LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission says registration for the Harvest Information Program has begun.

Program registration is required of Nebraska residents age 16 and older and all nonresidents who plan to hunt migratory game birds between Aug. 1 and July 31 next year. The birds covered at dove, ducks, geese, snipe, rail, coots and woodcocks.

The program is required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It helps wildlife managers estimate the number of migratory birds killed by hunters each year. Those estimates help biologists set limits and seasons.

Hunters may register for free online at OutdoorNebraska.ne.gov/Hip or by telephone at 877-634-8687. The hunters are assigned numbers they must have with them while hunting.

Hunting permits may be purchased at OutdoorNebraska.org.