[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 161 (Wednesday, August 20, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44229-44243]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-22047]
[[Page 44229]]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 20
RIN 1018-AE14
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 which
States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands may select season dates,
limits, and other options for the 1997-98 migratory bird hunting
seasons. Early seasons are those which generally open prior to October
1. 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 20, 1997.
ADDRESSES: States and Territories should send their season selections
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. The public may inspect comments during normal
business hours in room 634, Arlington Square, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive,
Arlington, Virginia.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul R. Schmidt, Chief, Office of
Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (703) 358-
1714
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Regulations Schedule for 1997
On March 13, 1997, the Service published in the Federal Register
(62 FR 12054) a proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20. The proposal dealt
with the establishment of seasons, limits, and other regulations for
migratory game birds under Secs. 20.101 through 20.107, 20.109, and
20.110 of subpart K. On June 6, 1997, the Service published in the
Federal Register (62 FR 31298) a second document providing supplemental
proposals for migratory bird hunting regulations frameworks and
detailed information on the 1997-98 regulatory schedule and announced
the Service Migratory Bird Regulations Committee and Flyway Council
meetings. In the same document, the Service described the proposed
1997-98 regulatory alternatives for duck hunting.
On June 27, 1997, the Service held a public hearing in Washington,
DC, as announced in the March 13 and June 6 Federal Registers to review
the status of migratory shore and upland game birds. The Service
discussed hunting regulations for these species and for other early
seasons. On July 23, 1997, the Service published in the Federal
Register (62 FR 39712) a third document specifically dealing with
proposed early-season frameworks for the 1997-98 season. That document
also extended the public comment period to August 5, 1997, for early-
season proposals. This rulemaking establishes final frameworks for
early-season migratory bird hunting regulations for the 1997-98 season.
Review of Flyway Council Recommendations, Public Comments and the
Service's Responses
The public comment period for early-season issues ended on August
5, 1997. The Service received recommendations from all four Flyway
Councils. Early-season comments are summarized and discussed in the
order used in the March 13 Federal Register. Only the numbered items
pertaining to early seasons for which comments were received are
included. Flyway Council recommendations shown below include only those
involving changes from the 1996-97 early-season frameworks. For those
topics where a Council recommendation is not shown, the Council
supported continuing the same frameworks as in 1996-97.
General
Written Comments: The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
recommended all seasons open at noon, mid-week, to reduce the large
kills associated with the traditional Saturday openings. They also
recommend that hunting during the one-half hour before sunrise be
eliminated.
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 early-season recommendations
are included below.
G. Special Seasons/Species Management
iii. September Teal Seasons
Council Recommendations: The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of
the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended the continuance of the
experimental September teal/wood duck seasons in Kentucky and Tennessee
for the 1997-98 season with no change from the 1996-97 season
frameworks.
The Central Flyway Council recommended a 3-year experimental teal
harvest strategy in the Central Flyway based on the breeding population
of blue-winged teal. When the 3-year running average breeding
population of blue-winged teal is 4.7 million or greater, the Council's
recommended harvest strategy would consist of two changes to the
current September teal season frameworks. First, in those Central
Flyway States currently allowed a September teal season, an additional
7 days of hunting (for a total of 16 days) and 1 additional teal (for a
total of 5 teal) would be allowed. Second, for Central Flyway
production States, the recommended harvest strategy would provide for a
season of up to 7 days, beginning no earlier than September 20, and a
daily bag limit of 4 ducks, 3 of which must be teal. The Council
further recommended that the Service work with the States to
cooperatively develop an experimental design and criteria to adequately
evaluate the proposed expansion of teal harvest.
Written Comments: The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
(Kansas), Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (Nebraska), North Dakota
Game and Fish Department (North Dakota), Oklahoma Department of
Wildlife Conservation (Oklahoma), South Dakota Department of Game, Fish
and Parks (South Dakota), and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
(Texas) supported the Central Flyway proposal for September teal
seasons. Kansas and Texas commented that additional harvest provided by
the proposed season expansion will not be excessive or negatively
impact future teal populations. Kansas and Texas indicated that ongoing
work associated with implementation of the Adaptive Harvest Management
Program should not preclude completion of this management initiative.
Kansas said they are willing to satisfy requirements associated with
evaluation and monitoring associated with implementation of this
proposed strategy. Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas indicated that this
strategy will encourage the development and maintenance of wetland
habitat and promote hunting by youth hunters. Nebraska pointed out that
their duck breeding population was 17 percent
[[Page 44230]]
above the most recent 5-year average and would appreciate the
additional opportunity that would be provided by the Central Flyway
proposal. North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming indicated that
approval of the Central Flyway proposal would provide additional
opportunity for northern States at a time when teal populations are at
an all-time high. North Dakota commented that implementation of this
proposal is currently appropriate because the Central Flyway preseason
duck banding program will provide information for evaluations. North
Dakota pointed out that their blue-winged teal population estimate for
this year is 115 percent above the long-term average.
Several individuals recommended higher daily bag limits for teal
given the current population level. Two individuals from Texas
recommended a 5-teal daily bag limit while an individual from Missouri
recommended a 6-teal limit. Another individual from Texas questioned
why the Service was reluctant to increase the teal season length and
bag limit. Nine individuals from Mississippi expressed preference for a
5-day teal and wood duck season rather than the present 9-day teal only
season.
Service Response: It is important that any proposal for expanding
the current teal season include a comprehensive evaluation plan and be
coordinated within and among the Flyways. Identifying the full scope of
any expansion is important, because it will dictate how extensive the
evaluation plan must be.
The Central Flyway proposal does not include an evaluation plan. As
previously stated, the evaluation plan must include study objectives,
experimental design, decision criteria, and identification of data
needs. The evaluation plan should address not only potential impacts to
teal populations, but also impacts to nontarget species and the ability
of hunters to comply with special-season regulations. Further, the
September teal season bag limit should be limited to teal and not
expanded to include other species, as was contained in the Central
Flyway's proposal.
In an effort to further define what would comprise an acceptable
evaluation plan, the Service suggests that any plan should consider the
following: (1) description of the population dynamics of teal (e.g.,
how the populations respond to changes in the environment, harvest
pressure, etc.), (2) current and predicted harvest pressure on teal,
(3) the levels of regulations to be considered, (4) the harvest
allocation among and within (i.e., production vs. nonproduction states)
Flyways, (5) the acceptable attempt rate at nontarget species (i.e.,
the rate at which hunters attempt to shoot ducks other than teal), and
(6) staff and financial resources to conduct the evaluation.
iv. September Duck Seasons
Council Recommendations: The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of
the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that Iowa be allowed to open
the second segment of their split duck season no earlier than October
10, instead of October 15.
Service Response: Although this is primarily a late-season issue,
the Service understands Iowa's concern for reaching a decision on the
issue at this time. The Service concurs with this minor change in
Iowa's framework.
vi. Youth Hunt
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended
the continuance of the youth waterfowl hunt day and requested the
Service announce their intent in June. The Council further recommended
that ducks, coots, mergansers, moorhens, brant and snow geese be open
to harvest on the special day and requested clarification of whether
youth may participate in other open migratory bird hunting seasons on
that day.
The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway
Council recommended that youth waterfowl hunt day bag limits be the
same as the regular-season bag limits and include ducks, geese, and
coots, with framework dates 14 days outside the regular duck-season
framework dates instead of 10.
