All licensed migratory bird hunters (those hunting ducks, geese, brant, coot, woodcock, rails, snipe or gallinules) must purchase a Harvest Information Program (HIP) certificate. HIP certifications are valid from September 1 to April 15.

Migratory bird hunters can get their HIP certification three different ways, all of which allow hunting immediately:

• Online
• Telephone sales: 888-277-2015
• At license agents

Hunters must have proof of HIP certification while hunting migratory birds, be it a HIP certification printed on the durable green license stock (DO NOT LAMINATE), a HIP certification printed on a home-computer, or a transaction number obtained over the phone. This proof of certification should be carried in the hunter’s license holder.

There is a $2.00 fee for HIP certification. This fee covers the cost of administering this federally mandated program, which is only partially paid for by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Those obtaining their HIP certification at an agent will receive a HIP certificate on the durable green license stock (DO NOT LAMINATE) and can go hunting immediately. Hunters can print their certification on a home printer and go hunting immediately. Hunters will be able to return at a later date and get a free reprint if the original gets damaged or lost. There are no additional charges when getting a HIP certification at an agent.

HIP certification obtained by calling the toll-free NJ telephone sales line will cost $5.13 ($2.00 + $3.13 shipping/handling fee). The HIP certification will be printed on durable green license stock and mailed. Hunters will be issued a temporary certification number that allows hunting immediately and can expect to receive their permanent certification document in 7-10 days.

All information collected through the program is kept confidential and is used by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct migratory bird harvest surveys. As it has done previously, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will also mail harvest surveys to a small, random group of HIP registrants.

NJ Waterfowl and Migratory Bird Information