Vance Shearin at the VDGIF Information Desk in the Richmond Headquarters  reminds hunters they need to get a new HIP number before heading out for doves, geese and other migratory waterfowl.   All hunters (whether licensed or exempt from being licensed) who plan to hunt doves, waterfowl, rails, woodcock, snipe, coots, gallinules or moorhens in Virginia must be registered with the Virginia Harvest Information Program (HIP).  HIP is required each year and a new registration number is needed for the 2008-2009 hunting season. 

Vance has fielded a lot of calls on this explaining that since the HIP number runs from July to June, hunters will need to get a new HIP number even if they do not need a new license yet because the small game license is now valid a year from the date of purchase. Using himself as an example he notes, " I bought last year's hunting license at the end of September so the small game license is still good through September of '08 and I could go hunt doves on it this September. However, I do need to get a new HIP number. But I will not have to get the HIP number again in October when I buy my new license because the HIP number is good through June 2009." To register for HIP, visit VAHIP.com or call 1-888-788-9772.