[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 140 (Friday, July 21, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37754-37765]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-18056]
[[Page 37753]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part IV
Department of the Interior
_______________________________________________________________________
Fish and Wildlife Service
_______________________________________________________________________
50 CFR Part 20
Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Early-Season Migratory
Bird Hunting Regulations; Proposed Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 140 / Friday, July 21, 1995 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 37754]]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 20
RIN 1018-AC79
Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Early-Season
Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Proposed rule; Supplemental.
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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter the Service) is
proposing to establish the 1995-96 early-season hunting regulations for
certain migratory game birds. The Service annually prescribes
frameworks, or outer limits, for dates and times when hunting may occur
and the maximum number of birds that may be taken and possessed in
early seasons. These frameworks are necessary to allow State selections
of final seasons and limits and to allow recreational harvest at levels
compatible with population status and habitat conditions.
DATES: The comment period for proposed early-season frameworks will end
on July 31, 1995; and for late-season proposals on September 4, 1995. A
public hearing on late-season regulations will be held on August 3,
1995, starting at 9 a.m.
ADDRESSES: The August 3 public hearing will be held in the Auditorium
of the Department of the Interior Building, 1849 C Street, NW.,
Washington, DC. Written comments on these proposals and notice of
intention to participate in the late-season hearing should be sent in
writing to the Chief, Office of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, room 634--Arlington Square, Washington, DC 20240.
Comments received will be available for public inspection during normal
business hours in room 634, Arlington Square Building, 4401 N. Fairfax
Drive, Arlington, Virginia.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul R. Schmidt, Chief, Office of
Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (703) 358-
1714.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Regulations Schedule for 1995
On March 24, 1995, the Service published for public comment in the
Federal Register (60 FR 15642) a proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20.
Comment periods were specified to end June 21 and September 4, 1995,
respectively. Due to some unforeseen and uncontrollable publishing
delays in the proposed early-season regulations framworks, the Service
has extended the public comment period to July 31, 1995. On June 16,
1995, the Service published for public comment a second document (60 FR
31890) which provided supplemental proposals for early- and late-season
migratory bird hunting regulations frameworks.
On June 22, 1995, a public hearing was held in Washington, DC, as
announced in the March 24 and June 16 Federal Registers to review the
status of migratory shore and upland game birds. Proposed hunting
regulations were discussed for these species and for other early
seasons.
This document is the third in a series of proposed, supplemental,
and final rulemaking documents for migratory bird hunting regulations
and deals specifically with proposed frameworks for early-season
regulations. It will lead to final frameworks from which States may
select season dates, shooting hours, and daily bag and possession
limits for the 1995-96 season. All pertinent comments received through
June 22, 1995, have been considered in developing this document. In
addition, new proposals for certain early-season regulations are
provided for public comment. Comment periods are specified above under
DATES. Final regulatory frameworks for early seasons are scheduled for
publication in the Federal Register on or about August 16, 1995.
This supplemental proposed rulemaking consolidates further changes
in the original framework proposals published in the March 24 Federal
Register. The regulations for early waterfowl hunting seasons proposed
in this document are based on the most current information available
about the status of waterfowl populations and habitat conditions on the
breeding grounds.
Presentations at Public Hearing
Four Service employees presented reports on the status of various
migratory bird species for which early hunting seasons are being
proposed. These reports are briefly reviewed as a matter of public
information.
Dr. John Bruggink, Eastern Shore and Upland Game Bird Specialist,
reported on the 1995 status of American woodcock. The 1994 recruitment
index for the Eastern Region (1.4 immatures per adult female) was 17.6%
below the long-term regional average; the recruitment index for the
Central Region (1.5 immatures per adult female) was 11.8% below the
long-term regional average. Daily hunting success in the Eastern Region
decreased from 1.4 woodcock bagged per hunter in 1993 to 1.2 woodcock
bagged per hunter in 1994 (-14.3%). The seasonal hunting success index
decreased from 6.7 to 5.9 woodcock per hunter (-11.9%). In the Central
Region, the daily success index decreased from 1.6 birds per hunter in
1993 to 1.4 birds per hunter in 1994 (-12.5%), and the seasonal success
index decreased from 10.0 to 8.7 (-13.0%) woodcock bagged per hunter.
Analysis of Singing-ground Survey data indicated that the number of
displaying woodcock may have increased between 1994 and 1995 in the
Eastern and Central regions (6.9 and 5.6%, respectively). Eleven-year
(1985-95) trends from the Singing-ground Survey were negative (-2.0%
and -2.8% per year for the Eastern and Central regions, respectively).
There were long-term (1968-95) declines of 2.4% per year in the Eastern
Region and 1.4% per year in the Central Region.
Mr. David Dolton, Western Shore and Upland Game Bird Specialist,
presented the status of the mourning dove population in 1995. The
report summarized call-count information gathered over the past 30
years. Trends were calculated for the most recent 2 and 10-year
intervals and for the entire 30-year period. Between 1994 and 1995, the
average number of doves heard per route declined significantly in the
Central Management Unit, but did not change significantly in the
Eastern or Western Units. No significant trend was found in doves heard
in the Eastern or Central Units for either the 10 or 30-year time
frames. In the Western Unit, no trend was evident over the most recent
10 years, but there has been a significant decline over 30 years.
Trends for doves seen at the unit level over the 10 and 30-year periods
agreed with trends for doves heard.
Mr. Dolton also presented the status of western white-winged doves
in Arizona. Since the 1980s, whitewing numbers have remained relatively
stable. The 1995 whitewing call-count index of 31.2 doves heard per
route was 16 percent above the index in 1994. The harvest has been
around 100,000 since 1987. In 1994, an estimated 122,000 birds were
harvested.
Mr. Dolton then reported on the status of eastern white-winged
doves and white-tipped doves in Texas. Results of the 1994 whitewing
call-count survey indicate 440,000 birds were nesting in the Lower Rio
Grande Valley Counties of Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy. This is
a 28 percent decrease from 1994, but 7.3 percent above the average
count of 410,200 for the previous 10 years. In Upper South Texas, an
estimated 625,000 whitewings were nesting throughout a 19-county area.
This is an 8 percent increase over last year's
[[Page 37755]]
population and marks the seventh year of a rapidly expanding population
in this portion of the State. West Texas supports a small population of
whitewings. The 1995 estimate of 15,700 birds was 7 percent below the
1994 estimate. For white-tipped doves, an average of 0.78 birds were
heard per stop in both brush and citrus locations in 1995.
Finally, Mr. Dolton presented population and harvest information on
band-tailed pigeons. Band-tailed pigeons are managed as two separate
and distinct populations: the Coastal Population (Washington, Oregon,
California, and Nevada) and the Four-corners or Interior Population
(Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico). For the Coastal Population,
the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) indicates that there was a significant
decline between 1968 and 1994. However, the population apparently has
stabilized in the 10 years from 1985 to 1994. Mineral spring counts
conducted in Oregon suggest that bandtails had two precipitous declines
(in 1973 and again in 1985). Since 1985, these counts indicate that the
population gradually has been increasing, but it remains at a lower
level than during the 1970s. Counts at these selected springs in 1994
showed a 73 percent increase in pigeon use over 1993. Washington's
call-count has shown a nonsignificant decline in the population from
1975-94. A significant population increase of 71 percent was found
between 1993 and 1994. Two indirect population estimates suggest that
overall bandtail numbers were between 2.4 and 3.1 million birds in
1992. With bag limits and season length continuing to be restricted, a
harvest in 1994 of 5,226 pigeons was estimated for Oregon while a
harvest of 11,500 was estimated for California in 1993. Neither
Washington nor British Columbia chose to open a bandtail season in
1994. In the Four-corners area, BBS data showed a stable population
between 1968 and 1994. The combined harvest for all four States in 1994
was 828 birds.
