[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 143 (Monday, July 27, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 40080-40091]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-19546]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 32
RIN 1018-AE68
1998-99 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Fishing Regulations
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) proposes to add
additional national wildlife refuges (refuges) to the list of areas
open for hunting and/or sport fishing, along with pertinent refuge-
specific regulations for such activities; and amend certain regulations
on other refuges that pertain to migratory game bird hunting, upland
game hunting, big game hunting and sport fishing for the 1998-99
seasons.
DATES: Comments may be submitted on or before August 26, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Assistant Director--Refuges and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, 1849 C Street, NW, MS 670 ARLSQ, Washington, DC
20240.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen R. Vehrs, at the above
address; Telephone (703) 358-2397; Fax (703) 358-1826.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: National wildlife refuges generally are
closed to hunting and sport fishing until opened by rulemaking. The
Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) may open refuge areas to hunting
and/or fishing upon a determination that such uses are compatible with
the mission of the System or purpose(s) for which individual refuges
were established. The action also must be in accordance with provisions
of all laws applicable to the areas, must be consistent with the
principles of sound fish and wildlife management and administration.
Management is intended to ensure that the biological integrity,
diversity, and environmental health of the System are maintained for
the benefit of present and future generations of Americans, and
otherwise must be in the public interest.
The Service reviews refuge hunting and fishing programs annually to
determine whether to add additional refuges or whether individual
refuge regulations governing existing programs need modification,
deletion or additions made to them. Changing environmental conditions,
State and Federal regulations, and other factors affecting wildlife
populations and habitat may warrant modifications ensuring continued
compatibility of hunting and fishing programs and that these programs
will not materially interfere with or detract from the fulfillment of
the mission of the System or the purposes of the refuge.
50 CFR part 32 contains provisions governing hunting and fishing on
national wildlife refuges. Hunting and fishing are regulated on refuges
to:
Ensure compatibility;
Properly manage the fish and wildlife resource;
Protect other refuge values; and
Ensure refuge user safety.
On many refuges, the Service policy of adopting regulations
identical to State hunting and fishing regulations is adequate in
meeting these objectives. On other refuges, it is necessary to
supplement State regulations with more restrictive Federal regulations
to ensure that the Service meets its management responsibilities, as
outlined under the section entitled ``Statutory Authority.'' The
Service issues refuge-specific hunting and fishing regulations when a
wildlife refuge is opened to either migratory game bird hunting, upland
game hunting, big game hunting or sport fishing. These regulations list
the wildlife species that may be hunted or are subject to sport
fishing, seasons, bag limits, methods of hunting or fishing,
descriptions of open areas, and other provisions as appropriate. 50 CFR
part 32 contains previously issued refuge-specific regulations for
hunting and fishing. The Service promulgates many of the amendments to
these sections to standardize and clarify the existing language of
these regulations.
The Service proposes to revise nontoxic shot provisions for hunting
upland game on Waterfowl Production Areas and other areas of the
National Wildlife Refuge System (System).
Specifically part 32 would prohibit the use or possession of toxic
shotgun pellets by upland game hunters onto Waterfowl Production Areas
and other areas of the System. The only shot
[[Page 40081]]
allowed in areas of the System would be specifically identified in 50
CFR 20.21 (j). The currently approved shot listed in that regulation
are: steel, bizmuth-tin and tungsten-iron. Refuge wildlife ingest toxic
lead by-products of refuge public hunting programs through their
feeding habits and die from lead poisoning. The Service permits hunting
programs on many areas of the System in accordance with existing
management plans, policy procedures and regulations.
In the August 16, 1995 issue of the Federal Register (60 FR 42668),
the Service published a proposed regulations that would require hunters
to use nontoxic shot while hunting on certain refuges, because of the
likelihood of depositing toxic lead shot pellets on the land, with
resulting impacts to waterfowl and other migratory birds. In 1992, the
Service first required nontoxic shot on all areas of the System while
hunting waterfowl.
In the December 4, 1995 Federal Register (60 FR 62035), the Service
published an evaluation of public comments received in the previously
issued proposed rule and announced that it had decided to delay
nontoxic shot implementation for hunting upland game until the 1996-97
hunting season on those refuges it had proposed to convert to nontoxic
shot during the 1995-96 season. The Service also announced delay of
implementation of this regulation in Alaska until the 1997-98 season,
to allow coordination with the State and the outlying native villages.
The Service also announced it had decided to delay implementation of
this regulation with regard to Waterfowl Production Areas principally
in the Dakotas, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, and Wisconsin, until the
1998-99 season.
The Service took these actions to allow adequate time for
additional coordination and educational outreach with the affected
States, hunting organizations and the general public on the effects of
toxic lead shot to waterfowl and other migratory birds. The Service
requested voluntary hunter use of nontoxic shotshells until
implementing specific rules.
Lead shot from hunters' shotguns deposited onto open and ice-
covered wetlands, seasonally flooded habitats, and upland habitats in
close proximity to these wetlands is toxic to waterfowl that directly
ingest lead products during feeding, and secondarily toxic to predators
and carrion feeders that consume these toxic wildlife carcasses. The
documented scientific evidence is clear in this regard. Information not
adequately communicated to some hunters and habitat managers for their
consideration is the effect of this deposition of toxic lead shot onto
these marginal or fringe wetland areas by hunting activities other than
waterfowl and coot hunting. Nationwide, efforts by the Service, State
wildlife agencies, and several conservation organizations have been
ongoing to educate the public and activate programs to reduce this
threat to waterfowl, raptors and other susceptible wildlife species. A
scientifically recognized toxic lead problem exists on these adjoining
upland areas. Lead pellets ingested by waterfowl and secondarily by
raptors, including eagles, results in the death of these animals due to
toxic lead poisoning. Waterfowl ingest lead shot pellets deposited
during upland or small game hunting on dry areas that are subject to
seasonal flooding, while feeding in these areas during high water
periods and are vulnerable to lead poisoning. This proposed rule will
significantly reduce this threat to wildlife.
Scientific information on the ``Toxicity of Lead Shot to Wildlife''
may be obtained by calling the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Reference Service
at 1-800-582-3421 or by accessing the bibliographic databases
information directly on the INTERNET at ``http://www.fws.gov/
fwrefser.html''.
The Service determines that uses in this proposed rule are
compatible. The Service further determined that this proposed action
is:
In accordance with the provisions of all applicable laws;
Consistent with principles of sound fish and wildlife
management and administration;
Consistent with the principles of available science and
resources;
Helps implement Executive Orders 12996 (Management and
Public Use of the National Wildlife Refuge System) and 12962
(Recreational Fisheries); and
Is otherwise in the public interest by providing
additional recreational opportunities at national wildlife refuges.
