[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 166 (Monday, August 28, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 44463-44476]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-21316]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 20
RIN 1018-AC79
Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Late-Season
Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Proposed rule; supplemental.
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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter the Service) is
proposing to establish the 1995-96 late-season hunting regulations for
certain migratory game birds. The Service annually prescribes
frameworks, or outer limits, for dates and times when hunting may occur
and the number of birds that may be taken and possessed in late
seasons. These frameworks are necessary to allow State selections of
seasons and limits and to allow recreational harvest at levels
compatible with population and habitat conditions.
DATES: The comment period for proposed late-season frameworks will end
on September 7, 1995.
ADDRESSES: Comments should be mailed to Chief, Office of Migratory Bird
Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior,
ms 634--ARLSQ, 1849 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20240. Comments
received will be available for public inspection during normal business
hours in room 634, Arlington Square Building, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive,
Arlington, Virginia.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul R. Schmidt, Chief, Office of
Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (703) 358-
1714.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Regulations Schedule for 1995
On March 24, 1995, the Service published for public comment in the
Federal Register (60 FR 15642) a proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20, with
comment periods ending July 21 for early-season proposals and September
4 for late-season proposals. Due to some unforeseen and uncontrollable
publishing delays in the proposed late-season regulations frameworks,
the Service has extended the public comment period to September 7,
1995. On June 16, 1995, the Service published for public comment a
second document (60 FR 31890) which provided supplemental proposals for
early- and late-season migratory bird hunting regulations frameworks.
On June 22, 1995, a public hearing was held in Washington, DC, as
announced in the March 24 and June 16 Federal Registers to review the
status of migratory shore and upland game birds. Proposed hunting
regulations were discussed for these species and for other early
seasons.
On July 21, 1995, the Service published in the Federal Register (60
FR 37754) a third document which dealt specifically with proposed
early-season frameworks for the 1995-96 season.
On August 3, 1995, a public hearing was held in Washington, DC, as
announced in the March 24, June 16, and July 21 Federal Registers, to
review the status of waterfowl. Proposed hunting regulations were
discussed for these late seasons. The Service later published a fourth
document containing final frameworks for early seasons from which
wildlife conservation agency officials from the States and Territories
selected early-season hunting dates, hours, areas, and limits.
This document is the fifth in the series of proposed, supplemental,
and final rulemaking documents for migratory bird hunting regulations
and deals specifically with proposed frameworks for the late-season
migratory bird hunting regulations. It will lead to final frameworks
from which States may select season dates, hours, areas, and limits.
All pertinent comments on the proposals received through August 3,
1995, have been considered in developing this document. In addition,
new proposals for certain late-season regulations are provided for
public comment. The comment period is specified above under Dates.
Final regulatory frameworks for late-season migratory game bird hunting
are scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on or about
September 25, 1995.
Presentations at Public Hearing
A report on the status of waterfowl was presented. This report is
briefly reviewed below as a matter of public information, and is a
summary of information contained in the ``Status of Waterfowl and Fall
Flight Forecast'' report.
Most goose and swan populations in North America remain numerically
sound and the size of most fall flights will be similar to those of
last year. Production of young in 1995 is expected to be above average
for most populations. Generally, spring phenology was earlier than
normal in the western Arctic and Ungave Peninsula, later than normal in
the prairie pothole region, and near normal in other important nesting
areas. Habitat
[[Page 44464]]
conditions for nesting geese were variable in southern Canada and the
northern U.S. Flooding in the western U.S. likely reduced the
productivity of several Canada goose populations. Recent declines in
sizes of the Atlantic, Southern James Bay, and dusky Canada goose
populations are of continuing concern.
The 1995 estimate of total ducks in the traditional survey area was
35.9 million, an increase of 10 percent from that in 1994 and 11
percent higher than the long-term average. Mallards increased 18
percent to 8.3 million, the highest estimate since 1972. Gadwalls,
redheads, and canvasbacks also increased over 1994 estimates to record-
high levels. The number of ponds in May was similar to that of last
year, but was 38 percent above the long-term average. In eastern areas
of Canada and the U.S., surveys of strata 51-56 were conducted for the
sixth consecutive year. In this area, the number of total ducks was
similar to that of last year, but was 22 percent below the 1990-94
average. Habitats in many eastern areas were drier than average. The
preliminary fall-flight index for all ducks is about 80 million birds,
compared to 71 million last year. The fall flight will include
approximately 11.1 million mallards, an increase of 15 percent over
that of 1994.
During the 1994-95 hunting season, there were increases in the
number of hunters, their days afield, and in both duck and goose
harvests compared to the previous year. However, the number of
waterfowl hunters continues to remain below levels observed in the
1970's. The sport harvest of ducks continues to increase from the
record low in 1988, but remains well below the historic average. Goose
harvest has increased three-fold during 1961-94. The rate at which
ducks are harvested did not appear to increase during the 1994-95
season, in spite of liberalizations in hunting regulations. Harvest-
survey data suggest that the reproductive success of ducks in the
midcontinent region increased last year, but recruitment may have been
poorer in other areas. Most goose species experienced declines in
recruitment in 1994 compared to the exceptionally good year of 1993.
Review of Comments Received at Public Hearing
Seven individuals presented statements at the August 3, 1995,
public hearing. These comments are summarized below.
Mr. Lloyd Alexander, representing the Delaware Division of Fish and
Wildlife, supported the proposal to close the Canada goose season
throughout the Atlantic Flyway. He stated that existing data do not
support a limited 30-day season with a 1-bird daily bag limit in the
New England States. He suggests that survival rates on birds migrating
through the Maritime Provinces of Canada are actually lower than those
breeding in northern Quebec and that better data are needed to
delineate this population. He encouraged the Service to contact the
Canadian Wildlife Service and request that the sport harvest on the
Atlantic Population Canada Geese be suspended in Quebec and Ontario by
emergency closure this year. Further, he asked the Service to work with
representatives of the native communities to reduce subsistence taking
in northern Quebec and ask the Canadian Wildlife Service to review the
harvest and consider restrictions on Canada geese in the Maritime
Provinces.
He commended the Service for extending the framework closing date
on greater snow geese to March 10th, but asked the Service to consider
the option of allowing states to split their seasons into 3 segments.
He believed that the requested option is needed to allow more
flexibility in helping farmers deal with crop depredation problems.
Mr. Bruce Barbour, representing the National Audubon Society,
indicated that both the Eastern and Western Populations of tundra swans
are stable and of no management concern. The National Audubon Society
supports efforts to restore trumpeter swans throughout their former
range, and believes that issues related to the incidental take of
trumpeter swans during tundra swan seasons have been adequately
addressed in this year's proposal. He reminded the Service of the
concern for the Atlantic and Southern James Bay Populations of Canada
geese and the dusky subspecies, and recommended that further
restrictions should be sought for their recovery. Mr. Barbour then
indicated concern for the extremely high populations of Mid-Continent
Snow Geese that have resulted in severe damage to Arctic nesting areas.
He reviewed this year's breeding duck population status and supported
the Adaptive Harvest Management process used in selecting this year's
liberal package and specified species restrictions. He indicated that
increased hunting opportunity will occur on all species under the
liberal option, and efforts should be initiated to cooperatively
develop harvest approaches for these species. Finally, many programs
are responsible for the recovery of the continent's duck resources;
however, many of these programs are under attack through budget-
balancing and any reductions could jeopardize future status and the
increases in hunting opportunity.
Mr. Richard Elden, representing the Michigan Department of Natural
Resources, commended the Service for its efforts to improve the
regulations-setting process. He stated that the process has markedly
improved and he is optimistic about adaptive harvest management. He
summarized the development of Canada goose management plans in the
Mississippi Flyway and their role in improving the cooperative
management of the various populations. He stated that, based on the
status of redheads this year, liberalization of the daily bag limit for
this species is warranted and biologically supported, and requested
that the Service reconsider its proposal and increase the number of
redheads in the daily bag limit from 1 to 2 birds in the Mississippi
Flyway.
Mr. Mike Harris, representing the Maryland Guide Association
commented that Canada geese have changed their movement patterns in
recent years and no longer migrate north in the spring, as they once
did. Rather, he believes they remain as resident birds and breed
locally. He maintains that although these geese are in good numbers,
early seasons on these birds should not be allowed, because it reduces
the overall numbers of geese available during the regular season. He
claims that it is difficult to stay in business and suggests that if
the hunting season is closed on Canada geese, the guides and outfitters
should receive some financial assistance from the Federal Government.
He recommended that a 30-day season with a 1-bird daily bag limit be
offered until the changing patterns of resident geese could be
reviewed.
