S6-E130: What Is HIP Certification

North American Outdoors

There are many laws you need to follow when you are waterfowl hunting. Many laws address equipment, such as using a shotgun that is not capable of holding more than three shells. There are laws that address when and where you can hunt, such as the prohibition of hunting over a baited field. There are also laws that address licensing requirements, such as hunting with a valid hunting license, the required state endorsements, and a valid federal waterfowl stamp. Lastly, there are laws that address what you need to do with a legally taken waterfowl once it is in your possession, such as keeping a fully feather wing attached to bird until you reach your final destination.
There is another law that migratory bird hunters must follow to legally hunt these birds. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) defines migratory game birds as ducks, geese, swans, brant, coots, doves, woodcock, rails, snipe, sandhill cranes, moorhens, band-tailed pigeons and gallinules. This law has to do with reporting requirements of bagged migratory birds. Many hunters do not understand or even know there are laws that require reporting. This reporting requirement is commonly referred to as being “HIP Certified.”
HIP is an acronym for “Harvest Information Program.” All migratory bird hunters are required to be HIP Certified during the current licensing period and carry proof while hunting.
Responsible hunters take HIP Certification seriously. The data gathered is very important to the management of all species of migratory birds. The information gathered lets biologist determine if a species is declining in numbers or there is an abundance of specific birds. This allows biologists to develop management plans for a specific species that can assure they do not become “threatened” or “endangered.” It could also mean that bag limits might be increased, and seasons lengthened. HIP Certification is your way of helping the sport you enjoy!

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