Hunting ducks and geese in another state takes three layers of paperwork: the Federal Duck Stamp, HIP registration for that state, and whatever state stamp, permit or privilege the state requires on top of its hunting license.

None of them is complicated on its own, but every state handles the last two a little differently. Here’s what to expect in 2026-27.

The Federal Duck Stamp

  • Required for waterfowl hunters 16 and older, in every state.
  • $25 face value. Buying it online as an electronic stamp or through a state license system usually adds a few dollars in fees.
  • Valid July 1 through June 30.
  • One stamp covers every state; you don’t need a new one per trip. If you carry the physical stamp, sign it across the face.

HIP: register in every state you hunt

The Harvest Information Program is how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service surveys migratory bird hunters. You register in each state where you hunt migratory birds, usually when you buy the license, and it’s free in most states.

A few states handle it differently:

  • New York and Nevada: register there even if you’re already registered in another state.
  • Connecticut: HIP is merged into the $17 Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp.
  • Pennsylvania: the nonresident migratory game bird license ($6.97) covers HIP.
  • Georgia: the old HIP license and waterfowl license were combined into a $5 Migratory Bird Stamp.
  • Idaho: charges nonresidents $5 for the migratory bird permit that serves as HIP.

State waterfowl stamps and permits

Most states add their own stamp or permit for waterfowl. Some of this season’s prices:

State Item Price
Vermont Waterfowl stamp $7.50
Maine State migratory waterfowl permit $7.50
Rhode Island Waterfowl stamp (online) $9.00
Virginia Migratory waterfowl conservation stamp $10.00
Maryland Migratory game bird stamp $15.00
Delaware Waterfowl stamp $15.00
South Carolina Migratory waterfowl permit $15.50
Mississippi State waterfowl stamp (nonresident) $19.00
Massachusetts Waterfowl stamp (nonresident) $30.00

And some states have none: New York dropped its state duck stamp, so you need only the license, HIP and the federal stamp.

Putting it together

For any state on BirdHunt, the What you need to buy section lists every required item with its price and source, works out the cheapest legal combination, and separately lists permits you may need for specific areas. Check it before every trip, since fees and requirements change from season to season.