§ 32.24 - California.

§ 32.24 California.

The following refuge units are open for hunting and/or fishing as governed by applicable Federal and State regulations, and are listed in alphabetical order with additional refuge-specific regulations.

(a) Cibola National Wildlife Refuge. Refer to § 32.22(d) for regulations.

(b) Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge —

(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge.

(2) [Reserved]

(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of pronghorn antelope only on the controlled “U” Unit of the refuge subject to the following condition: You may hunt only in the unit for 9 consecutive days beginning on the first Saturday following the third Wednesday in August.

(4) [Reserved]

(c) Colusa National Wildlife Refuge —

(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) You must return the State-issued entry permit and vacate the refuge no later than 11⁄2 hours after legal sunset unless participating in an authorized overnight stay.

(ii) All hunters age 15 and younger must remain in the immediate presence of an adult (age 18 or older) at all times while in the field.

(iii) Access to the hunt area is by foot traffic only. We prohibit bicycles and other conveyances. Mobility-impaired hunters should consult with the refuge manager for allowed conveyances.

(iv) You may enter or exit only at designated locations.

(v) The firearms used for hunting must remain unloaded until you are in designated free-roam areas or assigned pond/blind areas.

(vi) Hunters may use shotguns only. We prohibit shotguns larger than 12 gauge.

(vii) You may not possess more than 25 shot shells while in the field once you have left your assigned parking lot or boat launch.

(viii) You may not possess shot size larger than BB, except steel “T” (0.20-inch (0.5-centimeter) diameter).

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant and wild turkey only in the free-roam areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We allow pheasant hunting in the assigned pond area during a special 1-day-only pheasant hunt on the first Monday after the opening of the State pheasant hunting season.

(ii) We allow turkey hunting during the fall season only.

(iii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (viii) of this section apply.

(3)–(4) [Reserved]

(d) Delevan National Wildlife Refuge —

(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) You must return the State-issued entry permit and vacate the refuge no later than 11⁄2 hours after legal sunset unless participating in an authorized overnight stay.

(ii) All hunters age 15 and younger must remain in the immediate presence of an adult (age 18 or older) at all times while in the field.

(iii) Access to the hunt area is by foot traffic only. We prohibit bicycles and other conveyances. Mobility-impaired hunters should consult with the refuge manager for allowed conveyances.

(iv) You may enter or exit only at designated locations.

(v) The firearms used for hunting must remain unloaded until you are in designated free-roam areas or assigned pond/blind areas.

(vi) Hunters may use shotguns only. We prohibit shotguns larger than 12 gauge.

(vii) You may not possess more than 25 shot shells while in the field once you have left your assigned parking lot or boat launch.

(viii) You may not possess shot size larger than BB, except steel “T” (0.20-inch (0.5-centimeter) diameter).

(ix) We restrict hunters assigned to the spaced blind area to within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of their assigned hunt site except for when retrieving downed birds, placing decoys, or traveling to and from the area.

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant and wild turkey on designated areas on the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We allow pheasant hunting in the assigned pond/spaced blind area during a special 1-day-only pheasant hunt on the first Monday after the opening of the State pheasant hunting season.

(ii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (d)(1)(iii) through (viii) of this section apply.

(3)–(4) [Reserved]

(e) Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge —

(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, and coot on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) Hunters may only hunt during designated days and times.

(ii) During the 2 weeks before the opening of the hunt season, you may bring a boat into Ponds AB1, A2E, AB2, A3N, A3W, A5, A7, and A8, and moor it at a designated site. You may use your boat to access the hunting ponds, and you may leave your boat on the refuge during the hunt season. You must remove your boat within 2 weeks following the close of the hunt season. We allow nonmotorized boats and motorized boats powered by electric, gasoline direct fuel injection 2-stroke, or 4-stroke gasoline motors only.

(iii) You may maintain an existing blind in the ponds open to hunting if you have a refuge permit (name and signature required), but the blind will be open for general use on a first-come, first-served basis.

(iv) You must remove all decoys and other personal property, except personal boats, from the refuge by legal sunset (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

(v) You may enter closed areas of the refuge to retrieve downed birds, provided you leave all weapons in a legal hunting area.

(vi) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.

(vii) You may not possess more than 25 shot shells while in the field once you have left your assigned parking lot for Ponds AB1, A2E, AB2, A3N, A3W, A5, A7, and A8, and the Ravenswood Unit.

