[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 161 (Wednesday, August 20, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44229-44243]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-22047]



[[Page 44229]]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 20

RIN 1018-AE14


Migratory Bird Hunting; Final Frameworks for Early-Season 
Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This rule prescribes final early-season frameworks which 
States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands may select season dates, 
limits, and other options for the 1997-98 migratory bird hunting 
seasons. Early seasons are those which generally open prior to October 
1. The effect of this final rule is to facilitate the selection of 
hunting seasons by the States and Territories to further the annual 
establishment of the early-season migratory bird hunting regulations. 
These selections will be published in the Federal Register as 
amendments to Secs. 20.101 through 20.107, and Sec. 20.109 of title 50 
CFR part 20.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This rule takes effect on August 20, 1997.

ADDRESSES: States and Territories should send their season selections 
to: Chief, Office of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Department of the Interior, ms 634--ARLSQ, 1849 C Street, NW., 
Washington, DC 20240. The public may inspect comments during normal 
business hours in room 634, Arlington Square, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, 
Arlington, Virginia.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul R. Schmidt, Chief, Office of 
Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (703) 358-
1714

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulations Schedule for 1997

    On March 13, 1997, the Service published in the Federal Register 
(62 FR 12054) a proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20. The proposal dealt 
with the establishment of seasons, limits, and other regulations for 
migratory game birds under Secs. 20.101 through 20.107, 20.109, and 
20.110 of subpart K. On June 6, 1997, the Service published in the 
Federal Register (62 FR 31298) a second document providing supplemental 
proposals for migratory bird hunting regulations frameworks and 
detailed information on the 1997-98 regulatory schedule and announced 
the Service Migratory Bird Regulations Committee and Flyway Council 
meetings. In the same document, the Service described the proposed 
1997-98 regulatory alternatives for duck hunting.
    On June 27, 1997, the Service held a public hearing in Washington, 
DC, as announced in the March 13 and June 6 Federal Registers to review 
the status of migratory shore and upland game birds. The Service 
discussed hunting regulations for these species and for other early 
seasons. On July 23, 1997, the Service published in the Federal 
Register (62 FR 39712) a third document specifically dealing with 
proposed early-season frameworks for the 1997-98 season. That document 
also extended the public comment period to August 5, 1997, for early-
season proposals. This rulemaking establishes final frameworks for 
early-season migratory bird hunting regulations for the 1997-98 season.

Review of Flyway Council Recommendations, Public Comments and the 
Service's Responses

    The public comment period for early-season issues ended on August 
5, 1997. The Service received recommendations from all four Flyway 
Councils. Early-season comments are summarized and discussed in the 
order used in the March 13 Federal Register. Only the numbered items 
pertaining to early seasons for which comments were received are 
included. Flyway Council recommendations shown below include only those 
involving changes from the 1996-97 early-season frameworks. For those 
topics where a Council recommendation is not shown, the Council 
supported continuing the same frameworks as in 1996-97.

General

    Written Comments: The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) 
recommended all seasons open at noon, mid-week, to reduce the large 
kills associated with the traditional Saturday openings. They also 
recommend that hunting during the one-half hour before sunrise be 
eliminated.

1. Ducks

    The categories used to discuss issues related to duck harvest 
management are as follows: (A) General Harvest Strategy, (B) Framework 
Dates, (C) Season Length, (D) Closed Seasons, (E) Bag Limits, (F) Zones 
and Split Seasons, and (G) Special Seasons/Species Management. Only 
those categories containing substantial early-season recommendations 
are included below.

G. Special Seasons/Species Management

    iii. September Teal Seasons

    Council Recommendations: The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of 
the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended the continuance of the 
experimental September teal/wood duck seasons in Kentucky and Tennessee 
for the 1997-98 season with no change from the 1996-97 season 
frameworks.
    The Central Flyway Council recommended a 3-year experimental teal 
harvest strategy in the Central Flyway based on the breeding population 
of blue-winged teal. When the 3-year running average breeding 
population of blue-winged teal is 4.7 million or greater, the Council's 
recommended harvest strategy would consist of two changes to the 
current September teal season frameworks. First, in those Central 
Flyway States currently allowed a September teal season, an additional 
7 days of hunting (for a total of 16 days) and 1 additional teal (for a 
total of 5 teal) would be allowed. Second, for Central Flyway 
production States, the recommended harvest strategy would provide for a 
season of up to 7 days, beginning no earlier than September 20, and a 
daily bag limit of 4 ducks, 3 of which must be teal. The Council 
further recommended that the Service work with the States to 
cooperatively develop an experimental design and criteria to adequately 
evaluate the proposed expansion of teal harvest.
    Written Comments: The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks 
(Kansas), Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (Nebraska), North Dakota 
Game and Fish Department (North Dakota), Oklahoma Department of 
Wildlife Conservation (Oklahoma), South Dakota Department of Game, Fish 
and Parks (South Dakota), and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 
(Texas) supported the Central Flyway proposal for September teal 
seasons. Kansas and Texas commented that additional harvest provided by 
the proposed season expansion will not be excessive or negatively 
impact future teal populations. Kansas and Texas indicated that ongoing 
work associated with implementation of the Adaptive Harvest Management 
Program should not preclude completion of this management initiative. 
Kansas said they are willing to satisfy requirements associated with 
evaluation and monitoring associated with implementation of this 
proposed strategy. Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas indicated that this 
strategy will encourage the development and maintenance of wetland 
habitat and promote hunting by youth hunters. Nebraska pointed out that 
their duck breeding population was 17 percent

[[Page 44230]]

above the most recent 5-year average and would appreciate the 
additional opportunity that would be provided by the Central Flyway 
proposal. North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming indicated that 
approval of the Central Flyway proposal would provide additional 
opportunity for northern States at a time when teal populations are at 
an all-time high. North Dakota commented that implementation of this 
proposal is currently appropriate because the Central Flyway preseason 
duck banding program will provide information for evaluations. North 
Dakota pointed out that their blue-winged teal population estimate for 
this year is 115 percent above the long-term average.
    Several individuals recommended higher daily bag limits for teal 
given the current population level. Two individuals from Texas 
recommended a 5-teal daily bag limit while an individual from Missouri 
recommended a 6-teal limit. Another individual from Texas questioned 
why the Service was reluctant to increase the teal season length and 
bag limit. Nine individuals from Mississippi expressed preference for a 
5-day teal and wood duck season rather than the present 9-day teal only 
season.
    Service Response: It is important that any proposal for expanding 
the current teal season include a comprehensive evaluation plan and be 
coordinated within and among the Flyways. Identifying the full scope of 
any expansion is important, because it will dictate how extensive the 
evaluation plan must be.
    The Central Flyway proposal does not include an evaluation plan. As 
previously stated, the evaluation plan must include study objectives, 
experimental design, decision criteria, and identification of data 
needs. The evaluation plan should address not only potential impacts to 
teal populations, but also impacts to nontarget species and the ability 
of hunters to comply with special-season regulations. Further, the 
September teal season bag limit should be limited to teal and not 
expanded to include other species, as was contained in the Central 
Flyway's proposal.
    In an effort to further define what would comprise an acceptable 
evaluation plan, the Service suggests that any plan should consider the 
following: (1) description of the population dynamics of teal (e.g., 
how the populations respond to changes in the environment, harvest 
pressure, etc.), (2) current and predicted harvest pressure on teal, 
(3) the levels of regulations to be considered, (4) the harvest 
allocation among and within (i.e., production vs. nonproduction states) 
Flyways, (5) the acceptable attempt rate at nontarget species (i.e., 
the rate at which hunters attempt to shoot ducks other than teal), and 
(6) staff and financial resources to conduct the evaluation.
    iv. September Duck Seasons

    Council Recommendations: The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of 
the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that Iowa be allowed to open 
the second segment of their split duck season no earlier than October 
10, instead of October 15.

    Service Response: Although this is primarily a late-season issue, 
the Service understands Iowa's concern for reaching a decision on the 
issue at this time. The Service concurs with this minor change in 
Iowa's framework.

    vi. Youth Hunt

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
the continuance of the youth waterfowl hunt day and requested the 
Service announce their intent in June. The Council further recommended 
that ducks, coots, mergansers, moorhens, brant and snow geese be open 
to harvest on the special day and requested clarification of whether 
youth may participate in other open migratory bird hunting seasons on 
that day.
    The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway 
Council recommended that youth waterfowl hunt day bag limits be the 
same as the regular-season bag limits and include ducks, geese, and 
coots, with framework dates 14 days outside the regular duck-season 
framework dates instead of 10.
    The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway 
Council recommended the inclusion of geese and coots in a 2-day youth 
waterfowl hunting season, with framework dates 14 days outside of the 
regular duck-season framework dates instead of 10.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended continuation of the youth 
hunt that allows States to select outside the general season and 
frameworks.
    Public-Hearing Comments: Mr. Robert McDowell, representing the 
Atlantic Flyway Council, encouraged the Service to make an early 
announcement regarding the Youth Waterfowl Hunt Day and asked to 
include Atlantic brant, snow geese, and moorhens along with ducks as 
legal game.

