[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 158 (Wednesday, August 17, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-20192]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: August 17, 1994]
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Part IX
Department of the Interior
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Fish and Wildlife Service
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50 CFR Part 20
Migratory Bird Hunting; Final Frameworks for Early-Season Migratory
Bird Hunting Regulations; Final Rule
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 20
RIN 1018-AA24
Migratory Bird Hunting; Final Frameworks for Early-Season
Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This rule prescribes final early-season frameworks from which
States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands may select season dates,
limits, and other options for the 1994-95 migratory bird hunting
season. These early seasons may open prior to October 1, 1994. The
effect of this final rule is to facilitate the selection of hunting
seasons by the States and Territories to further the annual
establishment of the early-season migratory bird hunting regulations.
These selections will be published in the Federal Register as
amendments to Secs. 20.101 through 20.107, and Sec. 20.109 of title 50
CFR part 20.
EFFECTIVE DATE: This rule takes effect on August 17, 1994.
ADDRESSES: Season selections from States and Territories are to be
mailed to: Chief, Office of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, ms 634--ARLSQ, 1849 C
Street, NW., Washington, DC 20240. Comments received are available for
public inspection during normal business hours in room 634, Arlington
Square Building, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul R. Schmidt, Chief, Office of
Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department
of the Interior, ms 634--ARLSQ, NW., 1849 C Street, Washington, DC
20240, (703) 358-1714.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Regulations Schedule for 1994
On April 7, 1994, the Service published for public comment in the
Federal Register (59 FR 16762) a proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20, with
comment periods ending July 21, 1994, for early-season proposals and
August 29, 1994, for late-season proposals. On June 8, 1994, the
Service published for public comment a second document (59 FR 29700)
which provided supplemental proposals for early- and late-season
migratory bird hunting regulations frameworks.
On June 23, 1994, a public hearing was held in Washington, DC, as
announced in the April 7 and June 8 Federal Registers to review the
status of migratory shore and upland game birds. Proposed hunting
regulations were discussed for those species and for other early
seasons.
On July 12, 1994, the Service published in the Federal Register (59
FR 35566) a third document in the series of proposed, supplemental, and
final rulemaking documents which dealt specifically with proposed
early-season frameworks for the 1994-95 season. This rulemaking is the
fourth in the series, and establishes final frameworks for early-season
migratory bird hunting regulations for the 1994-95 season.
Review of Public Comments and the Service's Response
As of July 25, 1994, the Service had received 36 written comments;
28 of these specifically addressed early-season issues. The Service
also received recommendations from all four Flyway Councils. Early-
season comments are summarized and discussed in the order used in the
April 7 Federal Register. Only the numbered items pertaining to early
seasons for which comments were received are included.
General
Written Comments: The Humane Society of the United States
recommended that all seasons open at noon, mid-week, to reduce the
large kills associated with the traditional Saturday openings. They
recommend special seasons be discontinued for the same purpose. One
individual from California suggested that the waterfowl bag limits and
seasons should be established on a flyway basis. Two local sportsmen's
organization from Massachusetts requested that shooting hours remain
one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
1. Ducks
The categories used to discuss issues related to duck harvest
management are as follows: (A) General Harvest Strategy, (B) Framework
Dates, (C) Season Length, (D) Closed Seasons, (E) Bag Limits, (F) Zones
and Split Seasons, and (G) Special Seasons/Species Management. Only
those categories containing substantial recommendations are included
below.
G. Special Seasons/Species Management
i. September Teal Seasons
Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended
that September teal season shooting hours begin one-half hour before
sunrise to sunset without further evaluation for all non-production
Central Flyway States.
The Central Flyway Council recommended that the Service review the
guidelines for establishing a September teal season for any new
requests for seasons.
The Upper-Region and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the
Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that Michigan be permitted to
hold an experimental September teal season in southeastern portions of
the State.
The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway
Council requested that September teal season shooting hours beginning
one-half hour before sunrise be made operational and that no further
evaluation of shooting hours be required.
Written Comments: An individual representing a group of duck
hunters from Wisconsin expressed concern that some States with a
September teal season are allowed shooting hours that begin one-half
hour before sunrise. He believes that hunters are unable to identify
ducks and that most crippling loss occurs prior to sunrise.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources requested that
Michigan be allowed to conduct a teal season in areas where teal
concentrate. They proposed limiting the season to no more than 2,000
hunters and believed that hunters' skills at identifying waterfowl are
better now than they were during initial evaluations of teal seasons in
the 1960's. Four individuals from Michigan supported the proposed
September teal season for portions of Michigan.
Service Response: Breeding population information for 1994 and
harvest and band-recovery information from the 1993-94 waterfowl season
indicate that a September teal season can be offered to nonproduction
States of the Central and Mississippi Flyways in 1994.
During their 1993-94 teal seasons, the States of Colorado, Kansas,
New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas in the Central flyway and Alabama,
Louisiana, and Mississippi in the Mississippi Flyway participated in a
study that indicated that shooting hours beginning at one-half hour
before sunrise during teal seasons have a negligible impact on
nontarget duck species in those States. The Service believes the data
are sufficient to address its concern about the potential harvest of
nontarget species during the presunrise period, and will permit those
States that participated in the study to have presunrise shooting hours
during the 1994 teal season, without further evaluation. Other States
that are permitted a teal season (Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana,
Missouri, and Ohio), but did not participate in the study, must begin
shooting hours at sunrise.
The Service recognizes the value of these September teal seasons in
providing additional hunting opportunity but remains concerned about
the potential impacts of these seasons on non-target species in certain
areas. The Service strategy regarding use of teal seasons specifies
that teal seasons can be offered only to nonproduction States of the
Central and Mississippi Flyways. Because Michigan is considered a
production State and was not part of the original, comprehensive
evaluation, the Service does not support the requests for a teal
season. Although the definitions of production and nonproduction States
may need to be reviewed, the Service has stated in the August 23, 1993,
Federal Register (58 FR 44577) that it prefers a Flyway-wide approach
to assess whether expansion of teal seasons to areas beyond those
currently allowed is permissible. The Michigan proposal does not meet
this criterion. The Service also notes that such expansions would
require a reevaluation of the entire teal season, including an analysis
of information from areas currently permitted teal seasons as well as
areas into which teal seasons might be expanded.
ii. September Duck Seasons
Council Recommendations: The Upper-Region and Lower-Region
Regulations Committees of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended
that Iowa be permitted to hold a portion of their regular duck season
in September to increase harvest opportunity on blue-winged teal.
Written Comments: Several individuals and petitions with 4,697
signatures requested nine additional days of duck hunting in Wisconsin.
The request notes that the efforts of duck hunters, the Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources, Ducks Unlimited, and various
sportsmen's organizations have resulted in record levels of duck
production. The additional nine days of duck hunting would make
Wisconsin's season equal in length to certain other States in the
Mississippi Flyway that are permitted a September teal season.
Service Response: The Service previously determined in the
``Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual
Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (SEIS 88)''
that the extension of framework dates into September for Iowa's
September duck season was a type of special season. The Service further
acknowledges that the 1990 assessment of special September teal seasons
included data from Iowa's September duck season segments during 1979-
87. As such, the effects of Iowa's special seasons were taken into
account when determining the appropriateness of September teal seasons
as a harvest-management tool. Iowa's data also suggested little impact
on other duck species during this season. Therefore, the Service
believes that Iowa's September duck season segment, as conducted during
1979-87, is consistent with the Service's policy regarding the use of
special seasons. Current status information for the blue-winged teal
supports Iowa's request for a September duck season in 1994. The
Service stated in SEIS 88 that special seasons should be re-evaluated
periodically to assess potential changes in impacts to the waterfowl
resource. The Service notes that more than a decade has passed since
Iowa conducted its evaluation of this season and requests that Iowa
collect information documenting the effect of this season on other duck
species in Iowa.
Regarding the requests for additional days of duck hunting in
Wisconsin, an important consideration in the establishment of hunting
regulations is the distinction between regular hunting seasons and
special seasons. Regular seasons are developed by Flyway/management
unit, and the same season length, bag limit, etc. are provided for all
States in that Flyway/management unit. Special seasons, however,
usually involve additional harvest opportunity and are focused on a
single species or group of species. Because of this, the use of these
seasons is limited to times and areas where the species or group is
sufficiently isolated to minimize impacts on other species/groups. This
limitation increases the likelihood that in some cases a special season
or some compensating increase in other harvest opportunity cannot be
available to all States. The September teal season is an example.