The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway
Council recommended the inclusion of geese and coots in a 2-day youth
waterfowl hunting season, with framework dates 14 days outside of the
regular duck-season framework dates instead of 10.
The Pacific Flyway Council recommended continuation of the youth
hunt that allows States to select outside the general season and
frameworks.
Public-Hearing Comments: Mr. Robert McDowell, representing the
Atlantic Flyway Council, encouraged the Service to make an early
announcement regarding the Youth Waterfowl Hunt Day and asked to
include Atlantic brant, snow geese, and moorhens along with ducks as
legal game.
Written Comments: The New Jersey Division of Fish, Game and
Wildlife encouraged the Service to make an early announcement of their
intention to hold another youth hunting day. They also recommended that
ducks, moorhens, brant and snow geese be open to harvest on the special
day.
An individual from Wisconsin supported the establishment of a
special youth hunt for the 1997-98 hunting season. Another commenter
from Nebraska thanked the Service for the establishment of the youth
hunt last year.
Service Response: The Service appreciates the recommendations from
the Flyway Councils regarding the continuation of a youth waterfowl
hunting day for this hunting season. While the Service recognizes that
there will be those organizations and individuals opposed to the
establishment of this day on the basis of general opposition to hunting
as a desirable outdoor recreational activity, the Service reiterates
its belief that recreational sport hunting is a proper and compatible
use of a renewable natural resource. The Service is further directed by
various legislation to regulate the hunting of migratory waterfowl and
views its role as one of permitting recreational harvest opportunities
consistent with long-term resource conservation for all Americans. As
part of this objective, the Service believes a well-educated and
properly trained hunting constituency is in the best interest of the
resource and views a youth hunting day as an educational opportunity to
help ensure safe, high-quality hunting for future generations of
Americans. The Service believes that the special 1-day hunt is
consistent with its responsibility to provide general education and
training in the wise recreational uses of our nation's valuable
wildlife resources and provides the best and safest learning
environment for our youth who are interested in hunting.
Regarding the Councils' recommendation on the framework dates, the
Service agrees that the period 14 days prior to and after the outside
framework dates for the regular duck season provides sufficient
flexibility for States to provide this opportunity to their
constituents.
The Service recognizes the potential opportunity that inclusion of
geese in the youth waterfowl hunt might provide. However, due to season
closures and restrictions in place to protect certain populations of
Canada geese in various parts of the country, the Service believes this
complication is not appropriate at this point but is certainly a matter
for consideration in future regulatory cycles. Further, these
guidelines do not preclude the inclusion of geese in the daily bag if
the goose
[[Page 44231]]
season is open at the time of the special youth hunt. Therefore, the
Service believes this opportunity should be offered during the 1997-98
hunting season and will utilize the following guidelines:
(1) States may select 1 day per duck-hunting zone, designated as
``Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day'', in addition to their regular duck
seasons.
(2) The day must be held outside any regular duck season on
either a weekend, holiday, or other non-school day when youth
hunters would have the maximum opportunity to participate.
(3) The day could be held up to 14 days before or after any
regular duck-season frameworks or within any split of a regular duck
season.
(4) The daily bag limit may include ducks, mergansers, coots,
moorhens, and gallinules and would be the same as that allowed in
the regular season. Flyway species restrictions would remain in
effect.
(5) Youth hunters must be 15 years of age or younger.
(6) An adult at least 18 years of age must accompany the youth
hunter into the field. This adult could not duck hunt but may
participate in other seasons that are open on the special youth day.
3. Sea Ducks
Written Comments: The HSUS recommended the sea duck season either
be closed or severely restricted until more complete information on
biology and population status is available.
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. While there are ongoing
cooperative efforts to summarize additional information on sea ducks,
the Service continues to emphasize the importance of completing the sea
duck management plan. The Service also believes that improvements in
survey capabilities for these species are extremely important for
future management actions. The Service will continue to closely monitor
these species.
4. Canada Geese
A. Special Seasons
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended a
3-year experimental September Canada goose season in New Jersey with a
framework closing date of the first Saturday in October. The Council
also recommended an experimental framework closing date of October 5
for the Long Island, New York, 1997 September Canada Goose Season.
The Pacific Flyway Council recommended several modifications to the
existing special September goose seasons. The Council recommended
expansion of the Washington September Canada goose hunt zone to include
all of Washington for 7 consecutive days. In California, the Council
recommended the establishment of a new 9-day season, with a 2-bird
daily bag and possession limit, in Humboldt County, California. Harvest
of up to 200 birds would be controlled through a regulated permit
system. In Oregon, the Council recommended that the framework in
Clatsop, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Marion, Yamhill,
Polk, Linn, Benton, Lane, Lincoln, and Tillamook Counties be 14
consecutive days between September 1 and 20 with a daily bag and
possession limit of 5 and 10 birds, respectively.
Public-Hearing Comments: Mr. Robert McDowell, representing the
Atlantic Flyway Council, reiterated support for New Jersey's request
for extension of the special September Canada goose season to the first
Saturday in October and New York's request to extend to October 5 and
cited that all criteria have been met. These additional days would
increase the harvests of resident geese and help to reduce complaints.
Written Comments: The Maryland Department of Natural Resources
opposed the extension of the framework closing date in New Jersey's
September Canada goose season. They believed that there will be an
insufficient number of migrant neck-banded geese in the migrant
population to evaluate the impacts of this proposed change. They
further believed that due to potential differences in vulnerability to
harvest between resident and migrant geese, the addition of hunting
days in early October could lead to even higher than expected migrant
goose harvest.
The New Jersey Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife supported the
modification of the framework closing date in New Jersey to the first
Saturday in October. They estimated that the additional days would
allow hunters to harvest an additional average of 1,600 resident Canada
geese which would help slow population growth and reduce the number and
severity of nuisance goose complaints. In response to Maryland's
comments, they pointed out several other techniques for assessing
migrant harvest during special seasons, such as the continuing
telemetry studies and the initiation of Atlantic Population (AP)
preseason breeding ground banding in 1997. New Jersey contends that use
of these data sets will greatly enhance the understanding of arrival
dates of AP geese and will replace the dependence on the disappearing
migrant neck bands. New Jersey further pointed out that their proposal
meets the criteria established by the Atlantic Flyway Council and the
Service for special Canada goose seasons targeting resident Canada
geese.
Service Response: At the request of the Atlantic Flyway Council,
the Service temporarily extended framework closing dates in the
Atlantic Flyway on resident geese in 1996 to September 25, without
evaluation in most areas, and on an experimental basis to September 30
in New Jersey and North Carolina. Presently, New Jersey has completed
only one year of its agreed upon 3-year evaluation.
Although extending the framework closing dates into early October
in New Jersey and New York would increase harvests of resident geese
and help to alleviate injurious problems, the Service believes that
further evaluation is needed before all parties are comfortable that
the harvest of migrant geese will not exceed 10 percent of the special
season harvest. Also, the Service is concerned that sample sizes of
neck-banded migrant geese are no longer sufficient to estimate the
percentage of migrant geese in the early seasons with any degree of
reliability. Both New Jersey's and New York's proposals indicate that
the harvests of migrant geese increases rather dramatically after
October 1 and there is little capability to measure precisely the
percentage of migrant harvest. Thus, the Service does not support New
Jersey's request until it completes its 3-year evaluation. However,
based on the observations presented, the Service would support New York
extending its season on Long Island from September 25 until September
30 on a 3-year experimental basis.