Dr. Jim Dubovsky, Waterfowl Specialist, presented information on
1995 habitat conditions for waterfowl and preliminary estimates of
blue-winged teal abundance and harvests. Across most of the
northcentral United States and eastern portions of the prairie
provinces in Canada, habitat conditions for nesting ducks generally
were good to excellent. Abundant water existed in basins and fields,
and land managed in conservation easements in the United States
continued to provide good nesting cover. In contrast, western portions
of the Canadian provinces were extremely dry, and nesting habitats
worsened relative to recent years. The pond estimate for the
northcentral United States and prairie Canada combined was 6.3 million.
This was the highest estimate since 1979, and was 38% above the long-
term average.
The 1995 May breeding population survey yielded an estimate of 5.1
million blue-winged teal, which is similar to the 1994 estimate of 4.6
million, but 23% above the long-term average. The estimated harvest of
blue-winged teal during the 1994 September teal season was
approximately 272,000 birds, which was 63% higher than that which
occurred during the last two teal seasons. However, the 1994 harvest
was comparable to historic estimates. The combined special and regular
season harvest of all teal last year was 1.4 million, a figure 30%
higher than that of recent years, but substantially lower than levels
from the 1970s and early 1980s. Harvest rates of blue-winged teal
during 1994-95 remained low and were similar to or lower than those
which occurred historically.
Mr. David Sharp, Central Flyway Representative, reported on the
status and harvests of sandhill cranes. The Mid-Continent Population
appears to have stabilized following dramatic increases in the early
1980s. The preliminary 1995 spring index for the Central Platte River
Valley, uncorrected for visibility, was 284,800. This index is
significantly lower (-30 percent) than the previous year's index of
395,500. However, the photo-corrected 3-year average for the 1991-93
period was 420,866, which was 12 percent above the previous year's 3-
year running average and within the established population-objective
range of 343,000-465,000 cranes. All Central Flyway States, except
Nebraska, elected to allow crane hunting in portions of their
respective States in 1994-95; about 19,400 Federal permits were issued
and approximately 7,400 permittees hunted one or more times. The number
of permittees and active hunters were similar to the previous year's
seasons. About 17,300 cranes were harvested in 1994-95, a 4 percent
decrease from the previous year's estimate. Harvest information from
Alaska, Canada and Mexico are not yet available, but collectively are
believed to be about 7,000 during the 1994-95 sport hunting seasons.
The total North American sport harvest was estimated to be about
30,000, which is similar to last year's estimate(-4 percent) and near
(-7 percent) the all time high recorded in 1990. Annual surveys of the
Rocky Mountain Population, which migrates through the San Luis Valley
of Colorado in March, suggest that the population has been relatively
stable since 1984. The 1995 index of 20,200 cranes was within the
established objective range of 18,000-22,000. Limited special seasons
were held during 1994 in portions of Arizona, Montana, New Mexico,
Utah, and Wyoming, and resulted in an estimated harvest of 671 cranes.
Comments Received at Public Hearing
Ms. Susan Hagood, representing the Humane Society of the U.S.,
expressed concern about the continuation of seasons on species for
which we have little population data. She recommended very restrictive
or closed seasons on sea ducks and opposed rapidly increasing bag
limits on any species with only one year of data. She further suggested
that bag limits on common moorhens, snipe, and gallinules were
excessive and encouraged ``target shooting.'' She maintained that the
opening of hunting seasons in Alaska should be delayed at least two
weeks to allow birds to leave their natal areas. Further, she urged the
Service to disallow pre-sunrise shooting.
Mr. Charles D. Kelley, representing the Southeastern Association of
Fish and Wildlife Agencies, commended the Service for its management of
migratory bird resources. He also indicated that the conservative
thought used by the Service in the development of annual migratory bird
hunting regulations was shared by the States. As a result of this
conservative thought, he reiterated the Service's findings that
declines seen in most game species were tied to habitat practices.
Mr. George Vandel, representing the Central Flyway Council and the
South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Department, made some preliminary
remarks regarding the status of this year's duck breeding populations
and nesting conditions in South Dakota. He indicated that this spring's
total breeding population was at a high level, with many species at
record high levels. He further indicated that many factors contributed
to this recovery, including improved precipitation patterns,
availability of Conservation Reserve Program lands with high quality
nesting cover, and the success of cooperative management programs such
as those under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.
Mr. Vandel then reviewed several recommendations that were passed
by the Central Flyway Council. With respect to early season issues, he
supported the request to expand the open area for the hunting of Rocky
Mountain sandhill cranes in Wyoming and recommended that no other
changes
[[Page 37756]]
be made in Central Flyway hunting regulations. He indicated that a
recently completed shooting hours report had been submitted as
requested by the Service, and encouraged the Mississippi Flyway to also
complete their report. He supported the use of Adaptive Harvest
Management for duck harvest management in 1995 and indicated that this
process was the result of good biology. He supported the use of
flexible opening and closing framework dates for duck hunting and he
indicated that the Service's policy on the use of zones and split
seasons needed to be reviewed with the Flyway prior to next year's open
season. He also supported the use of the point system in determining
daily bag limits for ducks, and he indicated that the Flyway would work
with the Service in identification of additional opportunities for the
hunting of blue-winged teal and redheads. He noted that the Flyway had
considered recent recommendations from a review of the Flyway Council
system and would provide comment during this fall's meeting of the
International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Regarding the
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Flyway Consultants, he indicated
that the Central Flyway Council had forwarded copies of proposed
changes in the MOU and encouraged the Service to continue working with
the other Flyway Councils in completing necessary revisions. Finally,
he indicated that the Central Flyway Council will consider the issue of
compensatory days for Sunday hunting for this year's late-season
meetings.
Written Comments Received
The preliminary proposed rulemaking, which appeared in the March 24
Federal Register, opened the public comment period for migratory game
bird hunting regulations. As of June 22, 1995, the Service had received
15 comments; 4 of these specifically addressed early-season issues.
These early-season comments are summarized below and numbered in the
order used in the March 24 Federal Register. Only the numbered items
pertaining to early seasons for which written comments were received
are included. The Service received recommendations from all four Flyway
Councils. Some recommendations supported continuation of last year's
frameworks. Due to the comprehensive nature of the annual review of the
frameworks performed by the Councils, support for continuation of last
year's frameworks is also assumed for items for which no
recommendations were received. Council recommendations for changes in
the frameworks are summarized below.
1. Ducks
The categories used to discuss issues related to duck harvest
management are as follows: (A) General Harvest Strategy, (B) Framework
Dates, (C) Season Length, (D) Closed Seasons, (E) Bag Limits, (F) Zones
and Split Seasons, and (G) Special Seasons/Species Management. Only
those categories containing substantial recommendations are included
below.
G. Special Seasons/Species Management
ii. September Teal Seasons
Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended
that the September teal season in the Central Flyway be increased from
9 to 16 days.
Written Comments: An individual from Texas expressed support for
the Central Flyway's recommendation to expand the teal season to 16
days. Stating that the early teal season is important for Texas hunter
opportunities, he believed that the season could be expanded without
harm to the resource.
Service Response: A body of information exists regarding September
teal seasons as currently structured; however, there is little
information to address the potential impacts of 7 days added to the
current season. The Service previously determined in the ``Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual Regulations
Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (SEIS 88)'' that
proposals for expansion of existing special regulations require a
comprehensive evaluation plan containing study objectives, experimental
design, decision criteria, and identification of data needs. The
Central Flyway's proposal does not contain such a plan and is therefore
inconsistent with SEIS 88. Any large-scale expansion of the September
teal season, such as that recommended by the Central Flyway Council,
likely will require a complete evaluation of the entire season in all
areas where the teal season is currently offered. Future consideration
by the Service of such a proposal, and accompanying evaluation plan,
will also include a review of manpower and funding requirements as well
as priority ranking relative to other proposals and programs.
4. Canada Geese
A. Special Seasons
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended
that Delaware and Rhode Island be permitted to initiate a 3-year
experimental resident Canada goose season with framework dates of
September 1 to 15.
The Atlantic Flyway Council also recommended that Massachusetts,
New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia be
permitted to expand the hunt areas of their experimental goose seasons.
