Arkansas 2013 Dove, Canada Goose, and Teal Seasons Approach, HIP is Required

Dove and early Canada goose hunting seasons open Sunday, Sept. 1, statewide, and hunters need to make sure they’re registered for the Harvest Information Program, usually called HIP.

This is a mandatory federal program in effect in all states except Hawaii. It’s free, but hunters should remember they have to register for HIP each year in each state they hunt. It’s required for duck, goose and all migratory bird hunting. Hunters under the age of 16 are not required to have a HIP registration.

The information is used for hunter participation and harvest monitoring, and for setting regulations by wildlife authorities, both federal and state. Hunters can register at any license dealer, any AGFC regional office, online at www.agfc.com or by calling 800-364-4263.

The first segment of Arkansas’s dove season is Sept. 1 through Oct. 20. The second season segment is Dec. 21 through Jan. 9.

Early Canada goose season is Sept. 1 through Sept. 15.

Teal season is Sept. 7 through Sept. 22.

The daily dove bag limit is at 15, with possession limit 45. Doves are migratory game birds, so federal rules of shotguns plugged to hold no more than three shells are in effect. There is no daily or possession limits on the Eurasian collared-dove, an invasive species.

Daily limit on Canada geese in the early season is five, and possession limit is 15.

Daily limit for teal is six, and possession limit is 18.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission plays an important role in keeping The Natural State true to its name. During the last 100 years, the agency has overseen the protection, conservation and preservation of various species of fish and wildlife in Arkansas. This is done through habitat management, fish stocking, hunting and fishing regulations, and a host of other programs.