September 1 marks the opening for a variety of small game and upland bird species hunting season. Bird hunters can look forward to setting out for mourning dove; sora and virginia rail; snipe; early Canada goose; blue, ruffed, and sharp-tailed grouse; and in some areas, sandhill crane. Small game hunters can pursue cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare; and red, gray and fox squirrel.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department forecasts an average to good hunting season for upland game birds due to moisture conditions across the state. Cottontail hunting is projected to be excellent, but hunters are advised to wear rubber gloves when cleaning the animals, particularly prior to cold weather, with tularemia being diagnosed in several areas of the state.
In addition to a game bird licenses and conservation stamp, licensed migratory bird hunters must have a Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit. HIP permits are required of licensed hunters for doves, ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, sandhill cranes, snipe, and rails. HIP is a federal program that improves the ability to estimate harvest for management of migratory game species. HIP validation permits are free of charge and only available from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website. Only one HIP permit is needed to hunt all species for the entire migratory game bird season. HIP permits are only valid in the state in which they are issued.
The Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp or commonly known as the Duck Stamp, is required of hunters 16 years of age or older who plan to hunt ducks, geese and mergansers, but is not required of coots, doves, sandhill cranes, crows, rail and snipe hunters.
“Deer and elk hunters may want to make sure they have the correct licenses to take advantage of some upland game bird hunting while they are out in the field,” said Martin Hicks, Wheatland Wildlife Biologist. Hicks added that bird and small game hunting is also a excellent activity to still get outside and stay in hunting shape if hunters were not successful in the big game draw.
Bird hunting can also be an easy introduction to hunting for youth. Resident youth under 14 do not need a license to hunt small game or birds, and non-resident hunters under 14 years of age also do not need a license if hunting with a licensed adult and their bag limit is applied to and limited by the small game or game bird licenses held by the adult in his or her company. Hunters 14 years and older are required to possess the proper small game or bird license.
Hunters should confirm all season dates and restrictions. Hunters are responsible for reading. Understanding, and following all hunting regulations.