In North Carolina, the Atlantic Flyway Council requested that the
framework date for the experimental resident Canada goose season in the
Northeast hunt area be September 1 to 20.
The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway
Council recommended modification of the early Canada goose season
criteria to allow any State to conduct a non-experimental special
season between the dates of September 1 and 15. The Committee
recommended that States continue monitoring hunter activity and success
until they begin participation in the Harvest Information Program and
close areas where evidence from band recoveries or other sources
indicated unacceptable (greater than 10 percent) harvest of non-target
populations of concern. Special seasons occurring after September 15
would be required to meet all existing Service criteria for special
resident Canada goose seasons and would not be altered in any way
during the 3-year experimental period.
If the above modifications to the special-season criteria are not
approved, the Upper-Region Regulations Committee recommended the
following experimental special seasons:
In Indiana, a Statewide season during September 1 to 15.
In Illinois, a season in the nine northeast counties of the State
during September 9 to 18.
In Wisconsin, expand the size of the Southeastern Zone for a
September 1 to 13 season.
The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway
Council recommended that the flyway-wide framework for special resident
giant Canada goose seasons be September 1 to 15 where areas of concern
do not exist.
In Tennessee, the Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the
Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that the zone for the special
resident Canada goose season in east Tennessee be expanded from 11 to
28 counties, east of and including Anderson, Campbell, Hamilton, Rhea,
and Roane Counties. The Committee also recommended that Tennessee be
permitted to hold a special September
[[Page 37757]]
Canada goose season in the Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Zone in west
Tennessee.
The Pacific Flyway Council requested modification of the early
Canada goose seasons criteria to allow any State to conduct a season
between the dates of September 1 and 15 for a 3-year experimental
period. The Council recommended that States continue monitoring hunter
activity and success until they begin participation in the Harvest
Information Program and close areas where evidence from band recoveries
or other sources indicated unacceptable (greater than 10 percent)
harvest of non-target populations of concern. Special seasons occurring
after September 15 would be required to meet all existing Service
criteria for special Canada goose seasons and would not be altered in
any way during the 3-year experimental period.
The Pacific Flyway Council recommended continuation of the early
September Canada goose season in southwestern Wyoming and that an
experimental hunt be allowed in Teton County, Wyoming, where it would
be by State permit (no more than 40 permits may be issued) with
framework dates of September 1 to 15 and a maximum limit of 2 Canada
geese permitted per season.
Written Comments: The Illinois Department of Conservation supported
the Service's proposal to allow September 1 to 15 Canada goose seasons
without requiring the data collection necessary under the Service's
special Canada goose season criteria. They noted that this would free
States from the constraints of gathering data, which can be difficult
and expensive to obtain, and would allow greater management
flexibility. Further, believing that the lack of harvest of migrants
during these special seasons has been documented, they stated that
these special seasons are an important component of their urban/
suburban goose programs.
Service Response: The Service has reviewed the existing information
from experimental special early Canada goose seasons and has concluded
that the proposed modifications will meet the established criteria
while reducing the cost and administrative burden of these seasons;
however, the Service reaffirms its previously stated commitment to
target these special seasons at locally breeding and/or nuisance Canada
goose populations that nest primarily in the conterminous United
States. The Service proposes to modify the criteria for special Canada
goose seasons to permit States to chose one of two options for these
special seasons:
Option 1: States (except Alaska and Hawaii) may hold a special
early Canada goose season of up to 15 days between the dates of
September 1 and September 15. Such a season must receive Flyway Council
endorsement prior to the establishment of federal frameworks, and
States must agree to close any areas to hunting where evidence from
band recoveries or other sources indicates unacceptable (greater than
10%) harvest of non-target populations during the special season. The
Counties of Tuscola, Huron and Saginaw in Michigan are not eligible for
this option because evidence of excessively high harvests of Southern
James Bay Canada geese was obtained in a previous experimental
evaluation. Additionally, because of evidence suggesting early-arriving
migrant Canada geese, the special early Canada goose season in the
Upper Peninsula of Michigan cannot extend beyond September 10.
Option 2: States may hold a special early Canada goose season that
would include dates after September 15, except in those areas
identified in Option 1. Such a season would be subject to all data-
gathering, monitoring and reporting requirements in the special-season
criteria. Additionally, such a season would not be subject to any
modification during the experimental period.
The Service also proposes that when the criteria for special Canada
goose seasons are modified, no additional modifications will be
considered for at least five years, to allow sufficient time for
evaluation of cumulative impacts.
The special-season criteria, including the modifications indicated
above, are shown below:
Criteria for Special Canada Goose Seasons
1. States may hold special Canada goose seasons, in addition to
their regular seasons, for the purpose of controlling local breeding
populations or nuisance geese. These seasons are to be directed only at
Canada goose populations that nest primarily in the conterminous United
States and must target a specific population of Canada geese. The
harvest of nontarget Canada geese must not exceed 10 percent of the
special-season harvest during early seasons or 20 percent during late
seasons. More restrictive proportions may apply in instances where a
nontarget Canada goose population of special concern is involved.
2. Early seasons must be held prior to the regular season.
3. Late seasons must be held after the regular season but no later
than February 15.
4. The daily bag and possession limits may be no more than 5 and 10
Canada geese, respectively.
5. The area(s) open to hunting will be described in State
regulations.
6. For seasons that include hunting days after September 15:
A. All seasons will be conducted under a specific Memorandum of
Agreement (Agreement). Provisions for discontinuing, extending, or
modifying the seasons will be included in the Agreement.
B. All seasons initially will be considered experimental. The
evaluation required of the State will be incorporated into the
Agreement and will include at least the following:
(a) Conduct neck-collar observations (where appropriate) and
population surveys beginning at least 2 years prior to the requested
season and continuing during the experiment.
(b) Determine derivation of neck-collar codes and/or leg-band
recoveries from observations and harvested geese.
(c) Collect morphological information from harvested geese,
where appropriate, to ascertain probable source population(s) of the
harvest.
(d) Analyze relevant band-recovery data.
(e) Estimate hunter activity and harvest.
(f) Prepare annual and final reports of the experiment.
C. If the results of the evaluation warrant continuation of the
season beyond the experimental period, the State will continue to
estimate hunter activity and harvest for all areas, including those
areas where seasons do not extend beyond September 15, and report these
to the Service annually until the State begins participating in the
Harvest Information Program.
7. All special seasons will be subject to periodic re-evaluation
when circumstances or special situations warrant.
B. Regular Seasons
The Service stated in the March 24, 1995, Federal Register, that it
was reviewing the population status of the Atlantic Population of
Canada geese and was conducting an assessment of the past 3 years of
harvest reduction to determine whether additional harvest restrictions
were necessary. Based on preliminary information from the recently
completed spring breeding survey, the Service now believes that further
harvest reduction is needed to reverse the downward trend in this
population and increase the numbers of breeding pairs. The Service will
work cooperatively with the Atlantic Flyway Council to modify the
existing regulations and develop appropriate new season frameworks.
9. Sandhill Cranes
Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended
following the management plan with
[[Page 37758]]
respect to seasons on the Rocky Mountain Population of greater sandhill
cranes. Pending final results of the March 1995 survey which should be
available in June 1995, harvest guidelines would allow an open season
in the States of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah,
and Wyoming if the population is above 16,000 cranes; otherwise, there
would be no open season. With an open season, there would be no change
in frameworks.
14. Woodcock
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended
that woodcock season frameworks remain unchanged in the Eastern Region
for 1995-96 unless adverse weather substantially depresses the breeding
populations as measured by the 1995 Singing Ground Survey. The Council
believes that population declines are attributed to habitat loss and
degradation rather than due to current harvest levels.
Written Comments: The Pennsylvania Game Commission recommended that
the Service and Flyway Councils develop a harvest management strategy
for woodcock in which specific population objectives are identified
that would require further harvest restrictions. They also are
anticipating a more comprehensive analysis of the woodcock harvest when
the Service's Harvest Information Program becomes fully operational.
