Bag limit refers to the maximum number of game animals that a hunter is legally allowed to harvest within a specific time period, such as a day, week, or hunting season. Bag limits are established by wildlife management authorities to ensure sustainable hunting practices and to prevent overharvesting, which could negatively impact animal populations and ecosystems.

These limits vary by species, hunting area, and time of year, depending on factors such as population size, conservation goals, and breeding cycles. For example, hunters may have a higher bag limit for certain small game, like squirrels or rabbits, compared to larger game species like deer or elk, which may have stricter limits to manage population density.

Bag limits are an essential component of wildlife regulation, helping to balance hunting opportunities with the conservation of natural resources. They also encourage hunters to follow ethical practices by promoting fair and responsible harvests. In some areas, hunters may need to report their harvests to ensure compliance with these regulations. Violating bag limits can result in fines, penalties, or loss of hunting privileges, as it is considered a violation of hunting laws designed to protect wildlife populations.