Hunter Information Program licenses for migratory birds available for free

Before you head to the dove field this year, hunters should be sure to obtain the free Hunter Information Program (HIP) migratory bird license, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. The license is available to hunters after they report previous year harvest rates via a short survey when a hunting license is purchased.

“Determining accurate harvest levels for game species, such as doves is critical to the scientific management of game populations,” says wildlife biologist Don McGowan. “The HIP program gives biologists the information they need to ensure conservation of migratory bird populations while providing quality hunting opportunities.”

The HIP program, now in its 18th year, details both the number of migratory game bird hunters and their harvests. This information helps wildlife managers monitor migratory bird populations, set hunting seasons and bag limits and ensure healthy, sustainable populations.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state wildlife agencies collaborated to conduct harvest surveys for decades, but the methods used varied from state to state, making it difficult to compare results.

HIP provides a consistent method to gather and compare information from all states, and multi-state information is critical for managing migratory populations.

A HIP license is required to pursue doves, ducks, geese, rails and other migratory bird species. Once the survey is complete, the HIP participation permit is listed on a hunter’s license. Some HIP participants will be asked to complete a more detailed national harvest information survey about the species they hunted.

Hunting licenses, including HIP, are available at www.georgiawildlife.com/licenses-permits-passes.com, phone at 1-800-366-2661 or from more than 800 license agents (list of agents available online).

For more information, contact a Wildlife Resources Division Game Management office or call 770-918-6416.

DOVE FIELD PREPARATION – How to Ensure Your Field is Legal

Before hunting that dove field, you need to know whether or not that field is legal. How can you make sure? Check out the online brochure “Dove Hunting and Agricultural Practices in Georgia,” available at www.georgiawildlife.com/hunting/dovebrochure.

Baiting is the illegal practice of intentionally luring doves to a field by placing grain or feed. Federal and state laws prohibit hunting migratory game birds over such areas.

“Hunters need to know the difference between ‘baiting’ and ‘recommended agricultural practices,’” says Col. Eddie Henderson, chief of the Law Enforcement Division. “Hunters need to make sure that the fields they are hunting have been prepared in a manner consistent with official agricultural recommendations relative to planting dates, planting methods and rates of application.”

The brochure explains the legalities of dove fields, provides strategies for legally attracting doves, answers common questions and contains additional information for dove hunters.

Designed by the Wildlife Resources Division in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the University of Georgia’s Cooperative Extension Service, the brochure is available on the Wildlife Resources Divisions website at www.georgiawildlife.com/hunting/dovebrochure.

For more information, call (770) 918-6416.

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