2011-22424. Migratory Bird Hunting; Early Seasons and Bag and Possession Limits for Certain Migratory Game Birds in the Contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands  

  • Start Preamble Start Printed Page 54658

    AGENCY:

    Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

    ACTION:

    Final rule.

    SUMMARY:

    This rule prescribes the hunting seasons, hours, areas, and daily bag and possession limits of mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped doves; band-tailed pigeons; rails; moorhens and gallinules; woodcock; common snipe; sandhill cranes; sea ducks; early (September) waterfowl seasons; migratory game birds in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; and some extended falconry seasons. Taking of migratory birds is prohibited unless specifically provided for by annual regulations. This rule permits taking of designated species during the 2011-12 season.

    DATES:

    This rule is effective on September 1, 2011.

    ADDRESSES:

    You may inspect comments received on the migratory bird hunting regulations during normal business hours at the Service's office in room 4107, Arlington Square Building, 4501 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA. You may obtain copies of referenced reports from the street address above, or from the Division of Migratory Bird Management's Web site at http://www.fws.gov/​migratorybirds/​,, or at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-R9-MB-2011-0014.

    Start Further Info

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Ron W. Kokel, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (703) 358-1714.

    End Further Info End Preamble Start Supplemental Information

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Regulations Schedule for 2011

    On April 8, 2011, we published in the Federal Register (76 FR 19876) a proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20. The proposal provided a background and overview of the migratory bird hunting regulations process, and addressed the establishment of seasons, limits, and other regulations for hunting migratory game birds under §§ 20.101 through 20.107, 20.109, and 20.110 of subpart K. Major steps in the 2011-12 regulatory cycle relating to open public meetings and Federal Register notifications were also identified in the April 8 proposed rule. Further, we explained that all sections of subsequent documents outlining hunting frameworks and guidelines were organized under numbered headings and that subsequent documents would refer only to numbered items requiring attention.

    On June 22, 2011, we published in the Federal Register (76 FR 36508) a second document providing supplemental proposals for early- and late-season migratory bird hunting regulations. The June 22 supplement also provided information on the 2011-12 regulatory schedule and announced the Service Regulations Committee (SRC) and summer (July) Flyway Council meetings.

    On June 22 and 23, 2011, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council Consultants where the participants reviewed information on the current status of migratory shore and upland game birds and developed recommendations for the 2011-12 regulations for these species plus regulations for migratory game birds in Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, special September waterfowl seasons in designated States, special sea duck seasons in the Atlantic Flyway, and extended falconry seasons. In addition, we reviewed and discussed preliminary information on the status of waterfowl as it relates to the development and selection of the regulatory packages for the 2011-12 regular waterfowl seasons.

    On July 26, 2011, we published in the Federal Register (76 FR 44730) a third document specifically dealing with the proposed frameworks for early-season regulations. On August 30, 2011, we published in the Federal Register a final rule which contained final frameworks for early migratory bird hunting seasons from which wildlife conservation agency officials from the States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands selected early-season hunting dates, hours, areas, and limits.

    On July 27-28, 2011, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council Consultants at which the participants reviewed the status of waterfowl and developed recommendations for the 2011-12 regulations for these species. Proposed hunting regulations were discussed for late seasons. We published proposed frameworks for the 2011-12 late-season migratory bird hunting regulations in an August 26, 2011 Federal Register (76 FR 53536).

    The final rule described here is the sixth in the series of proposed, supplemental, and final rulemaking documents for migratory game bird hunting regulations and deals specifically with amending subpart K of 50 CFR part 20. It sets hunting seasons, hours, areas, and limits for mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped doves; band-tailed pigeons; rails; moorhens and gallinules; woodcock; common snipe; sandhill cranes; sea ducks; early (September) waterfowl seasons; mourning doves in Hawaii; migratory game birds in Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; youth waterfowl hunting day; and some extended falconry seasons.

    National Environmental Policy Act (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 the Environmental Protection Agency on June 9, 1988. We published a notice of availability in the Federal Register on June 16, 1988 (53 FR 22582). We published our Record of Decision on August 18, 1988 (53 FR 31341). In addition, an August 1985 environmental assessment entitled “Guidelines for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands” is available from the address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES.

    In a notice published in the September 8, 2005, Federal Register (70 FR 53376), we announced our intent to develop a new Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the migratory bird hunting program. Public scoping meetings were held in the spring of 2006, as detailed in a March 9, 2006, Federal Register (71 FR 12216). We released the draft SEIS on July 9, 2010 (75 FR 39577). The draft SEIS is available either by writing to the address indicated under ADDRESSES or by viewing our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/​migratorybirds.

    Endangered Species Act Consideration

    Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543; 87 Stat. 884), provides that, “The Secretary shall review other programs administered by him and utilize such programs in furtherance of the purposes of this Act” (and) shall “insure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out * * * is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered species or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification Start Printed Page 54659of [critical] habitat. * * *.” Consequently, we conducted formal consultations to ensure that actions resulting from these regulations would 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, which concluded that the regulations are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species. Additionally, these findings may have caused modification of some regulatory measures previously proposed, and the final frameworks reflect any such modifications. Our biological opinions resulting from this section 7 consultation are public documents available for public inspection at the address indicated under ADDRESSES.

    Executive Order 12866

    The Office of Management and Budget has determined that this rule is significant and has reviewed this rule under Executive Order 12866. OMB bases its determination of regulatory significance upon the following four criteria:

    (a) Whether the rule will have an annual effect of $100 million or more on the economy or adversely affect an economic sector, productivity, jobs, the environment, or other units of the government.

    (b) Whether the rule will create inconsistencies with other Federal agencies' actions.

    (c) Whether the rule will materially affect entitlements, grants, user fees, loan programs, or the rights and obligations of their recipients.

    (d) Whether the rule raises novel legal or policy issues.

    An economic analysis was prepared for the 2008-09 season. This analysis was based on data from the 2006 National Hunting and Fishing Survey, the most recent year for which data are available (see discussion in Regulatory Flexibility Act section below). This analysis estimated consumer surplus for three alternatives for duck hunting (estimates for other species are not quantified due to lack of data). The alternatives are (1) Issue restrictive regulations allowing fewer days than those issued during the 2007-08 season, (2) Issue moderate regulations allowing more days than those in alternative 1, and (3) Issue liberal regulations identical to the regulations in the 2007-08 season.

    For the 2008-09 season, we chose alternative 3, with an estimated consumer surplus across all flyways of $205-$270 million. We also chose alternative 3 for the 2009-10 and the 2010-11 seasons. At this time, we are proposing no changes to the season frameworks for the 2011-12 season, and as such, we will again consider these three alternatives. However, final frameworks for waterfowl will be dependent on population status information available later this year. For these reasons, we have not conducted a new economic analysis, but the 2008-09 analysis is part of the record for this rule and is available at http://www.fws.gov/​migratorybirds/​NewReportsPublications/​SpecialTopics/​SpecialTopics.html#HuntingRegs or at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-R9-MB-2011-0014.

    Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The annual migratory bird hunting regulations have a significant economic impact on substantial numbers of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). We analyzed the economic impacts of the annual hunting regulations on small business entities in detail as part of the 1981 cost-benefit analysis. This analysis was revised annually from 1990-95. In 1995, the Service issued a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis), which was subsequently updated in 1996, 1998, 2004, and 2008. The primary source of information about hunter expenditures for migratory game bird hunting is the National Hunting and Fishing Survey, which is conducted at 5-year intervals. The 2008 Analysis was based on the 2006 National Hunting and Fishing Survey and the U.S. Department of Commerce's County Business Patterns, from which it was estimated that migratory bird hunters would spend approximately $1.2 billion at small businesses in 2008.

    Copies of the Analysis are available upon request from the Division of Migratory Bird Management (see ADDRESSES) or from our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/​migratorybirds/​NewReportsPublications/​SpecialTopics/​SpecialTopics.html#HuntingRegs or at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-R9-MB-2011-0014.

    Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    This rule is a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. For the reasons outlined above, this rule would have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. However, because this rule would establish hunting seasons, we do not plan to defer the effective date under the exemption contained in 5 U.S.C. 808(1).