18. Alaska
Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended
changes in bag and possession limits for ducks in Alaska. Specifically,
the Council requested the following bag and possession limits for the
two Alaska framework sets of restrictive and moderate/liberal,
respectively: North Zone 8/24 or 10/30, Gulf Coast Zone 6/18 or 8/24,
and Southeast, Pribilof/Aleutian, and Kodiak zones 5/15 or 7/21; and
canvasback limits 2/4. Sea duck limits of 15/30 would be separate, with
seasons to remain closed on spectacled and Steller's eiders.
Service Response: With the exceptions of canvasback, the Service
agrees with the Council's recommendation and proposes to increase daily
bag limits to 7 ducks in the Southeast, Pribilof/Aleutian, and Kodiak
Zones, 8 ducks in the Gulf Coast Zone, and 10 ducks in the North Zone.
Increases would be consistent with the moderate and liberal packages
proposed under adaptive harvest management this year, and would return
Alaska to the basic limits prevailing prior to restrictions initiated
in 1988. Duck breeding populations in Alaska-Yukon during 1995 were
above the 1955-94 average by 99 percent for mallards, 90 percent for
wigeon, 247 percent for green-winged teal, 164 percent for shovelers,
and 896 percent for pintails.
Regarding the canvasback bag limit, the Service believes that
harvest management of this species in Alaska and in all Flyways should
adhere to the harvest strategy that was employed in 1994, which calls
for annually assessing several population parameters, including
estimated breeding population, habitat conditions, and harvest. Based
on current population levels, expected production, and both last year's
and this year's projected harvest estimates, the Service believes that
a season in all Flyways and Alaska, with a 1-bird daily bag limit, is
warranted.
20. Puerto Rico
Written Comments: Puerto Rico recommended that the daily bag limit
for ducks be increased from 3 to 4 birds and that the daily bag limit
for snipe be increased from 6 to 8 birds. This recommendation was
further modified during the Service Regulations Committee meeting when
the Puerto Rico representative requested a desire to have Puerto Rico's
regulations be consistent with the Atlantic Flyway.
Service Response: The Service agrees with Puerto Rico's request to
make duck and snipe daily bag limits consistent with those proposed for
the Atlantic Flyway.
Public Comment Invited
Based on the results of migratory game bird studies now in progress
and having due consideration for any data or views submitted by
interested parties, the possible amendments resulting from this
supplemental rulemaking will specify open seasons, shooting hours, and
bag and possession limits for designated migratory game birds in the
United States.
The Service intends that adopted final rules be as responsive as
possible to all concerned interests, and therefore solicits the
comments and suggestions of the public, other concerned governmental
agencies, and private interests on these proposals. Such comments, and
any additional information received, may lead to final regulations that
differ from these proposals.
Special circumstances are involved in the establishment of these
regulations which limit the amount of time that the Service can allow
for public comment. Specifically, two considerations compress the time
in which the rulemaking process must operate: (1) the need to establish
final rules at a point early enough in the summer to allow affected
State agencies to appropriately adjust their licensing and regulatory
mechanisms; and (2) the unavailability before mid-June of specific,
reliable data on this year's status of some waterfowl and migratory
shore and upland game bird populations. Therefore, the Service believes
that to allow comment periods past the dates specified is contrary to
the public interest.
Comment Procedure
It is the policy of the Department of the Interior, whenever
practical, to afford the public an opportunity to participate in the
rulemaking process. Accordingly, interested persons may participate by
submitting written comments to the Chief, Office of Migratory Bird
Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, room 634, Arlington Square,
Washington, DC 20240. Comments received will be available for public
inspection during normal business hours at the Service's office in room
634, Arlington Square Building, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington,
Virginia. All relevant comments received during the comment period will
be considered. The Service will attempt to acknowledge comments
received, but substantive responses to individual comments may not be
provided.
NEPA Consideration
NEPA considerations are covered by the programmatic document,
``Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual
Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds'' (FSES 88-
14), filed with EPA on June 9, 1988. Notice of Availability was
published in the Federal Register on June 16, 1988 (53 FR 22582). The
Service's Record of Decision was published on August 18, 1988 (53 FR
31341). Copies of these documents are available from the Service at the
address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES.
Endangered Species Act Consideration
The Division of Endangered Species is completing a biological
opinion on the proposed action. As in the past, hunting regulations
this year will be designed, among other things, to remove or alleviate
chances of conflict between seasons for migratory game birds and the
protection and conservation of endangered and threatened species. The
Service's biological opinions resulting
[[Page 37759]]
from consultations under Section 7 are considered public documents and
are available for inspection in the Division of Endangered Species
(room 432) and the Office of Migratory Bird Management (room 634),
Arlington Square Building, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia.
Regulatory Flexibility Act; Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 and the
Paperwork Reduction Act
In the Federal Register dated March 24, 1995 (60 FR 15642), the
Service reported measures it had undertaken to comply with requirements
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the Executive Order. These
included preparing an Analysis of Regulatory Effects and an updated
Final Regulatory Impact Analysis (FRIA), and publication of a summary
of the latter. Although a FRIA is no longer required, the economic
analysis contained in the FRIA was reviewed and the Service determined
that it met the requirements of E.O. 12866. However, the Service is
currently preparing a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis, under the
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq), to further document
the significant beneficial economic effect on a substantial number of
small entities. This rule was not subject to review by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) under E.O. 12866.
These proposed regulations contain no information collections
subject to OMB review under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). However, the Service does utilize information
acquired through other various information collections in the
formulation of migratory game bird hunting regulations. These
information collection requirements have been approved by OMB and
assigned clearance numbers 1018-0005, 1018-0006, 1018-0008, 1018-0009,
1018-0010, 1018-0015, 1018-0019, and 1018-0023.
Authorship
The primary author of this proposed rulemaking is Robert J. Blohm,
Office of Migratory Bird Management.
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20
Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Transportation, Wildlife.
The rules that eventually will be promulgated for the 1994-95
hunting season are authorized under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (July
3, 1918), as amended, (16 U.S.C. 703-711); the Fish and Wildlife
Improvement Act (November 8, 1978), as amended, (16 U.S.C. 712); and
the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (August 8, 1956), as amended, (16
U.S.C. 742 a--d and e--j).
Dated: July 13, 1995.
Robert P. Davison,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
Proposed Regulations Frameworks for 1995-96 Early Hunting Seasons
on Certain Migratory Game Birds
Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and delegated
authorities, the Department of the Interior approved the following
proposed frameworks which prescribe season lengths, bag limits,
shooting hours, and outside dates within which States may select for
certain migratory game birds between September 1, 1995, and March 10,
1996.
General
Dates: All outside dates noted below are inclusive.
Shooting and Hawking (taking by falconry) Hours: Unless otherwise
specified, from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset daily.
Possession Limits: Unless otherwise specified, possession limits
are twice the daily bag limit.
Area, Zone, and Unit Descriptions: Geographic descriptions that
differ from those published in the August 17, 1994, Federal Register
(59 FR 42474) are contained in a later portion of this document.
Special September Teal Season
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and September 30, an open season
on all species of teal may be selected by Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado
(Central Flyway portion only), Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico (Central Flyway portion
only), Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas in areas delineated by
State regulations.
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 9 consecutive
days, with a daily bag limit of 4 teal.
Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except in
Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Ohio, where the hours are
from sunrise to sunset.
Special September Duck Seasons
Florida: An experimental 5-consecutive-day season may be selected
in September. The daily bag limit may not exceed 4 teal and wood ducks
in the aggregate.
Kentucky and Tennessee: In lieu of a special September teal season,
an experimental 5-consecutive-day season may be selected in September.
The daily bag limit may not exceed 4 teal and wood ducks in the
aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be wood ducks.
Iowa: Iowa may hold up to 5 days of its regular duck hunting season
in September. All ducks which are legal during the regular duck season
may be taken during the September segment of the season. The September
season segment may commence no earlier than the Saturday nearest
September 20 (September 23, 1995), with daily bag and possession limits
being the same as those in effect during the 1995 regular duck season.
The remainder of the regular duck season may not begin before October
15.