(viii) At the Ravenswood Unit only, we only allow portable blinds or construction of temporary blinds made from natural materials.

(2)–(3) [Reserved]

(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We close Mallard Slough to boats from March 1 through August 31, and we close Mowry Slough from March 15 to June 15.

(ii) We open designated fishing areas from legal sunrise to legal sunset each day.

(iii) We prohibit the collection of bait of any type from the refuge except from the Dumbarton Fishing Pier, where it is legal to collect bait for noncommercial purposes.

(iv) We prohibit the use of balloons to float hooks and bait farther than hand casting.

(f) Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. Refer to § 32.22(e) for regulations.

(g) Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge —

(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, common moorhen, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) All hunters age 15 and younger must remain in the immediate presence of an adult (age 18 or older) at all times while in the field.

(ii) You may only use portable blinds in the free-roam hunting areas (i.e., all hunt areas except Salmon Creek Unit).

(iii) You must remove all blinds, decoys, shell casings, and other personal equipment and refuse from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

(iv) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.

(v) On the Salmon Creek Unit, we allow hunting on Tuesdays and Saturdays (except Federal holidays), and hunters must possess and carry a valid daily refuge permit. We issue refuge permits prior to each hunt by random drawing of names conducted at the check station 11⁄2 hours before legal shooting time. Shooting time ends at 3 p.m. Hunters drawn for a blind must completely fill out a Refuge Hunt Permit, which includes a “Record of Harvest” section. Each hunter must possess and carry the Refuge Hunt Permit/Record of Harvest (FWS Form 3–2439, Hunt Application—National Wildlife Refuge System) document while on the refuge and turn in a complete Record of Harvest at the check station before leaving the hunt area.

(vi) On the Salmon Creek Unit, you may possess shot shells in quantities of 25 or fewer per hunter, per day.

(vii) On the Salmon Creek Unit, we restrict hunters to within 100 feet (30 meters) of the assigned hunt site except for when placing and retrieving decoys, retrieving downed birds, or traveling to and from the parking area.

(2)–(3) [Reserved]

(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We allow fishing from the designated shoreline trail and dock (for nonmotorized boats only) at the Hookton Slough Unit from legal sunrise to legal sunset, only using pole and line or rod and reel.

(h) Imperial National Wildlife Refuge. Refer to § 32.22(f) for regulations.

(i) Kern National Wildlife Refuge —

(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, snipe, and moorhen on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) Hunters assigned to the spaced blind unit must remain within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of the numbered steel post (blind site) except when pursuing crippled birds, placing decoys, or traveling to and from the parking area.

(ii) You may not possess more than 25 shot shells while in the field once you have left your assigned parking lot or boat launch.

(iii) We allow only nonmotorized boats.

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant on designated areas of the refuge.

(3)–(4) [Reserved]

(j) Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge —

(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) In the controlled waterfowl hunting area, we require a valid Refuge Recreation Pass (available electronically or in person at the refuge office) for all hunters age 16 or older. All hunters age 15 and younger must remain in the immediate presence of an adult (age 18 or older) at all times while in the field.

(ii) We require advance reservations for the first 2 days of the hunting season. Reservations are obtained through the waterfowl lottery each year.

(iii) Hunters may enter the refuge at 4:30 a.m. unless otherwise posted.

(iv) Shooting hours end at 1 p.m. on all California portions of the refuge with the following exceptions:

(A) The refuge manager may designate up to 6 afternoon special youth, ladies, veteran, or disabled hunter waterfowl hunts per season.

(B) The refuge manager may designate up to 3 days per week of afternoon waterfowl hunting for the general public after December 1.

(v) We prohibit the setting of decoys in retrieving zones.

(vi) Pit-style hunting blinds located in the Stearns units and unit 9D are first-come, first-served. We require you to hunt within a 200-foot (61-meter) radius of the blind.

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: In the controlled pheasant hunting area, we require a valid permit (available electronically or in person at the refuge office) for all hunters age 16 or older. All hunters age 15 and younger must remain in the immediate presence of an adult (age 18 or older) at all times while in the field.

(3)–(4) [Reserved]

(k) Marin Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

(1)–(3) [Reserved]

(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing from boats on designated areas of the refuge.

(l) Merced National Wildlife Refuge —

(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, snipe, and moorhen on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) You may not possess more than 25 shot shells while in the field once you have left your assigned parking lot or boat launch.

