As the fall bird hunting seasons approach, new and old migratory bird hunters will be asked a few simple questions when they get their hunting licenses. Those questions are part of a national program known as the Harvest Information Program (HIP) and it is the first step in determining how many birds are harvested and how many bird hunters are out chasing birds.
Here are the most important things migratory bird hunters should know about HIP:
• Ducks, geese, swans, mourning doves, band-tailed pigeons, woodcock, sandhill cranes, moorhens and rails are all migratory gamebirds.
• HIP is required for all migratory bird hunters in the United States. This includes hunters of waterfowl, doves, woodcock and other migratory bird species.
• By participating in HIP, hunters provide important information used for setting hunting seasons and bag limits.
• Some states call HIP by other names such as Migratory Bird Hunting Permit, Authorization or Stamp, but allstates require hunters to provide their name and address and to answer a few simple questions about their hunting activities in the prior year.
• HIP registration is easy. You can register online or through your state hunting license vendor.
• Your HIP registration information is used to select a sample of hunters for the Harvest Survey. This survey gathers critical information about migratory bird harvest and hunter activity that is used to set hunting season dates, hunting zones, and bag limits.
• It is important for you to answer all HIP registration questions accurately and completely. This helps ensure the Harvest Survey data is as accurate as possible.
• You must register for HIP in each state where you hunt migratory birds. You only need to register once per year, but you need to register in each state where you hunt.
• If you have a lifetime hunting license, you still need to register for HIP. HIP registration is required for all migratory bird hunters, regardless of their license type.
• If you are selected for the Harvest Survey, be sure to complete your survey diary or wing envelopes, even if you did not harvest any birds. Your participation is essential for ensuring the Harvest Survey data is accurate.
• By registering for HIP and participating in the Harvest Survey, hunters can help to ensure that migratory bird populations are managed sustainably for future generations.
