California is part of the Pacific Flyway, one of four major migratory bird corridors in North America. The 2025–2026 waterfowl season runs from October 4 through January 31, 2026, with 12 distinct season segments covering ducks, geese, coots, and other migratory game birds. Season dates and bag limits are set annually by the Department of Fish and Wildlife within frameworks established by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Upland Game Bird Validation also required for certain areas
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern Zone | Oct 4 – Jan 15 Regular Season | 7 | 21 |
| Southern San Joaquin Valley | Oct 18 – Jan 28 Regular Season | 7 | 21 |
| Colorado River Zone | Oct 18 – Jan 28 Regular Season | 7 | 21 |
| Balance of State | Oct 18 – Jan 28 Regular Season | 7 | 21 |
| Species | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|
| Canvasback | 2 | 6 |
| Mallard Max 2 hens | 7 | 21 |
| Redhead | 2 | 6 |
| Lesser Scaup | 2 | 6 |
| Hooded Merganser | 2 | 6 |
| Wood Duck | 2 | 6 |
| Pintail (Northern) | 3 | 9 |
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern Zone | Oct 4 – Jan 11 Regular Season | 4 | 12 |
| Southern San Joaquin Valley | Oct 18 – Jan 28 Regular Season | 4 | 12 |
| Balance of State | Oct 18 – Jan 25 Regular Season | 4 | 12 |
| Colorado River Zone | Oct 23 – Jan 31 Regular Season | 4 | 12 |
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern Zone1 | Oct 4 – Jan 15 Regular Season | 20 | 60 |
| Southern San Joaquin Valley1 | Oct 18 – Jan 28 Regular Season | 20 | 60 |
| Colorado River Zone1 | Oct 23 – Jan 31 Regular Season | 20 | 60 |
| Balance of State1 | Oct 18 – Jan 28 Regular Season | 20 | 60 |
1No possession limit for light geese in California
Season dates and bag limits are verified against official state wildlife agency publications and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Data shown is for the 2025-2026 season. This data was verified on March 9, 2026. Always confirm with your state's official regulations before hunting.