Rollin W. Sparrowe, representing the Wildlife Management Institute,
supported overall the Service's regulatory proposals. He commended the
Service and State cooperators for their commitment toward implementing
the Adaptive Harvest Management approach to duck hunting and to
distance the process from political influence. He supported partial
adoption of the Adaptive Harvest Management approach this year which
recognized goals established in the North American Waterfowl Management
Plan. He was pleased that after years of concern about the status of
ducks, more liberal seasons could be offered. He asked why the Service
did not consider adding an additional redhead to the bag limit in the
Mississippi and Central Flyways when populations seemed
[[Page 44465]]
appropriate and urged the Service to reexamine this aspect before
frameworks were finalized. He expressed continued concern about the
status of pintails. He commended the Service and the Atlantic Flyway
Council for proposing the closure on Canada goose hunting in the
Atlantic Flyway, urged the Service to request the Canadian Wildlife
Service to take similar action in Canada, and initiate research to
understand the problem. He complimented the Service and Flyway Councils
in the regulatory process and their systematic use of data in
developing specific recommendations. All parties were urged to keep
explaining to their constituencies the Adaptive Harvest Management
process.
Rollin W. Sparrowe, also representing The Trumpeter Swan Society,
was supportive of the ongoing efforts to restore and redistribute the
Rocky Mountain Population of trumpeter swans within the Tri-State Area.
He spoke of the conflict between range expansion efforts and waterfowl
hunting programs in the Pacific Flyway, including tundra swan seasons
in Montana, Utah, and Nevada. However, The Trumpeter Swan Society was
satisfied with the Service's proposal to allow significantly modified
swan seasons in those three States, which should enhance the likelihood
for successful range expansion by trumpeter swans. He thanked the
Pacific Flyway Council, the States of Montana, Utah, Nevada, and
Oregon, and the Service for successfully developing a compromise that
meets everyone's needs. He said his organization was small, with
limited resources, but wants to assist all parties in the responsible
effort to manage swans.
Scott Sutherland, representing Ducks Unlimited, expressed support
for Adaptive Harvest Management and the regulatory matrix proposed by
the Service this year which resulted in the liberal package
recommendation. Under full implementation of AHM, however, Mr.
Sutherland expressed a desire to modify the framework packages allowing
a consideration of longer seasons with smaller daily bag limits. Mr.
Sutherland also expressed his continued support for the Conservation
Reserve Program and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.
Mr. George Vandel, representing the Central Flyway Council,
indicated that as Chairman of the Central Flyway Council, he was
pleased with this year's process for establishing the proposed
frameworks for late seasons. The Central Flyway supported the proposed
use of flexible framework opening and closing dates for duck seasons in
the Central Flyway, the liberal regulatory package, and the Adaptive
Harvest Management process that was used in this interim year prior to
its full implementation. He thanked the Service for the assistance with
communication efforts on behalf of Adaptive Harvest Management, but
pointed out that continuing efforts will be necessary for successful
implementation in future years. He then strongly suggested that the
Service work closely with the Flyway Councils in developing regulatory
packages for next year. He believed that this cooperation will be
especially crucial for further implementation by facilitating ownership
and support for full implementation of Adaptive Harvest Management in
1996. Mr. Vandel summarized the history of goose population status in
the Central Flyway and noted the great success of cooperative
management practices that has resulted in record high flyway harvest of
geese in 1994. However, he pointed out that the high population levels
of light geese were of great concern. He recommended that the Service
work through an international effort to identify specific actions
needed to reduce these high populations and prevent further
deterioration of important nesting habitats. He pointed out the
importance of maintaining strong migratory bird survey efforts, as
these tools are vital to the development of our management approaches.
Finally, he indicated that the recovery of duck populations was clear
evidence that the Conservation Reserve Program and other habitat
programs are working.
Flyway Council Recommendations and Written Comments
The preliminary proposed rulemaking which appeared in the March 24
Federal Register, opened the public-comment period for late-season
migratory game bird hunting regulations. As of August 3, 1995, the
Service had received 27 comments; 25 of these specifically addressed
late-season issues. The Service also received recommendations from all
four Flyway Councils. Late-season comments are summarized and discussed
in the order used in the March 24 Federal Register. Only the numbered
items pertaining to late seasons for which written comments were
received are included.
General
Written Comments: An individual from Wisconsin expressed support
for the existing shooting hours of one-half hour before sunrise to
sunset. He also opposed the requirement for steel shot and urged the
development of non-toxic alternatives.
1. Ducks
The categories used to discuss issues related to duck harvest
management are as follows: (A) General Harvest Strategy, (B) Framework
Dates, (C) Season Length, (D) Closed Seasons, (E) Bag Limits, (F) Zones
and Split Seasons, and (G) Special Seasons/Species Management. Only
those categories containing substantial recommendations are included
below.
A. General Harvest Strategy
Written Comments: The Pennsylvania Game Commission expressed
support for the proposed regulations strategies as an interim approach
for 1995 only. They continue to be concerned, however, that the process
relies on mid-continent mallards as a basis for regulatory changes in
the Atlantic Flyway.
Likewise, the Delaware Department of Fish and Wildlife generally
endorsed the concept of regulatory packages but remained concerned that
the process was linked to the mid-continent populations of mallards and
prairie wetland conditions.
The Illinois Department of Conservation also expressed support for
the Adaptive Harvest Management (AHM) process but were concerned that
there had been insufficient time to properly educate the public about
AHM. They also felt that the set of regulatory options offered may be
too limited, particularly with regard to bag limits.
The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks expressed
support for AHM and the interim steps proposed for the 1995-95 hunting
season. Additionally, they supported the idea of expanding the status
of duck breeding populations and habitat used in AHM from mallards and
prairie Canada ponds to include other duck species and ponds in the
Dakotas and Montana.
The California Waterfowl Association commended the Service for
moving towards AHM. They did express concern, however, for the
potential of a season closure in California, the AHM terminology
regarding regulations packages, and the use of only mid-continent
mallards and prairie habitat conditions in the AHM process.
Individuals from Mississippi, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Tennessee
expressed support for the AHM process and the Service's proposed
regulatory packages. However, one individual from Arkansas stated that
future AHM criteria should be adjusted to be more conservative.
[[Page 44466]]
B. Framework Dates
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended
framework dates of October 1 to January 20.
The Upper-Region and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the
Mississippi Flyway Council recommended framework dates of September 28
and January 23.
The Central and Pacific Flyway Councils recommended framework dates
of the Saturday nearest October 1 (September 30) to the Sunday nearest
January 20 (January 21).
Written Comments: The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and
Parks opposed a fixed framework opening date.
An individual from Mississippi expressed support for a January 31
framework closing date.
Service Response: Traditional framework opening and closing dates
have been oriented to the period October 1 - January 20, either as
fixed calendar dates or ``floating'' dates, using as a guideline the
Saturday nearest October 1 and the Sunday nearest January 20 to select
opening and closing dates annually. The fixed framework dates of
September 28 - January 23 recommended for the Mississippi Flyway this
year would provide consistently wider frameworks over the years than
the fixed October 1 - January 20 dates recommended for the Atlantic
Flyway and the floating dates recommended for the Central and Pacific
Flyways. To maintain consistency among flyways in the procedures for
selecting framework dates, and because floating dates have been
recommended annually for the Mississippi Flyway in recent years, the
Service proposes to return to the use of floating framework dates for
the Mississippi Flyway as well as the Central and Pacific Flyways.
C. Season Length and Bag Limits
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended a
50-day season with a 5-bird daily bag limit, including no more than 1
black duck, 1 hen mallard, 1 pintail, 1 canvasback, 2 wood ducks, 2
redheads, and no harlequin ducks. Further, the Council recommended that
States maintain a 40-percent reduction in the harvest of black ducks
from the 1977-81 base period.
The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway
Council recommended a 50-day season with a 5-bird daily bag limit,
including no more than 4 mallards (no more than 1 of which may be a
hen), 1 black duck, 1 pintail, 1 canvasback, 2 wood ducks, and 2
redheads.
The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway
Council recommended a 50-day season with a 5-bird daily bag limit,
including no more than 4 mallards (no more than 1 of which may be a
hen), 3 mottled ducks, 1 black duck, 1 pintail, 1 canvasback, 2 wood
ducks, and 2 redheads.
The Central Flyway Council recommended a 60-day season (83 days in
the High Plains Mallard Management Unit with the last 23 days of the
season taken no earlier than the Saturday closest to December 10) with
a 5-bird daily bag limit, including no more than 1 hen mallard, 1
mottled duck, 1 pintail, 1 canvasback, 2 wood ducks, and 1 redhead.
The Pacific Flyway Council recommended a 93-day season (100 days in
the Columbia Basin Management Unit) with a 6-bird daily bag limit,
including no more than 1 hen mallard, 2 pintails, 1 canvasback, and 2
redheads.
Written Comments: Individuals from Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin,
and Iowa expressed support for the proposed increase in season length
but were against the proposed bag limit increase. An individual from
Wisconsin expressed support for a 70-day season. Another individual
from Wisconsin supported a 50-day season and a 4-bird daily bag limit,
while an individual from Tennessee supported a 40-day season and a 4-
bird daily bag limit.
An individual from Michigan was against any increase in the daily
bag limit. An individual from Louisiana was opposed to a 50-day season
and 5-bird daily bag limit and an individual from Iowa was opposed to a
40- to 50-day season with the proposed 5-bird daily bag limit. One
individual from Kentucky expressed general support for low limits.