With respect to the Pacific Flyway Council's recommendations, the
Service supports the change to a 7-day Statewide season in Washington
and the new season proposal for California, as both of these
recommendations conform to the existing Service criteria for special
Canada goose seasons. The Service also endorses the proposal for a 14-
day experimental season in Oregon between September 1 and 20. The
Service notes that a 3-year evaluation of that portion of the season
occurring after September 15 is required. The Service is particularly
concerned about possible impacts on dusky Canada geese. The Service
specifically requires monitoring be conducted for the presence of neck-
banded dusky Canada geese throughout the hunt area during this period
as a part of the experimental evaluation. Additionally, the Service
requires Oregon to submit an annual report of
[[Page 44232]]
their evaluation by July 15 each year describing the results of this
monitoring program. These results will be reviewed prior to
continuation of the experiment during the 3-year experimental period
and modifications of the area open to hunting during this period will
be required if dusky Canada geese are found to be present during the
season.
B. Regular Seasons
Council Recommendations: The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of
the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended Michigan and Wisconsin be
allowed to open their regular Canada goose season as early as September
27, 1997, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and September 20, 1997, in
Wisconsin.
Service Response: The Service concurs.
9. Sandhill Cranes
Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway and Pacific Flyway
Councils recommended that in Montana, sandhill cranes in Wheatland
County and that portion of Sweet Grass County north of I-90 be
delineated as Rocky Mountain Population sandhill cranes. Thus,
management of these cranes, including harvest, would be guided by the
Rocky Mountain Population Sandhill Crane Management Plan, rather than
the Mid-Continent Population Sandhill Crane Management Plan.
Service Response: The Service agrees with this minor change.
14. Woodcock
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended
framework dates of October 6 to January 31, a 30-day season and 3-bird
daily bag limit and urged the Service to make assessment of the
relative effects of harvest and habitat on woodcock populations a high
priority.
The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended an interim woodcock
harvest strategy for the Central region until such time as Regional
Woodcock Management Plans and a long-term harvest strategy are
completed. The interim harvest strategy would consist of the following:
The following harvest restrictions would be implemented when the
cumulative change since 1968 in the number of woodcock heard in the
Singing-ground Survey exceeds 51 percent for the Central Management
Region:
(1) Season framework dates would be the Saturday nearest
September 22 through January.
(2) The daily bag limit would be reduced from 5 to 3 birds.
Public-Hearing Comments: Mr. Robert McDowell, representing the
Atlantic Flyway Council, expressed reluctant support for the
recommendation for more restrictive framework dates and season lengths
for woodcock. However, he indicated that given the proposed September
20 opening framework in the Mississippi and Central Flyway States,
perhaps October 1, rather than October 6, would be a more appropriate
opening date for the Atlantic Flyway. He encouraged the Service to
assess the relative roles of harvest and habitat changes in woodcock
population declines.
Mr. Charles D. Kelley, representing the Southeastern Association of
Fish and Wildlife Agencies, acknowledged the problem with declining
woodcock populations and encouraged the Service to work with the States
to address the problem of diminishing woodcock habitat.
Mr. William H. Goudy, representing the Ruffed Grouse Society,
expressed concern about the lost recreational opportunity that will
result from reduced season lengths and bag limits, particularly in the
Mississippi Flyway. Although the change in bag limits would be
acceptable, he regretted the loss in days. He indicated that the
population data on which the Service bases its decisions is flawed and
subject to criticism and that there is no information on what effects
the changes in regulations will have. He expressed support for the
expanded use of zones for woodcock hunting.
Written Comments: The New Jersey Division of Fish, Game, and
Wildlife supported the Atlantic Flyway Council's recommended framework
dates of October 6 to January 31, a 30-day season and 3-bird daily bag
limit. Although they believed that the population declines were the
result of habitat changes and harvest played little or no role in the
declines, they realized that the data bases regarding woodcock
populations are not adequate to assess the role of harvest in woodcock
population dynamics. They further urged the Service to make assessment
of the relative effects of harvest and habitat on woodcock populations
a high priority.
The Ohio Division of Wildlife (Ohio) believed that the population
declines were habitat related. Based on this belief, Ohio recommended
the Service adopt the Mississippi Flyway Council's recommendation
regarding woodcock harvest regulations. They did not support changing
harvest regulations when evidence of hunting as the cause of the
decline is not conclusive and believed that these actions could
significantly affect recreational opportunity.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (Louisiana) and
the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (Tennessee) expressed
disappointment in the Service's proposed woodcock frameworks and the
failure to adopt the Mississippi Flyway Council's recommendation.
Louisiana encouraged the Service to reconsider its proposed actions and
urged the Service to attack the real problem affecting woodcock
populations' habitat. Tennessee further requested the Service provide
the States the option to have two zones with no more than a 5- and 10-
day penalty for a 45- and 65-day framework, respectively.
The Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF) urged the Service to
reconsider and allow for a 65-day season and a 5-bird daily bag limit
in the Central Region. The LWF was concerned that the proposed
reductions would reduce participation and needed support for woodcock
conservation.
The Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) did not agree with the
Service's proposal to reduce woodcock seasons and bag limits. WMI
believed this action would have major negative effects on hunters,
public perceptions of hunters, and State/Federal relations and would
not have a significant effect on woodcock population trends. WMI
suggested the Service could better respond to woodcock declines by
emphasizing management programs that create early successional forest
habitats.
The Service also received many comments from individuals with many
noting the importance of habitat management. Several individuals from
Michigan, Ohio, Maine, and North Carolina supported more restrictive
woodcock hunting regulations indicating that restrictions were overdue.
Four individuals from Wisconsin and one from Michigan supported
reducing the bag limit from 5 to 3 birds but expressed concerns about
other possible regulatory changes. They indicated a shorter season
would be acceptable but felt that the framework opening date should
remain September 15, noting that hunting opportunity in northern areas
would be affected disproportionately by a later framework opening date.
Another individual from Wisconsin felt that changes in regulations
should only be made when it is certain that they will help the
population. He indicated the season should begin before October 1 and
that it should not be shorter than 45 days. An individual from Michigan
indicated that based on his personal observations, woodcock populations
have not
[[Page 44233]]
declined. He felt that an opening date later than September 15 would
take away the best time to hunt and suggested different opening and
closing dates based on latitude. Another individual from Michigan
implied that regulations should not be changed unless hunting mortality
is causing the population declines. An individual from Kentucky thought
that reducing the woodcock harvest would help a little but would not
solve the overall problem. An individual from Tennessee supported the
Service's proposed changes except for reductions in season length. An
individual from New Hampshire suggested a special 20-day blackpowder
season.
Individuals from Louisiana (18), Pennsylvania, Michigan, Maryland,
and Vermont opposed any changes in regulations, generally citing
habitat changes and/or weather as the causes of the woodcock population
decline. Many of these individuals were concerned that more restrictive
regulations would reduce the number of woodcock hunters and thus,
support for woodcock conservation. Four of these individuals indicated
that the Service should improve its ability to monitor woodcock
populations before restricting hunting regulations while another
believed that the Service's delay in implementing the American Woodcock
Management Plan was inexcusable and negligent. Another individual from
Louisiana was not opposed to restrictions provided that accurate data
indicate that hunting pressure is the major cause of the population
declines. Three individuals from Texas opposed more restrictive hunting
regulations based on the presumption that the Singing-Ground Survey is
statistically flawed and potentially biased.
