For Release: July 16, 1998

Contact: Michael Lapisky 222-3075

PROVIDENCE - The RI Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds migratory game bird hunters that beginning this year they must carry a federal migratory bird harvest information program (HIP) permit while hunting.

"The new HIP permit will allow the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and states nationwide to gather important harvest information on migratory game birds, which is critical for the effective management of those populations," says Michael Lapisky, DEM's Deputy Chief of Fish and Wildlife.

The HIP permits are available at no charge at all Rhode Island hunting license vendors. Hunters must buy their licenses as usual.

Beginning nationwide this year, all hunters need a HIP permit from each state in which they wish to hunt migratory game birds. In Rhode Island that includes ducks, geese, rails, coots, snipe, doves, and woodcock.

To obtain the permit, hunters must fill out a HIP questionnaire regarding the previous season's hunting success. Data from the questionnaire will be sent to the federal Fish and Wildlife Service for use in selecting survey participants. Some hunters will then receive a hunting record card and a more detailed survey to be returned at the end of the hunting season.

"Rhode Island hunters care about the management of the species they hunt," Lapisky said, "and I want to thank them in advance for participating in this new and valuable national program."