F. Zones and Split Seasons
Written Comments: The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urged the
Service to modify its existing zoning policy related to special
management unit limitations.
G. Special Seasons/Species Management
i. Canvasback
Written Comments: An individual from Wisconsin supported the
opening of canvasback season.
Service Response: In 1994, the Service adopted a strategy to manage
canvasback harvests that considered population status, habitat
conditions, and potential harvest. In brief, the strategy stated that
if population status and expected production were sufficient to permit
a harvest of 1 canvasback per day nationwide for the entire length of
the regular duck season, the season on canvasbacks should be opened.
Otherwise, the season on canvasbacks should be closed nationwide. This
spring, results from the May Breeding Waterfowl and Habitat Survey
indicate that habitat conditions and the size of the canvasback
population are sufficient to open the season on canvasbacks. Therefore,
the Service proposes a bag limit of 1 canvasback per day during the
1995-96 regular duck season.
ii. Redheads
Council Recommendations: The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended
a bag limit of 2 redheads per day, an increase from the bag limit of 1
redhead per day proposed by the Service in March 1995.
Written Comments: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department also
requested a bag limit of 2 redheads per day in the Central Flyway.
Service Response: The Service prefers that proposals for changes in
species- or population-specific regulations be based on more long-term
strategies rather than in response to short-term changes in population
estimates. The Service believes that such strategies should include the
following: (1) an assessment of how the population responds to harvest
and environmental conditions, (2) criteria that prescribe when
regulations should be changed (i.e., become more restrictive or more
liberal), (3) the range of regulatory options that will be considered
(e.g., ranges of season lengths and bag limits), and (4) considerations
for determining the efficacy of the harvest strategy. The proposals to
permit a bag limit of 2 redheads per day were received in late July,
and were based primarily in response to the estimated size of the
redhead population during spring 1995. The Service believes that, due
to the timing of the request, analyses of biological data sufficient to
address the four criteria above have not been conducted. Further,
additional harvest opportunities on redheads in all Flyways will result
from increases in season lengths proposed for this year. The Service
recommends that MBMO and the Flyways cooperatively develop protocol and
strategies which address how to handle species- and population-specific
proposals within the context of the Adaptive Harvest Management (AHM)
Initiative, and believes the AHM Working Group is the appropriate forum
for this endeavor.
[[Page 44467]]
iii. Other Species
Written Comments: An individual from Kentucky expressed support for
keeping the black duck daily bag limit at 1 bird.
4. Canada Geese
B. Regular Seasons
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended
that the regular season on the Atlantic Flyway Population of Canada
geese be suspended; except for West Virginia, the Southern James Bay
Population harvest areas of Pennsylvania, and a newly created New
England Zone [Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont (excluding
the Lake Champlain Zone), Massachusetts (excluding the Western Zone),
and Connecticut (excluding Litchford and Hartford Counties)]. In the
New England Zone, the Council recommended a 30-day season, with a
framework of October 1 through November 30, with a 1-bird daily bag
limit.
The Atlantic Flyway Council also recommended that, in light of the
decision to suspend the regular season on migrant Canada geese flyway-
wide, the Service should immediately begin a review of framework dates
for resident Canada goose seasons to determine whether dates could be
expanded to increase harvests.
The Upper-Region and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the
Mississippi Flyway Council recommended several changes in Canada goose
quotas, season lengths, etc., based on population status and population
management plans and programs.
The Central Flyway Council recommended several changes for west-
tier dark geese: (1) an increase in the aggregate bag limit from 3 to 4
birds, (2) an extension of the closing framework from January 31 to the
Sunday nearest February 15 (February 18) for the Western Goose Zone of
Texas, and (3) an increase in the dark goose bag limit from 2 to 4
birds in Sheridan County, Montana.
The Pacific Flyway Council recommended that the bag limit for
Canada geese in central Montana, western Wyoming, and southeastern
Idaho be increased from 3 to 4 birds. The Council also recommended that
the daily bag limit for cackling Canada geese in the quota zones of
western Oregon and western Washington be increased from 1 to 2 birds.
Written Comments: An individual from the Eastern Shore of Maryland
expressed support for the closure of the regular Canada goose season
for as long as it takes to rebuild the population to the levels of the
mid-1980s.
An individual from Washington urged additional protection for the
dusky Canada goose population wintering along the Chehalis River.
Service Response: Based on the continuing decline in the number of
breeding pairs of Atlantic Flyway Population Canada geese, the Service
endorses the Atlantic Flyway Council's recommendation to suspend the
1995-96 regular Canada goose season in the Chesapeake and Mid-Atlantic
regions of the Atlantic Flyway, with exceptions for West Virginia and a
portion of northwest Pennsylvania. The substantial drop in numbers of
migratory Atlantic Flyway Canada geese (27 percent from 1994 and 75
percent from 1988) has continued despite harvest restrictions imposed
in 1992. However, the Service does not support the recommendation to
provide a 30-day season, betweeen October 1 and November 30, with a 1-
bird daily bag limit, for States in the New England Zone. The Atlantic
Flyway Population is currently managed under an approved Flyway
Management Plan as a single Atlantic population unit, along with those
birds breeding in the Ungava Bay and east-coastal Hudson Bay areas of
Quebec. The Service will continue to manage geese on a population
basis, guided by cooperatively developed management plans.
The information available to objectively separate these populations
into two distinct management units, as the basis for the New England
Zone, is currently very limited. Survival rates, based on limited
bandings, are actually lower for the Maritimes component of the
population than for geese in the area where the Flyway Council
recommended a complete season closure. Also, productivity information,
which would help assess the differences in survival rates, is very
limited. In addition, only 2 years of population survey data are
available for Canada geese breeding in the Maritimes, and these are too
inconclusive to indicate whether numbers of breeding pairs are stable
or declining. The Service does not oppose the delineation of a Maritime
population of Atlantic Flyway Canada geese, if warranted, but believes
that more information is needed before beginning a harvest strategy
different from that for the population breeding in Quebec. Therefore,
the Service encourages the Flyway Council to work cooperatively with
the Canadian Provinces during the coming year to gather more data,
review the key population parameters involving the Maritime component
of Canada geese, update its Canada goose management plan, and make
recommendations regarding an appropriate harvest strategy for this
group of geese.
The Service concurs with the Central Flyway Council's recommended
increase in the dark goose aggregate bag limit from 3 to 4 for the
west-tier States. However, while this increase is justified for Canada
geese, the Service believes that it is not appropriate for white-
fronted geese. In the Western Goose Zone in Texas, biologists have
identified a large group of wintering white-fronted geese believed to
be part of the western segment of the Mid-Continent Greater White-
fronted Goose Population. For this reason, the Service believes that
the bag limit for whitefronts should be similar to those of other
States in the range of this segment in the east-tier of the Central
Flyway. Therefore, the Service proposes a 5-bird dark goose bag limit,
including no more than 1 white-fronted goose and 4 Canada geese in the
west-tier States of the Central Flyway.
C. Special Late Seasons
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended a
new experimental late season for resident Canada geese in New York, and
additional days and area modifications for existing seasons in New
Jersey, South Carolina, and Georgia. In addition, because of the high
harvest of migrant Canada geese, the Council recommended suspension of
the special late season in the Coastal Zone of Massachusetts.
The Pacific Flyway Council recommended revision of the Canada goose
season framework in Cowlitz County south of the Kalama River and Clark
County, Washington, to allow a special late season. The season would be
subject to the following conditions: (1) season dates would be February
5 through March 10, (2) bag limits and checking requirements would be
the same as the regular season, except that the season on cackling
Canada geese would be closed, (3) the season would end upon the
attainment of a quota of 5 dusky Canada geese (this quota would be
taken from the total of 90 allocated under the regular season), and (4)
fields selected for the season would not have more than 10 percent
duskys in the flocks using the fields. Additionally, the season would
be contingent upon an operational hazing program in place in the hunt
area, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal Damage
Control (ADC) in Washington. ADC would identify fields receiving
depredation and contact hunters from a list supplied by the Washington
Department of Fish and Game (WDFG).
[[Page 44468]]
WDFG would evaluate season effectiveness and estimate harvest,
subspecies composition, hunter participation, and report band
recoveries.
5. White-fronted Geese
Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommendations
regarding dark geese involve white-fronted geese. See item 4. Canada
Geese. Specifically pertaining to white-fronted geese, the Council
recommended an increase in the season length in the Eastern Goose Zone
of Texas from 72 to 86 days.
The Pacific Flyway Council recommended several changes to white-
fronted goose frameworks. The Council recommended that special bag-
limit restrictions on whitefronts be removed by placing them within the
overall dark goose limits except in the primary whitefront harvest
areas in Alaska; the Counties of Lake, Klamath, and Harney in Oregon;
and in the Northeastern and Balance-of-State Zones in California. In
Oregon, the Council recommended that all whitefront seasons be
concurrent with dark goose seasons. In California, the Council
recommended that the whitefront season be extended by two weeks in the
Sacramento Valley special goose closure portion of the Balance-of-State
Zone.
