2014-22853. Migratory Bird Hunting; Late Seasons and Bag and Possession Limits for Certain Migratory Game Birds  

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    AGENCY:

    Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

    ACTION:

    Final rule.

    SUMMARY:

    This rule prescribes the hunting seasons, hours, areas, and daily bag and possession limits for general waterfowl seasons and those early seasons for which States previously deferred selection. Taking of migratory birds is prohibited unless specifically provided for by annual regulations. This rule permits the taking of designated species during the 2014-15 season.

    DATES:

    This rule is effective on September 27, 2014.

    ADDRESSES:

    You may inspect comments received on the migratory bird hunting regulations during normal business hours at the Service's office at 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, Virginia. 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-HQ-MB-2014-0017.

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    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

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

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    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Regulations Schedule for 2014

    On April 30, 2014, we published in the Federal Register (79 FR 24512) 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 2014-15 regulatory cycle relating to open public meetings and Federal Register notifications were also identified in the April 30 proposed rule. Further, we explained that all sections of subsequent documents outlining hunting frameworks and guidelines were organized under numbered headings. Subsequent documents will refer only to numbered items requiring attention. Therefore, it is important to note that we omit those items requiring no attention, and remaining numbered items might be discontinuous or appear incomplete.

    On June 4, 2014, we published in the Federal Register (79 FR 32418) a second document providing supplemental proposals for early- and late-season migratory bird hunting regulations. The June 4 supplement also provided detailed information on the 2014-15 regulatory schedule and announced the Service Regulations Committee (SRC) and Flyway Council meetings.

    On June 25-26, 2014, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council Consultants, at which the participants reviewed information on the current status of migratory shore and upland game birds and developed recommendations for the 2014-15 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 2014-15 regular waterfowl seasons.

    On July 31, 2014, we published in the Federal Register (79 FR 44580) a third document specifically dealing with the proposed frameworks for early-season regulations. On August 28, 2014, we published in the Federal Register (79 FR 51402) 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. Subsequently, on August 29, 2014, we published a final rule in the Federal Register (79 FR 51712) amending subpart K of title 50 CFR part 20 to set hunting seasons, hours, areas, and limits for early seasons.

    On July 30-31, 2014, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council Consultants, at which the participants reviewed the status of waterfowl and developed recommendations for the 2014-15 regulations for these species. On August 22, 2014, we published in the Federal Register (79 FR 50512) the proposed frameworks for the 2014-15 late-season migratory bird hunting regulations. We published final late-season frameworks for migratory game bird hunting regulations, from which State wildlife conservation agency officials selected late-season hunting dates, hours, areas, and limits for 2014-15, in a September 23, 2014, Federal Register.

    The final rule described here is the final in the series of proposed, supplemental, and final rulemaking documents for migratory game bird hunting regulations for 2014-15 and deals specifically with amending subpart K of 50 CFR part 20. It sets hunting seasons, hours, areas, and limits for species subject to late-season regulations and those for early seasons that States previously deferred.

    This final rule is the culmination of the rulemaking process for the migratory game bird hunting seasons, which started with the April 30 proposed rule. As discussed elsewhere in this document, we supplemented that proposal on June 4 and August 22, and published final late season frameworks in a late September Federal Register that provided the season selection criteria from which the States selected these seasons. This final rule sets the migratory game bird late hunting seasons based on that input from the States. We previously addressed all comments pertaining to late season issues in that late September Federal Register.

    National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

    The programmatic document, “Second Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (EIS 20130139),” filed with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on May 24, 2013, addresses NEPA compliance by the Service for issuance of the annual framework regulations for hunting of migratory game bird species. We published a notice of availability in the Federal Register on May 31, 2013 (78 FR 32686), and our Record of Decision on July 26, 2013 (78 FR 45376). We also address NEPA compliance for waterfowl hunting frameworks through the annual preparation of separate environmental assessments, the most recent being “Duck Hunting Regulations for 2014-15,” with its corresponding August 2014 finding of no significant impact. 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 person indicated under the caption FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

    Endangered Species Act Consideration

    Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 Start Printed Page 58199 et seq.), 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 of [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 reflected any such modifications. Our biological opinions resulting from this section 7 consultation are public documents available at the address indicated under ADDRESSES.

    Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)

    Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) will review all significant rules. OIRA has reviewed this rule and has determined that this rule is significant because it would have an annual effect of $100 million or more on the economy. Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while calling for improvements in the nation's regulatory system to promote predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends. The executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further that regulations must be based on the best available science and that the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open exchange of ideas. We have developed this rule in a manner consistent with these requirements.

    An updated economic analysis was prepared for the 2013-14 season. This analysis was based on data from the 2011 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 were: (1) Issue restrictive regulations allowing fewer days than those issued during the 2012-13 season, (2) issue moderate regulations allowing more days than those in alternative 1, and (3) issue liberal regulations identical to the regulations in the 2012-13 season. For the 2013-14 season, we chose Alternative 3, with an estimated consumer surplus across all flyways of $317.8-$416.8 million. For the 2014-15 season, we have also chosen alternative 3. We also chose alternative 3 for the 2009-10, the 2010-11, the 2011-12, and the 2012-13 seasons. The 2013-14 analysis is part of the record for this rule and is available at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2014-0017.

    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, 2008, and 2013. 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 2013 Analysis was based on the 2011 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 $1.5 billion at small businesses in 2013. Copies of the Analysis are available at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2014-0017.

    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 will have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. However, because this rule establishes hunting seasons, we are not deferring the effective date under the exemption contained in 5 U.S.C. 808(1).

    Paperwork Reduction Act

    This final rule does not contain any new information collection that requires approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. OMB has reviewed and approved the information collection requirements associated with migratory bird surveys and assigned the following OMB control numbers:

    • 1018-0010—Mourning Dove Call Count Survey (discontinued 7/29/2014).
    • 1018-0019—North American Woodcock Singing Ground Survey (expires 4/30/2015).
    • 1018-0023—Migratory Bird Surveys (expires 6/30/2017). Includes Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program, Migratory Bird Hunter Surveys, Sandhill Crane Survey, and Parts Collection Survey.

    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 will 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 (16 U.S.C. 703-711), does not have significant takings implications and does not affect any constitutionally protected property rights. This rule will not result in the physical occupancy of property, the physical invasion of property, or the regulatory taking of any property. In fact, this rule allows hunters to exercise otherwise unavailable privileges and, therefore, reduce restrictions on the use of private and public property.Start Printed Page 58200

    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. Thus, 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 30 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 2014-15 migratory bird hunting season. The resulting proposals were contained in a separate August 11, 2014, proposed rule (79 FR 46940). By virtue of these actions, we have consulted with Tribes.

    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 statement.

    Review of Public Comments

    The preliminary proposed rulemaking (April 30 Federal Register) opened the public comment period for 2014-15 migratory game bird hunting regulations. We previously addressed all comments pertaining to late season issues in a September 23, 2014 Federal Register.

    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.

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    List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20

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

    Dated: September 22, 2014.

    Michael J. Bean,

    Principal Assistant Deputy 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. 742a-j; Pub. L. 106-108, 113 Stat. 1491, Note Following 16 U.S.C. 703.

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    Note: The following annual regulations provided for by §§ 20.104, 20.105, 20.106, 20.107, 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 20.104 is amended by:

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    a. Revising the introductory paragraphs;

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    b. Adding entries for the following States in alphabetical order to the table;

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    c. Revising footnotes (1), (2), and (6) following the table; and

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    d. Adding footnotes (20) and (21) following the table.

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    The revisions and additions read as follows:

    Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for rails, woodcock, and 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 restricted by State regulations. Area descriptions were published in the August 22, 2014 (79 FR 50512) and August 28, 2014 (79 FR 51402), Federal Registers.

    CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS AND DELINEATIONS OF GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS. SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY ON FEDERAL AND STATE PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS AND FEDERAL INDIAN RESERVATIONS.

    Note:

    The following seasons are in addition to the seasons published previously in the August 29, 2014, Federal Register (79 FR 51712).

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    Sora and Virginia railsClapper and king railsWoodcockSnipe
    Daily bag limit25 115 238
    Possession limit75 145 2924
    ATLANTIC FLYWAY
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Massachusetts6Sept. 1-Nov. 9ClosedOct. 8-Oct. 25 & Oct. 27-Nov. 22Sept. 1-Dec. 16.
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Louisiana:
    West ZoneSept. 13-Sept. 28 & Nov. 15-Jan. 7Sept. 13-Sept. 28 & Nov. 15-Jan. 7Dec. 18-Jan. 31Nov. 8-Dec. 14 & Dec. 20-Feb. 27.
    East ZoneSept. 13-Sept. 28 & Nov. 15-Jan. 7Sept. 13-Sept. 28 & Nov. 15-Jan. 7Dec. 18-Jan. 31Nov. 8-Dec. 7 & Dec. 13-Feb. 27.
    Coastal ZoneSept. 13-Sept. 28 & Nov. 15-Jan. 7Sept. 13-Sept. 28 & Nov. 15-Jan. 7Dec. 18-Jan. 31Nov. 1-Dec. 7 & Dec. 20-Feb. 27.
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Tennessee:
    Reelfoot ZoneNov. 15-Nov. 16 & Nov. 29-Jan. 25ClosedOct. 25-Dec. 8Nov. 14-Feb. 28.
    State ZoneNov. 22-Nov. 23 & Nov. 29-Jan. 25ClosedOct. 25-Dec. 8Nov. 14-Feb. 28.
    Wisconsin:
    North ZoneSept. 27-Nov. 25ClosedSept. 20-Nov. 3Sept. 27-Nov. 25.
    South ZoneOct. 4-Oct. 12 & Oct. 18-Dec. 7ClosedSept. 20-Nov. 3Oct. 4--Oct. 12 & Oct. 18-Dec. 7.
    Miss. River ZoneSept. 27-Oct. 5 & Oct. 18-Dec. 7ClosedSept. 20-Nov. 3Sept. 27-Oct. 5 & Oct. 18-Dec. 7.
    PACIFIC FLYWAY
    Arizona:20
    North ZoneClosedClosedClosedOct. 3-Jan. 11.
    South ZoneClosedClosedClosedOct. 17-Jan. 25.
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Idaho:
    Zone 1ClosedClosedClosedOct. 4-Jan. 16.
    Zone 2ClosedClosedClosedOct. 11-Jan. 23.
    Zone 3ClosedClosedClosedOct. 11-Jan. 23.
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Nevada:
    Northeast ZoneClosedClosedClosedSept. 27-Oct. 26 & Oct. 29-Jan. 11.
    Northwest ZoneClosedClosedClosedOct. 11-Oct. 26 & Oct. 29-Jan. 25.
    South Zone 21ClosedClosedClosedOct. 11-Oct. 26 & Oct. 29-Jan. 25.
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Oregon:
    Zone 1ClosedClosedClosedNov. 1-Feb. 15.
    Zone 2ClosedClosedClosedOct. 11-Dec. 7 & Dec. 10-Jan. 25.
    UtahClosedClosedClosedOct. 4-Jan. 17.
    Washington:
    East ZoneClosedClosedClosedOct. 11-Oct. 15 & Oct. 18-Jan. 25.
    West ZoneClosedClosedClosedOct. 11-Oct. 15 & Oct. 18-Jan. 25.
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    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 30 in possession.
        *         *         *         *         *         *         *         
    6 In Massachusetts, the sora rail limits are 5 daily and 15 in possession; the Virginia rail limits are 10 daily and 30 in possession.
        *         *         *         *         *         *         *         
    20 In Arizona, Ashurst Lake in Unit 5B is closed to snipe hunting.
    21 In Nevada, the snipe season in that portion of the South Zone including the Moapa Valley to the confluence of the Muddy and Virgin rivers is only open November 1 through January 25.
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    3. Section 20.105 is amended as follows:

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    a. By revising the introductory paragraphs;

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    b. In paragraph (a), by adding entries for the following States in alphabetical order to the table, and by adding footnote (3) following the table;

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    c. In paragraph (b), by revising the introductory text, by adding entries for the following States in alphabetical order to the table, by revising the note following the table, and by adding footnote (4) following the table;

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    d. By revising paragraph (e); and

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    e. In paragraph (f), by revising the introductory text, by adding entries for the following States in alphabetical order to the table, by revising footnotes (1) and (4) following the table, and by adding footnotes (9), (10), (11), and (12) following the table.