Scoter, Eider, and Oldsquaw Ducks (Atlantic Flyway)
Outside Dates: Between September 15 and January 20.
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 107 days, with
a daily bag limit of 7, singly or in the aggregate of the listed sea-
duck species, of which no more than 4 may be scoters.
Daily Bag Limits During the Regular Duck Season: Within the special
sea duck areas, during the regular duck season in the Atlantic Flyway,
States may choose to allow the above sea duck limits in addition to the
limits applying to other ducks during the regular duck season. In all
other areas, sea ducks may be taken only during the regular open season
for ducks and must be included in the regular duck season daily bag and
possession limits.
Areas: In all coastal waters and all waters of rivers and streams
seaward from the first upstream bridge in Maine, New Hampshire,
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York; in any waters
of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters of any bay which are
separated by at least 1 mile of open water from any shore, island, and
emergent vegetation in New Jersey, South Carolina, and Georgia; and in
any waters of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters of any bay
which are separated by at least 800 yards of open water from any shore,
island, and emergent vegetation in Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina
and Virginia; and provided that any such areas have been described,
delineated, and designated as special sea-duck hunting areas under the
hunting regulations adopted by the respective States.
Special Early Canada Goose Seasons
Atlantic Flyway
General Seasons
Canada goose seasons of up to 15 days during September 1-15 may be
selected
[[Page 37760]]
by Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia and portions of
Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Areas open to the hunting of Canada
geese must be described, delineated, and designated as such in each
State's hunting regulations.
Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 5 Canada geese.
Experimental Seasons
Experimental Canada goose seasons of up to 30 days may be selected
by North Carolina during September 1-30, Statewide, except that the
season may not exceed 20 days during September 1-20 in the Northeast
Hunt Unit. Areas open to the hunting of Canada geese must be described,
delineated, and designated as such in each State's hunting regulations.
Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 5 Canada geese.
Mississippi Flyway
General Seasons
Canada goose seasons of up to 15 days during September 1-15, may be
selected by Illinois, Indiana, Michigan (except in the Upper Peninsula,
where the season may not extend beyond September 10, and in Huron,
Saginaw and Tuscola Counties, where no special season may be held),
Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. The daily bag
limit may not exceed 5 Canada geese. Areas open to the hunting of
Canada geese must be described, delineated, and designated as such in
each State's hunting regulations.
Experimental Seasons
Experimental Canada goose seasons may be selected by Illinois,
Minnesota, and Tennessee. Areas open to the hunting of Canada geese
must be described, delineated, and designated as such in each State's
hunting regulations.
Outside Dates: September 1-18 in Illinois; September 1-16 in
Minnesota; and September 1-30 in Tennessee.
Season Length: Not to exceed 10 days.
Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 5 Canada geese.
Pacific Flyway
General Seasons
Wyoming may select a September season on Canada geese subject to
the following conditions:
1. Where applicable, the season must be concurrent with the
September portion of the sandhill crane season.
2. Hunting will be by State permit.
3. No more than 150 permits, in total, may be issued.
4. Each permittee may take no more than 2 Canada geese per
season.
Oregon, in the Lower Columbia River Zone, may select a season on
Canada geese subject to the following conditions:
1. The season length is 12 days during September 1-12.
2. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese.
Experimental Seasons
Oregon, in the Northwest Zone, may select an experimental season on
Canada geese subject to the following conditions:
1. The season length is 12 days during September 1-12.
2. Hunting will be by State permit.
3. Each permittee may take no more than 2 Canada geese per day.
Washington may select a season on Canada geese, subject to the
following conditions, in the Lower Columbia River Zone:
1. The season length is 12 days during September 1-12.
2. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese.
Regular Goose Seasons
Regular goose seasons in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of
Michigan may open as early as September 23. Season lengths and bag and
possession limits will be established during the late-season
regulations process.
Sandhill Cranes
Regular Seasons in the Central Flyway:
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and February 28.
Hunting Seasons: Seasons not to exceed 58 consecutive days may be
selected in designated portions of the following States: Colorado,
Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Seasons not
to exceed 93 consecutive days may be selected in designated portions of
the following States: New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Daily Bag Limits: 3 sandhill cranes.
Permits: Each person participating in the regular sandhill crane
seasons must have a valid Federal sandhill crane hunting permit in
their possession while hunting.
Special Seasons in the Central and Pacific Flyways:
Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming
may select seasons for hunting sandhill cranes within the range of the
Rocky Mountain Population subject to the following conditions:
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 31.
Hunting Seasons: The season in any State or zone may not exceed 30
days.
Bag limits: Not to exceed 3 daily and 9 per season.
Permits: Participants must have a valid permit, issued by the
appropriate State, in their possession while hunting.
Other provisions: Numbers of permits, open areas, season dates,
protection plans for other species, and other provisions of seasons
must be consistent with the management plan and approved by the Central
and Pacific Flyway Councils. All hunts except those in Arizona, New
Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming will be experimental.
Common Moorhens and Purple Gallinules
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 20 in the Atlantic,
Mississippi, and Central Flyways. States in the Pacific Flyway have
been allowed to select their hunting seasons between the outside dates
for the season on ducks; therefore, they are late-season frameworks and
no frameworks are provided in this document.
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Seasons may not exceed 70
days in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways. Seasons may be
split into two segments. The daily bag limit is 15 common moorhens and
purple gallinules, singly or in the aggregate of the two species.
Rails
Outside Dates: States included herein may select seasons between
September 1 and January 20 on clapper, king, sora, and Virginia rails.
Hunting Seasons: The season may not exceed 70 days, and may be
split into two segments.
Daily Bag Limits:
Clapper and King Rails - In Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey,
Delaware, and Maryland, 10, singly or in the aggregate of the two
species. In Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida,
South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, 15, singly or in the
aggregate of the two species.
Sora and Virginia Rails - In the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central
Flyways and the Pacific-Flyway portions of Colorado, Montana, New
Mexico, and Wyoming, 25 daily and 25 in possession, singly or in the
aggregate of the two species. The season is closed in the remainder of
the Pacific Flyway.
Common Snipe
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and February 28, except in
Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia,
where the season must end no later than January 31.
[[Page 37761]]
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Seasons may not exceed 107
days and may be split into two segments. The daily bag limit is 8
snipe.
American Woodcock
Outside Dates: States in the Atlantic Flyway may select hunting
seasons between October 1 and January 31. States in the Central and
Mississippi Flyways may select hunting seasons between September 1 and
January 31.
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: In the Atlantic Flyway,
seasons may not exceed 45 days, with a daily bag limit of 3; in the
Central and Mississippi Flyways, seasons may not exceed 65 days, with a
daily bag limit of 5. Seasons may be split into two segments.
Zoning: New Jersey may select seasons in each of two zones. The
season in each zone may not exceed 35 days.
Band-tailed Pigeons
Pacific Coast States (California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada)
Outside Dates: Between September 15 and January 1.
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 9 consecutive
days, with bag and possession limits of 2 and 2 band-tailed pigeons,
respectively.
Permit Requirement: The appropriate State agency must issue
permits, and report on harvest and hunter participation to the Service
by June 1 of the following year, or participate in the Migratory Bird
Harvest Information Program.
Zoning: California may select hunting seasons not to exceed 9
consecutive days in each of two zones. The season in the North Zone
must close by October 7.
Four-Corners States (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah)
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and November 30.
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 30 consecutive
days, with a daily bag limit of 5 band-tailed pigeons.
Permit Requirement: The appropriate State agency must issue
permits, and report on harvest and hunter participation to the Service
by June 1 of the following year, or participate in the Migratory Bird
Harvest Information Program.
Zoning: New Mexico may select hunting seasons not to exceed 20
consecutive days in each of two zones. The season in the South Zone may
not open until October 1.
Mourning Doves
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15, except as
otherwise provided, States may select hunting seasons and daily bag
limits as follows:
Eastern Management Unit (All States east of the Mississippi River, and
Louisiana)
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 70 days with a
daily bag limit of 12, or not more than 60 days with a daily bag limit
of 15.
