Most regulations are selected by the Pacific Flyway Council.  Season length and bag limits for ducks are set according to yearly Adaptive Harvest Management Reports.

The Federal Register lists the proposals of these regulations for public comment before publishing a final rule. 

For information on Federal regulations and migratory bird hunting information such as season timing and bag limits, see the Division of Migratory Bird Management Web site.

In order to hunt any migratory gamebirds, you must possess a Harvest Information Program Validation (HIP) in addition when hunting waterfowl (ducks, geese, etc.), you must possess both a state hunting license and a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp (Duck Stamp).

State wildlife management organizations are responsible for managing the following activities:

• hunting/fishing licenses

• hunting/fishing regulations such as season timing

• animal control

• population tracking and other state-specific information

To obtain a license, contact the state in which you wish to hunt or fish. Usually you can buy a license at any retail outlet dealing in hunting and fishing equipment or sporting goods stores. They generally also have regulation booklets, Federal Duck Stamps, and season/bag limit information available. Duck stamps are generally available at local Post Offices and refuge visitor centers.