(ii) Each hunter must remain inside his or her assigned blind, except for when placing decoys, retrieving downed birds, and traveling to and from the parking area. We prohibit shooting from outside the blind.

(iii) We restrict hunters in the spaced zone area of the Lonetree Unit to their assigned zone except when they are traveling to and from the parking area, retrieving downed birds, or shooting to retrieve crippled birds.

(iv) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.

(2)–(4) [Reserved]

(m) Modoc National Wildlife Refuge —

(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) On the opening weekend of the hunting season, hunters must possess and carry a refuge permit (FWS Form 3–2439, Hunt Application—National Wildlife Refuge System) issued through random drawing to hunters with advance reservations only.

(ii) After the opening weekend of the hunting season, we only allow hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Hunters must check-in and out of the refuge by using self-service permits (FWS Form 3–2405, Self-Clearing Check-in/out Permit). Hunters must completely fill out the “Refuge Hunt Permit” portion of the permit and deposit it in the drop box prior to hunting. The hunter must possess and carry the “Record of Kill” portion of the permit while on the refuge and turn it in prior to exiting the hunting area.

(iii) In the designated spaced blind area, you must remain within the blind assigned to you.

(iv) All hunters age 15 and younger must remain in the immediate presence of an adult (age 18 or older) at all times while in the field.

(v) You may not possess more than 25 shot shells while in the field once you have left your assigned parking lot or boat launch.

(vi) You may only use portable blinds in the free-roam hunting areas.

(vii) You must remove all blinds, decoys, shell casings, other personal equipment, and refuse from the refuge at the end of each day (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

(viii) Hunters must enter and exit the hunting area from the three designated hunt parking lots, which we open 11⁄2 hours before legal sunrise and close 1 hour after legal sunset each hunt day.

(ix) We only allow access to the hunt area by foot and nonmotorized cart.

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We limit hunting to junior hunters possessing a valid State Junior Hunting License and refuge Junior Pheasant Hunt Permit (FWS Form 3–2439, Hunt Application—National Wildlife Refuge System).

(ii) All hunters age 15 and younger must remain in the immediate presence of an adult (age 18 or older) at all times while in the field.

(3) [Reserved]

(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing only on Dorris Reservoir subject to the following conditions:

(i) We prohibit fishing from October 1 to January 31.

(ii) We allow fishing only from legal sunrise to legal sunset.

(iii) We allow only walk-in access to Dorris Reservoir from February 1 through March 31.

(iv) We allow use of boats for fishing on Dorris Reservoir only from April 1 through September 30.

(n) Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge —

(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) You must return the State-issued entry permit and vacate the refuge no later than 11⁄2 hours after legal sunset unless participating in an authorized overnight stay.

(ii) All hunters age 15 and younger must remain in the immediate presence of an adult (age 18 or older) at all times while in the field.

(iii) Access to the hunt area is by foot traffic only. We prohibit bicycles and other conveyances. Mobility-impaired hunters should consult with the refuge manager for allowed conveyances.

(iv) You may enter or exit only at designated locations.

(v) The firearms used for hunting must remain unloaded until you are in designated free-roam areas or assigned pond/blind areas.

(vi) Hunters may use shotguns only. We prohibit shotguns larger than 12 gauge.

(vii) You may not possess more than 25 shot shells while in the field once you have left your assigned parking lot or boat launch.

(viii) You may not possess shot size larger than BB, except steel “T” (0.20-inch (0.5-centimeter) diameter).

(ix) We restrict hunters assigned to the spaced blind area to within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of their assigned hunt site except for when retrieving downed birds, placing decoys, or traveling to and from the area.

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant and wild turkey in designated areas on the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We allow pheasant hunting in the assigned pond/spaced blind area during a special 1-day-only pheasant hunt on the first Monday after the opening of the State pheasant hunting season.

(ii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (n)(1)(iii) through (ix) of this section apply.

(3)–(4) [Reserved]

(o) Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge —

(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen, dove, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) Access to the hunt area on all units open to public hunting is by boat only, except on designated units, which are accessible by foot traffic or boat. We prohibit bicycles or other conveyances. Mobility-impaired hunters should consult with the refuge manager for allowed conveyances.