    Paperwork Reduction Act

    We examined these regulations under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). The various recordkeeping and reporting requirements imposed under regulations established in 50 CFR part 20, subpart K, are utilized in the formulation of migratory game bird hunting regulations. Specifically, OMB has approved the information collection requirements of our Migratory Bird Surveys and assigned control number 1018-0023 (expires 4/30/2014). This information is used to provide a sampling frame for voluntary national surveys to improve our harvest estimates for all migratory game birds in order to better manage these populations. OMB has also approved the information collection requirements of the Alaska Subsistence Household Survey, an associated voluntary annual household survey used to determine levels of subsistence take in Alaska, and assigned control number 1018-0124 (expires 4/30/2013).

    A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

    Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    We have determined and certify, in compliance with the requirements of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this rulemaking would not impose a cost of $100 million or more in any given year on local or State government or private entities. Therefore, this rule is not a “significant regulatory action” under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

    Civil Justice Reform—Executive Order 12988

    The Department, in promulgating this rule, has determined that this rule will not unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988.

    Takings Implication Assessment

    In accordance with Executive Order 12630, this rule, authorized by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, does not have significant takings implications and does not affect any constitutionally protected property rights. This rule would not result in the physical occupancy of property, the physical invasion of property, or the regulatory taking of any property. In fact, these rules would allow hunters to exercise otherwise unavailable privileges and, therefore, reduce restrictions on the use of private and public property. Start Printed Page 54660

    Energy Effects—Executive Order 13211

    Executive Order 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. While this rule is a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866, it is not expected to adversely affect energy supplies, distribution, or use. Therefore, this action is not a significant energy action and no Statement of Energy Effects is required.

    Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

    In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, “Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal Governments” (59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175, and 512 DM 2, we have evaluated possible effects on Federally-recognized Indian tribes and have determined that there are no effects on Indian trust resources. However, in the April 8 Federal Register, we solicited proposals for special migratory bird hunting regulations for certain Tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and ceded lands for the 2011-12 migratory bird hunting season. The resulting proposals were contained in a separate August 8, 2011, proposed rule (76 FR 48694). By virtue of these actions, we have consulted with Tribes affected by this rule.

    Federalism Effects

    Due to the migratory nature of certain species of birds, the Federal Government has been given responsibility over these species by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually prescribe frameworks from which the States make selections regarding the hunting of migratory birds, and we employ guidelines to establish special regulations on Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. This process preserves the ability of the States and tribes to determine which seasons meet their individual needs. Any State or Indian tribe may be more restrictive than the Federal frameworks at any time. The frameworks are developed in a cooperative process with the States and the Flyway Councils. This process allows States to participate in the development of frameworks from which they will make selections, thereby having an influence on their own regulations. These rules do not have a substantial direct effect on fiscal capacity, change the roles or responsibilities of Federal or State governments, or intrude on State policy or administration. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 13132, these regulations do not have significant federalism effects and do not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a federalism summary impact assessment.

    Regulations Promulgation

    The rulemaking process for migratory game bird hunting must, by its nature, operate under severe time constraints. However, we intend that the public be given the greatest possible opportunity to comment. Thus, when the preliminary proposed rulemaking was published, we established what we believed were the longest periods possible for public comment. In doing this, we 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, States would have insufficient time to select season dates and limits; to communicate those selections to us; and to establish and publicize the necessary regulations and procedures to implement their decisions. We find that “good cause” exists, within the terms of 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) of the Administrative Procedure Act, and therefore, under authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (July 3, 1918), as amended (16 U.S.C. 703-711), these regulations will take effect less than 30 days after publication. Accordingly, with each conservation agency having had an opportunity to participate in selecting the hunting seasons desired for its State or Territory on those species of migratory birds for which open seasons are now prescribed, and consideration having been given to all other relevant matters presented, certain sections of title 50, chapter I, subchapter B, part 20, subpart K, are hereby amended as set forth below.

    Start List of Subjects

    List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20

    • Exports
    • Hunting
    • Imports
    • Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
    • Transportation
    • Wildlife
    End List of Subjects Start Signature

    Dated: August 26, 2011.

    Eileen Sobeck,

    Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

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    For the reasons set out in the preamble, title 50, chapter I, subchapter B, part 20, subpart K of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:

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    PART 20—[AMENDED]

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    1. The authority citation for part 20 continues to read as follows:

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    Authority: Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 40 Stat. 755, 16 U.S.C. 703-712; Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, 16 U.S.C. 742 a-j, Public Law 106-108, 113 Stat. 1491, Note Following 16 U.S.C. 703.

    End Authority

    Note:

    The following annual hunting regulations provided for by §§ 20.101 through 20.106 and 20.109 of 50 CFR part 20 will not appear in the Code of Federal Regulations because of their seasonal nature.

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    2. Section 20.101 is revised to read as follows:

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    Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

    Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows:

    Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset.

    CHECK COMMONWEALTH REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.

    (a) Puerto Rico

    Season datesLimits
    BagPossession
    Doves and Pigeons
    Zenaida, white-winged, and mourning doves 1Sept. 3-Oct. 312020
    Scaly-naped pigeonsSept. 3-Oct. 3155
    DucksNov. 12-Dec. 19 &612
    Jan. 14-Jan. 30612
    Common MoorhensNov. 12-Dec. 19 &612
    Jan. 14-Jan. 30612
    Common SnipeNov. 12-Dec. 19 &816
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    Jan. 14-Jan. 30816
    1 Not more than 10 Zenaida and 3 mourning doves in the aggregate.

    Restrictions: In Puerto Rico, the season is closed on the ruddy duck, white-cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck, masked duck, purple gallinule, American coot, Caribbean coot, white-crowned pigeon, and plain pigeon.

    Closed Areas: Closed areas are described in the July 26, 2011, Federal Register (76 FR 44730).

    (b) Virgin Islands

    Season datesLimits
    BagPossession
    Zenaida dovesSept. 1-Sept. 301010
    DucksCLOSED

    Restrictions: In the Virgin Islands, the seasons are closed for ground or quail doves, pigeons, ruddy duck, white-cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck, masked duck, and purple gallinule.

    Closed Areas: Ruth Cay, just south of St. Croix, is closed to the hunting of migratory game birds. All Offshore Cays under jurisdiction of the Virgin Islands Government are closed to the hunting of migratory game birds.

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    3. Section 20.102 is revised to read as follows:

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    Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for Alaska.

    Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows:

    Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset. Area descriptions were published in the July 26, 2011, Federal Register (76 FR 44730).

    CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.

    Area seasonsDates
    North ZoneSept. 1-Dec. 16.
    Gulf Coast ZoneSept. 1-Dec. 16.
    Southeast ZoneSept. 16-Dec. 31.
    Pribilof & Aleutian Islands ZoneOct. 8-Jan. 22.
    Kodiak ZoneOct. 8-Jan. 22.

    Daily Bag and Possession Limits

    AreaDucks (1)Dark geese (2)(3)(4)Light geese (2)Brant (2)(3)Common snipeSandhill cranes (5)
    North Zone10-304-84-82-48-163-6
    Gulf Coast Zone8-244-84-82-48-162-4
    Southeast Zone7-214-84-82-48-162-4
    Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zone7-214-84-82-48-162-4
    Kodiak Zone7-214-84-82-48-162-4
    (1) The basic duck bag limits may include no more than 1 canvasback daily, 3 in possession, and may not include sea ducks. In addition to the basic duck limits, sea duck limits of 10 daily, 20 in possession, singly or in the aggregate, including no more than 6 each of either harlequin or long-tailed ducks, are allowed. Special sea duck limits will be available to non-residents, but at lower daily limits than residents, and they may take no more than a possession limit of 20 per season, including no more than 4 each of harlequin and long-tailed ducks, black, surf, and white-winged scoters, and king and common eiders. In Unit 15C, Kachemak Bay east of a line from Point Pogibshi to Anchor Point, the special sea duck daily bag limit for residents and nonresidents is 2 per day, 4 in possession, for harlequin and long-tailed ducks, and 1 per day, 2 in possession, for eiders (king and common collectively). Sea ducks include scoters, common and king eiders, harlequin ducks, long-tailed ducks, and common and red-breasted mergansers. The season for Steller's and spectacled eiders is closed.
    (2) Dark geese include Canada and white-fronted geese. Light geese include snow geese and Ross' geese. Separate limits apply to brant. The season for emperor geese is closed Statewide.
    (3) In Units 5 and 6, the taking of Canada geese is only permitted from September 28 through December 16. In the Middleton Island portion of Unit 6, the taking of Canada geese is by special permit only, with a maximum of 10 permits for the season and a daily bag and possession limit of 1. The season shall close if incidental harvest includes 5 dusky Canada geese. In Unit 6-C and on Hinchinbrook and Hawkins Islands in Unit 6-D, a special, permit-only Canada goose season may be offered. Hunters must have all harvested geese checked and classified to subspecies. The daily bag limit is 4 daily and 8 in possession. The Canada goose season will close in all of the permit areas if the total dusky goose harvest reaches 40.
    (4) In Units 9, 10, 17, and 18, dark goose limits are 6 per day, 12 in possession.
    (5) In Unit 17, the daily bag limit for sandhill cranes is 2 and the possession limit is 4.

