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Hunting Information

Migratory Bird Hunting in Massachusetts

Waterfowl hunter 2008-09 Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations PDF icon

This document lists the season dates, bag limits and other important requirements for hunters who hunt ducks, geese, woodcock and other migratory game birds.

 

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:

Hunters need 2 stamps and a HIP number

  1. A state waterfowl stamp. 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 migratory bird stamp. This stamp can be obtained at selected post offices and on line. Federal stamps are valid July 1 of one year through June 30 of the following year.
  3. A HIP number is required after purchasing a hunting license. See HIP Number info below.

For hunting woodcock, snipe, rail or coot:

  1. No federal or state stamps are required.
  2. A HIP number is required after purchasing a hunting license. See HIP Number info below.

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 continue hunting Massachusetts' waterfowl seasons into the New Year must re-register with HIP at the beginning of the new calendar year after obtaining their new hunting or sporting license.

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 must write the HIP number on the line just below the hunter's signature.
  • Online license buyers can complete the HIP survey on the MassOutdoors website. The HIP number will be printed on the license that will arrive in the mail.
  • 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.

 

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.

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.