Wisconsin is one of nine States in the Mississippi and Central Flyways
that are not eligible for this special season.
3. Sea Ducks
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended
that the 1994 sea duck season frameworks remain the same as the 1993-94
frameworks.
Written Comments: The Humane Society of the United States (Humane
Society) opposed this season in the Atlantic Flyway because they
believe crippling and wanton waste occur, information is insufficient
to justify a season, and available data indicate possible declines for
certain sea duck species. They believe that season length and bag
limits in the Atlantic Flyway should be reduced substantially until
more complete information on biology and population status is
available. They repeat their concern regarding seasons and limits on
sea ducks which are deemed too liberal, considering the quality and
quantity of data on population status and trends, and recommend
reductions in those regulations. The Humane Society notes that
apparently the Pacific Flyway Council has not completed a comparable
evaluation of its sea duck harvests and believes such seasons should be
closed until necessary data are obtained. Two local organizations from
Massachusetts requested a continuation of the 107-day sea duck season,
with a 7-bird bag limit to include scoters.
Service Response: The Service continues to be concerned about the
status of sea ducks and the potential impact that increased hunting
activity could have on these species. In recognition of the need for
additional information on these species, the Service prepared a report
(dated June, 1993) on sea duck and merganser hunting seasons, status,
and harvests in Alaska and the Pacific Flyway coastal states. This
document was prepared for use by the Service and the Pacific Flyway
Council in evaluating the effects of seasons on these ducks. There is
no special season on sea ducks in the Pacific Flyway; however, Alaska
has a sea duck limit that is additional to the limit on other ducks. In
the Atlantic Flyway, a report was recently completed (dated April,
1994) and distributed, describing the status of sea ducks in that
portion of the continent. Cooperative efforts are ongoing to summarize
additional information on sea ducks, however the Service continues to
emphasize the importance of completing the sea duck management plan.
Furthermore, the Service considers improvements in survey capabilities
for these species to be extremely important for future management
actions. In 1993, the Service reduced bag limits on scoters from 7 to 4
within an overall 7-bird sea duck limit. The Service will continue to
monitor these species and notes that further harvest restrictions may
be necessary.
4. Canada Geese
A. Special Seasons
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended
that West Virginia be permitted to initiate a 3-year experimental
resident Canada goose season during September 1-15.
The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended modifications to hunt zones
for September seasons on resident Canada geese in Maryland, North
Carolina, Pennsylvania (Northwestern and Southeastern Zones), and
Virginia. These proposed changes would be experimental.
The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway
Council made the following recommendations pertaining to special Canada
goose seasons:
In Indiana, expand the September season hunting area to Statewide
with a September 1-15 framework. The proposed changes would not be
experimental.
In Michigan, extend the seasons in the northern Lower Peninsula and
Upper Peninsula for 2 additional years and expand the zone in the Upper
Peninsula to approximately the eastern half of the Peninsula; change
the season length in the southern part of the Lower Peninsula from 10
to 15 days (September 1-15) for 3 years and include the southern
portions of Tuscola and Huron Counties. The proposed changes would be
experimental.
In Minnesota, expand the Fergus Falls/Alexandria Zone and extend
the framework for the 10-day season to September 1-16 for 3 years. The
proposed changes would be experimental.
In Ohio, expand the September-season hunting area to Statewide with
a September 1-15 framework. The proposed changes would not be
experimental.
In Wisconsin, enlarge the size of the Southeastern Wisconsin Zone
and continue as a special season with a September 1-13 framework. The
proposed changes would not be experimental.
The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway
Council requested that the Service closely monitor all Canada goose
seasons and fully analyze data from existing special or experimental
seasons before expanding seasons that cumulatively might increase
harvest of the Southern James Bay Population. Also, current special
seasons should adhere to present criteria designed by the Service.
The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway
Council also requested that a 3-year experimental, 10-day September
Canada goose season be permitted in the eastern portion of Tennessee.
The Pacific Flyway Council recommended that there be no change in
frameworks in the experimental goose zone in Oregon or in the
operational status in Washington. They also recommended no change in
frameworks for Wyoming.
Written Comments: The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
expressed concern that all of their special September Canada goose zone
would return to experimental status, rather than just the expanded
portion. They also indicated that they wish to delay the zone expansion
and later season dates until next year.
Service Response: The Service agrees with the proposed changes to
resident Canada goose seasons in Maryland, North Carolina,
Pennsylvania, Virginia, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and
Wisconsin and the new seasons in Tennessee and West Virginia. All of
these proposed changes are considered experimental and subject to
evaluation.
The Service notes that all of the seasons proposed in the
Mississippi Flyway, except those for Michigan, Minnesota and Tennessee,
were not proposed as experimental. The Service remains committed to
population-specific management of Canada geese. However, the Service
believes that the contribution of different goose populations to the
goose harvest during special seasons must be determined experimentally.
For this reason, the Service has established criteria for special
Canada goose seasons (58 FR 44578-44579), which clearly state the need
for experimental evaluation of new seasons, including extensions of
geographic areas or times. Therefore, the Service agrees to the changes
proposed by the Mississippi Flyway Council, but on an experimental
basis and provided an approved evaluation is conducted as specified in
the existing criteria.
B. Regular Seasons.
Council Recommendations: The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of
the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that the early-season
frameworks provide for the opening of regular goose seasons in
Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan as early as September 24.
The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway
Council requested that the Service closely monitor all Canada goose
seasons and fully analyze data from existing special or experimental
seasons before expanding seasons that cumulatively might increase
harvest of the Southern James Bay Population of Canada geese.
The Pacific Flyway Council seeks a limited resumption of cackling
Canada goose hunting throughout their range and recommends that the
Service provide an expedited review of their recommended changes in
cackling Canada goose regulations for impacts on Aleutian Canada geese
under the Section 7 consultation process.
Written Comments: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources
believes that regular goose seasons should be allowed to open as early
as September 24 in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They noted that
significant numbers of migrant geese begin arriving in the Upper
Peninsula during September 20-24 in most years. They anticipate that
harvest in this region would remain small compared to the rest of the
State. They also believe that nearly all Canada geese harvested in this
region are of the giant subspecies or the Mississippi Valley
Population. Finally, they noted that allowing a September 24 opening
would provide equitable hunting opportunity compared to other areas
because most geese leave this region by early November.
The Association of Village Council Presidents, representing Native
American interests in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta area of Alaska,
supported modest liberalizations of white-fronted goose seasons in
Alaska and Washington. However, they did not support further
liberalizations in Oregon or California, noting that liberalizations
occurred during each of the preceding years and that it was difficult
to measure the effects of these incremental changes.
Service Response: The Service concurs with the September 24 opening
of regular Canada goose seasons in Wisconsin and in Michigan's Upper
Peninsula. The Service routinely monitors Canada goose seasons for
impacts on the Southern James Bay Population through its harvest
surveys and reviews of State evaluation reports on special seasons.
The population index for cackling Canada geese was 164,300 geese in
1993, which was 10 percent above the 1992 index and the largest since
this special survey was initiated in 1979. The Service supports the
Pacific Flyway Council's recommendation for a resumption of the season
on these geese and frameworks described herein reflect that change.
Section 7 consultation is an integral part of the season-setting
process.
The population index for the Pacific Population of white-fronted
geese was 295,000 in November 1993 and near the population objective of
300,000. The Service concurs with the Association of Village Council
Presidents for increased limits on white-fronted geese in western
Alaska and frameworks, herein, reflect that change. A decision
regarding frameworks affecting white-fronted goose harvests in
Washington, Oregon, and California, however, will be deferred to the
late-season process.
9. Sandhill Cranes
Council Recommendations: The Central and Pacific Flyway Councils
recommended no changes in the Federal frameworks for the hunting of
sandhill cranes during the 1994-95 seasons.
Written Comments: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department responded
to statements in the April 7, 1994, Federal Register (59 FR 16765)
which indicated that there should be no increase or shift in crane
harvest toward the Gulf Coast Subpopulation of Mid-Continent Sandhill
Cranes and especially the greater-sandhill-crane component. They noted
that the Central Flyway Council did not propose any framework changes
for the 1994-95 seasons and asked for clarification of the reasons for
this concern, especially since the population remains stable. In this
regard, they suggested that the Service provide a harvest objective,
rationale and method of evaluation of any harvest reduction proposed.