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    The revisions and additions read as follows:

    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 designated in this section are prescribed as follows:

    Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except as otherwise restricted by State regulations.

    Area descriptions were published in the August 22, 2014 (79 FR 50512) and August 28, 2014 (79 FR 51402), Federal Registers.

    CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS AND DELINEATIONS OF GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS. SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY ON FEDERAL AND STATE PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS AND FEDERAL INDIAN RESERVATIONS.

    (a) Common Moorhens and Purple Gallinules. (Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways)

    Note:

    The following seasons are in addition to the seasons published previously in the August 29, 2014, Federal Register (79 FR 51712). The zones named in this paragraph are the same as those used for setting duck seasons.

    Season datesLimits
    BagPossession
    ATLANTIC FLYWAY
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    GeorgiaNov. 22-Nov. 30 &1545
    Dec. 6-Jan. 251545
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    West VirginiaOct. 1-Oct. 11 &1530
    Dec. 13-Jan. 241530
    MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    LouisianaSept. 13-Sept. 28 &1545
    Nov. 15-Jan. 71545
    Minnesota: 3
    North ZoneSept. 27-Nov. 251545
    Central ZoneSept. 27-Oct. 5 &1545
    Oct. 11-Nov. 301545
    South ZoneSept. 27-Sept 29 &1545
    Oct. 11-Dec. 61545
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Tennessee:
    Reelfoot ZoneNov. 15-Nov. 16 &1545
    Nov. 29-Jan. 251545
    State ZoneNov. 22-Nov. 23 &1545
    Nov. 29-Jan. 251545
    Wisconsin:
    North ZoneSept. 27-Nov. 251545
    South ZoneOct. 4-Oct. 12 &1545
    Oct. 18-Dec. 71545
    Mississippi River ZoneSept. 27-Oct. 5 &1545
    Oct. 18-Dec. 71545
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    PACIFIC FLYWAY
    All StatesSeasons are in aggregate with coots and listed in paragraph (e).
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    3 In Minnesota, the daily bag limit is 15 and the possession limit is 45 coots and moorhens in the aggregate.
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    (b) Sea Ducks (scoter, eider, and long-tailed ducks in Atlantic Flyway).

    Note:

    The following seasons are in addition to the seasons published previously in the August 29, 2014, Federal Register (79 FR 51712).

    Within the special sea duck areas, the daily bag limit is 7 scoter, eider, and long-tailed ducks of which no more than 4 may be scoters. Possession limits are three times 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
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    GeorgiaNov. 22-Nov. 30 &721
    Dec. 6-Jan. 25721
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    MarylandOct. 1-Jan. 31515
    Massachusetts4Oct. 4-Jan. 31721
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    North CarolinaOct. 1-Jan. 31721
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    South CarolinaOct. 11-Jan. 25721
    VirginiaOct. 17-Jan. 31721
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
        *         *         *         *         *         *         *         
    4 In Massachusetts, the daily bag limit may include no more than 4 eiders (only 1 of which may be a hen) and 4 long-tailed ducks.

    Note:

    Notwithstanding the provisions of this Part 20, the shooting of crippled waterfowl from a motorboat under power will be permitted in Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia in those areas described, delineated, and designated in their respective hunting regulations as special sea duck hunting areas.

    (e) Waterfowl, Coots, and Pacific-Flyway Seasons for Common Moorhens.

    Definitions

    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, Texas, and Wyoming (east of the Continental Divide).

    The Pacific Flyway: Includes the States of 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).

    Light Geese: Includes lesser snow (including blue) geese, greater snow geese, and Ross's geese.

    Dark Geese: Includes Canada geese, white-fronted geese, emperor geese, brant (except in California, Oregon, Washington, and the Atlantic Flyway), and all other geese except light geese.

    ATLANTIC FLYWAY

    Flyway-Wide Restrictions

    Duck Limits: The daily bag limit of 6 ducks may include no more than 4 mallards (2 hen mallards), 2 scaup, 1 black duck, 2 pintails, 1 canvasback, 1 mottled duck, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 4 scoters, and 1 fulvous tree duck. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.

    Harlequin Ducks: All areas of the Flyway are closed to harlequin duck hunting.

    Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5 mergansers and may include no more than 2 hooded mergansers. In States that include mergansers in the duck bag limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, of which only 2 may be hooded mergansers. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.