The HSUS commended the Service for its proposal to reduce woodcock
hunting seasons given the long-term population declines that have
occurred throughout its range.
Service Response: Woodcock populations have declined significantly
since the 1960s, and in recent years reproductive success has been
poor. The Service is very concerned about the ongoing declines in
woodcock populations. Although hunting mortality is not believed to be
the major force driving the declines, the Service believes some
restrictions to woodcock harvest opportunity are appropriate given the
current status and trends of woodcock populations and the limited
information on the role of hunting mortality and other factors in
woodcock population dynamics. While habitat changes appear to be the
primary cause of the woodcock population declines, other factors,
including hunting mortality, may be contributing to the declines, and
the importance of these factors may increase as populations,
reproductive success, and the habitat base decline. Thus, the Service
believes that hunting regulations should be commensurate with woodcock
population status and rates of decline. A combination of changes in
framework dates, bag limits, and season length are necessary in order
to achieve a significant reduction in harvest that is shared throughout
the range of the woodcock.
Therefore, in response to continuing long-term declines in the
woodcock population, the Service is implementing several framework
changes. In the Eastern Region, the Service concurs with the
recommendation from the Atlantic Flyway Council for framework dates of
October 6 through January 31, season length of 30 days, and a daily bag
limit of 3 birds. New Jersey may continue to select 2 zones with a
reduced season length of 24 days in each zone. In the Central Region,
the Service will utilize framework dates of the Saturday nearest
September 22 (September 20 this year) through January 31, a reduced
season length of 45 days (from 65 days), and a bag-limit reduction from
5 to 3 birds. The Service believes that these restrictions represent a
compromise to achieve a reduction in harvest while still allowing
reasonable recreational opportunity.
The Service also acknowledges that existing woodcock surveys are
somewhat limited compared to surveys for some other migratory bird
species, and believes this is one of the reasons a cautious approach to
harvest management is appropriate. Although the Service always seeks to
improve its monitoring programs whenever practical, woodcock
populations are inherently difficult to monitor because of the bird's
inconspicuous nature and preference for areas with dense vegetation.
Although some aspects of the Singing-ground Survey may warrant scrutiny
and/or improvement, the current survey provides the only index to
changes in abundance of breeding populations of woodcock and the
results are used with confidence to guide the decision-making process.
Improved information on total woodcock harvest and hunter success will
be available when the Harvest Information Program, currently being
implemented by the Service and State wildlife agencies, is fully
implemented. Unfortunately, this information is not likely to clarify
the relationship between hunting mortality and population status.
The Service notes that a 30-day season with an October 1 framework
opening date would result in little or no reduction in harvest in the
northern states in the Atlantic Flyway, where much of the harvest in
the Flyway occurs. Thus, the Service concurs with the original October
6 recommendation by the Atlantic Flyway Council, which was not
predicated on the establishment of specific regulations in the
Mississippi and Central flyways.
The Service believes zoning has the potential to increase the
harvest of woodcock, and therefore does not support the expanded use of
zoning at a time when more restrictive woodcock hunting regulations are
being established to bring harvest opportunities to a level more
commensurate with current woodcock population status.
The Service seeks active participation by the Flyway Councils to
address the major factors behind long-term population declines, and to
develop a long-term harvest strategy for woodcock.
17. White-winged and White-tipped Doves
Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended
removing the restriction of no more than 6 white-winged doves in the
aggregate daily bag limit during the regular mourning dove season in
Texas.
Service Response: The Service supports removing the restriction on
the number of white-winged doves allowed within the aggregate daily bag
limit during the regular dove season in Texas. The distribution and
density of white-winged doves have expanded northward in Texas.
Populations have doubled since 1989, with an estimated 702,000
whitewings nesting in a 17-county area north of the Lower Rio Grande
Valley (LRGV), which historically was the only area occupied by the
birds. No increase in harvest is expected for whitewings in the LRGV.
In the remainder of the State, a harvest increase of 15 percent is
projected.
18. Alaska
Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended an
experimental tundra swan season in the Kotzebue Sound region of
Alaska's Game Management Unit (GMU 23), which would be consistent with
the Pacific Flyway Management Plan's harvest and permit guidelines for
the Western Population of [Tundra] swans, and current guidelines for
conducting experimental seasons (3-year evaluation). The recommended
season framework would be September 1 - October 31 with a 3-swan per
season
[[Page 44234]]
limit (by sequential permit) and a maximum of 300 permits in the GMU.
The Pacific Flyway Council recommended an increase in Alaska's dark
goose daily bag and possession limits from 4 and 8 to 6 and 12,
respectively in GMU 9(D) and the Unimak Island portion of Unit 10.
The Pacific Flyway Council recommended an increase in Alaska's
falconry bag limits to 6 daily and 12 in possession for migratory birds
in the aggregate. Restrictive species limits would not be applied.
Written Comments: The HSUS recommended that the opening date for
all seasons in Alaska be delayed by 2 weeks so that young birds are
able to leave natal marshes before being subjected to hunting pressure.
Service Response: The Service concurs with the proposal to offer an
experimental tundra swan season in GMU 23 consistent with the Flyway
Management Plan and hunt guidelines in the Hunt Plan for the Western
Population of Tundra Swans. The Service also supports the change in the
dark goose bag and possession limits in Unit 9(D) and the Unimak Island
portion of Unit 10. The Service finds no compelling rationale for the
request to alter the falconry bag and possession limits in Alaska and
will maintain the existing national falconry bag and possession limits
in all States.
Regarding the opening date for seasons in Alaska, the Service
reiterates previous responses that hunting pressure on migratory birds
is comparatively light. Many northern species migrate from the State
before seasons open there in September and there is no evidence to
indicate regulated hunting has adversely impacted local populations.
23. Other
A. Compensatory Days
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council requested the
Service grant compensatory days for States in their Flyway that are
closed to waterfowl hunting statewide on Sunday by State law. The
Council's requested compensatory days would apply to waterfowl seasons
only and not to other migratory game birds. The compensatory request
includes the States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland,
Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and
West Virginia. The Council believes that granting this request at this
time will allow integration of these changes into AHM evaluations of
harvest rates in the Flyway and selection of appropriate regulatory
alternatives.
Public-Hearing Comments: Mr. Robert McDowell, representing the
Atlantic Flyway Council, offered to modify the Flyway's original
request for compensatory days to states closed to Sunday hunting by
restricting it to only those states with existing statewide
prohibitions in place prior to its implementation. This action prevents
any states from enacting new laws to close Sunday hunting in order to
be eligible for compensatory days.
Written Comments: The South Carolina Department of Natural
Resources asserted that Sunday closures of waterfowl hunting are State
issues and should not be addressed by the Service. South Carolina
further asserted that if the Service grants compensatory days to States
that are currently closed on Sundays by State law, then compensatory
days should also be granted to States that enact Sunday closures in the
future.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources objected to the Service
offering compensatory days to States in the Atlantic Flyway with Sunday
closures. They believed that this was a State issue and, as such, the
Federal government should not be involved. They further believed that
each State should change any applicable self-imposed restrictions
relating to Sunday hunting closures and that involving Federal
procedures to circumvent State laws sets a bad precedent that could
open the door for further involvement in future unresolved issues.
The Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife recommended the Service
grant compensatory days in lieu of Sunday hunting on a 1 for 1 basis to
restricted States with no penalty to unrestricted States.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (Maryland) requested
that the Service grant compensatory days to the 10 Atlantic Flyway
States that are closed to waterfowl hunting on Sunday by State law.