Furthermore, the appropriate level of management should be clearly
identified, i.e. population, subpopulation, or subspecies level.
Although biologists working in Texas support management at the
population or subpopulation level, they indicated that zoning for the
hunting of cranes could not be attempted until these issues had been
resolved.
Service Response: In 1993, the Central and Pacific Flyways
completed a revision of the Cooperative Management Plan for the Mid-
Continent Population of sandhill cranes. This revision established a
goal of a stable population at levels observed during the 1982-92
period and removed the harvest threshold (25,000) that had been in
place since 1981. The Service believes that future management actions
for Mid-Continent cranes should be based on the recognition of
biologically discrete subpopulations, which would necessitate the
development of certain data collection efforts at the subspecies level.
In the April 9, 1993, Federal Register (59 FR 16765), the Service
reiterated its concern that overall harvest levels should not be
increased and that there should be no increase or shift in harvest
toward the Gulf Coast Subpopulation or to the greater sandhill crane
component. The Service supports continuation of last year's frameworks
but remains extremely concerned about possible increases or shifts in
harvest toward the Gulf Coast subpopulation, especially the greater-
sandhill-crane component. The Service considers a harvest threshold to
be an integral component of the Cooperative Management Plan for the
Mid-Continent Population and hopes that the newly-formed crane working
group, appointed by the Central Flyway Council, will strongly
reconsider the need for a harvest threshold in the development of a
harvest strategy for this population.
11. Moorhens & Gallinules
Written Comments: The Humane Society of the United States believes
the bag limits for moorhens are extremely high.
Service Response: The Service is not aware of any information
indicating that the current bag limits have had any adverse impact on
moorhen populations. Since these bag limits have been the same for a
number of years, the Service believes they are appropriate.
12. Rails
Written Comments: The Humane Society of the United States believes
that bag limits for rails are extremely high and that they are not
consistent with wise use and conservation of the resource.
Service Response: Available information indicates that harvest
pressure on rails is relatively light and there is no evidence to
suggest that the frameworks provided herein are not appropriate.
13. Snipe
Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommends no
change in frameworks.
Written Comments: The Humane Society of the United States believes
the bag limits for common snipe are extremely high.
Service Response: The Service believes that frameworks provided
herein are appropriate, considering the relatively light harvest
pressure on snipe.
14. Woodcock
Council Recommendations: The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of
the Mississippi Flyway Council requested that Tennessee be allowed to
divide the State into 2 zones (East and West) for woodcock hunting.
Service Response: The Service is concerned about the gradual long-
term declines in woodcock populations in both the Eastern and Central
management regions. Although habitat changes appear to be the primary
factor in the declines, adjustment of harvest opportunities may be
appropriate in light of current population trends. The Service will
work with the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway Councils to review the
status of woodcock and cooperatively develop a harvest-management
strategy. The Service believes that zoning has the potential to
increase the harvest of woodcock. Therefore, the Service does not
support a zoned woodcock season at a time when woodcock populations are
declining and restrictive harvest regulations are being considered to
bring harvest opportunities to levels commensurate with current
populations.
15. Band-Tailed Pigeon
Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended no
change in the band-tailed pigeon frameworks for the Pacific Coast and
Four Corners populations.
Service Response: The Service supports the continuation of seasons
on both the Coastal and Interior Populations. Regarding the Coastal
Population, the Service has reviewed recent population status and
harvest information provided by the States. This information indicates
that the Coastal Population probably numbers between 2 and 3 million
birds and that the 1993 harvest did not exceed 16,000 band-tails.
However, the Service remains concerned about the long-term decline of
this population and continues to support restrictive harvest
regulations. Again this year, all States having band-tailed pigeon
hunting seasons must require band-tailed pigeon hunters to obtain
mandatory State permits (or participate in the nationwide Migratory
Bird Harvest Information Program) to provide a sampling frame for
obtaining more precise estimates of band-tailed pigeon harvest. Those
States not participating in the Migratory Bird Harvest Information
Program will be required to conduct a harvest survey and provide the
results to the Service by June 1, 1995.
16. Mourning Doves
Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended
that Texas be allowed an increase in the number of segments from 2 to 3
in 2 of the 3 mourning dove hunting zones now offered to Texas.
The Pacific Flyway Council recommended that there be no change in
the frameworks for mourning doves.
Service Response: The Service denies the request pertaining to
Texas. In the August 23, 1993, Federal Register (58 FR 44581), the
Service noted that the proliferation of zones and split seasons is
contrary to the preferred alternative in the ``1988 Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual Regulations
Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (FSES 88-14).'' In
regard to Texas, the Service noted that no other States are allowed to
select both 3 zones and 3 splits for any species; in fact, no State
other than Texas is allowed to select 3 zones for doves. The Service
also expressed concern about the ability to detect and measure possible
changes in harvest that may result from those additional splits.
Additionally, the Service is concerned about changes in the
schedule for inclusion of States in the Harvest Information Program. It
emphasizes the need for full implementation of this program to gain
accurate harvest estimates for mourning doves and other migratory game
birds. This information is needed to evaluate changes in hunting
seasons such as the proposed change in Service policy governing zones
and splits in Texas.
17. White-winged and White-tipped doves
Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended
that the number of white-winged doves allowed in the 12-bird aggregate
bag limit during the mourning dove season be increased from 2 to 6 in
the Texas Counties of Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy.
The Pacific Flyway Council recommended no change in the frameworks.
Service Response: The Service approves the request to increase the
bag limit in Texas. The whitewing population in the four-county area of
South Texas has improved dramatically from past years and has
apparently recovered from significant population decreases due to
habitat degradation caused by drought and freezing temperatures.
18. Alaska
Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended
that Alaska be allowed no more than 1 Canada goose in the daily bag for
Unit 9E and the western portions of Unit 18. The Council also
recommended that the Statewide closure on cackling Canada geese be
removed.
The Pacific Flyway Council recommended removal of restrictive bag
limits for white-fronted geese in Units 1-9 and 14-18 in Alaska. The
goose limit would be 6 daily and 12 in possession, of which no more
than 4 daily and 8 in possession could be any combination of Canada or
white-fronted geese.
The Pacific Flyway Council recommended no change in frameworks for
tundra swans.
Written Comments: The Association of Village Council Presidents,
representing Native American interests in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta
area of Alaska, supported modest liberalizations of white-fronted goose
seasons in Alaska and Washington.
The Humane Society of the United States recommends that the opening
date for all seasons in Alaska be delayed by two weeks so that young
birds are able to leave natal marshes before being subjected to hunting
pressure.
Service Response: The Service concurs with the Pacific Flyway
Council's recommendations for one Canada goose in the daily limit in
those areas in western Alaska previously closed to protect cackling
Canada geese and agrees with eliminating the state-wide closure on
cackling Canada geese. The frameworks herein reflect those changes.
The Service supports the Association for Village Council
Presidents' recommendation for increased limits on white-fronted geese
in portions of western Alaska; and frameworks herein reflect that
change. A decision regarding seasons in Washington will be deferred
until the late-season process. It is important to note that in Alaska,
hunting pressure on migratory birds is comparatively light. Many
northern species will have migrated from the State before seasons open
there in September and there is no evidence to indicate that regulated
hunting has adversely impacted local populations.
22. Falconry
Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommends no
change in frameworks.
Written Comments: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
supported the Service policy regarding exceptions to the 3-split limit.
Service Response: The Service appreciates the support for the
frameworks contained in this document.
NEPA Consideration
NEPA considerations are covered by the programmatic document,
``Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual
Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (FSES 88-
14),'' filed with EPA on June 9, 1988. Notice of Availability was
published in the Federal Register on June 16, 1988 (53 FR 22582). The
Service's Record of Decision was published on August 18, 1988 (53 FR
31341). Copies of these documents are available from the Service at the
address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES.
Endangered Species Act Consideration
In August 1994, the Division of Endangered Species concluded that
the proposed action is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence
of listed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification
of their critical habitats. Hunting regulations are designed, among
other things, to remove or alleviate chances of conflict between
seasons for migratory game birds and the protection and conservation of
endangered and threatened species and their habitats. The Service's
biological opinions resulting from its consultation under section 7 are
considered public documents and are available for inspection in the
Division of Endangered Species and the Office of Migratory Bird
Management.