(ii) On the Codora Unit, we prohibit hunting except for junior hunters on weekends only. Junior hunters must possess a valid junior hunting license and be accompanied by a nonhunting adult.

(iii) We allow only shotgun hunting.

(iv) We prohibit hunting within 50 feet (15 meters) of any landward boundary adjacent to private property.

(v) We allow the use of dogs only when hunting migratory birds and upland game birds.

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, turkey, and quail on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We allow only shotgun and archery hunting.

(ii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (o)(1)(i), (ii), (iv), and (v) of this section apply.

(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of black-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (o)(1)(i), (ii), and (iv) and (o)(2)(i) of this section apply.

(ii) You may hunt feral hogs from September 1 through March 15.

(iii) We prohibit the use of dogs while hunting black-tailed deer and feral hogs.

(iv) We allow the use of only shotguns firing single non-lead shotgun slugs, and archery equipment. We prohibit the use or possession of rifles and pistols on the refuge for hunting.

(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge.

(p) Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge —

(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, and moorhen on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) You may not possess more than 25 shot shells while in the field once you have left your assigned parking lot or boat launch.

(ii) Access to the hunt area is by foot traffic only. We prohibit bicycles and other conveyances. Mobility-impaired hunters should consult with the refuge manager for allowed conveyances.

(iii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting waterfowl.

(iv) You must remove all decoys and other personal property from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).

(2)–(4) [Reserved]

(q) San Diego National Wildlife Refuge—

(1) [Reserved]

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of quail, mourning and white-winged dove, spotted and ringed turtle dove, Eurasian collared-dove, brush rabbit, cottontail rabbit, and jackrabbit on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) Archery hunting of quail is limited to September 1 to the closing date established by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).

(ii) Hunting of brush rabbit and cottontail rabbit is limited to September 1 to the closing date established by CDFW.

(iii) Hunting of Eurasian collared-dove and jackrabbit is limited to September 1 to the last day of February.

(iv) We allow shotguns and archery only. Falconry is prohibited.

(v) You may not possess more than 25 shot shells while in the field.

(vi) We allow the use of dogs when hunting upland game.

(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of mule deer on designated areas of the refuge.

(4) [Reserved]

(r) San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

(1)–(3) [Reserved]

(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing from boats and other flotation devices on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We prohibit shoreline fishing.

(s) San Luis National Wildlife Refuge —

(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) You may not possess more than 25 shot shells while in the field once you have left your assigned parking lot or boat launch.

(ii) You must return your permits (state-issued) to the check stations immediately upon completion of your hunt and prior to using any tour routes or leaving the refuge vicinity.

(iii) We restrict hunters in the spaced blind area to their assigned blind except when they are placing decoys, traveling to and from the parking area, retrieving downed birds, or pursuing crippled birds.

(iv) We restrict hunters in the spaced zone area of the East Bear Creek Unit and West Bear Creek Unit to their assigned zone except when they are traveling to and from the parking area, retrieving downed birds, or pursuing crippled birds.

(v) Access to the Freitas Unit free-roam hunting area is by boat only with a maximum of 5 miles per hour (mph). We prohibit air-thrust and inboard water-thrust boats.

(vi) We require State-issued Type A area permits for access accessing the Freitas Unit on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

(vii) We prohibit the use of motorized boats and other flotation devices in the free-roam units with the exception of the Freitas Unit.

(viii) We prohibit vehicle trailers of any type or size to be in the refuge hunt areas at any time or to be left unattended at any location on the refuge.

(ix) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant on designated areas of the refuge.

(3) [Reserved]

(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We only allow fishing during normal refuge visitation hours in designated areas as posted.

(ii) We only allow the use of pole and line or rod and reel to take fish, and anglers must attend their equipment at all times.

(t) San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge —

(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, and coot on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) You may only hunt from a boat. We prohibit walk-in hunting on the refuge.

(ii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant only in designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) You may only hunt on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

(ii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (t)(1)(ii) and (iii) of this section apply.

(3) [Reserved]

(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We allow fishing only with a pole and line or rod and reel. We prohibit bow fishing and gigging.

(u) Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge —

(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, and moorhen on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) Hunters using the Union Tract must use goose decoys.

(ii) You must hunt from assigned blinds on the Union Tract and within 100 feet (30 meters) of blind sites on the Hazard Tract, except when shooting to retrieve crippled birds.