Zoning and Split Seasons: States may select hunting seasons in each
of two zones. The season within each zone may be split into not more
than three periods. The hunting seasons in the South Zones of Alabama,
Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi may commence no earlier
than September 20. Regulations for bag and possession limits, season
length, and shooting hours must be uniform within specific hunting
zones.
Central Management Unit (Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota,
Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South
Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming)
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 70 days with a
daily bag limit of 12, or not more than 60 days with a daily bag limit
of 15.
Zoning and Split Seasons: States may select hunting seasons in each
of two zones. The season within each zone may be split into not more
than three periods. Texas may select hunting seasons for each of three
zones subject to the following conditions:
A. The hunting season may be split into not more than two periods,
except in that portion of Texas in which the special white-winged dove
season is allowed, where a limited mourning dove season may be held
concurrently with that special season (see white-winged dove
frameworks).
B. A season may be selected for the North and Central Zones between
September 1 and January 25; and for the South Zone between September 20
and January 25.
C. Each zone may have a daily bag limit of 12 doves (15 under the
alternative) in the aggregate, no more than 6 of which may be white-
winged doves and no more than 2 of which may be white-tipped doves,
except that during the special white-winged dove season, the daily bag
limit may not exceed 10 white-winged, mourning, and white-tipped doves
in the aggregate, of which no more than 5 may be mourning doves and 2
may be white-tipped doves.
D. Except as noted above, regulations for bag and possession
limits, season length, and shooting hours must be uniform within each
hunting zone.
Western Management Unit (Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon,
Utah, and Washington)
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah,
and Washington - Not more than 30 consecutive days with a daily bag
limit of 10 mourning doves (in Nevada, the daily bag limit may not
exceed 10 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate).
Arizona and California - Not more than 60 days which may be split
between two periods, September 1-15 and November 1-January 15. In
Arizona, during the first segment of the season, the daily bag limit is
10 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate, of which no more
than 6 may be white-winged doves. During the remainder of the season,
the daily bag limit is restricted to 10 mourning doves. In California,
the daily bag limit may not exceed 10 mourning and white-winged doves
in the aggregate.
White-winged and White-tipped Doves
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits:
Except as shown below, seasons in Arizona, California, Florida,
Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas must be concurrent with mourning dove
seasons.
Arizona may select a hunting season of not more than 30 consecutive
days, running concurrently with the first segment of the mourning dove
season. The daily bag limit may not exceed 10 mourning and white-winged
doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 6 may be white-winged
doves.
In Florida, the daily bag limit may not exceed 12 mourning and
white-winged doves (15 under the alternative) in the aggregate, of
which no more than 4 may be white-winged doves.
In the Nevada Counties of Clark and Nye, and in the California
Counties of Imperial, Riverside, and San Bernardino, the daily bag
limit may not exceed 10 mourning and white-winged doves in the
aggregate.
In New Mexico, the daily bag limit may not exceed 12 mourning and
white-winged doves (15 under the alternative) in the aggregate.
In Texas, the daily bag limit may not exceed 12 mourning, white-
winged, and white-tipped doves (15 under the alternative) in the
aggregate, of which not more than 6 may be white-winged doves and not
more than 2 may be white-tipped doves.
In addition, Texas may also select a hunting season of not more
than 4 days
[[Page 37762]]
for the special white-winged dove area of the South Zone between
September 1 and September 19. The daily bag limit may not exceed 10
white-winged,mourning, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, of
which no more than 5 may be mourning doves and 2 may be white-tipped
doves.
Alaska
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 26.
Hunting Seasons: Alaska may select 107 consecutive days for
waterfowl, sandhill cranes, and common snipe in each of five zones. The
season may be split without penalty in the Kodiak Zone. The seasons in
each zone must be concurrent.
Closures: The season is closed on Canada geese from Unimak Pass
westward in the Aleutian Island chain. The hunting season is closed on
Aleutian Canada geese, emperor geese, spectacled eiders, and Steller's
eiders.
Daily Bag and Possession limits:
Ducks - Except as noted, a basic daily bag limit of 7 and a
possession limit of 21 ducks. Daily bag and possession limits in the
North Zone are 10 and 30, and in the Gulf Coast Zone they are 8 and 24,
respectively. The basic limits may include no more than 1 canvasback
daily and 3 in possession.
In addition to the basic limit, there is a daily bag limit of 15
and a possession limit of 30 scoter, common and king eiders, oldsquaw,
harlequin, and common and red-breasted mergansers, singly or in the
aggregate of these species.
Geese - A basic daily bag limit of 6, of which not more than 4 may
be greater white-fronted or Canada geese, singly or in the aggregate of
these species, except that the daily bag limit on Canada geese in Game
Management Units 9E and 18 is 1.
Brant - A daily bag limit of 2.
Common snipe - A daily bag limit of 8.
Sandhill cranes - A daily bag limit of 3.
Tundra swans - Open seasons for tundra swans may be selected
subject to the following conditions:
1. No more than 300 permits may be issued in GMU 22, authorizing
each permittee to take 1 tundra swan per season.
2. No more than 500 permits may be issued during the
experimental season in GMU 18. No more than 1 tundra swan may be
taken per permit.
3. The seasons must be concurrent with other migratory bird
seasons.
4. The appropriate State agency must issue permits, obtain
harvest and hunter-participation data, and report the results of
this hunt to the Service by June 1 of the following year.
Hawaii
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15.
Hunting Seasons: Not more than 60 days (70 under the alternative)
for mourning doves.
Bag Limits: Not to exceed 15 (12 under the alternative) mourning
doves.
Note: Mourning doves may be taken in Hawaii in accordance with
shooting hours and other regulations set by the State of Hawaii, and
subject to the applicable provisions of 50 CFR part 20.
Puerto Rico
Doves and Pigeons:
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15.
Hunting Seasons: Not more than 60 days.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Not to exceed 10 Zenaida,
mourning, and white-winged doves in the aggregate. Not to exceed 5
scaly-naped pigeons.
Closed Areas: There is no open season on doves or pigeons in the
following areas: Municipality of Culebra, Desecheo Island, Mona Island,
El Verde Closure Area, and Cidra Municipality and adjacent areas.
Ducks, Coots, Moorhens, Gallinules, and Snipe:
Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 31.
Hunting Seasons: Not more than 55 days may be selected for hunting
ducks, common moorhens, and common snipe. The season may be split into
two segments.
Daily Bag Limits:
Ducks - Same as those proposed for the Atlantic Flyway.
Common moorhens - Not to exceed 6.
Common snipe - Not to exceed 8.
Closed Seasons: The season is closed on the ruddy duck, white-
cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck,
and masked duck, which are protected by the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico. The season also is closed on the purple gallinule, American coot,
and Caribbean coot.
Closed Areas: There is no open season on ducks, common moorhens,
and common snipe in the Municipality of Culebra and on Desecheo Island.
Virgin Islands
Doves and Pigeons:
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15.
Hunting Seasons: Not more than 60 days for Zenaida doves.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Not to exceed 10 Zenaida doves.
Closed Seasons: No open season is prescribed for ground or quail
doves, or pigeons in the Virgin Islands.
Closed Areas: There is no open season for migratory game birds on
Ruth Cay (just south of St. Croix).
Local Names for Certain Birds: Zenaida dove, also known as mountain
dove; bridled quail-dove, also known as Barbary dove or partridge;
Common ground-dove, also known as stone dove, tobacco dove, rola, or
tortolita; scaly-naped pigeon, also known as red-necked or scaled
pigeon.
Ducks
Outside Dates: Between December 1 and January 31.
Hunting Seasons: Not more than 55 consecutive days.
Daily Bag Limits: Same as the limit proposed for the Atlantic
Flyway.
Closed Seasons: The season is closed on the ruddy duck, white-
cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck,
and masked duck.
Special Falconry Regulations
Falconry is a permitted means of taking migratory game birds in any
State meeting Federal falconry standards in 50 CFR 21.29(k). These
States may select an extended season for taking migratory game birds in
accordance with the following:
Extended Seasons: For all hunting methods combined, the combined
length of the extended season, regular season, and any special or
experimental seasons shall not exceed 107 days for any species or group
of species in a geographical area. Each extended season may be divided
into a maximum of 3 segments.
