Upland Game Birds

SPECIAL UPLAND BIRD HUNTING OPTION

Licensed hunters may submit an application to DFW District offices for a free 1 day permit that allows the private purchase, liberation, and hunting of ring-necked pheasants and/or bobwhite quail on selected WMAs from January 1–March 31. If purchasing birds from out of state, a separate importation permit is required. Permits are issued on a first-come first-served basis; only one party may schedule a hunt on each specific WMA per day. There is no minimum or maximum stocking limit, or daily/season bag limit. For a complete list of procedures associated with this permit, contact a DFW district office. WMAs currently designated for hunting under this special permit are:

Crane WMA, Southeast District

Erwin Wilder WMA, Southeast District

Martin Burns WMA, Northeast District

Bolton Flats WMA, Central District

Winnimusset WMA, Central District

Herm Covey WMA, CT Valley District

Housatonic Valley WMA, Western District

MIGRATORY BIRD REGULATIONS

ALL migratory game bird hunters must complete a Harvest Information Program (H.I.P.) survey for each calendar year. This includes woodcock, rail, snipe, and coot hunters. Complete the survey when you purchase your license, or whenever you purchase your state waterfowl stamp. HIP numbers will no longer be issued; instead, a “HIP Survey Completed” notation will appear directly on your license. A separate HIP survey must be completed for each state in which you hunt migratory game birds.

Migratory Game Bird Hunting regulations do not appear in this publication. They are published separately each September.

Differentiating hens (females) from Toms (males) during the spring hunting season: Up to 8% of female turkeys may have a beard and may be legally harvested. However, their loss reduces the reproductive potential of the turkey population. To avoid misidentification, use the following features to positively identify a gobbler from a hen.