    Written Comments: The New Jersey Division of Fish, Game and 
Wildlife encouraged the Service to make an early announcement of their 
intention to hold another youth hunting day. They also recommended that 
ducks, moorhens, brant and snow geese be open to harvest on the special 
day.
    An individual from Wisconsin supported the establishment of a 
special youth hunt for the 1997-98 hunting season. Another commenter 
from Nebraska thanked the Service for the establishment of the youth 
hunt last year.
    Service Response: The Service appreciates the recommendations from 
the Flyway Councils regarding the continuation of a youth waterfowl 
hunting day for this hunting season. While the Service recognizes that 
there will be those organizations and individuals opposed to the 
establishment of this day on the basis of general opposition to hunting 
as a desirable outdoor recreational activity, the Service reiterates 
its belief that recreational sport hunting is a proper and compatible 
use of a renewable natural resource. The Service is further directed by 
various legislation to regulate the hunting of migratory waterfowl and 
views its role as one of permitting recreational harvest opportunities 
consistent with long-term resource conservation for all Americans. As 
part of this objective, the Service believes a well-educated and 
properly trained hunting constituency is in the best interest of the 
resource and views a youth hunting day as an educational opportunity to 
help ensure safe, high-quality hunting for future generations of 
Americans. The Service believes that the special 1-day hunt is 
consistent with its responsibility to provide general education and 
training in the wise recreational uses of our nation's valuable 
wildlife resources and provides the best and safest learning 
environment for our youth who are interested in hunting.
    Regarding the Councils' recommendation on the framework dates, the 
Service agrees that the period 14 days prior to and after the outside 
framework dates for the regular duck season provides sufficient 
flexibility for States to provide this opportunity to their 
constituents.
    The Service recognizes the potential opportunity that inclusion of 
geese in the youth waterfowl hunt might provide. However, due to season 
closures and restrictions in place to protect certain populations of 
Canada geese in various parts of the country, the Service believes this 
complication is not appropriate at this point but is certainly a matter 
for consideration in future regulatory cycles. Further, these 
guidelines do not preclude the inclusion of geese in the daily bag if 
the goose

[[Page 44231]]

season is open at the time of the special youth hunt. Therefore, the 
Service believes this opportunity should be offered during the 1997-98 
hunting season and will utilize the following guidelines:

    (1) States may select 1 day per duck-hunting zone, designated as 
``Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day'', in addition to their regular duck 
seasons.
    (2) The day must be held outside any regular duck season on 
either a weekend, holiday, or other non-school day when youth 
hunters would have the maximum opportunity to participate.
    (3) The day could be held up to 14 days before or after any 
regular duck-season frameworks or within any split of a regular duck 
season.
    (4) The daily bag limit may include ducks, mergansers, coots, 
moorhens, and gallinules and would be the same as that allowed in 
the regular season. Flyway species restrictions would remain in 
effect.
    (5) Youth hunters must be 15 years of age or younger.
    (6) An adult at least 18 years of age must accompany the youth 
hunter into the field. This adult could not duck hunt but may 
participate in other seasons that are open on the special youth day.

3. Sea Ducks

    Written Comments: The HSUS recommended the sea duck season either 
be closed or severely restricted until more complete information on 
biology and population status is available.
    Service Response: The Service continues to be concerned about the 
status of sea ducks and the potential impact that increased hunting 
activity could have on these species. While there are ongoing 
cooperative efforts to summarize additional information on sea ducks, 
the Service continues to emphasize the importance of completing the sea 
duck management plan. The Service also believes that improvements in 
survey capabilities for these species are extremely important for 
future management actions. The Service will continue to closely monitor 
these species.

4. Canada Geese

A. Special Seasons

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended a 
3-year experimental September Canada goose season in New Jersey with a 
framework closing date of the first Saturday in October. The Council 
also recommended an experimental framework closing date of October 5 
for the Long Island, New York, 1997 September Canada Goose Season.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended several modifications to the 
existing special September goose seasons. The Council recommended 
expansion of the Washington September Canada goose hunt zone to include 
all of Washington for 7 consecutive days. In California, the Council 
recommended the establishment of a new 9-day season, with a 2-bird 
daily bag and possession limit, in Humboldt County, California. Harvest 
of up to 200 birds would be controlled through a regulated permit 
system. In Oregon, the Council recommended that the framework in 
Clatsop, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Marion, Yamhill, 
Polk, Linn, Benton, Lane, Lincoln, and Tillamook Counties be 14 
consecutive days between September 1 and 20 with a daily bag and 
possession limit of 5 and 10 birds, respectively.
    Public-Hearing Comments: Mr. Robert McDowell, representing the 
Atlantic Flyway Council, reiterated support for New Jersey's request 
for extension of the special September Canada goose season to the first 
Saturday in October and New York's request to extend to October 5 and 
cited that all criteria have been met. These additional days would 
increase the harvests of resident geese and help to reduce complaints.

    Written Comments: The Maryland Department of Natural Resources 
opposed the extension of the framework closing date in New Jersey's 
September Canada goose season. They believed that there will be an 
insufficient number of migrant neck-banded geese in the migrant 
population to evaluate the impacts of this proposed change. They 
further believed that due to potential differences in vulnerability to 
harvest between resident and migrant geese, the addition of hunting 
days in early October could lead to even higher than expected migrant 
goose harvest.
    The New Jersey Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife supported the 
modification of the framework closing date in New Jersey to the first 
Saturday in October. They estimated that the additional days would 
allow hunters to harvest an additional average of 1,600 resident Canada 
geese which would help slow population growth and reduce the number and 
severity of nuisance goose complaints. In response to Maryland's 
comments, they pointed out several other techniques for assessing 
migrant harvest during special seasons, such as the continuing 
telemetry studies and the initiation of Atlantic Population (AP) 
preseason breeding ground banding in 1997. New Jersey contends that use 
of these data sets will greatly enhance the understanding of arrival 
dates of AP geese and will replace the dependence on the disappearing 
migrant neck bands. New Jersey further pointed out that their proposal 
meets the criteria established by the Atlantic Flyway Council and the 
Service for special Canada goose seasons targeting resident Canada 
geese.
    Service Response: At the request of the Atlantic Flyway Council, 
the Service temporarily extended framework closing dates in the 
Atlantic Flyway on resident geese in 1996 to September 25, without 
evaluation in most areas, and on an experimental basis to September 30 
in New Jersey and North Carolina. Presently, New Jersey has completed 
only one year of its agreed upon 3-year evaluation.
    Although extending the framework closing dates into early October 
in New Jersey and New York would increase harvests of resident geese 
and help to alleviate injurious problems, the Service believes that 
further evaluation is needed before all parties are comfortable that 
the harvest of migrant geese will not exceed 10 percent of the special 
season harvest. Also, the Service is concerned that sample sizes of 
neck-banded migrant geese are no longer sufficient to estimate the 
percentage of migrant geese in the early seasons with any degree of 
reliability. Both New Jersey's and New York's proposals indicate that 
the harvests of migrant geese increases rather dramatically after 
October 1 and there is little capability to measure precisely the 
percentage of migrant harvest. Thus, the Service does not support New 
Jersey's request until it completes its 3-year evaluation. However, 
based on the observations presented, the Service would support New York 
extending its season on Long Island from September 25 until September 
30 on a 3-year experimental basis.
    With respect to the Pacific Flyway Council's recommendations, the 
Service supports the change to a 7-day Statewide season in Washington 
and the new season proposal for California, as both of these 
recommendations conform to the existing Service criteria for special 
Canada goose seasons. The Service also endorses the proposal for a 14-
day experimental season in Oregon between September 1 and 20. The 
Service notes that a 3-year evaluation of that portion of the season 
occurring after September 15 is required. The Service is particularly 
concerned about possible impacts on dusky Canada geese. The Service 
specifically requires monitoring be conducted for the presence of neck-
banded dusky Canada geese throughout the hunt area during this period 
as a part of the experimental evaluation. Additionally, the Service 
requires Oregon to submit an annual report of

[[Page 44232]]

their evaluation by July 15 each year describing the results of this 
monitoring program. These results will be reviewed prior to 
continuation of the experiment during the 3-year experimental period 
and modifications of the area open to hunting during this period will 
be required if dusky Canada geese are found to be present during the 
season.

B. Regular Seasons

    Council Recommendations: The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of 
the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended Michigan and Wisconsin be 
allowed to open their regular Canada goose season as early as September 
27, 1997, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and September 20, 1997, in 
Wisconsin.

    Service Response: The Service concurs.

9. Sandhill Cranes

    Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway and Pacific Flyway 
Councils recommended that in Montana, sandhill cranes in Wheatland 
County and that portion of Sweet Grass County north of I-90 be 
delineated as Rocky Mountain Population sandhill cranes. Thus, 
management of these cranes, including harvest, would be guided by the 
Rocky Mountain Population Sandhill Crane Management Plan, rather than 
the Mid-Continent Population Sandhill Crane Management Plan.

    Service Response: The Service agrees with this minor change.

14. Woodcock

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
framework dates of October 6 to January 31, a 30-day season and 3-bird 
daily bag limit and urged the Service to make assessment of the 
relative effects of harvest and habitat on woodcock populations a high 
priority.
    The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended an interim woodcock 
harvest strategy for the Central region until such time as Regional 
Woodcock Management Plans and a long-term harvest strategy are 
completed. The interim harvest strategy would consist of the following:
    The following harvest restrictions would be implemented when the 
cumulative change since 1968 in the number of woodcock heard in the 
Singing-ground Survey exceeds 51 percent for the Central Management 
Region:

    (1) Season framework dates would be the Saturday nearest 
September 22 through January.
    (2) The daily bag limit would be reduced from 5 to 3 birds.
    Public-Hearing Comments: Mr. Robert McDowell, representing the 
Atlantic Flyway Council, expressed reluctant support for the 
recommendation for more restrictive framework dates and season lengths 
for woodcock. However, he indicated that given the proposed September 
20 opening framework in the Mississippi and Central Flyway States, 
perhaps October 1, rather than October 6, would be a more appropriate 
opening date for the Atlantic Flyway. He encouraged the Service to 
assess the relative roles of harvest and habitat changes in woodcock 
population declines.
    Mr. Charles D. Kelley, representing the Southeastern Association of 
Fish and Wildlife Agencies, acknowledged the problem with declining 
woodcock populations and encouraged the Service to work with the States 
to address the problem of diminishing woodcock habitat.
    Mr. William H. Goudy, representing the Ruffed Grouse Society, 
expressed concern about the lost recreational opportunity that will 
result from reduced season lengths and bag limits, particularly in the 
Mississippi Flyway. Although the change in bag limits would be 
acceptable, he regretted the loss in days. He indicated that the 
population data on which the Service bases its decisions is flawed and 
subject to criticism and that there is no information on what effects 
the changes in regulations will have. He expressed support for the 
expanded use of zones for woodcock hunting.
    Written Comments: The New Jersey Division of Fish, Game, and 
Wildlife supported the Atlantic Flyway Council's recommended framework 
dates of October 6 to January 31, a 30-day season and 3-bird daily bag 
limit. Although they believed that the population declines were the 
result of habitat changes and harvest played little or no role in the 
declines, they realized that the data bases regarding woodcock 
populations are not adequate to assess the role of harvest in woodcock 
population dynamics. They further urged the Service to make assessment 
of the relative effects of harvest and habitat on woodcock populations 
a high priority.
    The Ohio Division of Wildlife (Ohio) believed that the population 
declines were habitat related. Based on this belief, Ohio recommended 
the Service adopt the Mississippi Flyway Council's recommendation 
regarding woodcock harvest regulations. They did not support changing 
harvest regulations when evidence of hunting as the cause of the 
decline is not conclusive and believed that these actions could 
significantly affect recreational opportunity.
    The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (Louisiana) and 
the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (Tennessee) expressed 
disappointment in the Service's proposed woodcock frameworks and the 
failure to adopt the Mississippi Flyway Council's recommendation. 
Louisiana encouraged the Service to reconsider its proposed actions and 
urged the Service to attack the real problem affecting woodcock 
populations' habitat. Tennessee further requested the Service provide 
the States the option to have two zones with no more than a 5- and 10-
day penalty for a 45- and 65-day framework, respectively.
    The Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF) urged the Service to 
reconsider and allow for a 65-day season and a 5-bird daily bag limit 
in the Central Region. The LWF was concerned that the proposed 
reductions would reduce participation and needed support for woodcock 
conservation.
    The Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) did not agree with the 
Service's proposal to reduce woodcock seasons and bag limits. WMI 
believed this action would have major negative effects on hunters, 
public perceptions of hunters, and State/Federal relations and would 
not have a significant effect on woodcock population trends. WMI 
suggested the Service could better respond to woodcock declines by 
emphasizing management programs that create early successional forest 
habitats.
    The Service also received many comments from individuals with many 
noting the importance of habitat management. Several individuals from 
Michigan, Ohio, Maine, and North Carolina supported more restrictive 
woodcock hunting regulations indicating that restrictions were overdue. 
Four individuals from Wisconsin and one from Michigan supported 
reducing the bag limit from 5 to 3 birds but expressed concerns about 
other possible regulatory changes. They indicated a shorter season 
would be acceptable but felt that the framework opening date should 
remain September 15, noting that hunting opportunity in northern areas 
would be affected disproportionately by a later framework opening date. 
Another individual from Wisconsin felt that changes in regulations 
should only be made when it is certain that they will help the 
population. He indicated the season should begin before October 1 and 
that it should not be shorter than 45 days. An individual from Michigan 
indicated that based on his personal observations, woodcock populations 
have not

[[Page 44233]]

declined. He felt that an opening date later than September 15 would 
take away the best time to hunt and suggested different opening and 
closing dates based on latitude. Another individual from Michigan 
implied that regulations should not be changed unless hunting mortality 
is causing the population declines. An individual from Kentucky thought 
that reducing the woodcock harvest would help a little but would not 
solve the overall problem. An individual from Tennessee supported the 
Service's proposed changes except for reductions in season length. An 
individual from New Hampshire suggested a special 20-day blackpowder 
season.
    Individuals from Louisiana (18), Pennsylvania, Michigan, Maryland, 
and Vermont opposed any changes in regulations, generally citing 
habitat changes and/or weather as the causes of the woodcock population 
decline. Many of these individuals were concerned that more restrictive 
regulations would reduce the number of woodcock hunters and thus, 
support for woodcock conservation. Four of these individuals indicated 
that the Service should improve its ability to monitor woodcock 
populations before restricting hunting regulations while another 
believed that the Service's delay in implementing the American Woodcock 
Management Plan was inexcusable and negligent. Another individual from 
Louisiana was not opposed to restrictions provided that accurate data 
indicate that hunting pressure is the major cause of the population 
declines. Three individuals from Texas opposed more restrictive hunting 
regulations based on the presumption that the Singing-Ground Survey is 
statistically flawed and potentially biased.
    The HSUS commended the Service for its proposal to reduce woodcock 
hunting seasons given the long-term population declines that have 
occurred throughout its range.
    Service Response: Woodcock populations have declined significantly 
since the 1960s, and in recent years reproductive success has been 
poor. The Service is very concerned about the ongoing declines in 
woodcock populations. Although hunting mortality is not believed to be 
the major force driving the declines, the Service believes some 
restrictions to woodcock harvest opportunity are appropriate given the 
current status and trends of woodcock populations and the limited 
information on the role of hunting mortality and other factors in 
woodcock population dynamics. While habitat changes appear to be the 
primary cause of the woodcock population declines, other factors, 
including hunting mortality, may be contributing to the declines, and 
the importance of these factors may increase as populations, 
reproductive success, and the habitat base decline. Thus, the Service 
believes that hunting regulations should be commensurate with woodcock 
population status and rates of decline. A combination of changes in 
framework dates, bag limits, and season length are necessary in order 
to achieve a significant reduction in harvest that is shared throughout 
the range of the woodcock.
    Therefore, in response to continuing long-term declines in the 
woodcock population, the Service is implementing several framework 
changes. In the Eastern Region, the Service concurs with the 
recommendation from the Atlantic Flyway Council for framework dates of 
October 6 through January 31, season length of 30 days, and a daily bag 
limit of 3 birds. New Jersey may continue to select 2 zones with a 
reduced season length of 24 days in each zone. In the Central Region, 
the Service will utilize framework dates of the Saturday nearest 
September 22 (September 20 this year) through January 31, a reduced 
season length of 45 days (from 65 days), and a bag-limit reduction from 
5 to 3 birds. The Service believes that these restrictions represent a 
compromise to achieve a reduction in harvest while still allowing 
reasonable recreational opportunity.
    The Service also acknowledges that existing woodcock surveys are 
somewhat limited compared to surveys for some other migratory bird 
species, and believes this is one of the reasons a cautious approach to 
harvest management is appropriate. Although the Service always seeks to 
improve its monitoring programs whenever practical, woodcock 
populations are inherently difficult to monitor because of the bird's 
inconspicuous nature and preference for areas with dense vegetation. 
Although some aspects of the Singing-ground Survey may warrant scrutiny 
and/or improvement, the current survey provides the only index to 
changes in abundance of breeding populations of woodcock and the 
results are used with confidence to guide the decision-making process. 
Improved information on total woodcock harvest and hunter success will 
be available when the Harvest Information Program, currently being 
implemented by the Service and State wildlife agencies, is fully 
implemented. Unfortunately, this information is not likely to clarify 
the relationship between hunting mortality and population status.
    The Service notes that a 30-day season with an October 1 framework 
opening date would result in little or no reduction in harvest in the 
northern states in the Atlantic Flyway, where much of the harvest in 
the Flyway occurs. Thus, the Service concurs with the original October 
6 recommendation by the Atlantic Flyway Council, which was not 
predicated on the establishment of specific regulations in the 
Mississippi and Central flyways.
    The Service believes zoning has the potential to increase the 
harvest of woodcock, and therefore does not support the expanded use of 
zoning at a time when more restrictive woodcock hunting regulations are 
being established to bring harvest opportunities to a level more 
commensurate with current woodcock population status.
    The Service seeks active participation by the Flyway Councils to 
address the major factors behind long-term population declines, and to 
develop a long-term harvest strategy for woodcock.

17. White-winged and White-tipped Doves

    Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended 
removing the restriction of no more than 6 white-winged doves in the 
aggregate daily bag limit during the regular mourning dove season in 
Texas.

    Service Response: The Service supports removing the restriction on 
the number of white-winged doves allowed within the aggregate daily bag 
limit during the regular dove season in Texas. The distribution and 
density of white-winged doves have expanded northward in Texas. 
Populations have doubled since 1989, with an estimated 702,000 
whitewings nesting in a 17-county area north of the Lower Rio Grande 
Valley (LRGV), which historically was the only area occupied by the 
birds. No increase in harvest is expected for whitewings in the LRGV. 
In the remainder of the State, a harvest increase of 15 percent is 
projected.

18. Alaska

    Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended an 
experimental tundra swan season in the Kotzebue Sound region of 
Alaska's Game Management Unit (GMU 23), which would be consistent with 
the Pacific Flyway Management Plan's harvest and permit guidelines for 
the Western Population of [Tundra] swans, and current guidelines for 
conducting experimental seasons (3-year evaluation). The recommended 
season framework would be September 1 - October 31 with a 3-swan per 
season

[[Page 44234]]

limit (by sequential permit) and a maximum of 300 permits in the GMU.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended an increase in Alaska's dark 
goose daily bag and possession limits from 4 and 8 to 6 and 12, 
respectively in GMU 9(D) and the Unimak Island portion of Unit 10.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended an increase in Alaska's 
falconry bag limits to 6 daily and 12 in possession for migratory birds 
in the aggregate. Restrictive species limits would not be applied.
    Written Comments: The HSUS recommended that the opening date for 
all seasons in Alaska be delayed by 2 weeks so that young birds are 
able to leave natal marshes before being subjected to hunting pressure.
    Service Response: The Service concurs with the proposal to offer an 
experimental tundra swan season in GMU 23 consistent with the Flyway 
Management Plan and hunt guidelines in the Hunt Plan for the Western 
Population of Tundra Swans. The Service also supports the change in the 
dark goose bag and possession limits in Unit 9(D) and the Unimak Island 
portion of Unit 10. The Service finds no compelling rationale for the 
request to alter the falconry bag and possession limits in Alaska and 
will maintain the existing national falconry bag and possession limits 
in all States.
    Regarding the opening date for seasons in Alaska, the Service 
reiterates previous responses that hunting pressure on migratory birds 
is comparatively light. Many northern species migrate from the State 
before seasons open there in September and there is no evidence to 
indicate regulated hunting has adversely impacted local populations.

23. Other

A. Compensatory Days

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council requested the 
Service grant compensatory days for States in their Flyway that are 
closed to waterfowl hunting statewide on Sunday by State law. The 
Council's requested compensatory days would apply to waterfowl seasons 
only and not to other migratory game birds. The compensatory request 
includes the States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, 
Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and 
West Virginia. The Council believes that granting this request at this 
time will allow integration of these changes into AHM evaluations of 
harvest rates in the Flyway and selection of appropriate regulatory 
alternatives.

    Public-Hearing Comments: Mr. Robert McDowell, representing the 
Atlantic Flyway Council, offered to modify the Flyway's original 
request for compensatory days to states closed to Sunday hunting by 
restricting it to only those states with existing statewide 
prohibitions in place prior to its implementation. This action prevents 
any states from enacting new laws to close Sunday hunting in order to 
be eligible for compensatory days.