Sufficient funds will be available within the refuge budgets to
operate the hunting and sport fishing programs as proposed.
Request for Comments
Department of the Interior policy is, whenever practicable, to
afford the public a meaningful opportunity to participate in the
rulemaking process. A 30-day comment period is specified in order to
facilitate public input. Consideration was given to providing a 60-day
comment period, however, the Service determined that an additional 30
day delay in processing these refuge-specific hunting and fishing
regulations would hinder the effective planning and administration of
hunting and fishing programs. Specifically, a delay of an additional 30
days would jeopardize holding the hunting or fishing programs this
year, or shorten their duration and thereby lessen the management
effectiveness of this regulation. Many of these rules also relieve
restrictions and allow the public to participate in recreational
activities on a number of refuges. In addition, good cause exists in
that, in order to continue to provide for previously authorized hunting
opportunities while at the same time provide for adequate resource
protection, the Service must be timely in providing modifications to
certain hunting programs on some refuges. Accordingly, good cause
exists to limit the comment period to 30 days.
Interested persons may submit written comments concerning this
proposed rule to the person listed above under the heading ADDRESSES.
All substantive comments will be reviewed and considered.
Statutory Authority
The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (NWRSAA) of
1966, (16 U.S.C. Sec. 668dd-668ee), and the Refuge Recreation Act (RRA)
of 1962 (16 U.S.C. 460k-460K-4), govern the administration and public
use of national wildlife refuges.
The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act (NWRSIA) of
1997 (Pub. L. 105-57) is the latest amendment to the NWRSAA. It amends
and builds upon the NWRSAA in a manner that provides an improved
``Organic Act'' for the Refuge System similar to those which exist for
other public lands. It serves to ensure that the System is effectively
managed as a national system of lands, waters and interests for the
protection and conservation of our nation's wildlife resources. The
NWRSAA states first and foremost that the mission of the System be
focused on conservation of fish, wildlife, and plant resources and
their habitat. This Act prevents the Secretary from initiating or
permitting a new use of a refuge or expanding, renewing, or extending
an existing use of a refuge, unless the Secretary has determined that
the use is a compatible use and that the use is not inconsistent with
public safety.
The RRA, authorizes the Secretary to administer areas within the
System for public recreation as an appropriate incidental or secondary
use only to the extent that it is practicable and not inconsistent with
the primary purpose(s) for which the areas were
[[Page 40082]]
established. This Act requires that any recreational use of refuge
lands be compatible with the primary purposes for which a refuge was
established and not inconsistent with other previously-authorized
operations.
The NWRSAA, and RRA, also authorize the Secretary to issue
regulations to carry out the purposes of the Acts and regulate uses.
Hunting and sport fishing plans are developed for each existing
refuge prior to opening it to hunting or fishing. In many cases, the
Service develops refuge-specific regulations to ensure the
compatibility of the programs with the purposes for which the refuge
was established. Initial compliance with the NWRSAA and the RRA has
been ensured for hunting and sport fishing on newly acquired refuges
through an interim determination of compatibility made at the time of
acquisition. This ensures that the determinations required by these
acts are made prior to the addition of refuges to the lists of areas
open to hunting and fishing in 50 CFR part 32. The Service ensures
continued compliance by the development of long-term hunting and sport
fishing plans and by annual review of hunting and sport fishing
programs and regulations.
In preparation for new openings, the following documents are
included in the refuge's ``openings package'' for Regional review and
approval from the Washington Office: an interim hunting and fishing
management plan; a Section 7 determination pursuant to the Endangered
Species Act, that these openings will have no effect, or are not likely
to have an adverse effect, on listed species or critical habitats; a
letter of concurrence from the affected State; interim compatibility
determination; and refuge-specific regulations to administer the
hunting and/or fishing programs. Upon review of these documents, the
Service, acting for the Secretary, has determined that the opening of
these National Wildlife Refuges to hunting and fishing is compatible
with the principles of sound fish and wildlife management and
administration and otherwise will be in the public interest.
The following wildlife-dependent recreational activities are
proposed:
Hunting of migratory game birds, upland game and big game is
proposed to start at Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, West
Virginia.
Hunting of migratory game birds and upland game is proposed to be
opened for the first time on Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge,
Alabama.
Hunting of Migratory Game Birds and sport fishing is proposed to
open at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge, Rhode Island.
Sport fishing is proposed to be opened for the first time at Breton
National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana; Amagansett, Oyster Bay, Seatuck
and Target Rock National Wildlife Refuges, New York; Block Island,
Ninigret, Pettaquamscutt Cove and Sachuest Point National Wildlife
Refuges, Rhode Island; Dungeness and Nisqually National Wildlife
Refuges, Washington; Guam, Kilauea Point and Midway Atoll National
Wildlife Refuges, Pacific Islands Territory. The remaining regulations
represent revisions to existing refuge specific regulations.
In accordance with the NWRSAA and the RRA, the Service has
determined that these openings are compatible and consistent with the
primary purposes for which the refuge was established.
Need for This Regulation
The Service proposes to add additional refuges to the list of areas
open for hunting and/or sport fishing, along with pertinent refuge-
specific regulations for such activities; and amend certain regulations
on other refuges that pertain to migratory game bird hunting, upland
game hunting, big game hunting and sport fishing for the 1998-99
seasons. On many refuges, the Service policy of adopting regulations
identical to State regulations is adequate in meeting National Wildlife
Refuge System objectives. On other refuges, it is necessary to
supplement State regulations with more restrictive Federal regulations
to ensure that the Service meets its management responsibilities, as
outlined under the section entitled ``Statutory Authority'' in the
proposed rule. The Service issues refuge-specific regulations when
opening a national wildlife refuge or modifying the various uses of a
refuge, and for all hunting or sport fishing. These regulations list
the prohibited uses, limited uses and those activities that are
available without restriction. They also list those wildlife species
that may be hunted or fished for along with the respective, seasons,
bag limits, methods of hunting or fishing, descriptions of open areas,
and other provisions as appropriate. Many of the amendments to these
sections in this proposed regulation are promulgated to provide greater
restriction and clarify the existing language of existing regulations
and should result in less violations of refuge regulations.
Why Alternative Approaches Are Not Feasible
Refuge officers process violations notices through the Federal
District Court's Violation Notice procedures. U.S. Magistrates have
required refuge regulations to be printed in the Code of Federal
Regulations before they will accept refuge violations into their
courts. Federal recreation regulations are not prosecuted in the State
courts, and voluntary compliance of regulations has not been
successful.
Authority Under Which This Rule Will be Published
The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, (16
U.S.C. Sec. 668dd (b)(5) and (d)(1)).
Regulatory Planning and Review
In accordance with the criteria in Executive Order 12866, this rule
is not a significant regulatory action.
a. This rule will not have an annual economic effect of $100
million or adversely affect an economic sector, productivity, jobs, the
environment, or other units of government. A cost-benefit and economic
analysis is not required. This proposed rule is administrative, legal,
technical and procedural in nature and makes only minor modifications
to existing refuge public use programs. The proposed regulations do not
liberalize refuge regulations, but clarifies what a refuge visitor may
or may not do on a refuge.
b. This rule will not create inconsistencies with other agencies'
actions. Recreational use on National Wildlife Refuges is coordinated
with State governments as well as other Federal agencies having
adjoining or over-lapping jurisdiction before the regulations are
proposed. The proposed regulation is consistent with, and not less
restrictive than, other agencies' rules.
c. This rule will not materially affect entitlements, grants, user
fees, loan programs, or the rights and obligations of their recipients.
The provisions of this proposed rule only applies to persons involved
in wildlife-dependent public use including regulated hunting and sport
fishing on National Wildlife Refuges, which is a privilege and not a
right. User fees will not change as a result of this rule.
d. This rule will not raise novel legal or policy issues. The
Solicitor's office has reviewed and approved the contents of this
proposed rule.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
I certify that this rule will not have a significant economic
effect on a substantial number of small entities as defined under the
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 USC 601 et seq.). A final Regulatory
Flexibility Analysis is not
[[Page 40083]]
attached. Accordingly, a Small Entity Compliance Guide is not required.
This rulemaking will not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities. The National Wildlife Refuge
System was created to conserve fish, wildlife, and plants and their
habitats. This conservation mission has been facilitated by providing
Americans opportunities to visit and participate in compatible
wildlife-dependent recreation, including fishing, hunting, wildlife
observation and photography, and environmental education and
interpretation as priority public uses on National Wildlife Refuges and
to better appreciate the value of, and need for, fish and wildlife
conservation.
This proposed rule is administrative, legal, technical and
procedural in nature and provides for minor changes to the methods of
hunting and fishing permitted within the National Wildlife Refuge
System, but does not stop the overall use permitted. This proposed rule
will not change the number of visitors using refuges, nor the amount of
revenue spent in the area of refuges during these visits. This
rulemaking will have no impact on local economies by increasing or
decreasing visitation and expenditures in the surrounding area of
national wildlife refuges because this proposed rule does not restrict
visitors from utilizing refuges, but rather modifies their behavior
while they are on refuges.
Refuge visitors will continue to contribute to the local economies
at the same rate for food and lodging, transportation, fishing and
hunting licenses, binoculars, spotting scopes, outdoor magazines,
sportsman's club membership dues, contributions, land leasing and
ownership, hunting and fishing stamps, tags, permits, arms, ammunition
and fishing tackle.
Economic impacts of refuge fishing and hunting programs on local
communities are calculated from average expenditures in the ``1996
National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated
Recreation'' and ``Banking on Nature: The Economic Benefits to Local
Communities of National Wildlife Refuge Visitation.''
In 1996, 77 million U.S. residents, about 40 percent of the
population 16 years old and older, participated in wildlife-associated
recreation activities expending $101 billion in the United States. Of
this group, 35.2 million enjoyed a variety of fishing opportunities and
14 million hunted, while 62.9 million enjoyed at least one type of
wildlife-watching recreation activity including observing, feeding or
photographing fish and other wildlife, in the United States.
Recreational visits to national wildlife refuges generates
substantial economic activity. In fiscal year 1995, people visited
refuges more than 27.7 million times for recreation and environmental
education. Their spending generated $401.1 million of sales in regional
economies. As this spending flowed through the economy, it generated
more than 10,000 employed people and $162.9 million in employment
income. This spending should continue at a proportionate rate into the
future.
At these 65 National Wildlife Refuges included in this proposed
regulation, 701,000 fishermen are estimated to spend $28.7 million
annually in pursuit of their sport, while approximately 343,000 hunters
will spend $11.3 million annually hunting on the refuges. While many of
these fishermen and hunters already make such expenditures prior to the
refuge opening, some of these additional expenditures directly are due
to the land now being open to the general public.
The Department of the Interior certifies that this document will
not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small
entities such as businesses, organizations and governmental
jurisdictions in the area under the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980
(5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.).
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. This rule:
a. Does not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or
more. These proposed regulations will affect only visitors at National
Wildlife Refuges. It will not cause any changes in the number of
visitors using the refuge, but only limit what they can do while they
are on a refuge. Refer to response under Regulatory Flexibility Act.
b. Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for
consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government
agencies, or geographic regions. These proposed regulations will affect
only visitors at National Wildlife Refuges. It will not cause any
changes in the number of visitors using the refuge, but only limit what
they can do while they are on a refuge. Refer to response under
Regulatory Flexibility Act.
c. Does not have significant adverse effects on competition,
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of
U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. These
proposed regulations will affect only visitors at National Wildlife
Refuges. It will not cause any changes in the number of visitors using
the refuge, but only limit what they can do while they are on a refuge.
Refer to response under Regulatory Flexibility Act.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
In accordance with the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1501,
et seq.):
a. This rule will not ``significantly or uniquely'' affect small
governments. A Small Government Agency Plan is not required.
b. This rule will not produce a Federal mandate of $100 million or
greater in any year, i.e., it is not a ``significant regulatory
action'' under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.
Takings
In accordance with Executive Order 12630, the rule does not have
significant takings implications. The Service has determined that the
rule has no potential takings of private property implications A
takings implication assessment is not required. These proposed
regulations will affect only visitors at National Wildlife Refuges. It
will not cause any changes in the number of visitors using the refuge,
but only limit what they can do while they are on a refuge. Refer to
response under Regulatory Flexibility Act.
Federalism
In accordance with Executive Order 12612, the rule does not have
significant Federalism effects. A Federalism assessment is not
required. This rule will not have substantial direct effects on the
States, in their relationship between the Federal Government and the
States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the
various levels of government. Therefore, in accordance with Executive
Order 12612, the Service has determined that this rule does not have
sufficient Federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a
Federalism Assessment.
Civil Justice Reform
In accordance with Executive Order 12988, the Office of the
Solicitor has determined that the rule does not unduly burden the
judicial system and meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2)
of the Order. The proposed regulation will clarify established
regulations, and result in better understanding of the regulations by
refuge visitors. They will be enforced through the use of U.S. District
Court
[[Page 40084]]
Violation Notice procedures. A refuge regulation violator can plead
guilty and forfeit a set amount of fine established at the time of the
violation by the refuge officer. This is completed through the mail
without a court appearance. A violator can also plead not guilty on the
notice and the Magistrates Court will set an appearance date and time
and notify both the violator and officer to appear in Magistrates Court
for a hearing and/or trial,in accordance with U.S. District Court Rules
of Procedure.
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., 5 CFR 1320, Pub.
L. 04-13)
This regulation does not contain any information collection that
requires Office of Management and Budget approval under the Paperwork
Reduction Act 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.
Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes
In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994,
``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal
Governments'' (59 FR 22951) and 512 DM 2: We have evaluated possible
effects on Federally recognized Indian tribes and have determined that
there are no effects.
Section 7 Consultation (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq., 50 CFR 402)
In preparation for new openings, Section 7 consultation documents
are included in the refuge's ``openings package'' for Regional review
and approval from the Washington Office. The Service reviewed the
changes in hunting and fishing herein proposed with regard to Section 7
of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543) and finds
the proposed action is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence
of any endangered species or threatened species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of habitat of such species within
the System since the rule is primarily administrative, legal, technical
or procedural in nature and/or makes minor modifications to existing
public use programs. The Service complies with Section 7 of the
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543) when developing
comprehensive conservation plans, refuge public use management plans,
and prior to implementing any new or revised public recreation program
on a refuge as identified in 50 CFR 26.32 Determinations required by
the Endangered Species Act are also made on a case-by-case basis before
the addition of a refuge to the lists of areas open to hunting or
fishing as contained in 50 CFR 32.7.
National Environmental Policy Act
The Service analyzed this rule in accordance with the criteria of
the National Environmental Policy Act and 318 DM 2.2(g) and 6.3(D).
This rule does not constitute a major Federal action significantly
affecting the quality of the human environment. An environmental impact
statement/assessment is not required. The Service ensures compliance
when hunting and sport fishing plans are developed, and the
determinations required by NEPA are made prior to the addition of
refuges to the lists of areas open to hunting and fishing in 50 CFR
part 32. The amendment of refuge-specific hunting and fishing
regulations are subject to a categorical exclusion from the NEPA
process if they do not significantly alter the existing use of a
particular national wildlife refuge. The Service exclusion found at 516
DM 6, App. 1.4 B(5) is employed here as these amendments are considered
``[m]inor changes in the amounts or types of public use on FWS or
State-managed lands, in accordance with regulations, management plans,
and procedures.'' These refuge-specific hunting and fishing regulations
simply qualify or otherwise define a hunting or fishing activity, for
purposes of resource management. These documents are on file in the
offices of the Service and may be viewed by contacting the primary
author noted below.
Available Information for Specific Refuges
Individual refuge headquarters retain information regarding public
use programs and the conditions that apply to their specific programs,
and maps of their respective areas. You may also obtain information
from the regional offices at the addresses listed below:
Region 1--California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and
Washington. Assistant Regional Director--Refuges and Wildlife, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, Eastside Federal Complex, Suite 1692, 911
N.E. 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232-4181; Telephone (503) 231-
6214.
Region 2--Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Assistant
Regional Director--Refuges and Wildlife U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Box 1306, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103; Telephone (505) 766-1829.
Region 3--Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri,
Ohio and Wisconsin. Assistant Regional Director--Refuges and Wildlife,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal Building, Fort Snelling, Twin
Cities, Minnesota 55111; Telephone (612) 725-3507.
Region 4--Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana,
Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Puerto Rico and
the Virgin Islands. Assistant Regional Director--Refuges and Wildlife,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Boulevard, Room 324,
Atlanta, Georgia 30345; Telephone (404) 679-7152.
Region 5--Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine,
Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia.
Assistant Regional Director--Refuges and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, 300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley, Massachusetts
01035-9589; Telephone (413) 253-8550.
Region 6--Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South
Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. Assistant Regional Director--Refuges and
Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Box 25486, Denver Federal
Center, Denver, Colorado 80225; Telephone (303) 236-8145.
Region 7--Alaska. Assistant Regional Director--Refuges and
Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 E. Tudor Rd., Anchorage,
Alaska 99503; Telephone (907) 786-3545.
Primary Author: Stephen R. Vehrs, Refuge Program Specialist,
Division of Refuges, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, DC
20240, is the primary author of this proposed rulemaking document.
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 32
Fishing, Hunting, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements,
Wildlife, Wildlife refuges.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Service proposes to
amend Title 50, Chapter I, subchapter C of the Code of Federal
Regulations as follows:
PART 32--[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 32 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k, 664, 668dd-ee, and
715i.
2. Section 32.2 is amended by revising the heading, the
introductory text, and by adding paragraph (k) to read as follows:
Sec. 32.2 General provisions regarding hunting on areas of the
National Wildlife Refuge System.
The following provisions shall apply to each person while engaged
in public
[[Page 40085]]
hunting on areas of the National Wildlife Refuge System:
* * * * *
(k) Persons may only use or possess nontoxic shot identified in 50
CFR 20.21(j) while hunting with shotguns or muzzleloaders on Waterfowl
Production Areas, or on certain other areas of the National Wildlife
Refuge System as delineated on maps, leaflets and/or signs, available
at each refuge headquarters or posted at each refuge, or as stated in
refuge specific regulations. This regulation does not apply to turkey
and deer hunters using buckshot or slugs, except as specifically
authorized by refuge specific regulations.
Sec. 32.7 [Amended]
3. Section 32.7 is amended by alphabetically adding the listing
``Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge'' to the State of Alabama; by
alphabetically adding the listing ``Breton National Wildlife Refuge''
to the State of Louisiana; by removing the alphabetical listing of
``Pond Island National Wildlife Refuge'' from the State of Maine; by
alphabetically adding the listings ``Amagansett National Wildlife
Refuge,'' ``Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge,'' ``Seatuck National
Wildlife Refuge,'' and ``Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge'' to the
State of New York; by revising the listing of ``Tinicum National
Environmental Center to read ``John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at
Tinicum'' in the State of Pennsylvania; by alphabetically adding the
listings ``Block Island National Wildlife Refuge,'' ``Ninigret National
Wildlife Refuge,'' ``Pettaquamscutt Cove National Wildlife Refuge,''
``Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge,'' and ``Trustom Pond
National Wildlife Refuge'' to the State of Rhode Island; by
alphabetically adding the listings ``Dungeness National Wildlife
Refuge'' and ``Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge'' to the State of
Washington; by alphabetically adding the listing ``Canaan Valley
National Wildlife Refuge'' to the State of West Virginia; by
alphabetically adding the listings``Guam National Wildlife Refuge'' and
``Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge'' to the Pacific Islands
Territory.
4. Section 32.20 Alabama is amended by revising paragraphs D.1.,
D.2. and adding paragraph D.4. of Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge; and
adding the alphabetical listing of Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge to
read as follows:
Sec. 32.20 Alabama.
* * * * *
Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. Fishermen may fish, including bowfishing, only during daylight
hours on refuge impoundments and waters other than the Walter F. George
Reservoir.
2. Fishermen may not frog or trap turtles in impounded waters not
contiguous with the Walter F. George Reservoir.
* * * * *
4. Reciprocal license agreements between Alabama and Georgia only
apply to waters contiguous with the Walter F. George Reservoir.
Fishermen must possess current State of Alabama fishing licenses when
fishing in refuge impoundments.
Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Hunters may hunt mourning doves
on designated portions of the refuge subject to the following
condition. Permits are required.
B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt only quail, squirrel,
rabbits, raccoons, and opossum on designated portions of the refuge
subject to the following condition: Permits are required.
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
* * * * *
5. Section 32.24 California is amended by revising paragraph C.1.
of Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.24 California.
* * * * *
Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Hunters may hunt only in the unit for nine (9) consecutive days
beginning on the first Saturday following the third Wednesday in
August.
* * * * *
6. Section 32.28 Florida is amended by revising paragraph D.3. of
Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge; by revising the introductory
text of paragraph B. and paragraph D. of St. Marks National Wildlife
Refuge; and by revising paragraph D. of Ten Thousand Islands National
Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.28 Florida.
* * * * *
Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
3. Boats may not be left on the refuge overnight.
* * * * *
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt squirrel, rabbit, and
raccoon on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
condition: Permits are required.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish and crab on designated areas of
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. Anglers may fish and crab only from sunrise to sunset.
2. Anglers may only use boats with motors of 10 horsepower or less
in refuge pools and lakes.
3. Anglers may only use boats with or without motors on the St.
Marks Unit pools from March 15 through October 15.
4. Anglers may take only fish species, and fish limits authorized
by State regulations.
5. Anglers may not take frogs or turtles.
6. Anglers may fish and boat in Panacea Unit ponds year round.
Anglers may access Panacea Unit ponds in a vehicle only from March 15
through May 15. Anglers may fish and boat in Otter Lake year round.
7. Anglers may not launch commercial boats at the saltwater boat
ramp on Co. Rd. 59 (Lighthouse Rd.).
8. Anglers may only take bait fish and non-game fish by hook and
line in refuge ponds, lakes, and impoundments.
9. Anglers may not use crab traps in refuge pools and impoundments
on the St. Marks Unit.
* * * * *
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish only on designated portions of
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. Anglers may not use airboats, hovercraft, off road vehicles, or
personal water craft in freshwater and brackish water wetlands and
water bodies.
2. Anglers may fish in freshwater and brackish water creeks and
ponds year round from sunrise to sunset. Anglers may enter these areas
only from sunrise to sunset.
3. Anglers may fish in tidal waters year round and 24 hours a day.
4. Anglers may not fish with trotlines, gigs, spears, bush hooks,
snatch hooks,
[[Page 40086]]
crossbows or bows and arrows of any type.
5. Anglers may enter the refuge to crab in freshwater and brackish
water areas only from sunrise to sunset. Recreational anglers may use
crab pots only in accordance with State regulations, except that crab
pots abandoned or not checked after 72 hours are subject to
impoundment.
* * * * *
7. Section 32.29 Georgia is amended by revising paragraph D.4. and
removing paragraph D.5. of Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge;
by revising paragraphs D.1., removing paragraph D.2., and renumbering
paragraph D.3. as paragraph D.2. of Harris Neck National Wildlife
Refuge; by revising paragraphs D.1., D.2., D.4. and adding paragraph
D.6. of Savannah National Wildlife Refuge; by revising the introductory
text of paragraphs D and D.1., and by removing paragraph D.3. of Wolf
Island National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.29 Georgia.
* * * * *
Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
4. Anglers may only bank fish into estuarine waters from sunrise to
sunset daily.
* * * * *
Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. Anglers may fish in estuarine waters year round from sunrise to
sunset daily.
* * * * *
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. Anglers may fish in refuge impoundments and canals from March 1
through November 30 annually.
2. Anglers may fish in Black Pond year round.
* * * * *
4. Anglers may bank fish year round in the canal adjacent to the
wildlife drive.
* * * * *
6. Anglers may only use non-motorized boats and boats with electric
motors.
* * * * *
Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish on designated areas of the
refuge subject to the following condition:
1. Anglers may fish year round from sunrise to sunset.
8. Section 32.32 Illinois is amended by revising paragraphs A.1.,
A.2., A.3. and B.3. of Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge to read
as follows:
Sec. 32.32 Illinois.
* * * * *
Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
1. Hunters may dove hunt on sunflower fields only on Mondays,
Wednesdays, and Saturdays starting September 1. Hunters may hunt only
from noon to 5 pm. Hunters must sign in and out and report daily
harvest at registration box. All hunting must be from field borders
only. Hunters may not hunt or shoot from the interior of sunflower
fields or within 100 yards of roadways. Hunters may not carry or use
guns while retrieving downed doves from field interiors.
2. On the Bellrose Waterfowl Reserve--Hunters may not hunt ducks.
Hunters may hunt only geese following the closure of the state duck
season. Hunters may hunt only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
Hunters may hunt only from sunrise to 1 pm. All hunters must remove
blinds and decoys, and be off the unit by 2 pm daily. Hunters may not
enter the area prior to 5 am. Hunters may not hunt during special snow
goose seasons after the closure of the regular goose season. Hunters
may use only temporary or portable blinds; Hunters may not construct
pit blinds. No one may hunt within 100 yards of any private property
boundary. Distance between hunting parties must be at least 200 yards.
All hunters must sign in and out and report daily harvest at the
registration box.
3. Hunters must remove boats, decoys, and blinds from the refuge at
the conclusion of each days hunt.
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. Hunters may only use or possessed nontoxic shot while hunting
for any permitted birds except wild turkey. Hunters may use lead shot
while hunting wild turkey.
* * * * *
9. Section 32.34 Iowa is amended by revising the introductory text
of paragraph B., and revising paragraph C.2. of Union Slough National
Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
* * * * *
Sec. 32.34 Iowa.
* * * * *
Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt upland game in designated
areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: Hunters may
only use or possess nontoxic shot while hunting upland game, except
wild turkeys. Hunters may possess and use lead shot for wild turkey
hunting.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. Hunters must remove all hunting stands from the refuge at the
end of each day's hunt.
* * * * *
10. Section 32.36 Kentucky is amended by adding paragraph D.3. of
Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.36 Kentucky.
* * * * *
Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
3. Anglers may not entry the refuge, or use airboats, hovercraft,
or jet skis (personal water-craft) on any waters within the refuge
boundary.
11. Section 32.37 Louisiana is amended by adding Breton National
Wildlife Refuge; by revising the introductory text of paragraphs A. and
D., of Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge; and by revising the
text of paragraphs A. and D. of the Lake Ophelia National Wildlife
Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.37 Louisiana.
* * * * *
Breton National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish and crab on designated areas of
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. Anglers may fish year-round from sunrise to sunset only.
2. Crabbers must tend crabbing equipment at all times.
3. Anglers may not use trotlines, slat traps, or nets.
4. Refuge visitors may not use open fires.
* * * * *
[[Page 40087]]
Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Hunters may hunt waterfowl on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition:
Refuge permits required.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may sport fish on Gibbston Unit. Anglers
may sport fish and castnet on the East Cove Unit subject to the
following conditions: Any person entering, using or occupying the
refuge must abide by all terms and conditions set forth in the
appropriate refuge fishing brochure.
* * * * *
Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Hunters may hunt duck, coots,
woodcock, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the
following condition: Hunters must possess a refuge daily permit.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish on designated areas of the
refuge subject to the following condition: Anglers must possess a
refuge daily permit.
* * * * *
12. Section 32.38 Maine is amended by removing the alphabetical
listing of Pond Island National Wildlife Refuge; by adding paragraph
A.3., revising the introductory text of B., revising paragraphs B.2.,
B.3., removing B.4.,revising C. 2., adding C.3. and C.4. of Rachel
Carson National Wildlife Refuge; and by revising paragraph D. of
Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.38 Maine.
* * * * *
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
3. Designated Youth Hunting Areas are open to individuals under 18
who possess a permit. An adult must accompany youths under 15 years of
age. Accompanying adults possessing a permit may hunt.
B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt pheasants on designated
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
2. Hunters during the firearm deer season must wear in a
conspicuous manner on head, chest and back a minimum of 400 square
inches (10.16 square meters) of solid-colored hunter orange clothing or
material.
3. Hunters must possess and use, while in the field, only nontoxic
shot.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. Designated youth hunting areas are open to individuals under 18
who possess a permit. An adult must accompany youths under 15 years of
age. Accompanying adults who possess a permit may hunt.
3. Hunters may hunt fox and coyotes during the firearm deer season
only.
4. Hunters during the firearm deer season must wear in a
conspicuous manner on head, chest and back a minimum of 400 square
inches (10.16 square meters) of solid-colored hunter orange clothing or
material.
* * * * *
Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish on the waters of and from the
banks of Sunkhaze Stream, Birch Stream, and Little Birch Stream, in
accordance with state regulations.
13. Section 32.39 Maryland is amended by revising paragraph C., and
by revising paragraph D. of Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge to
read as follows:
Sec. 32.39 Maryland.
* * * * *
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt deer and turkey on designated
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. Refuge permits required.
2. The refuge is open to limited turkey hunting during the state
spring turkey season.
3. Hunters may only use archery, shotguns, and muzzleloaders for
deer, and shotguns only for turkey.
4. Hunters may not possess loaded weapons in parking areas,
blacktopped or graveled roads.
5. Deer hunters must wear in a conspicuous manner on head, chest
and back a minimum of 400 square inches of solid colored hunter orange
clothing or material.
6. Turkey hunters must wear a hat or cap of hunter orange when
moving to or from their blind or hunting position.
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may saltwater fish from the Eastern Neck
Island bridge in accordance with state regulations.
* * * * *
14. Section 32.40 Massachusetts is amended by revising the
introductory text of paragraph D. of Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge to
read as follows:
Sec. 32.40 Massachusetts.
* * * * *
Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish along the banks of the Nashua
River in accordance with state regulations.
* * * * *
15. Section 32.42 Minnesota is amended by revising the introductory
text of paragraph B., and adding paragraph B.3. of Tamarac National
Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.42 Minnesota.
* * * * *
Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt ruffed grouse, red, gray
and fox squirrel, cottontail rabbit, jackrabbit, snowshoe hare, red
fox, raccoon, and striped skunk on designated areas of the refuge
subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
3. Shotgun hunters may only use and possess nontoxic shot while
hunting for all upland game species.
* * * * *
16. Amend Sec. 32.43 Mississippi by revising paragraphs A., B., and
C. of Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraph D. and
removing paragraphs D.1. through D.4. of Hillside National Wildlife
Refuge; by revising paragraph D. of Mathews Break National Wildlife
Refuge; by revising paragraph D. of Morgan Break National Wildlife
Refuge; by revising paragraph D. and removing paragraphs D.1. through
D.4. of Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, and adding paragraphs
D.4 and D.5. of St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge to read as
follows:
Sec. 32.43 Mississippi.
* * * * *
Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Hunters may hunt mourning
doves, migratory waterfowl, coots, snipe and woodcock on designated
areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: Permits are
required.
B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt quail, squirrel, rabbit,
beaver, raccoon and opossum on designated areas of the refuge subject
to the following condition: Permits are required.
C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt deer and turkey on designated
[[Page 40088]]
areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: Permits are
required.
* * * * *
Hillside National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. Fishing and frogging are permitted on designated
portions of the refuge subject to the following condition: Fishermen
must possess a refuge access permit.
Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. Fishing and frogging are permitted on designated
areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: Fishermen must
possess a refuge access permit.
Morgan Brake National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. Fishing and frogging is permitted on designated
portions of the refuge subject to the following condition: Fishermen
must possess a refuge access permit.
* * * * *
Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. Fishing and frogging is permitted on designated
areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: Fishermen must
possess a refuge access permit.
* * * * *
St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
4. The use of nets, seines, trotlines or any device for taking fish
other than rod and reel is not permitted.
5. Commercial fishing is not permitted.
17. Section 32.45 Montana is amended by revising paragraph C of
Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge; and revising paragraph C
of UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
* * * * *
Sec. 32.45 Montana.
* * * * *
Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt big game subject to refuge
specific regulations as designated in refuge publications.
* * * * *
UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt big game subject to refuge-
specific regulations as designated in refuge publications.
* * * * *
18. Section 32.46 Nebraska is amended by revising introductory
paragraphs A., B., C. and D. of Valentine National Wildlife Refuge to
read as follows:
Sec. 32.46 Nebraska.
* * * * *
Valentine National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Hunters may hunt migratory
birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to refuge specific
regulations.
B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt upland game on designated
areas of the refuge subject to refuge specific regulations.
C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt big game on designated areas
of the refuge subject to refuge specific regulations.
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish on designated portions of the
refuge subject to refuge specific regulations.
19. Section 32.47 Nevada is amended by revising paragraphs D.7 and
D.8. of Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge; and by revising paragraph
D.1. of Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.47 Nevada.
* * * * *
Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
7. Anglers may not store boats of any kind on the refuge from
January 1 through May 31.
8. Anglers may wade and bank fish in the South Marsh only at Brown
Dike, the Main Boat Landing, and Narciss Boat Landing from January 1
through July 31 annually. Anglers may wade and bank fish in the entire
South Marsh, from August 1 through December 31, annually.
Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. Big Springs Reservoir, Dufurrena Ponds, and Catnip Reservoir--
Anglers may bank fish, fish by wading, or use nonmotorized boats, boats
with electric motors, float tubes and similar floatation devices only.
Anglers may not fish from motorized boats.
* * * * *
20. Section 32.49 New Jersey is amended by adding paragraph A.4.,
of Cape May National Wildlife Refuge; and by revising paragraph C.2.
and removing paragraph C.3. of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge to
read as follows:
Sec. 32.49 New Jersey.
* * * * *
Cape May National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
4. Hunters shall possess and use, while in the field, only nontoxic
shot.
* * * * *
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. Hunters must wear in a conspicuous manner on head, chest and
back a minimum of 400 square inches of solid-colored hunter orange
clothing or material.
* * * * *
21. Section 32.51 New York is amended by adding Amagansett National
Wildlife Refuge; revising the introductory text of paragraph D. of
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge; and by adding the alphabetical
listings of Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge; Seatuck National
Wildlife Refuge; and Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge to read as
follows:
Sec. 32.51 New York.
* * * * *
Amagansett National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may surf fish in the Atlantic Ocean from
the refuge shoreline in accordance with state regulations.
* * * * *
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may access the New York State Barge Canal
System waters at only three sites on the refuge: the Seneca River
Fishing Access Site, the May's Point Fishing Area, and the Armitage
Road Fishing Area. Anglers may either bank fish or boat fish, in
accordance with state regulations.
[[Page 40089]]
Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish in refuge-controlled waters of
Oyster Bay. Anglers may also fish from designated areas on the refuge
shoreline at Mill Pond during daylight hours. All fishing within the
refuge is in accordance with state regulations.
Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish in refuge-controlled waters of
Great South Bay from boats only. All fishing is in accordance with
state regulations.
Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish in Huntington Bay from the
refuge shoreline when the refuge is open to visitors. All fishing is in
accordance with state regulations.
* * * * *
22. Section 32.52 North Carolina is amended by revising paragraph
D. of Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.52 North Carolina.
* * * * *
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish on designated areas of the
refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. The refuge portion of New Lake and the Pungo Lake is open to
fishing from March 1 to November 1. The public may not access the
refuge portion of New Lake and Pungo Unit during the period from
November 2 to the end of February. Anglers may fish in all other refuge
waters year round.
2. Anglers may bank fish only on the Pungo Unit.
3. Anglers may only fish from sunrise to sunset.
4. Boats may not be left on the refuge overnight.
* * * * *
23. Section 32.53 North Dakota is amended by revising paragraph B
introductory text of Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge; by revising
paragraph B.1. of Lake Zahl National Wildlife Refuge; by revising
paragraph B introductory text and adding paragraph B.1. of Tewaukon
National Wildlife Refuge; and by adding paragraph B.3. of Upper Souris
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.53 North Dakota.
* * * * *
Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt ringnecked pheasants,
sharp-tailed grouse, gray partridge, turkey, cottontail rabbit,
jackrabbits, snowshoe hares and fox on designated areas of the refuge
subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
Lake Zahl National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
1. Hunters may only possess and use nontoxic shot.
* * * * *
Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Hunters may hunt ring-necked pheasants on designated areas of
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters may only possess and use nontoxic shot.
* * * * *
Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. Hunters may only possess and use nontoxic shot.
* * * * *
24. Section 32.55 Oklahoma is amended by adding paragraphs A.4.,
A.5., revising paragraphs B.3. and B.4. of Little River National
Wildlife Refuge; revising paragraphs B. introductory text, B.2., adding
paragraph B.3.; and revising paragraph C. introductory text of Optima
National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs D.1. through D.12 of
Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge; revising paragraphs B.
introductory text, adding paragraph B.2., revising paragraphs D.
introductory text, D.1., D.2.; and removing paragraph D.4. of Washita
National Wildlife Refuge; revising paragraph D.5. of Wichita Mountains
Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.55 Oklahoma.
* * * * *
Little River National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
4. Hunters must carry refuge hunting permits.
5. Hunters may hunt waterfowl (ducks) only during designated refuge
seasons.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. Hunters may hunt upland game only during designated refuge
seasons.
4. Hunters shall possess and use, while in the field, only nontoxic
shot
* * * * *
Optima National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt pheasants, bobwhite and
scaled quail, cottontail rabbit and jackrabbit on the refuge in
accordance with State hunting regulations subject to the following
conditions:
* * * * *
2. Closed during the State gun deer season.
3. Hunting ends at 4:30 p.m. daily.
C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt white-tailed deer, mule deer
and turkey on the refuge in accordance with State hunting regulations
subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. Anglers may bank and wade fish with pole and line or rod and
reel year-round in areas open for public fishing access.
2. Anglers may use boats from March 1 through September 30 on
designated refuge waters and Wildlife Management Unit.
3. Anglers may use trotlines and other set tackle only in the
Cumberland Pool and between the natural banks of the Washita River.
Anglers must attach set tackle, used in Cumberland Pool, to anchored
floats. Anglers may not attach set tackle to sticks, poles, trees, or
other fixed objects.
4. Anglers may not use limblines, throwlines, juglines, and yo-
yo's.
5. Anglers may not use any containers (jugs, bottles) as floats.
6. Anglers must remove fishing tackle at the end of the boating
season.
7. Anglers may no-wake boat fish during the boating season. Anglers
may only use line and pole or rod and reel in: (a) open areas south and
west of the Cumberland Pool shallow water buoy line; (b) lakes south
and west of the
[[Page 40090]]
Washita River; and (c) the Wildlife Management Unit.
