Delta Waterfowl Voices Support for Canadian Wildlife Service Regulatory Changes
Proposals would increase opportunity, open new seasons
PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, MANITOBA — Delta Waterfowl announced their support and submitted official comments for several proposals included in a package of regulatory changes proposed by the Canadian Wildlife Service late last week. These changes are the result of advocacy from Delta staff, members and volunteers to further support ducks and duck hunters in Canada.
“We are deeply appreciative of the CWS for the proposed changes which will provide new and enhanced opportunities for hunters across the country,” Jim Fisher, Delta’s vice president of Canadian policy, said. “These decisions require intensive research and diligent work, and we are grateful for the opportunity to work with the Canadian government on behalf of our members.”
A summary of the proposed changes Delta supports is as follows:
Western and Northern Canada
Delta is excited to see the proposed tundra swan and mourning dove seasons in the Prairie Provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta for 2028. Additionally, CWS has proposed a sandhill crane season in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut beginning in 2028.
Central Canada
The introduction of a limited sandhill crane hunting season in specific wildlife management units in Ontario and Quebec is something Delta has long advocated for and will be celebrated by hunters. An additional proposal will implement a late winter 7-day Canada goose hunt in specific wildlife management units in the southern district of Ontario. This change will remove a barrier to implementing Sunday gun hunting in municipalities and provide a highly desired opportunity for goose hunters. The proposal to increase the daily bag limit from 3 to 5 from late September to the end of October for Canada geese in Wildlife Management Unit 65 will be celebrated. These changes would be in place for this coming fall season.
Atlantic Canada
Delta supports the proposal to delay the start of the general Canada goose season in Nova Scotia Zone 2 to allow for closure on Jan. 22, 2027, which aligns with the end of duck season. Brian McRae, director of Canadian government affairs for Delta, said the organization will continue to advocate for a Jan. 31 closure for both seasons in Zone 2, but this modification is welcomed.
These proposals are open for public comment until Feb. 15, and Delta is encouraging its members to share their support during this time. Delta will send province-specific action alerts within a week to provide members with draft comments to CWS in support of these changes. To learn more please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/migratory-game-bird-hunting/consultation-process-regulations/report-series/proposals-amend-document-2026.html. Comments can be sent to the Director of Wildlife Management and Regulatory Affairs Division at MbregsReports-Rapports-Omregs@ec.gc.ca.
Delta Waterfowl is The Duck Hunters OrganizationTM, a leading conservation group founded in 1911 that uses science-based solutions to produce ducks, conserve prairie wetlands, and secure the future of waterfowl hunting in North America. Visit deltawaterfowl.org.
For more information, contact Jim Fisher at jfisher@deltawaterfowl.org.