[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 168 (Thursday, August 31, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41344-41355]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-18401]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 20

[Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2016-0051; FF09M21200-178-FXMB1231099BPP0]
RIN 1018-BB40


Migratory Bird Hunting; Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on 
Certain Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands for the 2017-18 
Season

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Interim final rule.

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SUMMARY: This rule prescribes special migratory bird hunting 
regulations for certain Tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-
reservation trust lands, and ceded lands. This rule allows the 
establishment of season bag limits and, thus, harvest at levels 
compatible with populations and habitat conditions in recognition of 
their authority to regulate hunting under established guidelines. The 
proposed rule for the 2017-18 season was delayed, requiring this 
interim final rule to allow Tribes to begin hunting in September. This 
interim rule will be replaced when the proposed rule is finalized.

DATES: This rule takes effect on September 1, 2017. Comments on this 
rule must be received by September 21, 2017.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this interim rule and the related 
proposed rule (see 82 FR 39716, August 22, 2017) by one of the 
following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments on Docket No. FWS-HQ-
MB-2016-0051.
    <bullet> U.S. mail or hand delivery: Public Comments Processing, 
Attn: FWS-HQ-MB-2016-0051; Division of Policy, Performance, and 
Management Programs; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; MS: BPHC; 5275 
Leesburg Pike; Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.
    We will post all comments on http://www.regulations.gov. This 
generally means that we will post any personal information you provide 
us (see Public Comments, below, for more information).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron W. Kokel, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Department of the Interior, MS: MB, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls 
Church, VA 22041-3803; (703) 358-1967.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of July 3, 1918 (16 U.S.C. 703 
et seq.), authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Department of the 
Interior, having due regard for the zones of temperature and for the 
distribution, abundance, economic value, breeding habits, and times and 
lines of flight of migratory game birds, to determine when, to what 
extent, and by what means such birds or any part, nest, or egg thereof 
may be taken, hunted, captured, killed, possessed, sold, purchased, 
shipped, carried, exported, or transported.
    In the August 22, 2017, Federal Register (82 FR 39716), we proposed 
special migratory bird hunting regulations for the 2017-18 hunting 
season for certain Indian tribes, under the guidelines described in the 
June 4, 1985, Federal Register (50 FR 23467). The guidelines respond to 
tribal requests for Service recognition of their reserved hunting 
rights, and for some tribes, recognition of their authority to regulate 
hunting by both tribal members and nonmembers on their reservations. 
The guidelines include possibilities for:
    (1) On-reservation hunting by both tribal members and nonmembers, 
with hunting by nontribal members on some reservations to take place 
within Federal frameworks but on dates different from those selected by 
the surrounding State(s);
    (2) On-reservation hunting by tribal members only, outside of usual 
Federal frameworks for season dates and length, and for daily bag and 
possession limits; and
    (3) Off-reservation hunting by tribal members on ceded lands, 
outside of usual framework dates and season length, with some added 
flexibility in daily bag and possession limits.
    In all cases, the regulations established under the guidelines must 
be consistent with the March 10-September 1 closed season mandated by 
the 1916 Migratory Bird Treaty with Canada.
    Because some tribal seasons begin September 1, before the September 
21, 2017, closing date of the comment period and finalization of the 
August 22,

[[Page 41345]]

