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BC CORE overview

BC CORE: Migratory and upland game birds

Federal permits, hunting hours, the lead shot ban, shotgun rules, baited areas, daily and possession limits and transporting birds.

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Migratory and upland game birds · Question 1Score 0/0

Which shotgun rule applies to migratory bird hunting?

Study reference: B.C. hunting regulations and federal firearms rules (Oct 2026), Ch. 8 Migratory and upland game birds — Synopsis 2026–2028, Migratory Bird Hunting; Shot Ban; Bag and Possession Limits

All 13 questions in this test

Every question and its answer choices. The correct answers and explanations appear when you take the test above.

  1. Which shotgun rule applies to migratory bird hunting?

    1. At least 8 gauge, and loaded with slugs only
    2. A rifle may be used instead of any shotgun
    3. No larger than 10 gauge and no single projectiles
    4. Any size at all, as long as it uses lead shot

  2. Which of these birds is a migratory game bird?

    1. Mourning dove
    2. Ring-necked pheasant
    3. Wild turkey
    4. Ruffed grouse

  3. When transporting a grouse home, what must stay attached to the bird?

    1. The tail feathers only
    2. Both feet
    3. One feathered wing
    4. Nothing at all

  4. Does the lead shot ban apply to hunting grouse?

    1. Yes, it covers every bird species
    2. No, it covers waterfowl, coot and snipe
    3. Yes, but only in Region 1
    4. Only for grouse taken near water

  5. What is the possession limit for migratory game birds?

    1. Twice the daily limit
    2. Three times the daily limit
    3. Equal to the daily limit
    4. Unlimited at home

  6. What is the most lead that non-toxic shot may contain?

    1. 10% by weight
    2. 1% by weight
    3. 50% by weight
    4. 25% by weight

  7. Which is unlawful when hunting game birds?

    1. Using live birds as decoys
    2. Using wooden decoys on water
    3. Using a dog to retrieve birds
    4. Hunting from a non-motorized canoe

  8. During what hours may migratory game birds be hunted?

    1. Any time of day or night during the open season
    2. One hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset
    3. Half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset
    4. From sunrise until noon only, every day of the season

  9. What is the daily bag limit for Canada and cackling geese combined?

    1. 5
    2. 2
    3. 10
    4. 30

  10. What federal document do you need to hunt ducks and geese in B.C.?

    1. A B.C. trapping licence and trapline registration
    2. A Possession and Acquisition Licence, by itself
    3. A Limited Entry Hunting authorization for ducks
    4. A Canadian Migratory Game Bird hunting permit

  11. What is the general daily bag limit for ducks in aggregate?

    1. 15
    2. 8
    3. 25
    4. 4

  12. Which shot may be used to hunt ducks and geese?

    1. Any shot near the coast
    2. Lead shot under No. 4
    3. Non-toxic shot such as steel
    4. Lead shot of any size

  13. A field was baited for ducks last week. When may you hunt migratory birds within 400 m of it?

    1. After one full day without new bait
    2. Once it has been free of bait for 7 days
    3. Right away, as long as you did not bait it
    4. Never again during that same season

Migratory and upland game birds: key rules to remember

Our summary of what the official handbook says on this topic, in our own words. Read it before or after the practice questions above, then check the original chapter. Read the official chapter ↗

Migratory game birds

  • Migratory game birds (waterfowl, coot, snipe, band-tailed pigeon, mourning dove) need a federal Canadian Migratory Game Bird hunting permit.
  • Hunt migratory game birds only from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
  • Lead (toxic) shot for waterfowl has been banned in B.C. since 1995 and in Canada since 1997; the ban covers ducks, geese, coots and snipe, not upland birds.
  • Non-toxic shot means pellets with no more than 1% lead by weight (e.g. steel, bismuth, tungsten-based shot).
  • Shotguns for migratory birds: not larger than 10 gauge, no single projectiles, magazine plugged to 2 shells; only one shotgun unless others are unloaded and cased.
  • Do not hunt migratory birds within 400 m of a baited place until it has been free of bait for at least 7 days; do not use live birds as decoys.
  • Daily bag limits: ducks 8 in aggregate (fewer for some species); Canada and cackling geese 10 in aggregate.
  • Possession limit for migratory game birds is three times the daily limit.

Upland game birds

  • Game birds include grouse, partridge, quail, pheasant, ptarmigan, migratory game birds and wild turkey.
  • Possession limit for upland game birds while hunting or returning is generally three times the daily limit.
  • When transporting a game bird, leave one feathered wing attached (migratory birds: a feathered wing or the head; bearded-turkey seasons: also the beard).
  • Raptors (falcons, hawks, eagles, owls) may not be hunted.

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