Do I Need a HIP Stamp to Hunt Dove?

October 10, 2019

Question: Is the Harvest Information Program (HIP) validation needed to hunt dove? I’ve heard that you don’t need it if you’re only buying a license to hunt ducks. (Paul)

Answer: Yes, you do need a HIP validation to hunt dove. It’s required for any person hunting ducks, dove, gallinules, geese, band-tailed pigeon, black brant, coots or snipe. This validation is free to hunters who complete the HIP survey. The HIP validation is imprinted directly on your hunting license document after you answer the HIP survey questions.

The HIP survey provides wildlife biologists with data needed to make wildlife management decisions and formulate hunting seasons. You can learn more about it on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website at https://www.fws.gov/birds/surveys-and-data/harvest-surveys/harvest-information-program.php.