agencies

Abstract

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) announces the availability of the 2026 Migratory Game Bird Hunting (MGBH) Memorandum setting forth the authorization conditions (conditions or limits) within which States and Tribes may establish their hunting regulations for certain migratory game birds. The conditions include species for which seasons may be opened, season dates, season lengths, shooting hours, bag and possession limits, areas where migratory game bird hunting may occur, and other restrictions. The conditions are necessary to allow States and Tribes to establish their migratory game bird hunting regulations and to allow harvest at levels compatible with migratory game bird population status and habitat conditions. Migratory game bird hunting seasons provide opportunities for recreation and sustenance, and aid Federal, State, and Tribal governments in the management of migratory game birds. We are also announcing the availability of the 2026 memorandum with seasons, hours, areas, and daily bag and possession limits for migratory game bird hunting in certain States that requested we publish these. Taking of migratory birds is prohibited unless specifically provided for in this memorandum and other applicable State and Federal regulations.