7. Snow and Ross's Geese
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended
extending the framework closing date for snow geese to March 10.
The Upper-Region and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the
Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that the framework closing date
for light geese be extended to March 10 and the daily bag limit be
increased to 10 birds.
The Central Flyway Council recommended that the framework closing
date for east- and west-tier light geese be extended to March 10.
Written Comments: The Pennsylvania Game Commission recommended that
the State of Pennsylvania be included in those wintering States offered
an extended framework closing date of March 10. They stated that
increasing the framework would allow farmers to deal with depredation
problems and provide additional hunting opportunity to Pennsylvania
hunters.
Service Response: The Service concurs with the requests to extend
the framework closing date for light geese to March 10 in the Atlantic,
Mississippi, and Central Flyways, but believes that this extension
should be limited to the primary wintering range of light geese in each
flyway. The Service emphasizes that it believes that sport hunting
opportunities should be limited to the fall migration and winter
periods. The Service proposes to use Interstate Highway 80 as the
northern boundary of this extension in the Central and Mississippi
Flyways and that it be limited to the States of Delaware, Maryland,
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia
in the Atlantic Flyway. In the coming year, the Service requests that
States identify important staging areas for snow geese where they are
co-mingled with other species to the extent that sport-hunting
activities may potentially cause significant disturbance to other
species. A major staging area has been identified in the Rainwater-
Basin Area of Nebraska, and the Service proposes not to extend the
framework date in the following counties or portions of counties that
are south of the identified I-80 boundary: Adams, Clay, Fillmore,
Franklin, Gosper, Hall, Hamilton, Harland, Kearney, Nuckolls, Phelps,
Saline, Seward, Thayer, and York.
8. Swans
Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council reiterated its
recommendations for a swan season in portions of Montana, Utah, and
Nevada (see the June 16, 1995, Federal Register), except that the
period should be 3 years instead of 5 years and the trumpeter swan
quota allocation was made. Features of the Council's recommendation
include: (1) changing ending framework dates in all three States from
the Sunday closest to January 20 to December 1 for Montana, Sunday
closest to December 15 for Utah, and the Sunday following January 1 for
Nevada; (2) changing the hunt area in Montana by deleting those
portions of Pondera and Teton Counties west of U.S. Highways 287-89 but
including all of Chouteau County; (3) reduce Utah's statewide season to
just the Great Salt Lake Basin, defined at those portions of Box Elder,
Weber, Davis, Salt Lake, and Tooele counties lying south of State
Highway 30 and I-80/84, west of I-15, and north of I-80. Number of swan
permits would remain unchanged for Montana (500) and Nevada (650) but
would be increased from 2,500 to 2,750 for Utah. A trumpeter swan quota
of 20 birds would be allocated, with 15 to Utah and 5 to Nevada, with
the season being closed either by the framework date or attainment of
the quota, whichever occurs first. All hunters in Utah and Nevada would
be required to participate in a mandatory parts check at designated
sites within 72 hours of harvest for species determination; and hunters
in Montana would continue to participate in a voluntary bill-
measurement card program. The States would continue to monitor harvest
composition, swan population during the hunt, and collect related
harvest data. This information would be reported to the Service in a
preliminary report by March 31 and a final report by June 30, 1996.
The Council offered the proposed frameworks in an attempt to
forward trumpeter swan range expansion efforts throughout the western
states and to cooperate with the Trumpeter Swan Society in their
efforts with this species. The quota on trumpeter swans is believed to
be biologically insignificant and estimated to be less than 1 percent
of the population. The combined sport and subsistence harvest of
Western Population tundra swans has averaged about 10 percent of the
midwinter index during the past 10 years without negative impact to
population status. In Utah, 26 percent of the swan harvest has occurred
after December 1 and 15 percent after December 15, with December
harvests as high as 57 percent in 1993. The Council believed that until
December hunts can be demonstrated to threaten trumpeter swans they
should be allowed to continue. Between 1962-94, upwards of 99 percent
of the Utah harvest occurred in the Great Salt Lake area; therefore,
closing of other areas will mainly remove local opportunity but not
have a great effect on the overall harvest. The 250 (10 percent)
increase in permits for Utah is requested to replace opportunity and
harvest lost through area and season closures. Nevada biologists have
no data suggesting that State's season is having any impact on
trumpeter migration between the Tristate area and wintering areas in
California. The Council offered these recommendations in an effort to
integrate Western Population tundra swan and Rocky Mountain Population
trumpeter swan management programs and to move ahead and evaluate
various aspects of both programs.
Written Comments: Ruth E. Shea, a wildlife biologist associated
with research and management of Rocky Mountain Population trumpeter
swans since 1976, by letter of July 29, 1995, described a proposal by
her and Dr. Rod Drewien which was the foundation of recommendations
from The Trumpeter Swan Society and the Pacific Flyway Council included
herein. The Shea-Drewien proposal incorporated two primary strategies:
(1) increasing protection of migrant trumpeter swans
[[Page 44469]]
by tightly focusing tundra swan hunts in time and place; and (2)
authorizing a small quota of trumpeter swans within each tundra swan
hunt area in order to eliminate the liability of the otherwise
legitimate tundra swan hunters who accidently shoot a trumpeter swan,
with mandatory check of birds to adequately implement a quota system.
She attributes the vulnerable status of this population to a diminished
tendency to migrate and to a winter distribution that is largely in
overcrowded, less favorable sites. She believes building a migration
southward from eastern Idaho, to the fall staging area of the Bear
River Delta in Utah would be an important step in restoring a secure
winter distribution. To enhance survival of those few trumpeters that
currently migrate into Utah and Nevada, Shea and Drewein proposed
focusing tundra swan hunting only in areas and at times where tundra
swans are abundant and trumpeters are less likely to be present or have
access to suitable security areas. She deemed an ending date of ``plus
or minus'' December 1, in Utah to be the single most important feature
of their proposal. Rationale for using this date included: (1) in most
years security areas on the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge freeze
around Thanksgiving, potentially forcing swans to use non-secure
habitats; and (2) Service and Pacific Flyway efforts to assist in
winter distribution includes hazing swans from overcrowded areas, as
early as practical in November, which when coupled with shrinking
habitat with the onset of winter has potential for pushing swans into
the Great Salt Lake Basin by late November. She said that a December 1
closure would still give Utah swan hunters about 45 days of opportunity
and would provide future opportunity to translocated trumpeters from
Idaho to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge vicinity during December.
She believes trumpeter swan restoration efforts have been stymied by
real or perceived conflicts with the swan hunt, but believes their
recommended approach would meet the very different management needs for
two species of swans.
Laurence N. Gillete, President of The Trumpeter Swan Society
(TTSS), in a letter of July 31, 1995, again urged the Service to adopt
a closing date of December 1 or the first Sunday in December, if there
is a tradition of ending seasons on a Sunday, for the tundra swan
hunting season in Utah to provide additional protection for migrating
Rocky Mountain Population trumpeter swans. With the exception of the
closing date in Utah, TTSS is in agreement with the Pacific Flyway
Council's recommendations as reported in the Federal Register of June
16, 1995. Because these trumpeter swans winter in marginal habitat in
the Tristate region of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming, and have a poor
tradition for migrating elsewhere, they will suffer a die-off in a
severe winter. He believes a rapid redistribution to better winter
habitat is critical to the population's survival. TTSS had previously
endorsed a 5-year experimental plan proposed by Drewien and Shea [see
comments from TTSS and Shea elsewhere in this document]. Of the
numerous recommended changes, the most critical feature of the plan was
modification of hunting seasons in Utah to increase survival of
migrating swans. The Great Salt Lake Basin is in the most likely
migration path for trumpeters from the Tristate area. The December 1
date is favored because: (1) it coincides with the average date for
freezeup of many lakes in the Tristate area which could force
trumpeters south, (2) it is about the time that many wetlands within in
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge which could increase the vulnerability
of Trumpeters that have migrated to the refuge, and (3) it anticipates
increased trumpeter migrations and not past accidental shootings. TTSS
does not object to a quota system that would allow a take of trumpeter
swans if other conditions of their proposal are met, including
modification of seasons and boundaries for swan hunting and of
management on the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. The quota system is
not intended to protect trumpeters but to protect hunters from
liability if they accidentally shoot a trumpeter. He regrets the
potential loss of hunting opportunity that the December 1 closing date
would have on tundra swan hunters but believes it may be the only way
to provided adequate protection to migrating trumpeters.
The Humane Society of the United States (Humane Society) by letter
of July 21, 1995, requests that the Service close all swan hunting
seasons and contends that tundra swan hunting impedes, if not prevents,
winter range expansion and recovery of trumpeter swans. The Humane
Society says the Pacific Flyway Council's recommendation for increased
permits in Utah and a quota on trumpeter swans in exchange for season
modifications should be denied.
Service Response: The Service commends both the Pacific Flyway
Council and The Trumpeter Swan Society for seeking ways to enhance
trumpeter swan range expansion while retaining tundra swan hunting. The
recommendations from both the Council and TTSS were obviously not made
easily. For persons and groups solely interested in either restoration
or hunting but not both, those recommendations will be perceived only
as without benefit.