    Falconry: The total combined bag and possession limit for migratory game birds taken with the use of a falcon under a falconry permit is 3 per day, 6 in possession, and may not exceed a more restrictive limit for any species listed in this subsection.

    Special Tundra Swan Season: In Units 17, 18, 22, and 23, there will be a tundra swan season from September 1 through October 31 with a season limit of 3 tundra swans per hunter. This season is by registration permit only; hunters will be issued 1 permit allowing the take of up to 3 tundra swans. Start Printed Page 54662Hunters will be required to file a harvest report after the season is completed. Up to 500 permits may be issued in Unit 18, 300 permits each in Units 22 and 23, and 200 permits in Unit 17.

    Start Amendment Part

    4. Section 20.103 is revised to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for doves and pigeons.

    Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows:

    Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in the July 26, 2011, Federal Register (76 FR 44730).

    CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.

    Doves

    Note:

    Unless noted, the seasons listed below are for mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate.

    Season datesLimits
    BagPoss.
    EASTERN MANAGEMENT UNIT
    Alabama
    North Zone12 noon to sunsetSept. 3 only1515
    1/2 hour beforeSept. 4-Oct. 2 &1515
    sunrise to sunsetOct. 22-Nov. 5 &1515
    Dec. 10-Jan. 31515
    South Zone12 noon to sunsetOct. 1 only1515
    1/2 hour beforeOct. 2-Oct 30 &1515
    sunrise to sunsetNov. 24-Nov. 27 &1515
    Dec. 3-Jan. 71515
    DelawareSept. 1-Oct. 1 &1530
    Oct. 15-Oct. 29 &1530
    Dec. 22-Jan. 141530
    Florida12 noon to sunsetOct. 1-Oct. 241530
    1/2 hour beforeNov. 12-Nov. 27 &1530
    sunrise to sunsetDec. 10-Jan. 81530
    Georgia12 noon to sunsetSept. 3 only1530
    1/2 hour beforeSept. 4-Sept. 181530
    sunrise to sunsetOct. 8-Oct. 16 &1530
    Nov. 24-Jan. 71530
    Illinois (1)Sept. 1-Oct. 31 &1530
    Nov. 5-Nov. 131530
    IndianaSept. 1-Oct. 16 &1530
    Nov. 4-Nov. 271530
    Kentucky11 am to sunsetSept. 1 only1530
    1/2 hour beforeSept. 2-Oct. 24 &1530
    sunrise to sunsetNov. 24-Dec. 2 &1530
    Dec. 31-Jan. 61530
    Louisiana
    North Zone12 noon to sunsetSept. 3 only1530
    1/2 hour beforeSept. 4-Sept. 18 &1530
    sunrise to sunsetOct. 8-Nov. 6 &1530
    Dec. 10-Jan. 21530
    South Zone12 noon to sunsetSept. 3 only1530
    1/2 hour beforeSept. 4-Sept. 11 &1530
    sunrise to sunsetOct. 15-Nov. 27 &1530
    Dec. 17-Jan. 21530
    Maryland12 noon to sunsetSept. 1-Oct. 81530
    1/2 hour beforeNov. 12-Nov. 25 &1530
    sunrise to sunsetDec. 21-Jan. 71530
    Mississippi
    North ZoneSept. 3-Sept. 25 &1530
    Oct. 8-Nov. 1 &1530
    Dec. 25-Jan. 151530
    South ZoneSept. 3-Sept. 11 &1530
    Oct. 8-Nov. 2 &1530
    Dec. 12-Jan. 151530
    North Carolina12 noon to sunsetSept. 31530
    1/2 hour beforeSept. 4-Oct. 8 &1530
    sunrise to sunsetNov. 21-Nov. 26 &1530
    Dec. 17-Jan. 131530
    OhioSept. 1-Oct. 23 &1530
    Dec. 17-Jan. 21530
    Pennsylvania12 noon to sunsetSept. 1-Oct. 1 &1530
    1/2 hour beforeOct. 29-Nov. 26 &1530
    sunrise to sunsetDec. 26-Jan. 41530
    Rhode Island12 noon to sunsetSept. 17-Oct. 11224
    Start Printed Page 54663
    1/2 hour beforeOct. 15-Nov. 12 &1224
    sunrise to sunsetDec. 21-Jan. 51224
    South Carolina12 noon to sunsetSept. 3-Sept. 51530
    1/2 hour beforeSept. 6-Oct. 8 &1530
    sunrise to sunsetNov. 19-Nov. 26 &1530
    Dec. 21-Jan. 151530
    Tennessee12 noon to sunsetSept. 1 only1530
    1/2 hour beforeSept. 2-Sept. 26 &1530
    sunrise to sunsetOct. 8-Oct. 23 &1530
    Dec. 19-Jan. 151530
    Virginia12 noon to sunsetSept. 3-Sept. 91530
    1/2 hour beforeSept. 10-Oct. 10 &1530
    sunrise to sunsetOct. 25-Nov. 5 &1530
    Dec. 26-Jan. 141530
    West Virginia12 noon to sunsetSept. 1 only1530
    1/2 hour beforeSept. 2-Oct. 8 &1530
    sunrise to sunsetOct. 24-Nov. 12 &1530
    Dec. 26-Jan. 61530
    WisconsinSept. 1-Nov. 91530
    CENTRAL MANAGEMENT UNIT
    ArkansasSept. 3-Oct. 30 &1530
    Dec. 26-Jan. 61530
    ColoradoSept. 1-Nov. 91530
    IowaSept. 1-Nov. 91530
    KansasSept. 1-Oct. 31 &1530
    Nov. 5-Nov. 131530
    MinnesotaSept. 1-Oct. 301530
    MissouriSept. 1-Nov. 91530
    MontanaSept. 1-Oct. 301530
    NebraskaSept. 1-Oct. 301530
    New Mexico
    North ZoneSept. 1-Nov. 91530
    South ZoneSept. 1-Oct. 9 &1530
    Dec. 1-Dec. 311530
    North DakotaSept. 1-Oct. 301530
    OklahomaSept. 1-Oct. 31 &1530
    Dec. 24-Jan. 11530
    South DakotaSept. 1-Nov. 91530
    Texas (2)
    North ZoneSept. 1-Oct. 23 &1530
    Dec. 23-Jan. 81530
    Central ZoneSept. 1-Oct. 23 &1530
    Dec. 23-Jan. 81530
    South ZoneSpecial AreaSept. 23-Oct. 30 &1530
    Dec. 23-Jan. 191530
    (Special Season)Sept. 3-Sept. 4 &1530
    12 noon to sunsetSept. 10-Sept. 111530
    Remainder of the South ZoneSept. 23-Oct. 30 &1530
    Dec. 23-Jan. 231530
    WyomingSept. 1-Nov. 91530
    WESTERN MANAGEMENT UNIT
    Arizona (3)Sept. 1-Sept. 15 &1020
    Nov. 25-Jan. 81020
    CaliforniaSept. 1-Sept. 15 &1020
    Nov. 12-Dec. 261020
    IdahoSept. 1-Sept. 301020
    NevadaSept. 1-Sept. 301020
    OregonSept. 1-Sept. 301020
    UtahSept. 1-Sept. 301020
    WashingtonSept. 1-Sept. 301020
    OTHER POPULATIONS
    Hawaii (4)Nov. 5-Nov. 27 &1010
    Dec. 3-Dec. 25 &1010
    Dec. 31-Jan. 161010
    (1) In Illinois, shooting hours are sunrise to sunset.Start Printed Page 54664
    (2) In Texas, the daily bag limit is either 15 mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be white-tipped doves with a maximum 70-day season. Possession limits are twice the daily bag limit. During the special season in the Special White-winged Dove Area of the South Zone, the daily bag limit is 15 mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 4 may be mourning doves and 2 may be white-tipped doves. Possession limits are twice the daily bag limit.
    (3) In Arizona, during September 1 through 15, the daily bag limit is 10 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 6 may be white-wing doves. During November 19 through January 2, the daily bag limit is 10 mourning doves. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
    (4) In Hawaii, the season is only open on the island of Hawaii. The daily bag and possession limits are 10 mourning doves, spotted doves and chestnut-bellied sandgrouse in the aggregate. Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise through one-half hour after sunset. Hunting is permitted only on weekends and State holidays.
    (b) Band-tailed Pigeons.
    Season datesLimits
    BagPossession
    ArizonaSept. 9-Oct. 2510
    California
    North ZoneSept. 17-Sept. 2524
    South ZoneDec. 17-Dec. 2524
    ColoradoSept. 1-Sept. 30510
    New Mexico (1)
    North ZoneSept. 1-Sept. 20510
    South ZoneOct. 1-Oct. 20510
    OregonSept. 15-Sept. 2324
    Utah (2)Sept. 1-Sept. 30510
    WashingtonSept. 15-Sept. 2324
    (1) In New Mexico, each band-tailed pigeon hunter must have a band-tailed pigeon hunting permit issued by the State.
    (2) In Utah, each band-tailed pigeon hunter must have either a band-tailed pigeon hunting permit or a special bird permit stamp issued by the State.
    Start Amendment Part

