Harvest Information Program (HIP) Registration

Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration.

Since 1998, anyone hunting migratory game birds [ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe, rails, moorhens and coots] in Wisconsin will be required to first obtain Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration. The requirement to be HIP registered is not unique to Wisconsin. To hunt migratory game birds in any state, you first have to be HIP registered in that state. You will be able to become HIP registered in Wisconsin when you apply for your hunting license.

Who must be HIP registered?

Everyone who hunts migratory game birds in Wisconsin must be HIP registered. This includes all resident and nonresident annual license holders, Senior Citizen Recreation Card holders, first year hunter safety graduates and armed service personnel home on leave.

Why must I be HIP registered?

Wildlife biologists and hunters know that wildlife populations fluctuate annually. Changes in habitat and weather play important roles in these fluctuations. Some say that hunting is causing the decline in hunted wildlife populations. We know that regulated hunting does not cause unintentional declines in a game species population, but we need to better assess and document the role of harvest on future populations. Inadequate information regarding species populations and the impact of hunting has been cited in legal challenges to hunting seasons in some states.

Past migratory bird harvest surveys were unable to provide the desired information. For example, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) annually conducted a voluntary survey of hunters who purchased federal duck stamps, but a low response rate resulted in inadequate information. Harvest information on other migratory game bird species such as woodcock and snipe is even less precise.

How do I become HIP registered?

As a migratory game bird hunter in Wisconsin you will have the opportunity to become HIP registered when you apply for your annual license. The process will be simple. When you apply for your license you will be asked, "Do you intend to hunt migratory game birds in Wisconsin this year?" If you answer "yes," you will be asked about the number of ducks and geese you harvested last year and whether or not you hunted coots, moorhens, rails, snipe, or woodcock last year. Once those questions are answered, you are HIP registered. Your answers to these questions will place you into a survey sampling category; this registration information is not used to determine the annual harvest. If you answer "no" when you are asked "Do you intend to hunt migratory game birds in Wisconsin this year?" you will not be HIP registered and it will be illegal for you to hunt any species of migratory game bird in Wisconsin this year. If you obtained your hunting license and indicated you did not want to be HIP registered and then later in the season decide you do want to hunt migratory game birds in Wisconsin, you can easily become registered by stopping at selected DNR offices where you will be able to make that change.

How much will HIP registration cost?

There is no charge to become HIP registered.

What happens after I am registered?

The USFWS will randomly select a sample of HIP registered duck hunters, woodcock hunters, snipe hunters, etc and ask them to participate in a harvest survey. Those selected will be asked to record daily hunting and harvest information in a small diary provided to them. Then they will return the diary to USFWS immediately following the season. In future years, DNR researchers may contact hunters on a random basis. You may be asked your opinion about certain aspects of hunting season regulations. Duck hunters will be asked about duck regulations, woodcock hunters about woodcock seasons, etc. The information you provide will help USFWS and DNR better manage our great migratory game bird resources.

Thanks!

Your cooperation and support of HIP is greatly appreciated. Harvest information obtained as a result of HIP will help DNR and USFWS manage your migratory game bird resources so your children and grandchildren can also enjoy the thrills of migratory game bird hunting during their lifetime.

To request a copy of this brochure, write the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Wildlife Management 101 S. Webster Madison, WI 53707-7921 and request publication PUBL-WM-262-97.

For information about this topic, contact: Assistant Migratory Game Bird Ecologist.

Questions for Wildlife Management