Migratory Bird Hunting

HARVEST INFORMATION PROGRAM – H.I.P.

If you are a Delaware migratory bird hunter (ducks, geese, doves, woodcock, rails, snipe, and coots); LISTEN UP – You will have to have a H.I.P number in 2012. What is H.I.P.? H.I.P. is the “Harvest Information Program” being implemented by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Actually, it was started in 1992 when California, Missouri, and South Dakota participated in the pilot program. For many years, the USFWS has collected waterfowl harvest information through an after the season survey of hunters who purchased Federal duck stamps. This survey was fine for its time, but better information is now needed. Also, the existing survey has not provided harvest data on other migratory birds like doves and woodcock. H.I.P. will fulfill these needs. Under the Harvest Information Program, migratory bird hunters need a special permit to hunt. To get the permit, hunters have to provide their name and address, and answer a few questions about their previous year’s hunting effort and success. This information is collected by the state, remains totally confidential, and goes immediately to the USFWS who randomly selects hunters to receive a survey form. This way, hunters have the forms to record harvest information during the season instead of after the fact like the old survey requires. By surveying while hunting is going on, much better information should be available to the Service for evaluating bird harvest and the status of migratory bird species. If you are going to hunt migratory birds in Delaware during the 2012-2013 season, you MUST have a H.I.P. permit. Call toll free 1-855-335-4868 to obtain your permit number or www.dnrec.delaware.gov/delhunt

This permit is free.

2012 YOUTH/Non-ambulatory HUNTs

Youth Waterfowl Hunts, OcT. 13, and Dec. 8, 2012

Open statewide on private and public lands, including state wildlife areas and the federal refuges. The lottery drawing for state blinds is 1.5 hours before legal shooting time except for the Little Creek WMA where the drawing is 2 hours before legal shooting time. Hunters should arrive prior to 2 hours before legal shooting time to sign up for the lottery. • Children 10-15 years old may hunt, but must be accompanied by an adult 21 years of age or older. No state or federal stamps are required. Thirteen, fourteen and fifteen year old hunters must purchase a Delaware junior hunting license. • The normal limits and duck hunting regulations apply. Snow geese may be taken. Two Canada geese may be taken. Adults may not hunt ducks or Canada geese, but may hunt snow geese. Adults may not hunt ducks, Canada geese or snow geese at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge.
* Pending federal approval – See 2012 Waterfowl Season Summary Pamphlet for approved dates.

Waterfowl regulations were adopted through Federal regulations.

SNOW GEESE

Hunters are reminded that Delaware and Maryland have a reciprocal agreement for hunting snow geese. Delaware hunters can hunt snow geese in Maryland with their Delaware hunting license provided they have a Maryland duck stamp, a Federal Duck Stamp, a Maryland H.I.P. number and are in compliance with Maryland Hunter Safety laws. Maryland hunters can hunt snow geese in Delaware with their Maryland hunting license provided they have a Delaware duck stamp, a Federal Duck Stamp, a Delaware H.I.P. number and are in compliance with the Delaware Hunter Safety laws. This agreement only applies to residents of Maryland and Delaware.

WATERFOWL

• The non-resident 3-day hunting license can now be used to hunt waterfowl provided the hunter has purchased the federal and state waterfowl stamps and has a H.I.P. permit.