Obtain HIP Permit before Dove Hunting

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SOCIAL CIRCLE, GA. - Be sure to obtain a free HIP permit before hunting dove or other migratory birds this year. HIP, the federal Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program, requires hunters pursuing doves, ducks, geese, rails and other migratory bird species to complete a short harvest survey.

“Determining accurate harvest levels for game species, such as doves, is critical to the scientific management of game populations,” says Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division biologist Don McGowan. “The HIP program gives biologists the information they need to ensure healthy migratory bird populations and quality hunting.”

A 13-year-old program, HIP details the number of migratory game bird hunters and their harvests. These numbers help wildlife managers monitor migratory bird populations, set hunting seasons and bag limits and ensure healthy, sustainable populations.

While the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state wildlife agencies collaborated to conduct harvest surveys for decades, the methods used varied from state to state, making it difficult to compare the results. HIP provides a consistent method to gather and compare information from all states. Multi-state information is critical to managing migratory populations.

To receive a 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. Once complete, the HIP participation permit is listed on the 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 and the 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.

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