The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) reminds hunters to pick up the free Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program Permit (HIP Permit) before hunting doves this year. HIP is an annual federal program that requires hunters who pursue doves, ducks, geese, rails and other migratory bird species to complete a short harvest survey and in return receive a free participation permit.

“Determining accurate harvest levels for game species, such as doves, is critical to the scientific management of game populations,” says WRD Chief of Game Management Bill Fletcher. “The HIP program gives biologists the information they need to ensure healthy migratory bird populations and quality hunting.”

HIP, now in its tenth year is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and state wildlife agencies. HIP provides reliable estimates on the number of migratory game bird hunters and birds harvested in Georgia and throughout the country. These estimates give wildlife managers the information they need to make decisions on hunting seasons, bag limits and population management for migratory game birds. While the USFWS and state wildlife agencies have conducted harvest surveys for decades, the methods used to collect harvest data varied a great deal from state to state, making it difficult to compare the results. HIP provides a standard method to gather and compare information from all states. Multi-state information is critical to best manage migratory populations.

To receive a free 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. After the survey is complete, the free HIP participation permit is listed on the hunter’s license. Survey responses are sent to the USFWS. A sample of the nationwide HIP participants will be asked to complete a more detailed national harvest information survey about the species they hunted.

Doves are the number one migratory game bird harvested in the nation. However, there has not been a comprehensive nationwide study since the early 1970’s. As such, updated and accurate harvest rate estimates are needed to better manage dove populations. Therefore, the U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Research Division and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation with several states, including Georgia, initiated a dove trapping and banding project in 2003. The success of this project is dependent on conservationminded hunters to examine harvested doves closely for bands and most importantly to report band numbers to the USFWS by calling 1-800-327BAND (2263).

Hunting licenses and the free HIP permit are available at over 1,200 license agents, online at www.gohuntgeorgia.com or by calling 1-888-748-6887. For more information on the required HIP permit or the federal program, contact a WRD Game Management Section office or call (770) 918-6416.