The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) reminds hunters to obtain the free Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) Permit before hunting any migratory birds (e.g. doves) this year. HIP is an annual federal program that requires hunters who pursue doves, ducks, geese, rails and other migratory bird species to complete a short harvest survey and in return, receive a free participation permit.

“Determining accurate harvest levels for game species, such as doves, is critical to the scientific management of game populations,” says WRD Assistant Chief of Game Management John Bowers. “The HIP program gives biologists the information they need to ensure healthy migratory bird populations and quality hunting.”

In existence for 13 years now, HIP is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and state wildlife agencies. HIP provides reliable estimates on the number of migratory game bird hunters and birds harvested in Georgia and throughout the country. These estimates give wildlife managers the information they need to make decisions on hunting seasons, bag limits and population management for migratory game birds. While the USFWS and state wildlife agencies have conducted harvest surveys for decades, the methods used to collect harvest data varied a great deal from state to state, making it difficult to compare the results. HIP provides a standard method to gather and compare information from all states. Multi-state information is critical to best manage migratory populations.

To receive a free HIP permit, Georgia hunters must answer a short survey when they purchase their hunting license. This survey provides the hunter’s harvest information from the previous year’s hunting season. After the survey is complete, the free HIP participation permit is listed on the hunter’s license. Survey responses are sent to the USFWS. A sample of the nationwide HIP participants will be asked to complete a more detailed national harvest information survey about the species they hunted.

Hunting licenses and the free HIP permit are available at over 1,000 license agents or online at www.gohuntgeorgia.com. For more information on the required HIP permit or the federal program, contact a WRD Game Management Section office or call (770) 918-6416.