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Hunting Information

Migratory Bird Hunting in Massachusetts

Waterfowl hunter Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations

2011-2012 Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations PDF icon --Includes season dates, bag limits and other important legal requirements for woodcock, waterfowl, and other migratory game bird hunters. These regulations were approved by the Fisheries and Wildlife Board after the Public Hearing held on August 25, 2011 at 3 PM in Newbury.

Early Goose Season Set for 2011

Goose hunters are advised that the early Canada goose hunting season dates are September 6 - September 24, 2011, with hunters allowed a bag limit of 7 birds per day.

Hunters planning to hunt woodcock, ducks, geese, and other migratory game birds must also register with the Harvest Information Program (HIP) after purchasing a hunting license. Waterfowl hunters who obtained a 2011 HIP number to hunt in January and February do not need to sign up for another HIP number for the remainder of the calendar year.

Hunters purchasing their license and waterfowl stamp electronically on the MassFishHunt website will see a "HIP Survey Completed" message on their hunting/sporting license.

For migratory game bird hunters who did not purchase a hunting license on line, the free HIP registration number may be obtained by calling 1-800-WETLAND or by going on line to www.wetland.net. Be sure to write the HIP number on the license.

Requirements for Hunting Migratory Game Birds:

License Requirements

All hunters (residents and non-residents) 15 and over must have a valid Massachusetts hunting license. These licenses are valid for the calendar year. More on licenses.

Stamp & HIP Requirements

For hunting ducks and geese:

  1. A State Waterfowl Stamp. Required for hunters age 15 and older. This stamp is available for purchase at any Massachusetts license location and on-line. This stamp is valid for the calendar year in which they were issued. Stamp collectors are reminded that if they want a paper stamp, they need to purchase that stamp at walk-in vendor locations. The on-line system will print a stamp on your on-line license if you choose to purchase a stamp on line.
  2. A Federal Duck Stamp. Required for hunters age 16 and older. This stamp can be obtained at selected post offices and stores and on line. Federal duck stamps are valid from July 1 of the year through June 30 of the following year.
  3. A Harvest Information Program (HIP) Number. HIP number is may be obtained after purchasing a hunting license. See HIP Number info below.

For hunting woodcock, snipe, rail or coot:

  1. A Harvest Information Program (HIP) Number. HIP number is may be obtained after purchasing a hunting license. See HIP Number info below.
  2. No stamps required.

Harvest Information Program (HIP) Number Requirements

What is HIP? The purpose of Harvest Information Program is to gather data from migratory game bird hunters for harvest surveys. The information gathered for the harvest surveys assists state and federal biologists make decisions on setting sustainable bag limits for future hunting seasons.

Got HIP?!--All hunters (residents and non-residents) who hunt ducks, geese, woodcock and other migratory birds must obtain a Massachusetts Harvest Information Program (HIP) number after purchasing a hunting license. The Massachusetts HIP number is valid for the calendar year only. Waterfowlers who hunted Massachusetts' waterfowl seasons in January and February of 2011 do not need to register for another 2011 HIP number.

This free registration number may be obtained by calling 1-800-WETLAND (938-5263). A hunting license is needed in order to register for the free HIP number. Hunters will be directed to complete a voice survey of any past migratory bird hunting activities before the system assigns a HIP number.

  • Paper license holders who obtain their HIP number by phone must write the HIP number on the line just below the hunter's signature.
  • Online license buyers have to complete the HIP survey on the MassFishHunt website when purchasing the state waterfowl stamp. You will see a printed message on your license indicating you completed the HIP survey.
  • Woodcock and waterfowl hunters who purchase a license online, but who choose to buy a paper stamp will need to obtain their HIP number by phone. Hunters will be directed to complete a voice survey of any past migratory bird hunting activities before the system assigns a HIP number. Write the assigned HIP number in the space next to the WILDLANDS stamp printed on your online license.
  • Non-resident hunters are reminded they must obtain a Massachusetts HIP number in order to hunt migratory game birds in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts HIP number is valid for the calendar year only.

Youth Waterfowl Hunt Dates

These dates are set aside for young waterfowl hunters ages 12-15. Youths may hunt for ducks, coots, merganser and geese. All youths must be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter with a valid MA waterfowl stamp. No federal stamp required. One firearm is allowed and the adult may not hutn and may carry the firearm only when unloaded and cased. No license or stamps are needed for youths 12-14 years of age. Hunting license and valid Massachusetts waterfowl stamp needed for youths age 15. No federal stamp is required of the 15 year old. All other hunting regulations apply.

Waterfowl Hunting Hours

Hunting hours begin one half hour before sunrise and end at sunset.The exception is hunting on State Wildlife Management Areas stocked with pheasant or quail during the open pheasant/quail season, hunting hours open at sunrise and close at sunset. More on Wildlife Management Area regulations.

Banded Bird Reporting

Report any banded migratory birds to www.reportband.gov or call 1-800-327-BAND (2263). You can also email mass.wildlife@state.ma.us with the band number, bird species and where it was found.