Both sets of recommendations were similar, with the exception of
the contentious closing date in Utah. The Council recommends a closing
date for Utah that would be the Sunday closest to December 15, which
would range between December 12 and 18. TTSS recommends a closing date
of December 1, but believes there could be latitude to accommodate
Sunday closing as is traditional in most Western states.
The Service supports the basic recommendations from both the
Council and the TTSS; however, considering the significance of the
general swan season, the Service will propose a season ending date of
the first Sunday in December. This would allow the ending date to range
between December 1 and 7, with the season ending on December 3 this
year and, if changes are not deemed essential, December 1 in 1996, etc.
Further, the Service believes it is important to annually review
all information and potentially modify seasons in time and place should
circumstances warrant. While TTSS believes quotas on trumpeter swans
are not as important to protect the species, as are closing dates and
other factors, the Service believes quotas will provide additional
protection to trumpeter swans until the experimental period can be
fully evaluated. Further, we propose that the overall evaluation be
made after a 5-year period, subject to annual reporting and review.
The Service insists upon assurance from Utah and Nevada that birds
will be physically examined by biologists and that maximum compliance
with reporting be sought using whatever means is appropriate for that
particular State. We do not believe reporting must be done within 72
hours, but it seems reasonable that it could be accomplished within 3
working days. Timely classification of swans is important if the
trumpeter quota is to be used effectively. The need or lack of need for
Montana to have a season without a quota or to use a different method
of reporting harvest will be reviewed annually; and continued departure
from the requirement in Utah and Nevada will likely be contingent upon
the continued healthy status of that segment of the trumpeter swan
population that has had the potential for being affected by the Montana
season, even without the conservative changes proposed herein.
[[Page 44470]]
Public Comment Invited
Based on the results of migratory game bird studies now in
progress, and having due consideration for any data or views submitted
by interested parties, the possible amendments resulting from this
supplemental rulemaking will specify open seasons, shooting hours, and
bag and possession limits for designated migratory game birds in the
United States.
The Service intends that adopted final rules be as responsive as
possible to all concerned interests, and therefore desires to obtain
for consideration the comments and suggestions of the public, other
concerned governmental agencies, and private interests on these
proposals. Such comments, and any additional information received, may
lead to final regulations that differ from these proposals.
Special circumstances are involved in the establishment of these
regulations which limit the amount of time that the Service can allow
for public comment. Specifically, two considerations compress the time
in which the rulemaking process must operate: (1) the need to establish
final rules at a point early enough in the summer to allow affected
State agencies to appropriately adjust their licensing and regulatory
mechanisms; and (2) the unavailability of specific, reliable data on
this year's status before mid-June for migratory shore and upland game
birds and some waterfowl, and before late July for most waterfowl.
Therefore, the Service believes that to allow comment periods past the
dates specified is contrary to the public interest.
Comment Procedure
It is the policy of the Department of the Interior, whenever
practical, to afford the public an opportunity to participate in the
rulemaking process. Accordingly, interested persons may participate by
submitting written comments to the Chief, Office of Migratory Bird
Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior,
ms 634--ARLSQ, 1849 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20240. Comments
received will be available for public inspection during normal business
hours at the Service's office in room 634, Arlington Square Building,
4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia.
All relevant comments received during the comment period will be
considered. The Service will attempt to acknowledge comments received,
but a substantive response to individual comments may not be provided.
NEPA Consideration
NEPA considerations are covered by the programmatic document,
``Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual
Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (FSES 88-
14),'' filed with EPA on June 9, 1988. Notice of Availability was
published in the Federal Register on June 16, 1988 (53 FR 22582). The
Service's Record of Decision was published on August 18, 1988 (53 FR
31341). However, this programmatic document does not prescribe year-
specific regulations; those are developed annually. The annual
regulations and options are being considered in the Environmental
Assessment, ``Waterfowl Hunting Regulations for 1995,'' which is
available upon request. In addition, the Service has prepared an
Environmental Assessment, ``Proposal to Establish General Swan Hunting
Seasons in Parts of the Pacific Flyway'' to reconcile conflicting
strategies for managing two swan species in the Pacific Flyway by
establihsing for a trial period a general swan season in portions of
Montana, Nevada, and Utah. The Environmental Assessment is available
upon request.
Endangered Species Act Consideration
The Division of Endangered Species is completing a biological
opinion on the proposed action. As in the past, hunting regulations
this year will be designed, among other things, to remove or alleviate
chances of conflict between seasons for migratory game birds and the
protection and conservation of endangered and threatened species. The
Service's biological opinions resulting from consultations under
Section 7 are considered public documents and are available for
inspection in the Division of Endangered Species (room 432) and the
Office of Migratory Bird Management (room 634), Arlington Square
Building, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia.
Regulatory Flexibility Act; Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 and the
Paperwork Reduction Act
In the Federal Register dated March 24, 1995 (60 FR 15642), the
Service reported measures it had undertaken to comply with requirements
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the Executive Order. These
included preparing an Analysis of Regulatory Effects and an updated
Final Regulatory Impact Analysis (FRIA), and publication of a summary
of the latter. Although a FRIA is no longer required, the economic
analysis contained in the FRIA was reviewed and the Service determined
that it met the requirements of E.O. 12866. In addition, the Service
prepared a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis, under the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq), which further document the
significant beneficial economic effect on a substantial number of small
entities. This rule was not subject to review by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) under E.O. 12866.
These proposed regulations contain no information collections
subject to OMB review under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). However, the Service does utilize information
acquired through other various information collections in the
formulation of migratory game bird hunting regulations. These
information collection requirements have been approved by OMB and
assigned clearance numbers 1018-0005, 1018-0006, 1018-0008, 1018-0009,
1018-0010, 1018-0015, 1018-0019, and 1018-0023.
Authorship
The primary author is Ron W. Kokel, Office of Migratory Bird
Management.
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20
Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Transportation, Wildlife.
PART 20--[AMENDED]
The authority citation for Part 20 is revised to read as follows:
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 703-711, 16 U.S.C. 712, and 16 U.S.C. 742
a-j.
Dated: August 17, 1995
Robert P. Davison
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks
Proposed Regulations Frameworks for 1995-96 Late Hunting Seasons on
Certain Migratory Game Birds
Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and delegated
authorities, the Department has approved frameworks for season lengths,
shooting hours, bag and possession limits, and outside dates within
which States may select seasons for hunting waterfowl and coots between
the dates of September 1, 1995, and March 10, 1996.
General
Dates: All outside dates noted below are inclusive.
Shooting and Hawking (taking by falconry) Hours: Unless otherwise
specified, from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset daily.
Possession Limits: Unless otherwise specified, possession limits
are twice the daily bag limit.
[[Page 44471]]
Definitions: For the purpose of hunting regulations listed below,
the collective terms ``dark'' and ``light'' geese include the following
species:
Dark geese - Canada geese, white-fronted geese, brant, and all
other goose species except light geese.
Light geese - snow (including blue) geese and Ross' geese.
Area, Zone, and Unit Descriptions: Geographic descriptions that are
new or modified from previous years are contained in a later portion of
this document.
Area-Specific Provisions: Frameworks for open seasons, season
lengths, bag and possession limits, and other special provisions are
listed below by flyway.
Atlantic Flyway
The Atlantic Flyway includes Connecticut, Delaware, Florida,
Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New
York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina,
Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots
Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 20.
Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: 50 days and daily bag limit of 5
ducks, including no more than 1 hen mallard, 1 black duck, 1 pintail, 1
mottled duck, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 2 wood ducks, 2 redheads, and 1
canvasback.
Closures: The season on harlequin ducks is closed.
Sea Ducks: In all areas outside of special sea duck areas, sea
ducks are included in the regular duck daily bag and possession limits.
However, during the regular duck season within the special sea duck
areas, the sea duck daily bag and possession limits may be in addition
to the regular duck daily bag and possession limits.
Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit of mergansers is 5, only 1 of
which may be a hooded merganser.
Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.
Lake Champlain Zone, New York: The waterfowl seasons, limits, and
shooting hours shall be the same as those selected for the Lake
Champlain Zone of Vermont.
Zoning and Split Seasons: Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Rhode
Island, and Virginia may split their seasons into three segments;
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,
Pennsylvania, Vermont, and West Virginia may select hunting seasons by
zones and may split their seasons into two segments in each zone; while
Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina may split their Statewide seasons
into two segments.
Canada Geese
Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: The canada goose season
is suspended throughout the Flyway except as noted below. Unless
specified otherwise, seasons may be split into two segments.
Connecticut: A special experimental season may be held in the South
Zone between January 15 and February 15, with 5 geese per day.
Georgia: In specific areas, a 15-day experimental season may be
held between November 15 and February 5, with a limit of 5 Canada geese
per day.
Massachusetts: In the Central Zone, a 16-day season for resident
Canada geese may be held during January 21 to February 5, with 5 geese
per day.
