News Release

COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio hunters must remain hip to the rules for hunting migratory birds and waterfowl this season, the Ohio Division of Wildlife says.

When hunting waterfowl, mourning doves, woodcock, rails, snipe and coots, hunters must have a Harvest Information Program (H.I.P.) certification on their hunting license. Unlike last year when a number identified the H.I.P. certification, this year's hunting license simply states if the H.I.P. certification has been completed.

"When you buy a hunting license, the license buyer must notify the license vendor if he or she will hunt migratory birds this year. License vendors are also supposed to ask buyers if they will hunt migratory birds. However, it is the responsibility of the license buyer to make sure that H.I.P. certification has been completed and this will be stated across the top of the license," said Bill Page, supervisor of the wildlife agency’s revenue section.

Hunting seasons for Canada goose, teal, mourning doves, rails, snipe and moorhens begin September 1. The state’s general waterfowl hunting seasons begin October 16.

In addition to H.I.P. certification, hunters must have a valid hunting license with a state wetlands habitat stamp endorsement, and a signed federal duck stamp when hunting waterfowl. The state wetlands stamp endorsement and federal duck stamp are not required of persons who hunt doves, rails, coots, moorhens, snipe and woodcock, but they still must show on their license that H.I.P. certification has been completed.

Ohio hunters are for the first time purchasing their hunting licenses and special permits through a new computerized licensing system. They are no longer required to display their hunting license in the middle backside of an outer garment or to possess an actual Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp.

"The purchase of a hunting license, state wetlands stamp endorsement, turkey permits, and deer permits are each listed on the new paper license issued through the point-of-sale terminals. The federal duck stamp is sold at most post offices and some sporting good stores. Waterfowl hunters must have in their possession the actual federal duck stamp upon which they must sign their name in ink to comply with waterfowl regulations," said Page.

Those who obtain the state wetlands habitat stamp endorsement will later receive an actual stamp in the mail from the Division of Wildlife.

The Harvest Information Program is a new method established by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to develop more reliable estimates of the numbers of migratory birds taken by the nation’s hunters each year. Additional information about H.I.P. and other hunting regulations and season dates are included in the 1999-2000 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest. This is a free publication available where hunting licenses are sold and through Division of Wildlife offices. The digest may also be obtained by calling the wildlife agency’s toll-free information line at 1-800-WILDLIFE.

The Division of Wildlife also said it has modified the boundaries of the Lake Erie Goose Zone, which has a 30-day open season October 16-31 and December 6-19. The Lake Erie Goose Zone includes all lands and waters in the portions of Cuyahoga, Lorain, Erie, Sandusky, Ottawa, Wood and Lucas counties north of Interstate 80, and east of Interstate 75 and I-280 near Toledo. The zone also includes the portions of Summit, Portage and Trumbull counties north of I-80, and the portions of Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties that are south of U.S. Route 6. Areas north of Route 6 in Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties are now included in the North Zone, which has a 70-day general hunting seasons October 16 through November 28 and December 6-31.