2017, proposed rule (82 FR 39716), we are publishing this interim final 
rule to allow these tribes to conduct their hunting seasons. In 
compliance with the MBTA, this rule opens the seasons on the dates set 
forth in the rule portion of this document, thereby allowing 
individuals to legally partake in hunting on these lands. Without 
publication of this rule, hunting of migratory birds on certain Tribal 
ceded lands as requested by the Tribes would be prohibited until we can 
conclude the rulemaking process initiated by the August 22, 2017, 
proposed rule (82 FR 39716).
    The provisions in this interim rule are the same as those set forth 
in our September 9, 2016, final rule (81 FR 62404) except that, in this 
interim rule, the season opening and closing dates are updated for the 
2017-18 hunting seasons. In one case where we received a 2017-18 
proposal from a Tribe (Klamath) that was not included in the 2016 final 
rule, we have included that proposal in these interim final rule 
regulations using the Tribe's approved seasons from a previous season's 
final rule for 2014-15 (79 FR 57405-57406, September 24, 2014). In 
other words, although the dates are different, the date ranges, bag 
limits, and other restrictions are identical to the previous final 
rule. We are using the provisions of the September 9, 2016, final rule 
(81 FR 62404) as the provisions for this interim final rule as the 2016 
rule is the most recent Tribal final rule and the public is familiar 
with it, having already commented on it with the exception of the 
specific 2017-18 season dates. To summarize the 2016 final rule 
process: On May 27, 2016, we published proposed special migratory bird 
hunting regulations for the 2016-17 hunting season for certain Indian 
Tribes (81 FR 34226). The comment period for the May 27, 2016, proposed 
rule closed on June 27, 2016. We addressed the nine comments received 
in a final rule of September 9, 2016 (81 FR 62404). That final rule 
established regulatory provisions that are codified in title 50 of the 
Code of Federal Regulations at 50 CFR 20.110 and are the basis for this 
interim final rule.
    Moreover, in the August 22, 2017, proposed rule (82 FR 39716), we 
proposed changes to the regulations in 50 CFR 20.110 that would 
establish in most cases substantially similar season opening and 
closing dates that are set forth in this interim rule. The proposed 
regulatory revisions are the result of a collaborative process between 
the Service and the Tribes. Comments are due on the proposed rule on 
September 21, 2017. Following our consideration of the comments 
received, we will issue a final rule that will replace the regulatory 
provisions in this interim rule. The public is also welcome to comment 
on this interim final rule during the comment period for the proposed 
rule that closes September 21.
    With the changeover in administrations, the proposed rule was 
delayed, preventing issuance of a final rule in time for all Tribes' 
normal hunting seasons. We do not intend to use an interim final rule 
again for this purpose as doing so prevents Tribes from using 
provisions that they may have proposed at the beginning of the hunting 
season. We regret any confusion that this delay in the normal 
rulemaking process may cause. In future Tribal rulemaking actions, we 
expect to have a final rule in place before the start of the Tribes' 
hunting seasons.
    The interim final rule described here sets migratory bird hunting 
regulations on certain Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands for 
the 2017-18 season. It sets hunting seasons, hours, areas, and limits 
for migratory game bird species on reservations and ceded territories. 
When the August 22, 2017, proposed rule (82 FR 39716) is finalized, 
that rule will replace this interim final rule. The new final rule may 
have extended dates, different bag limits, and other provisions 
compared to this interim final rule.

Population Status and Harvest

    Each year we publish various species status reports that provide 
detailed information on the status and harvest of migratory game birds, 
including information on the methodologies and results. These reports 
are available at the address indicated under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT or from our Web site at https://www.fws.gov/birds/surveys-and-data/reports-and-publications/population-status.php.
    We used the following reports: Adaptive Harvest Management, 2017 
Hunting Season (August 2016); American Woodcock Population Status, 2016 
(August 2016); Band-tailed Pigeon Population Status, 2016 (September 
2016); Migratory Bird Hunting Activity and Harvest During the 2014-15 
and 2015-16 Hunting Seasons (October 2016); Mourning Dove Population 
Status, 2016 (August 2016); Status and Harvests of Sandhill Cranes, 
Mid-continent, Rocky Mountain, Lower Colorado River Valley and Eastern 
Populations, 2016 (September 2016); and Waterfowl Population Status, 
2016 (August 2016).

Required Determinations

Executive Order 13771--Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory 
Costs

    This action is not subject to Executive Order (E.O.) 13771 (82 FR 
9339, February 3, 2017) because it is issued with respect to routine 
hunting and fishing activities.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Consideration

    The programmatic document, ``Second Final Supplemental 
Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual Regulations 
Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (EIS 20130139),'' filed 
with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on May 24, 2013, 
addresses NEPA compliance by the Service for issuance of the annual 
framework regulations for hunting of migratory game bird species. We 
published a notice of availability in the Federal Register on May 31, 
2013 (78 FR 32686), and our Record of Decision on July 26, 2013 (78 FR 
45376). We also address NEPA compliance for waterfowl hunting 
frameworks through the annual preparation of separate environmental 
assessments, the most recent being ``Duck Hunting Regulations for 2017-
18,'' with its corresponding April 7, 2017, finding of no significant 
impact. The programmatic document, as well as the separate 
environmental assessments, is available on our Web site at https://www.fws.gov/birds/index.php or from the address indicated under the 
caption FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