    Season datesLimits
    BagPossession
    Connecticut:
    Ducks and Mergansers618
    North ZoneOct. 8-Oct. 18 & Nov. 11-Jan. 7
    South ZoneOct. 8-Oct. 11 & Nov. 17-Jan. 20
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada Geese:
    Start Printed Page 58204
    AFRP UnitOct. 14-Oct. 18 &515
    Nov. 19-Nov. 29 &515
    Dec. 2-Feb. 14515
    NAP H-UnitOct. 8-Oct. 18 &39
    Nov. 17-Jan. 2439
    AP UnitOct. 14-Oct. 18 &39
    Nov. 17-Jan. 739
    Special SeasonJan. 26-Feb. 14515
    Light Geese:
    North ZoneOct. 1-Jan. 15 &25
    Feb. 21-Mar. 1025
    South ZoneOct. 1-Nov. 29 &25
    Jan. 7-Mar. 1025
    Brant:
    North ZoneDec. 4-Jan. 726
    South ZoneDec. 17-Jan. 2026
    Delaware:
    DucksOct. 24-Nov. 11 &618
    Nov. 24-Nov. 29 &618
    Dec. 12-Jan. 24618
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada GeeseNov. 24-Nov. 29 &26
    Dec. 12-Jan. 3126
    Light Geese 1Oct. 1-Jan. 3125
    BrantFeb. 725
    Dec. 22-Jan. 3 &26
    Jan. 12-Jan. 3126
    Florida:
    DucksNov. 22-Nov. 30 &618
    Dec. 6-Jan. 25618
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada GeeseNov. 22-Nov. 30 &515
    Dec. 1-Jan. 30515
    Light GeeseSame as for Ducks15
    Georgia:
    DucksNov. 22-Nov. 30 &618
    Dec. 6-Jan. 25618
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada GeeseOct. 11-Oct. 26 &515
    Nov. 22-Nov. 30 &515
    Dec. 6-Jan. 25515
    Light GeeseSame as for Canada Geese515
    BrantClosed
    Maine:
    Ducks 2618
    North ZoneSept. 29-Dec. 6
    South ZoneOct. 1-Oct. 18 &
    Nov. 3-Dec. 23
    Coastal ZoneOct. 1-Oct. 18 &
    Nov. 14-Jan. 3
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks515
    Canada Geese:
    North ZoneOct. 1-Dec. 939
    South ZoneSame as for Ducks39
    Coastal ZoneSame as for Ducks39
    Light GeeseOct. 1-Jan. 3125
    Brant:
    North ZoneOct. 1-Nov. 426
    South ZoneOct. 1-Oct. 18 &26
    Nov. 3-Nov. 1826
    Coastal ZoneOct. 1-Oct. 18 &26
    Nov. 14-Nov. 2926
    Maryland:
    Ducks and Mergansers 3Oct. 11-Oct. 18 &618
    Nov. 8-Nov. 28 &618
    Dec. 16-Jan. 24618
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada Geese:
    Start Printed Page 58205
    RP ZoneNov. 22-Nov. 28 &515
    Dec. 16-Mar. 10515
    AP ZoneNov. 22-Nov. 28 &26
    Dec. 16-Feb. 426
    Light GeeseOct. 4-Nov. 28 &25
    Dec. 15-Feb. 725
    BrantDec. 20-Jan. 3 &26
    Jan. 6-Jan. 2426
    Massachusetts:
    Ducks 4618
    Western ZoneOct. 13-Nov. 29 &
    Dec. 8-Dec. 27
    Central ZoneOct. 14-Nov. 29 &
    Dec. 20-Jan. 10
    Coastal ZoneOct. 15-Oct. 25 &
    Nov. 22-Jan. 19
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada Geese:
    NAP Zone
    Central ZoneOct. 14-Nov. 29 &39
    Dec. 20-Jan. 1039
    (Special season)Jan. 19-Feb. 14515
    Coastal ZoneOct. 15-Oct. 25 &39
    Nov. 22-Jan. 3039
    (Special season) 5Jan. 31-Feb. 14515
    AP ZoneOct. 13-Nov. 29 &39
    Dec. 8-Dec. 1639
    Light Geese:
    Western ZoneSame as for Ducks1545
    Central ZoneSame as for Ducks &1545
    Jan. 19-Feb. 141545
    Coastal Zone 5Same as for Ducks &1545
    Jan. 31-Feb. 141545
    Brant:
    Western & Central ZoneClosed
    Coastal ZoneNov. 15-Nov. 29 &26
    Dec. 16-Jan. 326
    New Hampshire:
    Ducks618
    Northern ZoneOct. 2-Nov. 30
    Inland ZoneOct. 2-Nov. 2 &
    Nov. 16-Dec. 13
    Coastal ZoneOct. 3-Oct. 13 &
    Nov. 16-Jan. 3
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada Geese:
    Northern ZoneOct. 2-Dec. 1039
    Inland ZoneOct. 2-Nov. 2 &39
    Nov. 16-Dec. 2339
    Coastal ZoneOct. 3-Oct. 23 &39
    Nov. 16-Jan. 339
    Light Geese:
    Northern ZoneOct. 2-Dec. 2325
    Inland ZoneOct. 2-Dec. 2325
    Coastal ZoneOct. 3-Jan. 325
    Brant:
    Northern ZoneOct. 2-Oct. 3126
    Inland ZoneOct. 2-Oct. 3126
    Coastal ZoneOct. 3-Nov. 126
    New Jersey:
    Ducks618
    North ZoneOct. 11-Oct. 23 &
    Nov. 15-Jan. 10
    South ZoneOct. 18-Oct. 25 &
    Nov. 15-Jan. 15
    Coastal ZoneNov. 1-Nov. 11 &
    Nov. 27-Jan. 24
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada and White-fronted Geese:
    Start Printed Page 58206
    North ZoneNov. 15-Nov. 29 &39
    Dec. 13-Jan. 24 &39
    South ZoneNov. 15-Nov. 29 &39
    Dec. 13-Jan. 24 &39
    Coastal ZoneNov. 27-Dec. 6 &39
    Dec. 9-Jan. 2439
    Special Season ZoneJan. 26-Feb. 14515
    Light Geese:
    North ZoneOct. 16-Feb. 1425
    South ZoneOct. 16-Feb. 1425
    Coastal ZoneOct. 16-Feb. 1425
    Brant:
    North ZoneNov. 15-Nov. 29 &26
    Dec. 23-Jan. 1026
    South ZoneOct. 18-Oct. 25 &26
    Nov. 15-Dec. 1126
    Coastal ZoneNov. 1-Nov. 11 &26
    Dec. 20-Jan. 1326
    New York:
    Ducks and Mergansers618
    Long Island ZoneNov. 27-Jan. 25
    Lake Champlain ZoneOct. 8-Oct. 12 &
    Oct. 25-Dec. 18
    Northeastern ZoneOct. 4-Oct. 19 &
    Nov. 1-Dec. 14
    Southeastern ZoneOct. 11-Oct. 19 &
    Nov. 8-Dec. 28
    Western ZoneOct. 18-Dec. 2 &
    Dec. 27-Jan. 9
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada Geese:
    Western Long Island (AFRP)Oct. 11-Oct. 19 &824
    Nov. 27-Mar. 4824
    Central Long Island (NAP-L)Nov. 27-Feb. 4 &39
    Special seasonFeb. 5-Feb. 10515
    Eastern Long Island (NAP-H)Nov. 27-Feb. 439
    Lake Champlain (AP) ZoneOct. 10-Nov. 2839
    Northeast (AP) ZoneOct. 25-Nov. 16 &39
    Nov. 18-Dec. 1439
    East Central (AP) ZoneOct. 25-Nov. 14 &39
    Nov. 22-Dec. 2039
    Hudson Valley (AP) ZoneOct. 25-Nov. 14 &39
    Nov. 29-Dec. 2739
    West Central (AP) ZoneOct. 25-Nov. 27 &39
    Dec. 27-Jan. 1139
    South (AFRP)Oct. 25-Jan. 1 &515
    Feb. 28-Mar. 10515
    Light Geese: 6
    Long Island ZoneNov. 24-Mar. 1025
    Lake Champlain ZoneOct. 1-Dec. 2925
    Northeastern ZoneOct. 1-Jan. 1525
    Southeastern ZoneOct. 1-Jan. 1525
    Western ZoneOct. 1-Jan. 1525
    Brant:
    Long Island ZoneNov. 27-Nov. 30 &26
    Dec. 31-Jan. 2526
    Lake Champlain ZoneOct. 8-Nov. 626
    Northeastern ZoneOct. 4-Nov. 226
    Southeastern ZoneOct. 11-Nov. 926
    Western ZoneOct. 11-Nov. 926
    North Carolina:
    Ducks 7Oct. 1-Oct. 4 &618
    Nov. 8-Nov. 29 &618
    Dec. 13-Jan. 24618
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada Geese:
    RP Hunt ZoneOct. 1-Oct. 11 &515
    Nov. 8-Nov. 29 &515
    Dec. 13-Feb. 7515
    SJBP Hunt ZoneOct. 1-Oct. 28 &515
    Nov. 8-Dec. 31515
    Start Printed Page 58207
    Northeast Hunt Zone 8Jan. 9-Jan. 2413
    Light Geese 9Oct. 15-Oct. 18 &25
    Nov. 8-Mar. 725
    BrantDec. 22-Jan. 2426
    Pennsylvania:
    Ducks618
    North ZoneOct. 11-Nov. 29 &
    Dec. 23-Jan. 10
    South ZoneOct. 18-Oct. 25 &
    Nov. 15-Jan. 15
    Northwest ZoneOct. 11-Dec. 13
    Dec. 27-Jan. 1
    Lake Erie ZoneOct. 27-Jan. 3
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada Geese:
    Eastern (AP) ZoneNov. 15-Nov. 29 &39
    Dec. 15-Jan. 2639
    SJBP ZoneOct. 11-Nov. 29 &39
    Dec. 15-Jan. 2339
    Resident (RP) ZoneOct. 25-Nov. 29 &515
    Dec. 18-Jan. 15 &515
    Feb. 2-Feb. 28515
    Light Geese:
    Eastern (AP) ZoneOct. 1-Jan. 2625
    SJBP ZoneOct. 1-Jan. 2325
    Resident (RP) ZoneOct. 28-Feb. 2825
    BrantOct. 18-Nov. 2126
    Rhode Island:
    DucksOct. 10-Oct. 13 &618
    Nov. 26-Nov. 30 &618
    Dec. 6-Jan. 25618
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada GeeseNov. 22-Nov. 30 &39
    Dec. 6-Feb. 439
    Special seasonFeb. 9-Feb. 15515
    Light GeeseOct. 11-Jan. 2525
    BrantDec. 27-Jan. 2526
    South Carolina:
    Ducks 1011Nov. 15 &618
    Nov. 22-Nov. 29 &618
    Dec. 6-Jan. 25618
    Mergansers 12Same as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada and White-fronted Geese 13Nov. 22-Nov. 29 &515
    Dec. 6-Jan. 25 &515
    Feb. 8-Feb. 23515
    Light GeeseNov. 22-Nov. 29 &25
    Dec. 6-Jan. 2525
    BrantDec. 27-Jan. 2526
    Vermont:
    Ducks618
    Lake Champlain ZoneOct. 8-Oct 12 &
    Oct. 25-Dec. 18
    Interior ZoneOct. 8-Dec. 6
    Connecticut River ZoneOct. 2-Nov. 2 &
    Nov. 16-Dec. 13
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada Geese:
    Lake Champlain ZoneOct. 10-Nov. 2839
    Interior ZoneOct. 10-Nov. 2839
    Connecticut River ZoneOct. 2-Nov. 2 &39
    Nov. 16-Dec. 2339
    Light Geese:
    Lake Champlain ZoneOct. 1-Dec. 2925
    Interior ZoneOct. 1-Dec. 2925
    Connecticut River ZoneOct. 2-Dec. 2325
    Brant:
    Lake Champlain ZoneOct. 8-Nov. 626
    Interior ZoneOct. 8-Nov. 626
    Start Printed Page 58208
    Connecticut River ZoneOct. 2-Oct. 3126
    Virginia
    Ducks 14Oct. 10-Oct. 13 &618
    Nov. 15-Nov. 30 &618
    Dec. 17-Jan. 25618
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada Geese:
    Eastern (AP) ZoneNov. 15-Nov. 23 &26
    Dec. 20-Jan. 2926
    Western (SJBP) ZoneNov. 15-Nov. 25 &39
    Dec. 17-Jan. 14 &39
    (Special season)Jan. 15-Feb. 15515
    Western (RP) ZoneNov. 15-Nov. 30 &515
    Dec. 17-Feb. 18515
    Light GeeseOct. 17-Jan. 3125
    BrantDec. 27-Jan. 2526
    West Virginia
    Ducks 15Oct. 1-Oct. 11 &618
    Nov. 10-Nov. 15 &618
    Dec. 13-Jan. 24618
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1530
    Canada GeeseOct. 1-Oct. 18 &515
    Nov. 10-Nov. 15 &515
    Dec. 8-Jan. 31515
    Light GeeseSame as for Canada Geese515
    BrantDec. 26-Jan. 2426
    1 In Delaware, the Bombay Hook NWR snow goose season is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only.
    2 In Maine, the daily bag limit may include no more than 4 of any species, with no more than 12 of any one species in possession. The season for Barrow's goldeneye is closed.
    3 In Maryland, the black duck season is closed October 11 through October 18.
    4 In Massachusetts, the daily bag limit may include no more than 4 of any single species in addition to the flyway-wide bag restrictions.
    5 In Massachusetts, the January 18 to February 15 portion of the season in the Coastal Zone is restricted to that portion of the Coastal Zone north of the Cape Cod Canal.
    6 In New York, the use of electronic calls and shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shotshells are allowed for hunting of light geese on any day when all other waterfowl hunting seasons are closed.
    7 In North Carolina, the season is closed for black ducks October 1 through October 4 and November 8 through November 21. The daily bag limit for black and mottled ducks is combined with no more than 1 allowed in the daily bag.
    8 In North Carolina, a permit is required to hunt Canada geese in the Northeast Hunt Zone.
    9 In North Carolina, electronic calls and unplugged shotguns are allowed for light geese from February 9 through March 7.
    10 In South Carolina, the daily bag limit of 6 may not exceed 1 black-bellied whistling duck, and either 1 black duck or 1 mottled duck in the aggregate.
    11 In South Carolina, on November 15, only hunters 17 years of age or younger can hunt ducks, coots and mergansers. The youth must be accompanied by a person at least 21 years of age who is properly licensed, including State and Federal waterfowl stamps. Youth who are 16 or 17 years of age who hunt on this day are not required to have a State license or State waterfowl stamp but must possess a Federal waterfowl stamp and migratory bird permit.
    12 In South Carolina, the daily bag limit for mergansers may include no more than 1 hooded merganser.
    13 In South Carolina, the daily bag limit may include no more than 2 white-fronted geese.
    14 In Virginia, the season is closed for black ducks October 10 through October 13.
    15 In West Virginia, the daily bag limit may include no more than 4 long-tailed ducks, and the season is closed for eiders, whistling ducks, and mottled ducks.

    MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY

    Flyway-Wide Restrictions

    Duck Limits: The daily bag limit of 6 ducks may include no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be females), 1 mottled duck, 1 black duck, 2 pintails, 1 canvasback, 2 redheads, 3 scaup, and 3 wood ducks. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.

    Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5 mergansers and may include no more than 2 hooded mergansers. In States that include mergansers in the duck bag limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, of which only 2 may be hooded mergansers. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.