They believe that compensatory days would enable these States to
equally share in the recreational benefits derived from the Flyway's
waterfowl resource. Maryland supported the Federal closure of Sunday
for the taking of wild waterfowl if the Service deemed this approach
necessary to provide compensatory days. However, Maryland requested the
Service give consideration to the current Sunday hunting exception
Maryland grants falconers.
The New Jersey Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife (New Jersey)
requested the Service grant compensatory days for States in their
Flyway that are closed to waterfowl hunting statewide on Sunday by
State law. New Jersey's requested compensatory days would apply to
waterfowl seasons only and not to other migratory game birds. The
compensatory request includes the States of Connecticut, Delaware,
Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina,
Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Several individuals from Maryland questioned the need to close
Sundays to the take of all migratory waterfowl, including falconry, in
order to provide compensatory hunting days to those States prohibiting
Sunday hunting.
Service Response: In 1995, the Service committed to working with
the Atlantic Flyway Council to review and better clarify the issue of
compensatory days for those States prohibiting Sunday hunting in an
attempt to resolve this long-standing issue. In the past, the Service
has maintained the policy that this problem is an individual State
issue, to be resolved by each State removing their self-imposed
restrictions. However, recognizing the difficulties involved with
changing State law, the Service is sympathetic to the loss of hunting
opportunity that results from the existing prohibitions on Sunday
hunting. A recent Service assessment suggests that compensatory days
for Sunday closures will result in a slight increase in the harvest
rates of mallards breeding in eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S.,
which would be accompanied by a small decrease in average breeding
population size. A similar effect is expected on other species. Thus,
after examining the various technical and policy concerns, the Service
believes that any additional harvest impacts can be adjusted by
changing regulatory frameworks where needed and that various
administrative and procedural concerns can be managed. Therefore,
during the 1997-98 hunting season, the Service will offer compensatory
days to States in accordance to the following guidelines:
(1) Only States in the Atlantic Flyway that prohibit Sunday
hunting Statewide by State law prior to 1997 are eligible
(Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey,
North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia).
(2) All Sundays will be closed to all take (including extended
falconry) of migratory waterfowl (including mergansers and coots) by
Federal rulemaking. Other migratory game species are not eligible
for compensatory days.
(3) Season days must run consecutively within prescribed
framework dates and season length, excluding the Sunday closure, and
conform to existing split-season criteria. Total season days
(including extended falconry) must not exceed 107 days.
[[Page 44235]]
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. The Service published a Notice
of Availability in the June 16, 1988, Federal Register (53 FR 22582).
The Service published its Record of Decision 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
As in the past, the Service designs hunting regulations to remove
or alleviate chances of conflict between migratory game bird hunting
seasons and the protection and conservation of endangered and
threatened species. Consultations have been conducted to ensure that
actions resulting from these regulatory proposals will not likely
jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species
or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical
habitat. Findings from these consultations are included in a biological
opinion and may cause modification of some regulatory measures
previously proposed. The final frameworks reflect any modifications.
The Service's biological opinions resulting from its Section 7
consultation are public documents available for public inspection in
the Service's Division of Endangered Species and MBMO, at the address
indicated under the caption ADDRESSES.
Executive Order (E.O.) 12866
This rule is economically significant and was reviewed by the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under E.O. 12866.
Congressional Review
In accordance with Section 251 of the Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (5 U.S.C. 8), this rule has been
submitted to Congress and has been declared major. Because this rule
establishes hunting seasons, this rule qualifies for an exemption under
5 U.S.C. 808(1); therefore, the Department determines that this rule
shall take effect immediately.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
These regulations have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility
Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq). In the March 13, 1997, Federal Register, the
Service reported measures it took to comply with requirements of the
Act. One measure was to prepare a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis
(Analysis) in 1996 documenting the significant beneficial economic
effect on a substantial number of small entities. The Analysis
estimated that migratory bird hunters would spend between $254 and $592
million at small businesses in 1996. Copies of the Analysis are
available upon request from the MBMO.
Paperwork Reduction Act
The Department examined these regulations under the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)). Under the Act, information
collections must be approved by the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). The Service uses the various information collection requirements
contained in this rule to develop future migratory game bird hunting
regulations. Specifically, the information collection requirements of
the Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program have been approved by
OMB and assigned clearance number 1018-0015. This information is used
to provide a sampling frame for voluntary national surveys to improve
Service harvest estimates for all migratory game birds in order to
better manage these populations. OMB approval for the Sandhill Crane
Harvest Questionnaire, 1018-0023, has expired and has been submitted to
OMB for reinstatement. The information from this survey is used to
estimate the magnitude, the geographical and temporal distribution of
harvest, and the portion its constitutes of the total population. The
Service will not collect this information until OMB approval has been
obtained and a Federal Register notice published. Additionally, no
person may be required to respond to a collection of information unless
it displays a currently valid OMB number.
Regulations Promulgation
The rulemaking process for migratory game bird hunting must, by its
nature, operate under severe time constraints. However, the Service
intends that the public be given the greatest possible opportunity to
comment on the regulations. Thus, when the preliminary proposed
rulemaking was published, the Service established what it believed were
the longest periods possible for public comment. In doing this, the
Service recognized that when the comment period closed, 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 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 to implement their decisions.
Therefore, the Service, under authority of the Migratory Bird
Treaty Act (July 3, 1918), as amended, (16 U.S.C. 703-711), 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 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 conterminous United States
for the 1997-98 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.
Unfunded Mandates
The Service has determined and certifies 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 rule, has determined that
these regulations meet the applicable standards provided in Sections
3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988.
Authorship
The priamry author of this rule is Ronald W. Kokel, Office of
Migratory Bird Management.
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20
Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Transportation, Wildlife.
The rules that eventually will be promulgated for the 1997-98
hunting season are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703-711, 16 U.S.C. 712,
and 16 U.S.C. 742 a--j.
[[Page 44236]]
Dated: August 8, 1997.
Donald J. Barry,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
Final Regulations Frameworks for 1997-98 Early Hunting Seasons on
Certain Migratory Game Birds
Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and delegated
authorities, the Department of Interior approved the following
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, 1997, and March 10, 1998.
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 are
contained in a later portion of this document.
Compensatory Days in the Atlantic Flyway: In the Atlantic Flyway
States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New
Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia,
where Sunday hunting is prohibited statewide by State law, all Sundays
are closed to all take of migratory waterfowl (including mergansers and
coots).
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 20). The daily bag and possession limits will
be the same as those in effect last year, but are subject to change
during the late-season regulations process. The remainder of the
regular duck season may not begin before October 10.
Special Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day
Outside Dates: States may select 1 day per duck-hunting zone,
designated as ``Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day'', in addition to their
regular duck seasons. The day must be held outside any regular duck
season on either a weekend, holiday, or other non-school day when youth
hunters would have the maximum opportunity to participate. The day
could be held up to 14 days before or after any regular duck-season
frameworks or within any split of a regular duck season.
Daily Bag Limits: The daily bag limit may include ducks,
mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinules and would be the same as
that allowed in the regular season. Flyway species restrictions would
remain in effect.
Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
Participation Restrictions: Youth hunters must be 15 years of age
or younger. In addition, an adult at least 18 years of age must
accompany the youth hunter into the field. This adult could not duck
hunt but may participate in other seasons that are open on the special
youth day.
Scoter, Eider, and Oldsquaw Ducks (Atlantic Flyway)
Outside Dates: Between September 15 and January 20.