Framework Dates: Seasons must fall between September 1 and March
10.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Falconry daily bag and possession
limits for all permitted migratory game birds shall not exceed 3 and 6
birds, respectively, singly or in the aggregate, during extended
falconry seasons, any special or experimental seasons, and regular
hunting seasons in all States, including those that do not select an
extended falconry season.
Regular Seasons: General hunting regulations, including seasons and
hunting hours, apply to falconry in each State listed in 50 CFR
21.29(k). Regular-season bag and possession limits do not apply to
falconry. The falconry bag limit is not in addition to gun limits.
Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions
Central Flyway portion of the following States consists of:
[[Page 37763]]
Colorado: That area lying east of the Continental Divide.
Montana: That area lying east of Hill, Chouteau, Cascade, Meagher,
and Park Counties.
New Mexico: That area lying east of the Continental Divide but
outside the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation.
Wyoming: That area lying east of the Continental Divide.
The remaining portions of these States are in the Pacific Flyway.
Mourning and White-winged Doves
Alabama
South Zone - Baldwin, Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia,
Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Mobile Counties.
North Zone - Remainder of the State.
California
White-winged Dove Open Areas - Imperial, Riverside, and San
Bernardino Counties.
Florida
Northwest Zone - The Counties of Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin,
Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton,
Washington, Leon (except that portion north of U.S. 27 and east of
State Road 155), Jefferson (south of U.S. 27, west of State Road 59 and
north of U.S. 98), and Wakulla (except that portion south of U.S. 98
and east of the St. Marks River).
South Zone - Remainder of State.
Georgia
Northern Zone - That portion of the State lying north of a line
running west to east along U.S. Highway 280 from Columbus to Wilcox
County, thence southward along the western border of Wilcox County;
thence east along the southern border of Wilcox County to the Ocmulgee
River, thence north along the Ocmulgee River to Highway 280, thence
east along Highway 280 to the Little Ocmulgee River; thence southward
along the Little Ocmulgee River to the Ocmulgee River; thence
southwesterly along the Ocmulgee River to the western border of the
Jeff Davis County; thence south along the western border of Jeff Davis
County; thence east along the southern border of Jeff Davis and Appling
Counties; thence north along the eastern border of Appling County, to
the Altamaha River; thence east to the eastern border of Tattnall
County; thence north along the eastern border of Tattnall County;
thence north along the western border of Evans to Candler County;
thence west along the southern border of Candler County to the Ohoopee
River; thence north along the western border of Candler County to
Bulloch County; thence north along the western border of Bulloch County
to U.S. Highway 301; thence northeast along U.S. Highway 301 to the
South Carolina line.
South Zone - Remainder of the State.
Louisiana
North Zone - That portion of the State north of Interstate Highway
10 from the Texas State line to Baton Rouge, Interstate Highway 12 from
Baton Rouge to Slidell and Interstate Highway 10 from Slidell to the
Mississippi State line.
South Zone - The remainder of the State.
Mississippi
South Zone - The Counties of Forrest, George, Greene, Hancock,
Harrison, Jackson, Lamar, Marion, Pearl River, Perry, Pike, Stone, and
Walthall.
North Zone - The remainder of the State.
Nevada
White-winged Dove Open Areas - Clark and Nye Counties.
Texas
North Zone - That portion of the State north of a line beginning at
the International Bridge south of Fort Hancock; north along FM 1088 to
TX 20; west along TX 20 to TX 148; north along TX 148 to I-10 at Fort
Hancock; east along I-10 to I-20; northeast along I-20 to I-30 at Fort
Worth; northeast along I-30 to the Texas-Arkansas State line.
South Zone - That portion of the State south and west of a line
beginning at the International Bridge south of Del Rio, proceeding east
on U.S. 90 to San Antonio; then east on I-10 to Orange, Texas.
Special White-winged Dove Area in the South Zone - That portion of
the State south and west of a line beginning at the International
Bridge south of Del Rio, proceeding east on U.S. 90 to Uvalde; south on
U.S. 83 to TX 44; east along TX 44 to TX 16 at Freer; south along TX 16
to TX 285 at Hebbronville; east along TX 285 to FM 1017; southwest
along FM 1017 to TX 186 at Linn; east along TX 186 to the Mansfield
Channel at Port Mansfield; east along the Mansfield Channel to the Gulf
of Mexico.
Area with additional restrictions - Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and
Willacy Counties.
Central Zone - That portion of the State lying between the North
and South Zones.
Band-tailed Pigeons
California
North Zone - Alpine, Butte, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lassen,
Mendocino, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity
Counties.
South Zone - The remainder of the State.
New Mexico
North Zone - North of a line following U.S. 60 from the Arizona
State line east to I-25 at Socorro and then south along I-25 from
Socorro to the Texas State line.
South Zone - Remainder of the State.
Washington
Western Washington - The State of Washington excluding those
portions lying east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of the Big
White Salmon River in Klickitat County.
Woodcock
New Jersey
North Zone - That portion of the State north of NJ 70.
South Zone - The remainder of the State.
Special September Goose Seasons
Atlantic Flyway
North Carolina
Northeast Hunt Unit - Counties of Bertie, Camden, Chovan,
Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and
Washington.
Mississippi Flyway (Experimental Seasons)
Illinois
Northeast Zone - Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall,
Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties.
Minnesota
Twin Cities Metro Zone - All of Hennepin and Ramsey Counties.
In Anoka County; the municipalities of Andover, Anoka, Blaine,
Centerville, Circle Pines, Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, Fridley,
Hilltop, Lexington, Lino Lakes, Ramsey, and Spring Lake Park; that
portion of Columbus Township lying south of County State Aid Highway
(CSAH) 18; and all of the municipality of Ham Lake except that portion
described as follows:
Beginning at the intersection of CSAH 18 and U.S. Highway 65, then
east along CSAH 18 to the eastern boundary of Ham Lake, north along the
eastern boundary of Ham Lake to the north boundary of Ham Lake, west
along the north boundary of Ham Lake to U.S. 65, and south along U.S.
65 to the point of beginning.
In Carver County; the municipalities of Carver, Chanhassen, Chaska,
and Victoria; the Townships of Chaska and Laketown; and those portions
of the municipalities of Cologne, Mayer, Waconia, and Watertown and the
Townships of Benton, Dahlgren, Waconia, and Watertown lying north and
east of the following described line:
Beginning on U.S. 212 at the southwest corner of the municipality
of Chaska, then west along U.S. 212 to
[[Page 37764]]
State Trunk Highway (STH) 284, north along STH 284 to CSAH 10, north
and west along CSAH 10 to CSAH 30, north and west along CSAH 30 to STH
25, west and north along STH 25 to CSAH 10, north along CSAH 10 to the
Carver County line, and east along the Carver County line to the
Hennepin County line.
In Dakota County; the municipalities of Apple Valley, Burnsville,
Eagan, Farmington, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Lilydale,
Mendota, Mendota Heights, Rosemont, South St. Paul, Sunfish Lake, and
West St. Paul; and the Township of Nininger.
In Scott County; the municipalities of Jordan, Prior Lake, Savage
and Shakopee; and the Townships of Credit River, Jackson, Louisville,
St. Lawrence, Sand Creek, and Spring Lake.
In Washington County; the municipalities of Afton, Bayport,
Birchwood, Cottage Grove, Dellwood, Forest Lake, Hastings, Hugo, Lake
Elmo, Lakeland, Lakeland Shores, Landfall, Mahtomedi, Marine, Newport,
Oakdale, Oak Park Heights, Pine Springs, St. Croix Beach, St. Mary's
Point, St. Paul Park, Stillwater, White Bear Lake, Willernie, and
Woodbury; the Townships of Baytown, Denmark, Grant, Gray Cloud Island,
May, Stillwater, and West Lakeland; that portion of Forest Lake
Township lying south of STH 97 and CSAH 2; and those portions of New
Scandia Township lying south of STH 97 and a line due east from the
intersection of STH 97 and STH 95 to the eastern border of the State.
