Public Comment Period: February 2 – March 2, 2026
Each year, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) develops recommendations for migratory game bird hunting seasons and bag limits in Virginia in accordance with the annual U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service migratory bird hunting regulations or “Federal Frameworks”.
These “frameworks” are based on current bird population levels and establish the basic season parameters such as season lengths, total bag limits, and dates within which the seasons can be held. The DWR sets the season dates and bag limits for Virginia within these basic frameworks.
Based on these proposed federal regulations, the DWR has developed recommendations for the migratory game bird seasons and bag limits in Virginia as listed below. We are providing an opportunity for the public to comment on these recommendations from February 2 through March 2, 2026.
After consideration of the public comments, final DWR staff proposals will be developed and presented to the Board of Wildlife Resources for final action at their March 19, 2026, meeting. Regulations approved by the Board will go into effect for the 2026–2027 hunting season starting on September 1, 2026.
We appreciate your interest and comments so we can develop seasons with input from our Virginia hunters.
View the Proposals
Comment
The comment period has ended.