Regulatory Flexibility Act; Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 and the
Paperwork Reduction Act
In the Federal Register dated April 7, 1994 (59 FR 16762), the
Service reported measures it had undertaken to comply with requirements
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq) and
Executive Order 12866. These included preparing an Analysis of
Regulatory Effects, preparing a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis under
the Regulatory Flexibility Act, and publishing a summary of the latter.
This rule was not subject to review by the Office of Management and
Budget under Executive Order 12866. This rule does not contain any
information collection requiring approval by the Office of Management
and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3504.
Authorship
The primary author is Robert J. Blohm, Office of Migratory Bird
Management.
Regulations Promulgation
The rulemaking process for migratory bird hunting regulations must,
by its nature, operate under severe time constraints. However, the
Service is of the view that every attempt should be made to give the
public the greatest possible opportunity to comment on the regulations.
Thus, when the proposed early-season rulemaking was published on July
13, the Service established what it believed was the longest period
possible for public comment. In doing this, the Service recognized
that, at the close of the comment period, time would be of the essence.
That is, if there were a delay in the effective date of these
regulations after this final rulemaking, the Service is of the opinion
that the States would have insufficient time to select season dates and
limits; to communicate those selections to the Service; and to
establish and publicize the necessary regulations and procedures that
implement their decisions.
Therefore, the Service, under authority of the Migratory Bird
Treaty Act (July 3, 1918), as amended, (16 U.S.C. 703-712), prescribes
final frameworks setting forth the species to be hunted, the daily bag
and possession limits, the shooting hours, the season lengths, the
earliest opening and latest closing season dates, and hunting areas,
from which State and Territory conservation agency officials may select
hunting season dates and other options. Upon receipt of season and
option selections from these officials, the Service will publish in the
Federal Register a final rulemaking amending 50 CFR part 20 to reflect
seasons, limits, and shooting hours for the contiguous United States,
Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, for the 1993-94
season.
The Service therefore finds that ``good cause'' exists, within the
terms of 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) of the Administrative Procedure Act, and
these frameworks will, therefore, take effect immediately upon
publication.
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20
Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Transportation, Wildlife.
The rules that eventually will be promulgated for the 1993-94
hunting season are authorized under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (July
3, 1918), as amended, (16 U.S.C. 703-712); the Fish and Wildlife
Improvement Act (November 8, 1978), as amended, (16 U.S.C. 742); and
the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (August 8, 1956), as amended, (16
U.S.C. 742 a--j).
Dated: August 8, 1994
George. T. Frampton, Jr.
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks
Final Regulations Frameworks for 1994-95 Early Hunting Seasons on
Certain Migratory Game Birds
Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and delegated
authorities, the Director approved the following proposed frameworks
which prescribe season lengths, bag limits, shooting hours, and outside
dates within which States may select seasons for certain migratory game
birds between September 1, 1994, and March 10, 1995.
General
Dates: All outside dates noted below are inclusive.
Shooting and Hawking (taking by falconry) Hours: Unless otherwise
specified, from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset daily.
Possession Limits: Unless otherwise specified, possession limits
are twice the daily bag limit.
Area, Zone, and Unit Descriptions: Geographic descriptions that
differ from those published in the August 23, 1993, Federal Register
(58 FR 44576) are contained in a later portion of this document.
Special September Teal Season
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and September 30, an open season
on all species of teal may be selected by Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado
(Central Flyway portion only), Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico (Central Flyway portion
only), Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas in areas delineated by
State regulations.
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 9 consecutive
days, with a daily bag limit of 4 teal.
Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except in
Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Ohio, where the hours are
from sunrise to sunset.
Special September Duck Seasons
Florida: An experimental 5-consecutive-day season may be selected
in September. The daily bag limit may not exceed 4 teal and wood ducks
in the aggregate.
Kentucky and Tennessee: In lieu of a special September teal season,
an experimental 5-consecutive-day season may be selected in September.
The daily bag limit may not exceed 4 teal and wood ducks in the
aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be wood ducks.
Iowa: Iowa may hold up to 5 days of its regular duck hunting season
in September. All ducks which are legal during the regular duck season
may be taken during the September segment of the season. The September
season segment may commence no earlier than the Saturday nearest
September 20 (September 17, 1994), with daily bag and possession limits
being the same as those in effect during the 1994 regular duck season.
The remainder of the regular duck season may not begin before October
15.
Scoter, Eider, and Oldsquaw Ducks (Atlantic Flyway)
Outside Dates: Between September 15 and January 20.
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 107 days, with
a daily bag limit of 7, singly or in the aggregate of the listed sea-
duck species, of which no more than 4 may be scoters.
Daily Bag Limits During the Regular Duck Season: Within the special
sea duck areas, during the regular duck season in the Atlantic Flyway,
States may choose to allow the above sea duck limits in addition to the
limits applying to other ducks during the regular duck season. In all
other areas, sea ducks may be taken only during the regular open season
for ducks and must be included in the regular duck season daily bag and
possession limits.
Areas: In all coastal waters and all waters of rivers and streams
seaward from the first upstream bridge in Maine, New Hampshire,
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York; in any waters
of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters of any bay which are
separated by at least 1 mile of open water from any shore, island, and
emergent vegetation in New Jersey, South Carolina, and Georgia; and in
any waters of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters of any bay
which are separated by at least 800 yards of open water from any shore,
island, and emergent vegetation in Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina
and Virginia; and provided that any such areas have been described,
delineated, and designated as special sea-duck hunting areas under the
hunting regulations adopted by the respective States.
Special Early Canada Goose Seasons
Atlantic Flyway
Hunting Seasons: Experimental Canada goose seasons may be selected
by Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina,
Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Areas open to the hunting of
Canada geese must be described, delineated, and designated as such in
each State's hunting regulations.
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and September 10, except that
the closing date is September 15 in Maryland, Massachusetts, New
Jersey, New York, southeastern Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West
Virginia and September 30 in North Carolina.
Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 5 Canada geese.
Mississippi Flyway
Hunting Seasons: Canada goose seasons may be selected by Indiana,
Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Seasons
in all States except Wisconsin are experimental. Areas open to the
hunting of Canada geese must be described, delineated, and designated
as such in each State's hunting regulations.
Outside Dates: September 1-10 in Wisconsin and in the Upper
Peninsula and Northern Lower Peninsula Zones in Michigan; September 1-
15 in Indiana, Ohio, and the South Zone in Michigan; September 1-16 in
Minnesota; September 1-30 in Tennessee; and October 1-15 in Missouri.
Season Length: Not to exceed 10 days except in Indiana, Ohio, and
the South Zone in Michigan, where the season may extend for 15 days.
Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 5 Canada geese.
Pacific Flyway
Wyoming may select a September season on Canada geese subject to
the following conditions:
1. The season must be concurrent with the September portion of the
sandhill crane season.
2. Hunting will be by State permit.
3. No more than 150 permits, in total, may be issued.
4. Each permittee may take no more than 2 Canada geese per season.
Oregon, in the Lower Columbia River Zone, may select a season on
Canada geese subject to the following conditions:
1. The season length is 12 days during September 1-12.
2. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese.
Oregon, in the Northwest Zone, may select an experimental season on
Canada geese subject to the following conditions:
1. The season length is 12 days during September 1-12.
2. Hunting will be by State permit.
3. Each permittee may take no more than 2 Canada geese per day.
Washington may select a season on Canada geese, subject to the
following conditions, in the Lower Columbia River Zone:
1. The season length is 12 days during September 1-12.
2. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese.
Regular Goose Seasons
Regular goose seasons in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of
Michigan may open as early as September 24. Season lengths and bag and
possession limits will be established during the late-season
regulations process.
Sandhill Cranes
Regular Seasons in the Central Flyway:
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and February 28.
Hunting Seasons: Seasons not to exceed 58 consecutive days may be
selected in designated portions of the following States: Colorado,
Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Seasons not
to exceed 93 consecutive days may be selected in designated portions of
the following States: New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Daily Bag Limits: 3 sandhill cranes.
Permits: Each person participating in the regular sandhill crane
seasons must have a valid Federal sandhill crane hunting permit in his
possession while hunting.
Special Seasons in the Central and Pacific Flyways:
Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming
may select seasons for hunting sandhill cranes within the range of the
Rocky Mountain Population subject to the following conditions:
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 31.
