Waterfowl hunters be aware of license and stamp requirements

The Wyoming Game and Fish is asking hunters of waterfowl hunt this season to ensure they have all licenses and stamps before heading out. The Game and Fish reminds the public that Wyoming has several license and stamp requirements that hunters must abide by when afield. 

“Each license and stamp Game and Fish requires helps waterfowl conservation and improves habitat for the birds,” Game and Fish migratory game bird and wetland biologist Noelle Smith said. 

Wyoming requirements are as follows:

• A game bird hunting license. Hunters under 14 do not need a license if accompanied by an adult hunter with a valid game bird license. 

• Proof of hunter education if you were born after Jan. 1, 1966. 

• A conservation stamp. All licensed hunters must possess a conservation stamp with the exception of a daily hunting license or holders of a special license. Refer to Game and Fish regulations for specific license holders who are exempt. 

• The Harvest Information Program or HIP permit. The HIP permit is free but is specific to each state. Licensed hunters need to obtain a Wyoming HIP permit to hunt migratory birds in the state and can do so on the Game and Fish website.

• The Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp). This is required for hunting ducks, geese and mergansers. This is only required for hunters 16 years of age or older. The Federal Duck Stamp can be purchased at a U.S. Post Office, some license-selling agents throughout the state and on the Game and Fish website.

Game and Fish is reminding hunters who harvest banded ducks to report the band to the North American Bird Banding Program along with the location of the harvest, species and band number.  

“This information helps Game and Fish collect information on birds and their habitats, as well as contributes to developing hunting regulations and other management efforts,” Smith said.

Hunters can view additional waterfowl and migratory bird hunting requirements and season dates in the 2023 Upland Game Bird, Small Game, Migratory Game Bird and Wild Turkey Hunting Regulations.