    5. Section 20.104 is revised to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for rails, woodcock, and common snipe.

    Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows:

    Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in the July 26, 2011, Federal Register (76 FR 44730).

    CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.

    Note:

    States with deferred seasons will select those seasons at the same time they select waterfowl seasons in August. Consult late-season regulations for further information.

    Sora and Virginia railsClapper and King railsWoodcockCommon Snipe
    Daily bag limit25 (1)15 (2)38
    Possession limit25 (1)30 (2)616
    ATLANTIC FLYWAY
    Connecticut (3)Sept. 1-Sept.2 & Sept. 6-Nov. 12Sept. 1-Sept. 2 & Sept. 6-Nov. 12Oct. 27-Dec. 10Oct. 27-Dec. 10.
    DelawareSept. 2-Nov. 10Sept. 2-Nov. 10Nov. 21-Dec. 10 & Dec. 14-Jan. 7Nov. 21-Dec.10 & Dec. 14-Jan. 7.
    FloridaSept. 1-Nov. 9Sept. 1-Nov. 9Dec. 18-Jan. 31Nov. 1-Feb. 15.
    GeorgiaSept. 24-Oct. 31 & Nov. 8-Dec. 9Sept. 24-Oct. 31 & Nov. 8-Dec. 9Dec. 10-Jan. 23Nov. 14-Feb. 28.
    MaineSept. 1-Nov. 9ClosedOct. 1-Oct. 29 & Oct. 31-Nov. 15Sept. 1-Dec. 16.
    Maryland (4)Sept. 1-Nov. 9Sept. 1-Nov. 9Oct. 29-Nov. 25 & Jan. 12-Jan. 28Sept. 28-Nov. 25 & Dec. 12-Jan. 28.
    Massachusetts (5)Sept. 1-Nov. 9ClosedDeferredSept. 1-Dec. 16.
    New HampshireClosedClosedOct. 1-Nov. 14Sept. 15-Nov. 14.
    New Jersey (6)
    North ZoneSept. 1-Nov. 9Sept. 1-Nov. 9Oct. 15-Nov. 19Sept. 16-Dec. 31.
    South ZoneSept. 1-Nov. 9Sept. 1-Nov. 9Nov. 12-Dec. 3 & Dec. 17-Dec. 30Sept. 16-Dec. 31.
    New York (7)Sept. 1-Nov. 9ClosedOct. 1-Nov. 14Sept. 1-Nov. 9.
    North CarolinaSept. 1-Nov. 9Sept. 1-Nov. 9Dec. 15-Jan. 28Nov. 14-Feb. 28.
    Pennsylvania (8)Sept. 1-Nov. 9ClosedOct. 15-Nov. 26Oct. 15-Nov. 26.
    Rhode Island (9)Sept. 3-Nov. 11Sept. 3-Nov. 11Nov. 1-Nov. 30Sept. 3-Nov. 11.
    South CarolinaSept. 26-Oct. 1 & Oct. 22-Dec. 24Sept. 26-Oct. 1 & Oct. 22-Dec. 24Nov. 19-Nov. 26 & Dec. 26-Jan. 31Nov. 14-Feb. 28.
    VermontClosedClosedOct. 1-Nov. 14Oct. 1-Nov. 14.
    VirginiaSept. 10-Oct. 1 & Oct. 3-Nov. 19Sept. 10-Oct. 1 & Oct. 3-Nov. 19Oct. 29-Nov. 12 & Dec. 16-Jan. 14Oct. 6-Oct. 10 & Oct. 22-Jan. 31.
    Start Printed Page 54665
    West VirginiaSept. 1-Nov. 5ClosedOct. 15-Nov. 28Sept. 1-Dec. 10.
    MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
    Alabama (10)Nov. 25-Jan. 29Nov. 25-Jan. 29Dec. 18-Jan. 31Nov. 14-Feb. 28.
    ArkansasSept. 10-Nov. 18ClosedNov. 5-Dec. 19Nov. 1-Feb. 15.
    Illinois (11)Sept. 3-Nov. 11ClosedOct. 15-Nov. 28Sept. 3-Dec. 18.
    Indiana (12)Sept. 1-Nov. 9ClosedOct. 15-Nov. 28Sept. 1-Dec. 16.
    Iowa (13)Sept. 3-Nov. 11ClosedOct. 1-Nov. 14Sept. 3-Nov. 30.
    KentuckySept. 1-Nov. 9ClosedNov. 1-Dec. 15Sept. 21-Oct. 30 & Nov. 24-Jan. 29.
    Louisiana (14)Sept. 10-Sept. 25Sept. 10-Sept. 25Dec. 18-Jan. 31Deferred.
    Michigan (15)Sept. 15-Nov. 14ClosedSept. 24-Nov. 7Sept. 15-Nov. 14.
    MinnesotaSept. 1-Nov. 7ClosedSept. 24-Nov. 7Sept. 1-Nov. 7.
    MississippiSept. 25-Dec. 3Sept. 25-Dec. 3Dec. 9-Jan. 22Nov. 12-Feb. 26.
    MissouriSept. 1-Nov. 9ClosedOct. 15-Nov. 28Sept. 1-Dec. 16.
    OhioSept. 1-Nov. 9ClosedOct. 8-Nov. 21Sept. 1-Nov. 27 & Dec. 17-Jan. 4.
    TennesseeDeferredClosedOct. 29-Dec. 12Nov. 15-Feb. 29.
    WisconsinDeferredClosedSept. 24-Nov. 7Deferred.
    CENTRAL FLYWAY
    ColoradoSept. 1-Nov. 9ClosedClosedSept. 1-Dec. 16.
    KansasSept. 1-Nov. 9ClosedOct. 15-Nov. 28Sept. 1-Dec. 16.
    MontanaClosedClosedClosedSept. 1-Dec. 16.
    Nebraska (16)Sept. 1-Nov. 9ClosedSept. 24-Nov. 7Sept. 1-Dec. 16.
    New Mexico (16)Sept. 17-Nov. 25ClosedClosedOct. 15-Jan. 29.
    North DakotaClosedClosedSept. 24-Nov. 7Sept. 17-Dec. 4.
    OklahomaSept. 1-Nov. 9ClosedNov. 1-Dec. 15Oct. 1-Jan. 15.
    South Dakota (17)ClosedClosedClosedSept. 1-Oct. 31.
    TexasSept. 10-Sept. 25 & Nov. 5-Dec. 28Sept. 10-Sept. 25 & Nov. 5-Dec. 28Dec. 18-Jan. 31Nov. 5-Feb. 19.
    WyomingSept. 1-Nov. 9ClosedClosedSept. 1-Dec. 16.
    PACIFIC FLYWAY
    ArizonaClosedClosedClosedDeferred.
    CaliforniaClosedClosedClosedOct. 15-Jan. 29.
    ColoradoSept. 1-Nov. 9ClosedClosedSept. 1-Dec. 16.
    Idaho:
    Area 1ClosedClosedClosedDeferred.
    Area 2ClosedClosedClosedDeferred.
    MontanaClosedClosedClosedSept. 1-Dec. 16.
    NevadaClosedClosedClosedDeferred.
    New Mexico (16)Sept. 17-Nov. 25ClosedClosedOct. 15-Jan. 29.
    OregonClosedClosedClosedDeferred.
    UtahClosedClosedClosedOct. 1-Jan. 14.
    WashingtonClosedClosedClosedDeferred.
    WyomingSept. 1-Nov. 9ClosedClosedSept. 1-Dec. 16.
    (1) The bag and possession limits for sora and Virginia rails apply singly or in the aggregate of these species.
    (2) All bag and possession limits for clapper and king rails apply singly or in the aggregate of the two species and, unless otherwise specified, the limits are in addition to the limits on sora and Virginia rails in all States. In Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey, the limits for clapper and king rails are 10 daily and 20 in possession. See also footnote (6) below.
    (3) In Connecticut, the daily bag and possession limits may not contain more than 1 king rail. The common snipe daily bag and possession limits are 3 and 6, respectively.
    (4) In Maryland, no more than 1 king rail may be taken per day.
    (5) In Massachusetts, the sora rail limits are 5 daily and 5 in possession; the Virginia rail limits are 10 daily and 10 in possession.
    (6) In New Jersey, the season for king rails is closed by State regulation.
    (7) In New York, the rail daily bag and possession limits are 8 and 16, respectively. Seasons for sora and Virginia rails and common snipe are closed on Long Island.
    (8) In Pennsylvania, the daily bag and possession limits for rails are 3 and 6, respectively.
    (9) In Rhode Island, the sora and Virginia rails limits are 3 daily and 6 in possession, singly or in the aggregate; the clapper and king rail limits are 1 daily and 2 in possession, singly or in the aggregate; the common snipe limits are 5 daily and 10 in possession.
    (10) In Alabama, the rail limits are 15 daily and 15 in possession, singly or in the aggregate.
    (11) In Illinois, shooting hours are from sunrise to sunset.
    (12) In Indiana, the sora rail limits are 25 daily and 25 in possession. The season on Virginia rails is closed.
    (13) In Iowa, the limits for sora and Virginia rails are 12 daily and 24 in possession.
    (14) Additional days occurring after September 30 will be published with the late season selections.
    (15) In Michigan, the aggregate limits for sora and Virginia rails are 8 daily and 16 in possession.
    (16) In Nebraska and New Mexico, the rail limits are 10 daily and 20 in possession.
    (17) In South Dakota, the snipe limits are 5 daily and 15 in possession.
    Start Amendment Part