    Written Comments: The South Carolina Department of Natural 
Resources asserted that Sunday closures of waterfowl hunting are State 
issues and should not be addressed by the Service. South Carolina 
further asserted that if the Service grants compensatory days to States 
that are currently closed on Sundays by State law, then compensatory 
days should also be granted to States that enact Sunday closures in the 
future.
    The Georgia Department of Natural Resources objected to the Service 
offering compensatory days to States in the Atlantic Flyway with Sunday 
closures. They believed that this was a State issue and, as such, the 
Federal government should not be involved. They further believed that 
each State should change any applicable self-imposed restrictions 
relating to Sunday hunting closures and that involving Federal 
procedures to circumvent State laws sets a bad precedent that could 
open the door for further involvement in future unresolved issues.
    The Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife recommended the Service 
grant compensatory days in lieu of Sunday hunting on a 1 for 1 basis to 
restricted States with no penalty to unrestricted States.
    The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (Maryland) requested 
that the Service grant compensatory days to the 10 Atlantic Flyway 
States that are closed to waterfowl hunting on Sunday by State law. 
They believe that compensatory days would enable these States to 
equally share in the recreational benefits derived from the Flyway's 
waterfowl resource. Maryland supported the Federal closure of Sunday 
for the taking of wild waterfowl if the Service deemed this approach 
necessary to provide compensatory days. However, Maryland requested the 
Service give consideration to the current Sunday hunting exception 
Maryland grants falconers.
    The New Jersey Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife (New Jersey) 
requested the Service grant compensatory days for States in their 
Flyway that are closed to waterfowl hunting statewide on Sunday by 
State law. New Jersey's requested compensatory days would apply to 
waterfowl seasons only and not to other migratory game birds. The 
compensatory request includes the States of Connecticut, Delaware, 
Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, 
Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
    Several individuals from Maryland questioned the need to close 
Sundays to the take of all migratory waterfowl, including falconry, in 
order to provide compensatory hunting days to those States prohibiting 
Sunday hunting.
    Service Response: In 1995, the Service committed to working with 
the Atlantic Flyway Council to review and better clarify the issue of 
compensatory days for those States prohibiting Sunday hunting in an 
attempt to resolve this long-standing issue. In the past, the Service 
has maintained the policy that this problem is an individual State 
issue, to be resolved by each State removing their self-imposed 
restrictions. However, recognizing the difficulties involved with 
changing State law, the Service is sympathetic to the loss of hunting 
opportunity that results from the existing prohibitions on Sunday 
hunting. A recent Service assessment suggests that compensatory days 
for Sunday closures will result in a slight increase in the harvest 
rates of mallards breeding in eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S., 
which would be accompanied by a small decrease in average breeding 
population size. A similar effect is expected on other species. Thus, 
after examining the various technical and policy concerns, the Service 
believes that any additional harvest impacts can be adjusted by 
changing regulatory frameworks where needed and that various 
administrative and procedural concerns can be managed. Therefore, 
during the 1997-98 hunting season, the Service will offer compensatory 
days to States in accordance to the following guidelines:

    (1) Only States in the Atlantic Flyway that prohibit Sunday 
hunting Statewide by State law prior to 1997 are eligible 
(Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, 
North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia).
    (2) All Sundays will be closed to all take (including extended 
falconry) of migratory waterfowl (including mergansers and coots) by 
Federal rulemaking. Other migratory game species are not eligible 
for compensatory days.
    (3) Season days must run consecutively within prescribed 
framework dates and season length, excluding the Sunday closure, and 
conform to existing split-season criteria. Total season days 
(including extended falconry) must not exceed 107 days.


[[Page 44235]]



NEPA Consideration

    NEPA considerations are covered by the programmatic document, 
``Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual 
Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (FSES 88-
14),'' filed with EPA on June 9, 1988. The Service published a Notice 
of Availability in the June 16, 1988, Federal Register (53 FR 22582). 
The Service published its Record of Decision on August 18, 1988 (53 FR 
31341). Copies of these documents are available from the Service at the 
address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES.

Endangered Species Act Consideration

    As in the past, the Service designs hunting regulations to remove 
or alleviate chances of conflict between migratory game bird hunting 
seasons and the protection and conservation of endangered and 
threatened species. Consultations have been conducted to ensure that 
actions resulting from these regulatory proposals will not likely 
jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species 
or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical 
habitat. Findings from these consultations are included in a biological 
opinion and may cause modification of some regulatory measures 
previously proposed. The final frameworks reflect any modifications. 
The Service's biological opinions resulting from its Section 7 
consultation are public documents available for public inspection in 
the Service's Division of Endangered Species and MBMO, at the address 
indicated under the caption ADDRESSES.

Executive Order (E.O.) 12866

    This rule is economically significant and was reviewed by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under E.O. 12866.

Congressional Review

    In accordance with Section 251 of the Small Business Regulatory 
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (5 U.S.C. 8), this rule has been 
submitted to Congress and has been declared major. Because this rule 
establishes hunting seasons, this rule qualifies for an exemption under 
5 U.S.C. 808(1); therefore, the Department determines that this rule 
shall take effect immediately.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    These regulations have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq). In the March 13, 1997, Federal Register, the 
Service reported measures it took to comply with requirements of the 
Act. One measure was to prepare a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis 
(Analysis) in 1996 documenting the significant beneficial economic 
effect on a substantial number of small entities. The Analysis 
estimated that migratory bird hunters would spend between $254 and $592 
million at small businesses in 1996. Copies of the Analysis are 
available upon request from the MBMO.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Department examined these regulations under the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)). Under the Act, information 
collections must be approved by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB). The Service uses the various information collection requirements 
contained in this rule to develop future migratory game bird hunting 
regulations. Specifically, the information collection requirements of 
the Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program have been approved by 
OMB and assigned clearance number 1018-0015. This information is used 
to provide a sampling frame for voluntary national surveys to improve 
Service harvest estimates for all migratory game birds in order to 
better manage these populations. OMB approval for the Sandhill Crane 
Harvest Questionnaire, 1018-0023, has expired and has been submitted to 
OMB for reinstatement. The information from this survey is used to 
estimate the magnitude, the geographical and temporal distribution of 
harvest, and the portion its constitutes of the total population. The 
Service will not collect this information until OMB approval has been 
obtained and a Federal Register notice published. Additionally, no 
person may be required to respond to a collection of information unless 
it displays a currently valid OMB number.

Regulations Promulgation

    The rulemaking process for migratory game bird hunting must, by its 
nature, operate under severe time constraints. However, the Service 
intends that the public be given the greatest possible opportunity to 
comment on the regulations. Thus, when the preliminary proposed 
rulemaking was published, the Service established what it believed were 
the longest periods possible for public comment. In doing this, the 
Service recognized that when the comment period closed, time would be 
of the essence. That is, if there were a delay in the effective date of 
these regulations after this final rulemaking, the States would have 
insufficient time to select season dates and limits; to communicate 
those selections to the Service; and to establish and publicize the 
necessary regulations and procedures to implement their decisions.
    Therefore, the Service, under authority of the Migratory Bird 
Treaty Act (July 3, 1918), as amended, (16 U.S.C. 703-711), prescribes 
final frameworks setting forth the species to be hunted, the daily bag 
and possession limits, the shooting hours, the season lengths, the 
earliest opening and latest closing season dates, and hunting areas, 
from which State conservation agency officials may select hunting 
season dates and other options. Upon receipt of season and option 
selections from these officials, the Service will publish in the 
Federal Register a final rulemaking amending 50 CFR part 20 to reflect 
seasons, limits, and shooting hours for the conterminous United States 
for the 1997-98 season.
    The Service therefore finds that ``good cause'' exists, within the 
terms of 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) of the Administrative Procedure Act, and 
these frameworks will, therefore, take effect immediately upon 
publication.

Unfunded Mandates

    The Service has determined and certifies in compliance with the 
requirements of the Unfunded Mandates Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that 
this rulemaking will not impose a cost of $100 million or more in any 
given year on local or State government or private entities.

Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 12988

    The Department, in promulgating this rule, has determined that 
these regulations meet the applicable standards provided in Sections 
3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988.

Authorship

    The priamry author of this rule is Ronald W. Kokel, Office of 
Migratory Bird Management.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20

    Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Transportation, Wildlife.
    The rules that eventually will be promulgated for the 1997-98 
hunting season are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703-711, 16 U.S.C. 712, 
and 16 U.S.C. 742 a--j.


[[Page 44236]]


    Dated: August 8, 1997.
Donald J. Barry,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

Final Regulations Frameworks for 1997-98 Early Hunting Seasons on 
Certain Migratory Game Birds

    Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and delegated 
authorities, the Department of Interior approved the following 
frameworks which prescribe season lengths, bag limits, shooting hours, 
and outside dates within which States may select seasons for certain 
migratory game birds between September 1, 1997, and March 10, 1998.

General

    Dates: All outside dates noted below are inclusive.
    Shooting and Hawking (taking by falconry) Hours: Unless otherwise 
specified, from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset daily.
    Possession Limits: Unless otherwise specified, possession limits 
are twice the daily bag limit.
    Area, Zone, and Unit Descriptions: Geographic descriptions are 
contained in a later portion of this document.
    Compensatory Days in the Atlantic Flyway: In the Atlantic Flyway 
States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New 
Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, 
where Sunday hunting is prohibited statewide by State law, all Sundays 
are closed to all take of migratory waterfowl (including mergansers and 
coots).

Special September Teal Season

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and September 30, an open season 
on all species of teal may be selected by Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado 
(Central Flyway portion only), Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, 
Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico (Central Flyway portion 
only), Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas in areas delineated by 
State regulations.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 9 consecutive 
days, with a daily bag limit of 4 teal.
    Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except in 
Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Ohio, where the hours are 
from sunrise to sunset.

Special September Duck Seasons

    Florida: An experimental 5-consecutive-day season may be selected 
in September. The daily bag limit may not exceed 4 teal and wood ducks 
in the aggregate.
    Kentucky and Tennessee: In lieu of a special September teal season, 
an experimental 5-consecutive-day season may be selected in September. 
The daily bag limit may not exceed 4 teal and wood ducks in the 
aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be wood ducks.
    Iowa: Iowa may hold up to 5 days of its regular duck hunting season 
in September. All ducks which are legal during the regular duck season 
may be taken during the September segment of the season. The September 
season segment may commence no earlier than the Saturday nearest 
September 20 (September 20). The daily bag and possession limits will 
be the same as those in effect last year, but are subject to change 
during the late-season regulations process. The remainder of the 
regular duck season may not begin before October 10.

