Harvest Information Program

The Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program is a method Nebraska Game and Parks and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service use to generate more reliable estimates of hunting activity. The program also helps track the numbers of migratory birds harvested throughout the country. These estimates give biologists the information they need to make sound decisions concerning hunting seasons, bag limits and species management.

HIP is required by federal regulation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Anyone planning to hunt doves, ducks, coot, geese, snipe, rail or woodcock between August 1 and July 31 of the following calendar year must register with HIP before hunting.

Residents, nonresidents – even those already registered in another state – lifetime permit holders, veterans and senior permit holders must register.

Only Nebraska residents under 16 years of age are exempt.

HIP registration is free and good for one year (valid from Aug 1- July 31 of the following calendar year). It must be obtained annually.

Two-Tier Program

Duck hunters are required to register as a Tier I or Tier II hunter as part of a new regulations option that started in 2021. Tier I hunters have a six-bird daily bag limit with species and sex restrictions. Tier II hunters have a three-bird daily bag limit with no species or sex restrictions.