The hunting season is here. Whether rushing to your local sporting goods store with your retriever or going online, purchasing a hunting license is one of the most important first steps for getting afield. Now is the time to remind migratory bird hunters of the importance of registering for the Harvest Information Program (HIP) during the licensing process.
HIP is a certification that supports the management of migratory bird populations across the U.S. by enabling the selection of hunters to participate in Hunter Diary and Parts Collection Surveys. Data from these surveys provide crucial insights that inform decisions on hunting seasons and bag limits. If you hunt multiple states, HIP certification is a requirement for each state. Make sure you answer questions for the states individually. Accurate responses lead to more precise data, which helps managers make better decisions about our hunting seasons.
REMEMBER, HIP certification is required by law for all licensed migratory bird hunters. So, get yours, stay legal, and for the sake of migratory bird conservation—don’t skip HIP!
For more comprehensive information on HIP, visit our article “Decoding HIP.”