Harvest Information Program
If you plan to hunt woodcock, ducks, geese, brant, rails, snipe, coots, gallinules, or sea ducks you must register with the Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program - HIP
What Is HIP?
HIP - is a Federal legal requirement. Any person who hunts migratory game birds (this includes woodcock) must have proof of participation whenever he or she goes afield. Failure to carry proof is a violation equal to hunting without a license.
HIP provides the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) with a national registry of migratory bird hunters from which they can select participants for harvest surveys.
Only a small percentage of HIP participants will be selected for harvest surveys, which will be mailed to them by the USFWS. Completion of the survey is voluntary.
HIP started in a few states in 1991. All states had to participate beginning in 1998. In New York State, the requirement took effect on September 1, 1998.
What Do I Need to Do?
You must either call the toll free number, 1-888-427-5447, or register on-line. You will be asked for your name, address, date of birth and a brief summary of last year's hunting activity. This includes the approximate number of each of the following birds you harvested last season: woodcock, ducks, geese, brant, rails, snipe, coots, gallinule, and sea ducks (scoters, eiders and old squaw).
At the end of the call you will be given a confirmation number that you must record on the back of your hunting license. This number proves your participation in HIP.
The call only takes about 5 minutes.
Hunters must re-register annually to participate in current hunting seasons.
Nonresidents must register to hunt in New York even if registered in another state.
Waterfowl hunters age 16 and older must also purchase a federal duck stamp.
Why Is It Important?
Information from this survey will help the USFWS monitor the harvest of migratory game birds, and is needed to establish annual hunting regulations.
Thank you for your cooperation!