    Season datesLimits
    BagPossession
    Alabama:
    Ducks618
    North ZoneNov. 27-Jan. 25
    South ZoneSame as North Zone
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Dark Geese:
    Start Printed Page 58209
    North Zone:
    SJBP ZoneSept. 20-Oct. 7 &39
    Nov. 27-Jan. 2539
    Rest of North ZoneSame as SJBP Zone39
    South ZoneSame as Rest of North Zone39
    White-fronted Geese:
    North Zone:
    SJBP ZoneSame as for Dark Geese26
    Rest of North ZoneSame as SJBP Zone26
    South ZoneSame as Rest of North Zone26
    Light Geese:
    North Zone:
    Monroe and Escambia CountiesSept. 20-Oct. 7 &515
    Oct. 25-Nov. 9 &515
    Nov. 27-Jan. 25515
    SJBP ZoneSame as Rest of North Zone515
    Rest of North ZoneSame as for Dark Geese515
    South ZoneSame as for Dark Geese515
    Arkansas:
    DucksNov. 22-Nov. 30 &618
    Dec. 4-Dec. 23 &618
    Dec. 26-Jan. 25618
    MergansersSame as for Ducks510
    CootsSame as for Ducks510
    Canada Geese:
    Northwest ZoneSept. 20-Sept. 29 &39
    Nov. 13-Jan. 2539
    Remainder of StateNov. 13-Jan. 2539
    White-fronted GeeseNov. 13-Jan. 2524
    BrantClosed
    Light GeeseNov. 13-Jan. 2520
    Illinois:
    Ducks618
    North ZoneOct. 18-Dec. 16
    Central ZoneOct. 25-Dec. 23
    South Central ZoneNov. 8-Jan. 6
    South ZoneNov. 27-Jan. 25
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada Geese:
    North ZoneOct. 18-Jan. 1526
    Central ZoneOct. 25-Nov. 16 &26
    Nov. 26-Jan. 3126
    South Central ZoneNov. 8-Jan. 3126
    South ZoneNov. 27-Jan. 3126
    White-fronted Geese:
    North ZoneNov. 3-Jan. 1526
    Central ZoneNov. 19-Jan. 3126
    South Central ZoneNov. 19-Jan. 3126
    South ZoneNov. 27-Jan. 3126
    Light Geese:
    North ZoneOct. 18-Jan. 1520
    Central ZoneOct. 25-Jan. 3120
    South Central ZoneNov. 8-Jan. 3120
    South ZoneNov. 27-Jan. 3120
    BrantSame as for Light Geese13
    Indiana:
    Ducks618
    North ZoneOct. 18-Dec. 7 &
    Dec. 20-Dec. 28
    Central ZoneOct. 25-Dec. 7 &
    Dec. 20-Jan. 4
    South ZoneNov. 1-Nov. 9 &
    Nov. 29-Jan. 18
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada Geese:
    North ZoneOct. 18-Nov. 9 &39
    Nov. 27-Jan. 4 &39
    Jan. 20-Jan. 3139
    Central ZoneOct. 25-Dec. 7 &39
    Dec. 20-Jan. 4 &39
    Start Printed Page 58210
    Jan. 18-Jan. 3139
    South ZoneNov. 1-Nov. 10 &39
    Nov. 29-Jan. 3139
    Late Season ZoneFeb. 1-Feb. 15515
    White-fronted Geese:
    North ZoneSame as for Canada Geese26
    Central ZoneSame as for Canada Geese26
    South ZoneSame as for Canada Geese26
    Brant:
    North ZoneSame as for Canada Geese13
    Central ZoneSame as for Canada Geese13
    South ZoneSame as for Canada Geese13
    Light Geese:
    North ZoneSame as for Canada Geese20
    Central ZoneSame as for Canada Geese20
    South ZoneSame as for Canada geese20
    Iowa:
    Ducks618
    North ZoneOct. 4-Oct. 19 &
    Oct. 25-Dec. 7
    Missouri River ZoneOct. 4-Oct. 8 &
    Oct. 25
    Oct. 25-Dec 18
    South ZoneOct. 4-Oct. 8 &
    Oct. 18-Dec 11
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada Geese:
    North ZoneSept. 27-Oct. 31 &26
    Nov. 1-Jan. 239
    Missouri River ZoneOct. 11-Oct. 31 &26
    Nov. 1-Jan. 1639
    South ZoneOct. 4-Oct. 31 &26
    Nov. 1-Jan. 939
    White-fronted Geese:
    North ZoneSept. 27-Dec. 926
    Missouri River ZoneOct. 11-Dec. 2326
    South ZoneOct. 4-Dec. 1626
    Brant:
    North ZoneSame as for Canada geese12
    Missouri River ZoneSame as for Canada geese12
    South ZoneSame as for Canada geese12
    Light Geese:
    North ZoneSept. 27-Jan. 1120
    Missouri River ZoneOct. 11-Jan. 1620
    South ZoneOct. 4-Jan. 1620
    Kentucky:
    Ducks618
    West ZoneNov. 27-Nov. 30 &
    Dec. 1-Jan. 25
    East ZoneSame as West Zone
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada GeeseNov. 27-Jan. 3139
    White-fronted GeeseNov. 27-Jan. 3126
    BrantNov. 27-Jan. 3126
    Light GeeseNov. 27-Jan. 312060
    Louisiana:
    Ducks618
    West ZoneNov. 15-Dec. 14 &
    Dec. 20-Jan. 18
    East Zone (including Catahoula Lake)Nov. 22-Dec. 7 &
    Dec. 13-Jan. 25
    Coastal ZoneNov. 15-Dec. 7 &
    Dec. 20-Jan. 25
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada Geese: 1
    West ZoneNov. 15-Dec. 14 &39
    Dec. 20-Jan. 3139
    East ZoneNov. 8-Dec. 7 &39
    Dec. 13-Jan. 2539
    Start Printed Page 58211
    Coastal ZoneNov. 15-Dec. 14 &39
    Dec. 20-Jan. 3139
    White-fronted: 1
    West ZoneNov. 15-Dec. 14 &26
    Dec. 20-Feb. 126
    East ZoneNov. 8-Dec. 7 &26
    Dec. 13-Jan. 2526
    Coastal ZoneNov. 15-Dec. 14 &26
    Dec. 20-Feb. 126
    BrantClosed
    Light Geese:
    West ZoneSame as for White-fronted20
    East ZoneSame as for White-fronted20
    Coastal ZoneSame as for White-fronted20
    Michigan:
    Ducks:
    North ZoneSept. 27-Nov. 23 &618
    Nov. 29-Nov. 30
    Middle ZoneOct. 4-Nov. 30 &
    Dec. 13-Dec. 14
    South ZoneOct. 11-Dec. 7 &
    Dec. 27-Dec. 28
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada Geese:
    North ZoneSept. 11-Dec. 1126
    Middle ZoneSept. 20-Sept. 28 &26
    Oct. 4-Dec. 2526
    South Zone:
    Muskegon Wastewater GMUOct. 15-Nov. 12 &26
    Dec. 3-Dec. 2126
    Allegan County GMUNov. 1-Jan. 3126
    Saginaw County GMUSept. 20-Sept. 22 &26
    Oct. 11-Dec. 7 &26
    Dec. 27-Jan. 2826
    Tuscola/Huron GMUSept. 20-Sept. 28 &26
    Oct. 11-Dec. 7 &26
    Dec. 27-Jan. 2026
    Remainder of South ZoneSept. 20-Sept. 22 &26
    Oct. 11-Dec. 7 &26
    Dec. 27-Dec. 2926
    Southern MI Late Season 2Jan. 17-Feb. 14515
    White-fronted Geese:
    North ZoneSept. 11-Dec. 1113
    Middle ZoneOct. 4-Dec. 2513
    South ZoneOct. 11-Dec. 7 &13
    Dec. 27-Dec. 28 &13
    Jan. 17-Feb. 1313
    Light Geese:
    North ZoneSame as for Canada geese20
    Middle ZoneSame as for Canada geese20
    South ZoneOct. 11-Dec. 7 &20
    Dec. 27-Dec. 28 &20
    Jan. 17-Feb. 1420
    Brant:
    North ZoneSame as for Light geese13
    Middle ZoneSame as for Light geese13
    South ZoneSame as for Light geese13
    Minnesota:
    Ducks:
    North ZoneSept. 27-Nov. 25618
    Central ZoneSept. 27-Oct. 5 &
    Oct. 11-Nov. 30
    South ZoneSept. 27-Sept. 29 &
    Oct. 11-Dec. 6
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    Coots 3Same as for Ducks1545
    Canada Geese:
    North ZoneSept. 27-Dec. 2539
    Central ZoneSept. 27-Oct. 5 &39
    Oct. 11-Dec. 3039
    South ZoneSept. 27-Sept. 29 &39
    Start Printed Page 58212
    Oct. 11-Jan. 539
    White-fronts Geese:
    North ZoneSept. 27-Dec. 2313
    Central ZoneSept. 27-Oct. 5 &13
    Oct. 11-Dec. 2813
    South ZoneSept. 27-Sept. 29 &13
    Oct. 11-Jan. 313
    Light Geese:
    North ZoneSame as for Canada geese2060
    Central ZoneSame as for Canada geese2060
    South ZoneSame as for Canada geese2060
    Brant:
    North ZoneSame as for Canada geese13
    Central ZoneSame as for Canada geese13
    South ZoneSame as for Canada geese13
    Mississippi:
    DucksNov. 27-Jan. 25618
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada GeeseNov. 13-Jan. 2539
    White-frontedNov. 13-Jan. 2526
    BrantSame as for Canada geese13
    Light GeeseSame as for Canada geese20
    Missouri:
    Ducks and Mergansers:
    North ZoneOct. 25-Dec. 23618
    Middle ZoneNov. 1-Dec. 30
    South ZoneNov. 27-Jan. 25
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada Geese:
    North ZoneOct. 4-Oct. 12 &39
    Nov. 27-Jan. 3139
    Middle ZoneSame as North Zone39
    South ZoneSame as North Zone39
    White-fronted Geese:
    North ZoneNov. 27-Jan. 3126
    Middle ZoneSame as North Zone26
    South ZoneSame as North Zone26
    Brant:
    North ZoneSame as for Canada geese13
    Middle ZoneSame as for Canada geese13
    South ZoneSame as for Canada geese13
    Light Geese:
    North ZoneOct. 25-Jan. 3120
    Middle ZoneSame as North Zone20
    South ZoneSame as North Zone20
    Ohio:
    Ducks 4
    Lake Erie Marsh ZoneOct. 18-Nov. 2 &618
    Nov. 15-Dec. 28
    North ZoneOct. 25-Nov. 9 &
    Nov. 22-Jan. 4
    South ZoneOct. 25-Nov. 9 &
    Dec. 13-Jan. 25
    MerganserSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada Geese:
    Lake Erie Goose ZoneOct. 18-Nov. 2 &39
    Nov. 15-Dec. 28 &39
    Jan. 14-Jan. 3139
    North ZoneOct. 25-Nov. 9 &39
    Nov. 22-Jan. 4 &39
    Jan. 14-Jan. 3139
    South ZoneOct. 25-Nov. 9 &39
    Dec. 11-Jan. 3139
    White-fronted GeeseSame as for Canada geese13
    BrantSame as for Canada geese13
    Light GeeseSame as for Canada geese1030
    Tennessee:
    Ducks
    Reelfoot ZoneNov. 15-Nov. 16 &618
    Nov. 29-Jan. 25
    Start Printed Page 58213
    State ZoneNov. 22-Nov. 23 &
    Nov. 29-Jan. 25
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada Geese:
    Northwest ZoneOct. 11-Oct. 15 &39
    Nov. 15-Nov. 16 &39
    Nov. 29-Feb. 739
    Southwest ZoneOct. 11-Oct. 28 &39
    Nov. 22-Nov. 23 &39
    Nov. 29-Jan. 2539
    Same as Southwest
    Kentucky/Barkley Lakes ZoneSame as Southwest Zone39
    Rest of StateNov. 22-Nov. 23 &39
    White-fronted GeeseNov. 29-Feb. 726
    BrantNov. 23-Jan. 3126
    Light GeeseNov. 22-Nov. 23 &20
    Nov. 29-Mar. 1020
    Wisconsin:
    Ducks: 4
    North ZoneSept. 27-Nov. 25618
    South ZoneOct. 4-Oct. 12 &
    Oct. 18-Dec. 7
    Mississippi River ZoneSept. 27-Oct. 5 &
    Oct. 18-Dec. 7
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada Geese:
    North ZoneSept. 16-Dec. 1626
    South Zone:
    Horicon ZoneSept. 16-Dec. 1626
    Mississippi River SubzoneSept. 27-Oct. 5 &26
    Oct. 18-Jan. 826
    Remainder of South ZoneSept. 16-Oct. 12 &26
    Oct. 18-Dec. 2126
    White-fronted Geese:
    North ZoneSept. 20-Dec. 1626
    South Zone:
    Horicon ZoneSept. 20-Dec. 1613
    Mississippi River SubzoneOct. 1-Oct. 5 &26
    Oct. 12-Jan. 226
    Remainder of South ZoneSept. 20-Oct. 12 &26
    Oct. 18-Dec. 2126
    BrantSame as for Canada geese26
    Light GeeseSame as for Canada geese20
    1 In Louisiana, during the Canada goose season, the daily bag limit is 3 dark geese (whitefronts and Canada geese) with no more than 2 white-fronted geese. Possession limits are three times the daily bag limits.
    2 In Michigan, the Southern Michigan Late Canada goose season excludes the Goose Management Units (GMUs).
    3 In Minnesota, the daily bag limit is 15 and the possession limit is 45 coots and moorhens in the aggregate.
    4 In Ohio and Wisconsin, the daily bag limit may include no more than one hen mallard.