Endangered Species Act Consideration

    Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), provides that, ``The Secretary shall review other 
programs administered by him and utilize such programs in furtherance 
of the purposes of this Act'' (and) shall ``insure that any action 
authorized, funded, or carried out * * * is not likely to jeopardize 
the continued existence of any endangered species or threatened species 
or result in the destruction or adverse modification of [critical] 
habitat. * * *.'' Consequently, we conducted formal consultations to 
ensure that actions resulting from the annual migratory game bird 
hunting regulations, which includes the tribal hunting process, would 
not likely jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or 
threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification 
of their critical habitat. Findings from these consultations are 
included in a biological opinion, which concluded

[[Page 41346]]

that the regulations are not likely to jeopardize the continued 
existence of any endangered or threatened species. Our biological 
opinions resulting from this section 7 consultation are public 
documents available for public inspection at the address indicated 
under ADDRESSES.

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)

    E.O. 12866 provides that the Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs (OIRA) will review all significant rules. OIRA has determined 
that the annual migratory bird hunting regulations, of which this rule 
is one part, are significant because these regulations have an annual 
effect of $100 million or more on the economy.
    E.O. 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while calling for 
improvements in the nation's regulatory system to promote 
predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most 
innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends. 
The executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches 
that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for 
the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and 
consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further 
that regulations must be based on the best available science and that 
the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open 
exchange of ideas. We will develop our final rule in a manner 
consistent with these requirements.
    An economic analysis was prepared for the 2013-14 season. This 
analysis was based on data from the 2011 National Hunting and Fishing 
Survey, the most recent year for which data are available (see 
discussion in Regulatory Flexibility Act section below). We used this 
analysis again for the 2017-18 season. This analysis estimated consumer 
surplus for three alternatives for duck hunting (estimates for other 
species are not quantified due to lack of data). The alternatives are 
(1) issue restrictive regulations allowing fewer days than those issued 
during the 2012-13 season, (2) issue moderate regulations allowing more 
days than those in alternative 1, and (3) issue liberal regulations 
identical to the regulations in the 2012-13 season. For the 2013-14 
season, we chose Alternative 3, with an estimated consumer surplus 
across all flyways of $317.8-$416.8 million. We also chose alternative 
3 for the 2009-10, the 2010-11, the 2011-12, the 2012-13, the 2014-15, 
the 2015-16, the 2016-17, and the 2017-18 seasons. The 2013-14 analysis 
is part of the record for this rule and is available at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2016-0051.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The annual migratory bird hunting regulations have a significant 
economic impact on substantial numbers of small entities under the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). We analyzed the 
economic impacts of the annual hunting regulations on small business 
entities in detail as part of the 1981 cost-benefit analysis. This 
analysis was revised annually from 1990-95. In 1995, the Service issued 
a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis), which was subsequently 
updated in 1996, 1998, 2004, 2008, and 2013. The primary source of 
information about hunter expenditures for migratory game bird hunting 
is the National Hunting and Fishing Survey, which is conducted at 5-
year intervals. The 2013 Analysis was based on the 2011 National 
Hunting and Fishing Survey and the U.S. Department of Commerce's County 
Business Patterns, from which it was estimated that migratory bird 
hunters would spend approximately $1.5 billion at small businesses in 
2013. Copies of the Analysis are available upon request from the 
Division of Migratory Bird Management (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT) or from http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-
2016-0051.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

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

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This rule does not contain any new information collection that 
requires approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
3501 et seq.). We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required 
to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a 
currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. 
OMB has reviewed and approved the information collection requirements 
associated with migratory bird surveys and assigned the following OMB 
control numbers:
    <bullet> 1018-0019--North American Woodcock Singing Ground Survey 
(expires 5/31/2018).
    <bullet> 1018-0023--Migratory Bird Surveys (expires 8/31/2020). 
Includes Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program, Migratory Bird 
Hunter Surveys, Sandhill Crane Survey, and Parts Collection Survey.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

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

Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 12988

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

Takings Implication Assessment

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

Energy Effects--Executive Order 13211

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

Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

    In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, 
``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal 
Governments'' (59 FR 22951), E.O. 13175, and 512 DM 2, we have 
evaluated possible effects on Federally recognized Indian tribes. This 
rulemaking process is collaborative with

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the Tribes, and we will continue to consult with the Tribes when we 
finalize the August 22 proposed rule.