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 107 days, with
a daily bag limit of 7, singly or in the aggregate of the listed sea-
duck species, of which no more than 4 may be scoters.
Daily Bag Limits During the Regular Duck Season: Within the special
sea duck areas, during the regular duck season in the Atlantic Flyway,
States may choose to allow the above sea duck limits in addition to the
limits applying to other ducks during the regular duck season. In all
other areas, sea ducks may be taken only during the regular open season
for ducks and must be included in the regular duck season daily bag and
possession limits.
Areas: In all coastal waters and all waters of rivers and streams
seaward from the first upstream bridge in Maine, New Hampshire,
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York; in any waters
of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters of any bay which are
separated by at least 1 mile of open water from any shore, island, and
emergent vegetation in New Jersey, South Carolina, and Georgia; and in
any waters of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters of any bay
which are separated by at least 800 yards of open water from any shore,
island, and emergent vegetation in Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina
and Virginia; and provided that any such areas have been described,
delineated, and designated as special sea-duck hunting areas under the
hunting regulations adopted by the respective States.
Special Early Canada Goose Seasons
Atlantic Flyway
General Seasons
Canada goose seasons of up to 15 days during September 1-15 may be
selected for the Montezuma Region of New York; the Lake Champlain
Region of New York and Vermont; the Counties of Caroline, Cecil,
Dorchester, and Talbot in Maryland; Delaware; and Crawford County in
Pennsylvania. Seasons not to exceed 20 days during September 1-20 may
be selected for the Northeast Hunt Unit of North Carolina. Seasons may
not exceed 25 days during September 1-25 in the remainder of the
Flyway, except Georgia and Florida, where the season is closed. Areas
open to the hunting of Canada geese must be described, delineated, and
designated as such in each State's hunting regulations.
Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 5 Canada geese.
Experimental Seasons
Experimental Canada goose seasons of up to 30 days during September
1-30 may be selected by New Jersey, New York (Long Island Zone), North
Carolina (except in the Northeast Hunt Unit), and South Carolina.
Experimental Canada goose seasons of up to 25 days during September 1-
25 may be selected in Crawford County, Pennsylvania. Areas open to the
hunting of Canada geese must be described, delineated, and designated
as such in each State's hunting regulations.
[[Page 44237]]
Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 5 Canada geese.
Mississippi Flyway
General Seasons
Canada goose seasons of up to 15 days during September 1-15 may be
selected, except in the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, where the season
may not extend beyond September 10, and in the Michigan Counties of
Huron, Saginaw and Tuscola, where no special season may be held. The
daily bag limit may not exceed 5 Canada geese. Areas open to the
hunting of Canada geese must be described, delineated, and designated
as such in each State's hunting regulations.
Central Flyway
General Seasons
Canada goose seasons of up to 15 days during September 1-15 may be
selected. The daily bag limit may not exceed 5 Canada geese. Areas open
to the hunting of Canada geese must be described, delineated, and
designated as such in each State's hunting regulations.
Pacific Flyway
General Seasons
Wyoming may select an 8-day season on Canada geese between
September 1-15. This season is subject to the following conditions:
1. Where applicable, the season must be concurrent with the
September portion of the sandhill crane season.
2. All participants must have a valid State permit for the
special season.
3. A daily bag limit of 2, with season and possession limits of
4 will apply to the special season.
Oregon may select an experimental special Canada goose season of up
to 15 days during the period September 1-20. Daily bag limits may not
exceed 5 Canada geese. At a minimum, Oregon must provide an annual
evaluation of the number of dusky Canada geese present in the hunt zone
during the period September 16-20 and agree to adjust seasons as
necessary to avoid any potential harvest of dusky Canada geese.
Washington may select a special Canada goose season of up to 15
days during the period September 1-15. Daily bag limits may not exceed
3 Canada geese.
Idaho may select a 15-day season in the special East Canada Goose
Zone, as described in State regulations, during the period September 1-
15. All participants must have a valid State permit and the total
number of permits issued is not to exceed 110 for this zone. The daily
bag limit is 2.
Idaho may select a 7-day Canada Goose Season during the period
September 1-15 in Nez Perce County, with a bag limit of 4.
California may select a 9-day season in Humboldt County during the
period September 1-15.
Areas open to hunting of Canada geese in each State must be
described, delineated, and designated as such in each State's hunting
regulations.
Regular Goose Seasons
Regular goose seasons may open as early as September 20 in
Wisconsin and September 27 in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Season
lengths and bag and possession limits will be the same as those in
effect last year, but are subject to change during the late-season
regulations process.
Sandhill Cranes
Regular Seasons in the Central Flyway:
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and February 28.
Hunting Seasons: Seasons not to exceed 58 consecutive days may be
selected in designated portions of the following States: Colorado,
Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Seasons not
to exceed 93 consecutive days may be selected in designated portions of
the following States: New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Daily Bag Limits: 3 sandhill cranes.
Permits: Each person participating in the regular sandhill crane
seasons must have a valid Federal sandhill crane hunting permit in
their possession while hunting.
Special Seasons in the Central and Pacific Flyways:
Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming
may select seasons for hunting sandhill cranes within the range of the
Rocky Mountain Population subject to the following conditions:
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 31.
Hunting Seasons: The season in any State or zone may not exceed 30
days.
Bag limits: Not to exceed 3 daily and 9 per season.
Permits: Participants must have a valid permit, issued by the
appropriate State, in their possession while hunting.
Other provisions: Numbers of permits, open areas, season dates,
protection plans for other species, and other provisions of seasons
must be consistent with the management plan and approved by the Central
and Pacific Flyway Councils. Seasons in the Park-Big Horn Unit in
Wyoming and Idaho are experimental.
Common Moorhens and Purple Gallinules
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 20 in the Atlantic
Flyway, and between September 1 and the Sunday nearest January 20
(January 18) in the 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 2 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 2 segments.
Daily Bag Limits:
Clapper and King Rails - In Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey,
Delaware, and Maryland, 10, singly or in the aggregate of the two
species. In Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida,
South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, 15, singly or in the
aggregate of the two species.
Sora and Virginia Rails - In the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central
Flyways and the Pacific-Flyway portions of Colorado, Montana, New
Mexico, and Wyoming, 25 daily and 25 in possession, singly or in the
aggregate of the two species. The season is closed in the remainder of
the Pacific Flyway.
Common Snipe
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and February 28, except in
Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia,
where the season must end no later than January 31.
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 6 and January 31. States in the Central and
Mississippi Flyways may select hunting seasons
[[Page 44238]]
between the Saturday nearest September 22 (September 20) and January
31.
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Seasons may not exceed 30
days in the Atlantic Flyway and 45 days in the Central and Mississippi
Flyways. The daily bag limit is 3. 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 24 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
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
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 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 doves (15 under the
alternative) in the aggregate, of which 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.
[[Page 44239]]
Closures: The season is closed on Canada geese from Unimak Pass
westward in the Aleutian Island chain. The hunting season is closed on
Aleutian Canada geese, emperor geese, spectacled eiders, and Steller's
eiders.
Daily Bag and Possession limits:
Ducks - Except as noted, a basic daily bag limit of 7 and a
possession limit of 21 ducks. Daily bag and possession limits in the
North Zone are 10 and 30, and in the Gulf Coast Zone they are 8 and 24,
respectively. The basic limits may include no more than 1 canvasback
daily and 3 in possession.
