HIP Registration Begins Aug. 1

LINCOLN – Registration for the Harvest Information Program (HIP) begins Aug. 1, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

HIP registration is required of residents age 16 and older and all nonresidents who plan to hunt migratory game birds in Nebraska between Aug. 1, 2015 and July 31, 2016. These birds are doves, ducks, geese, snipe, rail, coots and woodcock.

HIP, which is required by federal regulation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, helps wildlife managers estimate the number of migratory birds harvested each year. Those estimates help biologists set limits and seasons.

Register for the free program at OutdoorNebraska.ne.gov/Hip/ or call toll-free at 877-634-8687. Registered hunters are assigned a number that they must carry with them while hunting.

Among those who must register in Nebraska are hunters registered in another state and holders of lifetime, veteran, over-70 and fee-exempt permits.

Hunting permits may be purchased at OutdoorNebraska.org.