    CENTRAL FLYWAY

    Flyway-Wide Restrictions

    Duck Limits: The daily bag limit is 6 ducks, which may include no more than 5 mallards (2 female mallards), 1 mottled duck, 2 pintails, 1 canvasback, 2 redheads, 3 scaup, and 3 wood ducks. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.

    Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5 mergansers and may include no more than 2 hooded mergansers. In States that include mergansers in the duck bag limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, of which only 2 may be hooded mergansers. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.

    Season datesLimits
    BagPossession
    Colorado:
    Ducks618
    Southeast ZoneOct. 22-Jan. 25
    Northeast ZoneOct. 11-Dec. 1 &
    Dec. 13-Jan. 25
    Mountain/Foothills ZoneOct. 4-Dec. 1 &
    Dec. 20-Jan. 25
    Start Printed Page 58214
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    Dark Geese:
    Northern Front Range UnitOct. 4-Oct. 22 &515
    Nov. 22-Feb. 15515
    South Park/San Luis Valley UnitSame as N. Front Range Unit515
    North Park UnitSame as N. Front Range Unit515
    Rest of State in Central FlywayNov. 22-Feb. 15515
    Light Geese:
    Northern Front Range UnitNov. 1-Feb. 1550
    South Park/San Luis Valley UnitSame as N. Front Range Unit50
    North Park UnitSame as N. Front Range Unit50
    Rest of State in Central FlywaySame as N. Front Range Unit50
    Kansas:
    Ducks618
    High PlainsOct. 11-Dec. 8 &
    Dec. 20-Jan. 25
    Low Plains:
    Early ZoneOct. 11-Dec. 7 &
    Dec. 20-Jan. 4
    Late ZoneNov. 1-Jan. 4 &
    Jan. 17-Jan. 25
    Southeast ZoneNov. 8-Nov. 9 &
    Nov. 15-Jan. 25
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada Geese and BrantNov. 1-Nov. 9 &618
    Nov. 12-Feb. 15618
    White-fronted GeeseNov. 1-Dec. 14 &26
    Jan. 17-Feb. 1526
    Light GeeseNov. 1-Nov. 9 &50
    Nov. 12-Feb. 1550
    Montana:
    Ducks and Mergansers 2618
    Zone 1Oct. 4-Jan. 8
    Zone 2Oct. 4-Oct. 19 &
    Nov. 1-Jan. 20
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Dark Geese:
    Zone NOct. 4-Jan. 11 &515
    Jan. 17-Jan. 21515
    Zone SOct. 4-Oct. 19 &515
    Nov. 1-Jan. 28515
    Light Geese:
    Zone NSame as for Dark Geese2060
    Zone SSame as for Dark Geese2060
    Nebraska:
    Ducks618
    Zone 1Oct. 11-Dec. 23
    Zone 2:
    Low PlainsOct. 4-Dec. 16
    High PlainsOct. 4-Dec. 16 &
    Jan. 4-Jan. 25
    Zone 3:
    Low PlainsOct. 22-Jan. 3
    High PlainsOct. 22-Jan. 3 &
    Jan. 4-Jan. 25
    Zone 4Oct. 4-Dec. 16
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada Geese:
    Niobrara UnitOct. 27-Feb. 8515
    East UnitOct. 27-Feb. 8515
    North Central UnitOct. 4-Jan. 16515
    Platte River UnitOct. 27-Feb. 8515
    Panhandle UnitOct. 27-Feb. 8515
    White-fronted GeeseOct. 4-Dec. 12 &26
    Jan. 31-Feb. 113
    Light GeeseOct. 4-Dec. 31 &50
    Jan. 24-Feb. 850
    New Mexico:
    Ducks and Mergansers 2618
    Start Printed Page 58215
    North ZoneOct. 4-Jan. 2
    South ZoneOct. 23-Jan. 19
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Dark Geese: 3
    Middle Rio Grande Valley Unit 3Dec. 27-Jan. 2022
    Rest of StateOct. 11-Jan. 25515
    Light GeeseOct. 11-Jan. 2550
    North Dakota:
    Ducks 1618
    High PlainsSept. 27-Dec. 7 &
    Dec. 13-Jan. 4
    Remainder of StateSept. 27-Dec. 7
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada Geese: 4
    Missouri River ZoneSept. 27-Jan. 2515
    Rest of StateSept. 27-Dec. 25824
    White-fronted GeeseSept. 27-Dec. 726
    Light GeeseSept. 27-Jan. 450
    Oklahoma:
    Ducks618
    High PlainsOct. 11-Jan. 7
    Low Plains:
    Zone 1:Oct. 25-Nov. 30 &
    Dec. 13-Jan. 18
    Zone 2:Nov. 1-Nov. 30 &
    Dec. 13-Jan. 25
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada GeeseNov. 1-Nov. 30 &824
    Dec. 13-Feb. 15824
    White-fronted GeeseNov. 1-Nov. 30 &13
    Dec. 13-Feb. 813
    Light GeeseNov. 1-Nov. 30 &50
    Dec. 13-Feb. 1550
    South Dakota:
    Ducks: 1618
    High PlainsOct. 11-Dec. 23 &
    Dec. 24-Jan. 15
    Low Plains:
    North ZoneSept. 27-Dec. 9
    Middle ZoneSame as for North Zone
    South ZoneOct. 11-Dec. 23
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada Geese:
    Unit 1Oct. 1-Dec. 16824
    Unit 2Nov. 3-Feb. 15412
    Unit 3Oct. 18-Dec. 21 &412
    Jan. 10-Jan. 18412
    White-fronted GeeseSept. 27-Dec. 726
    Light GeeseSept. 27-Dec. 2120
    Texas:
    Ducks: 5618
    High PlainsOct. 25-Oct. 26 &
    Oct. 31-Jan. 25
    Low Plains:
    North ZoneNov. 1-Dec. 7 &
    Dec. 20-Jan. 25
    South ZoneNov. 1-Nov. 30 &
    Dec. 13-Jan. 25
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Canada Geese and Brant:
    East Tier:
    South ZoneNov. 1-Jan. 2539
    North ZoneSame as South Zone39
    West Tier 6Nov. 1-Feb. 1515
    White-fronted Geese:
    East Tier:
    South ZoneNov. 1-Jan. 1126
    North ZoneSame as South Zone26
    Start Printed Page 58216
    West Tier 6Same as for Canada geese13
    Light Geese:
    East Tier:
    South ZoneNov. 1-Jan. 2520
    North ZoneSame as South Zone20
    West TierSame as for Canada geese20
    Wyoming:
    Ducks: 17618
    Zone C1Oct. 4-Oct. 22 &
    Nov. 1-Jan. 17
    Zone C2Sept. 27-Dec. 7 &
    Dec. 13-Jan. 6
    Zone C3Same as Zone C2
    MergansersSame as for Ducks515
    CootsSame as for Ducks1545
    Dark Geese:
    Zone G1A 7Oct. 4-Oct. 22 &26
    Nov. 22-Feb. 15412
    Zone G1Oct. 4-Oct. 22 &515
    Nov. 1-Nov. 30 &515
    Dec. 6-Jan. 30515
    Zone G2Sept. 27-Dec. 7 &515
    Dec. 13-Jan. 14515
    Zone G3Same as Zone G2515
    Light GeeseOct. 4-Dec. 31 &1030
    Jan. 31-Feb. 151030
    1 In Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming, during the first 16 days of the duck season, the daily bag and possession limit may include 2 and 6 additional blue-winged teal, respectively.
    2 In New Mexico, Mexican-like ducks are included in the aggregate with mallards.
    3 In New Mexico, the season for dark geese is closed in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Sierra, and Valencia Counties. In the Middle Rio Grande Valley Unit, a limited season is established. See State regulations for additional information.
    4 In North Dakota, see State regulations for additional shooting hour restrictions.
    5 In Texas, the daily bag limit is 6 ducks, which may include no more than 5 mallards (only 2 of which may be hens), 2 redheads, 3 wood ducks, 3 scaup, 2 canvasbacks, 2 pintails, and 1 dusky duck (mottled duck, Mexican-like duck, black duck and their hybrids). The season for dusky ducks is closed the first 5 days of the season in all zones. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.
    6 In Texas, in the West Tier the daily bag limit for dark geese is 5 in the aggregate and may include no more than 1 white-fronted goose.
    7 See State regulations for additional restrictions.

    PACIFIC FLYWAY

    Flyway-Wide Restrictions

    Duck and Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit of 7 ducks (including mergansers) may include no more than 2 female mallards, 2 pintails, 2 redheads, 3 scaup, and 1 canvasback. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.

    Coot and Common Moorhen Limits: Daily bag and possession limits are in the aggregate for the two species.