Hunting Seasons: The season in any State or zone may not exceed 30
days.
Bag limits: Not to exceed 3 daily and 9 per season.
Permits: Participants must have a valid permit, issued by the
appropriate State, in their possession while hunting.
Other provisions: Numbers of permits, open areas, season dates,
protection plans for other species, and other provisions of seasons
must be consistent with the management plan and approved by the Central
and Pacific Flyway Councils. All hunts except those in Arizona, New
Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming will be experimental.
Common Moorhens and Purple Gallinules
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 20 in the Atlantic,
Mississippi, and Central Flyways. States in the Pacific Flyway have
been allowed to select their hunting seasons between the outside dates
for the season on ducks; therefore, they are late-season frameworks and
no frameworks are provided in this document.
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Seasons may not exceed 70
days in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways. Seasons may be
split into two segments. The daily bag limit is 15 common moorhens and
purple gallinules, singly or in the aggregate of the two species.
Rails
Outside Dates: States included herein may select seasons between
September 1 and January 20 on clapper, king, sora, and Virginia rails.
Hunting Seasons: The season may not exceed 70 days, and may be
split into two segments.
Daily Bag Limits: Clapper and King Rails - In Rhode Island,
Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland, 10, singly or in the
aggregate of the two species. In Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi,
Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and
Virginia, 15, singly or in the aggregate of the two species.
Sora and Virginia Rails - In the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central
Flyways and the Pacific-Flyway portions of Colorado, Montana, New
Mexico, and Wyoming, 25 daily and 25 in possession, singly or in the
aggregate of the two species. The season is closed in the remainder of
the Pacific Flyway.
Common Snipe
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and February 28. Except, in
Maine,Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut,
New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, the season must
end no later than January 31.
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Seasons may not exceed 107
days and may be split into two segments. The daily bag limit is 8
snipe.
American Woodcock
Outside Dates: States in the Atlantic Flyway may select hunting
seasons between October 1 and January 31. States in the Central and
Mississippi Flyways may select hunting seasons between September 1 and
January 31.
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: In the Atlantic Flyway,
seasons may not exceed 45 days, with a daily bag limit of 3; in the
Central and Mississippi Flyways, seasons may not exceed 65 days, with a
daily bag limit of 5. Seasons may be split into two segments.
Zoning: New Jersey may select seasons in each of two zones. The
season in each zone may not exceed 35 days.
Band-tailed Pigeons
Pacific Coast States (California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada)
Outside Dates: Between September 15 and January 1.
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 9 consecutive
days, with bag and possession limits of 2 and 2 band-tailed pigeons,
respectively.
Permit Requirement: The appropriate State agency must issue
permits, and report on harvest and hunter participation to the Service
by June 1 of the following year, or participate in the Migratory Bird
Harvest Information Program.
Zoning: California may select hunting seasons not to exceed 9
consecutive days in each of two zones. The season in the North Zone
must close by October 7.
Four-Corners States (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah)
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and November 30.
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 30 consecutive
days, with a daily bag limit of 5 band-tailed pigeons.
Permit Requirement: The appropriate State agency must issue
permits, and report on harvest and hunter participation to the Service
by June 1 of the following year, or participate in the Migratory Bird
Harvest Information Program.
Zoning: New Mexico may select hunting seasons not to exceed 20
consecutive days in each of two zones. The season in the South Zone may
not open until October 1.
Mourning Doves
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15, except as
otherwise provided, States may select hunting seasons and daily bag
limits as follows:
Eastern Management Unit (All States east of the Mississippi River, and
Louisiana)
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 70 days with a
daily bag limit of 12, or not more than 60 days with a daily bag limit
of 15.
Zoning and Split Seasons: States may select hunting seasons in each
of two zones. The season within each zone may be split into not more
than three periods. The hunting seasons in the South Zones of Alabama,
Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi may commence no earlier
than September 20. Regulations for bag and possession limits, season
length, and shooting hours must be uniform within specific hunting
zones.
Central Management Unit (Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota,
Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South
Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming)
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 70 days with a
daily bag limit of 12, or not more than 60 days with a daily bag limit
of 15.
Zoning and Split Seasons: States may select hunting seasons in each
of two zones. The season within each zone may be split into not more
than three periods. Texas may select hunting seasons for each of three
zones subject to the following conditions:
A. The hunting season may be split into not more than two periods,
except in that portion of Texas in which the special white-winged dove
season is allowed, where a limited mourning dove season may be held
concurrently with that special season (see white-winged dove
frameworks).
B. A season may be selected for the North and Central Zones between
September 1 and January 25; and for the South Zone between September 20
and January 25.
C. Each zone may have a daily bag limit of 12 doves (15 under the
alternative) in the aggregate, no more than 6 of which may be white-
winged doves and no more than 2 of which may be white-tipped doves,
except that during the special white-winged dove season, the daily bag
limit may not exceed 10 white-winged, mourning, and white-tipped doves
in the aggregate, of which no more than 5 may be mourning doves and 2
may be white-tipped doves.
D. Except as noted above, regulations for bag and possession
limits, season length, and shooting hours must be uniform within each
hunting zone.
Western Management Unit (Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon,
Utah, and Washington)
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits:
Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington - Not more than 30
consecutive days with a daily bag limit of 10 mourning doves (in
Nevada, the daily bag limit may not exceed 10 mourning and white-winged
doves in the aggregate).
Arizona and California - Not more than 60 days which may be split
between two periods, September 1-15 and November 1-January 15. In
Arizona, during the first segment of the season, the daily bag limit is
10 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate, of which no more
than 6 may be white-winged doves. During the remainder of the season,
the daily bag limit is restricted to 10 mourning doves. In California,
the daily bag limit may not exceed 10 mourning and white-winged doves
in the aggregate.
White-Winged and White-Tipped Doves
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits:
Except as shown below, seasons in Arizona, California, Florida,
Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas must be concurrent with mourning dove
seasons.
Arizona may select a hunting season of not more than 30 consecutive
days, running concurrently with the first segment of the mourning dove
season. The daily bag limit may not exceed 10 mourning and white-winged
doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 6 may be white-winged
doves.
In Florida, the daily bag limit may not exceed 12 mourning and
white-winged doves (15 under the alternative) in the aggregate, of
which no more than 4 may be white-winged doves.
In the Nevada Counties of Clark and Nye, and in the California
Counties of Imperial, Riverside, and San Bernardino, the daily bag
limit may not exceed 10 mourning and white-winged doves in the
aggregate.
In New Mexico, the daily bag limit may not exceed 12 mourning and
white-winged doves (15 under the alternative) in the aggregate.
In Texas, the daily bag limit may not exceed 12 mourning, white-
winged, and white-tipped doves (15 under the alternative) in the
aggregate, of which not more than 6 may be white-winged doves and not
more than 2 may be white-tipped doves.
In addition, Texas may also select a hunting season of not more
than 4 days for the special white-winged dove area of the South Zone
between September 1 and September 19. The daily bag limit may not
exceed 10 white-winged,mourning, and white-tipped doves in the
aggregate, of which no more than 5 may be mourning doves and 2 may be
white-tipped doves.
Alaska
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 26.
Hunting Seasons: Alaska may select 107 consecutive days for
waterfowl, sandhill cranes, and common snipe in each of five zones. The
season may be split without penalty in the Kodiak Zone. The seasons in
each zone must be concurrent.
Closures: The season is closed on Canada geese from Unimak Pass
westward in the Aleutian Island chain. The hunting season is closed on
Aleutian Canada geese, emperor geese, spectacled eiders, and Steller's
eiders.
Daily Bag and Possession limits:
Ducks--Except as noted, a basic daily bag limit of 5 and a
possession limit of 15 ducks. Daily bag and possession limits in the
North Zone are 8 and 24, and in the Gulf Coast Zone they are 6 and 18,
respectively. The basic limits may include no more than 2 pintails
daily and 6 in possession, and 1 canvasback daily and 3 in possession.
In addition to the basic limit, there is a daily bag limit of 15
and a possession limit of 30 scoter, common and king eiders, oldsquaw,
harlequin, and common and red-breasted mergansers, singly or in the
aggregate of these species.
Geese--A basic daily bag limit of 6, of which not more than 4 may
be greater white-fronted or Canada geese, singly or in the aggregate of
these species, except that the daily bag limit on Canada geese in Game
Management Units 9E and 18 is 1.
Brant--A daily bag limit of 2.