New Jersey: An experimental special season may be held in
designated areas of Northeast, Northwest, and Southeast New Jersey from
January 27 to February 10, with 5 geese per day.
New York: A special experimental season may be held between January
21 and February 15, with 5 geese daily in Westchester County and
portions of Nassau, Putnam, and Rockland Counties.
Pennsylvania: Erie, Mercer, and Butler Counties - 70 days between
October 1 and January 31, with 1 goose per day through October 15; 2
geese per day thereafter; 1 goose per day for the first 8 days after
the opening.
Crawford County - 35 days between October 1 and January 20; with 1
goose per day.
An experimental season may be held in the Susquehanna/Juniata Zones
from January 20 to February 5 with 5 geese per day.
South Carolina: A 12-day special season may be held in the Central
Piedmont, Western Piedmont, and Mountain Hunt Units during November 15
to February 15, with a daily bag limit of 5 Canada geese per day.
West Virginia: 70 days between October 1 and January 20, with 3
geese per day.
Light Geese
Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select a 107-
day season between October 1 and February 10, with 5 geese per day,
except closing dates may be extended to March 10 in New Jersey,
Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and
Virginia. States may split their seasons into two segments.
Brant
Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select a 50-
day season between October 1 and January 20, with 2 brant per day.
Mississippi Flyway
The Mississippi Flyway includes Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois,
Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi,
Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots
Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest October 1 (September
30) and the Sunday nearest January 20 (January 21).
Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: 50 days with a daily bag limit of
5 ducks, including no more than 4 mallards (no more than 1 of which may
be a female), 3 mottled ducks, 1 black duck, 1 pintail, 2 wood ducks, 1
canvasback, and 1 redhead.
Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5, only 1 of which may be
a hooded merganser.
Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.
Zoning and Split Seasons: Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,
Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin
may select hunting seasons by zones.
In Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio,
Tennessee, and Wisconsin, the season may be split into two segments in
each zone.
In Minnesota and Mississippi, the season may be split into two
segments.
In Arkansas, the season may be split into three segments.
Pymatuning Reservoir Area, Ohio: The seasons, limits, and shooting
hours shall be the same as those selected in the adjacent portion of
Pennsylvania (Northwest Zone).
Geese
Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into two segments.
Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select
seasons for geese not to exceed 70 days for dark geese between the
Saturday nearest October 1 (September 30) and January 31, and 107 days
for light geese between the Saturday nearest October 1 (September 30)
and February 14, except in those States and portions of States south of
Interstate Highway 80 in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, where
seasons for light geese may extend until March 10. The daily bag limit
is 10 geese, to include no more than 3 Canada geese, 2 white-fronted
geese, and 2 brant. Specific regulations for Canada
[[Page 44472]]
geese and exceptions to the above general provisions are shown below by
State.
Alabama: In the SJBP Goose Zone, the season for Canada geese may
not exceed 35 days. Elsewhere, the season for Canada geese may extend
for 70 days in the respective duck-hunting zones. The daily bag limit
is 2 Canada geese.
Arkansas: The season for Canada geese may extend for 23 days in the
East Zone and 14 days in the West Zone. In both zones, the season may
extend to February 15. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. In the
remainder of the State, the season for Canada geese is closed.
Illinois: The total harvest of Canada geese in the State will be
limited to 172, 600 birds. Limits are 3 Canada geese daily and 10 in
possession.
(a) North Goose Zone - The season for Canada geese will close after
93 days or when 22,014 birds have been harvested in the Northern
Illinois Quota Zone, whichever occurs first.
(b) Central Goose Zone - The season for Canada geese will close
after 93 days or when 35,168 birds have been harvested in the Central
Illinois Quota Zone, whichever occurs first.
(c) South Goose Zone - The harvest of Canada geese in the Southern
Illinois and Rend Lake Quota Zones will be limited to 62,691 and 17,830
birds, respectively. The season for Canada geese in each zone will
close after 89 days or when the harvest limit has been reached,
whichever occurs first. In the Southern Illinois Quota Zone, if any of
the following conditions exist after December 20, the State, after
consultation with the Service, will close the season by emergency order
with 48 hours notice:
1. 10 consecutive days of snow cover, 3 inches or more in depth.
2. 10 consecutive days of daily high temperatures less than 20
degrees F.
3. Average body weights of adult female geese less than 3,200
grams as measured from a weekly sample of a minimum of 50 geese.
4. Starvation or a major disease outbreak resulting in observed
mortality exceeding 5,000 birds in 10 days, or a total mortality
exceeding 10,000 birds.
In the remainder of the South Goose Zone, the season may extend for
89 days or until both the Southern Illinois and Rend Lake Quota Zones
have been closed, whichever occurs first.
Indiana: The total harvest of Canada geese in the State will be
limited to 98,000 birds.
(a) Posey County - The season for Canada geese will close after
65 days or when 7,200 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs
first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(b) Remainder of the State - The season for Canada geese may
extend for 70 days in the respective duck-hunting zones, except in
the SJBP Zone, where the season may not exceed 35 days. The daily
bag limit is 3 Canada geese, except in the SJBP Zone, where the
daily bag limit is 2.
Iowa: The season may extend for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 2
Canada geese.
Kentucky:
(a) Western Zone - The season for Canada geese may extend for 65
days (80 days in Fulton County), and the harvest will be limited to
34,500 birds. Of the 34,500-bird quota, 22,425 birds will be allocated
to the Ballard Reporting Area and 6,555 birds will be allocated to the
Henderson/Union Reporting Area. If the quota in either reporting area
is reached prior to completion of the 65-day season, the season in that
reporting area will be closed. If this occurs, the season in those
counties and portions of counties outside of, but associated with, the
respective subzone (listed in State regulations) may continue for an
additional 7 days, not to exceed a total of 65 days (80 days in Fulton
County). The season in Fulton County may extend to February 15. The
daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese.
(b) Pennyroyal/Coalfield Zone - The season may extend for 35 days.
The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(c) Remainder of the State - The season may extend for 50 days. The
daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
Louisiana: The season for Canada geese may extend for 9 days.
During the season, the daily bag limit for Canada and white-fronted
geese is 2, no more than 1 of which may be a Canada goose. Hunters
participating in the Canada goose season must possess a special permit
issued by the State.
Michigan: The total harvest of Canada geese in the State will be
limited to 99,500 birds.
(a) North Zone - The framework opening date for all geese is
September 23 and the season for Canada geese may extend for 40 days.
The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(b) Middle Zone - The season for Canada geese may extend for 40
days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(c) South Zone
(1) Allegan County GMU - The season for Canada geese will close
after 51 days or when 2,500 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs
first. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
(2) Muskegon Wastewater GMU - The season for Canada geese will
close after 54 days or when 700 birds have been harvested, whichever
occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(3) Saginaw County GMU - The season for Canada geese will close
after 51 days or when 2,000 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs
first. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
(4) Tuscola/Huron GMU - The season for Canada geese will close
after 51 days or when 750 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs
first. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
(5) Remainder of South Zone -
(i) East of U.S. Highway 27/127 - The season for Canada geese
may extend for 30 days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
(ii) West of U.S. Highway 27/127 - The Season for Canada geese
may extend for 40 days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose during
the first 30 days, and 2 Canada geese during the remaining 10 days,
which may begin no earlier than November 23.
(d) Southern Michigan GMU - An experimental special Canada goose
season may be held between January 6 and February 4. The daily bag
limit is 2 Canada geese.
Minnesota:
(a) West Zone
(1) West Central Zone - The season for Canada geese may extend for
30 days. In the Lac Qui Parle Zone, the season will close after 30 days
or when 16,000 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first.
Throughout the West Central Zone, the daily bag limit is 1 Canada
goose.
(2) Remainder of West Zone - The season for Canada geese may extend
for 40 days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
(b) Northwest Zone - The season for Canada geese may extend for 40
days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
(c) Southeast Zone - The season for Canada geese may extend for 70
days, except in the Twin Cities Metro Zone and Olmsted County, where
the season may not exceed 80 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada
geese.
(d) Remainder of the State - The season for Canada geese may extend
for 50 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(e) Fergus Falls/Alexandria Zone - An experimental special Canada
goose season of up to 10 days may be held in December. During the
special season, the daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
Mississippi: The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days.
The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese.
Missouri:
(a) Swan Lake Zone - The season for Canada geese will close after
40 days or when 5,000 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs
first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(b) Schell-Osage Zone - The season for Canada geese may extend for
40 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
(c) Central Zone - The season for Canada geese may extend for 70
days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. An experimental special
season of up to
[[Page 44473]]
10 consecutive days prior to October 15 may be selected in addition to
the regular season. During the special season, the daily bag limit is 3
Canada geese.
(d) Remainder of the State - The season for Canada geese may extend
for 70 days in the respective duck-hunting zones. The daily bag limit
is 2 Canada geese.
Ohio: The season may extend for 70 days in the respective duck-
hunting zones, with a daily bag limit of 2 Canada geese, except in the
Lake Erie SJBP Zone, where the season may not exceed 30 days and the
daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose. In the Pymatuming Reservoir Area,
the seasons, limits, and shooting hours for all geese shall be the same
as those selected in the adjacent portion of Pennsylvania.