    Season datesLimits
    BagPossession
    Arizona:
    Ducks: 1721
    North Zone:
    ScaupOct. 18-Jan. 1139
    Other DucksOct. 3-Jan. 11721
    South Zone:
    ScaupNov. 1-Jan. 2539
    Other DucksOct. 17-Jan. 25721
    Coots and MoorhensSame as for Other Ducks2575
    Canada Geese and Brant:
    North ZoneOct. 3-Jan. 11412
    South ZoneOct. 17-Jan. 25412
    White-fronted GeeseSame as for Canada geese412
    Light GeeseSame as for Canada geese1030
    California:
    Ducks721
    Northeastern Zone:
    ScaupOct. 4-Nov. 30 &39
    Dec. 20-Jan. 1639
    Other DucksOct. 4-Jan. 16721
    Colorado River Zone:
    ScaupNov. 1-Jan. 2539
    Other DucksOct. 17-Jan. 25721
    Start Printed Page 58217
    Southern Zone:
    ScaupNov. 1-Jan. 2539
    Other DucksOct. 18-Jan. 25721
    Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone:
    ScaupNov. 1-Jan. 2539
    Other DucksOct. 18-Jan. 25721
    Balance-of-State Zone:
    ScaupNov. 1-Jan. 2539
    Other DucksOct. 18-Jan. 25721
    Coots and MoorhensSame as for Other Ducks2525
    Canada Geese: 23
    Northeastern Zone: 4Oct. 4-Jan. 111030
    Colorado River ZoneOct. 17-Jan. 25412
    Southern ZoneOct. 18-Jan. 2539
    Balance-of-State ZoneOct. 4-Oct. 8 &1030
    Oct. 18-Jan. 251030
    Del Norte & Humboldt CountiesOct. 31-Jan. 251030
    Feb. 21-Mar. 101030
    White-fronted Geese: 2
    Northeastern ZoneOct. 4-Jan. 11 &1030
    Mar. 6-Mar. 101030
    Colorado River ZoneOct. 17-Jan. 25412
    Southern ZoneOct. 18-Jan. 2539
    Balance-of-State Zone:
    Sacramento ValleyOct. 18-Dec. 2139
    Rest of ZoneOct. 18-Jan. 25 &1030
    Feb. 14-Feb. 181030
    Del Norte & Humboldt CountiesOct. 18-Jan. 251030
    Light Geese:
    Northeastern ZoneOct. 31-Jan. 11 &1545
    Feb. 7-Mar. 101545
    Colorado River ZoneOct. 17-Jan. 251030
    Southern Zone:
    Imperial ValleyNov. 1-Jan. 25 &1545
    Feb. 7-Feb. 221545
    Rest of ZoneOct. 18-Jan. 251545
    Balance-of-State ZoneOct. 18-Jan. 25 &1545
    Feb. 14-Feb. 181545
    Del Norte & Humboldt CountiesOct. 18-Jan. 251545
    Brant:
    North Coast ZoneNov. 7-Dec. 626
    South Coast ZoneNov. 8-Dec. 726
    Colorado:
    Ducks721
    ScaupSept. 27-Oct. 15 &39
    Nov. 1-Jan. 639
    Other DucksSept. 27-Oct. 15 &721
    Nov. 1-Jan. 25721
    Coots and MoorhensSame as for Other Ducks2575
    Canada Geese and BrantSept. 27-Oct. 6 &412
    Nov. 1-Jan. 25412
    White-fronted GeeseSame as for Canada Geese1030
    Light GeeseSame as for Canada Geese2060
    Idaho:
    Ducks721
    Zone 1:
    ScaupOct. 25-Jan. 1639
    Other DucksOct. 4-Jan. 167* 21
    Zone 2:
    ScaupNov. 1-Jan. 2339
    Other DucksOct. 11-Jan. 23721
    Zone 3:
    ScaupNov. 1-Jan. 2339
    Other DucksOct. 11-Jan. 23721
    CootsSame as for Other Ducks2575
    Canada Geese and Brant:
    Zone 1Oct. 4-Jan. 16412
    Zone 2Oct. 11-Jan. 23412
    Zone 3Same as Zone 2412
    White-fronted Geese:
    Zone 1Oct. 4-Jan. 161030
    Zone 2Oct. 11-Jan. 231030
    Start Printed Page 58218
    Zone 3Nov. 10-Feb. 221030
    Light Geese:
    Zone 1Oct. 4-Jan. 162060
    Zone 2Oct. 29-Jan. 16 &2060
    Feb. 14-Mar. 102060
    Zone 3Nov. 26-Mar. 102060
    Zone 4: 5Oct. 11-Jan. 232060
    Montana:
    Ducks721
    ScaupOct. 4-Dec. 2839
    Other DucksOct. 4-Jan. 11 &721
    Jan. 17-Jan. 21721
    CootsSame as for Other Ducks2525
    Dark Geese: 6Oct. 4-Jan. 11 &412
    Jan. 17-Jan. 21412
    Light GeeseSame as for Dark Geese2060
    Nevada:
    Ducks721
    Northeast Zone:
    ScaupSept. 27-Oct. 26 &39
    Oct. 29-Dec. 2339
    Other DucksSept. 27-Oct. 26 &721
    Oct. 29-Jan. 11721
    Northwest Zone:
    ScaupNov. 1-Jan. 2539
    Other DucksOct. 11-Oct. 26 &721
    Oct. 29-Jan. 25721
    South Zone: 7Same as Northwest Zone
    Coots and MoorhensSame as for Other Ducks2575
    Canada Geese and Brant:
    Northeast ZoneSame as for Other Ducks412
    Northwest ZoneSame as for Other Ducks412
    South Zone: 7Same as for Other Ducks412
    White-fronted Geese:
    Northeast ZoneSame as for Canada Geese1030
    Northwest ZoneSame as for Canada Geese1030
    South Zone: 7Same as for Canada Geese1030
    Light Geese: 8
    Northeast ZoneNov. 1-Jan. 25 &2060
    Feb. 21-Mar. 102060
    Northwest ZoneNov. 1-Jan. 25 &2060
    Feb. 21-Mar. 102060
    South Zone: 7Oct. 11-Oct. 26 &2060
    Oct. 29-Jan. 252060
    New Mexico:
    Ducks721
    ScaupOct. 11-Jan. 439
    Other DucksOct. 11-Jan. 23721
    Coots and MoorhensSame as for Other Ducks2575
    Canada Geese and Brant:
    North ZoneSept. 27-Oct. 12 &39
    Oct. 26-Jan. 2439
    South ZoneOct. 11-Jan. 2539
    White-fronted Geese:
    North ZoneSame as for Canada Geese618
    South ZoneSame as for Canada Geese618
    Light Geese:
    North ZoneSame as for Canada Geese2060
    South ZoneSame as for Canada Geese2060
    Oregon:
    Ducks721
    Zone 1:
    Columbia Basin Unit:
    ScaupNov. 1-Jan. 2539
    Other DucksOct. 11-Oct. 26 &721
    Oct. 29-Jan. 25721
    Rest of Zone 1Same as Columbia Basin Unit
    Zone 2:
    ScaupOct. 11-Dec. 7 &39
    Dec. 10-Jan. 639
    Other DucksOct. 11-Dec. 7 &721
    Dec. 10-Jan. 25721
    Start Printed Page 58219
    CootsSame as for Other Ducks2575
    Canada Geese:
    Northwest ZoneOct. 18-Oct. 26 &412
    Nov. 15-Jan. 10 &412
    Feb. 7-Mar. 10412
    Northwest Special Permit Zone: 910Oct. 18-Oct. 26 &412
    Nov. 15-Jan. 10 &412
    Feb. 7-Mar. 10412
    Southwest ZoneOct. 11-Nov. 30 &412
    Dec. 8-Jan. 25412
    South Coast ZoneOct. 4-Nov. 30 &618
    Dec. 20-Jan. 17 &618
    Feb. 21-Mar. 10618
    Harney and Lake County ZoneOct. 11-Dec. 7 &412
    Dec. 15-Jan. 25412
    Malheur County ZoneOct. 11-Dec. 7 &412
    Dec. 15-Jan. 25412
    Klamath County ZoneOct. 11-Dec. 7 &412
    Dec. 15-Jan. 25412
    Eastern ZoneOct. 11-Oct. 25 &412
    Nov. 3-Jan. 25412
    Tillamook County: 910Oct. 18-Oct. 26 &412
    Nov. 15-Jan. 10 &412
    Feb. 7-Mar. 10412
    White-fronted Geese:
    Northwest ZoneSame as for Canada Geese1030
    Northwest Special Permit Zone: 9Same as for Canada Geese1030
    Southwest ZoneSame as for Canada Geese1030
    South Coast ZoneSame as for Canada Geese1030
    Harney and Lake County Zone
    Lake CountyOct. 11-Dec. 7 &13
    Jan. 26-Mar. 1013
    Rest of ZoneSame as for Lake County1030
    Malheur County ZoneOct. 11-Dec. 7 &1030
    Jan. 26-Mar. 101030
    Klamath County ZoneOct. 11-Dec. 7 &1030
    Jan. 26-Mar. 101030
    Eastern ZoneSame as for Canada Geese1030
    Tillamook County 9Same as for Canada Geese1030
    Light Geese:
    Northwest ZoneSame as for Canada Geese618
    Northwest Special Permit Zone 9Same as for Canada Geese412
    Southwest ZoneSame as for Canada Geese618
    South Coast ZoneSame as for Canada Geese618
    Harney and Lake County ZoneOct. 11-Dec. 7 &618
    Jan. 26-Mar. 102060
    Malheur County ZoneOct. 11-Dec. 7 &618
    Jan. 26-Mar. 102060
    Klamath County ZoneOct. 11-Dec. 7 &618
    Jan. 26-Mar. 102060
    Eastern ZoneSame as for Canada Geese618
    Tillamook County 9Same as for Canada Geese412
    BrantNov. 15-Nov. 3026
    Utah:
    Ducks721
    Zone 1:
    ScaupOct. 4-Dec. 2739
    Other DucksOct. 4-Jan. 17721
    Zone 2:
    ScaupSame as Zone 139
    Other DucksSame as Zone 1721
    CootsSame as for Other Ducks2575
    Canada Geese and Brant:
    North ZoneOct. 4-Jan. 17412
    Wasatch Front ZoneOct. 4-Oct. 16 &412
    Nov. 1-Feb. 1412
    Washington County ZoneOct. 4-Oct. 16 &412
    Oct. 25-Jan. 25412
    Rest of State ZoneOct. 4-Oct. 16 &412
    Oct. 25-Jan. 25412
    White-fronted Geese:
    North ZoneSame as for Canada Geese1030
    Start Printed Page 58220
    Wasatch Front ZoneSame as for Canada Geese1030
    Washington County ZoneSame as for Canada Geese1030
    Rest of State ZoneSame as for Canada Geese1030
    Light Geese:
    North ZoneOct. 24-Jan. 17 &2060
    Feb. 18-Mar. 102060
    Wasatch Front ZoneSame as for North Zone2060
    Washington County ZoneOct. 22-Jan. 25 &2060
    Feb. 28-Mar. 102060
    Rest of State ZoneSame as for Washington Co. Zone2060
    Washington:
    Ducks721
    East Zone:
    ScaupNov. 1-Jan. 2539
    Other DucksOct. 11-Oct 15 &721
    Oct. 18-Jan. 25721
    West Zone: 11Same as East Zone
    CootsSame as for Other Ducks2575
    Canada Geese: 12
    Management Area 1: 13Oct 11-Oct. 23 &412
    Nov. 1-Jan. 25412
    Management Area 2A: 1415Nov. 8-Nov. 26 &412
    Nov. 29-Nov. 30 &412
    Dec. 10-Jan. 25 &412
    Feb. 4-Mar. 8412
    Management Area 2B: 141516Oct. 11-Oct. 22 &412
    Oct. 25-Oct. 26 &412
    Nov. 1-Jan. 17412
    Management Areas 3: 15Oct. 11-Oct. 23 &412
    Nov. 1-Jan. 25412
    Management Area 4: 15Oct. 11-Oct. 12 &412
    Oct. 15 &412
    Oct. 18-Jan. 25412
    Management Area 5: 15Oct. 11-Oct. 13 &412
    Oct. 18-Jan. 25412
    White-fronted Geese: 12
    Management Area 1: 13Same as for Canada Geese412
    Management Area 2A 14Same as for Canada Geese412
    Management Area 2B: 14Same as for Canada Geese412
    Management Areas 3: 13Same as for Canada Geese412
    Management Area 4: 13Same as for Canada Geese412
    Management Area 5: 13Same as for Canada Geese412
    Light Geese: 12
    Management Area 1: 13Oct. 11-Jan. 25412
    Management Area 2A: 14Same as for Canada Geese412
    Management Area 2B: 14Same as for Canada Geese412
    Management Areas 3: 13Same as for Canada Geese412
    Management Area 4: 13Same as for Canada Geese412
    Management Area 5: 13Same as for Canada Geese412
    Brant: 17
    Skagit CountyJan. 10-Jan. 2526
    Pacific CountyJan. 3-Jan. 1826
    Wyoming:
    Ducks721
    Snake River Zone:
    ScaupSept. 27-Dec. 2139
    Other DucksSept. 27-Jan. 9721
    Balance of State Zone:
    ScaupSept. 27-Dec. 2139
    Other DucksSept. 27-Jan. 9721
    CootsSame as for Other Ducks1545
    Canada Geese and Brant: 18Sept. 27-Jan. 139
    White-fronted Geese: 18Same as for Canada Geese39
    Light GeeseClosed
    1 In Arizona, the daily limit may include no more than either 2 hen mallards or 2 Mexican-like ducks, or 1 of each; and not more than 4 hen mallards and Mexican-like ducks, in the aggregate, may be in possession.
    2 In California, the daily bag and possession limits for Canada geese and white-fronted geese are in the aggregate.
    3 In California, small Canada geese are Cackling and Aleutian Canada geese, and large Canada geese are Western and Lesser Canada geese.
    4 In California, in the Northeastern Zone, the daily bag limit may include no more than 2 large Canada geese.
    5 In Idaho, the season on light geese is closed in Fremont and Teton Counties.
    6 In Montana, check State regulations for special seasons/exceptions in Freezeout Lake WMA; Canyon Ferry; Flathead; Deer Lodge County; and Missoula County.Start Printed Page 58221
    7 In Nevada, the seasons for all ducks, geese, coots, and moorhens in that portion of the South Zone including the Moapa Valley to the confluence of the Muddy and Virgin rivers are only open November 1 through January 25. In addition, youth 15 years of age or younger are allowed to hunt on October 18 on the Moapa Valley portion of Overton Wildlife Management Area. Youth must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years of age.
    8 In Nevada, there is no open season on light geese in Ruby Valley within Elko and White Pine Counties. In addition, the season is closed in Kirch WMA, Mason Valley WMA, and Scripps WMA/Washoe State Park from February 21 to March 10.
    9 In Oregon, the Northwest Special Permit Zone is closed to all goose hunting, except for designated areas. See State regulations for specific boundary descriptions, times, days, and other conditions of the special permit season.
    10 In Oregon, in the Northwest Special Permit Zone and the Tillamook County Zone, the bag limit for Dusky Canada geese is 1 per season.
    11 In Washington, the daily bag limit in the West Zone may include no more than 2 scoters, 2 long-tailed ducks, and 2 goldeneyes, with the possession limit three times the daily bag limit. The daily bag and possession limit, and the season limit, for harlequins is 1.
    12 In Washington, the daily bag limit is 4 Canada geese, white-fronted geese, or light geese, singly or in the aggregate. Possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.
    13 In Washington, in State Management Area 4, hunting is allowed only on Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays, and certain holidays. In State Management Areas 1, 3, and 5, hunting is allowed everyday. See State regulations for details, including shooting hours.
    14 In Washington, see State regulations for specific dates and conditions of permit hunts and closures for Canada geese.
    15 In Washington, in Management Area 2A and 2B, the bag limit for Dusky Canada geese is 1 per season.
    16 In Washington, in Management Area 2B, the daily bag limit for Canada geese may not include more than 1 Aleutian Canada goose.
    17 In Washington, brant may be hunted in Skagit and Pacific Counties only; see State regulations for specific dates.
    18 In Wyoming, the the daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese, white-fronted geese, or brant, singly or in the aggregate. Possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.

