The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider amending 2008 waterfowl hunting season dates and regulations, plus other issues, at its meeting Friday at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. in the Cedar Room of the Student Union, 1013 W. 27th St.

There are three public hearings scheduled: the first at 8:30 on amending regulations to establish an Apprentice Hunter Education Exemption Certificate for a fee of $5; the second at 8:45 to take public input and consider amendments to season dates and regulations for hunting coots, ducks, geese, crow and the falconry season; and the third at 9 a.m. on installation and use of seasonal waterfowl hunting blinds at Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area and to allow public hunting at parts of Fort Atkinson State Historical Park.

Other agenda items include a recommendation to approve the gift of 57.52 acres of wildlife land in Buffalo County and presentation of 30-year service awards to hunter education volunteer instructors.

HIP registration will be available Aug. 1: Registration for the federally mandated Harvest Information Program starts Aug. 1 for hunters who wish to pursue migratory game birds in the coming 12 months.

The program helps state and federal wildlife managers estimate the number of migratory birds harvested each year, which helps biologists set limits and seasons. The information also can help when hunting’s impact on wildlife is challenged in court.

Each hunter must have new a HIP number for the coming year and carry it with him or her to hunt any migratory game birds: dove, ducks, geese, snipe, rail, coots or woodcock. Only residents under 16 years of age are exempt. If you hunt in another state, you must also register your HIP number in that state.

Registration is free. To register online, visit to www.nehip.com. To register by phone, call (877) 634-8687. Hunters should register early to avoid the anticipated rush as dove season approaches.