Hunting

As a migratory bird hunter, you are contributing to a proud tradition of wildlife conservation. When you buy ammunition, participate in a Harvest Information Program survey, or purchase a Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp), you are helping the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service protect waterfowl and other migratory birds for generations to come.   As the lead agency charged with managing migratory birds under international treaties, the Service works closely with many partners, including sportsmen’s groups and state agencies, to achieve their goals.

Revenues from hunting licenses, Duck Stamps, and  excise taxes on hunting-related equipment have funded wildlife research, management, and habitat acquisition since the early 20th century.

Hunting has a significant impact on the U.S. economy. According to the  2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation Preliminary Findings, 11.5 million people 16 years old and older enjoyed hunting a variety of animals within the United States. Hunting expenditures totaled $25.6 billion. The  Economic Impact of Waterfowl Hunting in the United States, an addendum to the 2011 National Survey, reports that waterfowl hunters spent $663 million on trip expenditures and $699 million on equipment expenditures in 2011.

The links on this site will lead you to information on how hunting seasons are set and the current regulations, how surveys are conducted, where to  get licenses, Harvest Information Program registrations, Federal Duck Stamps, and a wide variety of other information of interest to the migratory bird hunter.

Hunter Surveys

Hunting & Its Role in Conservation

Hunting Tools

Hunting Regulations & Policies

Bird Banding

Game Birds

Last Updated: October 4, 2018