    (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.

    Definition

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

    Note:

    The following seasons are in addition to the seasons published previously in the August 29, 2014, Federal Register (79 FR 51712). Bag and possession limits will conform to those set for the regular season.

    Season dates
    ATLANTIC FLYWAY
    ConnecticutDucks, geese, mergansers, and cootsOct. 4 & Nov. 1.
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    FloridaDucks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and geeseJan. 31 & Feb. 1.
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Maryland19Ducks, coots, light geese, Canada geese, sea ducks, and brantNov. 1 & Feb. 7.
    MassachusettsDucks, mergansers, coots, and geeseOct. 4 & Oct. 11.
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    New JerseyDucks, geese, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinules:
    North ZoneOct. 4 & Nov. 1.
    South ZoneOct. 11 & Nov. 8.
    Coastal ZoneOct. 25 & Feb. 7.
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    North CarolinaDucks, mergansers, geese, 10 brant, tundra swans, 11 and cootsJan. 31 & Feb. 7.
    PennsylvaniaDucks, mergansers, Canada geese, coots, and moorhens:
    North ZoneSept. 20 & 27.
    South ZoneSept. 20 & Nov. 8.
    Northwest ZoneSept. 20 & 27.
    Lake Erie ZoneSept. 20 & Oct. 18.
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    South CarolinaDucks, geese, mergansers, and cootsJan. 31 & Feb. 7.
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    VirginiaDucks, mergansers, coots, tundra swans, 11 and Canada geese 12Oct. 25 & Jan. 31.
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    ArkansasDucks, geese, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinulesJan. 31 & Feb. 1.
    IllinoisDucks, geese, mergansers, and coots:
    North ZoneOct. 11 & 12.
    Central ZoneOct. 18 & 19.
    South Central ZoneNov. 1 & 2.
    South ZoneNov. 15 & 16.
    IndianaDucks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, gallinules, and geese:
    North ZoneOct. 11 & 12.
    Central ZoneOct. 18 & 19.
    South ZoneOct. 25 & 26.
    IowaDucks, geese, mergansers, coots:
    North ZoneSept. 27 & 28.
    Start Printed Page 58222
    Missouri River ZoneOct. 18 & 19.
    South ZoneOct. 11 & 12.
    KentuckyDucks, geese, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinules:
    West ZoneFeb. 7 & 8.
    East ZoneNov. 1 & 2.
    LouisianaDucks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, gallinules, and geese:
    West ZoneNov. 8 & Jan. 24.
    East ZoneNov. 15 & Jan. 31.
    Coastal ZoneNov. 8 & 9.
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    MississippiDucks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, gallinules, and geeseNov. 22 & Jan. 31.
    MissouriDucks, coots, mergansers, moorhens, gallinules, and geese:
    North ZoneOct. 18 & 19.
    Middle ZoneOct. 25 & 26.
    South ZoneNov. 22 & 23.
    OhioDucks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, gallinules, and geese:
    Lake Erie MarshOct. 4 & 5.
    North ZoneOct. 4 & 5.
    South ZoneOct. 4 & 5.
    TennesseeDucks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, gallinules, and geese:
    Reelfoot ZoneJan. 31 & Feb. 7.
    Remainder of StateJan. 31 & Feb. 7.
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    CENTRAL FLYWAY
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Kansas4Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots:
    High PlainsOct. 4 & 5.
    Low Plains:
    Early ZoneOct. 4 & 5.
    Late ZoneOct. 25 & 26.
    Southeast ZoneNov. 1 & 2.
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    NebraskaDucks, geese, mergansers, and coots:
    Zone 1Oct. 4 & 5.
    Zone 2Sept. 27 & 28.
    Zone 3Oct. 18 & 19.
    Zone 4Sept. 27 & 28.
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    OklahomaDucks, mergansers, coots, and geese:
    High PlainsOct. 4 & 5.
    Low Plains:
    Zone 1Oct. 11 & 12.
    Zone 2Oct. 18 & 19.
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    TexasDucks, geese, mergansers, moorhens, gallinules, and coots:
    High PlainsOct. 18 & 19.
    Low Plains:
    North ZoneOct. 25 & 26.
    South ZoneOct. 25 & 26.
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    PACIFIC FLYWAY
    ArizonaDucks, geese, mergansers, coots, and moorhens:
    North ZoneSept. 27 & 28.
    South ZoneJan. 31 & Feb. 1.
    CaliforniaDucks, geese, brant, mergansers, coots, and moorhens:
    Northeastern ZoneSept. 20 & 21.
    Colorado River ZoneJan. 31 & Feb. 1.
    Southern ZoneJan. 31 & Feb. 1.
    Southern San Joaquin ValleyJan. 31 & Feb. 1.
    Balance-of-State ZoneJan. 31 & Feb. 1.
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    NevadaDucks, geese, mergansers, coots, and moorhens:
    Northeast ZoneSept. 13 & 14.
    Northwest ZoneSept. 27 & Feb. 7.
    South ZoneFeb. 7 & 8.
    Start Printed Page 58223
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    1 In Maryland, youth hunter(s) must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old and who possesses a current Maryland hunting license or is exempt from the hunting license requirement. The adult accompanying the youth hunter(s) may not possess a hunting weapon and may not participate in other seasons that are open on the youth days.
       *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    4 In Kansas, the adult accompanying the youth must possess any licenses and/or stamps required by law for that individual to hunt waterfowl.
       *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    9 In Maryland, the bag limit for Canada geese is 2 in the AP Zone and 5 in the RP Zone.
    10 In North Carolina, the daily bag limit in the Northeast Hunt Zone may not include dark geese except by permit.
    11 In North Carolina and Virginia, the daily bag limit may not include tundra swans except by permit.
    12 In Virginia, the daily bag limit for Canada geese is 2.
    Start Amendment Part

    4. Section 20.106 is amended by:

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    a. Revising the introductory paragraphs;

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    b. Adding entries for the following States in alphabetical order to the table;

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    c. Revising footnote (1) following the table; and

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    d. Adding footnotes (6) and (7) following the table.

    End Amendment Part

    The revisions and additions read as follows:

    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 restricted by State regulations. Area descriptions were published in the August 28, 2014, Federal Register (79 FR 51402).

    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 ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS AND DELINEATIONS OF GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS. SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY ON FEDERAL AND STATE PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS AND FEDERAL INDIAN RESERVATIONS.

    Note:

    The following seasons are in addition to the seasons published previously in the August 29, 2014, Federal Register (79 FR 51712).

    Season datesLimits
    BagPossession
    MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
    Kentucky16Dec. 13 Jan. 1122
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Tennessee17Nov. 22 Jan. 133
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    CENTRAL FLYWAY
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Oklahoma1Oct. 18 Jan. 1839
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Texas 1
    Zone ANov. 1 Feb. 139
    Zone BNov. 21 Feb. 139
    Zone CDec. 20 Jan. 2526
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    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.
       *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    6 In Kentucky, the season limit is 2 cranes. If the harvest objective of 400 cranes is obtained before the season ending date, the season will close.
    7 In Tennessee, the shooting hours are from sunrise to 3 p.m.
    Start Amendment Part

    5. Section 20.107 is revised to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for swans.

    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 hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except as otherwise restricted by State regulations. Hunting is by State permit only.Start Printed Page 58224

    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 swans 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 ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS AND DELINEATIONS OF GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS. SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY ON FEDERAL AND STATE PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS AND FEDERAL INDIAN RESERVATIONS.

    Note:

    Successful permittees must immediately validate their harvest by that method required in State regulations.

    Season datesLimits
    ATLANTIC FLYWAY
    North CarolinaNov. 8-Jan. 311 tundra swan per season.
    VirginiaNov. 15-Jan 311 tundra swan per season.
    CENTRAL FLYWAY1
    MontanaOct. 4-Jan. 81 tundra swan per season.
    North DakotaOct. 4-Jan. 41 tundra swan per season.
    South DakotaOct. 4-Dec. 211 tundra swan per permit.
    PACIFIC FLYWAY1
    Montana2Oct. 11-Dec. 11 swan per season.
    Nevada  34Oct. 11-Jan. 42 swans per season.
    Utah  45Oct. 4-Dec. 141 swan per season.
    1 See State regulations for description of area open to swan hunting.
    2 In Montana, all harvested swans must be reported by way of a bill measurement card within 3 days of harvest.
    3 All harvested swans and tags must be checked or registered within 5 days of harvest.
    4 Harvests of trumpeter swans are limited to 5 in Nevada and 10 in Utah. When it has been determined that the quota of trumpeter swans allotted to Nevada and Utah will have been filled, the season for taking of any swan species in the respective State 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.
    5 In Utah, all harvested swans and tags must be checked or registered within 3 days of harvest.
    Start Amendment Part

    6. Section 20.109 is amended by:

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    a. Revising the introductory paragraphs;

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    b. Adding entries for the following States in alphabetical order to the table; and

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    c. Revising footnote (2) following the table; and

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    d. Adding footnotes (5), (6), and (7) following the table.

