6
Daily duck limit
8
Daily goose limit
6
Teal limit (early)
$20.97
Waterfowl license (res.)
Season Information
Season DatesEarly Canada Goose: Sept 1–25; Early Teal: Sept 1–16; Regular Season: Oct 5 – Nov 30 and Dec 14 – Jan 26; Special Late Canada Goose: Jan
FlywayAtlantic Flyway
Zone InformationPennsylvania has a single statewide waterfowl zone for most species. Lake Erie provides coastal-style diver duck hunting in the northwest corner. The Susquehanna River and Delaware River valleys are primary migration corridors.
Species NotesDucks: 6/day; mallard 4 (2 hens); black duck 2; pintail 1; canvasback 1; redhead 2; scaup 2; wood duck 3. Geese: Canada 8/day; snow/blue/Ross's 20/day. Teal early season: 6/day.
License & Permit Requirements
State Hunting License
✅ Required
Federal Duck Stamp
✅ Required
HIP Registration
✅ Required
HIP Registration Info
HIP registration is mandatory for all waterfowl hunters annually at no cost. Register online at huntfish.pa.gov or at any license issuing agent. A HIP registration confirmation number must be carried while hunting waterfowl.
How to Get Licensed for Waterfowl Hunting
1
Purchase a Pennsylvania hunting license ($20.97 resident) from Pennsylvania Game Commission.
2
Complete HIP Registration (free) — available when purchasing your hunting license or through the Pennsylvania Game Commission website.
3
Purchase the Federal Duck Stamp ($25) — required for all waterfowl hunters age 16+. Available at USPS offices or online.
Additional Notes: Pennsylvania's Lake Erie shoreline offers some of the best diver duck hunting in the interior Atlantic Flyway, with canvasback, scaup, redhead, and buffleheads concentrating in Presque Isle Bay and Erie Harbor during late October and November. The Susquehanna River corridor is a critical migration pathway for Canada geese, with tens of thousands staging in Lancaster and York counties. The Delaware River offers black duck hunting in the lower reaches near the Delaware state line. Pennsylvania's large acreage of public Wildlife Management Areas provides abundant waterfowl access across the state.
Buy PA License — Pennsylvania Game Commission