Federalism Effects

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

Need for Interim Final Rule

    The rulemaking process for migratory game bird hunting must, by its 
nature, operate under severe time constraints. Because of changes in 
the process for this season's rules, publication of the August 22, 
2017, proposed rule (82 FR 39716) was delayed, requiring publication of 
this interim final rule.
    The August 22, 2017, proposed rule provides the public the 
opportunity to comment. The public, having commented on last year's 
final rule (81 FR 62404; September 9, 2016) and other previous final 
rules, also had an opportunity to comment on the substance of the 
current interim final rule, and we addressed the nine comments received 
in the 2016 final rule. Furthermore, these tribal regulations have 
generally been similar the past several years, and with no significant 
controversy from the public.
    It would be impracticable to finalize the August 22 proposed rule 
by September 1. But without this interim rule, the hunting of migratory 
birds on ceded and reservation lands during the normal fall seasons, 
which in some cases begin on September 1 each year, would be in 
violation of the MBTA. To respect the various Tribal treaties between 
the Tribal nations and the United States that allow for the treaty 
right to hunt waterfowl on these ceded lands, either for their cultural 
or religious exercise, sustenance, and/or materials for cultural use 
(e.g., handicraft), the Department finds that it is in the public 
interest to publish this interim final rule. The Administrative 
Procedure Act under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) allows an agency to make a rule 
effective immediately for good cause if ``impracticable, unnecessary, 
or contrary to the public interest.'' We find that undertaking the 
notice-and-comment procedures prior to making this rule effective is 
impracticable, unnecessary, and contrary to the public interest, and 
therefore the ``good cause'' exception under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) 
applies.
    In addition, we have good cause to waive the standard 30-day 
effective date for this interim final rule consistent with section 
553(d)(3) of the Administrative Procedure Act, and this rule will, 
therefore, take effect immediately upon publication. This rule relieves 
a restriction, as just described. Delaying the effective date for 30 
days would have detrimental effects on individuals seeking to hunt on 
ceded and reservation lands during the seasons that in some cases begin 
September 1 and on the businesses that support this activity.
    Moreover, in the proposed rule that published in the Federal 
Register on August 22, 2017 (82 FR 39716), we proposed changes to the 
regulations in 50 CFR 20.110 that would establish in most cases 
substantially similar season opening and closing dates that are set 
forth in this interim rule. The proposed regulatory revisions are the 
result of a collaborative process between the Service and the Tribes. 
As described earlier in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION and as set forth in 
DATES, comments are due on the proposed rule by September 21, 2017. 
Following our consideration of the comments received, we will issue a 
final rule that will replace the regulatory provisions in this interim 
rule.

Public Comments Solicited

    We invite interested persons to submit written comments, 
suggestions, or recommendations regarding the interim final rule during 
the comment period for our proposed special migratory bird hunting 
regulations for the 2017-18 hunting season for certain Indian tribes, 
published August 22, 2017, in the Federal Register (82 FR 39716). 
Before promulgating final migratory game bird hunting regulations, we 
will consider all comments we receive. These comments, and any 
additional information we receive, may lead to final regulations that 
differ from these proposals or this interim final rule.
    You may submit your comments and materials concerning this proposed 
rule by one of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. We will not accept 
comments sent by email or fax. We will not consider hand-delivered 
comments that we do not receive, or mailed comments that are not 
postmarked, by September 21, 2017. We will post all comments in their 
entirety--including your personal identifying information--on http://www.regulations.gov. Before including your address, phone number, email 
address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you 
should be aware that your entire comment--including your personal 
identifying information--may be made publicly available at any time. 
While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal 
identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we 
will be able to do so.
    Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting 
documentation we used in preparing this interim final rule and the 
August 22, 2017, proposed rule (82 FR 39716), will be available for 
public inspection on http://www.regulations.gov, or by appointment, 
during normal business hours, at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
Division of Migratory Bird Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls 
Church, VA 22041-3803. We will consider, but possibly may not respond 
in detail to, each comment. As in the past, we will summarize all 
comments we receive during the comment period and respond to them after 
the closing date in the preambles of any final rules.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20

    Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Transportation, Wildlife.