    End Amendment Part

    The revisions and additions read as follows:

    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 restricted by State regulations.

    Area descriptions were published in the August 22, 2014 (79 FR 50512) and August 29, 2014 (79 FR 51402) Federal Register s.

    CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS AND DELINEATIONS OF GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS. SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY ON FEDERAL AND STATE PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS AND FEDERAL INDIAN RESERVATIONS.

    Limits: The daily bag limit may include no more than 3 migratory game birds, singly or in the aggregate. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. 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.

    Although many States permit falconry during the gun seasons, only extended falconry seasons are shown below. Please consult State regulations for details.

    Note:

    The following seasons are in addition to the seasons published previously in the August 29, 2014, Federal Register (79 FR 51712).

    Extended falconry dates
    ATLANTIC FLYWAY
    Delaware
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Ducks, mergansers, and cootsJan. 26-Feb. 28.
    BrantNov. 24-Dec. 20 & Feb. 2-Mar. 10.
    Florida
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Ducks, mergansers, light geese, and cootsNov. 3-Nov. 12 & Feb. 2-Feb. 27.
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Maine
    Ducks, mergansers, and coots: 5
    North ZoneDec. 15-Feb. 4.
    Start Printed Page 58225
    South & Coastal ZonesJan. 8-Feb. 28.
    Maryland
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    DucksJan. 31-Mar. 10.
    BrantJan. 27-Mar. 10.
    Light GeeseFeb. 24-Mar. 10.
    Canada GeeseFeb. 5-Mar. 10.
    Massachusetts
    Ducks, mergansers, sea ducks, and cootsFeb. 1-Feb. 5.
    New Hampshire
    Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
    Northern ZoneDec. 11-Jan. 24.
    Inland ZoneNov. 3-Nov. 15 & Dec. 24-Jan. 24.
    Coastal ZoneJan. 25-Mar. 10.
    New Jersey
    Woodcock:
    North ZoneOct. 1-Oct. 17 & Nov. 23-Jan. 15.
    South ZoneOct. 1-Nov. 7 & Nov. 30-Dec. 18 & Jan. 2-Jan. 15.
    Ducks, mergansers, coots, and brant:
    North ZoneJan. 17-Mar. 10.
    South ZoneJan. 17-Mar. 10.
    Coastal ZoneJan. 25-Mar. 10.
    New York
    Ducks, mergansers and coots:
    Long Island ZoneNov. 1-Nov. 26 & Jan. 26-Feb. 13.
    Northeastern ZoneOct. 1-Oct. 3 & Oct. 20-Oct. 31 & Dec. 15-Jan. 13.
    Southeastern ZoneOct. 1-Oct. 10 & Oct. 20-Nov. 7 & Dec. 29-Jan. 13.
    Western ZoneOct. 1-Oct. 17 & Dec. 3-Dec. 26 & Jan. 10-Jan. 13.
    North Carolina
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Ducks, mergansers and cootsOct. 20-Nov. 1 & Jan. 26-Feb. 14.
    Pennsylvania
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
    North ZoneDec. 1-Dec. 22 & Feb. 9-Mar. 10.
    South ZoneOct. 27-Nov. 14 & Feb. 6-Mar. 10.
    Northwest ZoneDec. 15-Dec. 26 & Jan. 30-Mar. 10.
    Lake Erie ZoneJan. 17-Mar. 10.
    Canada Geese:
    SJBP ZoneMar. 4-Mar. 10.
    AP ZoneJan. 30-Mar. 10.
    RP ZoneMar. 6-Mar. 10.
    South Carolina
    Ducks, mergansers, and cootsNov. 1-Nov. 14 & Nov. 30-Dec. 5.
    Virginia
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Ducks, mergansers, and cootsDec. 1-Dec. 16 & Jan. 26-Feb. 9.
    Canada Geese
    Eastern (AP) ZoneNov. 24-Nov. 30 & Dec. 17-Dec. 19 & Jan. 30-Feb. 18.
    Western (SJBP) ZoneNov. 26-Nov. 30 & Feb. 16-Feb. 18.
    BrantOct. 17-Dec. 26 & Jan. 26-Jan. 31.
    MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
    Arkansas
    Ducks, mergansers, and cootsFeb. 1-Feb. 15.
    Illinois
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Ducks, mergansers, and cootsFeb. 10-Mar. 10.
    Indiana
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
    North ZoneSept. 27-Sept. 30 & Feb. 14-Mar. 10.
    Central ZoneOct. 18-Oct. 24 & Feb. 17-Mar. 10.
    South ZoneOct. 25-Oct. 31 & Feb. 17-Mar. 10.
    Start Printed Page 58226
    Iowa
    Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
    North ZoneDec. 15-Jan. 12.
    Missouri River ZoneDec. 19-Jan. 16.
    South ZoneDec. 15-Jan. 12.
    White-fronted Geese:
    North Goose ZoneDec. 10-Jan. 11.
    Missouri River ZoneDec. 24-Jan. 16.
    South Goose Zone
    Kentucky
    Ducks, mergansers, and cootsNov. 5-Nov. 26 & Jan. 26-Jan. 31.
    Geese and brantNov. 5-Nov. 26.
    Louisiana
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Rails and moorhens:
    West and East ZoneNov. 3-Nov. 14 & Jan. 8-Feb. 1.
    Coastal ZoneNov. 3-Nov. 14 & Jan. 8-Feb. 1.
    Ducks:
    West ZoneNov. 3-Nov. 14 & Dec. 15-Dec. 19 & Jan. 19-Feb. 1.
    East ZoneNov. 3-Nov. 21 & Dec. 8-Dec. 12 & Jan. 26-Feb. 1.
    Coastal ZoneNov. 3-Nov. 14 & Dec. 8-Dec. 19 & Jan. 26-Feb. 1.
    Michigan
    Ducks, mergansers, coots, and moorhensDec. 29-Jan. 22 & Mar. 1-Mar. 10.
    Minnesota
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Ducks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinulesDec. 13-Jan. 27.
    Mississippi
    DovesNov. 15-Nov. 23 & Jan. 14-Feb. 8.
    Ducks, mergansers and cootsFeb. 7-Mar. 7.
    Missouri
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Ducks, mergansers, and cootsSept. 6-Sept. 21 & Feb. 10-Mar. 10.
    Ohio
    Ducks, mergansers, and cootsFeb. 21-Mar. 4.
    GeeseFeb. 21-Mar. 4.
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Wisconsin
    Rails, snipe, moorhens, and gallinules:
    North Duck ZoneSept. 1-Sept. 26 & Nov. 26-Dec. 16.
    South Duck ZoneSept. 1-Oct. 3 & Oct. 13-Oct. 17 & Dec. 8-Dec. 16.
    Mississippi River ZoneSept. 1-Sept. 26 & Oct. 6-Oct. 17 & Dec. 8-Dec. 16.
    WoodcockSept. 1-Sept. 20 & Nov. 4-Dec. 16.
    Ducks, mergansers, and cootsSept. 20-Sept. 21 & Jan. 9-Feb. 22.
    CENTRAL FLYWAY
    Kansas
    Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
    Low PlainsFeb. 24-Mar. 10.
    Montana (2)
    Ducks, mergansers, and cootsSept. 24-Oct. 3.
    Nebraska
    Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
    Zone 1Sept. 6-Sept. 21 & Feb. 25-Mar. 10.
    Zone 2:
    Low PlainsSept. 6-Sept. 21 & Feb. 25-Mar. 10.
    High PlainsSept. 6-Sept. 14.
    Zone 3:
    Low PlainsSept. 6-Sept. 21 & Feb. 25-Mar. 10.
    High PlainsSept. 6-Sept. 14
    Zone 4Sept. 6-Sept. 21 & Feb. 25-Mar. 10.
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Oklahoma
    Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
    Low PlainsFeb. 16-Mar. 2.
    South Dakota
    Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
    Start Printed Page 58227
    High PlainsSept. 1-Sept. 8.
    Low Plains:
    North ZoneSept. 1-Sept. 14 & Sept. 18-Sept. 22 & Dec. 11-Dec. 22.
    Middle ZoneSept. 1-Sept. 14 & Sept. 18-Sept. 22 & Dec. 11-Dec. 22.
    South ZoneSept. 1-Sept. 14 & Sept. 18-Sept. 22 & Sept. 27-Oct. 6.
    Texas
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
    Low PlainsJan. 26-Feb. 9.
    Wyoming
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
    Zone C1Sept. 27-Sept. 28 & Oct. 23-Oct. 30.
    Zone C2 & C3Sept. 20-Sept. 26 & Dec. 8-Dec. 10.
    PACIFIC FLYWAY
    Arizona
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    Ducks and mergansers:
    North ZoneSept. 29-Oct. 2.
    South ZoneJan. 26-Jan. 29.
    California
    Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
    Colorado River ZoneJan. 26-Jan. 29.
    Southern ZoneJan. 26-Jan. 30.
    Canada Geese and White-fronted Geese:
    Northeastern Zone 6Jan. 12-Jan. 16.
    Colorado River ZoneSame as for Ducks.
    Southern Zone 7Same as for Ducks.
    Brant:
    Northern ZoneOct. 18-Nov. 5 & Dec. 6-Jan. 30.
    Balance-of-State ZoneOct. 18-Nov. 7 & Dec. 8-Jan. 30.
    Light Geese:
    Colorado River ZoneSame as for Ducks.
    Southern Zone 7Same as for Ducks.
    *         *         *         *         *         *         *
    * * * * *

    (2) In Montana, the bag limit is 2 and the possession limit is 6.

    * * * * *

    (5) In Maine, the daily bag and possession limits for black ducks are 1 and 3, respectively.

    (6) In California, there is no extended falconry season for white-fronted geese.

    (7) In California, there is no extended falconry season in the Imperial County Special Management Area.

    End Supplemental Information

    [FR Doc. 2014-22853 Filed 9-25-14; 8:45 am]

    BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

Document Information

Effective Date:
9/27/2014
Published:
09/26/2014
Department:
Fish and Wildlife Service
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
2014-22853
Dates:
This rule is effective on September 27, 2014.
Pages:
58197-58227 (31 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2014-0017, FF09M21200-145-FXMB1231099BPP0
RINs:
1018-AZ80: Migratory Bird Hunting; 2014-2015 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/1018-AZ80/migratory-bird-hunting-2014-2015-migratory-game-bird-hunting-regulations
Topics:
Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Transportation, Wildlife
PDF File:
2014-22853.pdf
Supporting Documents:
» Teal FONSI and EA - 2014
» Duck Hunting FONSI and EA 2014
» Summer 2014 Atlantic Flyway Recommendations
» SRC Transcripts - July 31
» SRC Transcripts - July 30
» PFC Recommendations July 2014
» MFC Council Recommendation 2014 - all
» LS SRC Mtg agenda
» Draft SEIS Implementation schedule - with Biological Info - Alternative 3B
» Consult on Proposed 14-15 MGB Hunt Regs
CFR: (5)
50 CFR 20.104
50 CFR 20.105
50 CFR 20.106
50 CFR 20.107
50 CFR 20.109