    6. Section 20.105 is revised to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for waterfowl, coots, and gallinules.

    Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species Start Printed Page 54666designated in this section are prescribed as follows:

    Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in the July 26, 2011, Federal Register (76 FR 44730).

    CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.

    Note:

    States with deferred seasons may select those seasons at the same time they select waterfowl seasons in August. Consult late-seasons regulations for further information.

    (a) Common Moorhens and Purple Gallinules

    Season datesLimits
    BagPossession
    ATLANTIC FLYWAY
    DelawareSept. 2-Nov. 101530
    Florida (1)Sept. 1-Nov.91530
    GeorgiaDeferred
    New JerseySept. 1-Nov. 91020
    New York
    Long IslandClosed
    Remainder of StateSept. 1-Nov. 9816
    North CarolinaSept. 1-Nov. 91530
    PennsylvaniaSept. 1-Nov. 936
    South CarolinaSept. 26-Oct. 1 &1530
    Oct. 22-Dec. 241530
    VirginiaDeferred
    West VirginiaDeferred
    MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
    AlabamaNov. 25-Jan. 291515
    ArkansasSept. 1-Nov. 91530
    KentuckySept. 1-Nov. 91530
    Louisiana (2)Sept. 10-Sept. 251530
    MichiganDeferred
    MinnesotaDeferred
    MississippiSept. 24-Dec. 21530
    OhioSept. 1-Nov. 91530
    TennesseeDeferred
    WisconsinDeferred
    CENTRAL FLYWAY
    New Mexico
    Zone 1Oct. 1-Dec. 912
    Zone 2Oct. 1-Dec. 912
    OklahomaSept. 1-Nov. 91530
    TexasSept. 10-Sept. 25 &1530
    Nov. 5-Dec. 281530
    PACIFIC FLYWAY
    All StatesDeferred
    (1) The season applies to common moorhens only.
    (2) Additional days occurring after September 30 will be published with the late season selections.

    (b) Sea Ducks (Scoter, Eider, and Long-Tailed Ducks in Atlantic Flyway)

    Within the special sea duck areas, the daily bag limit is 7 scoter, eider, and long-tailed ducks, singly or in the aggregate, of which no more than 4 may be scoters. Possession limits are twice the daily bag limit. These limits may be in addition to regular duck bag limits only during the regular duck season in the special sea duck hunting areas.

    Season datesLimits
    BagPossession
    Connecticut (1)Sept. 20-Jan. 21510
    DelawareSept. 27-Jan. 28714
    GeorgiaDeferred
    Maine (2)Oct. 1-Jan. 31714
    MarylandDeferred
    MassachusettsDeferred
    New Hampshire (3)Oct. 1-Jan. 15714
    New JerseySept. 22-Jan. 24714
    New YorkOct. 15-Jan. 29714
    North CarolinaDeferred
    Rhode IslandOct. 8-Jan. 22510
    South CarolinaDeferred
    Start Printed Page 54667
    VirginiaDeferred
    Note: Notwithstanding the provisions of this Part 20, the shooting of crippled waterfowl from a motorboat under power will be permitted in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Delaware, Virginia and Maryland in those areas described, delineated, and designated in their respective hunting regulations as special sea duck hunting areas.
    (1) In Connecticut, the daily bag limit may include no more than 4 long-tailed ducks.
    (2) In Maine, the daily bag limit for eiders is 4, and the possession limit is 8.
    (3) In New Hampshire, the daily bag limit may include no more than 4 eiders or 4 long-tailed ducks.

    (c) Early (September) Duck Seasons.

    Note:

    Unless otherwise specified, the seasons listed below are for teal only.

    Season datesLimits
    BagPossession
    ATLANTIC FLYWAY
    Delaware (1)Sept. 10-Sept. 2848
    Florida (2)Sept. 24-Sept. 2848
    GeorgiaSept. 10-Sept. 2548
    Maryland (1)(3)Sept. 16-Sept. 3048
    North Carolina (1)Sept. 10-Sept. 2848
    South Carolina (3)Sept. 15-Sept. 3048
    Virginia (1)Sept. 19-Sept. 3048
    MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
    AlabamaSept. 10-Sept. 2548
    Arkansas (3)Sept. 10-Sept. 2548
    Illinois (3)Sept. 3-Sept. 1848
    Indiana (3)Sept. 3-Sept. 1848
    Iowa (4)
    North ZoneSept. 17-Sept. 21
    South ZoneSept. 17-Sept. 21
    Kentucky (2)Sept. 21-Sept. 2548
    LouisianaSept. 10-Sept. 2548
    MississippiSept. 10-Sept. 2548
    Missouri (3)Sept. 10-Sept. 2548
    Ohio (3)Sept. 3-Sept. 1848
    Tennessee (2)Sept. 10-Sept. 1448
    CENTRAL FLYWAY
    Colorado (1)Sept. 10-Sept. 1848
    Kansas
    Low PlainsSept. 10-Sept. 2548
    High PlainsSept. 17-Sept. 2548
    Nebraska (1)
    Low PlainsSept. 3-Sept. 1848
    High PlainsSept. 10-Sept. 1848
    New MexicoSept. 17-Sept. 2548
    OklahomaSept. 10-Sept. 2548
    Texas
    High PlainsSept. 10-Sept. 2548
    Rest of StateSept. 10-Sept. 2548
    (1) Area restrictions. See State regulations.
    (2) In Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee, the daily bag limit is 4 wood ducks and teal in the aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be wood ducks. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
    (3) Shooting hours are from sunrise to sunset.
    (4) In Iowa, the September season is part of the regular season, and limits will conform to those set for the regular season.