Special Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day

    Outside Dates: States may select 1 day per duck-hunting zone, 
designated as ``Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day'', in addition to their 
regular duck seasons. The day must be held outside any regular duck 
season on either a weekend, holiday, or other non-school day when youth 
hunters would have the maximum opportunity to participate. The day 
could be held up to 14 days before or after any regular duck-season 
frameworks or within any split of a regular duck season.
    Daily Bag Limits: The daily bag limit may include ducks, 
mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinules and would be the same as 
that allowed in the regular season. Flyway species restrictions would 
remain in effect.
    Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
    Participation Restrictions: Youth hunters must be 15 years of age 
or younger. In addition, an adult at least 18 years of age must 
accompany the youth hunter into the field. This adult could not duck 
hunt but may participate in other seasons that are open on the special 
youth day.

Scoter, Eider, and Oldsquaw Ducks (Atlantic Flyway)

    Outside Dates: Between September 15 and January 20.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 107 days, with 
a daily bag limit of 7, singly or in the aggregate of the listed sea-
duck species, of which no more than 4 may be scoters.
    Daily Bag Limits During the Regular Duck Season: Within the special 
sea duck areas, during the regular duck season in the Atlantic Flyway, 
States may choose to allow the above sea duck limits in addition to the 
limits applying to other ducks during the regular duck season. In all 
other areas, sea ducks may be taken only during the regular open season 
for ducks and must be included in the regular duck season daily bag and 
possession limits.
    Areas: In all coastal waters and all waters of rivers and streams 
seaward from the first upstream bridge in Maine, New Hampshire, 
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York; in any waters 
of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters of any bay which are 
separated by at least 1 mile of open water from any shore, island, and 
emergent vegetation in New Jersey, South Carolina, and Georgia; and in 
any waters of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters of any bay 
which are separated by at least 800 yards of open water from any shore, 
island, and emergent vegetation in Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina 
and Virginia; and provided that any such areas have been described, 
delineated, and designated as special sea-duck hunting areas under the 
hunting regulations adopted by the respective States.

Special Early Canada Goose Seasons

Atlantic Flyway

General Seasons
    Canada goose seasons of up to 15 days during September 1-15 may be 
selected for the Montezuma Region of New York; the Lake Champlain 
Region of New York and Vermont; the Counties of Caroline, Cecil, 
Dorchester, and Talbot in Maryland; Delaware; and Crawford County in 
Pennsylvania. Seasons not to exceed 20 days during September 1-20 may 
be selected for the Northeast Hunt Unit of North Carolina. Seasons may 
not exceed 25 days during September 1-25 in the remainder of the 
Flyway, except Georgia and Florida, where the season is closed. Areas 
open to the hunting of Canada geese must be described, delineated, and 
designated as such in each State's hunting regulations.
    Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 5 Canada geese.
Experimental Seasons
    Experimental Canada goose seasons of up to 30 days during September 
1-30 may be selected by New Jersey, New York (Long Island Zone), North 
Carolina (except in the Northeast Hunt Unit), and South Carolina. 
Experimental Canada goose seasons of up to 25 days during September 1-
25 may be selected in Crawford County, Pennsylvania. Areas open to the 
hunting of Canada geese must be described, delineated, and designated 
as such in each State's hunting regulations.

[[Page 44237]]

    Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 5 Canada geese.

Mississippi Flyway

General Seasons
    Canada goose seasons of up to 15 days during September 1-15 may be 
selected, except in the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, where the season 
may not extend beyond September 10, and in the Michigan Counties of 
Huron, Saginaw and Tuscola, where no special season may be held. The 
daily bag limit may not exceed 5 Canada geese. Areas open to the 
hunting of Canada geese must be described, delineated, and designated 
as such in each State's hunting regulations.

Central Flyway

General Seasons
    Canada goose seasons of up to 15 days during September 1-15 may be 
selected. The daily bag limit may not exceed 5 Canada geese. Areas open 
to the hunting of Canada geese must be described, delineated, and 
designated as such in each State's hunting regulations.

Pacific Flyway

General Seasons
    Wyoming may select an 8-day season on Canada geese between 
September 1-15. This season is subject to the following conditions:
    1. Where applicable, the season must be concurrent with the 
September portion of the sandhill crane season.
    2. All participants must have a valid State permit for the 
special season.
    3. A daily bag limit of 2, with season and possession limits of 
4 will apply to the special season.
    Oregon may select an experimental special Canada goose season of up 
to 15 days during the period September 1-20. Daily bag limits may not 
exceed 5 Canada geese. At a minimum, Oregon must provide an annual 
evaluation of the number of dusky Canada geese present in the hunt zone 
during the period September 16-20 and agree to adjust seasons as 
necessary to avoid any potential harvest of dusky Canada geese.
    Washington may select a special Canada goose season of up to 15 
days during the period September 1-15. Daily bag limits may not exceed 
3 Canada geese.
    Idaho may select a 15-day season in the special East Canada Goose 
Zone, as described in State regulations, during the period September 1-
15. All participants must have a valid State permit and the total 
number of permits issued is not to exceed 110 for this zone. The daily 
bag limit is 2.
    Idaho may select a 7-day Canada Goose Season during the period 
September 1-15 in Nez Perce County, with a bag limit of 4.
    California may select a 9-day season in Humboldt County during the 
period September 1-15.
    Areas open to hunting of Canada geese in each State must be 
described, delineated, and designated as such in each State's hunting 
regulations.

Regular Goose Seasons

    Regular goose seasons may open as early as September 20 in 
Wisconsin and September 27 in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Season 
lengths and bag and possession limits will be the same as those in 
effect last year, but are subject to change during the late-season 
regulations process.

Sandhill Cranes

Regular Seasons in the Central Flyway:

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and February 28.
    Hunting Seasons: Seasons not to exceed 58 consecutive days may be 
selected in designated portions of the following States: Colorado, 
Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Seasons not 
to exceed 93 consecutive days may be selected in designated portions of 
the following States: New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
    Daily Bag Limits: 3 sandhill cranes.
    Permits: Each person participating in the regular sandhill crane 
seasons must have a valid Federal sandhill crane hunting permit in 
their possession while hunting.

Special Seasons in the Central and Pacific Flyways:

    Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming 
may select seasons for hunting sandhill cranes within the range of the 
Rocky Mountain Population subject to the following conditions:
    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons: The season in any State or zone may not exceed 30 
days.
    Bag limits: Not to exceed 3 daily and 9 per season.
    Permits: Participants must have a valid permit, issued by the 
appropriate State, in their possession while hunting.
    Other provisions: Numbers of permits, open areas, season dates, 
protection plans for other species, and other provisions of seasons 
must be consistent with the management plan and approved by the Central 
and Pacific Flyway Councils. Seasons in the Park-Big Horn Unit in 
Wyoming and Idaho are experimental.

Common Moorhens and Purple Gallinules

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 20 in the Atlantic 
Flyway, and between September 1 and the Sunday nearest January 20 
(January 18) in the Mississippi and Central Flyways. States in the 
Pacific Flyway have been allowed to select their hunting seasons 
between the outside dates for the season on ducks; therefore, they are 
late-season frameworks and no frameworks are provided in this document.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Seasons may not exceed 70 
days in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways. Seasons may be 
split into 2 segments. The daily bag limit is 15 common moorhens and 
purple gallinules, singly or in the aggregate of the two species.

Rails

    Outside Dates: States included herein may select seasons between 
September 1 and January 20 on clapper, king, sora, and Virginia rails.
    Hunting Seasons: The season may not exceed 70 days, and may be 
split into 2 segments.
    Daily Bag Limits:
    Clapper and King Rails - In Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, 
Delaware, and Maryland, 10, singly or in the aggregate of the two 
species. In Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, 
South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, 15, singly or in the 
aggregate of the two species.
    Sora and Virginia Rails - In the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central 
Flyways and the Pacific-Flyway portions of Colorado, Montana, New 
Mexico, and Wyoming, 25 daily and 25 in possession, singly or in the 
aggregate of the two species. The season is closed in the remainder of 
the Pacific Flyway.

Common Snipe

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and February 28, except in 
Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, 
Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, 
where the season must end no later than January 31.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Seasons may not exceed 107 
days and may be split into two segments. The daily bag limit is 8 
snipe.

American Woodcock

    Outside Dates: States in the Atlantic Flyway may select hunting 
seasons between October 6 and January 31. States in the Central and 
Mississippi Flyways may select hunting seasons

[[Page 44238]]

between the Saturday nearest September 22 (September 20) and January 
31.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Seasons may not exceed 30 
days in the Atlantic Flyway and 45 days in the Central and Mississippi 
Flyways. The daily bag limit is 3. Seasons may be split into two 
segments.
    Zoning: New Jersey may select seasons in each of two zones. The 
season in each zone may not exceed 24 days.

Band-tailed Pigeons

Pacific Coast States (California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada)

    Outside Dates: Between September 15 and January 1.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 9 consecutive 
days, with bag and possession limits of 2 and 2 band-tailed pigeons, 
respectively.
    Permit Requirement: The appropriate State agency must issue permits 
or participate in the Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program.
    Zoning: California may select hunting seasons not to exceed 9 
consecutive days in each of two zones. The season in the North Zone 
must close by October 7.

Four-Corners States (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah)

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and November 30.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 30 consecutive 
days, with a daily bag limit of 5 band-tailed pigeons.
    Permit Requirement: The appropriate State agency must issue permits 
or participate in the Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program.
    Zoning: New Mexico may select hunting seasons not to exceed 20 
consecutive days in each of two zones. The season in the South Zone may 
not open until October 1.

Mourning Doves

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15, except as 
otherwise provided, States may select hunting seasons and daily bag 
limits as follows:

Eastern Management Unit (All States east of the Mississippi River, and 
Louisiana)

    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 70 days with a 
daily bag limit of 12, or not more than 60 days with a daily bag limit 
of 15.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: States may select hunting seasons in each 
of two zones. The season within each zone may be split into not more 
than three periods. The hunting seasons in the South Zones of Alabama, 
Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi may commence no earlier 
than September 20. Regulations for bag and possession limits, season 
length, and shooting hours must be uniform within specific hunting 
zones.