Common snipe--A daily bag limit of 8.
Sandhill cranes--A daily bag limit of 3.
Tundra swans--Open seasons for tundra swans may be selected subject
to the following conditions:
1. No more than 300 permits may be issued in GMU 22, authorizing
each permittee to take 1 tundra swan per season.
2. No more than 500 permits may be issued during the
experimental season in GMU 18. No more than 1 tundra swan may be
taken per permit.
3. The seasons must be concurrent with other migratory bird
seasons.
4. The appropriate State agency must issue permits, obtain
harvest and hunter-participation data, and report the results of
this hunt to the Service by June 1 of the following year.
Hawaii
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15.
Hunting Seasons: Not more than 60 days (70 under the alternative)
for mourning doves.
Bag Limits: Not to exceed 15 (12 under the alternative) mourning
doves.
Note: Mourning doves may be taken in Hawaii in accordance with
shooting hours and other regulations set by the State of Hawaii, and
subject to the applicable provisions of 50 CFR part 20.
Puerto Rico
Doves and Pigeons:
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15.
Hunting Seasons: Not more than 60 days.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Not to exceed 10 Zenaida,
mourning, and white-winged doves in the aggregate. Not to exceed 5
scaly-naped pigeons.
Closed Areas: There is no open season on doves or pigeons in the
following areas: Municipality of Culebra, Desecheo Island, Mona Island,
El Verde Closure Area, and Cidra Municipality and adjacent areas.
Ducks, Coots, Moorhens, Gallinules, and Snipe:
Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 31.
Hunting Seasons: Not more than 55 days may be selected for hunting
ducks, common moorhens, and common snipe. The season may be split into
two segments.
Daily Bag Limits:
Ducks--Not to exceed 3.
Common moorhens--Not to exceed 6.
Common snipe--Not to exceed 6.
Closed Seasons: The season is closed on the ruddy duck, white-
cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck,
and masked duck, which are protected by the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico. The season also is closed on the purple gallinule, American coot,
and Caribbean coot.
Closed Areas: There is no open season on ducks, common moorhens,
and common snipe in the Municipality of Culebra and on Desecheo Island.
Virgin Islands
Doves and Pigeons:
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15.
Hunting Seasons: Not more than 60 days for Zenaida doves.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Not to exceed 10 Zenaida doves.
Closed Seasons: No open season is prescribed for ground or quail
doves, or pigeons in the Virgin Islands.
Closed Areas: There is no open season for migratory game birds on
Ruth Cay (just south of St. Croix).
Local Names for Certain Birds: Zenaida dove, also known as mountain
dove; bridled quail-dove, also known as Barbary dove or partridge;
Common ground-dove, also known as stone dove, tobacco dove, rola, or
tortolita; scaly-naped pigeon, also known as red-necked or scaled
pigeon.
Ducks:
Outside Dates: Between December 1 and January 31.
Hunting Seasons: Not more than 55 consecutive days.
Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 3 ducks.
Closed Seasons: The season is closed on the ruddy duck, white-
cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck,
and masked duck.
Special Falconry Regulations
Falconry is a permitted means of taking migratory game birds in any
State meeting Federal falconry standards in 50 CFR 21.29(k). These
States may select an extended season for taking migratory game birds in
accordance with the following:
Extended Seasons: For all hunting methods combined, the combined
length of the extended season, regular season, and any special or
experimental seasons shall not exceed 107 days for any species or group
of species in a geographical area. Each extended season may be divided
into a maximum of 3 segments.
Framework Dates: Seasons must fall between September 1 and March
10.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Falconry daily bag and possession
limits for all permitted migratory game birds shall not exceed 3 and 6
birds, respectively, singly or in the aggregate, during extended
falconry seasons, any special or experimental seasons, and regular
hunting seasons in all States, including those that do not select an
extended falconry season.
Regular Seasons: General hunting regulations, including seasons and
hunting hours, apply to falconry in each State listed in 50 CFR
21.29(k). Regular-season bag and possession limits do not apply to
falconry. The falconry bag limit is not in addition to gun limits.
Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions
Central Flyway portion of the following States consists of:
Colorado: That area lying east of the Continental Divide.
Montana: That area lying east of Hill, Chouteau, Cascade, Meagher,
and Park Counties.
New Mexico: That area lying east of the Continental Divide but
outside the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation.
Wyoming: That area lying east of the Continental Divide.
The remaining portions of these States are in the Pacific Flyway.
Mourning and White-Winged Doves
Alabama
South Zone--Baldwin, Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia,
Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Mobile Counties.
North Zone--Remainder of the State.
California
White-winged Dove Open Areas--Imperial, Riverside, and San
Bernardino Counties.
Florida
Northwest Zone--The Counties of Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin,
Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton,
Washington, Leon (except that portion north of U.S. 27 and east of
State Road 155), Jefferson (south of U.S. 27, west of State Road 59 and
north of U.S. 98), and Wakulla (except that portion south of U.S. 98
and east of the St. Marks River).
South Zone--Remainder of State.
Georgia
Northern Zone--That portion of the State lying north of a line
running west to east along U.S. Highway 280 from Columbus to Wilcox
County, thence southward along the western border of Wilcox County;
thence east along the southern border of Wilcox County to the Ocmulgee
River, thence north along the Ocmulgee River to Highway 280, thence
east along Highway 280 to the Little Ocmulgee River; thence southward
along the Little Ocmulgee River to the Ocmulgee River; thence
southwesterly along the Ocmulgee River to the western border of the
Jeff Davis County; thence south along the western border of Jeff Davis
County; thence east along the southern border of Jeff Davis and Appling
Counties; thence north along the eastern border of Appling County, to
the Altamaha River; thence east to the eastern border of Tattnall
County; thence north along the eastern border of Tattnall County;
thence north along the western border of Evans to Candler County;
thence west along the southern border of Candler County to the Ohoopee
River; thence north along the western border of Candler County to
Bulloch County; thence north along the western border of Bulloch County
to U.S. Highway 301; thence northeast along U.S. Highway 301 to the
South Carolina line.
South Zone--Remainder of the State.
Louisiana
North Zone--That portion of the State north of Interstate Highway
10 from the Texas State line to Baton Rouge, Interstate Highway 12 from
Baton Rouge to Slidell and Interstate Highway 10 from Slidell to the
Mississippi State line.
South Zone--The remainder of the State.
Mississippi
South Zone--The Counties of Forrest, George, Greene, hancock,
Harrison, Jackson, Lamar, Marion, Pearl River, Perry, Pike, Stone, and
Walthall.
North Zone--The remainder of the State.
Nevada
White-winged Dove Open Areas--Clark and Nye Counties.
Texas
North Zone--That portion of the State north of a line beginning at
the International Bridge south of Fort Hancock; north along FM 1088 to
TX 20; west along TX 20 to TX 148; north along TX 148 to I-10 at Fort
Hancock; east along I-10 to I-20; northeast along I-20 to I-30 at Fort
Worth; northeast along I-30 to the Texas-Arkansas State line.
South Zone--That portion of the State south and west of a line
beginning at the International Bridge south of Del Rio, proceeding east
on U.S. 90 to San Antonio; then east on I-10 to Orange, Texas.
Special White-winged Dove Area in the South Zone--That portion of
the State south and west of a line beginning at the International
Bridge south of Del Rio, proceeding east on U.S. 90 to Uvalde; south on
U.S. 83 to TX 44; east along TX 44 to TX 16 at Freer; south along TX 16
to TX 285 at Hebbronville; east along TX 285 to FM 1017; southwest
along FM 1017 to TX 186 at Linn; east along TX 186 to the Mansfield
Channel at Port Mansfield; east along the Mansfield Channel to the Gulf
of Mexico.
Area with additional restrictions--Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and
Willacy Counties.
Central Zone--That portion of the State lying between the North and
South Zones.
Band-Tailed Pigeons
California
North Zone--Alpine, Butte, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lassen,
Mendocino, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity
Counties.
South Zone--The remainder of the State.
New Mexico
North Zone--North of a line following U.S. 60 from the Arizona
State line east to I-25 at Socorro and then south along I-25 from
Socorro to the Texas State line.
South Zone--Remainder of the State.
Washington
Western Washington--The State of Washington excluding those
portions lying east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of the Big
White Salmon River in Klickitat County.
Woodcock
New Jersey
North Zone--That portion of the State north of NJ 70.