(iii) You may not possess more than 25 shot shells while in the field once you have left your assigned parking lot or boat launch.

(2)–(3) [Reserved]

(4) Sport fishing. We only allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We allow fishing from April 1 through September 30.

(ii) We only allow boat fishing.

(v) Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge —

(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, and moorhen on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We allow hunting on Sun River Unit only on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1⁄2 hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon).

(ii) We will select hunters through a random drawing process (FWS Form 3–2439, Hunt Application—National Wildlife Refuge System) conducted at the refuge. Hunters should bring a copy of their refuge notification on the day of their hunt. Hunters should contact the refuge manager for additional information.

(iii) All hunters age 15 and younger must remain in the immediate presence of an adult (age 18 or older) at all times while in the field.

(iv) We prohibit bicycles or other conveyances. Mobility-impaired hunters should contact the refuge manager regarding allowed conveyances.

(v) We restrict hunters to their assigned spaced-blind except when they are placing or retrieving decoys, traveling to and from the parking area, retrieving downed birds, or shooting to retrieve crippled birds

(vi) You may not possess more than 25 shot shells while in the field once you have left your assigned parking lot or boat launch.

(vii) We allow only nonmotorized boats to access water blinds.

(viii) You must remove all decoys, personal equipment, shotshell hulls, and refuse from the refuge by 12:30 p.m. (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

(ix) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.

(2)–(3) [Reserved]

(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We prohibit fishing from the bank.

(ii) We prohibit the take of native reptiles and amphibians (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

(w) Sutter National Wildlife Refuge —

(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) You must return the State-issued entry permit and vacate the refuge no later than 11⁄2 hours after legal sunset unless participating in an authorized overnight stay.

(ii) All hunters age 15 and younger must remain in the immediate presence of an adult (age 18 or older) at all times while in the field.

(iii) Access to the hunt area is by foot traffic only. We prohibit bicycles and other conveyances. Mobility-impaired hunters should consult with the refuge manager for allowed conveyances.

(iv) You may enter or exit only at designated locations.

(v) The firearms used for hunting must remain unloaded until you are in designated free-roam areas or assigned pond/blind areas.

(vi) Hunters may use shotguns only. We prohibit shotguns larger than 12 gauge.

(vii) You may not possess more than 25 shot shells while in the field once you have left your assigned parking lot or boat launch.

(viii) You may not possess shot size larger than BB, except steel “T” (0.20-inch (0.5-centimeter) diameter).

(2) Upland game hunting. We only allow hunting of pheasant and wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) We allow turkey hunting during the fall season only.

(ii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (w)(1)(i) through (viii) of this section apply.

(3)–(4) [Reserved]

(x) Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge —

(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, moorhen, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) In the controlled waterfowl hunting area, we require a valid Refuge Recreation Pass (available electronically or in person at the refuge office) for all hunters age 16 or older.

(ii) All hunters age 15 or younger must remain in the immediate presence of an adult (age 18 or older) at all times while in the field.

(iii) We require advance reservations for the first 2 days of the hunting season. You may obtain a reservation through the waterfowl lottery each year.

(iv) Hunters may enter the refuge at 4:30 a.m. unless otherwise posted.

(v) Shooting hours end at 1 p.m. on all portions of the refuge with the following exceptions:

(A) The refuge manager may designate up to 6 afternoon special youth, ladies, veteran, or disabled hunter waterfowl hunts per season.

(B) The refuge manager may designate up to 3 days per week of afternoon waterfowl hunting for the general public after December 1.

(vi) You select blind sites by lottery at the beginning of each hunt day. You may shoot only from within your assigned blind site.

(vii) We prohibit the setting of decoys in retrieving zones.

(viii) We prohibit air-thrust and inboard water-thrust boats while hunting. We prohibit the use of all-terrain amphibious or utility-type vehicles (UTVs) in wetland units.

(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

(i) In the controlled pheasant hunting area, we require a valid permit (available electronically or in person at the refuge office) for all hunters age 16 or older.

(ii) All hunters age 15 or younger must remain in the immediate presence of an adult (age 18 or older) at all times while in the field.

(3)–(4) [Reserved]

[84 FR 47675, Sept. 10, 2019, as amended at 85 FR 54105, Aug. 31, 2020; 86 FR 48857, Aug. 31, 2021; 87 FR 57128, Sept. 16, 2022; 88 FR 74063, Oct. 30, 2023]