6
Daily duck limit
8
Daily goose limit
6
Teal limit (early)
$23.00
Waterfowl license (res.)
Season Information
Season DatesEarly Teal: Sept 1–16; Regular Season: Nov 2 – Jan 26; Canada Goose Early: Sept 1–25
FlywayAtlantic Flyway
Zone InformationVirginia has Coastal Zone (tidal waters east of I-95), Inland Zone, and Northern Neck region with specific dates. The Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries constitute the majority of coastal waterfowl habitat.
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; brant 2/day.
License & Permit Requirements
State Hunting License
✅ Required
Federal Duck Stamp
✅ Required
HIP Registration
✅ Required
HIP Registration Info
HIP registration required annually for all waterfowl hunters at no cost. Register online at dwr.virginia.gov or at any license vendor. A HIP confirmation number is required while hunting migratory birds.
How to Get Licensed for Waterfowl Hunting
1
Purchase a Virginia hunting license ($23.00 resident) from Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
2
Complete HIP Registration (free) — available when purchasing your hunting license or through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website.
3
Purchase the Federal Duck Stamp ($25) — required for all waterfowl hunters age 16+. Available at USPS offices or online.
Additional Notes: Virginia's Chesapeake Bay tributaries and the coastal bays of the Eastern Shore provide outstanding black duck, canvasback, and tundra swan hunting. Chincoteague NWR and Back Bay NWR are important wintering areas that attract thousands of ducks and geese. The Shenandoah Valley and western Virginia offer inland Canada goose hunting over agricultural fields from October onward. Virginia has one of the most active sea duck fisheries in the southern Atlantic Flyway, particularly in the lower Chesapeake Bay near Cape Charles.
Buy VA License — Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources