[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 156 (Friday, August 13, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 44384-44395]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-20963]
[[Page 44383]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part V
Department of the Interior
_______________________________________________________________________
Fish and Wildlife Service
_______________________________________________________________________
50 CFR Part 20
Migratory Bird Hunting: Proposed Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on
Certain Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands for the 1999-2000
Season; Proposed Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 156 / Friday, August 13, 1999 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 44384]]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 20
RIN 1018-AF24
Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Migratory Bird Hunting
Regulations on Certain Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands for
the 1999-2000 Season
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we)
proposes special migratory bird hunting regulations for certain tribes
on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and ceded
lands for the 1999-2000 migratory bird hunting season.
DATES: To comment on these proposed regulations, you must do so by
August 23, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Send your comments to: Chief, Office of Migratory Bird
Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, ms 634-ARLSQ, 1849 C St.,
NW., Washington, DC 20240. You may inspect comments during normal
business hours in Room 634--Arlington Square Building, 4401 N. Fairfax
Drive, Arlington, VA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron W. Kokel, Office of Migratory Bird
Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (703/358-1714).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the May 3, 1999, Federal Register (64 FR
23742), we requested proposals from Indian tribes wishing to establish
special migratory bird hunting regulations for the 1999-2000 hunting
season, under the guidelines described in the June 4, 1985, Federal
Register (50 FR 23467). We developed guidelines in response to tribal
requests for recognition of their reserved hunting rights and, for some
tribes, recognition of their authority to regulate hunting by both
tribal and non-tribal members on their reservations. The guidelines
include possibilities for:
(1) On-reservation hunting by both tribal and non-tribal members,
with hunting by non-tribal members on some reservations to take place
within Federal frameworks but on dates different from those selected by
the surrounding State(s);
(2) On-reservation hunting by tribal members only, outside of usual
Federal frameworks for season dates and length, and for daily bag and
possession limits; and
(3) Off-reservation hunting by tribal members on ceded lands,
outside of usual framework dates and season length, with some added
flexibility in daily bag and possession limits.
In all cases, the regulations established under the guidelines must
be consistent with the March 10 to September 1 closed season mandated
by the 1916 Migratory Bird Treaty with Canada. The guidelines apply to
those tribes having recognized reserved hunting rights on Federal
Indian reservations (including off-reservation trust lands) and on
ceded lands. They also apply to establishing migratory bird hunting
regulations for non-tribal members on all lands within the exterior
boundaries of reservations where tribes have full wildlife management
authority over such hunting or where the tribes and affected States
otherwise have reached agreement over hunting by non-tribal members on
lands owned by non-Indians within the reservation.
Tribes usually have the authority to regulate migratory bird
hunting by nonmembers on Indian-owned reservation lands, subject to
Service approval. The question of jurisdiction is more complex on
reservations that include lands owned by non-Indians, especially when
the surrounding States have established or intend to establish
regulations governing hunting by non-Indians on these lands. In such
cases, we encourage the tribes and States to reach agreement on
regulations that would apply throughout the reservations. When
appropriate, we will consult with a tribe and State with the aim of
facilitating an accord. We also will consult jointly with tribal and
State officials in the affected States where tribes wish to establish
special hunting regulations for tribal members on ceded lands.
Because of past questions regarding interpretation of what events
trigger the consultation process, as well as who initiates it, we
provide the following clarification. We routinely provide copies of
Federal Register publications to all State Directors, tribes and others
interested parties. It is the responsibility of the States, tribes and
others to notify us of any concern regarding any feature(s) of any
regulations. When we receive such notification, we will initiate
consultation.
Our guidelines provide for the continued harvest of waterfowl and
other migratory game birds by tribal members on reservations where it
has been a customary practice. We do not oppose this harvest, provided
it does not take place during the closed season defined by the 1916
Migratory Bird Convention with Canada, and does not adversely affect
the status of the migratory bird resource.
Before developing the guidelines, we reviewed available information
on the current status of migratory bird populations; reviewed the
current status of migratory bird hunting on Federal Indian
reservations; and evaluated the potential impact of such guidelines on
migratory birds. We concluded that the impact of migratory bird harvest
by tribal members hunting on their reservations is minimal.
One area of interest in Indian migratory bird hunting regulations
relates to hunting seasons for non-tribal members on dates that are
within Federal frameworks, but which are different from those
established by the State(s) where the reservation is located. A large
influx of non-tribal hunters onto a reservation at a time when the
season is closed in the surrounding State(s) could result in adverse
population impacts on one or more migratory bird species. The
guidelines make this unlikely, however, because tribal proposals must
include:
(a) Harvest anticipated under the requested regulations;
(b) Methods that will be employed to measure or monitor harvest
(such as bag checks, mail questionnaires, etc.);
(c) Steps that will be taken to limit level of harvest, where it
could be shown that failure to limit such harvest would adversely
impact the migratory bird resource; and
(d) Tribal capabilities to establish and enforce migratory bird
hunting regulations.
We may modify or establish regulations experimentally, after
evaluation and confirmation of harvest information obtained by the
tribes.
We believe the guidelines provide appropriate opportunity to
accommodate the reserved hunting rights and management authority of
Indian tribes while ensuring that the migratory bird resource receives
necessary protection. The conservation of this important international
resource is paramount. The guidelines should not be viewed as
inflexible. In this regard, we note that they have been employed
successfully since 1985. We believe they have been tested adequately
and therefore, made them final beginning with the 1988-89 hunting
season. It should be stressed here, however, that use of the guidelines
is not mandatory and no action is required if a tribe wishes to observe
the hunting regulations established by the State(s) in which the
reservation is located.
[[Page 44385]]
Population Status
May Breeding Waterfowl and Habitat Survey
In the Western or Traditional survey area, breeding habitat
conditions were generally good to excellent, and overall better than
conditions in 1998. An early warm spring and plenty of precipitation
resulted in abundant ponds and excellent nesting cover in most of the
Dakotas, northern Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories, and western
Ontario. The exceptions to these good conditions were southern and
central Alberta, central Saskatchewan, and western Montana, where a dry
early spring limited nesting habitat; and Alaska, where spring was as
much as 2 weeks late. The estimated number of May ponds in the
traditional survey area (6.7 million) was 46% greater than that of
1998, and 37% greater than the 1974-98 average. Overall, the
traditional survey area was in good to excellent condition this spring
and good to excellent waterfowl production is expected this year.
An expanded area of Eastern habitat conditions was included this
year in the East. Although these additional areas have been surveyed
since 1996, information from them is included this year for the first
time. Unlike the Western survey area, habitat conditions in the east
were generally poorer this year than last year. Much of the eastern
survey area was relatively dry, especially Maine, the Maritimes,
southern Quebec, and southern Ontario. Conditions resulted in few
temporary ponds and low water levels in permanent water bodies. The
northern portions of the east were in good to excellent condition, but
lack of brood rearing habitat is expected to also limit production from
this area. Overall, the eastern survey area was in fair to good
condition, with fair to good production expected this year.
The 1999 total duck population estimate for the traditional survey
area was 43.4 million birds, an increase of 11% over that of 1998, and
32% higher than the 1955-98 average. Mallard abundance was 10.8
million, an increase of 12% over last year and 47% greater than the
long term average. Blue-winged teal abundance was 7.1 million, similar
to 1998, but 65% greater than the long term average. Northern pintail
(3.0, +21%), scaup (4.4 million, +27%), green-winged teal (2.6, +26%),
and northern shoveler (3.9 million, +22%) increased from 1998
estimates. Gadwall (3.2 million, +110%), green-winged teal (+51%),
northern shoveler (+95%), redheads (0.9 million, +60%), and canvasbacks
(0.7 million, +29%) were above their respective long term averages,
while pintails (-30%) and scaup (-18%) were below their long term
averages. In the eastern areas of Canada and the U.S., the total number
of ducks (1.3 million) remained unchanged from last year and the 1995-
98 average. Abundances of individual species in the east were similar
to those of last year, except for increased estimates of goldeneye
(+196%). Goldeneye was above it's long term average (+287%), while
blue-winged teal (-95%) and scaup (-90%) were below theirs.
Sandhill Cranes
The Mid-Continent Population of Sandhill Cranes appears to have
stabilized following dramatic increases in the early 1980's. The
Central Platte River Valley 1999 preliminary spring index, uncorrected
for visibility, was 222,500. The photo-corrected 3-year average for the
1996-98 period was 477,911, which was 3% above 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 1998-99. About 8,700 hunters
participated in these seasons, which was 8% higher than the previous
year's seasons. About 21,849 cranes were harvested in 1998-99 in the
Central Flyway, a 5% increase from the previous year's high estimate.
Harvests from Pacific Flyway, Canada and Mexico are estimated to be
about 13,700 for 1998-99 sport-hunting seasons. The total North
American sport harvest, including crippling losses, was estimated to be
about 41,414 for the Mid-Continent Population.
The fall 1998 pre-migration survey estimate for the Rocky Mountain
Population was 18,202, which is similar to the 1997 estimate. Limited
special seasons were held during 1998 in portions of Arizona, Idaho,
Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, resulting in an estimated
harvest of 538 cranes.
Woodcock
Wing-collection and Singing-ground surveys were conducted to assess
the population status of the American woodcock (Scolopax minor). The
1998 recruitment index for the Eastern Region (1.7 immatures per adult
female) equaled the long-term regional average; the recruitment index
for the Central Region (1.6 immatures per adult female) was 6% below
the long-term regional average. The index of daily hunting success in
the Eastern Region increased from 1.8 woodcock per successful hunt in
1997 to 1.9 woodcock per successful hunt in 1998, but seasonal hunting
success declined 4%, from 6.9 to 6.6 woodcock per successful hunter in
1997 and 1998, respectively. In the Central Region, the daily success
index in 1998 was unchanged from the 1997 index (2.1 woodcock per
successful hunt) but the seasonal success index increased from 10.0 to
11.0 (10%) woodcock per successful hunter. Singing-ground Survey data
indicated that the number of displaying woodcock in the Eastern Region
was unchanged (P>0.1) from 1998 levels. In the Central Region, there
was a 13.4% decrease in the number of woodcock heard displaying
(P<0.01) compared="" to="" 1998="" levels.="" trends="" from="" the="" singing-ground="" survey="" during="" 1989-99="" were="" negative="" (-3.3="" and="" -3.7%="" per="" year="" for="" the="" eastern="" and="" central="" regions,="" respectively;=""><0.01). there="" were="" long-term="" (1968-="" 99)="" declines=""><0.01) of="" 2.4%="" per="" year="" in="" the="" eastern="" region="" and="" 1.6%="" per="" year="" in="" the="" central="" region.="" doves="" and="" band-tailed="" pigeons="" analyses="" of="" mourning="" dove="" call-count="" survey="" data="" indicated="" significant="" declines="" in="" doves="" heard="" over="" the="" most="" recent="" 10="" years="" and="" the="" entire="" 34="" years="" of="" the="" survey="" in="" all="" 3="" management="" units.="" white-="" winged="" doves="" in="" arizona="" are="" maintaining="" a="" fairly="" stable="" population="" since="" the="" late="" 1970's.="" a="" low="" harvest="" is="" being="" maintained="" compared="" with="" birds="" taken="" several="" decades="" ago.="" in="" texas,="" the="" phenomenon="" of="" the="" white-="" winged="" dove="" range="" expansion="" continues.="" birds="" are="" now="" seen="" in="" most="" large="" cities="" in="" north="" and="" central="" texas.="" white-tipped="" doves="" in="" texas="" are="" maintaining="" their="" population="" with="" a="" relatively="" low="" harvest="" level.="" for="" band-tailed="" pigeons,="" the="" coastal="" population="" continues="" to="" show="" a="" significant="" decline="" as="" indicated="" by="" the="" breeding="" bird="" survey="" (bbs)="" for="" the="" 10="" and="" 32-year="" periods.="" in="" contrast,="" mineral="" spring="" counts="" at="" 10="" selected="" sites="" in="" oregon="" indicate="" an="" overall="" stable="" population="" in="" the="" state="" with="" an="" increasing="" trend="" since="" 1986.="" call-count="" survey="" results="" in="" washington="" show="" no="" significant="" trends="" in="" the="" bandtail="" population="" between="" 1975-98.="" washington="" has="" not="" opted="" to="" select="" a="" hunting="" season="" for="" band-tail="" pigeons="" since="" 1991.="" the="" harvest="" of="" coastal="" pigeons="" is="" estimated="" to="" be="" less="" than="" 20,000="" birds="" out="" of="" a="" population="" of="" about="" 3="" million.="" the="" interior="" band-tailed="" pigeon="" population="" is="" stable="" with="" no="" trend="" indicated="" by="" the="" bbs="" over="" the="" short="" or="" long-term="" time="" periods.="" harvest="" is="" less="" than="" 1,000="" birds.="" [[page="" 44386]]="" hunting="" season="" proposals="" from="" indian="" tribes="" and="" organizations="" for="" the="" 1999-2000="" hunting="" season,="" we="" received="" requests="" from="" twenty-="" three="" tribes="" and="" indian="" organizations="" appropriate="" for="" federal="" register="" publication.="" we="" actively="" solicit="" regulatory="" proposals="" from="" other="" tribal="" groups="" that="" are="" interested="" in="" working="" cooperatively="" for="" the="" benefit="" of="" waterfowl="" and="" other="" migratory="" game="" birds.="" we="" encourage="" tribes="" to="" work="" with="" us="" to="" develop="" agreements="" for="" management="" of="" migratory="" bird="" resources="" on="" tribal="" lands.="" it="" should="" be="" noted="" that="" this="" proposed="" rule="" includes="" generalized="" regulations="" for="" both="" early-="" and="" late-season="" hunting.="" a="" final="" rule="" will="" be="" published="" in="" a="" late-august="" 1999="" federal="" register="" that="" will="" include="" tribal="" regulations="" for="" the="" early-hunting="" season.="" the="" early="" season="" begins="" on="" september="" 1="" each="" year="" and="" most="" commonly="" includes="" such="" species="" as="" mourning="" doves="" and="" white-winged="" doves.="" a="" final="" rule="" will="" also="" be="" published="" in="" a="" september="" 1999="" federal="" register="" that="" will="" include="" regulations="" for="" late-season="" hunting.="" the="" late="" season="" begins="" on="" or="" around="" october="" 1="" and="" most="" commonly="" includes="" waterfowl="" species.="" in="" this="" current="" rulemaking,="" because="" of="" the="" compressed="" time="" frame="" for="" establishing="" regulations="" for="" indian="" tribes="" and="" because="" final="" frameworks="" dates="" and="" other="" specific="" information="" are="" not="" available,="" the="" regulations="" for="" many="" tribal="" hunting="" seasons="" are="" described="" in="" relation="" to="" the="" season="" dates,="" season="" length="" and="" limits="" that="" will="" be="" permitted="" when="" final="" federal="" frameworks="" are="" announced="" for="" early-="" and="" late-season="" regulations.="" for="" example,="" daily="" bag="" and="" possession="" limits="" for="" ducks="" on="" some="" areas="" are="" shown="" as="" ``same="" as="" permitted="" pacific="" flyway="" states="" under="" final="" federal="" frameworks,''="" and="" limits="" for="" geese="" will="" be="" shown="" as="" the="" same="" permitted="" by="" the="" state(s)="" in="" which="" the="" tribal="" hunting="" area="" is="" located.="" the="" proposed="" frameworks="" for="" early-season="" regulations="" were="" published="" in="" the="" federal="" register="" on="" july="" 22,="" 1999="" (64="" fr="" 38700);="" early-season="" final="" frameworks="" will="" be="" published="" in="" mid-august.="" proposed="" late-season="" frameworks="" for="" waterfowl="" and="" coots="" will="" be="" published="" in="" mid-august,="" and="" the="" final="" frameworks="" for="" the="" late="" seasons="" will="" be="" published="" in="" mid-="" september.="" we="" will="" notify="" affected="" tribes="" of="" season="" dates,="" bag="" limits,="" etc.,="" as="" soon="" as="" final="" frameworks="" are="" established.="" as="" previously="" discussed,="" no="" action="" is="" required="" by="" tribes="" wishing="" to="" observe="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" regulations="" established="" by="" the="" state(s)="" where="" they="" are="" located.="" the="" proposed="" regulations="" for="" the="" twenty="" tribes="" with="" proposals="" that="" meet="" the="" established="" criteria="" are="" shown="" below.="" (a)="" colorado="" river="" indian="" tribes,="" colorado="" river="" indian="" reservation,="" parker,="" arizona="" (tribal="" members="" and="" non-tribal="" hunters)="" the="" colorado="" river="" indian="" reservation="" is="" located="" in="" arizona="" and="" california.="" the="" tribes="" own="" almost="" all="" lands="" on="" the="" reservation,="" and="" have="" full="" wildlife="" management="" authority.="" in="" their="" 1999-2000="" proposal,="" dated="" june="" 17,="" 1999,="" the="" colorado="" river="" indian="" tribes="" requested="" split="" dove="" seasons.="" they="" propose="" their="" early="" season="" begin="" september="" 1="" and="" end="" september="" 15,="" 1999.="" daily="" bag="" limits="" would="" be="" 10="" mourning="" or="" 10="" white-winged="" doves="" either="" singly="" or="" in="" the="" aggregate.="" the="" late="" season="" for="" doves="" is="" proposed="" to="" open="" november="" 19,="" 1999,="" and="" close="" january="" 3,="" 2000.="" a="" daily="" bag="" limit="" would="" be="" 10="" mourning="" doves.="" the="" possession="" limit="" would="" be="" twice="" the="" daily="" bag="" limit.="" shooting="" hours="" would="" be="" from="" one-half="" hour="" before="" sunrise="" to="" noon="" in="" the="" early="" season="" and="" until="" sunset="" in="" the="" late="" season.="" other="" special="" tribally="" set="" regulations="" would="" apply.="" the="" tribes="" also="" propose="" duck="" hunting="" seasons.="" the="" season="" would="" likely="" open="" october="" 2,="" 1999,="" or="" on="" a="" saturday="" and="" run="" for="" the="" maximum="" number="" of="" days="" allowed="" under="" the="" pacific="" flyway="" frameworks.="" the="" tribes="" propose="" the="" same="" season="" dates="" for="" coots="" and="" common="" moorhens.="" the="" daily="" bag="" limit="" for="" ducks,="" including="" mergansers,="" would="" be="" the="" same="" as="" that="" allowed="" in="" the="" pacific="" flyway.="" the="" possession="" limit="" would="" be="" twice="" the="" daily="" bag="" limit.="" the="" daily="" bag="" limit="" for="" coots="" and="" common="" moorhens="" would="" be="" 25,="" singly="" or="" in="" the="" aggregate.="" the="" possession="" limit="" for="" coots="" and="" common="" moorhens="" would="" be="" twice="" the="" daily="" bag="" limit.="" for="" geese,="" the="" colorado="" river="" indian="" tribes="" propose="" a="" season="" of="" november="" 20,="" 1999,="" through="" january="" 16,="" 2000.="" the="" daily="" bag="" and="" possession="" limits="" for="" geese="" would="" be="" 4,="" but="" could="" include="" no="" more="" than="" 3="" light="" geese="" or="" 2="" dark="" geese.="" in="" 1996,="" the="" tribe="" conducted="" a="" detailed="" assessment="" of="" dove="" hunting.="" results="" showed="" approximately="" 16,100="" mourning="" doves="" and="" 13,600="" white-="" winged="" doves="" were="" harvested="" by="" approximately="" 2,660="" hunters="" who="" averaged="" 1.45="" hunter-days.="" field="" observations="" and="" permit="" sales="" indicate="" that="" fewer="" than="" 200="" hunters="" participate="" in="" waterfowl="" seasons.="" under="" the="" proposed="" regulations="" described="" here="" and,="" based="" upon="" past="" seasons,="" we="" and="" the="" tribes="" estimate="" harvest="" will="" be="" similar.="" hunters="" must="" have="" a="" valid="" colorado="" river="" indian="" reservation="" hunting="" permit="" in="" their="" possession="" while="" hunting.="" as="" in="" the="" past,="" the="" regulations="" would="" apply="" both="" to="" tribal="" and="" non-tribal="" hunters,="" and="" non-="" toxic="" shot="" is="" required="" for="" waterfowl="" hunting.="" we="" propose="" to="" approve="" the="" colorado="" river="" indian="" tribes="" regulations="" for="" the="" 1999-2000="" hunting="" season.="" (b)="" confederated="" salish="" and="" kootenai="" tribes,="" flathead="" indian="" reservation,="" pablo,="" montana="" (non-tribal="" hunters)="" for="" the="" past="" several="" years,="" the="" confederated="" salish="" and="" kootenai="" tribes="" and="" the="" state="" of="" montana="" have="" entered="" into="" cooperative="" agreements="" for="" the="" regulation="" of="" hunting="" on="" the="" flathead="" indian="" reservation.="" the="" state="" and="" the="" tribes="" are="" currently="" operating="" under="" a="" cooperative="" agreement="" signed="" in="" 1990="" that="" addresses="" fishing="" and="" hunting="" management="" and="" regulation="" issues="" of="" mutual="" concern.="" this="" agreement="" enables="" all="" hunters="" to="" utilize="" waterfowl="" hunting="" opportunities="" on="" the="" reservation.="" the="" tribes="" proposed="" special="" regulations="" for="" waterfowl="" hunting="" were="" submitted="" in="" a="" june="" 8,="" 1999,="" proposal.="" as="" in="" the="" past,="" tribal="" regulations="" for="" non-tribal="" members="" would="" be="" at="" least="" as="" restrictive="" as="" those="" established="" for="" the="" pacific="" flyway="" portion="" of="" montana.="" goose="" season="" dates="" would="" also="" be="" at="" least="" as="" restrictive="" as="" those="" established="" for="" the="" pacific="" flyway="" portion="" of="" montana.="" shooting="" hours="" for="" waterfowl="" hunting="" on="" the="" flathead="" reservation="" are="" sunrise="" to="" sunset.="" steel,="" bismuth-tin,="" or="" other="" federally-approved="" non-toxic="" shots="" are="" the="" only="" legal="" shotgun="" loads="" on="" the="" reservation="" for="" waterfowl="" or="" other="" game="" birds.="" the="" requested="" season="" dates="" and="" bag="" limits="" are="" generally="" similar="" to="" past="" regulations.="" harvest="" levels="" are="" not="" expected="" to="" change="" significantly.="" standardized="" check="" station="" data="" from="" the="" 1993-94="" and="" 1994-95="" hunting="" seasons="" indicated="" no="" significant="" changes="" in="" harvest="" levels="" and="" that="" the="" large="" majority="" of="" the="" harvest="" is="" by="" non-tribal="" hunters.="" we="" propose="" to="" approve="" the="" tribes'="" request="" for="" special="" migratory="" bird="" regulations="" for="" the="" 1999-2000="" hunting="" season.="" (c)="" crow="" creek="" sioux="" tribe,="" crow="" creek="" indian="" reservation,="" fort="" thompson,="" south="" dakota="" (tribal="" members="" and="" non-tribal="" hunters)="" the="" crow="" creek="" indian="" reservation="" has="" a="" checkerboard="" pattern="" of="" land="" ownership,="" with="" much="" of="" the="" land="" owned="" by="" non-indians.="" since="" the="" 1993-94="" season,="" the="" tribe="" has="" selected="" special="" waterfowl="" hunting="" regulations="" independent="" of="" the="" state="" of="" south="" dakota.="" the="" tribe="" observes="" migratory="" [[page="" 44387]]="" bird="" hunting="" regulations="" contained="" in="" 50="" cfr="" part="" 20.="" in="" their="" 1999="" proposal,="" the="" tribe="" requested="" a="" duck="" and="" merganser="" season="" of="" october="" 9="" to="" december="" 21,="" 1999,="" with="" a="" daily="" bag="" limit="" of="" 6="" ducks,="" including="" no="" more="" that="" 5="" mallards="" (1="" hen="" mallard),="" 1="" canvasback,="" 2="" redheads,="" 2="" wood="" ducks,="" 2="" scaup,="" and="" 1="" pintail.="" the="" merganser="" daily="" bag="" limit="" would="" be="" 5="" and="" include="" no="" more="" than="" 1="" hooded="" merganser.="" for="" canada="" geese,="" the="" tribe="" proposes="" an="" october="" 9,="" 1999,="" to="" january="" 9,="" 2000,="" season="" with="" a="" 3="" bird="" daily="" bag="" limit.="" for="" white-fronted="" geese,="" the="" tribe="" proposes="" an="" october="" 2="" to="" december="" 12,="" 1999,="" season="" with="" a="" daily="" bag="" limit="" of="" 2.="" for="" snow="" geese,="" the="" tribe="" proposes="" an="" october="" 2="" to="" december="" 25,="" 1999,="" and="" february="" 19="" to="" march="" 10,="" 2000,="" season="" with="" a="" daily="" bag="" limit="" of="" 20.="" similar="" to="" last="" year,="" the="" tribe="" also="" requests="" a="" sandhill="" crane="" season="" from="" september="" 18="" to="" october="" 24,="" 1999,="" with="" a="" daily="" bag="" limit="" of="" 3.="" in="" all="" cases,="" except="" snow="" geese,="" the="" possession="" limits="" would="" be="" twice="" the="" daily="" bag="" limit.="" there="" would="" be="" no="" possession="" limit="" for="" snow="" geese.="" shooting="" hours="" would="" be="" from="" one-half="" hour="" before="" sunrise="" to="" sunset.="" the="" season="" and="" bag="" limits="" would="" be="" essentially="" the="" same="" as="" last="" year="" and="" as="" such="" the="" tribe="" expects="" similar="" harvest.="" in="" 1994-95,="" duck="" harvest="" was="" 48="" birds,="" down="" from="" 67="" in="" 1993-94.="" goose="" harvest="" during="" recent="" past="" seasons="" has="" been="" less="" than="" 100="" geese.="" we="" propose="" to="" approve="" the="" tribe's="" requested="" seasons.="" we="" also="" remind="" the="" tribe="" that="" all="" sandhill="" crane="" hunters="" are="" required="" to="" obtain="" a="" federal="" sandhill="" crane="" permit.="" as="" such,="" the="" tribe="" should="" contact="" us="" for="" further="" information="" on="" obtaining="" the="" needed="" permits.="" in="" addition,="" as="" with="" all="" other="" groups,="" we="" request="" the="" tribe="" continue="" to="" survey="" and="" report="" harvest.="" (d)="" fond="" du="" lac="" band="" of="" lake="" superior="" chippewa="" indians,="" cloquet,="" minnesota="" (tribal="" members="" only)="" in="" 1996,="" for="" the="" first="" time,="" the="" service="" and="" the="" fond="" du="" lac="" band="" of="" lake="" superior="" chippewa="" indians="" cooperated="" to="" establish="" special="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" regulations="" for="" tribal="" members.="" the="" fond="" du="" lac's="" june="" 4,="" 1999,="" proposal="" covers="" land="" set="" apart="" for="" the="" band="" under="" the="" treaty="" of="" 1854="" in="" northeast="" minnesota.="" the="" band's="" proposal="" for="" 1999-2000="" is="" essentially="" the="" same="" as="" that="" approved="" last="" year.="" specifically,="" the="" fond="" du="" lac="" band="" proposes="" a="" september="" 11="" to="" november="" 23,="" 1999,="" season="" on="" ducks,="" mergansers,="" coots="" and="" moorhens,="" and="" a="" september="" 1="" to="" november="" 28,="" 1999,="" season="" for="" geese.="" for="" sora="" and="" virginia="" rails,="" snipe,="" and="" woodcock,="" the="" fond="" du="" lac="" band="" proposes="" a="" september="" 1="" to="" november="" 28,="" 1999,="" season.="" proposed="" daily="" bag="" limits="" would="" consist="" of="" the="" following:="" ducks:="" 20="" ducks,="" including="" no="" more="" than="" 10="" mallards="" (only="" 5="" of="" which="" may="" be="" hens),="" 4="" black="" ducks,="" 4="" redheads,="" 4="" pintails,="" and="" 2="" canvasbacks.="" mergansers:="" 5="" mergansers,="" including="" no="" more="" than="" 1="" hooded="" merganser.="" geese:="" 10="" geese.="" coots="" and="" common="" moorhens="" (common="" gallinules):="" 20="" coots="" and="" common="" moorhens,="" singly="" or="" in="" the="" aggregate.="" sora="" and="" virginia="" rails:="" 25="" sora="" and="" virginia="" rails="" singly,="" or="" in="" the="" aggregate.="" common="" snipe:="" 8="" common="" snipe.="" woodcock:="" 3="" woodcock.="" the="" following="" general="" conditions="" apply:="" 1.="" while="" hunting="" waterfowl,="" a="" tribal="" member="" must="" carry="" on="" his/her="" person="" a="" valid="" tribal="" waterfowl="" hunting="" permit.="" 2.="" except="" as="" otherwise="" noted,="" tribal="" members="" will="" be="" required="" to="" comply="" with="" tribal="" codes="" that="" will="" be="" no="" less="" restrictive="" than="" the="" provisions="" of="" chapter="" 10="" of="" the="" model="" off-reservation="" code.="" except="" as="" modified="" by="" the="" service="" rules="" adopted="" in="" response="" to="" this="" proposal,="" these="" amended="" regulations="" parallel="" federal="" requirements="" in="" 50="" cfr="" part="" 20="" as="" to="" hunting="" methods,="" transportation,="" sale,="" exportation="" and="" other="" conditions="" generally="" applicable="" to="" migratory="" bird="" hunting.="" 3.="" band="" members="" in="" each="" zone="" will="" comply="" with="" state="" regulations="" providing="" for="" closed="" and="" restricted="" waterfowl="" hunting="" areas.="" 4.="" possession="" limits="" for="" each="" species="" are="" double="" the="" daily="" bag="" limit,="" except="" on="" the="" opening="" day="" of="" the="" season,="" when="" the="" possession="" limit="" equals="" the="" daily="" bag="" limit,="" unless="" otherwise="" noted="" above.="" possession="" limits="" are="" applicable="" only="" to="" transportation="" and="" do="" not="" include="" birds="" which="" are="" cleaned,="" dressed,="" and="" at="" a="" member's="" primary="" residence.="" for="" purposes="" of="" enforcing="" bag="" and="" possession="" limits,="" all="" migratory="" birds="" in="" the="" possession="" or="" custody="" of="" band="" members="" on="" ceded="" lands="" will="" be="" considered="" to="" have="" been="" taken="" on="" those="" lands="" unless="" tagged="" by="" a="" tribal="" or="" state="" conservation="" warden="" as="" having="" been="" taken="" on-reservation.="" all="" migratory="" birds="" which="" fall="" on="" reservation="" lands="" will="" not="" count="" as="" part="" of="" any="" off-reservation="" bag="" or="" possession="" limit.="" the="" band="" anticipates="" harvest="" will="" be="" fewer="" than="" 500="" ducks="" and="" geese="" and="" 150="" coots.="" we="" propose="" to="" approve="" the="" request="" for="" special="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" regulations="" for="" the="" fond="" du="" lac="" band="" of="" lake="" superior="" chippewas.="" (e)="" grand="" traverse="" band="" of="" ottawa="" and="" chippewa="" indians,="" suttons="" bay,="" michigan="" (tribal="" members="" only)="" in="" the="" 1995-96="" migratory="" bird="" seasons,="" the="" grand="" traverse="" band="" of="" ottawa="" and="" chippewa="" indians="" and="" the="" service="" first="" cooperated="" to="" establish="" special="" regulations="" for="" waterfowl.="" the="" grand="" traverse="" band="" is="" a="" self-governing,="" federally="" recognized="" tribe="" located="" on="" the="" west="" arm="" of="" grand="" traverse="" bay="" in="" leelanau="" county,="" michigan.="" the="" grand="" traverse="" band="" is="" a="" signatory="" tribe="" of="" the="" treaty="" of="" 1836.="" we="" have="" approved="" special="" regulations="" for="" tribal="" members="" of="" the="" 1836="" treaty's="" signatory="" tribes="" on="" ceded="" lands="" in="" michigan="" since="" the="" 1986-87="" hunting="" season.="" for="" the="" 1999-2000="" season,="" the="" grand="" traverse="" band="" of="" ottawa="" and="" chippewa="" indians="" proposes="" a="" tribal="" member="" duck="" season="" that="" would="" run="" from="" september="" 20,="" 1999,="" through="" january="" 20,="" 2000.="" a="" daily="" bag="" limit="" of="" 10="" would="" include="" no="" more="" than="" 1="" pintail,="" 1="" canvasback,="" 1="" hooded="" merganser,="" 2="" black="" ducks,="" 2="" wood="" ducks,="" 2="" redheads,="" and="" 5="" mallards="" (only="" 2="" of="" which="" may="" be="" hens).="" for="" canada="" geese,="" the="" tribe="" proposes="" a="" september="" 1="" through="" november="" 30,="" 1999,="" and="" a="" january="" 1="" through="" february="" 8,="" 2000,="" season.="" for="" white-fronted="" geese,="" brant,="" and="" snow="" geese,="" the="" tribe="" proposes="" an="" october="" 1="" through="" november="" 30,="" 1999,="" season.="" the="" daily="" bag="" limit="" for="" all="" geese="" (including="" brant)="" would="" be="" 5="" birds.="" based="" on="" our="" information,="" it="" is="" unlikely="" that="" any="" canada="" geese="" from="" the="" southern="" james="" bay="" population="" would="" be="" harvested="" by="" the="" tribe.="" for="" woodcock,="" snipe,="" and="" sora="" rail,="" the="" tribe="" proposes="" a="" september="" 1="" to="" november="" 14,="" 1999,="" season.="" the="" daily="" bag="" limit="" shall="" not="" exceed="" 5="" birds="" per="" species.="" all="" other="" federal="" regulations="" contained="" in="" 50="" cfr="" part="" 20="" would="" apply.="" the="" tribe="" proposes="" to="" closely="" monitor="" harvest="" through="" game="" bag="" checks,="" patrols,="" and="" mail="" surveys.="" in="" particular,="" the="" tribe="" proposes="" monitoring="" the="" harvest="" of="" southern="" james="" bay="" canada="" geese="" to="" assess="" any="" impacts="" of="" tribal="" hunting="" on="" the="" population.="" we="" propose="" to="" approve="" the="" grand="" traverse="" band="" of="" ottawa="" and="" chippewa="" indian's="" requested="" 1999-2000="" special="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" regulations.="" (f)="" great="" lakes="" indian="" fish="" and="" wildlife="" commission,="" odanah,="" wisconsin="" (tribal="" members="" only)="" since="" 1985,="" various="" bands="" of="" the="" lake="" superior="" tribe="" of="" chippewa="" indians="" have="" exercised="" judicially="" recognized="" off-reservation="" hunting="" rights="" for="" migratory="" birds="" in="" wisconsin.="" the="" specific="" [[page="" 44388]]="" regulations="" were="" established="" by="" the="" service="" in="" consultation="" with="" the="" wisconsin="" department="" of="" natural="" resources="" and="" the="" great="" lakes="" indian="" fish="" and="" wildlife="" commission="" (glifwc,="" which="" represents="" the="" various="" bands).="" beginning="" in="" 1986,="" a="" tribal="" season="" on="" ceded="" lands="" in="" the="" western="" portion="" of="" the="" state's="" upper="" peninsula="" was="" developed="" in="" coordination="" with="" the="" michigan="" department="" of="" natural="" resources,="" and="" we="" have="" approved="" special="" regulations="" for="" tribal="" members="" in="" both="" michigan="" and="" wisconsin="" since="" the="" 1986-87,="" hunting="" season.="" in="" 1987,="" the="" glifwc="" requested="" and="" we="" approved="" special="" regulations="" to="" permit="" tribal="" members="" to="" hunt="" on="" ceded="" lands="" in="" minnesota,="" as="" well="" as="" in="" michigan="" and="" wisconsin.="" the="" states="" of="" michigan="" and="" wisconsin="" concurred="" with="" the="" regulations,="" although="" wisconsin="" has="" raised="" some="" concerns="" each="" year.="" minnesota="" did="" not="" concur="" with="" the="" regulations,="" stressing="" that="" the="" state="" would="" not="" recognize="" chippewa="" indian="" hunting="" rights="" in="" minnesota's="" treaty="" area="" until="" a="" court="" with="" jurisdiction="" over="" the="" state="" acknowledges="" and="" defines="" the="" extent="" of="" these="" rights.="" we="" acknowledge="" the="" state's="" concern,="" but="" pointed="" out="" that="" the="" united="" states="" government="" has="" recognized="" the="" indian="" hunting="" rights="" decided="" in="" the="" voigt="" case,="" and="" that="" acceptable="" hunting="" regulations="" have="" been="" negotiated="" successfully="" in="" both="" michigan="" and="" wisconsin="" even="" though="" the="" voigt="" decision="" did="" not="" specifically="" address="" ceded="" land="" outside="" wisconsin.="" we="" believe="" this="" is="" appropriate="" because="" the="" treaties="" in="" question="" cover="" ceded="" lands="" in="" michigan="" (and="" minnesota),="" as="" well="" as="" in="" wisconsin.="" consequently,="" in="" view="" of="" the="" above,="" we="" have="" approved="" special="" regulations="" since="" the="" 1987-="" 88="" hunting="" season="" on="" ceded="" lands="" in="" all="" three="" states.="" in="" fact,="" this="" recognition="" of="" the="" principle="" of="" reserved="" treaty="" rights="" for="" band="" members="" to="" hunt="" and="" fish="" was="" pivotal="" in="" our="" decision="" to="" approve="" a="" special="" 1991-="" 92="" season="" for="" the="" 1836="" ceded="" area="" in="" michigan.="" recently,="" certain="" glifwc="" member="" bands="" have="" brought="" suit="" to="" resolve="" the="" issue="" of="" hunting,="" fishing="" and="" gathering="" rights="" in="" the="" minnesota="" ceded="" areas="" covered="" under="" the="" 1837="" and="" 1854="" treaties.="" the="" federal="" government="" has="" intervened="" in="" support="" of="" the="" bands.="" in="" a="" june="" 3,="" 1999,="" letter,="" the="" glifwc="" proposed="" off-reservation="" special="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" regulations="" for="" the="" 1999-2000="" seasons="" on="" behalf="" of="" the="" member="" tribes="" of="" the="" voigt="" intertribal="" task="" force="" of="" the="" glifwc="" (for="" the="" 1837="" and="" 1842="" treaty="" areas)="" and="" the="" bay="" mills="" indian="" community="" (for="" the="" 1836="" treaty="" area).="" member="" tribes="" of="" the="" task="" force="" are:="" the="" bad="" river="" band="" of="" lake="" superior="" tribe="" of="" chippewa="" indians,="" the="" lake="" oreilles="" band="" of="" lake="" superior="" tribe="" of="" chippewa="" indians,="" the="" lac="" du="" flambeau="" band="" of="" lake="" superior="" tribe="" of="" chippewa="" indians,="" the="" red="" cliff="" band="" of="" lake="" superior="" tribe="" of="" chippewa="" indians,="" the="" st.="" croix="" chippewa="" indians="" of="" wisconsin,="" the="" sokaogon="" chippewa="" community="" (mole="" lake="" band),="" the="" mille="" lacs="" band="" of="" chippewa="" indians="" in="" minnesota,="" the="" lac="" vieux="" desert="" band="" of="" chippewa="" indians,="" and="" the="" keweenaw="" bay="" indian="" community="" in="" michigan.="" details="" of="" the="" proposed="" regulations="" are="" shown="" below.="" in="" general,="" the="" proposal="" is="" essentially="" the="" same="" as="" the="" regulations="" approved="" for="" the="" 1998-99="" season.="" results="" of="" the="" 1998-99="" hunter="" survey="" show="" that="" 599="" ducks="" and="" 177="" geese="" were="" harvested="" under="" an="" anticipated="" harvest="" of="" 3,000="" ducks="" and="" 900="" geese.="" under="" the="" proposed="" regulations,="" harvest="" is="" expected="" to="" be="" similar="" to="" last="" year="" and="" most="" likely="" would="" not="" exceed="" 2,500="" ducks="" and="" 800="" geese.="" we="" believe="" that="" regulations="" advanced="" by="" the="" glifwc="" for="" the="" 1999-="" 2000="" hunting="" season="" are="" biologically="" acceptable="" and="" recommend="" approval.="" if="" the="" regulations="" are="" finalized="" as="" proposed,="" we="" would="" request="" that="" the="" glifwc="" closely="" monitor="" the="" member="" band="" duck="" harvest="" and="" take="" any="" actions="" necessary="" to="" reduce="" harvest="" if="" locally="" nesting="" populations="" are="" being="" significantly="" impacted.="" the="" commission="" and="" the="" service="" are="" parties="" to="" a="" memorandum="" of="" agreement="" (moa)="" designed="" to="" facilitate="" the="" ongoing="" enforcement="" of="" service-approved="" tribal="" migratory="" bird="" regulations.="" its="" intent="" is="" to="" provide="" long-term="" cooperative="" application.="" also,="" as="" in="" recent="" seasons,="" the="" proposal="" contains="" references="" to="" chapter="" 10="" of="" the="" migratory="" bird="" harvesting="" regulations="" of="" the="" model="" off-reservation="" conservation="" code.="" chapter="" 10="" regulations="" parallel="" state="" and="" federal="" regulations="" and,="" in="" effect,="" are="" not="" changed="" by="" this="" proposal.="" the="" glifwc's="" proposed="" 1999-2000="" waterfowl="" hunting="" season="" regulations="" are="" as="" follows:="" ducks="" a.="" wisconsin="" and="" minnesota="" 1837="" and="" 1842="" zones="" season="" dates:="" begin="" september="" 15="" and="" end="" december="" 1,="" 1999.="" daily="" bag="" limit:="" 20="" ducks,="" including="" no="" more="" than="" 10="" mallards="" (only="" 5="" of="" which="" may="" be="" hens),="" 4="" black="" ducks,="" 4="" redheads,="" 4="" pintails,="" and="" 2="" canvasbacks.="" b.="" michigan="" 1836="" and="" 1842="" treaty="" zones="" season="" dates:="" begin="" september="" 15="" and="" end="" december="" 1,="" 1999.="" daily="" bag="" limit:="" 10="" ducks,="" including="" no="" more="" than="" 5="" mallards="" (only="" 2="" of="" which="" may="" be="" hens),="" 2="" black="" ducks,="" 2="" redheads,="" 2="" pintails,="" and="" 1="" canvasback.="" mergansers="" a.="" wisconsin="" and="" minnesota="" 1837="" and="" 1842="" zones="" season="" dates:="" begin="" september="" 15="" and="" end="" december="" 1,="" 1999.="" daily="" bag="" limit:="" 5="" mergansers.="" b.="" michigan="" 1836="" and="" 1842="" treaty="" zones="" season="" dates:="" begin="" september="" 15="" and="" end="" december="" 1,="" 1999.="" daily="" bag="" limit:="" 5="" mergansers,="" including="" no="" more="" than="" 1="" hooded="" merganser.="" geese:="" all="" ceded="" areas:="" season="" dates:="" begin="" september="" 1="" and="" end="" december="" 1,="" 1999.="" daily="" bag="" limit:="" 10="" geese.="" other="" migratory="" birds:="" all="" ceded="" areas="" a.="" coots="" and="" common="" moorhens="" (common="" gallinules)="" season="" dates:="" begin="" september="" 15="" and="" end="" december="" 1,="" 1999.="" daily="" bag="" limit:="" 20="" coots="" and="" common="" moorhens="" (common="" gallinules),="" singly="" or="" in="" the="" aggregate.="" b.="" sora="" and="" virginia="" rails="" season="" dates:="" begin="" september="" 15="" and="" end="" december="" 1,="" 1999.="" daily="" bag="" limit:="" 25="" sora="" and="" virginia="" rails="" singly,="" or="" in="" the="" aggregate.="" c.="" common="" snipe="" season="" dates:="" begin="" september="" 15="" and="" end="" december="" 1,="" 1999.="" daily="" bag="" limit:="" 8="" common="" snipe.="" d.="" woodcock="" season="" dates:="" begin="" september="" 7="" and="" end="" december="" 1,="" 1999.="" daily="" bag="" limit:="" 5="" woodcock.="" general="" conditions="" 1.="" while="" hunting="" waterfowl,="" a="" tribal="" member="" must="" carry="" on="" his/her="" person="" a="" valid="" tribal="" waterfowl="" hunting="" permit.="" 2.="" except="" as="" otherwise="" noted,="" tribal="" members="" will="" be="" required="" to="" comply="" with="" tribal="" codes="" that="" will="" be="" no="" less="" restrictive="" than="" the="" provisions="" of="" chapter="" 10="" of="" the="" model="" off-reservation="" code.="" except="" as="" modified="" by="" the="" service="" rules="" adopted="" in="" response="" to="" this="" proposal,="" these="" amended="" regulations="" parallel="" federal="" requirements="" in="" 50="" cfr="" part="" 20="" as="" to="" hunting="" methods,="" transportation,="" sale,="" exportation="" and="" [[page="" 44389]]="" other="" conditions="" generally="" applicable="" to="" migratory="" bird="" hunting.="" 3.="" tribal="" members="" in="" each="" zone="" will="" comply="" with="" state="" regulations="" providing="" for="" closed="" and="" restricted="" waterfowl="" hunting="" areas.="" 4.="" possession="" limits="" for="" each="" species="" are="" double="" the="" daily="" bag="" limit,="" except="" on="" the="" opening="" day="" of="" the="" season,="" when="" the="" possession="" limit="" equals="" the="" daily="" bag="" limit,="" unless="" otherwise="" noted="" above.="" possession="" limits="" are="" applicable="" only="" to="" transportation="" and="" do="" not="" include="" birds="" which="" are="" cleaned,="" dressed,="" and="" at="" a="" member's="" primary="" residence.="" for="" purposes="" of="" enforcing="" bag="" and="" possession="" limits,="" all="" migratory="" birds="" in="" the="" possession="" or="" custody="" of="" tribal="" members="" on="" ceded="" lands="" will="" be="" considered="" to="" have="" been="" taken="" on="" those="" lands="" unless="" tagged="" by="" a="" tribal="" or="" state="" conservation="" warden="" as="" having="" been="" taken="" on-reservation.="" in="" wisconsin,="" such="" tagging="" will="" comply="" with="" applicable="" state="" laws.="" all="" migratory="" birds="" which="" fall="" on="" reservation="" lands="" will="" not="" count="" as="" part="" of="" any="" off-reservation="" bag="" or="" possession="" limit.="" 5.="" minnesota="" and="" michigan--duck="" blinds="" and="" decoys.="" tribal="" members="" hunting="" in="" michigan="" and="" minnesota="" will="" comply="" with="" tribal="" codes="" that="" contain="" provisions="" that="" parallel="" applicable="" state="" laws="" concerning="" duck="" blinds="" and/or="" decoys.="" (g)="" jicarilla="" apache="" tribe,="" jicarilla="" indian="" reservation,="" dulce,="" new="" mexico="" (tribal="" members="" and="" non-tribal="" hunters)="" the="" jicarilla="" apache="" tribe="" has="" had="" special="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" regulations="" for="" tribal="" members="" and="" nonmembers="" since="" the="" 1986-87="" hunting="" season.="" the="" tribe="" owns="" all="" lands="" on="" the="" reservation="" and="" has="" recognized="" full="" wildlife="" management="" authority.="" in="" general,="" the="" proposed="" seasons="" would="" be="" more="" conservative="" than="" allowed="" by="" the="" federal="" frameworks="" of="" last="" season="" and="" by="" states="" in="" the="" pacific="" flyway.="" in="" a="" may="" 17,="" 1999,="" proposal,="" the="" tribe="" proposed="" a="" 1999-2000="" waterfowl="" season="" opening="" date="" of="" october="" 2="" and="" a="" closing="" date="" of="" november="" 30,="" 1999.="" daily="" bag="" and="" possession="" limits="" would="" be="" the="" same="" as="" pacific="" flyway="" states.="" the="" tribe="" proposes="" a="" season="" on="" canada="" geese="" with="" a="" 2-bird="" daily="" bag="" limit.="" other="" regulations="" specific="" to="" the="" pacific="" flyway="" guidelines="" for="" new="" mexico="" would="" be="" in="" effect.="" the="" jicarilla="" game="" and="" fish="" department's="" annual="" estimate="" of="" waterfowl="" harvest="" is="" relatively="" small.="" in="" the="" 1998-99="" season,="" estimated="" duck="" harvest="" was="" 608,="" a="" significant="" decrease="" from="" 816="" in="" 1997-98.="" the="" species="" composition="" in="" the="" past="" has="" included="" mainly="" mallards,="" gadwall,="" wigeon,="" and="" teal.="" northern="" pintail="" comprised="" only="" 3="" percent="" of="" the="" total="" harvest="" in="" 1998.="" the="" proposed="" regulations="" are="" essentially="" the="" same="" as="" were="" established="" last="" year.="" the="" tribe="" anticipates="" the="" maximum="" 1999-2000="" waterfowl="" harvest="" would="" be="" around="" 600="" to="" 1,000="" ducks="" and="" 20="" to="" 50="" geese.="" we="" propose="" to="" approve="" the="" tribe's="" requested="" 1999-2000="" hunting="" seasons.="" (h)="" kalispel="" tribe,="" kalispel="" reservation,="" usk,="" washington="" (tribal="" members="" and="" non-tribal="" hunters)="" the="" kalispel="" reservation="" was="" established="" by="" executive="" order="" in="" 1914,="" and="" currently="" comprises="" approximately="" 4,600="" acres.="" the="" tribe="" owns="" all="" reservation="" land="" and="" has="" full="" management="" authority.="" the="" kalispel="" tribe="" has="" a="" fully="" developed="" wildlife="" program="" with="" hunting="" and="" fishing="" codes.="" the="" tribe="" enjoys="" excellent="" wildlife="" management="" relations="" with="" the="" state.="" the="" tribe="" and="" the="" state="" have="" an="" operational="" memorandum="" of="" understanding="" with="" emphasis="" on="" fisheries="" but="" also="" for="" wildlife.="" the="" non-tribal="" member="" seasons="" described="" below="" pertain="" to="" a="" 176-acre="" waterfowl="" management="" unit.="" the="" tribe="" is="" utilizing="" this="" opportunity="" to="" rehabilitate="" an="" area="" that="" needs="" protection="" because="" of="" past="" land="" use="" practices,="" as="" well="" as="" to="" provide="" additional="" waterfowl="" hunting="" in="" the="" area.="" beginning="" in="" 1996,="" the="" requested="" regulations="" also="" included="" a="" proposal="" for="" kalispel-member="" only="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" on="" kalispel-="" ceded="" lands="" within="" washington,="" montana,="" and="" idaho.="" for="" the="" 1999-2000="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" seasons,="" the="" kalispel="" tribe="" proposed,="" in="" a="" may="" 13,="" 1999,="" letter,="" tribal="" and="" non-tribal="" member="" waterfowl="" seasons.="" for="" non-tribal="" members,="" the="" tribe="" requests="" seasons="" which="" begin="" september="" 1,="" 1999="" and="" end="" january="" 31,="" 2000.="" in="" that="" period,="" non-tribal="" hunters="" would="" be="" allowed="" to="" hunt="" on="" weekends,="" holidays="" and="" continuously="" in="" the="" month="" of="" december="" and="" january="" for="" a="" total="" of="" about="" 110="" days.="" hunters="" should="" obtain="" further="" information="" on="" days="" from="" the="" kalispel="" tribe.="" daily="" bag="" and="" possession="" limits="" would="" be="" the="" same="" as="" those="" for="" the="" state="" of="" washington.="" the="" tribe="" reports="" a="" 1998-99="" non-tribal="" harvest="" of="" 74="" ducks="" and="" 0="" geese.="" under="" the="" proposal,="" the="" tribe="" expects="" harvest="" to="" be="" similar="" to="" last="" year="" and="" less="" than="" 100="" geese="" and="" 200="" ducks.="" all="" other="" state="" and="" federal="" regulations="" contained="" in="" 50="" cfr="" part="" 20,="" such="" as="" use="" of="" steel="" shot="" and="" possession="" of="" a="" signed="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" stamp,="" would="" be="" required.="" for="" tribal="" members="" on="" kalispel-ceded="" lands,="" the="" kalispel="" proposes="" outside="" frameworks="" for="" ducks="" and="" geese="" of="" september="" 1,="" 1999,="" through="" january="" 31,="" 2000.="" however,="" during="" that="" period,="" the="" tribe="" proposes="" that="" the="" season="" run="" continuously.="" daily="" bag="" and="" possession="" limits="" would="" be="" the="" same="" as="" those="" for="" the="" states="" of="" washington="" and="" idaho.="" the="" tribe="" reports="" that="" there="" was="" no="" 1998-99="" tribal="" harvest.="" under="" the="" proposal,="" the="" tribe="" expects="" harvest="" to="" be="" less="" than="" 200="" geese="" and="" 300="" ducks.="" tribal="" members="" would="" be="" required="" to="" possess="" a="" signed="" federal="" migratory="" bird="" stamp="" and="" a="" tribal="" ceded="" lands="" permit.="" we="" propose="" to="" approve="" the="" regulations="" requested="" by="" the="" kalispel="" tribe="" provided="" that="" the="" non-tribal="" seasons="" conform="" to="" final="" federal="" frameworks="" for="" the="" pacific="" flyway.="" for="" the="" 1999-2000="" season,="" outside="" federal="" frameworks="" in="" the="" pacific="" flyway="" are="" october="" 2,="" 1999,="" through="" january="" 23,="" 2000="" for="" ducks="" and="" geese="" with="" a="" 107-day="" maximum="" season="" length.="" (i)="" klamath="" tribe,="" chiloquin,="" oregon="" (tribal="" members="" only)="" the="" klamath="" tribe="" currently="" has="" no="" reservation,="" per="" se.="" however,="" the="" klamath="" tribe="" has="" reserved="" hunting,="" fishing="" and="" gathering="" rights="" within="" its="" former="" reservation="" boundary.="" this="" area="" of="" former="" reservation,="" granted="" to="" the="" klamaths="" by="" the="" treaty="" of="" 1864,="" is="" over="" 1="" million="" acres.="" tribal="" natural="" resource="" management="" authority="" is="" derived="" from="" the="" treaty="" of="" 1864,="" and="" carried="" out="" cooperatively="" under="" the="" judicially="" enforced="" consent="" decree="" of="" 1981.="" the="" parties="" to="" this="" consent="" decree="" are="" the="" federal="" government,="" the="" state="" of="" oregon="" and="" the="" klamaths.="" the="" klamath="" indian="" game="" commission="" sets="" the="" seasons.="" the="" tribal="" biological="" staff="" and="" tribal="" regulatory="" enforcement="" officers="" monitor="" tribal="" harvest="" by="" frequent="" bag="" checks="" and="" hunter="" interviews.="" in="" a="" july="" 26,="" 1999,="" communication,="" the="" klamath="" tribe="" proposed="" season="" dates="" of="" october="" 1,="" 1999,="" through="" january="" 31,="" 2000.="" daily="" bag="" limits="" would="" be="" 9="" for="" ducks="" and="" 6="" for="" geese="" with="" possession="" limits="" twice="" the="" daily="" bag="" limit.="" the="" daily="" bag="" and="" possession="" limit="" for="" coots="" would="" be="" 25.="" shooting="" hours="" would="" be="" one-half="" hour="" before="" sunrise="" to="" one-half="" hour="" after="" sunset.="" based="" on="" the="" number="" of="" birds="" produced="" in="" the="" klamath="" basin,="" the="" tribe="" expects="" that="" this="" year's="" harvest="" will="" be="" similar="" to="" last="" year's.="" information="" on="" tribal="" harvest="" suggests="" that="" more="" than="" 70="" percent="" of="" the="" annual="" goose="" harvest="" is="" local="" birds="" produced="" in="" the="" klamath="" basin.="" we="" propose="" to="" approve="" the="" klamath="" tribe's="" requested="" regulations.="" [[page="" 44390]]="" (j)="" leech="" lake="" band="" of="" ojibwe,="" cass="" lake,="" minnesota="" (tribal="" members="" only)="" the="" leech="" lake="" band="" of="" ojibwe="" is="" a="" federally="" recognized="" tribe="" located="" in="" cass="" lake,="" minnesota.="" the="" reservation="" employs="" conservation="" officers="" to="" enforce="" conservation="" regulations.="" for="" the="" 1999-2000="" season,="" the="" tribe="" proposed="" in="" a="" may="" 20,="" 1999="" letter="" a="" tribal="" member="" duck="" and="" goose="" season="" that="" would="" run="" from="" september="" 25="" through="" november="" 28,="" 1999.="" daily="" bag="" limits="" for="" both="" ducks="" and="" geese="" would="" be="" 10.="" shooting="" hours="" are="" one-half="" hour="" before="" sunrise="" to="" one-half="" hour="" after="" sunset.="" based="" on="" past="" harvest="" surveys,="" the="" tribe="" expects="" less="" than="" 200="" tribal="" hunters="" to="" participate="" and="" a="" harvest="" of="" less="" than="" 2,000="" birds.="" we="" propose="" to="" approve="" the="" leech="" lake="" band="" of="" ojibwe's="" requested="" 1999-2000="" special="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" regulations.="" (k)="" lower="" brule="" sioux="" tribe,="" lower="" brule="" reservation,="" lower="" brule,="" south="" dakota="" (tribal="" members="" and="" non-tribal="" hunters)="" the="" lower="" brule="" sioux="" tribe="" first="" established="" tribal="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" regulations="" for="" the="" lower="" brule="" reservation="" in="" 1994.="" the="" lower="" brule="" reservation="" is="" about="" 214,000="" acres="" in="" size="" and="" is="" located="" on="" and="" adjacent="" to="" the="" missouri="" river,="" south="" of="" pierre.="" land="" ownership="" on="" the="" reservation="" is="" mixed,="" and="" until="" recently,="" the="" lower="" brule="" tribe="" had="" full="" management="" authority="" over="" fish="" and="" wildlife="" via="" a="" moa="" with="" the="" state="" of="" south="" dakota.="" the="" moa="" provided="" the="" tribe="" jurisdiction="" over="" fish="" and="" wildlife="" on="" reservation="" lands,="" including="" deeded="" and="" corps="" of="" engineers="" taken="" lands.="" for="" the="" 1999-2000="" season,="" the="" two="" parties="" have="" come="" to="" a="" tentative="" agreement="" and="" meetings="" between="" the="" lower="" brule="" sioux="" tribe="" and="" the="" south="" dakota="" department="" of="" game,="" fish="" and="" parks="" are="" continuing.="" it="" is="" anticipated="" that="" an="" agreement="" will="" be="" established="" and="" management="" authority="" clarified="" to="" allow="" the="" public="" a="" clear="" understanding="" of="" the="" lower="" brule="" sioux="" wildlife="" department="" license="" requirements="" and="" hunting="" season="" regulations.="" the="" lower="" brule="" reservation="" waterfowl="" season="" is="" open="" to="" tribal="" and="" non-tribal="" hunters.="" for="" the="" 1999-2000="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" season,="" the="" lower="" brule="" sioux="" tribe="" proposes="" a="" duck="" and="" coot="" season="" length="" of="" 97="" days,="" the="" same="" number="" of="" days="" tentatively="" allowed="" in="" the="" high="" plains="" management="" unit="" for="" this="" season.="" the="" tribe's="" proposed="" season="" would="" run="" from="" october="" 2,="" 1999,="" through="" january="" 6,="" 2000.="" the="" daily="" bag="" limit="" would="" be="" 6="" birds,="" including="" no="" more="" than="" 5="" mallards="" (only="" 1="" of="" which="" may="" be="" a="" hen),="" 1="" pintail,="" 2="" redheads,="" 2="" wood="" ducks,="" 1="" canvasback,="" 1="" hooded="" merganser,="" and="" 1="" mottled="" duck.="" the="" daily="" bag="" limit="" for="" coots="" would="" be="" 15.="" possession="" limits="" would="" be="" twice="" the="" daily="" bag="" limits.="" the="" tribe="" also="" proposes="" a="" youth="" waterfowl="" hunt="" on="" september="" 25,="" 1999.="" the="" tribe's="" proposed="" canada="" goose="" season="" would="" run="" from="" october="" 16,="" 1999,="" through="" january="" 16,="" 2000,="" with="" a="" daily="" bag="" limit="" of="" 3="" canada="" geese.="" the="" tribe's="" proposed="" white-fronted="" goose="" season="" would="" run="" from="" october="" 16="" through="" december="" 26,="" 1999,="" with="" a="" daily="" bag="" limit="" of="" 2="" white-fronted="" geese.="" the="" tribe's="" proposed="" light="" goose="" season="" would="" run="" from="" october="" 16,="" 1999,="" through="" january="" 16,="" 2000,="" and="" february="" 25="" through="" march="" 10,="" 2000.="" the="" light="" goose="" daily="" bag="" limit="" would="" be="" 20.="" possession="" limits="" would="" be="" twice="" the="" daily="" bag="" limits.="" in="" the="" 1998-99="" season,="" hunters="" harvested="" an="" estimated="" 1,971="" geese="" and="" 355="" ducks.="" in="" 1994,="" duck="" harvest="" species="" composition="" was="" primarily="" mallard="" (57="" percent),="" gadwall="" (10="" percent),="" and="" green-winged="" teal="" (10="" percent).="" goose="" harvest="" is="" traditionally="" 98%="" canada="" geese.="" the="" tribe="" anticipates="" a="" duck="" harvest="" similar="" to="" last="" year="" and="" a="" goose="" harvest="" below="" the="" target="" harvest="" level="" of="" 3,000="" to="" 4,000="" geese.="" all="" basic="" federal="" regulations="" contained="" in="" 50="" cfr="" part="" 20,="" including="" the="" use="" of="" steel="" shot,="" migratory="" waterfowl="" hunting="" and="" conservation="" stamp,="" etc.,="" would="" be="" observed="" by="" the="" tribe's="" proposed="" regulations.="" in="" addition,="" the="" lower="" brule="" sioux="" tribe="" has="" an="" official="" conservation="" code="" that="" was="" established="" by="" tribal="" council="" resolution="" in="" june="" 1982="" and="" updated="" in="" 1996.="" we="" propose="" to="" approve="" the="" tribe's="" requested="" regulations="" for="" the="" lower="" brule="" reservation.="" (l)="" navajo="" nation,="" navajo="" indian="" reservation,="" window="" rock,="" arizona="" (tribal="" members="" and="" non-tribal="" hunters)="" since="" 1985,="" we="" have="" established="" uniform="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" regulations="" for="" tribal="" members="" and="" nonmembers="" on="" the="" navajo="" indian="" reservation="" (in="" parts="" of="" arizona,="" new="" mexico,="" and="" utah).="" the="" nation="" owns="" almost="" all="" lands="" on="" the="" reservation="" and="" has="" full="" wildlife="" management="" authority.="" in="" a="" may="" 28,="" 1999="" proposal,="" the="" tribe="" proposed="" special="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" regulations="" on="" the="" reservation="" for="" both="" tribal="" and="" non-="" tribal="" members="" for="" the="" 1999-2000="" hunting="" season="" for="" ducks="" (including="" mergansers),="" canada="" geese,="" coots,="" band-tailed="" pigeons,="" and="" mourning="" doves.="" for="" waterfowl,="" the="" navajo="" nation="" requests="" the="" earliest="" opening="" dates="" and="" longest="" seasons,="" and="" the="" same="" daily="" bag="" and="" possession="" limits,="" permitted="" pacific="" flyway="" states="" under="" final="" federal="" frameworks.="" for="" both="" mourning="" dove="" and="" band-tailed="" pigeons,="" the="" navajo="" nation="" proposes="" seasons="" of="" september="" 1="" through="" 30.="" the="" navajo="" nation="" also="" proposes="" daily="" bag="" limits="" of="" 10="" and="" 5="" for="" mourning="" dove="" and="" band-tailed="" pigeon,="" respectively.="" possession="" limits="" would="" be="" twice="" the="" daily="" bag="" limits.="" in="" addition,="" the="" nation="" proposes="" to="" require="" tribal="" members="" and="" non-="" members="" to="" comply="" with="" all="" basic="" federal="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" regulations="" in="" 50="" cfr="" part="" 20="" pertaining="" to="" shooting="" hours="" and="" manner="" of="" taking.="" in="" addition,="" each="" waterfowl="" hunter="" 16="" years="" of="" age="" or="" over="" must="" carry="" on="" his/her="" person="" a="" valid="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" and="" conservation="" stamp="" (duck="" stamp)="" signed="" in="" ink="" across="" the="" face.="" special="" regulations="" established="" by="" the="" navajo="" nation="" also="" apply="" on="" the="" reservation.="" the="" tribe="" anticipates="" a="" total="" harvest="" of="" less="" than="" 300="" mourning="" doves,="" 100="" band-tail="" pigeons,="" 500="" ducks,="" coots,="" and="" mergansers,="" and="" 300="" canada="" geese.="" we="" propose="" to="" approve="" the="" navajo="" nation="" request="" for="" these="" special="" regulations="" for="" the="" 1999-2000="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" seasons.="" (m)="" oneida="" tribe="" of="" indians="" of="" wisconsin,="" oneida,="" wisconsin="" (tribal="" members="" only)="" since="" 1991-92,="" the="" oneida="" tribe="" of="" indians="" of="" wisconsin="" and="" the="" service="" have="" cooperated="" to="" establish="" uniform="" regulations="" for="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" by="" tribal="" and="" non-tribal="" hunters="" within="" the="" original="" oneida="" reservation="" boundaries.="" since="" 1985,="" the="" oneida="" tribe's="" conservation="" department="" has="" enforced="" their="" own="" hunting="" regulations="" within="" those="" original="" reservation="" limits.="" the="" oneida="" tribe="" also="" has="" a="" good="" working="" relationship="" with="" the="" state="" of="" wisconsin="" and="" the="" majority="" of="" the="" seasons="" and="" limits="" are="" the="" same="" for="" the="" tribe="" and="" wisconsin.="" in="" a="" may="" 6,="" 1999,="" letter,="" the="" tribe="" proposed="" special="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" regulations.="" for="" ducks,="" the="" tribe="" described="" the="" general="" ``outside="" dates''="" as="" being="" september="" 18="" through="" november="" 19,="" 1999,="" inclusive.="" the="" tribe="" proposes="" a="" daily="" bag="" limit="" of="" 6="" birds,="" which="" could="" include="" no="" more="" than="" 5="" mallards="" (1="" hen="" mallard),="" 5="" wood="" ducks,="" 1="" canvasback,="" 1="" redhead,="" 2="" pintails,="" and="" 1="" hooded="" merganser.="" for="" geese,="" the="" tribe="" recommends="" a="" season="" between="" september="" 1="" and="" [[page="" 44391]]="" december="" 31,="" 1999,="" with="" a="" daily="" bag="" limit="" of="" 5="" brant,="" 3="" canada="" geese,="" and="" 5="" snow="" geese.="" hunters="" will="" be="" issued="" 8="" tribal="" tags="" for="" geese="" in="" order="" to="" monitor="" goose="" harvest.="" additional="" tags="" will="" be="" issued="" when="" birds="" are="" registered.="" the="" tribe="" will="" also="" close="" the="" season="" during="" the="" gun="" deer="" season="" of="" november="" 20="" to="" 28,="" 1999.="" if="" a="" quota="" of="" 150="" geese="" is="" attained="" before="" the="" season="" concludes,="" the="" tribe="" will="" recommend="" closing="" the="" season="" early.="" for="" woodcock,="" the="" tribe="" proposes="" a="" season="" between="" september="" 11="" and="" november="" 19,="" 1999,="" with="" a="" daily="" bag="" and="" possession="" limit="" of="" 5="" and="" 10,="" respectively.="" the="" tribe="" proposes="" shooting="" hours="" be="" one-half="" hour="" before="" sunrise="" to="" sunset.="" tribal="" members="" and="" non-tribal="" members="" hunting="" on="" the="" reservation="" or="" on="" lands="" under="" the="" jurisdiction="" of="" the="" tribe="" will="" observe="" all="" basic="" federal="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" regulations="" found="" in="" 50="" cfr,="" with="" the="" following="" exceptions:="" indian="" hunters="" would="" be="" exempt="" from="" the="" purchase="" of="" the="" migratory="" waterfowl="" hunting="" and="" conservation="" stamp="" (duck="" stamp);="" and="" shotgun="" capacity="" would="" not="" be="" limited="" to="" 3="" shells.="" the="" service="" proposes="" to="" approve="" the="" request="" for="" special="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" regulations="" for="" the="" oneida="" tribe="" of="" indians="" of="" wisconsin.="" we="" commend="" the="" tribe="" for="" their="" continuing="" efforts="" to="" closely="" monitor="" goose="" harvest="" and="" their="" other="" conservation="" efforts.="" (n)="" point="" no="" point="" treaty="" tribes,="" kingston,="" washington="" (tribal="" members="" only)="" for="" the="" first="" time="" in="" 1996,="" the="" service="" and="" the="" point="" no="" point="" treaty="" tribes,="" consisting="" of="" the="" skokomish,="" port="" gamble="" s'klallam,="" jamestown="" s'klallam,="" and="" elwha="" s'klallam="" tribes,="" cooperated="" to="" establish="" special="" regulations="" for="" migratory="" bird="" hunting.="" the="" four="" tribes="" have="" reservations="" located="" on="" the="" olympic="" peninsula="" in="" washington.="" all="" four="" tribes="" have="" successfully="" administered="" tribal="" hunting="" regulations="" since="" 1985="" and="" each="" tribe="" has="" a="" comprehensive="" hunting="" ordinance.="" the="" tribes'="" may="" 28,="" 1999,="" proposal="" requests="" seasons="" for="" ducks,="" geese,="" brant,="" coots,="" snipe,="" and="" mourning="" doves.="" for="" ducks,="" coots,="" geese,="" brant,="" and="" snipe,="" the="" tribes="" request="" a="" september="" 15,="" 1999,="" to="" january="" 15,="" 2000,="" season="" with="" a="" daily="" bag="" limit="" of="" 7="" ducks,="" 25="" coots,="" 4="" geese="" (including="" no="" more="" than="" 3="" light="" geese),="" 2="" brant,="" and="" 8="" snipe.="" the="" duck="" daily="" bag="" limit="" would="" include="" mergansers="" and="" could="" include="" no="" more="" than="" 2="" hen="" mallards,="" 2="" pintails,="" 1="" canvasback,="" and="" 2="" redheads.="" the="" season="" is="" closed="" on="" harlequin="" ducks="" and="" aleutian="" canada="" geese.="" all="" possession="" limits="" would="" be="" twice="" the="" daily="" bag="" limit.="" for="" mourning="" doves,="" the="" tribes="" propose="" a="" september="" 1="" to="" september="" 30,="" 1999,="" season="" with="" a="" daily="" bag="" limit="" of="" 10.="" the="" tribes="" require="" that="" all="" hunters="" authorized="" to="" hunt="" migratory="" birds="" on="" the="" reservation="" obtain="" a="" tribal="" hunting="" permit="" from="" the="" respective="" tribe.="" hunters="" are="" also="" required="" to="" adhere="" to="" a="" number="" of="" special="" regulations="" available="" at="" the="" tribal="" office.="" tribal="" harvest="" last="" year="" under="" similar="" regulations="" was="" approximately="" 212="" ducks,="" 27="" geese="" and="" 22="" coots.="" we="" propose="" to="" approve="" the="" point="" no="" point="" treaty="" tribes="" requested="" 1999-2000="" regulations.="" (o)="" seminole="" tribe="" of="" florida,="" big="" cypress="" seminole="" reservation,="" clewiston,="" florida="" (tribal="" members="" and="" non-tribal="" hunters)="" the="" seminole="" tribe="" of="" florida="" and="" the="" service="" have="" cooperated="" since="" 1995="" to="" establish="" regulations="" for="" the="" 70,000="" acre="" big="" cypress="" seminole="" reservation.="" located="" northwest="" of="" miami,="" the="" big="" cypress="" seminole="" reservation="" is="" totally="" tribally="" owned="" and="" the="" tribe="" has="" full="" wildlife="" management="" authority.="" for="" the="" 1999-2000="" season,="" the="" seminole="" tribe="" proposes="" establishing="" a="" mourning="" dove="" season="" from="" september="" 18,="" 1999,="" through="" january="" 20,="" 2000.="" hunting="" would="" be="" allowed="" for="" tribal="" and="" non-tribal="" members,="" but="" would="" be="" on="" saturdays="" only.="" daily="" bag="" limits="" would="" be="" the="" same="" as="" those="" allowed="" within="" the="" federal="" frameworks="" for="" the="" state="" of="" florida.="" all="" other="" federal="" regulations="" contained="" in="" 50="" cfr="" part="" 20="" would="" apply.="" in="" 1997,="" under="" identical="" regulations,="" hunters="" harvested="" 2,078="" doves="" on="" the="" reservation.="" the="" tribe="" controls="" all="" entry="" to="" the="" hunt="" area.="" we="" propose="" to="" approve="" the="" seminole="" tribe's="" requested="" 1999-2000="" special="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" regulations.="" (p)="" shoshone-bannock="" tribes,="" fort="" hall="" indian="" reservation,="" fort="" hall,="" idaho="" (non-tribal="" hunters)="" almost="" all="" of="" the="" fort="" hall="" indian="" reservation="" is="" tribally-owned.="" the="" tribes="" claim="" full="" wildlife="" management="" authority="" throughout="" the="" reservation,="" but="" the="" idaho="" fish="" and="" game="" department="" has="" disputed="" tribal="" jurisdiction,="" especially="" for="" hunting="" by="" non-tribal="" members="" on="" reservation="" lands="" owned="" by="" non-indians.="" as="" a="" compromise,="" since="" 1985,="" we="" have="" established="" the="" same="" waterfowl="" hunting="" regulations="" on="" the="" reservation="" and="" in="" a="" surrounding="" off-reservation="" state="" zone.="" the="" regulations="" were="" requested="" by="" the="" tribes="" and="" provided="" for="" different="" season="" dates="" than="" in="" the="" remainder="" of="" the="" state.="" we="" agreed="" to="" the="" season="" dates="" because="" they="" seemed="" to="" provide="" additional="" protection="" to="" mallards="" and="" pintails.="" the="" state="" of="" idaho="" concurred="" with="" the="" zoning="" arrangement.="" we="" have="" no="" objection="" to="" the="" state's="" use="" of="" this="" zone="" again="" in="" the="" 1999-2000="" hunting="" season,="" provided="" the="" duck="" and="" goose="" hunting="" season="" dates="" are="" the="" same="" as="" on="" the="" reservation.="" in="" a="" may="" 14,="" 1999,="" proposal="" for="" the="" 1999-2000="" hunting="" season,="" the="" shoshone-bannock="" tribes="" requested="" a="" continuous="" duck="" (including="" mergansers)="" season="" with="" the="" maximum="" number="" of="" days="" and="" the="" same="" daily="" bag="" and="" possession="" limits="" permitted="" pacific="" flyway="" states,="" under="" final="" federal="" frameworks.="" the="" tribes="" propose="" that,="" if="" the="" same="" number="" of="" hunting="" days="" are="" permitted="" as="" last="" year,="" the="" season="" would="" have="" an="" opening="" date="" of="" october="" 4,="" 1999,="" and="" a="" closing="" date="" of="" january="" 4,="" 2000.="" coot="" and="" snipe="" season="" dates="" would="" be="" the="" same="" as="" for="" ducks,="" with="" the="" same="" daily="" bag="" and="" possession="" limits="" permitted="" pacific="" flyway="" states.="" the="" tribes="" anticipate="" harvest="" will="" be="" between="" 2,000="" and="" 5,000="" ducks.="" the="" tribes="" also="" requested="" a="" continuous="" goose="" season="" with="" the="" maximum="" number="" of="" days="" and="" the="" same="" daily="" bag="" and="" possession="" limits="" permitted="" idaho="" under="" federal="" frameworks.="" the="" tribes="" propose="" that,="" if="" the="" same="" number="" of="" hunting="" days="" are="" permitted="" as="" in="" previous="" years,="" the="" season="" would="" have="" an="" opening="" date="" of="" october="" 4,="" 1999,="" and="" a="" closing="" date="" of="" january="" 11,="" 2000.="" the="" tribes="" anticipate="" harvest="" will="" be="" between="" 4,000="" and="" 6,000="" geese.="" non-tribal="" hunters="" must="" comply="" with="" all="" basic="" federal="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" regulations="" in="" 50="" cfr="" part="" 20,="" pertaining="" to="" shooting="" hours,="" use="" of="" steel="" shot,="" and="" manner="" of="" taking.="" special="" regulations="" established="" by="" the="" shoshone-bannock="" tribes="" also="" apply="" on="" the="" reservation.="" we="" note="" that="" the="" requested="" regulations="" are="" nearly="" identical="" to="" those="" of="" last="" year="" and="" propose="" they="" be="" approved="" for="" the="" 1999-2000="" hunting="" season.="" (q)="" squaxin="" island="" tribe,="" squaxin="" island="" reservation,="" shelton,="" washington="" (tribal="" members="" only)="" the="" squaxin="" island="" tribe="" of="" washington="" and="" the="" service="" have="" cooperated="" since="" 1995="" to="" establish="" special="" tribal="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" regulations.="" these="" special="" regulations="" apply="" to="" tribal="" members="" on="" the="" squaxin="" island="" reservation,="" located="" in="" western="" washington="" near="" olympia,="" and="" all="" lands="" within="" the="" traditional="" hunting="" grounds="" of="" the="" squaxin="" island="" tribe.="" the="" squaxin="" island="" tribe="" usually="" outlines="" their="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" [[page="" 44392]]="" proposal="" through="" the="" service's="" region="" 1="" office,="" however,="" this="" year="" has="" not="" provided="" confirmatory="" information.="" the="" tribe="" would="" normally="" request="" establishing="" duck,="" coot,="" and="" snipe="" seasons="" that="" would="" run="" from="" september="" 15,="" 1999,="" through="" january="" 15,="" 2000.="" the="" daily="" bag="" limit="" for="" ducks="" would="" be="" 5="" per="" day="" and="" could="" include="" only="" 1="" canvasback.="" the="" season="" on="" harlequin="" ducks="" would="" be="" closed.="" for="" coots="" and="" snipe,="" the="" daily="" bag="" limit="" would="" be="" 25="" and="" 8,="" respectively.="" for="" geese,="" the="" tribe="" would="" propose="" establishing="" a="" season="" that="" would="" run="" from="" september="" 15,="" 1999,="" through="" january="" 15,="" 2000.="" the="" daily="" bag="" limit="" for="" geese="" would="" be="" 4="" per="" day="" and="" could="" include="" only="" 2="" snow="" geese="" and="" 1="" dusky="" canada="" goose.="" the="" season="" on="" aleutian="" and="" cackling="" canada="" geese="" would="" be="" closed.="" for="" brant,="" the="" tribe="" normally="" would="" propose="" establishing="" a="" september="" 15="" to="" december="" 31,="" 1999,="" season="" with="" a="" daily="" bag="" limit="" of="" 2="" birds="" per="" day.="" the="" tribe="" also="" would="" propose="" a="" september="" 15="" to="" december="" 1,="" 1999,="" season="" for="" band-tailed="" pigeons="" with="" a="" daily="" bag="" limit="" of="" 2="" per="" day.="" in="" all="" cases,="" the="" possession="" limit="" would="" be="" twice="" the="" daily="" bag="" limit.="" shooting="" hours="" would="" be="" from="" one-half="" hour="" before="" sunrise="" to="" one-half="" hour="" after="" sunset="" and="" steel="" shot="" would="" be="" required="" for="" migratory="" bird="" hunting.="" further,="" the="" tribe="" requires="" all="" harvest="" be="" reported="" to="" their="" natural="" resources="" office="" within="" 72="" hours.="" in="" 1995,="" the="" tribe="" reported="" that="" there="" was="" no="" harvest="" of="" any="" species.="" tribal="" regulations="" are="" enforced="" by="" the="" tribe's="" law="" enforcement="" department.="" we="" propose="" to="" approve="" the="" squaxin="" island="" tribe's="" 1999-2000="" special="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" regulations,="" provided="" the="" tribe="" provides="" the="" appropriate="" confirmation="" for="" the="" seasons.="" (r)="" swinomish="" indian="" tribal="" community,="" laconner,="" washington="" (tribal="" members="" only)="" in="" 1996,="" the="" service="" and="" the="" swinomish="" indian="" tribal="" community="" began="" cooperating="" to="" establish="" special="" regulations="" for="" migratory="" bird="" hunting.="" the="" swinomish="" indian="" tribal="" community="" is="" a="" federally="" recognized="" indian="" tribe="" consisting="" of="" the="" suiattle,="" skagit,="" and="" kikialos="" tribes.="" the="" swinomish="" reservation="" was="" established="" by="" the="" point="" elliott="" treaty="" of="" 1855="" and="" lies="" in="" the="" puget="" sound="" area="" north="" of="" seattle,="" washington.="" the="" tribal="" community="" usually="" outlines="" their="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" proposal="" through="" the="" service's="" region="" 1="" office,="" however,="" this="" year="" has="" not="" provided="" confirmatory="" information.="" the="" tribe="" would="" normally="" request="" establishing="" an="" off-reservation="" duck,="" merganser,="" canada="" goose,="" brant,="" and="" coot="" season="" opening="" on="" the="" earliest="" possible="" date="" allowed="" by="" the="" final="" federal="" frameworks="" for="" the="" pacific="" flyway="" and="" closing="" 30="" days="" after="" the="" state="" of="" washington="" closes.="" daily="" bag="" and="" possession="" limits="" would="" be="" the="" same="" as="" those="" allowed="" by="" the="" state="" except="" that="" the="" swinomish="" request="" an="" additional="" three="" birds="" of="" each="" species="" over="" that="" allowed="" by="" the="" state.="" the="" community="" normally="" anticipates="" that="" the="" regulations="" will="" result="" in="" the="" harvest="" of="" approximately="" 200="" to="" 300="" ducks,="" 25="" to="" 50="" canada="" geese,="" 75="" mergansers,="" 100="" brant,="" and="" 50="" coot.="" the="" swinomish="" also="" utilize="" a="" tag="" and="" permit="" system="" to="" monitor="" harvest="" and="" will="" implement="" steps="" to="" limit="" harvest="" where="" conservation="" is="" needed.="" all="" tribal="" regulations="" will="" be="" enforced="" by="" tribal="" fish="" and="" game="" officers.="" on="" reservation,="" the="" tribal="" community="" would="" propose="" a="" hunting="" season="" for="" the="" above="" mentioned="" species="" beginning="" on="" the="" earliest="" possible="" opening="" date="" and="" closing="" march="" 9,="" 1999.="" the="" swinomish="" manage="" harvest="" by="" a="" tagging="" system="" and="" anticipate="" harvest="" will="" be="" similar="" to="" that="" expected="" off="" reservation.="" we="" believe="" the="" estimated="" harvest="" by="" the="" swinomish="" will="" be="" minimal="" and="" will="" not="" adversely="" effect="" migratory="" bird="" populations.="" we="" propose="" to="" approve="" the="" tribal="" community's="" regulations="" for="" the="" 1999-2000="" season,="" provided="" the="" tribe="" provides="" the="" appropriate="" confirmation="" for="" the="" seasons.="" (s)="" the="" tulalip="" tribes="" of="" washington,="" tulalip="" indian="" reservation,="" marysville,="" washington="" (tribal="" members="" and="" non-tribal="" hunters)="" the="" tulalip="" tribes="" are="" the="" successors="" in="" interest="" to="" the="" tribes="" and="" bands="" signatory="" to="" the="" treaty="" of="" point="" elliott="" of="" january="" 22,="" 1855.="" the="" tulalip="" tribes'="" government="" is="" located="" on="" the="" tulalip="" indian="" reservation="" at="" marysville,="" washington.="" the="" tribes="" or="" individual="" tribal="" members="" own="" all="" of="" the="" land="" on="" the="" reservation,="" and="" they="" have="" full="" wildlife="" management="" authority.="" all="" lands="" within="" the="" boundaries="" of="" the="" tulalip="" tribes="" reservation="" are="" closed="" to="" non-member="" hunting="" unless="" opened="" by="" tulalip="" tribal="" regulations.="" in="" a="" june="" 1,="" 1999,="" letter,="" the="" tulalip="" tribes="" proposed="" tribal="" and="" non-tribal="" hunting="" regulations="" for="" the="" 1999-2000="" seasons.="" for="" ducks="" and="" coot,="" the="" proposed="" season="" for="" tribal="" members="" would="" be="" from="" september="" 15,="" 1999,="" through="" february="" 1,="" 2000.="" in="" the="" case="" of="" non-tribal="" hunters="" hunting="" on="" the="" reservation,="" the="" season="" would="" be="" the="" latest="" closing="" date="" and="" the="" longest="" period="" of="" time="" allowed="" for="" the="" state="" of="" washington="" under="" final="" pacific="" flyway="" federal="" frameworks.="" daily="" bag="" and="" possession="" limits="" for="" tulalip="" tribal="" members="" would="" be="" 6="" and="" 12="" ducks,="" respectively,="" except="" that="" for="" blue-winged="" teal,="" canvasback,="" harlequin,="" pintail,="" and="" wood="" duck,="" the="" bag="" and="" possession="" limits="" would="" be="" the="" same="" as="" those="" established="" for="" the="" state="" of="" washington="" in="" accordance="" with="" final="" federal="" frameworks.="" for="" non-tribal="" hunters,="" bag="" and="" possession="" limits="" would="" be="" the="" same="" as="" those="" permitted="" the="" state="" of="" washington="" under="" final="" federal="" frameworks.="" non-tribal="" members="" should="" check="" with="" the="" tulalip="" tribal="" authorities="" regarding="" additional="" conservation="" measures="" which="" may="" apply="" to="" specific="" species="" managed="" within="" the="" region.="" for="" geese,="" tribal="" members="" are="" proposed="" to="" be="" allowed="" to="" hunt="" from="" september="" 15,="" 1999,="" through="" february="" 1,="" 2000.="" non-tribal="" hunters="" would="" be="" allowed="" the="" longest="" season="" and="" the="" latest="" closing="" date="" permitted="" for="" the="" state="" of="" washington="" under="" final="" federal="" frameworks.="" for="" tribal="" hunters,="" the="" goose="" daily="" bag="" and="" possession="" limits="" would="" be="" 6="" and="" 12,="" respectively,="" except="" that="" the="" bag="" limits="" for="" brant,="" cackling="" canada="" geese="" and="" dusky="" canada="" geese="" would="" be="" those="" established="" for="" the="" pacific="" flyway="" in="" accordance="" with="" final="" federal="" frameworks.="" for="" non-tribal="" hunters="" hunting="" on="" reservation="" lands,="" the="" daily="" bag="" and="" possession="" limits="" would="" be="" those="" established="" in="" accordance="" with="" final="" federal="" frameworks="" for="" the="" state="" of="" washington.="" the="" tulalip="" tribes="" also="" set="" a="" maximum="" annual="" bag="" limit="" on="" ducks="" and="" geese="" for="" those="" tribal="" members="" who="" engage="" in="" subsistence="" hunting.="" all="" hunters="" on="" tulalip="" tribal="" lands="" are="" required="" to="" adhere="" to="" shooting="" hour="" regulations="" set="" at="" one-half="" hour="" before="" sunrise="" to="" sunset,="" special="" tribal="" permit="" requirements,="" and="" a="" number="" of="" other="" tribal="" regulations="" enforced="" by="" the="" tribe.="" non-tribal="" hunters="" sixteen="" years="" of="" age="" and="" older,="" hunting="" pursuant="" to="" tulalip="" tribes'="" ordinance="" no.="" 67,="" must="" possess="" a="" valid="" federal="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" and="" conservation="" stamp="" and="" a="" valid="" state="" of="" washington="" migratory="" waterfowl="" stamp.="" both="" stamps="" must="" be="" validated="" by="" signing="" across="" the="" face.="" although="" the="" season="" length="" requested="" by="" the="" tulalip="" tribes="" appears="" to="" be="" quite="" liberal,="" harvest="" information="" indicates="" a="" total="" take="" by="" tribal="" and="" non-tribal="" hunters="" under="" 1,000="" ducks="" and="" 500="" geese,="" annually.="" we="" propose="" approval="" of="" the="" tulalip="" tribes="" request="" for="" the="" above="" seasons.="" we="" request="" that="" harvest="" be="" monitored="" closely="" and="" regulations="" be="" reevaluated="" [[page="" 44393]]="" for="" future="" years="" if="" harvest="" becomes="" too="" great="" in="" relation="" to="" population="" numbers.="" (t)="" white="" earth="" band="" of="" chippewa,="" white="" earth,="" minnesota="" (tribal="" members="" only)="" the="" white="" earth="" band="" of="" chippewa="" is="" a="" federally="" recognized="" tribe="" located="" in="" northwest="" minnesota="" and="" encompasses="" all="" of="" mahnomen="" county="" and="" parts="" of="" becker="" and="" clearwater="" counties.="" the="" reservation="" employs="" conservation="" officers="" to="" enforce="" conservation="" regulations.="" for="" the="" first="" time="" in="" the="" 1999-2000="" season,="" the="" tribe="" proposes="" to="" establish="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" seasons="" on="" reservation="" lands.="" in="" a="" july="" 28,="" 1999,="" letter,="" the="" tribe="" proposed="" a="" duck,="" merganser,="" and="" coot="" season="" of="" september="" 18="" to="" november="" 30,="" 1999.="" the="" daily="" bag="" limit="" of="" 7="" would="" include="" no="" more="" than="" 2="" mallards="" and="" 1="" canvasback="" through="" september="" 24="" and="" no="" more="" than="" 2="" hen="" mallards="" and="" 2="" canvasbacks="" through="" the="" remainder="" of="" the="" season.="" the="" merganser="" daily="" bag="" limit="" would="" be="" 5="" with="" no="" more="" than="" 2="" hooded="" mergansers,="" and="" the="" coot="" daily="" bag="" limit="" would="" be="" 20.="" for="" geese,="" the="" tribe="" proposes="" a="" september="" 1="" to="" november="" 30,="" 1999,="" season="" with="" a="" daily="" bag="" limit="" of="" 5="" geese.="" for="" dove,="" rail,="" woodcock,="" and="" snipe,="" the="" tribe="" proposes="" a="" september="" 11="" to="" december="" 1,="" 1999,="" season="" with="" daily="" bag="" limits="" of="" 25="" rails,="" 10="" snipe,="" 10="" woodcock,="" and="" 25="" doves.="" shooting="" hours="" are="" one-half="" hour="" before="" sunrise="" to="" one-half="" hour="" after="" sunset.="" non-toxic="" shot="" is="" required.="" based="" on="" past="" harvest="" surveys,="" the="" tribe="" expects="" a="" harvest="" of="" less="" than="" 500="" canada="" geese="" and="" 1000="" ducks.="" we="" propose="" to="" approve="" the="" white="" earth="" band="" of="" chippewa's="" requested="" 1999-2000="" special="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" regulations.="" (u)="" white="" mountain="" apache="" tribe,="" fort="" apache="" indian="" reservation,="" whiteriver,="" arizona="" (tribal="" members="" and="" non-tribal="" hunters)="" the="" white="" mountain="" apache="" tribe="" owns="" all="" reservation="" lands,="" and="" the="" tribe="" has="" recognized="" full="" wildlife="" management="" authority.="" the="" white="" mountain="" apache="" tribe="" has="" requested="" regulations="" that="" are="" essentially="" unchanged="" from="" those="" agreed="" to="" since="" the="" 1997-98="" hunting="" year.="" the="" hunting="" zone="" for="" waterfowl="" is="" restricted="" and="" is="" described="" as:="" the="" entire="" length="" of="" the="" black="" and="" salt="" rivers="" forming="" the="" southern="" boundary="" of="" the="" reservation;="" the="" white="" river,="" extending="" from="" the="" canyon="" day="" stockman="" station="" to="" the="" salt="" river;="" and="" all="" stock="" ponds="" located="" within="" wildlife="" management="" units="" 4,="" 6="" and="" 7.="" tanks="" located="" below="" the="" mogollon="" rim,="" within="" wildlife="" management="" units="" 2="" and="" 3="" will="" be="" open="" to="" waterfowl="" hunting="" during="" the="" 1999-2000="" season.="" all="" other="" waters="" of="" the="" reservation="" would="" be="" closed="" to="" waterfowl="" hunting="" for="" the="" 1999-2000="" season.="" for="" non-tribal="" and="" tribal="" hunters,="" the="" tribe="" proposes="" a="" continuous="" duck,="" coot,="" merganser,="" gallinule="" and="" moorhen="" hunting="" season,="" with="" an="" opening="" date="" of="" october="" 23,="" 1999,="" and="" a="" closing="" date="" of="" january="" 17,="" 2000.="" the="" tribe="" proposes="" a="" daily="" duck="" (including="" mergansers)="" bag="" limit="" of="" 4,="" which="" may="" include="" no="" more="" than="" 2="" redheads="" or="" 1="" canvasback="" and="" 1="" redhead,="" 1="" pintail,="" and="" 3="" mallards="" (including="" no="" more="" than="" 1="" hen="" mallard).="" the="" daily="" bag="" limit="" for="" coots,="" gallinules="" and="" moorhens="" would="" be="" 25="" singly,="" or="" in="" the="" aggregate.="" for="" geese,="" the="" season="" is="" proposing="" a="" season="" from="" october="" 23,="" 1999,="" through="" january="" 17,="" 2000.="" hunting="" would="" be="" limited="" to="" canada="" geese,="" and="" the="" daily="" bag="" limit="" would="" be="" 3.="" season="" dates="" for="" band-tailed="" pigeons="" and="" mourning="" doves="" would="" run="" concurrently="" from="" september="" 1="" through="" september="" 12,="" 1999,="" in="" wildlife="" management="" units="" 7="" and="" 10,="" only.="" proposed="" daily="" bag="" limits="" for="" band-="" tailed="" pigeons="" and="" mourning="" doves="" would="" be="" 3="" and="" 8,="" respectively.="" possession="" limits="" for="" the="" above="" species="" are="" twice="" the="" daily="" bag="" limits.="" shooting="" hours="" would="" be="" from="" one-half="" hour="" before="" sunrise="" to="" sunset.="" there="" would="" be="" no="" open="" season="" for="" sandhill="" cranes,="" rails="" and="" snipe="" on="" the="" white="" mountain="" apache="" lands="" under="" this="" proposal.="" a="" number="" of="" special="" regulations="" apply="" to="" tribal="" and="" non-tribal="" hunters,="" which="" may="" be="" obtained="" from="" the="" white="" mountain="" apache="" tribe="" game="" and="" fish="" department.="" we="" propose="" to="" approve="" the="" regulations="" requested="" by="" the="" tribe="" for="" the="" 1999-2000="" seasons.="" (v)="" yankton="" sioux="" tribe,="" marty,="" south="" dakota="" (tribal="" members="" and="" non-="" tribal="" hunters)="" on="" may="" 25,="" 1999,="" the="" yankton="" sioux="" tribe="" submitted="" a="" waterfowl="" hunting="" proposal="" for="" the="" 1999-2000="" season.="" the="" yankton="" sioux="" tribal="" waterfowl="" hunting="" season="" would="" be="" open="" to="" both="" tribal="" members="" and="" non-="" tribal="" hunters.="" the="" waterfowl="" hunting="" regulations="" would="" apply="" to="" tribal="" and="" trust="" lands="" within="" the="" external="" boundaries="" of="" the="" reservation.="" for="" duck="" (including="" mergansers)="" and="" coots,="" the="" yankton="" sioux="" tribe="" proposes="" a="" season="" starting="" october="" 9,="" 1999,="" and="" running="" for="" the="" maximum="" amount="" of="" days="" allowed="" under="" the="" final="" federal="" frameworks.="" daily="" bag="" and="" possession="" limits="" would="" be="" the="" same="" as="" those="" adopted="" by="" the="" state="" of="" south="" dakota.="" for="" geese,="" the="" tribe="" has="" requested="" a="" dark="" geese="" (canada="" geese,="" brant,="" white-fronts)="" season="" starting="" october="" 30,="" 1999,="" and="" running="" for="" the="" maximum="" amount="" of="" days="" allowed="" under="" the="" final="" federal="" frameworks.="" the="" daily="" bag="" limit="" would="" be="" 3="" geese="" (including="" no="" more="" than="" 1="" whitefront="" or="" brant).="" possession="" limits="" would="" be="" twice="" the="" daily="" bag="" limit.="" for="" snow="" geese,="" the="" proposed="" hunting="" season="" would="" start="" october="" 30,="" 1999,="" and="" running="" for="" the="" maximum="" amount="" of="" days="" allowed="" under="" the="" final="" federal="" frameworks.="" daily="" bag="" and="" possession="" limits="" would="" be="" the="" same="" as="" those="" adopted="" by="" the="" state="" of="" south="" dakota.="" all="" hunters="" would="" have="" to="" be="" in="" possession="" of="" a="" valid="" tribal="" license="" while="" hunting="" on="" yankton="" sioux="" trust="" lands.="" tribal="" and="" non-="" tribal="" hunters="" must="" comply="" with="" all="" basic="" federal="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" regulations="" in="" 50="" cfr="" part="" 20,="" pertaining="" to="" shooting="" hours="" and="" the="" manner="" of="" taking.="" special="" regulations="" established="" by="" the="" yankton="" sioux="" tribe="" also="" apply="" on="" the="" reservation.="" during="" the="" 1998-99="" hunting="" season,="" the="" tribe="" reported="" that="" 83="" non-="" tribal="" hunters="" took="" 350="" canada="" geese,="" 40="" snow="" geese,="" and="" 70="" ducks.="" tribal="" members="" harvested="" less="" than="" 75="" geese="" and="" 40="" ducks.="" we="" concur="" with="" the="" yankton="" sioux="" proposal="" for="" the="" 1999-2000="" hunting="" season.="" public="" comment="" invited="" we="" intend="" that="" adopted="" final="" rules="" be="" as="" responsive="" as="" possible="" to="" all="" concerned="" interests,="" and="" therefore="" desire="" to="" obtain="" the="" comments="" and="" suggestions="" of="" the="" public,="" other="" governmental="" agencies,="" non-="" governmental="" organizations,="" and="" other="" private="" interests="" on="" these="" proposals.="" however,="" special="" circumstances="" are="" involved="" in="" the="" establishment="" of="" these="" regulations="" which="" limit="" the="" amount="" of="" time="" that="" we="" 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,="" we="" believe="" that="" to="" allow="" comment="" periods="" past="" the="" dates="" specified="" is="" contrary="" to="" the="" public="" interest.="" the="" department="" of="" the="" interior's="" policy="" is,="" whenever="" practicable,="" to="" afford="" the="" public="" an="" opportunity="" to="" [[page="" 44394]]="" participate="" in="" the="" rulemaking="" process.="" accordingly,="" we="" invite="" interested="" persons="" to="" submit="" written="" comments,="" suggestions,="" or="" recommendations="" regarding="" the="" proposed="" regulations.="" before="" promulgation="" of="" final="" migratory="" game="" bird="" hunting="" regulations,="" we="" will="" take="" into="" consideration="" all="" comments="" received.="" such="" comments,="" and="" any="" additional="" information="" received,="" may="" lead="" to="" final="" regulations="" that="" differ="" from="" these="" proposals.="" we="" invite="" interested="" persons="" to="" participate="" in="" this="" rulemaking="" by="" submitting="" written="" comments="" to="" the="" address="" indicated="" under="" the="" caption="" addresses.="" you="" may="" inspect="" comments="" received="" on="" the="" proposed="" annual="" regulations="" during="" normal="" business="" hours="" at="" the="" service's="" office="" in="" room="" 634,="" 4401="" north="" fairfax="" drive,="" arlington,="" virginia.="" for="" each="" series="" of="" proposed="" rulemakings,="" we="" will="" establish="" specific="" comment="" periods.="" we="" will="" consider,="" but="" possibly="" may="" not="" respond="" in="" detail="" to,="" each="" comment.="" as="" in="" the="" past,="" we="" will="" summarize="" all="" comments="" received="" during="" the="" comment="" period="" and="" respond="" to="" them="" after="" the="" closing="" date.="" public="" comments="" received="" we="" received="" two="" comments="" regarding="" the="" notice="" of="" intent="" published="" on="" may="" 3,="" 1999,="" which="" announced="" rulemaking="" on="" regulations="" for="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" by="" american="" indian="" tribal="" members.="" the="" wisconsin="" department="" of="" natural="" resources="" (wisconsin)="" commented="" on="" the="" glifwc's="" proposal.="" wisconsin="" had="" no="" objections="" to="" the="" proposed="" duck="" or="" goose="" season="" dates="" and="" bag="" limits.="" wisconsin="" requested="" that="" tribal="" members="" honor="" the="" noon="" opening="" for="" shooting="" hours="" for="" the="" first="" day="" of="" the="" state's="" duck="" season="" and="" comply="" with="" the="" state's="" open="" water="" hunting="" restrictions.="" the="" michigan="" department="" of="" natural="" resources="" commented="" on="" the="" establishment="" of="" tribal="" regulations="" on="" 1836="" treaty="" areas.="" michigan="" believed="" it="" was="" premature="" of="" the="" service="" to="" establish="" waterfowl="" regulations="" in="" areas="" covered="" by="" the="" 1835="" treaty="" until="" such="" time="" as="" the="" issue="" of="" 1836="" treaty="" hunting="" rights="" are="" affirmed="" by="" a="" court="" of="" competent="" jurisdiction.="" service="" response:="" our="" position="" is="" that="" the="" federal="" government="" does="" recognize="" the="" treaty="" of="" 1836="" as="" reserving="" to="" the="" affected="" tribes="" or="" bands="" hunting="" rights="" in="" the="" ceded="" territory.="" further,="" the="" federal="" courts="" have="" already="" confirmed="" the="" retention="" of="" reserved="" fishing="" rights="" in="" the="" territory="" ceded="" by="" the="" treaty="" of="" 1836="" in="" united="" states="" v.="" michigan,="" 471="" f.supp.="" 192="" (w.d.="" mich.="" 1979),="" remanded,="" 623="" f.2d="" 448="" (6th="" cir.="" 1980),="" order="" modified,="" 653="" f.2d="" 277="" (6th="" cir.="" 1981),="" cert.="" denied,="" 454="" u.s.="" 1124="" (1981).="" that="" case="" and="" cases="" dealing="" with="" other="" treaty="" cessions,="" such="" as="" lac="" courte="" oreilles="" v.="" wisconsin="" (i.e.,="" both="" the="" 1837="" and="" the="" 1842="" treaties),="" provide="" persuasive="" precedent="" for="" the="" belief="" that="" hunting="" as="" well="" as="" fishing="" rights="" were="" reserved="" by="" the="" tribes="" in="" the="" treaty="" of="" 1836.="" we="" have="" not="" altered="" our="" position="" on="" this="" matter.="" nepa="" consideration="" pursuant="" to="" the="" requirements="" of="" section="" 102(2)(c)="" of="" the="" national="" environmental="" policy="" act="" of="" 1969="" (42="" u.s.c.="" 4332(c)),="" the="" ``final="" environmental="" statement="" for="" the="" issuance="" of="" annual="" regulations="" permitting="" the="" sport="" hunting="" of="" migratory="" birds="" (fes-75-74)''="" was="" filed="" with="" the="" council="" on="" environmental="" quality="" on="" june="" 6,="" 1975,="" and="" notice="" of="" availability="" was="" published="" in="" the="" federal="" register="" on="" june="" 13,="" 1975,="" (40="" fr="" 25241).="" a="" supplement="" to="" the="" final="" environmental="" statement,="" the="" ``final="" supplemental="" environmental="" impact="" statement:="" issuance="" of="" annual="" regulations="" permitting="" the="" sport="" hunting="" of="" migratory="" birds="" (seis="" 88-="" 14)''="" was="" filed="" on="" june="" 9,="" 1988,="" and="" notice="" of="" availability="" was="" published="" in="" the="" federal="" register="" on="" june="" 16,="" 1988="" (53="" fr="" 22582),="" and="" june="" 17,="" 1988="" (53="" fr="" 22727).="" copies="" of="" these="" documents="" are="" available="" from="" us="" at="" the="" address="" indicated="" under="" the="" caption="" addresses.="" in="" addition,="" an="" august="" 1985="" environmental="" assessment="" titled="" ``guidelines="" for="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" regulations="" on="" federal="" indian="" reservations="" and="" ceded="" lands''="" is="" available="" from="" the="" same="" address.="" endangered="" species="" act="" considerations="" prior="" to="" issuance="" of="" the="" 1999-2000="" migratory="" game="" bird="" hunting="" regulations,="" we="" will="" consider="" provisions="" of="" the="" endangered="" species="" act="" of="" 1973,="" as="" amended="" (16="" u.s.c.="" 1531-1543;="" hereinafter="" the="" act)="" to="" ensure="" that="" hunting="" is="" not="" likely="" to="" jeopardize="" the="" continued="" existence="" of="" any="" species="" designated="" as="" endangered="" or="" threatened="" or="" modify="" or="" destroy="" its="" critical="" habitat="" and="" that="" the="" proposed="" action="" is="" consistent="" with="" conservation="" programs="" for="" those="" species.="" consultations="" under="" section="" 7="" of="" this="" act="" may="" cause="" us="" to="" change="" proposals="" in="" this="" and="" future="" supplemental="" proposed="" rulemakings.="" we="" will="" include="" findings="" from="" these="" consultations="" in="" a="" biological="" opinion="" and="" may="" cause="" modification="" of="" some="" regulatory="" measures="" proposed="" in="" this="" document.="" the="" final="" rule="" will="" reflect="" any="" modifications.="" our="" biological="" opinion="" resulting="" from="" its="" section="" 7="" consultation="" are="" public="" documents="" available="" for="" public="" inspection="" in="" the="" service's="" division="" of="" endangered="" species="" and="" office="" of="" migratory="" bird="" management,="" u.s.="" fish="" and="" wildlife="" service,="" at="" the="" address="" indicated="" under="" the="" caption="" addresses.="" regulatory="" flexibility="" act="" these="" regulations="" have="" a="" significant="" economic="" impact="" on="" substantial="" numbers="" of="" small="" entities="" under="" the="" regulatory="" flexibility="" act="" (5="" u.s.c.="" 601="" et="" seq.).="" we="" analyzed="" the="" economic="" impacts="" of="" the="" annual="" hunting="" regulations="" on="" small="" business="" entities="" in="" detail="" and="" issued="" a="" small="" entity="" flexibility="" analysis="" (analysis)="" in="" 1998.="" the="" analysis="" documented="" the="" significant="" beneficial="" economic="" effect="" on="" a="" substantial="" number="" of="" small="" entities.="" the="" primary="" source="" of="" information="" about="" hunter="" expenditures="" for="" migratory="" game="" bird="" hunting="" is="" the="" national="" hunting="" and="" fishing="" survey,="" which="" is="" conducted="" at="" 5-year="" intervals.="" the="" analysis="" was="" based="" on="" the="" 1996="" national="" hunting="" and="" fishing="" survey="" and="" the="" u.s.="" department="" of="" commerce's="" county="" business="" patterns="" from="" which="" it="" was="" estimated="" that="" migratory="" bird="" hunters="" would="" spend="" between="" $429="" and="" $1,084="" million="" at="" small="" businesses="" in="" 1998.="" copies="" of="" the="" analysis="" are="" available="" upon="" request.="" executive="" order="" (e.o.)="" 12866="" while="" this="" individual="" supplemental="" rule="" was="" not="" reviewed="" by="" the="" office="" of="" management="" and="" budget="" (omb),="" the="" migratory="" bird="" hunting="" regulations="" are="" economically="" significant="" and="" are="" annually="" reviewed="" by="" omb="" under="" e.o.="" 12866.="" e.o.="" 12866="" requires="" each="" agency="" to="" write="" regulations="" that="" are="" easy="" to="" understand.="" we="" invite="" comments="" on="" how="" to="" make="" this="" rule="" easier="" to="" understand,="" including="" answers="" to="" questions="" such="" as="" the="" following:="" (1)="" are="" the="" requirements="" in="" the="" rule="" clearly="" stated?="" (2)="" does="" the="" rule="" contain="" technical="" language="" or="" jargon="" that="" interferes="" with="" its="" clarity?="" (3)="" does="" the="" format="" of="" the="" rule="" (grouping="" and="" order="" of="" sections,="" use="" of="" headings,="" paragraphing,="" etc.)="" aid="" or="" reduce="" its="" clarity?="" (4)="" would="" the="" rule="" be="" easier="" to="" understand="" if="" it="" were="" divided="" into="" more="" (but="" shorter)="" sections?="" (5)="" is="" the="" description="" of="" the="" rule="" in="" the="" ``supplementary="" information''="" section="" of="" the="" preamble="" helpful="" in="" understanding="" the="" rule?="" what="" else="" could="" we="" do="" to="" make="" the="" rule="" easier="" to="" understand?="" small="" business="" regulatory="" enforcement="" fairness="" act="" this="" rule="" is="" a="" major="" rule="" under="" 5="" u.s.c.="" 804(2),="" the="" small="" business="" regulatory="" enforcement="" fairness="" act.="" [[page="" 44395]]="" for="" the="" reasons="" outlined="" above,="" this="" rule="" has="" an="" annual="" effect="" on="" the="" economy="" of="" $100="" million="" or="" more.="" however,="" because="" this="" rule="" establishes="" hunting="" seasons,="" we="" do="" not="" plan="" to="" defer="" the="" effective="" date="" under="" the="" exemption="" contained="" in="" 5="" u.s.c.="" 808(1).="" paperwork="" reduction="" act="" we="" examined="" these="" regulations="" under="" the="" paperwork="" reduction="" act="" of="" 1995.="" we="" utilize="" the="" various="" recordkeeping="" and="" reporting="" requirements="" imposed="" under="" regulations="" established="" in="" 50="" cfr="" part="" 20,="" subpart="" k,="" in="" the="" formulation="" of="" migratory="" game="" bird="" hunting="" regulations.="" specifically,="" omb="" has="" approved="" the="" information="" collection="" requirements="" of="" the="" migratory="" bird="" harvest="" information="" program="" and="" assigned="" clearance="" number="" 1018-0015="" (expires="" 9/30/2001).="" this="" information="" is="" used="" to="" provide="" a="" sampling="" frame="" for="" voluntary="" national="" surveys="" to="" improve="" our="" harvest="" estimates="" for="" all="" migratory="" game="" birds="" in="" order="" to="" better="" manage="" these="" populations.="" omb="" has="" also="" approved="" the="" information="" collection="" requirements="" of="" the="" sandhill="" crane="" harvest="" questionnaire="" and="" assigned="" clearance="" number="" 1018-0023="" (expires="" 9/30/2000).="" the="" information="" from="" this="" survey="" is="" used="" to="" estimate="" the="" magnitude,="" the="" geographical="" and="" temporal="" distribution="" of="" harvest,="" and="" the="" portion="" it="" constitutes="" of="" the="" total="" population.="" a="" federal="" agency="" may="" not="" conduct="" or="" sponsor,="" and="" a="" person="" is="" not="" required="" to="" respond="" to,="" a="" collection="" of="" information="" unless="" it="" displays="" a="" currently="" valid="" omb="" control="" number.="" unfunded="" mandates="" reform="" act="" we="" have="" determined="" and="" certify,="" in="" compliance="" with="" the="" requirements="" of="" the="" unfunded="" mandates="" act,="" 2="" u.s.c.="" 1502="" et="" seq.,="" that="" this="" rulemaking="" will="" not="" impose="" a="" cost="" of="" $100="" million="" or="" more="" in="" any="" given="" year="" on="" local="" or="" state="" government="" or="" private="" entities.="" civil="" justice="" reform--executive="" order="" 12988="" the="" department,="" in="" promulgating="" this="" proposed="" rule,="" has="" determined="" that="" these="" regulations="" meet="" the="" applicable="" standards="" provided="" in="" sections="" 3(a)="" and="" 3(b)(2)="" of="" executive="" order="" 12988.="" taking="" implication="" assessment="" in="" accordance="" with="" executive="" order="" 12630,="" these="" rules,="" authorized="" by="" the="" migratory="" bird="" treaty="" act,="" do="" not="" have="" significant="" takings="" implications="" and="" do="" not="" affect="" any="" constitutionally="" protected="" property="" rights.="" these="" rules="" will="" not="" result="" in="" the="" physical="" occupancy="" of="" property,="" the="" physical="" invasion="" of="" property,="" or="" the="" regulatory="" taking="" of="" any="" property.="" in="" fact,="" these="" rules="" allow="" hunters="" to="" exercise="" privileges="" that="" would="" be="" otherwise="" unavailable;="" and,="" therefore,="" reduce="" restrictions="" on="" the="" use="" of="" private="" and="" public="" property.="" federalism="" effects="" due="" to="" the="" migratory="" nature="" of="" certain="" species="" of="" birds,="" the="" federal="" government="" has="" been="" given="" responsibility="" over="" these="" species="" by="" the="" migratory="" bird="" treaty="" act.="" we="" annually="" prescribe="" frameworks="" from="" which="" the="" states="" make="" selections="" and="" employ="" guidelines="" to="" establish="" special="" regulations="" on="" federal="" indian="" reservations="" and="" ceded="" lands.="" this="" process="" preserves="" the="" ability="" of="" the="" states="" and="" tribes="" to="" determine="" which="" seasons="" meet="" their="" individual="" needs.="" any="" state="" or="" tribe="" may="" be="" more="" restrictive="" than="" the="" federal="" frameworks="" at="" any="" time.="" the="" frameworks="" are="" developed="" in="" a="" cooperative="" process="" with="" the="" states="" and="" the="" flyway="" councils.="" this="" allows="" states="" to="" participate="" in="" the="" development="" of="" frameworks="" from="" which="" they="" will="" make="" selections,="" thereby="" having="" an="" influence="" on="" their="" own="" regulations.="" these="" rules="" do="" not="" have="" a="" substantial="" direct="" effect="" on="" fiscal="" capacity,="" change="" the="" roles="" or="" responsibilities="" of="" federal="" or="" state="" governments,="" or="" intrude="" on="" state="" policy="" or="" administration.="" therefore,="" in="" accordance="" with="" executive="" order="" 12612,="" these="" regulations="" do="" not="" have="" significant="" federalism="" effects="" and="" do="" not="" have="" sufficient="" federalism="" implications="" to="" warrant="" the="" preparation="" of="" a="" federalism="" assessment.="" government-to-government="" relationship="" with="" tribes="" due="" to="" the="" migratory="" nature="" of="" certain="" species="" of="" birds,="" the="" federal="" government="" has="" been="" given="" responsibility="" over="" these="" species="" by="" the="" migratory="" bird="" treaty="" act.="" thus,="" 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="" on="" indian="" trust="" resources.="" however,="" by="" virtue="" of="" the="" tribal="" proposals="" contained="" in="" this="" proposed="" rule,="" we="" have="" consulted="" with="" all="" the="" tribes="" affected="" by="" this="" rule.="" list="" of="" subjects="" in="" 50="" cfr="" part="" 20="" exports,="" hunting,="" imports,="" reporting="" and="" recordkeeping="" requirements,="" transportation,="" wildlife.="" based="" on="" the="" results="" of="" soon="" to="" be="" completed="" migratory="" game="" bird="" studies,="" and="" having="" due="" consideration="" for="" any="" data="" or="" views="" submitted="" by="" interested="" parties,="" this="" proposed="" rulemaking="" may="" result="" in="" the="" adoption="" of="" special="" hunting="" regulations="" for="" migratory="" birds="" beginning="" as="" early="" as="" september="" 1,="" 1999,="" on="" certain="" federal="" indian="" reservations,="" off-reservation="" trust="" lands,="" and="" ceded="" lands.="" taking="" into="" account="" both="" reserved="" hunting="" rights="" and="" the="" degree="" to="" which="" tribes="" have="" full="" wildlife="" management="" authority,="" the="" regulations="" only="" for="" tribal="" members="" or="" for="" both="" tribal="" and="" non-tribal="" members="" may="" differ="" from="" those="" established="" by="" states="" in="" which="" the="" reservations,="" off-reservation="" trust="" lands,="" and="" ceded="" lands="" are="" located.="" the="" regulations="" will="" specify="" open="" seasons,="" shooting="" hours,="" and="" bag="" and="" possession="" limits="" for="" rails,="" coot,="" gallinules="" (including="" moorhen),="" woodcock,="" common="" snipe,="" band-tailed="" pigeons,="" mourning="" doves,="" white-winged="" doves,="" ducks="" (including="" mergansers)="" and="" geese.="" the="" rules="" that="" eventually="" will="" be="" promulgated="" for="" the="" 1999-2000="" hunting="" season="" are="" authorized="" under="" the="" migratory="" bird="" treaty="" act="" (mbta)="" of="" july="" 3,="" 1918="" (40="" stat.="" 755;="" 16="" u.s.c.="" 703="" et="" seq.),="" as="" amended.="" the="" mbta="" authorizes="" and="" directs="" the="" secretary="" of="" the="" interior,="" having="" due="" regard="" for="" the="" zones="" of="" temperature="" and="" for="" the="" distribution,="" abundance,="" economic="" value,="" breeding="" habits,="" and="" times="" and="" lines="" of="" flight="" of="" migratory="" game="" birds,="" to="" determine="" when,="" to="" what="" extent,="" and="" by="" what="" means="" such="" birds="" or="" any="" part,="" nest="" or="" egg="" thereof="" may="" be="" taken,="" hunted,="" captured,="" killed,="" possessed,="" sold,="" purchased,="" shipped,="" carried,="" exported="" or="" transported.="" dated:="" august="" 9,="" 1999.="" donald="" barry,="" assistant="" secretary="" for="" fish="" and="" wildlife="" and="" parks.="" [fr="" doc.="" 99-20963="" filed="" 8-12-99;="" 8:45="" am]="" billing="" code="" 4310-55-p="">