    (d) Special Early Canada Goose Seasons

    Season datesLimits
    BagPossession
    ATLANTIC FLYWAY
    Connecticut (1)
    Start Printed Page 54668
    North ZoneSept. 1-Sept. 2 &1530
    Sept. 6-Sept. 301530
    South ZoneSept. 15-Sept. 301530
    DelawareSept. 1-Sept. 241530
    FloridaSept. 3-Sept. 28510
    GeorgiaSept. 3-Sept. 25510
    Maine
    Northern ZoneSept. 1-Sept. 24612
    Southern ZoneSept. 1-Sept. 24816
    Maryland (1)(2)
    Eastern UnitSept. 1-Sept. 15816
    Western UnitSept. 1-Sept. 24816
    Massachusetts
    Central ZoneSept. 6-Sept. 24714
    Coastal ZoneSept. 6-Sept. 24714
    Western ZoneSept. 6-Sept. 24714
    New HampshireSept. 6-Sept. 25510
    New Jersey (1)(2)(3)Sept. 1-Sept. 301530
    New York
    Lake Champlain ZoneSept. 6-Sept. 25510
    Northeastern ZoneSept. 1-Sept. 25816
    Western ZoneSept. 1-Sept. 25816
    Southeastern ZoneSept. 1-Sept. 25816
    Western Long Island ZoneClosed
    Central Long Island ZoneSept. 6-Sept. 30816
    Eastern Long Island ZoneSept. 6-Sept. 30816
    North Carolina (4)(5)Sept. 1-Sept. 301530
    Pennsylvania (1)
    SJBP Zone (6)Sept. 1-Sept. 2436
    Rest of State (7)Sept. 1-Sept. 24816
    Rhode Island (1)Sept. 1-Sept. 301530
    South Carolina
    Early-Season Hunt UnitSept. 1-Sept. 301530
    Vermont
    Lake Champlain Zone (8)Sept. 6-Sept. 25510
    Interior Vermont ZoneSept. 6-Sept. 25510
    Connecticut River Zone (9)Sept. 6-Sept. 25510
    Virginia (10)Sept. 1-Sept. 241020
    West VirginiaSept. 1-Sept. 17510
    MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
    AlabamaSept. 1-Sept. 15510
    ArkansasSept. 1-Sept. 15510
    Illinois
    North ZoneSept. 1-Sept. 15510
    Central ZoneSept. 1-Sept. 15510
    South ZoneSept. 1-Sept. 1524
    IndianaSept. 1-Sept. 15510
    Iowa
    South Goose Zone:
    Des Moines Goose ZoneSept. 3-Sept. 11510
    Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Goose ZoneSept. 3-Sept. 11510
    Remainder of South ZoneClosed
    North Goose Zone:
    Cedar Falls/Waterloo ZoneSept. 3-Sept. 11510
    Remainder of North ZoneClosed
    Kentucky (11)Sept. 1-Sept. 1524
    Michigan
    Upper PeninsulaSept. 1-Sept. 10510
    Lower Peninsula:
    Huron, Saginaw, and Tuscola CountiesSept. 1-Sept. 10510
    RemainderSept. 1-Sept. 15510
    MinnesotaSept. 3-Sept. 22510
    Mississippi (12)Sept. 1-Sept. 15510
    Ohio (11)Sept. 1-Sept. 1548
    TennesseeSept. 1-Sept. 15510
    WisconsinSept. 1-Sept. 15510
    CENTRAL FLYWAY
    North Dakota
    Missouri River ZoneSept. 1-Sept. 7816
    Remainder of StateSept. 1-Sept. 15816
    OklahomaSept. 10-Sept. 19816
    Start Printed Page 54669
    South Dakota (11)Sept. 3-Sept. 20816
    Texas
    East ZoneSept. 10-Sept. 25510
    PACIFIC FLYWAY
    ColoradoSept. 1-Sept. 948
    Oregon
    Northwest ZoneSept. 10-Sept. 20510
    Southwest Zone (13)Sept. 10-Sept. 14510
    East Zone (13)Sept. 10-Sept. 14510
    Washington
    Mgmt. Area 2BSept. 1-Sept. 15510
    Mgmt. Areas 1 & 3Sept. 10-Sept. 15510
    Mgmt. Area 4 & 5Closed
    Mgmt. Area 2ASept. 10-Sept. 1536
    WyomingSept. 1-Sept. 824
    (1) Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
    (2) The use of shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shotshells is allowed.
    (3) The use of electronic calls is allowed.
    (4) In North Carolina, the use of unplugged guns and electronic calls is allowed in that area west of U.S. Highway 17 only.
    (5) In North Carolina, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset in that area west of U.S. Highway 17 only.
    (6) In Pennsylvania, in the area south of SR 198 from the Ohio state line to intersection of SR 18, SR 18 south to SR 618, SR 618 south to U.S. Route 6, U.S. Route 6 east to U.S. Route 322/SR 18, U.S. Route 322/SR 18 west to intersection of SR 3013, SR 3013 south to the Crawford/Mercer County line, not including the Pymatuning State Park Reservoir and an area to extend 100 yards inland from the shoreline of the reservoir, excluding the area east of SR 3011 (Hartstown Road), the daily bag limit is one goose. The season is closed on State Game Lands 214.
    (7) In Pennsylvania, in the area of Lancaster and Lebanon Counties north of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, east of SR 501 to SR 419, south of SR 419 to the Lebanon-Berks County line, west of the Lebanon-Berks County line and the Lancaster-Berks County line to SR 1053, west of SR 1053 to the Pennsylvania Turnpike I-76, the daily bag limit is 1 goose with a possession limit of 2 geese. On State Game Lands No. 46 (Middle Creek Wildlife Mgmt Area), the season is closed.
    (8) In Vermont, in Addison County north of Route 125, the daily bag and possession limit is 2 and 4, respectively.
    (9) In Vermont, the season in the Connecticut River Zone is the same as the New Hampshire Inland Zone season, set by New Hampshire.
    (10) In Virginia, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset from September 1 to September 17, and one-half hour before sunrise to sunset from September 19 to September 24 in the area east of I-95 where the September teal season is open. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset from September 1 to September 24 in the area west of I-95.
    (11) See State regulations for additional information and restrictions.
    (12) In Mississippi, the season is closed on Roebuck Lake in Leflore County.
    (13) In Oregon, the season is closed in the Southcoast Zone and the Klamath County Zone.

    (e) Regular Goose Seasons

    Note:

    Bag and possession limits will conform to those set for the regular season.

    Season dates
    MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
    Michigan (1)Canada:
    North ZoneSept. 17-Oct. 31.
    Middle ZoneDeferred.
    South ZoneDeferred
    White-fronted and BrantDeferred.
    Light geeseDeferred.
    WisconsinHoricon ZoneSept. 16-Sept. 30.
    Exterior ZoneSept. 16-Sept. 30.
    (1) In Michigan, season dates for the Muskegon Wastewater, Saginaw County, Allegan County, and Tuscola/Huron Goose Management Units in the South Zone will be established in the late-season regulatory process.

    (f) Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days

    The following seasons are open only to youth hunters. Youth hunters must be accompanied into the field by an adult at least 18 years of age. This adult cannot duck hunt but may participate in other open seasons.

    Definitions

    Youth Hunters: Includes youths 15 years of age or younger.

    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.

    The Mississippi Flyway: Includes Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

    The Central Flyway: Includes Colorado (east of the Continental Divide), Kansas, Montana (Blaine, Carbon, Fergus, Judith Basin, Stillwater, Sweetgrass, Wheatland, and all counties east thereof), Nebraska, New Mexico (east of the Continental Divide except that the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation is in the Pacific Flyway), North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Start Printed Page 54670Texas, and Wyoming (east of the Continental Divide).

    The Pacific Flyway: Includes Arizona, California, Colorado (west of the Continental Divide), Idaho, Montana (including and to the west of Hill, Chouteau, Cascade, Meagher, and Park Counties), Nevada, New Mexico (the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation and west of the Continental Divide), Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming (west of the Continental Divide including the Great Divide Basin).

    Note:

    Bag and possession limits will conform to those set for the regular season unless there is a special season already open (e.g., September Canada goose season), in which case, that season's daily bag limit will prevail.