Central Management Unit (Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, 
Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South 
Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming)

    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 70 days with a 
daily bag limit of 12, or not more than 60 days with a daily bag limit 
of 15.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: States may select hunting seasons in each 
of two zones. The season within each zone may be split into not more 
than three periods. Texas may select hunting seasons for each of three 
zones subject to the following conditions:
    A. The hunting season may be split into not more than two periods, 
except in that portion of Texas in which the special white-winged dove 
season is allowed, where a limited mourning dove season may be held 
concurrently with that special season (see white-winged dove 
frameworks).
    B. A season may be selected for the North and Central Zones between 
September 1 and January 25; and for the South Zone between September 20 
and January 25.
    C. Each zone may have a daily bag limit of 12 doves (15 under the 
alternative) in the aggregate, no more than 2 of which may be white-
tipped doves, except that during the special white-winged dove season, 
the daily bag limit may not exceed 10 white-winged, mourning, and 
white-tipped doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 5 may be 
mourning doves and 2 may be white-tipped doves.
    D. Except as noted above, regulations for bag and possession 
limits, season length, and shooting hours must be uniform within each 
hunting zone.

Western Management Unit (Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, 
Utah, and Washington)

    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, 
and Washington - Not more than 30 consecutive days with a daily bag 
limit of 10 mourning doves (in Nevada, the daily bag limit may not 
exceed 10 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate).
    Arizona and California - Not more than 60 days which may be split 
between two periods, September 1-15 and November 1-January 15. In 
Arizona, during the first segment of the season, the daily bag limit is 
10 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate, of which no more 
than 6 may be white-winged doves. During the remainder of the season, 
the daily bag limit is restricted to 10 mourning doves. In California, 
the daily bag limit may not exceed 10 mourning and white-winged doves 
in the aggregate.

White-winged and White-tipped Doves

    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits:
    Except as shown below, seasons in Arizona, California, Florida, 
Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas must be concurrent with mourning dove 
seasons.
    Arizona may select a hunting season of not more than 30 consecutive 
days, running concurrently with the first segment of the mourning dove 
season. The daily bag limit may not exceed 10 mourning and white-winged 
doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 6 may be white-winged 
doves.
    In Florida, the daily bag limit may not exceed 12 mourning and 
white-winged doves (15 under the alternative) in the aggregate, of 
which no more than 4 may be white-winged doves.
    In the Nevada Counties of Clark and Nye, and in the California 
Counties of Imperial, Riverside, and San Bernardino, the daily bag 
limit may not exceed 10 mourning and white-winged doves in the 
aggregate.
    In New Mexico, the daily bag limit may not exceed 12 mourning and 
white-winged doves (15 under the alternative) in the aggregate.
    In Texas, the daily bag limit may not exceed 12 doves (15 under the 
alternative) in the aggregate, of which not more than 2 may be white-
tipped doves.
    In addition, Texas may also select a hunting season of not more 
than 4 days for the special white-winged dove area of the South Zone 
between September 1 and September 19. The daily bag limit may not 
exceed 10 white-winged, mourning, and white-tipped doves in the 
aggregate, of which no more than 5 may be mourning doves and 2 may be 
white-tipped doves.

Alaska

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 26.
    Hunting Seasons: Alaska may select 107 consecutive days for 
waterfowl, sandhill cranes, and common snipe in each of five zones. The 
season may be split without penalty in the Kodiak Zone. The seasons in 
each zone must be concurrent.

[[Page 44239]]

    Closures: The season is closed on Canada geese from Unimak Pass 
westward in the Aleutian Island chain. The hunting season is closed on 
Aleutian Canada geese, emperor geese, spectacled eiders, and Steller's 
eiders.
    Daily Bag and Possession limits:
    Ducks - Except as noted, a basic daily bag limit of 7 and a 
possession limit of 21 ducks. Daily bag and possession limits in the 
North Zone are 10 and 30, and in the Gulf Coast Zone they are 8 and 24, 
respectively. The basic limits may include no more than 1 canvasback 
daily and 3 in possession.
    In addition to the basic limit, there is a daily bag limit of 15 
and a possession limit of 30 scoter, common and king eiders, oldsquaw, 
harlequin, and common and red-breasted mergansers, singly or in the 
aggregate of these species.
    Light Geese - A basic daily bag limit of 3 and a possession limit 
of 6.
    Dark Geese - A basic daily bag limit of 4 and a possession limit of 
8.
    Dark-goose seasons are subject to the following exceptions:
    1. In Units 9(e) and 18, the limits for Canada geese are 1 daily 
and 2 in possession.
    2. In Units 5 and 6, the taking of Canada geese is permitted 
from September 28 through December 16. Middleton Island is closed to 
the taking of Canada geese.
    3. In Unit 10 (except Unimak Island), the taking of Canada geese 
is prohibited.
    4. In Unit 9(D) and the Unimak Island portion of Unit 10, the 
limits for dark geese are 6 daily and 12 in possession.
    Brant - A daily bag limit of 2.
    Common snipe - A daily bag limit of 8.
    Sandhill cranes - A daily bag limit of 3.
    Tundra Swans - Open seasons for tundra swans may be selected 
subject to the following conditions:
    1. All seasons are by registration permit only.
    2. All season Framework dates are September 1 - October 31.
    3. In GMU 18, no more than 500 permits may be issued during the 
operational season. No more than 3 tundra swans permits may be 
issued per hunter and permits must be issued sequentially one at a 
time, upon filing a harvest report.
    4. In GMU 22, no more than 300 permits may be issued during the 
operational season authorizing each permittee to take 1 tundra swan 
per season.
    5. In GMU 23, no more than 300 permits may be issued during the 
experimental season. No more than 3 tundra swans permits may be 
issued per hunter and permits must be issued sequentially, one at a 
time, upon filing a harvest report. The experimental season 
evaluation must adhere to the guidelines for experimental seasons as 
described in the Pacific Flyway Management Plan for the Western 
Population of (Tundra) Swans.

Hawaii

    Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons: Not more than 65 days (75 under the alternative) 
for mourning doves.
    Bag Limits: Not to exceed 15 (12 under the alternative) mourning 
doves.
    Note: Mourning doves may be taken in Hawaii in accordance with 
shooting hours and other regulations set by the State of Hawaii, and 
subject to the applicable provisions of 50 CFR part 20.

Puerto Rico

Doves and Pigeons:

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15.
    Hunting Seasons: Not more than 60 days.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Not to exceed 10 Zenaida, 
mourning, and white-winged doves in the aggregate. Not to exceed 5 
scaly-naped pigeons.
    Closed Areas: There is no open season on doves or pigeons in the 
following areas: Municipality of Culebra, Desecheo Island, Mona Island, 
El Verde Closure Area, and Cidra Municipality and adjacent areas.

Ducks, Coots, Moorhens, Gallinules, and Snipe:

    Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons: Not more than 55 days may be selected for hunting 
ducks, common moorhens, and common snipe. The season may be split into 
two segments.
    Daily Bag Limits:
    Ducks - Not to exceed 6.
    Common moorhens - Not to exceed 6.
    Common snipe - Not to exceed 8.
    Closed Seasons: The season is closed on the ruddy duck, white-
cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck, 
and masked duck, which are protected by the Commonwealth of Puerto 
Rico. The season also is closed on the purple gallinule, American coot, 
and Caribbean coot.
    Closed Areas: There is no open season on ducks, common moorhens, 
and common snipe in the Municipality of Culebra and on Desecheo Island.

Virgin Islands

Doves and Pigeons:

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15.
    Hunting Seasons: Not more than 60 days for Zenaida doves.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Not to exceed 10 Zenaida doves.
    Closed Seasons: No open season is prescribed for ground or quail 
doves, or pigeons in the Virgin Islands.
    Closed Areas: There is no open season for migratory game birds on 
Ruth Cay (just south of St. Croix).
    Local Names for Certain Birds: Zenaida dove, also known as mountain 
dove; bridled quail-dove, also known as Barbary dove or partridge; 
Common ground-dove, also known as stone dove, tobacco dove, rola, or 
tortolita; scaly-naped pigeon, also known as red-necked or scaled 
pigeon.

Ducks

    Outside Dates: Between December 1 and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons: Not more than 55 consecutive days.
    Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 6.
    Closed Seasons: The season is closed on the ruddy duck, white-
cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck, 
and masked duck.

Special Falconry Regulations

    Falconry is a permitted means of taking migratory game birds in any 
State meeting Federal falconry standards in 50 CFR 21.29(k). These 
States may select an extended season for taking migratory game birds in 
accordance with the following:
    Extended Seasons: For all hunting methods combined, the combined 
length of the extended season, regular season, and any special or 
experimental seasons shall not exceed 107 days for any species or group 
of species in a geographical area. Each extended season may be divided 
into a maximum of 3 segments.
    Framework Dates: Seasons must fall between September 1 and March 
10.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Falconry daily bag and possession 
limits for all permitted migratory game birds shall not exceed 3 and 6 
birds, respectively, singly or in the aggregate, during extended 
falconry seasons, any special or experimental seasons, and regular 
hunting seasons in all States, including those that do not select an 
extended falconry season.
    Regular Seasons: General hunting regulations, including seasons and 
hunting hours, apply to falconry in each State listed in 50 CFR 
21.29(k). Regular-season bag and possession limits do not apply to 
falconry. The falconry bag limit is not in addition to gun limits.

Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions

    Central Flyway portion of the following States consists of:
    Colorado: That area lying east of the Continental Divide.

[[Page 44240]]

    Montana: That area lying east of Hill, Chouteau, Cascade, Meagher, 
and Park Counties.
    New Mexico: That area lying east of the Continental Divide but 
outside the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation.
    Wyoming: That area lying east of the Continental Divide and 
excluding the Great Divide Portion.
    The remaining portions of these States are in the Pacific Flyway.