Regulation Promulgation

    Accordingly, for the reasons set forth above, we amend part 20, 
subchapter B, chapter I of title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations 
as follows:

PART 20--MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING

0
1. The authority citation for part 20 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 40 Stat. 755, 16 U.S.C. 
703-712; Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, 16 U.S.C. 742a-j;

[[Page 41348]]

Pub. L. 106-108, 113 Stat. 1491, Note Following 16 U.S.C. 703.

    (Note: The following hunting regulations provided for by 50 CFR 
20.110 will not appear in the Code of Federal Regulations because of 
their seasonal nature.)

0
2. Section 20.110 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  20.110   Seasons, limits, and other regulations for certain 
Federal Indian reservations, Indian Territory, and ceded lands.

    Unless specifically provided for below, all of the regulations 
contained in 50 CFR part 20 apply to the seasons listed herein.
    (a) [Reserved.]
    (b) Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Flathead Indian 
Reservation, Pablo, Montana (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters).

Tribal Members Only

Ducks (Including Mergansers)

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through March 9, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: The Tribe does not have specific 
bag and possession restrictions for Tribal members. The season on 
harlequin duck is closed.

Coots

    Season Dates: Same as ducks.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Same as ducks.

Geese

    Season Dates: Same as ducks.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Same as ducks.

Nontribal Hunters

Ducks (Including Mergansers)

    Season Dates: Open September 30, 2017, through January 7, 2018, and 
open January 13 through 17, 2018.

Scaup

    Season Dates: Open September 30 through December 24, 2017.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more 
than two hen mallards, one pintail, three scaup (when open), two 
canvasback, and two redheads. The possession limit is three times the 
daily bag limit.

Coots

    Season Dates: Same as ducks.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 and 25, respectively.

Geese

Dark Geese

    Season Dates: Open September 30, 2017, through January 7, 2018, and 
open January 13 through 17, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 4 and 12, respectively.

Light Geese

    Season Dates: Same as for dark geese.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 20 and 60, respectively.
    General Conditions: Tribal and nontribal hunters must comply with 
all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations contained in 50 
CFR part 20 regarding manner of taking. In addition, shooting hours are 
one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, and each 
waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or older must carry on his/her person 
a valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) 
signed in ink across the stamp face. Special regulations established by 
the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes also apply on the 
reservation.
    (c) Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Cloquet, 
Minnesota (Tribal Members Only).

Ducks

1854 and 1837 Ceded Territories

    Season Dates: Begin September 9 and end November 30, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 18 ducks, including no more than 12 mallards (only 
3 of which may be hens), 9 black ducks, 9 scaup, 9 wood ducks, 9 
redheads, 9 pintails, and 9 canvasbacks.

Reservation

    Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 30, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 12 ducks, including no more than 8 mallards (only 
2 of which may be hens), 6 black ducks, 6 scaup, 6 redheads, 6 
pintails, 6 wood ducks, and 6 canvasbacks.

Mergansers

1854 and 1837 Ceded Territories

    Season Dates: Begin September 9 and end November 30, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 15 mergansers, including no more than 6 hooded 
mergansers.

Reservation

    Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 30, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 10 mergansers, including no more than 4 hooded 
mergansers.

Canada Geese

1854 and 1837 Ceded Territories

    Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 30, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 20 geese.

Reservation

    Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 30, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 20 geese.

Coots and Common Moorhens (Common Gallinules)

1854 and 1837 Ceded Territories

    Season Dates: Begin September 9 and end November 30, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 20 coots and common moorhens, singly or in the 
aggregate.

Reservation

    Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 30, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 20 coots and common moorhens, singly or in the 
aggregate.

Sandhill Cranes: 1854 and 1837 Ceded Territories

    Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 30, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: Two sandhill cranes. Crane carcass tags are 
required prior to hunting.

Sora and Virginia Rails

All Areas

    Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 30, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 25 sora and Virginia rails, singly or in the 
aggregate.

Common Snipe

All Areas

    Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 30, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: Eight common snipe.

Woodcock

All Areas

    Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 30, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: Three woodcock.

Mourning Doves

All Areas

    Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 30, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 30 mourning doves.