South Zone--The remainder of the State.
Special September Goose Seasons
Atlantic Flyway
Maryland
Open Area--Counties of Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert,
Charles, Carroll, Dorchester, Frederick, Garret, Harford, Howard,
Montgomery, Prince George's, St. Mary's, Somerset, Washington,
Wicomico, and Worcester.
Massachusetts
Western Zone--That portion of the State west of a line extending
from the Vermont line at I-91, south to Route 9, west on Route 9 to
Route 10, south on Route 10 to Route 202, south on Route 202 to the
Connecticut line.
New Jersey
Open Area--That portion of New Jersey within a continuous line that
runs east along the New York State boundary line to the Hudson River;
then south along the New York State boundary to its intersection with
Route 440 at Perth Amboy; then west on Route 440 to its intersection
with the Garden State Parkway; then south on the Parkway to its
intersection with Route 70; then west on Route 70 to its intersection
with Route 206; then south on Route 206 to its intersection with Route
54; then south on Route 54 to its intersection with Route 40; then west
on Route 40 to its intersection with the New Jersey Turnpike; then
south on the Turnpike to the Delaware State boundary line; then north
on the Delaware State boundary line to its intersection with the
Pennsylvania State boundary; then north on the Pennsylvania boundary in
the Delaware River to its intersection with the New York State
boundary.
New York
Northern Area--All or portions of St. Lawrence County; see State
hunting regulations for area descriptions.
Western Area--Counties of Erie, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Niagara,
Orleans, and Genesee, and portions of Wyoming, Livingston, Allegany and
Steuben Counties.
Southeastern Area--All of Rockland, Westchester, Orange, Putnam,
Dutchess, Columbia, and Rensselaer Counties, and portions of Sullivan,
Delaware, Ulster, Greene, Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga, Warren, and
Washington Counties.
North Carolina
Early-season Canada Goose Area--The special early Canada goose
resident season may be held in all areas of the State, except the
Counties of Bertie, Beaufort, Camden, Chovan, Currituck, Dare, Gates,
Hartford, Hyde, Northampton (East of I-95), Pamlico, Pasquotank,
Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington.
Pennsylvania
Northwestern Early-Season Goose Area--Counties of Allegheny,
Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Crawford, Erie, Greene, Fayette,
Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Somerset, Venango, Washington, and
Westmoreland.
Southeastern Early-Season Goose Area--Counties of Berks, Bucks,
Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Pike and
Wayne.
Virginia
Open Area--Counties of Accomack, Albemarle, Alleghany, Amelia,
Amherst, Appomattox, Augusta, Bath, Bedford, Buckingham, Caroline,
Charles City, Chesterfield, Clarke, Culpeper, Cumberland, Fairfax,
Fauquier, Frederick, Fluvanna, Goochland, Greene, Hanover, Henrico,
Highland, Isle of Wight, James City, King William, Loudoun, Louisa,
Madison, Nelson, New Kent, Northampton, Orange, Page, Powhatan, Prince
George, Prince William, Rappahannock, Rockbridge, Rockingham,
Shenandoah, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Surry, Warren and York.
Mississippi Flyway
Michigan
Upper Peninsula Zone--That portion of the Upper Peninsula outside
the AuTrain Basin Waterfowl Project in Alger County (described below)
and east of a line described as follows: Beginning at the point where
the meridian line 87'30' intersects the United States-Canada border,
then south along the 87'30' meridian line to the 47'00' parallel, west
along the 47'00' parallel to a point directly north of County Road 550
in the village of Big Bay in Marquette County, southerly along this
line and County 550 through Big Bay to County 510, southerly along
County 510 to Michigan Highway 28/U.S. Highway 41, westerly along M-28/
U.S. 41 to M-35, southerly along M-35 to the Delta County line,
westerly and southerly along the Delta County line to the Lake Michigan
shoreline, then southeasterly along the Central-Eastern time zone
boundary to the Wisconsin border in Green Bay. The AuTrain Basin
Waterfowl Project is bounded on the north by M-94, on the south by
Trout Lake Road, on the east by County 509 (Rapid River Truck Trail),
and on the west by M-67.
Northern Lower Peninsula Zone--Bay, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland,
Newaygo, and Oceana Counties and all counties north thereof.
Southern Lower Peninsula Zone--The remainder of the Lower
Peninsula, excluding Huron, Saginaw, and Tuscola Counties.
Minnesota
Twin Cities Metro Zone--All of Hennepin and Ramsey Counties.
In Anoka County; the municipalities of Andover, Anoka, Blaine,
Centerville, Circle Pines, Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, Fridley,
Hilltop, Lexington, Lino Lakes, Ramsey, and Spring Lake Park; that
portion of Columbus Township lying south of County State Aid Highway
(CSAH) 18; and all of the municipality of Ham Lake except that portion
described as follows:
Beginning at the intersection of CSAH 18 and U.S. Highway 65, then
east along CSAH 18 to the eastern boundary of Ham Lake, north along the
eastern boundary of Ham Lake to the north boundary of Ham Lake, west
along the north boundary of Ham Lake to U.S. 65, and south along U.S.
65 to the point of beginning.
In Carver County; the municipalities of Carver, Chanhassen, Chaska,
and Victoria; the Townships of Chaska and Laketown; and those portions
of the municipalities of Cologne, Mayer, Waconia, and Watertown and the
Townships of Benton, Dahlgren, Waconia, and Watertown lying north and
east of the following described line:
Beginning on U.S. 212 at the southwest corner of the municipality
of Chaska, then west along U.S. 212 to State Trunk Highway (STH) 284,
north along STH 284 to CSAH 10, north and west along CSAH 10 to CSAH
30, north and west along CSAH 30 to STH 25, west and north along STH 25
to CSAH 10, north along CSAH 10 to the Carver County line, and east
along the Carver County line to the Hennepin County line.
In Dakota County; the municipalities of Apple Valley, Burnsville,
Eagan, Farmington, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Lilydale,
Mendota, Mendota Heights, Rosemont, South St. Paul, Sunfish Lake, and
West St. Paul; and the Township of Nininger.
In Scott County; the municipalities of Jordan, Prior Lake, Savage
and Shakopee; and the Townships of Credit River, Jackson, Louisville,
St. Lawrence, Sand Creek, and Spring Lake.
In Washington County; the municipalities of Afton, Bayport,
Birchwood, Cottage Grove, Dellwood, Forest Lake, Hastings, Hugo, Lake
Elmo, Lakeland, Lakeland Shores, Landfall, Mahtomedi, Marine, Newport,
Oakdale, Oak Park Heights, Pine Springs, St. Croix Beach, St. Mary's
Point, St. Paul Park, Stillwater, White Bear Lake, Willernie, and
Woodbury; the Townships of Baytown, Denmark, Grant, Gray Cloud Island,
May, Stillwater, and West Lakeland; that portion of Forest Lake
Township lying south of STH 97 and CSAH 2; and those portions of New
Scandia Township lying south of STH 97 and a line due east from the
intersection of STH 97 and STH 95 to the eastern border of the State.
Fergus Falls/Benson Zone--That area encompassed by a line beginning
on State Trunk Highway (STH) 55 at the Minnesota border, then south
along the Minnesota border to a point due south of the intersection of
STH 7 and County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 7 in Big Stone County, north
to the STH 7/CSAH 7 intersection and continuing north along CSAH 7 to
CSAH 6 in Big Stone County, east along CSAH 6 to CSAH 21 in Big Stone
County, south along CSAH 21 to CSAH 10 in Big Stone County, east along
CSAH 10 to CSAH 22 in Swift County, east along CSAH 22 to CSAH 5 in
Swift County, south along CSAH 5 to U.S. Highway 12, east along U.S. 12
to CSAH 17 in Swift County, south along CSAH 17 to the Swift County
border, east along the south border of Swift County and north along the
east border of Swift County to the south border of Pope County, east
along the south border of Pope County and north along the east border
of Pope County to STH 28, west along STH 28 to CSAH 33 in Pope County,
north along CSAH 33 to CSAH 3 in Douglas County, north along CSAH 3 to
CSAH 69 in Otter Tail County, north along CSAH 69 to CSAH 46 in Otter
Tail County, east along CSAH 46 to the east border of Otter Tail
County, north along the east border of Otter Tail County to CSAH 40 in
Otter Tail County, west along CSAH 40 to CSAH 75 in Otter Tail County,
north along CSAH 75 to STH 210, west along STH 210 to STH 108, north
along STH 108 to CSAH 1 in Otter Tail County, west along CSAH 1 to CSAH
14 in Otter Tail County, north along CSAH 14 to CSAH 44 in Otter Tail
County, west along CSAH 44 to CSAH 35 in Otter Tail County, north along
CSAH 35 to STH 108, west along STH 108 to CSAH 19 in Wilkin County,
south along CSAH 19 to STH 55, then west along STH 55 to the point of
beginning.