In addition to the basic limit, there is a daily bag limit of 15
and a possession limit of 30 scoter, common and king eiders, oldsquaw,
harlequin, and common and red-breasted mergansers, singly or in the
aggregate of these species.
Light Geese - A basic daily bag limit of 3 and a possession limit
of 6.
Dark Geese - A basic daily bag limit of 4 and a possession limit of
8.
Dark-goose seasons are subject to the following exceptions:
1. In Units 9(e) and 18, the limits for Canada geese are 1 daily
and 2 in possession.
2. In Units 5 and 6, the taking of Canada geese is permitted
from September 28 through December 16. Middleton Island is closed to
the taking of Canada geese.
3. In Unit 10 (except Unimak Island), the taking of Canada geese
is prohibited.
4. In Unit 9(D) and the Unimak Island portion of Unit 10, the
limits for dark geese are 6 daily and 12 in possession.
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. All seasons are by registration permit only.
2. All season Framework dates are September 1 - October 31.
3. In GMU 18, no more than 500 permits may be issued during the
operational season. No more than 3 tundra swans permits may be
issued per hunter and permits must be issued sequentially one at a
time, upon filing a harvest report.
4. In GMU 22, no more than 300 permits may be issued during the
operational season authorizing each permittee to take 1 tundra swan
per season.
5. In GMU 23, no more than 300 permits may be issued during the
experimental season. No more than 3 tundra swans permits may be
issued per hunter and permits must be issued sequentially, one at a
time, upon filing a harvest report. The experimental season
evaluation must adhere to the guidelines for experimental seasons as
described in the Pacific Flyway Management Plan for the Western
Population of (Tundra) Swans.
Hawaii
Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 31.
Hunting Seasons: Not more than 65 days (75 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 6.
Common moorhens - Not to exceed 6.
Common snipe - Not to exceed 8.
Closed Seasons: The season is closed on the ruddy duck, white-
cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck,
and masked duck, which are protected by the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico. The season also is closed on the purple gallinule, American coot,
and Caribbean coot.
Closed Areas: There is no open season on ducks, common moorhens,
and common snipe in the Municipality of Culebra and on Desecheo Island.
Virgin Islands
Doves and Pigeons:
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15.
Hunting Seasons: Not more than 60 days for Zenaida doves.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Not to exceed 10 Zenaida doves.
Closed Seasons: No open season is prescribed for ground or quail
doves, or pigeons in the Virgin Islands.
Closed Areas: There is no open season for migratory game birds on
Ruth Cay (just south of St. Croix).
Local Names for Certain Birds: Zenaida dove, also known as mountain
dove; bridled quail-dove, also known as Barbary dove or partridge;
Common ground-dove, also known as stone dove, tobacco dove, rola, or
tortolita; scaly-naped pigeon, also known as red-necked or scaled
pigeon.
Ducks
Outside Dates: Between December 1 and January 31.
Hunting Seasons: Not more than 55 consecutive days.
Daily Bag Limits: 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.
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.
[[Page 44240]]
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 and
excluding the Great Divide Portion.
The remaining portions of these States are in the Pacific Flyway.
Mourning and White-winged Doves
Alabama
South Zone - Baldwin, Barbour, Coffee, Conecuh, 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
Connecticut
North Zone - That portion of the State north of I-95.
Maryland
Eastern Unit - Anne Arundel, Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Charles,
Dorchester, Harford, St. Marys, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and
Worcester Counties, and those portions of Baltimore, Howard, and Prince
Georges Counties east of I-95.
Western Unit - Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Montgomery,
and Washington Counties, and those portions of Baltimore, Howard, and
Prince Georges Counties east of I-95.
Massachusetts
Western Zone - That portion of the State west of a line extending
south from the Vermont border on I-91 to MA 9, west on MA 9 to MA 10,
south on MA 10 to U.S. 202, south on U.S. 202 to the Connecticut
border.
Central Zone - That portion of the State east of the Berkshire Zone
and west of a line extending south from the New Hampshire border on I-
95 to U.S. 1, south on U.S. 1 to I-93, south on I-93 to MA 3, south on
MA 3 to U.S. 6, west on U.S. 6 to MA 28, west on MA 28 to I-195, west
to the Rhode Island border; except the waters, and the lands 150 yards
inland from the high-water mark, of the Assonet River upstream to the
MA 24 bridge, and the Taunton River upstream to the Center St.-Elm St.
bridge shall be in the Coastal Zone.
Coastal Zone - That portion of Massachusetts east and south of the
Central Zone.
New Hampshire
Early-season Hunt Unit - Cheshire, Hillsborough, Rockingham, and
Strafford Counties.
New York
Lake Champlain Zone - The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and that
area
[[Page 44241]]
east and north of a line extending along NY 9B from the Canadian border
to U.S. 9, south along U.S. 9 to NY 22 south of Keesville; south along
NY 22 to the west shore of South Bay, along and around the shoreline of
South Bay to NY 22 on the east shore of South Bay; southeast along NY
22 to U.S. 4, northeast along U.S. 4 to the Vermont border.
Long Island Zone - That area consisting of Nassau County, Suffolk
County, that area of Westchester County southeast of I-95, and their
tidal waters.
Western Zone - That area west of a line extending from Lake Ontario
east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, and south along
I-81 to the Pennsylvania border, except for the Montezuma Zone.
Montezuma Zone - Those portions of Cayuga, Seneca, Ontario, Wayne,
and Oswego Counties north of U.S. Route 20, east of NYS Route 14, south
of NYS Route 104, and west of NYS Route 34.
Northeastern Zone - That area north of a line extending from Lake
Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, south
along I-81 to NY 49, east along NY 49 to NY 365, east along NY 365 to
NY 28, east along NY 28 to NY 29, east along NY 29 to I-87, north along
I-87 to U.S. 9 (at Exit 20), north along U.S. 9 to NY 149, east along
NY 149 to U.S. 4, north along U.S. 4 to the Vermont border, exclusive
of the Lake Champlain Zone.
Southeastern Zone - The remaining portion of New York.
North Carolina
Northeast Hunt Unit - Counties of Bertie, Camden, Chovan,
Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington.
South Carolina
Early-season Hunt Unit - Clarendon County and those portions of
Orangeburg County north of SC Highway 6 and Berkeley County north of SC
Highway 45 from the Orangeburg County line to the junction of SC
Highway 45 and State Road S-8-31 and west of the Santee Dam.
Mississippi Flyway
Illinois
Northeast Canada Goose Zone - Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee,
Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties.
North Zone: That portion of the State outside the Northeast Canada
Goose Zone and north of a line extending east from the Iowa border
along Illinois Highway 92 to Interstate Highway 280, east along I-280
to I-80, then east along I-80 to the Indiana border.
Central Zone: That portion of the State outside the Northeast
Canada Goose Zone and south of the North Zone to a line extending east
from the Missouri border along the Modoc Ferry route to Modoc Ferry
Road, east along Modoc Ferry Road to Modoc Road, northeasterly along
Modoc Road and St. Leo's Road to Illinois Highway 3, north along
Illinois 3 to Illinois 159, north along Illinois 159 to Illinois 161,
east along Illinois 161 to Illinois 4, north along Illinois 4 to
Interstate Highway 70, east along I-70 to the Bond County line, north
and east along the Bond County line to Fayette County, north and east
along the Fayette County line to Effingham County, east and south along
the Effingham County line to I-70, then east along I-70 to the Indiana
border.
