Duck stamp . If you are 16 or older, you must carry on your person an unexpired Federal migratory bird hunting and conservation stamp. You must validate your duck stamp by signing it in ink across the face before hunting. Each hunter is required to enroll in the HIP and carry proof of such enrollment. Protected birds .
Federal law prohibits the killing of non-game migratory birds.
Protected birds that you could encounter while waterfowl hunting include songbirds, eagles, hawks, owls, vultures, herons, egrets, and woodpeckers. The Federal migratory game bird hunting regulations can be found in 50 CFR Part 20 . If you have additional questions about waterfowl hunting and the law, contact the nearest U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement office or one of the Service regional law enforcement offices. You should also consult the State fish and wildlife agencies to determine what State regulations apply.