Tennessee:
(a) Northwest Zone - The season for Canada geese will close after
76 days or when 12,900 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs
first. The season may extend to February 15. All geese harvested must
be tagged. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese.
(b) Southwest Zone - The season for Canada geese may extend for 61
days, and the harvest will be limited to 1,500 birds. The daily bag
limit is 2 Canada geese.
(c) Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Zone - The season for Canada geese will
close after 50 days or when 1,800 birds have been harvested, whichever
occurs first. All geese harvested must be tagged. The daily bag limit
is 2 Canada geese.
(d) Remainder of the State - The season for Canada geese may extend
for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
Wisconsin: The total harvest of Canada geese in the State will be
limited to 118,400 birds.
(a) Horicon Zone - The framework opening date for all geese is
September 23. The harvest of Canada geese is limited to 71,700 birds.
The season may not exceed 80 days. All Canada geese harvested must be
tagged. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese and the season limit will
be the number of tags issued to each permittee.
(b) Collins Zone - The framework opening date for all geese is
September 23. The harvest of Canada geese is limited to 1,900 birds.
The season may not exceed 65 days. All Canada geese harvested must be
tagged. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese and the season limit will
be the number of tags issued to each permittee.
(c) Exterior Zone - The framework opening date for all geese is
September 23. The harvest of Canada geese is limited to 40,300 birds,
with 500 birds allocated to the Mississippi River Subzone. The season
may not exceed 86 days and the daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. In
that portion of the Exterior Zone outside the Mississippi River
Subzone, the progress of the harvest must be monitored, and the season
closed, if necessary, to ensure that the harvest does not exceed 39,800
birds.
Additional Limits: In addition to the harvest limits stated for the
respective zones above, an additional 4,500 Canada geese may be taken
in the Horicon Zone under special agricultural permits.
Quota Zone Closures: When it has been determined that the quota of
Canada geese allotted to the Northern Illinois, Central Illinois,
Southern Illinois, and Rend Lake Quota Zones in Illinois, Posey County
in Indiana, the Ballard and Henderson-Union Subzones in Kentucky, the
Allegan County, Muskegon Wastewater, Saginaw County, and Tuscola/Huron
Goose Management Units in Michigan, the Lac Qui Parle Zone in
Minnesota, the Swan Lake Zone in Missouri, the Northwest and Kentucky/
Barkley Lakes Zones in Tennessee, and the Exterior Zone in Wisconsin
will have been filled, the season for taking Canada geese in the
respective zone (and associated area, if applicable) will be closed by
either the Director upon giving public notice through local information
media at least 48 hours in advance of the time and date of closing, or
by the State through State regulations with such notice and time (not
less than 48 hours) as they deem necessary.
Central Flyway
The Central Flyway includes Colorado (east of the Continental
Divide), Kansas, Montana (Counties of Blaine, Carbon, Fergus, Judith
Basin, Stillwater, Sweetgrass, Wheatland, and all counties east
thereof), Nebraska, New Mexico (east of the Continental Divide except
the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation), North Dakota, Oklahoma, South
Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming (east of the Continental Divide).
Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots
Outside Dates: Between September 30 through January 21.
Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits:
(1) High Plains Mallard Management Unit (roughly defined as that
portion of the Central Flyway which lies west of the 100th meridian):
83 days and a daily bag limit of 5 ducks, including no more than 1
female mallard, 1 mottled duck, 1 pintail, 1 redhead, 1 canvasback and
2 wood ducks. The last 23 days may start no earlier than the Saturday
nearest December 10 (December 9).
(2) Remainder of the Central Flyway: 60 days and a daily bag limit
of 5 ducks, including no more than 1 female mallard, 1 mottled duck, 1
pintail, 1 redhead, 1 canvasback, and 2 wood ducks.
Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit of 5 mergansers may be taken,
only 1 of which may be a hooded merganser.
Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.
Zoning and Split Seasons: Montana, Nebraska (Low Plains portion),
New Mexico, Oklahoma (Low Plains portion), and South Dakota (Low Plains
portion) may select hunting seasons by zones.
In Montana, Nebraska (Low and High Plains portions), New Mexico,
North Dakota (Low Plains portion), Oklahoma (Low and High Plains
portions), South Dakota (High Plains portion), and Texas (Low Plains
portion), the season may be split into two segments.
In Colorado, Kansas (Low and High Plains portions), North Dakota
(High Plains portion), and Wyoming, the season may be split into three
segments.
Geese
Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select
seasons not to exceed 107 days; except for dark geese, which may not
exceed 86 days in Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South
Dakota, and the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas. For dark geese, outside
dates for seasons may be selected between the Saturday nearest October
1 (September 30) and January 31, except in the Western Goose Zone of
Texas, where the closing date is the Sunday nearest February 15
(February 18). For light geese, outside dates for seasons may be
selected between the Saturday nearest October 1 (September 30) and the
Sunday nearest February 15 (February 18), except in Colorado, Kansas,
Nebraska (south of I-80, except for Adams, Clay, Fillmore, Franklin,
Gosper, Hall, Hamilton, Harland, Kearney, Nuckolls, Phelps, Saline,
Seward, Thayer, and York Counties) New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, and
Wyoming (south of I-80) where the closing date is March 10. Seasons may
be split into two segments.
Daily bag limits in States in goose management zones within States,
may be as follows:
Colorado: The daily bag limit is 5 light and 5 dark geese,
including no more than 1 white-fronted and 4 Canada geese.
Kansas: The daily bag limit is 10 light and 2 dark geese, including
no more than 1 white-fronted goose.
Montana: The daily bag limit is 5 light and 5 dark geese, including
no more
[[Page 44474]]
than 1 white-fronted and 4 Canada geese.
Nebraska: The daily bag limit is 10 light and 2 dark geese,
including no more than 1 white-fronted goose.
New Mexico: For the Middle Rio Grande Valley Zone, the daily bag
limit is 10 light and 5 dark, including no more than 1 white-fronted
and 4 Canada geese.
For the remainder of the State, the daily bag limit is 5 light and
5 dark geese, including no more than 1 white-fronted and 4 Canada
geese.
North Dakota: The daily bag limit is 10 light and 2 dark geese.
Oklahoma: The daily bag limit is 10 light and 2 dark geese,
including no more than 1 white-fronted goose.
South Dakota: The daily bag limit is 10 light and 2 dark geese,
including no more than 1 white-fronted goose.
Texas: For the Western Goose zone, the daily bag limit is 5 light
and 5 dark geese, including no more than 1 white-fronted and 4 Canada
geese.
For the Eastern Goose Zone, the daily bag limit is 10 light and 2
dark geese, including no more than 1 white-fronted goose.
Wyoming: The daily bag limit is 5 light and 5 dark, with no more
than 1 white-fronted and 4 Canada geese.
Pacific Flyway
Ducks, Mergansers, Coots, and Common Moorhens
Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: Concurrent 93 days and daily bag
limit of 6 ducks, including no more than 1 female mallard, 2 pintails,
2 redheads and 1 canvasback.
In the Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit, the seasons may be
an additional 7 days. The season on coots and common moorhens may be
between the outside dates for the season on ducks, but not to exceed 93
days.
Coot and Common Moorhen Limits: The daily bag and possession limits
of coots and common moorhens are 25, singly or in the aggregate.
Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest October 1 (September
30) and the Sunday nearest January 20 (January 21).
Zoning and Split Seasons: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada,
Oregon, Utah, and Washington may select hunting seasons by zones.
Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington
may split their seasons into two segments either Statewide or in each
zone.
Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming may split their duck
seasons into three segments.
Colorado River Zone, California: Seasons and limits shall be the
same as seasons and limits selected in the adjacent portion of Arizona
(South Zone).
Geese
Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: Except as subsequently
noted, 100-day seasons may be selected, with outside dates between the
Saturday nearest October 1 (October 1), and the Sunday nearest January
20 (January 21), and the basic daily bag limits are 3 light geese and 3
dark geese.
Brant Season - A 16-consecutive-day season may be selected in
Oregon and Washington, and a 30-consecutive day season may be selected
in California. In only California, Oregon, and Washington, the daily
bag limit is 2 brant and is additional to dark goose limits, and the
open season on brant in those States may differ from that for other
geese.
Closures: There will be no open season on Aleutian Canada geese in
the Pacific Flyway. The States of California, Oregon, and Washington
must include a statement on the closure for that subspecies in their
respective regulations leaflet. Emergency closures may be invoked for
all Canada geese should Aleutian Canada goose distribution patterns or
other circumstances justify such actions.
Arizona: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 2 geese.
California:
Northeastern Zone - White-fronted geese and cackling Canada geese
may be taken only during the first 23 days of the goose season. The
daily bag limit is 3 geese and may include no more than 2 dark geese;
including not more than 1 cackling Canada goose.
Colorado River Zone - The seasons and limits must be the same as
those selected in the adjacent portion of Arizona (South Zone).
Southern Zone - The daily bag and possession limits for dark geese
is 2 geese, including not more than 1 cackling Canada goose.