Southwest Canada Goose Zone--All of Blue Earth, Cottonwood,
Faribault, Jackson, LeSueur, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, McLeod, Murray,
Nicollet, Nobles, Sibley, Waseca, and Watonwan Counties; that portion
of Brown County lying south and west of the following described line:
beginning at the junction of U.S. Highway 14, and the east of Brown
County line; thence west on U.S. Highway 14 to Cobden; thence due west
one mile on U.S. Highway 14 and the township road to the Brown County
line; thence due west 12 miles along the county line to the west Brown
County line; that portion of Renville County east of State Trunk
Highway 4 (STH); that portion of Meeker County south of U.S. Highway
12; in Scott County, the Townships of Belle Plaine, Blakeley, and
Helena, including the municipalities located therein; and that portion
of Carver County lying west, of the following described line: beginning
at the northeast corner of San Francisco Township, thence west along
the San Francisco Township line to the east boundary of Dahlgren
Township, thence north on the Dahlgren Township line to U.S. Highway
212, thence west on U.S. Highway 212 to STH 284, thence north on STH
284 to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 10, thence north and west on
CSAH 10 to CSAH 30, thence north and west on CSAH 30 the STH 25, thence
east and north on STH 25 to CSAH 10, thence north on CSAH 10 to the
Carver County line.
Missouri
Central Missouri Zone--Boone County and that portion of Callaway
County west of U.S. Highway 54.
Tennessee
East Tennessee Zone--Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Knox,
Loudon, Monroe, Roane, and Union Counties and those portions of Meigs
and Rhea Counties north of Highway 68.
Wisconsin
Early-Season Subzone--That area encompassed by a line beginning at
Lake Michigan in Port Washington and extending west along State Highway
33 to State 175, south along State 175 to State 83, south along State
83 to State 36, southwest along State 36 to State 120, south along
State 120 to U.S. Highway 12, then southeast along U.S. 12 to the
Illinois border.
Pacific Flyway
Oregon
Lower Columbia River Zone--Those portions of Clatsop, Columbia, and
Multnomah Counties within the following boundary: beginning at
Portland, Oregon, at the south end of the Interstate 5 Bridge; south on
I-5 to Highway 30; west on Highway 30 to the town of Svensen; south
from Svensen to Youngs River Falls; due west from Youngs River Falls to
the Pacific Ocean coastline; north along the coastline to a point where
Clatsop Spit and the South Jetty meet; due north to the Oregon-
Washington border; east and south along the Oregon-Washington border to
the I-5 Bridge; south on the I-5 Bridge to the point of beginning.
Northwest Oregon Zone--All of Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia,
Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk, Multnomah, Tillamook, Washington,
and Yamhill Counties; except for the Lower Columbia River Zone.
Washington
Lower Columbia River Zone--Beginning at the Washington-Oregon
border on the I-5 Bridge near Vancouver, Washington; north on I-5 to
Kelso; west on Highway 4 from Kelso to Highway 401; south and west on
Highway 401 to Highway 101 at the Astoria-Megler Bridge; west on
Highway 101 to Gray Drive in the City of Ilwaco; west on Gray Drive to
Canby Road; southwest on Canby Road to the North Jetty; southwest on
the North Jetty to its end; southeast to the Washington-Oregon border;
upstream along the Washington-Oregon border to the point of origin.
Wyoming
Bear River Area--That portion of Lincoln County described in State
regulations.
Salt River Area--That portion of Lincoln County described in State
regulations.
Eden-Farson Area--Those portions of Sweetwater and Sublette
Counties described in State regulations.
Sandhill Cranes
Central Flyway
Colorado
Regular-Season Open Area--The Central Flyway portion of the State
except the San Luis Valley (Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Hinsdale,
Mineral, Rio Grande and Saguache Counties east of the Continental
Divide) and North Park (Jackson County).
Kansas
Regular Season Open Area--That portion of the State west of a line
beginning at the Oklahoma border, north on I-35 to Wichita, north on I-
135 to Salina, and north on U.S. 81 to the Nebraska border.
New Mexico
Regular-Season Open Area--Chaves, Curry, De Baca, Eddy, Lea, Quay,
and Roosevelt Counties.
Middle Rio Grande Valley Area--The Central Flyway portion of New
Mexico in Socorro and Valencia Counties.
Southwest Zone--Sierra, Luna, and Dona Ana Counties.
Oklahoma
Regular-Season Open Area--That portion of the State west of I-35.
Texas
Regular-Season Open Area--That portion of the State west of a line
from the International Toll Bridge at Brownsville along U.S. 77 to
Victoria; U.S. 87 to Placedo; Farm Road 616 to Blessing; State 35 to
Alvin; State 6 to U.S. 290; U.S. 290 to Austin; I-35 to the Texas-
Oklahoma border.
North Dakota
Regular-Season Open Area--That portion of the State west of U.S.
281.
South Dakota
Regular-Season Open Area--That portion of the State west of U.S.
281.
Montana
Regular-Season Open Area--The Central Flyway portion of the State
except that area south of I-90 and west of the Bighorn River.
Wyoming
Regular-Season Open Area--Campbell, Converse, Crook, Goshen,
Laramie, Niobrara, Platte, and Weston Counties.
Riverton-Boysen Unit--Portions of Fremont County.
Pacific Flyway
Arizona
Special-Season Area--Game Management Units 30A, 30B, 31, and 32.
Montana
Special-Season Area--See State regulations.
Utah
Special-Season Area--Rich and Cache Counties.
Wyoming
Bear River Area--That portion of Lincoln County described in State
regulations.
Salt River Area--That portion of Lincoln County described in State
regulations.
Eden-Farson Area--Those portions of Sweetwater and Sublette
Counties described in State regulations.
All Migratory Game Birds in Alaska
North Zone--State Game Management Units 11-13 and 17-26.
Gulf Coast Zone--State Game Management Units 5-7, 9, 14-16, and 10
- Unimak Island only.
Southeast Zone--State Game Management Units 1-4.
Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zone--State Game Management Unit 10 -
except Unimak Island.
Kodiak Zone--State Game Management Unit 8.
All Migratory Birds in the Virgin Islands
Ruth Cay Closure Area--The island of Ruth Cay, just south of St.
Croix.
All Migratory Birds in Puerto Rico
Municipality of Culebra Closure Area--All of the Municipality of
Culebra.
Desecheo Island Closure Area--All of Desecheo Island.
Mona Island Closure Area--All of Mona Island.
El Verde Closure Area--Those areas of the municipalities of Rio
Grande and Loiza delineated as follows: (1) All lands between Routes
956 on the west and 186 on the east, from Route 3 on the north to the
juncture of Routes 956 and 186 (Km 13.2) in the south; (2) all lands
between Routes 186 and 966 from the juncture of 186 and 966 on the
north, to the Caribbean National Forest Boundary on the south; (3) all
lands lying west of Route 186 for one kilometer from the juncture of
Routes 186 and 956 south to Km 6 on Route 186; (4) all lands within Km
14 and Km 6 on the west and the Caribbean National Forest Boundary on
the east; and (5) all lands within the Caribbean National Forest
Boundary whether private or public.
Cidra Municipality and adjacent areas--All of Cidra Municipality
and portions of Aguas, Buenas, Caguas, Cayer, and Comerio
Municipalities as encompassed within the following boundary: beginning
on Highway 172 as it leaves the Municipality of Cidra on the west edge,
north to Highway 156, east on Highway 156 to Highway 1, south on
Highway 1 to Highway 765, south on Highway 765 to Highway 763, south on
Highway 763 to the Rio Guavate, west along Rio Guavate to Highway 1,
southwest on Highway 1 to Highway 14, west on Highway 14 to Highway
729, north on Highway 729 to Cidra Municipality boundary to the point
of beginning.
[FR Doc. 94-20192 Filed 8-16-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-F
