Virginia is part of the Atlantic Flyway, one of four major migratory bird corridors in North America. The 2025–2026 waterfowl season runs from September 1 through April 5, 2026, with 23 distinct season segments covering ducks, geese, coots, and other migratory game birds. Season dates and bag limits are set annually by the Department of Wildlife Resources within frameworks established by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
| Segment | Opens | Closes | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September Canada Goose | Sep 1 | Sep 25 | 10 | 30 |
| RP Zone | Nov 19 | Nov 30 | 5 | 15 |
| RP Zone | Dec 19 | Feb 22 | 5 | 15 |
| AP Zone | Dec 24 | Dec 31 | 1 | 3 |
| AP Zone | Jan 10 | Jan 31 | 1 | 3 |
| Opens | Closes | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 20 | Sep 28 | 6 | 18 |
| Segment | Opens | Closes | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Split | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | 6 | 18 |
| Second Split | Nov 19 | Nov 30 | 6 | 18 |
| Third Split | Dec 19 | Jan 31 | 6 | 18 |
| Segment | Opens | Closes | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Split | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | 15 | 45 |
| Second Split | Nov 19 | Nov 30 | 15 | 45 |
| Third Split | Dec 19 | Jan 31 | 15 | 45 |
| Segment | Opens | Closes | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Split | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | 5 | 15 |
| Second Split | Nov 19 | Nov 30 | 5 | 15 |
| Third Split | Dec 19 | Jan 31 | 5 | 15 |
| Opens | Closes | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 18 | Jan 31 | 25 | – |
| Segment | Opens | Closes | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youth/Vet Day | Oct 25 | Oct 25 | 6 | – |
| Youth/Vet Day | Feb 7 | Feb 7 | 6 | – |
| Segment | Opens | Closes | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veterans Day | Oct 25 | Oct 25 | 6 | – |
| Veterans Day | Feb 7 | Feb 7 | 6 | – |
| Segment | Opens | Closes | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brant | Dec 24 | Dec 31 | 1 | 3 |
| Brant | Jan 10 | Jan 31 | 1 | 3 |
| Opens | Closes | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 1 | Apr 5 | – | – |
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.