Mourning and White-winged Doves

    Alabama
    South Zone - Baldwin, Barbour, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Dale, 
Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Mobile Counties.
    North Zone - Remainder of the State.
    California
    White-winged Dove Open Areas - Imperial, Riverside, and San 
Bernardino Counties.
    Florida
    Northwest Zone - The Counties of Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, 
Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, 
Washington, Leon (except that portion north of U.S. 27 and east of 
State Road 155), Jefferson (south of U.S. 27, west of State Road 59 and 
north of U.S. 98), and Wakulla (except that portion south of U.S. 98 
and east of the St. Marks River).
    South Zone - Remainder of State.
    Georgia
    Northern Zone - That portion of the State lying north of a line 
running west to east along U.S. Highway 280 from Columbus to Wilcox 
County, thence southward along the western border of Wilcox County; 
thence east along the southern border of Wilcox County to the Ocmulgee 
River, thence north along the Ocmulgee River to Highway 280, thence 
east along Highway 280 to the Little Ocmulgee River; thence southward 
along the Little Ocmulgee River to the Ocmulgee River; thence 
southwesterly along the Ocmulgee River to the western border of the 
Jeff Davis County; thence south along the western border of Jeff Davis 
County; thence east along the southern border of Jeff Davis and Appling 
Counties; thence north along the eastern border of Appling County, to 
the Altamaha River; thence east to the eastern border of Tattnall 
County; thence north along the eastern border of Tattnall County; 
thence north along the western border of Evans to Candler County; 
thence west along the southern border of Candler County to the Ohoopee 
River; thence north along the western border of Candler County to 
Bulloch County; thence north along the western border of Bulloch County 
to U.S. Highway 301; thence northeast along U.S. Highway 301 to the 
South Carolina line.
    South Zone - Remainder of the State.
    Louisiana
    North Zone - That portion of the State north of Interstate Highway 
10 from the Texas State line to Baton Rouge, Interstate Highway 12 from 
Baton Rouge to Slidell and Interstate Highway 10 from Slidell to the 
Mississippi State line.
    South Zone - The remainder of the State.
    Mississippi
    South Zone - The Counties of Forrest, George, Greene, Hancock, 
Harrison, Jackson, Lamar, Marion, Pearl River, Perry, Pike, Stone, and 
Walthall.
    North Zone - The remainder of the State.
    Nevada
    White-winged Dove Open Areas - Clark and Nye Counties.
    Texas
    North Zone - That portion of the State north of a line beginning at 
the International Bridge south of Fort Hancock; north along FM 1088 to 
TX 20; west along TX 20 to TX 148; north along TX 148 to I-10 at Fort 
Hancock; east along I-10 to I-20; northeast along I-20 to I-30 at Fort 
Worth; northeast along I-30 to the Texas-Arkansas State line.
    South Zone - That portion of the State south and west of a line 
beginning at the International Bridge south of Del Rio, proceeding east 
on U.S. 90 to San Antonio; then east on I-10 to Orange, Texas.
    Special White-winged Dove Area in the South Zone - That portion of 
the State south and west of a line beginning at the International 
Bridge south of Del Rio, proceeding east on U.S. 90 to Uvalde; south on 
U.S. 83 to TX 44; east along TX 44 to TX 16 at Freer; south along TX 16 
to TX 285 at Hebbronville; east along TX 285 to FM 1017; southwest 
along FM 1017 to TX 186 at Linn; east along TX 186 to the Mansfield 
Channel at Port Mansfield; east along the Mansfield Channel to the Gulf 
of Mexico.
    Area with additional restrictions - Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and 
Willacy Counties.
    Central Zone - That portion of the State lying between the North 
and South Zones.

Band-tailed Pigeons

    California
    North Zone - Alpine, Butte, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lassen, 
Mendocino, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity 
Counties.
    South Zone - The remainder of the State.
    New Mexico
    North Zone - North of a line following U.S. 60 from the Arizona 
State line east to I-25 at Socorro and then south along I-25 from 
Socorro to the Texas State line.
    South Zone - Remainder of the State.
    Washington
    Western Washington - The State of Washington excluding those 
portions lying east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of the Big 
White Salmon River in Klickitat County.

Woodcock

    New Jersey
    North Zone - That portion of the State north of NJ 70.
    South Zone - The remainder of the State.

Special September Goose Seasons

Atlantic Flyway

    Connecticut
    North Zone - That portion of the State north of I-95.
    Maryland
    Eastern Unit - Anne Arundel, Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Charles, 
Dorchester, Harford, St. Marys, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and 
Worcester Counties, and those portions of Baltimore, Howard, and Prince 
Georges Counties east of I-95.
    Western Unit - Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Montgomery, 
and Washington Counties, and those portions of Baltimore, Howard, and 
Prince Georges Counties east of I-95.
    Massachusetts
    Western Zone - That portion of the State west of a line extending 
south from the Vermont border on I-91 to MA 9, west on MA 9 to MA 10, 
south on MA 10 to U.S. 202, south on U.S. 202 to the Connecticut 
border.
    Central Zone - That portion of the State east of the Berkshire Zone 
and west of a line extending south from the New Hampshire border on I-
95 to U.S. 1, south on U.S. 1 to I-93, south on I-93 to MA 3, south on 
MA 3 to U.S. 6, west on U.S. 6 to MA 28, west on MA 28 to I-195, west 
to the Rhode Island border; except the waters, and the lands 150 yards 
inland from the high-water mark, of the Assonet River upstream to the 
MA 24 bridge, and the Taunton River upstream to the Center St.-Elm St. 
bridge shall be in the Coastal Zone.
    Coastal Zone - That portion of Massachusetts east and south of the 
Central Zone.
    New Hampshire
    Early-season Hunt Unit - Cheshire, Hillsborough, Rockingham, and 
Strafford Counties.
    New York
    Lake Champlain Zone - The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and that 
area

[[Page 44241]]

east and north of a line extending along NY 9B from the Canadian border 
to U.S. 9, south along U.S. 9 to NY 22 south of Keesville; south along 
NY 22 to the west shore of South Bay, along and around the shoreline of 
South Bay to NY 22 on the east shore of South Bay; southeast along NY 
22 to U.S. 4, northeast along U.S. 4 to the Vermont border.
    Long Island Zone - That area consisting of Nassau County, Suffolk 
County, that area of Westchester County southeast of I-95, and their 
tidal waters.
    Western Zone - That area west of a line extending from Lake Ontario 
east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, and south along 
I-81 to the Pennsylvania border, except for the Montezuma Zone.
    Montezuma Zone - Those portions of Cayuga, Seneca, Ontario, Wayne, 
and Oswego Counties north of U.S. Route 20, east of NYS Route 14, south 
of NYS Route 104, and west of NYS Route 34.
    Northeastern Zone - That area north of a line extending from Lake 
Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, south 
along I-81 to NY 49, east along NY 49 to NY 365, east along NY 365 to 
NY 28, east along NY 28 to NY 29, east along NY 29 to I-87, north along 
I-87 to U.S. 9 (at Exit 20), north along U.S. 9 to NY 149, east along 
NY 149 to U.S. 4, north along U.S. 4 to the Vermont border, exclusive 
of the Lake Champlain Zone.
    Southeastern Zone - The remaining portion of New York.
    North Carolina
    Northeast Hunt Unit - Counties of Bertie, Camden, Chovan, 
Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington.
    South Carolina
    Early-season Hunt Unit - Clarendon County and those portions of 
Orangeburg County north of SC Highway 6 and Berkeley County north of SC 
Highway 45 from the Orangeburg County line to the junction of SC 
Highway 45 and State Road S-8-31 and west of the Santee Dam.

Mississippi Flyway

    Illinois
    Northeast Canada Goose Zone - Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, 
Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties.
    North Zone: That portion of the State outside the Northeast Canada 
Goose Zone and north of a line extending east from the Iowa border 
along Illinois Highway 92 to Interstate Highway 280, east along I-280 
to I-80, then east along I-80 to the Indiana border.
    Central Zone: That portion of the State outside the Northeast 
Canada Goose Zone and south of the North Zone to a line extending east 
from the Missouri border along the Modoc Ferry route to Modoc Ferry 
Road, east along Modoc Ferry Road to Modoc Road, northeasterly along 
Modoc Road and St. Leo's Road to Illinois Highway 3, north along 
Illinois 3 to Illinois 159, north along Illinois 159 to Illinois 161, 
east along Illinois 161 to Illinois 4, north along Illinois 4 to 
Interstate Highway 70, east along I-70 to the Bond County line, north 
and east along the Bond County line to Fayette County, north and east 
along the Fayette County line to Effingham County, east and south along 
the Effingham County line to I-70, then east along I-70 to the Indiana 
border.
    Iowa
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending 
east from the Nebraska border along State Highway 175 to State 37, 
southeast along State 37 to U.S. Highway 59, south along U.S. 59 to 
Interstate Highway 80, then east along I-80 to the Illinois border.
    South Zone: The remainder of Iowa.
    Minnesota
    Twin Cities Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone -
    A. All of Hennepin and Ramsey Counties.
    B. In Anoka County, all of Columbus Township lying south of County 
State Aid Highway (CSAH) 18, Anoka County; all of the cities of Ramsey, 
Andover, Anoka, Coon Rapids, Spring Lake Park, Fridley, Hilltop, 
Columbia Heights, Blaine, Lexington, Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, and 
Centerville; and all of the city of Ham Lake except that portion lying 
north of CSAH 18 and east of U.S. Highway 65.
    C. That part of Carver County lying north and east of the following 
described line: Beginning at the northeast corner of San Francisco 
Township; thence west along the north boundary of San Francisco 
Township to the east boundary of Dahlgren Township; thence north along 
the east boundary of Dahlgren Township to U.S. Highway 212; thence west 
along U.S. Highway 212 to State Trunk Highway (STH) 284; thence north 
on STH 284 to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 10; thence north and west 
on CSAH 10 to CSAH 30; thence north and west on CSAH 30 to STH 25; 
thence east and north on STH 25 to CSAH 10; thence north on CSAH 10 to 
the Carver County line.
    D. In Scott County, all of the cities or Shakopee, Savage, Prior 
Lake, and Jordan, and all of the Townships of Jackson, Louisville, St. 
Lawrence, Sand Creek, Spring Lake, and Credit River.
    E. In Dakota County, all of the cities of Burnsville, Eagan, 
Mendota Heights, Mendota, Sunfish Lake, Inver Grove Heights, Apple 
Valley, Lakeville, Rosemount, Farmington, Hastings, Lilydale, West St. 
Paul, and South St. Paul, and all of the Township of Nininger.
    F. That portion of Washington County lying south of the following 
described line: Beginning at County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 2 on the 
west boundary of the county; thence east on CSAH 2 to U.S. Highway 61; 
thence south on U.S. Highway 61 to State Trunk Highway (STH) 97; thence 
east on STH 97 to the intersection of STH 97 and STH 95; thence due 
east to the east boundary of the state.
    Northwest Goose Zone (included for reference only, not a special 
September Goose Season Zone) - That portion of the State encompassed by 
a line extending east from the North Dakota border along U.S. Highway 2 
to State Trunk Highway (STH) 32, north along STH 32 to STH 92, east 
along STH 92 to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 2 in Polk County, north 
along CSAH 2 to CSAH 27 in Pennington County, north along CSAH 27 to 
STH 1, east along STH 1 to CSAH 28 in Pennington County, north along 
CSAH 28 to CSAH 54 in Marshall County, north along CSAH 54 to CSAH 9 in 
Roseau County, north along CSAH 9 to STH 11, west along STH 11 to STH 
310, and north along STH 310 to the Manitoba border.
    Five Goose Zone - That portion of the state encompassed by a line 
extending north from the Iowa border along U.S. Interstate Highway 35 
to the south boundary of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Canada Goose 
Zone, then west and north along the boundary of the Twin Cities 
Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone to U.S. Interstate 94, then west and 
north on U.S. Interstate 94 to the North Dakota border.
    Two Goose Zone - That portion of the state to the north of a line 
extending east from the North Dakota border along U.S. Interstate 94 to 
the boundary of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone, then 
north and east along the Twin Cities Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone 
boundary to the Wisconsin border, except the Northwest Goose Zone and 
that portion of the State encompassed by a line extending north from 
the Iowa border along U.S. Interstate 35 to the south boundary of the 
Twin Cities Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone, then east on the Twin Cites 
Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone boundary to the Wisconsin border.
    Tennessee
    Middle Tennessee Zone - Those portions of Houston, Humphreys, 
Montgomery, Perry, and Wayne Counties east of State Highway 13; and 
Bedford, Cannon, Cheatham, Coffee,

