The mapping of land capability for waterfowl uses a national system developed with the aid of the Canadian Wildlife Service. This sector uses seven classes, like the others. Capability for waterfowl production requires a sufficient quantity and quality of food, protective cover, and space to meet the needs for survival, growth, and reproduction. The ability of the land to meet these needs is determined by the individual requirements of the species or group under consideration, the physical characteristics of the land, and those factors that influence the plant and animal communities.

The land surface is mapped in homogeneous units based on physical characteristics significant to waterfowl. A class number is assigned to each land unit based on known or inferred information on parent material, soil profile, depth, moisture, fertility, landform, climatic factors, and vegetation. Classification is based on the natural state of the land under good practical and feasible wildlife management practices. The class designation indicates the degree of limitation, the subclass indicates the factors that cause the limitation.

Capability mapping is accomplished through interpretation of air photography and be field surveys. Location of the land, access, ownership, distance from cities or roads, and present condition of the land unit are not considered in assigning a capability class. Present cover and waterfowl production on a unit are used only as additional information. Excessive or insufficient hunting pressures do not limit the capability of the land and are not used in assigning classification values.

On the above map, the large numerals indicate the classes. Where two or more large numerals are used, the following small numerals indicate the proportion of each class out of a total of 10. The letters following the large numeral indicate subclasses that apply to the class. The colours provide a convenient means of separating the various class units. The colouring relates to the single class designator or, where more than on designator is used, to the one that represents the greatest proportion of the unit.