Balance-of-the-State Zone - A 79-day season may be selected, except
that white-fronted geese and cackling Canada geese may be taken during
only the first 65 days of such season. Limits may not include more than
3 geese per day and in possession, of which not more than 1 may be a
dark goose. The dark goose limits may be expanded to 2, provided that
they are Canada geese other than cackling Canada geese for which the
daily limit is 1.
Three areas in the Balance-of-the-State Zone are restricted in the
hunting of certain geese:
(1) In the Counties of Del Norte and Humboldt, there will be no
open season for Canada geese.
(2) In the Sacramento Valley Area, the season on white-fronted
geese must end on or before December 14, and, except in the Western
Canada Goose Hunt Area, there will be no open season for Canada geese.
(3) In the San Joaquin Valley Area, the hunting season for Canada
geese will close no later than November 23.
Colorado: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 2 geese.
Idaho:
Northern Unit - The daily bag limit is 4 geese, including 4 dark
geese, but not more than 3 light geese.
Southwest Unit and Southeastern Unit - The daily bag limit on dark
geese is 4.
Montana:
West of Divide Zone and East of Divide Zone - The daily bag limit
on dark geese is 4.
Nevada:
Clark County Zone - The daily bag limit of dark geese is 2 geese.
New Mexico: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 2 geese.
Oregon: Except as subsequently noted, the dark goose limit is 4,
including not more than 1 cackling Canada goose.
Harney, Lake, Klamath, and Malheur Counties Zone - The season
length may be 100 days. The dark goose limit is 4, including not more
than 2 white-fronted geese and cackling Canada goose.
Western Zone - In the Special Canada Goose Management Area, except
for designated areas, there shall be no open season on Canada geese. In
the designated areas, individual quotas shall be established which
collectively shall not exceed 210 dusky Canada geese. See section on
quota zones. In those designated areas, the daily bag limit of dark
geese is 3, including not more than 1 cackling Canada goose.
Utah: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 2 geese.
Washington: The daily bag limit is 4 geese, including 4 dark geese
but not more than 3 light geese.
West Zone - In the Lower Columbia River Special Goose Management
Area, except for designated areas, there shall be no open season on
Canada geese. In the designated areas, individual quotas shall be
established which collectively shall not exceed 90 dusky Canada geese.
See section on quota zones.
Wyoming: The daily bag limit is 4 dark geese. In Lincoln,
Sweetwater, and Sublette Counties, the combined special September
Canada goose seasons and the regular goose season shall not exceed 100
days.
[[Page 44475]]
Quota Zones: Seasons on Canada geese must end upon attainment of
individual quotas of dusky Canada geese allotted to the designated
areas of Oregon and Washington. The September Canada goose season, the
regular goose season, any special late Canada goose season, and any
extended falconry season, combined, must not exceed 107 days and the
established quota of dusky Canada geese must not be exceeded. Hunting
of Canada geese in those designated areas shall only be by hunters
possessing a State-issued permit authorizing them to do so. In a
Service-approved investigation, the State must obtain quantitative
information on hunter compliance of those regulations aimed at reducing
the take of dusky Canada geese and eliminating the take of Aleutian
Canada geese. The daily bag limit of Canada geese may not include more
than 1 cackling Canada goose.
In the designated areas of the Washington Quota Zone, a special
late Canada goose may be held between February 5 and March 10. The
daily bag limit may not include either Aleutian or cackling Canada
geese.
Swans
In designated areas of Utah, Nevada, and the Pacific Flyway portion
of Montana, an open season for taking a limited number of swans may be
selected. Permits will be issued by States and will authorize each
permittee to take no more than 1 swan per season. The season may open
no earlier than the Saturday nearest October 1 (September 30). The
States must implement a harvest-monitoring program to measure the
species composition of the swan harvest. In Utah and Nevada, the
harvest-monitoring program must include physical examination of all
harvested swans by State or Federal biologists. All States should use
appropriate measures to maximize hunter compliance in providing bagged
swans for examination or, in the case of Montana, reporting bill-
measurement and color information. All States must provide to the
Service by June 30, 1996, a report covering harvest, hunter
participation, reporting compliance, and monitoring of swan populations
in the designated hunt areas. These seasons will be subject to the
following conditions:
In Utah, no more than 2,750 permits may be issued. The season must
end no later than the first Sunday in December (December 3) or upon
attainment of 15 trumpeter swans in the harvest, whichever occurs
earliest.
In Nevada, no more than 650 permits may be issued. The season must
end no later than the Sunday following January 1 (January 7) or upon
attainment of 5 trumpeter swans in the harvest, whichever occurs
earliest.
In Montana, no more than 500 permits may be issued. The season must
end no later than December 1.
Tundra Swans
In Central Flyway portion of Montana, and in New Jersey, North
Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Virginia, an open season for
taking a limited number of tundra swans may be selected. Permits will
be issued by the States and will authorize each permittee to take no
more than 1 tundra swan per season. The States must obtain harvest and
hunter participation data. These seasons will be subject to the
following conditions:
In the Atlantic Flyway
--The season will be experimental.
--The season may be 90 days, must occur during the light goose
season, but may not extend beyond January 31.
--In New Jersey, no more than 200 permits may be issued.
--In North Carolina, no more than 6,000 permits may be issued.
--In Virginia, no more than 600 permits may be issued.
In the Central Flyway
--The season may be 107 days and must occur during the light goose
season.
--In the Central-Flyway portion of Montana, no more than 500
permits may be issued.
--In North Dakota, no more than 2,000 permits may be issued.
--In South Dakota, no more than 1,500 permits may be issued.
In the Pacific Flyway
--Except as subsequently noted, a 100-day season may be selected
between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 1), and the Sunday
nearest January 20 (January 21). Seasons may be split into 2 segments.
The States of Montana, Nevada, and Utah must implement a harvest-
monitoring program to measure the extent of accidental harvest of
trumpeter swans.
--In Utah, no more than 2,500 permits may be issued. The season
must end on or before December 15.
--In Nevada, no more than 650 permits may be issued.
--In the Pacific-Flyway portion of Montana, no more than 500
permits may be issued.
Area, Unit and Zone Descriptions
Geese
Atlantic Flyway
Georgia
A Special Season for Canada Geese: Statewide.
New Jersey
Special Area for Canada Geese:
Northeast - that portion of the State within a continuous line that
runs east along the New York State boundary line to the Hudson River;
then south along the New York State boundary to its intersection with
Route 440 at Perth Amboy; then west on Route 440 to its intersection
with Route 287; then west along Route 287 to its intersection with
Route 206 in Bedminster (Exit 18); then north along Route 206 to its
intersection with the Pennsylvania State boundary; then north along the
Pennsylvania boundary in the Delaware River to its intersection with
the New York State boundary.
Northwest - that portion of the State within a continuous line that
runs east from the Pennsylvania State boundary at the toll bridge in
Columbia to Route 94; then north along Route 94 to Route 206; then
north along Route 206 to the Pennsylvania State boundary in the
Delaware River; then south along the Pennsylvania State boundary int he
Delaware River to the beginning point. Hereafter this proposed
expansion of the hunt area will be refereed to as the northwestern
area.
Southeast - that portion of the State within a continuous line that
runs east from the Atlantic Ocean at Ship Bottom along Route 72 to the
Garden State Parkway; then south along the Garden State Parkway to
Route 9; then south along Route 9 to Route 542; then west along Route
542 to the Mullica River; then north (upstream) on the Mullica River to
Route 206; then south on Route 206 to Route 536; then west on route 536
to Route 55; then south on Route 55 to Route 40; then east on Route 50
to Route 557; then south on Route 557 to Route 666; then south on Route
666 to Route 49; then east on Route 49 to route 50; then south on Route
50 to Route 631; then east on Route 631 to Route 623; then east on
Route 623 to the Atlantic Ocean; then north to the beginning point.
New York
Special Area for Canada Geese: Westchester County and portions of
Nassau, Putnam and Rockland Counties. See State regulations for
detailed description.
South Carolina
Canada Goose Area: The Central Piedmont, Western Piedmont, and
Mountain Hunt Units. These designated areas include: Counties of
Abbeville, Anderson, Berkeley (south of Highway 45 and east of State
Road 831), Cherokee, Chester, Dorchester, Edgefield, Fairfield,
Greenville, Greenwood, Kershaw, Lancaster, Laurens, Lee, Lexington,
McCormick,
[[Page 44476]]
Newberry, Oconee, Orangebird (south of Highway 6), Pickens, Richland,
Saluda, Spartanburg, Sumten, Union, and York.
Swans
Pacific Flyway
Montana (Pacific Flyway Portion)
Open Area: Cascade, Chouteau, Hill, Liberty, and Toole Counties and
those portions of Pondera and Teton Counties lying east of U.S. 287-89.
Utah
Open Area: Those portions of Box Elder, Weber, Davis, Salt Lake,
and Toole counties lying south of State Hwy 30, I-80/84, west of I-15,
and north of I-80.
[FR Doc. 95-21316 Filed 8-25-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-F