[[Page 44242]]

Davidson, Dickson, Franklin, Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, 
Macon, Marshall, Maury, Moore, Robertson, Rutherford, Smith, Sumner, 
Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson Counties.
    Cumberland Plateau Zone - Bledsoe, Bradley, Clay, Cumberland, 
Dekalb, Fentress, Grundy, Hamilton, Jackson, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, 
Morgan, Overton, Pickett, Polk, Putnam, Rhea, Roane, Scott, Sequatchie, 
Van Buren, Warren, and White Counties.
    East Tennessee Zone - Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Carter, 
Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, 
Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, 
Union, and Washington Counties.
    Wisconsin
    Early-Season Subzone A - That portion of the State encompassed by a 
line beginning at the Lake Michigan shore in Sheboygan, then west along 
State Highway 23 to State 67, southerly along State 67 to County 
Highway E in Sheboygan County, southerly along County E to State 28, 
south and west along State 28 to U.S. Highway 41, southerly along U.S. 
41 to State 33, westerly along State 33 to County Highway U in 
Washington County, southerly along County U to County N, southeasterly 
along County N to State 60, westerly along State 60 to County Highway P 
in Dodge County, southerly along County P to County O, westerly along 
County O to State 109, south and west along State 109 to State 26, 
southerly along State 26 to U.S. 12, southerly along U.S. 12 to State 
89, southerly along State 89 to U.S. 14, southerly along U.S. 14 to the 
Illinois border, east along the Illinois border to the Michigan border 
in Lake Michigan, north along the Michigan border in Lake Michigan to a 
point directly east of State 23 in Sheboygan, then west along that line 
to the point of beginning on the Lake Michigan shore in Sheboygan.
    Early-Season Subzone B - That portion of the State between Early-
Season Subzone A and a line beginning at the intersection of U.S. 
Highway 141 and the Michigan border near Niagara, then south along U.S. 
141 to State Highway 22, west and southwest along State 22 to U.S. 45, 
south along U.S. 45 to State 22, west and south along State 22 to State 
110, south along State 110 to U.S. 10, south along U.S. 10 to State 49, 
south along State 49 to State 23, west along State 23 to State 73, 
south along State 73 to State 60, west along State 60 to State 23, 
south along State 23 to State 11, east along State 11 to State 78, then 
south along State 78 to the Illinois border.

Central Flyway

    South Dakota
    Unit A - Deuel, Hamlin, Codington, and Day Counties.
    Unit B - Brookings, Clark, Kingsbury, and Lake Counties and those 
portions of Moody County west of I-29 and Miner County east of SD 
Highway 25.

Pacific Flyway

    Idaho
    East Zone - Bonneville, Caribou, Fremont and Teton Counties.
    Oregon
    Northwest Zone - Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Lane, 
Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk, Multnomah, Tillamook, Washington, and 
Yamhill Counties.
    Southwest Zone - Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, and 
Klamath Counties.
    East Zone - Baker, Gilliam, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, 
Union and Wasco Counties.
    Washington
    Southwest Zone - Clark, Cowlitz, Pacific, and Wahkiakum Counties.
    East Zone - Asotin, Benton, Columbia, Garfield, Klickitat, and 
Whitman Counties.
    Wyoming
    Bear River Area - That portion of Lincoln County described in State 
regulations.
    Salt River Area - That portion of Lincoln County described in State 
regulations.
    Farson-Edon Area - Those portions of Sweetwater and Sublette 
Counties described in State regulations.
    Teton Area - Those portions of Teton County described in State 
regulations.

Ducks

Mississippi Flyway

    Iowa
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending 
east from the Nebraska border along State Highway 175 to State 37, 
southeast along State 37 to U.S. Highway 59, south along U.S. 59 to 
Interstate Highway 80, then east along I-80 to the Illinois border.
    South Zone: The remainder of Iowa.

Sandhill Cranes

Central Flyway

    Colorado
    Regular-Season Open Area - The Central Flyway portion of the State 
except the San Luis Valley (Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Hinsdale, 
Mineral, Rio Grande and Saguache Counties east of the Continental 
Divide) and North Park (Jackson County).
    Kansas
    Regular Season Open Area - That portion of the State west of a line 
beginning at the Oklahoma border, north on I-35 to Wichita, north on I-
135 to Salina, and north on U.S. 81 to the Nebraska border.
    New Mexico
    Regular-Season Open Area - Chaves, Curry, De Baca, Eddy, Lea, Quay, 
and Roosevelt Counties.
    Middle Rio Grande Valley Area - The Central Flyway portion of New 
Mexico in Socorro and Valencia Counties.
    Southwest Zone - Sierra, Luna, and Dona Ana Counties.
    Oklahoma
    Regular-Season Open Area - That portion of the State west of I-35.
    Texas
    Regular-Season Open Area - That portion of the State west of a line 
from the International Toll Bridge at Brownsville along U.S. 77 to 
Victoria; U.S. 87 to Placedo; Farm Road 616 to Blessing; State 35 to 
Alvin; State 6 to U.S. 290; U.S. 290 to Austin; I-35 to the Texas-
Oklahoma border.
    North Dakota
    Regular-Season Open Area - That portion of the State west of U.S. 
281.
    South Dakota
    Regular-Season Open Area - That portion of the State west of U.S. 
281.
    Montana
    Regular-Season Open Area - The Central Flyway portion of the State 
except that area south of I-90 and west of the Bighorn River.
    Wyoming
    Regular-Season Open Area - Campbell, Converse, Crook, Goshen, 
Laramie, Niobrara, Platte, and Weston Counties.
    Riverton-Boysen Unit - Portions of Fremont County.
    Park and Bighorn County Unit - Portions of Park and Bighorn 
Counties.

Pacific Flyway

    Arizona
    Special-Season Area - Game Management Units 30A, 30B, 31, and 32.
    Montana
    Special-Season Area - See State regulations.
    Utah
    Special-Season Area - Rich County.
    Wyoming
    Bear River Area - That portion of Lincoln County described in State 
regulations.
    Salt River Area - That portion of Lincoln County described in State 
regulations.
    Eden-Farson Area - Those portions of Sweetwater and Sublette 
Counties described in State regulations.

All Migratory Game Birds in Alaska

    North Zone - State Game Management Units 11-13 and 17-26.

[[Page 44243]]

    Gulf Coast Zone - State Game Management Units 5-7, 9, 14-16, and 10 
- Unimak Island only.
    Southeast Zone - State Game Management Units 1-4.
    Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zone - State Game Management Unit 10 
- except Unimak Island.
    Kodiak Zone - State Game Management Unit 8.

All Migratory Birds in the Virgin Islands

    Ruth Cay Closure Area - The island of Ruth Cay, just south of St. 
Croix.

All Migratory Birds in Puerto Rico

    Municipality of Culebra Closure Area - All of the municipality of 
Culebra.
    Desecheo Island Closure Area - All of Desecheo Island.
    Mona Island Closure Area - All of Mona Island.
    El Verde Closure Area - Those areas of the municipalities of Rio 
Grande and Loiza delineated as follows: (1) All lands between Routes 
956 on the west and 186 on the east, from Route 3 on the north to the 
juncture of Routes 956 and 186 (Km 13.2) in the south; (2) all lands 
between Routes 186 and 966 from the juncture of 186 and 966 on the 
north, to the Caribbean National Forest Boundary on the south; (3) all 
lands lying west of Route 186 for one kilometer from the juncture of 
Routes 186 and 956 south to Km 6 on Route 186; (4) all lands within Km 
14 and Km 6 on the west and the Caribbean National Forest Boundary on 
the east; and (5) all lands within the Caribbean National Forest 
Boundary whether private or public.
    Cidra Municipality and adjacent areas - All of Cidra Municipality 
and portions of Aguas, Buenas, Caguas, Cayer, and Comerio 
Municipalities as encompassed within the following boundary: beginning 
on Highway 172 as it leaves the municipality of Cidra on the west edge, 
north to Highway 156, east on Highway 156 to Highway 1, south on 
Highway 1 to Highway 765, south on Highway 765 to Highway 763, south on 
Highway 763 to the Rio Guavate, west along Rio Guavate to Highway 1, 
southwest on Highway 1 to Highway 14, west on Highway 14 to Highway 
729, north on Highway 729 to Cidra Municipality boundary to the point 
of beginning.
[FR Doc. 97-22047 Filed 8-19-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-F