Fergus Falls/Benson Zone - That area encompassed by a line
beginning on State Trunk Highway (STH) 55 at the Minnesota border, then
south along the Minnesota border to a point due south of the
intersection of STH 7 and County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 7 in Big
Stone County, north to the STH 7/CSAH 7 intersection and continuing
north along CSAH 7 to CSAH 6 in Big Stone County, east along CSAH 6 to
CSAH 21 in Big Stone County, south along CSAH 21 to CSAH 10 in Big
Stone County, east along CSAH 10 to CSAH 22 in Swift County, east along
CSAH 22 to CSAH 5 in Swift County, south along CSAH 5 to U.S. Highway
12, east along U.S. 12 to CSAH 17 in Swift County, south along CSAH 17
to the Swift County border, east along the south border of Swift County
and north along the east border of Swift County to the south border of
Pope County, east along the south border of Pope County and north along
the east border of Pope County to STH 28, west along STH 28 to CSAH 33
in Pope County, north along CSAH 33 to CSAH 3 in Douglas County, north
along CSAH 3 to CSAH 69 in Otter Tail County, north along CSAH 69 to
CSAH 46 in Otter Tail County, east along CSAH 46 to the east border of
Otter Tail County, north along the east border of Otter Tail County to
CSAH 40 in Otter Tail County, west along CSAH 40 to CSAH 75 in Otter
Tail County, north along CSAH 75 to STH 210, west along STH 210 to STH
108, north along STH 108 to CSAH 1 in Otter Tail County, west along
CSAH 1 to CSAH 14 in Otter Tail County, north along CSAH 14 to CSAH 44
in Otter Tail County, west along CSAH 44 to CSAH 35 in Otter Tail
County, north along CSAH 35 to STH 108, west along STH 108 to CSAH 19
in Wilkin County, south along CSAH 19 to STH 55, then west along STH 55
to the point of beginning.
Southwest Canada Goose Zone - All of Blue Earth, Cottonwood,
Faribault, Jackson, LeSueur, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, McLeod, Murray,
Nicollet, Nobles, Sibley, Waseca, and Watonwan Counties; that portion
of Brown County lying south and west of the following described line:
beginning at the junction of U.S. Highway 14, and the east of Brown
County line; thence west on U.S. Highway 14 to Cobden; thence due west
one mile on U.S. Highway 14 and the township road to the Brown County
line; thence due west 12 miles along the county line to the west Brown
County line; that portion of Renville County east of State Trunk
Highway 4 (STH); that portion of Meeker County south of U.S. Highway
12; in Scott County, the Townships of Belle Plaine, Blakeley, and
Helena, including the municipalities located therein; and that portion
of Carver County lying west, of the following described line: beginning
at the northeast corner of San Francisco Township, thence west along
the San Francisco Township line to the east boundary of Dahlgren
Township, thence north on the Dahlgren Township line to U.S. Highway
212, thence west on U.S. Highway 212 to STH 284, thence north on STH
284 to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 10, thence north and west on
CSAH 10 to CSAH 30, thence north and west on CSAH 30 the STH 25, thence
east and north on STH 25 to CSAH 10, thence north on CSAH 10 to the
Carver County line.
Tennessee
East Tennessee Zone - That portion of the State east of and
including Anderson, Campbell, Hamilton, Rhea, and Roane Counties.
Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Zone - That portion of the State bounded on
the west by the eastern boundaries of the Northwest and Southwest Zones
and on the east by State Highway 13 from the Alabama border to
Clarksville and U.S. Highway 79 from Clarksville to the Kentucky
border.
Sandhill Cranes
Central Flyway
Colorado
Regular-Season Open Area - The Central Flyway portion of the State
except the San Luis Valley (Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Hinsdale,
Mineral, Rio Grande and Saguache Counties east of the Continental
Divide) and North Park (Jackson County).
Kansas
Regular Season Open Area - That portion of the State west of a line
beginning at the Oklahoma border, north on I-35 to Wichita, north on I-
135 to Salina, and north on U.S. 81 to the Nebraska border.
New Mexico
Regular-Season Open Area - Chaves, Curry, De Baca, Eddy, Lea, Quay,
and Roosevelt Counties.
Middle Rio Grande Valley Area - The Central Flyway portion of New
Mexico in Socorro and Valencia Counties.
Southwest Zone - Sierra, Luna, and Dona Ana Counties.
Oklahoma
Regular-Season Open Area - That portion of the State west of I-35.
Texas
Regular-Season Open Area - That portion of the State west of a line
from the International Toll Bridge at Brownsville along U.S. 77 to
Victoria; U.S. 87 to Placedo; Farm Road 616 to Blessing; State 35 to
Alvin; State 6 to U.S. 290; U.S. 290 to Austin; I-35 to the Texas-
Oklahoma border.
North Dakota
Regular-Season Open Area - That portion of the State west of U.S.
281.
South Dakota
Regular-Season Open Area - That portion of the State west of U.S.
281.
Montana
Regular-Season Open Area - The Central Flyway portion of the State
except that area south of I-90 and west of the Bighorn River.
Wyoming
Regular-Season Open Area - Campbell, Converse, Crook, Goshen,
Laramie, Niobrara, Platte, and Weston Counties.
Riverton-Boysen Unit - Portions of Fremont County.
Pacific Flyway
Arizona
Special-Season Area - Game Management Units 30A, 30B, 31, and 32.
Montana
Special-Season Area - See State regulations.
[[Page 37765]]
Utah
Special-Season Area - Rich and Cache Counties.
Wyoming
Bear River Area - That portion of Lincoln County described in State
regulations.
Salt River Area - That portion of Lincoln County described in State
regulations.
Eden-Farson Area - Those portions of Sweetwater and Sublette
Counties described in State regulations.
All Migratory Game Birds in Alaska
North Zone - State Game Management Units 11-13 and 17-26.
Gulf Coast Zone - State Game Management Units 5-7, 9, 14-16, and 10
- Unimak Island only.
Southeast Zone - State Game Management Units 1-4.
Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zone - State Game Management Unit 10
- except Unimak Island.
Kodiak Zone - State Game Management Unit 8.
All Migratory Birds in the Virgin Islands
Ruth Cay Closure Area - The island of Ruth Cay, just south of St.
Croix.
All Migratory Birds in Puerto Rico
Municipality of Culebra Closure Area - All of the municipality of
Culebra.
Desecheo Island Closure Area - All of Desecheo Island.
Mona Island Closure Area - All of Mona Island.
El Verde Closure Area - Those areas of the municipalities of Rio
Grande and Loiza delineated as follows: (1) All lands between Routes
956 on the west and 186 on the east, from Route 3 on the north to the
juncture of Routes 956 and 186 (Km 13.2) in the south; (2) all lands
between Routes 186 and 966 from the juncture of 186 and 966 on the
north, to the Caribbean National Forest Boundary on the south; (3) all
lands lying west of Route 186 for one kilometer from the juncture of
Routes 186 and 956 south to Km 6 on Route 186; (4) all lands within Km
14 and Km 6 on the west and the Caribbean National Forest Boundary on
the east; and (5) all lands within the Caribbean National Forest
Boundary whether private or public.
Cidra Municipality and adjacent areas - All of Cidra Municipality
and portions of Aguas, Buenas, Caguas, Cayer, and Comerio
Municipalities as encompassed within the following boundary: beginning
on Highway 172 as it leaves the municipality of Cidra on the west edge,
north to Highway 156, east on Highway 156 to Highway 1, south on
Highway 1 to Highway 765, south on Highway 765 to Highway 763, south on
Highway 763 to the Rio Guavate, west along Rio Guavate to Highway 1,
southwest on Highway 1 to Highway 14, west on Highway 14 to Highway
729, north on Highway 729 to Cidra Municipality boundary to the point
of beginning.
[FR Doc. 95-18056 Filed 7-20-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-F