8. Anglers may night fish from boat (during boating season) on the
Cumberland Pool, except not in the no-wake area south and west of the
buoy line. Anglers may night fish at the headquarters area, including
Sandy Creek Bridge, Murray 2, Nida Point, and the Wildlife Management
Unit.
9. Anglers may take bait for personal use while fishing on the
refuge in accordance with Oklahoma State law.
10. Anglers may bow fish only in the Wildlife Management Unit.
11. Anglers may not take fish by the use of hands (noodling) in any
refuge waters.
12. Anglers may not take frogs, turtles, or mussels.
* * * * *
Washita National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt quail and rabbit on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State hunting
regulations subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
2. Closed during the State gun deer season.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State fishing regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. Anglers may fish from March 15 through October 14 on the Washita
River and Foss Reservoir. Anglers may bank fish year round from the
refuge boundary south of Lakeview Recreation to Pitts Creek Recreation
Area.
2. Anglers may access fishing areas only from designated parking
areas and by boat from Foss Reservoir.
* * * * *
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
5. Anglers may use electric trolling motors on boats 14' or less in
length only on Jed Johnson, Rush, Quanah Parker and French Lakes.
* * * * *
25. Amend Sec. 32.56 Oregon by revising paragraph B. of Hart
Mountain National Wildlife Refuge, by revising paragraph D. of Lewis
and Clark National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.56 Oregon.
* * * * *
Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt partridge and coyote on
designated areas of the refuge.
* * * * *
Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish in designated areas of the
refuge.
* * * * *
26. Section 32.57 Pennsylvania is amended by revising the heading
of Tinicum National Environmental Center to read as follows:
Sec. 32.57 Pennsylvania.
* * * * *
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
* * * * *
27. Section 32.59 Rhode Island is amended by adding an introductory
paragraph; by adding the alphabetical listing of Block Island National
Wildlife Refuge, Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, Pettaquamscutt Cove
National Wildlife Refuge, Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, and
Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.59 Rhode Island.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or
fishing and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-
specific regulations.
Block Island National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may surf fish in the Atlantic Ocean from
the refuge shoreline in accordance with state regulations.
Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may surf fish in the Atlantic Ocean from
the refuge shoreline in accordance with state regulations. Anglers may
saltwater fish and shellfish in Ninigret Pond from the refuge shoreline
only from sunrise to sunset in accordance with state and refuge
regulations.
Pettaquamscutt Cove National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may saltwater fish from the refuge
shoreline in accordance with state regulations.
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may surf fish in the Atlantic Ocean and
Sakonnet River from the refuge shoreline in accordance with state
regulations. Additionally, anglers may night-fish after sunset in
accordance with state regulations.
Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Hunters may hunt Canada geese
and mourning doves on designated areas of the refuge subject to the
following conditions: State permits are required.
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may surf fish in the Atlantic Ocean from
the refuge shoreline from September 16 to March 31 in accordance with
state and refuge regulations.
28. Section 32.60 South Carolina is amended by revising paragraph
A. of Ace Basin National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.60 South Carolina.
* * * * *
Ace Basin National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Hunters may hunt ducks, geese,
and coots on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
condition: Refuge hunting permits required.
* * * * *
29. Section 32.62 Tennessee is amended by revising paragraph C. of
Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge; and adding paragraph D.5. of Lower
Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.62 Tennessee.
* * * * *
Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt white-tailed deer with
archery equipment on designated areas of the refuge subject to the
following condition: Permits are required.
* * * * *
Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
[[Page 40091]]
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
5. Anglers may only use non-motorized boats and boats with electric
motors on Sunk Lake Public Use Natural Area.
* * * * *
30. Section 32.63 Texas is amended by revising paragraphs B.1., and
C.1. of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge to read as
follows:
* * * * *
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Hunting will take place in November, December, and/or January.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Hunting will take place in November, December, and/or January.
* * * * *
31. Section 32.66 Virginia is amended by revising paragraph C.7.,
and adding paragraph C.8. of Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife
Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.66 Virginia.
* * * * *
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
7. Hunters may not shoot onto or across a refuge road including
roads closed to vehicles.
8. Hunters may not possess alcoholic beverages.
* * * * *
32. Section 32.67 Washington is amended by adding the alphabetical
listing of Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge and Nisqually National
Wildlife Refuge; adding paragraphs A.6., and B.5. of Toppenish National
Wildlife Refuge; amended by adding paragraph C. introductory text and
C.1. of Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.67 Washington.
* * * * *
Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may salt water fish on designated areas
of the refuge.
* * * * *
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may salt water fish on designated areas
of the refuge.
* * * * *
Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
6. Hunters may hunt on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving
day, Christmas day, and New Years day only.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
5. Hunters may hunt on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving
day, Christmas day, and New Years day only.
* * * * *
Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge
C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt deer on designated areas of
the refuge subject to the following condition:
1. Hunting by permit only.
* * * * *
33. Section 32.68 West Virginia is amended by alphabetically
listing Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.68 West Virginia.
* * * * *
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Hunters may hunt migratory game
birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following
conditions:
1. Hunters must sign and be in the possession of a refuge
conditional hunting permit at all times while hunting on the refuge.
B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt upland (small) game on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters must sign and be in the possession of a refuge
conditional hunting permit at all times while hunting on the refuge.
2. Shotgun hunters may use or possess only nontoxic shot while
hunting upland (small) game on the refuge.
C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt big game on designated areas
of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters must sign and be in the possession of a refuge
conditional hunting permit at all times while hunting on the refuge.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
* * * * *
34. Section 32.69 Wisconsin is amended by adding paragraph B.4.,
and revising paragraph C.5. of Necedah National Wildlife Refuge to read
as follows:
Sec. 32.69 Wisconsin.
* * * * *
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. Dogs may be used only when hunting upland game birds and
waterfowl.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
5. Refuge Area 3 is open to deer hunting during the state's gun,
muzzle loader, and late archery season.
* * * * *
35. Section 32.71 Pacific Islands Territory is amended by adding
the alphabetical listing of Guam National Wildlife Refuge, Kilauea
Point National Wildlife Refuge, and Midway Atoll National Wildlife
Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.71 Pacific Islands Territory.
* * * * *
Guam National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may salt water fish on designated areas
of the refuge.
* * * * *
Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may salt water fish on designated areas
of the refuge.
Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish and lobster only in accordance
with a refuge fishing leaflet available at refuge headquarters.
Dated: July 14, 1998.
Donald J. Barry,
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 98-19546 Filed 7-24-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-U