    Season dates
    ATLANTIC FLYWAY
    ConnecticutDeferred.
    DelawareDucks, geese, brant, mergansers, and cootsOct. 15 & Dec. 3.
    FloridaDeferred.
    GeorgiaDucks, geese, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinulesNov. 12 & 13.
    MaineDucks, geese, mergansers, and coots
    North ZoneSept. 17.
    South ZoneSept. 24 & Nov. 5.
    Maryland (1)Deferred.
    MassachusettsDeferred.
    New HampshireDucks, geese, mergansers, and cootsSept. 24 & 25.
    New JerseyDeferred.
    New York (2)Ducks, mergansers, coots, brant, and Canada geese
    Long Island ZoneNov. 12 & 13.
    Lake Champlain ZoneSept. 24 & 25.
    Northeastern ZoneSept. 17 & 18.
    Southeastern ZoneSept. 17 & 18.
    Western ZoneOct. 8 & 9.
    North CarolinaDeferred.
    PennsylvaniaDucks, mergansers, Canada geese, coots, and moorhensSept. 17 & 24.
    Rhode IslandDucks, mergansers and cootsOct. 22 & 23.
    South CarolinaDeferred.
    VermontDucks, geese, mergansers and cootsSept. 24 & 25.
    VirginiaDeferred.
    West Virginia (3)Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinulesSept. 24 & Nov. 5.
    MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
    AlabamaDucks, mergansers, coots, geese, moorhens, and gallinulesFeb. 11 & 12.
    ArkansasDeferred.
    IllinoisDeferred.
    IndianaDeferred.
    IowaDeferred.
    KentuckyDeferred.
    LouisianaDeferred.
    MichiganDucks, geese, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinulesSept. 17 & 18.
    MinnesotaDucks, geese, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinulesSept. 17.
    MississippiDeferred.
    MissouriDeferred.
    OhioDeferred.
    TennesseeDeferred.
    WisconsinDucks, geese, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinulesSept. 17 & 18.
    CENTRAL FLYWAY
    ColoradoDucks, dark geese, mergansers, and coots
    Mountain/Foothills ZoneSept. 24 & 25.
    Northeast ZoneSept. 24 & 25.
    Southeast ZoneOct. 22 & 23.
    Kansas (4)Deferred.
    MontanaDucks, geese, mergansers, and cootsSept. 24 & 25.
    Nebraska (5)Ducks, geese, mergansers, and cootsOct. 1 & 2.
    New MexicoDucks, mergansers, coots, and moorhens
    North ZoneOct. 1 & 2.
    South ZoneOct. 15 & 16.
    North DakotaDucks, geese, mergansers, and cootsSept. 17 & 18.
    OklahomaDeferred.
    South Dakota (6)Ducks, Canada geese, mergansers, and cootsSept. 17 & 18.
    TexasDeferred.
    WyomingDucks, geese, mergansers, and coots
    Zone 1Sept. 24 & 25.
    Zone 2Sept. 17 & 18.
    PACIFIC FLYWAY
    ArizonaDeferred.
    CaliforniaDucks, geese, mergansers, coots, moorhens, gallinules, and brant
    Northeastern ZoneSept. 24 & 24.
    Remainder of StateDeferred.
    Start Printed Page 54671
    ColoradoDucks, geese, mergansers, and cootsOct. 15 & 16.
    IdahoDucks, Canada geese, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinulesSept. 24 & 25.
    MontanaDucks, geese, mergansers, and cootsSept. 24 & 25.
    NevadaDeferred.
    New MexicoDucks, mergansers, moorhens, and cootsOct. 1 & 2.
    Oregon (7)Ducks, Canada geese, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinulesSept. 24 & 25.
    UtahDucks, geese, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinulesSept. 17.
    WashingtonDucks, Canada geese, mergansers, and cootsSept. 24 & 25.
    WyomingDucks, dark geese, mergansers, and cootsSept. 17 & 18.
    (1) In Maryland, the accompanying adult must be at least 21 years of age and possess a valid Maryland hunting license (or be exempt from the license requirement). This accompanying adult may not shoot or possess a firearm.
    (2) In New York, the daily bag limit for Canada geese is 2.
    (3) In West Virginia, the accompanying adult must be at least 21 years of age.
    (4) In Kansas, the adult accompanying the youth must possess any licenses and/or stamps required by law for that individual to hunt waterfowl.
    (5) In Nebraska, see State regulations for additional information on the daily bag limit.
    (6) In South Dakota, the limit for Canada geese is 3, except in areas where the Special Early Canada goose season is open. In those areas, the limit is the same as for that special season.
    (7) In Oregon, the goose season is closed for the youth hunt in the Northwest Special Permit Goose Zone and the Northwest General Zone.
    Start Amendment Part

    7. Section 20.106 is revised to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for sandhill cranes.

    Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits on the species designated in this section are as follows:

    Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in the July 26, 2011, Federal Register (76 FR 44730).

    Federally authorized, State-issued permits are issued to individuals, and only the individual whose name and address appears on the permit at the time of issuance is authorized to take sandhill cranes at the level allowed by the permit, in accordance with provisions of both Federal and State regulations governing the hunting season. The permit must be carried by the permittee when exercising its provisions and must be presented to any law enforcement officer upon request. The permit is not transferable or assignable to another individual, and may not be sold, bartered, traded, or otherwise provided to another person. If the permit is altered or defaced in any way, the permit becomes invalid.

    CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.

    Note:

    States with deferred seasons may select those seasons at the same time they select waterfowl seasons in August. Consult late-season regulations for further information.

    Season datesLimits
    BagPossession
    MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
    KentuckyDeferred.
    Minnesota (1)
    NW Goose ZoneSept. 3-Oct. 924
    CENTRAL FLYWAY
    Colorado (1)Oct. 1-Nov. 2736
    Kansas (1)(2)(3)Nov. 9-Jan. 536
    Montana
    Regular Season Area (1)Sept. 24-Nov. 2036
    Special Season Area (4)Sept. 10-Sept. 252 per season
    New Mexico
    Regular Season Area (1)Oct. 31-Jan. 3136
    Middle Rio Grande Valley Area (4)(5)Oct. 29-Oct. 30 &36
    Nov. 12 &36
    Nov. 19-Nov. 20 &36
    Dec. 3-Dec. 4 &36
    Jan. 14-Jan. 1536
    Southwest Area (4)Oct. 29-Nov. 6 &36
    Jan. 7-Jan. 836
    Estancia Valley (4)Oct. 29-Nov. 636
    North Dakota (1)
    Area 1Sept. 17-Nov. 1336
    Area 2Sept. 17-Oct. 2324
    Oklahoma (1)Deferred
    South Dakota (1)Sept. 24-Nov. 2036
    Texas (1)Deferred.
    Wyoming
    Regular Season (Area 7) (1)Sept. 17-Nov. 1336
    Start Printed Page 54672
    Riverton-Boysen Unit (Area 4) (4)Sept. 17-Oct. 91 per season
    Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park, and Washakie Counties (Area 6) (4)Sept. 17-Oct. 21 per season
    PACIFIC FLYWAY
    Arizona (4)
    Special Season AreaNov. 11-Nov. 13 &3 per season
    Nov. 18-Nov. 20 &3 per season
    Nov. 22-Nov. 24 &3 per season
    Nov. 26-Nov. 28 &3 per season
    Nov. 30-Dec. 2 &3 per season
    Dec. 9-Dec. 113 per season
    Lower CO River Hunt AreaClosed.
    Idaho (4)
    Area 1Sept. 1-Sept. 3039 per season
    Areas 2-5Sept. 1-Sept. 1539 per season
    Montana
    Special Season Area (4)Sept. 10-Sept. 252 per season
    Utah (4)
    Rich CountySept. 3-Sept. 111 per season
    Cache CountySept. 3-Sept. 111 per season
    Eastern Box Elder CountySept. 3-Sept. 111 per season
    Uintah CountySept. 24-Oct. 21 per season
    Wyoming (4)
    Bear River Area (Area 1)Sept. 1-Sept. 81 per season
    Salt River Area (Area 2)Sept. 1-Sept. 81 per season
    Eden-Farson Area (Area 3)Sept. 1-Sept. 81 per season
    Uinta County (Area 5)Sept. 1-Sept. 81 per season
    (1) Each person participating in the regular sandhill crane seasons must have a valid sandhill crane hunting permit and/or a State-issued Harvest Information Survey Program (HIP) certification for game bird hunting in their possession while hunting.
    (2) In Kansas, shooting hours are from one-half hour after sunrise until 2 p.m through November 30, and from sunrise until 2 p.m. December 1 through the close of the season.
    (3) In Kansas, each person desiring to hunt sandhill cranes in Kansas is required to pass an annual, on-line sandhill crane identification examination.
    (4) Hunting is by State permit only. See State regulations for further information.
    (5) In New Mexico, in the Middle Rio Grande Valley Area, the season is only open for youth hunters on November 12. See State regulations for further details.
    Start Amendment Part

    8. Section 20.109 is revised to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Extended seasons, limits, and hours for taking migratory game birds by falconry.

    Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows:

    Hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in the July 26, 2011, Federal Register (76 FR 44730). For those extended seasons for ducks, mergansers, and coots, area descriptions were published in an August 26, 2011, Federal Register and will be published again in a late-September 2011, Federal Register.

    CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.

    Daily bag limit—3 migratory birds, singly or in the aggregate.

    Possession limit—6 migratory birds, singly or in the aggregate.

    These limits apply to falconry during both regular hunting seasons and extended falconry seasons—unless further restricted by State regulations. The falconry bag and possession limits are not in addition to regular season limits. Unless otherwise specified, extended falconry for ducks does not include sea ducks within the special sea duck areas. Only extended falconry seasons are shown below. Many States permit falconry during the gun seasons. Please consult State regulations for details.

    For ducks, mergansers, coots, geese, and some moorhen seasons; additional season days occurring after September 30 will be published with the late-season selections. Some States have deferred selections. Consult late-season regulations for further information.Start Printed Page 54673

    Extended falconry dates
    ATLANTIC FLYWAY
    DelawareDovesOct. 3-Oct. 14 & Jan. 16-Feb. 9.
    RailsNov. 11-Dec. 17.
    Woodcock and snipeOct. 1-Oct. 7 & Jan. 16-Mar. 10.
    FloridaDovesOct. 25-Nov. 11 & Nov. 28-Dec. 9 & Jan. 9-Jan. 15.
    RailsNov. 10-Dec. 16.
    WoodcockNov. 24-Dec. 17 & Feb. 1-Mar. 9.
    Common moorhensNov. 10-Dec. 14.
    GeorgiaMoorhens, gallinules, and sea ducksNov. 28-Dec. 9 & Jan. 30-Feb. 10.
    MarylandDovesOct. 9-Oct. 31 & Jan. 8-Jan. 18
    RailsNov. 11-Dec. 14.
    WoodcockOct. 1-Oct. 28 & Feb. 9-Mar. 10.
    North CarolinaDovesOct. 15-Nov. 19.
    Rails, moorhens, and gallinulesNov. 19-Dec. 24.
    WoodcockNov. 7-Dec. 10 & Jan. 30-Feb. 25.
    PennsylvaniaDovesOct. 3-Oct. 28 &Nov. 28-Dec. 8.
    RailsNov. 10-Dec. 16.
    Woodcock and snipeSept. 1-Oct. 14 & Nov. 28-Dec. 16.
    Moorhens and gallinulesNov. 10-Dec. 16.
    VirginiaDovesOct. 11-Oct. 24 & Dec. 20-Dec. 25 & Jan. 15-Jan. 31.
    WoodcockOct. 17-Oct. 28 & Nov. 13-Dec. 15 & Jan. 15-Jan. 31.
    RailsOct. 2 & Nov. 20-Dec. 25.
    MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
    IllinoisDovesNov. 1-Nov. 4 & Nov. 14-Dec. 16.
    RailsSept. 1-Sept. 2 & Nov. 12-Dec. 16.
    WoodcockSept. 1-Oct. 14 & Nov. 29-Dec. 16.
    IndianaDovesOct. 17-Nov. 3 & Jan. 1-Jan. 19.
    WoodcockSept. 20-Oct. 14 & Nov. 29-Jan. 4.
    Ducks, mergansers, and coots (1).
    North ZoneSept. 27-Sept. 30.
    LouisianaDovesSept. 19-Oct. 4.
    WoodcockOct. 27-Dec. 16 & Feb. 1-Feb. 11.
    MinnesotaWoodcockSept. 1-Sept. 23 & Nov. 8-Dec. 16.
    Rails and snipeNov. 8-Dec. 16.
    MissouriDovesNov. 10-Dec. 16.
    Ducks, mergansers, and cootsSept. 10-Sept. 25.
    OhioDucks, coots, and geeseSept. 1-Sept. 18.
    TennesseeMourning dovesSept. 27-Oct. 7 & Oct. 24-Nov. 18.
    Ducks (1)Sept. 15-Oct. 20.
    WisconsinRails, snipe, moorhens, and gallinules (1)Sept. 1-Sept. 23.
    WoodcockSept. 1-Sept. 23.
    Ducks, mergansers, and cootsSept. 17-Sept. 18.
    CENTRAL FLYWAY
    Montana (2)Ducks, mergansers, and coots (1)Sept. 21-Sept. 30.
    NebraskaDucks, mergansers, and coots.
    High PlainsSept. 10-Sept. 18 & Oct. 1-Oct. 2.
    Low PlainsSept. 1-Sept. 30.
    New MexicoDoves.
    North ZoneNov. 10-Nov. 12 & Nov. 28-Dec. 31.
    South ZoneOct. 10-Nov. 12 & Nov. 28-Nov. 30.
    Band-tailed pigeons.
    North ZoneSept. 21-Dec. 16.
    South ZoneOct. 21-Jan. 15.
    Ducks and cootsSept. 17-Sept. 25.
    Sandhill cranesOct. 17-Oct. 30.
    Regular Season AreaOct. 17-Oct. 30.
    Estancia Valley AreaNov. 7-Dec. 27.
    Common moorhensDec. 10-Jan. 15.
    Sora and Virginia railsNov. 26-Jan. 1.Start Printed Page 54674
    SnipeSept. 5-Sept. 9 & Sept. 12-Sept. 16.
    South DakotaDucks, mergansers, and coots (1).
    High Plains Low PlainsSept. 3-Sept. 10.
    North ZoneSept. 3-Sept. 16 & Sept. 19-Sept. 23.
    Middle ZoneSept. 3-Sept. 16 & Sept. 19-Sept. 23.
    South ZoneSept. 3-Sept. 16 & Sept. 19-Sept. 29.
    TexasDovesNov. 16-Dec. 22.
    Rails, gallinules, and woodcockJan. 30-Feb. 13.
    WyomingRailsNov. 10-Dec. 16.
    Ducks, mergansers, and coots (1).
    Zone 1Sept. 24-Sept. 25 & Oct. 17-Oct. 24.
    Zone 2Sept. 17-Sept. 18 & Nov. 28-Dec. 5.
    PACIFIC FLYWAY
    ArizonaDovesSept. 16-Nov. 1.
    New MexicoDoves.
    North ZoneNov. 10-Nov. 12 & Nov. 28-Dec. 31.
    South ZoneOct. 10-Nov. 12 & Nov. 28-Nov. 30.
    Band-tailed pigeons.
    North ZoneSept. 21-Dec. 16.
    South ZoneOct. 21-Jan. 15.
    OregonDovesOct. 1-Dec. 16.
    Band-tailed pigeons (3)Sept. 1-Sept. 14 & Sept. 24-Dec. 16.
    UtahDoves and band-tailed pigeonsOct. 1-Dec. 16.
    WashingtonDovesOct. 1-Dec. 16.
    WyomingRailsNov. 10-Dec. 16.
    Ducks, mergansers, and coots (1)Sept. 17-Sept. 18.
    (1) Additional days occurring after September 30 will be published with the late-season selections.
    (2) In Montana, the bag limit is 2 and the possession limit is 6.
    (3) In Oregon, no more than 1 pigeon daily in bag or possession.
    End Supplemental Information

    [FR Doc. 2011-22424 Filed 8-31-11; 8:45 am]

    BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

Document Information

Comments Received:
0 Comments
Effective Date:
9/1/2011
Published:
09/01/2011
Department:
Fish and Wildlife Service
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
2011-22424
Dates:
This rule is effective on September 1, 2011.
Pages:
54657-54674 (18 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. FWS-R9-MB-2011-0014, 91200-1231-9BPP-L2
RINs:
1018-AX34: Migratory Bird Hunting; 2011-12 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/1018-AX34/migratory-bird-hunting-2011-12-migratory-game-bird-hunting-regulations
Topics:
Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Transportation, Wildlife
PDF File:
2011-22424.pdf
CFR: (7)
50 CFR 20.101
50 CFR 20.102
50 CFR 20.103
50 CFR 20.104
50 CFR 20.105
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