Iowa
North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending
east from the Nebraska border along State Highway 175 to State 37,
southeast along State 37 to U.S. Highway 59, south along U.S. 59 to
Interstate Highway 80, then east along I-80 to the Illinois border.
South Zone: The remainder of Iowa.
Minnesota
Twin Cities Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone -
A. All of Hennepin and Ramsey Counties.
B. In Anoka County, all of Columbus Township lying south of County
State Aid Highway (CSAH) 18, Anoka County; all of the cities of Ramsey,
Andover, Anoka, Coon Rapids, Spring Lake Park, Fridley, Hilltop,
Columbia Heights, Blaine, Lexington, Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, and
Centerville; and all of the city of Ham Lake except that portion lying
north of CSAH 18 and east of U.S. Highway 65.
C. That part of Carver County lying north and east of the following
described line: Beginning at the northeast corner of San Francisco
Township; thence west along the north boundary of San Francisco
Township to the east boundary of Dahlgren Township; thence north along
the east boundary of Dahlgren Township to U.S. Highway 212; thence west
along U.S. Highway 212 to State Trunk Highway (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 to STH 25;
thence east and north on STH 25 to CSAH 10; thence north on CSAH 10 to
the Carver County line.
D. In Scott County, all of the cities or Shakopee, Savage, Prior
Lake, and Jordan, and all of the Townships of Jackson, Louisville, St.
Lawrence, Sand Creek, Spring Lake, and Credit River.
E. In Dakota County, all of the cities of Burnsville, Eagan,
Mendota Heights, Mendota, Sunfish Lake, Inver Grove Heights, Apple
Valley, Lakeville, Rosemount, Farmington, Hastings, Lilydale, West St.
Paul, and South St. Paul, and all of the Township of Nininger.
F. That portion of Washington County lying south of the following
described line: Beginning at County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 2 on the
west boundary of the county; thence east on CSAH 2 to U.S. Highway 61;
thence south on U.S. Highway 61 to State Trunk Highway (STH) 97; thence
east on STH 97 to the intersection of STH 97 and STH 95; thence due
east to the east boundary of the state.
Northwest Goose Zone (included for reference only, not a special
September Goose Season Zone) - That portion of the State encompassed by
a line extending east from the North Dakota border along U.S. Highway 2
to State Trunk Highway (STH) 32, north along STH 32 to STH 92, east
along STH 92 to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 2 in Polk County, north
along CSAH 2 to CSAH 27 in Pennington County, north along CSAH 27 to
STH 1, east along STH 1 to CSAH 28 in Pennington County, north along
CSAH 28 to CSAH 54 in Marshall County, north along CSAH 54 to CSAH 9 in
Roseau County, north along CSAH 9 to STH 11, west along STH 11 to STH
310, and north along STH 310 to the Manitoba border.
Five Goose Zone - That portion of the state encompassed by a line
extending north from the Iowa border along U.S. Interstate Highway 35
to the south boundary of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Canada Goose
Zone, then west and north along the boundary of the Twin Cities
Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone to U.S. Interstate 94, then west and
north on U.S. Interstate 94 to the North Dakota border.
Two Goose Zone - That portion of the state to the north of a line
extending east from the North Dakota border along U.S. Interstate 94 to
the boundary of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone, then
north and east along the Twin Cities Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone
boundary to the Wisconsin border, except the Northwest Goose Zone and
that portion of the State encompassed by a line extending north from
the Iowa border along U.S. Interstate 35 to the south boundary of the
Twin Cities Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone, then east on the Twin Cites
Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone boundary to the Wisconsin border.
Tennessee
Middle Tennessee Zone - Those portions of Houston, Humphreys,
Montgomery, Perry, and Wayne Counties east of State Highway 13; and
Bedford, Cannon, Cheatham, Coffee,
[[Page 44242]]
Davidson, Dickson, Franklin, Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln,
Macon, Marshall, Maury, Moore, Robertson, Rutherford, Smith, Sumner,
Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson Counties.
Cumberland Plateau Zone - Bledsoe, Bradley, Clay, Cumberland,
Dekalb, Fentress, Grundy, Hamilton, Jackson, Marion, McMinn, Meigs,
Morgan, Overton, Pickett, Polk, Putnam, Rhea, Roane, Scott, Sequatchie,
Van Buren, Warren, and White Counties.
East Tennessee Zone - Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Carter,
Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins,
Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi,
Union, and Washington Counties.
Wisconsin
Early-Season Subzone A - That portion of the State encompassed by a
line beginning at the Lake Michigan shore in Sheboygan, then west along
State Highway 23 to State 67, southerly along State 67 to County
Highway E in Sheboygan County, southerly along County E to State 28,
south and west along State 28 to U.S. Highway 41, southerly along U.S.
41 to State 33, westerly along State 33 to County Highway U in
Washington County, southerly along County U to County N, southeasterly
along County N to State 60, westerly along State 60 to County Highway P
in Dodge County, southerly along County P to County O, westerly along
County O to State 109, south and west along State 109 to State 26,
southerly along State 26 to U.S. 12, southerly along U.S. 12 to State
89, southerly along State 89 to U.S. 14, southerly along U.S. 14 to the
Illinois border, east along the Illinois border to the Michigan border
in Lake Michigan, north along the Michigan border in Lake Michigan to a
point directly east of State 23 in Sheboygan, then west along that line
to the point of beginning on the Lake Michigan shore in Sheboygan.
Early-Season Subzone B - That portion of the State between Early-
Season Subzone A and a line beginning at the intersection of U.S.
Highway 141 and the Michigan border near Niagara, then south along U.S.
141 to State Highway 22, west and southwest along State 22 to U.S. 45,
south along U.S. 45 to State 22, west and south along State 22 to State
110, south along State 110 to U.S. 10, south along U.S. 10 to State 49,
south along State 49 to State 23, west along State 23 to State 73,
south along State 73 to State 60, west along State 60 to State 23,
south along State 23 to State 11, east along State 11 to State 78, then
south along State 78 to the Illinois border.
Central Flyway
South Dakota
Unit A - Deuel, Hamlin, Codington, and Day Counties.
Unit B - Brookings, Clark, Kingsbury, and Lake Counties and those
portions of Moody County west of I-29 and Miner County east of SD
Highway 25.
Pacific Flyway
Idaho
East Zone - Bonneville, Caribou, Fremont and Teton Counties.
Oregon
Northwest Zone - Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Lane,
Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk, Multnomah, Tillamook, Washington, and
Yamhill Counties.
Southwest Zone - Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, and
Klamath Counties.
East Zone - Baker, Gilliam, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla,
Union and Wasco Counties.
Washington
Southwest Zone - Clark, Cowlitz, Pacific, and Wahkiakum Counties.
East Zone - Asotin, Benton, Columbia, Garfield, Klickitat, and
Whitman 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.
Farson-Edon Area - Those portions of Sweetwater and Sublette
Counties described in State regulations.
Teton Area - Those portions of Teton County described in State
regulations.
Ducks
Mississippi Flyway
Iowa
North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending
east from the Nebraska border along State Highway 175 to State 37,
southeast along State 37 to U.S. Highway 59, south along U.S. 59 to
Interstate Highway 80, then east along I-80 to the Illinois border.
South Zone: The remainder of Iowa.
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.
Park and Bighorn County Unit - Portions of Park and Bighorn
Counties.
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 County.
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.
[[Page 44243]]
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. 97-22047 Filed 8-19-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-F