General Conditions

    1. While hunting waterfowl, a tribal member must carry on his/her 
person a valid Ceded Territory License.
    2. Shooting hours for migratory birds are one-half hour before 
sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

[[Page 41349]]

    3. Except as otherwise noted, tribal members will be required to 
comply with tribal codes that will be no less restrictive than the 
provisions of Chapter 10 of the Model Off-Reservation Code. Except as 
modified by the Service rules adopted in response to this proposal, 
these amended regulations parallel Federal requirements in 50 CFR part 
20 as to hunting methods, transportation, sale, exportation, and other 
conditions generally applicable to migratory bird hunting.
    4. Band members in each zone will comply with State regulations 
providing for closed and restricted waterfowl hunting areas.
    5. There are no possession limits for migratory birds. For purposes 
of enforcing bag limits, all migratory birds in the possession or 
custody of band members on ceded lands will be considered to have been 
taken on those lands unless tagged by a tribal or State conservation 
warden as having been taken on-reservation. All migratory birds that 
fall on reservation lands will not count as part of any off-reservation 
bag or possession limit.
    (d) Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Suttons 
Bay, Michigan (Tribal Members Only).

Ducks

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through January 20, 2018.
    Daily Bag Limit: 25 ducks, which may include no more than 6 
pintail, 4 canvasback, 6 black ducks, 1 hooded merganser, 6 wood ducks, 
5 redheads, and 12 mallards (only 6 of which may be hens).

Canada and Snow Geese

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through February 15, 2018.
    Daily Bag Limit: 10 geese.

Other Geese (White-Fronted Geese and Brant)

    Season Dates: Open September 20 through December 30, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: Five geese.

Sora Rails, Common Snipe, and Woodcock

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through November 14, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 10 rails, 10 snipe, and 5 woodcock.

Mourning Doves

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through November 14, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 10 mourning doves.

Sandhill Crane

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through November 14, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: Two sandhill cranes, with a season limit of six.
    General Conditions: A valid Grand Traverse Band Tribal license is 
required and must be in possession before taking any wildlife. Shooting 
hours for migratory birds are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half 
hour after sunset. All other basic regulations contained in 50 CFR part 
20 are valid. Other tribal regulations apply, and may be obtained at 
the tribal office in Suttons Bay, Michigan.
    (e) Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, Odanah, 
Wisconsin (Tribal Members Only).
    The 2017-18 waterfowl hunting season regulations apply to all 
treaty areas (except where noted):

Ducks

    Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end December 31, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 50 ducks in the 1837 and 1842 Treaty Area; 30 
ducks in the 1836 Treaty Area.

Mergansers

    Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end December 31, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 10 mergansers.

Geese

    Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end December 31, 2017. In 
addition, any portion of the ceded territory that is open to State-
licensed hunters for goose hunting outside of these dates will also be 
open concurrently for tribal members.
    Daily Bag Limit: 20 geese in aggregate.

Other Migratory Birds

Coots and Common Moorhens (Common Gallinules)

    Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end December 31, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 20 coots and common moorhens (common gallinules), 
singly or in the aggregate.

Sora and Virginia Rails

    Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end December 31, 2017.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 20, singly, or in the aggregate, 
25.

Common Snipe

    Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end December 31, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 16 common snipe.

Woodcock

    Season Dates: Begin September 6 and end December 31, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 10 woodcock.

Mourning Dove: 1837 and 1842 Ceded Territories Only

    Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 29, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 15 mourning doves.

Sandhill Cranes: 1837 and 1842 Ceded Territories Only

    Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end December 31, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 2 cranes.

Swans: 1837 and 1842 Ceded Territories Only

    Season Dates: Begin November 1 and end December 31, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 2 swans. All harvested swans must be registered by 
presenting the fully-feathered carcass to a tribal registration station 
or GLIFWC warden. If the total number of trumpeter swans harvested 
reaches 10, the swan season will be closed by emergency tribal rule.

General Conditions

    A. All tribal members are required to obtain a valid tribal 
waterfowl hunting permit.
    B. Except as otherwise noted, tribal members are required to comply 
with tribal codes that are no less restrictive than the model ceded 
territory conservation codes approved by Federal courts in the Lac 
Courte Oreilles v. State of Wisconsin (Voigt) and Mille Lacs Band v. 
State of Minnesota cases. Chapter 10 in each of these model codes 
regulates ceded territory migratory bird hunting. Both versions of 
Chapter 10 parallel Federal requirements as to hunting methods, 
transportation, sale, exportation, and other conditions generally 
applicable to migratory bird hunting. They also automatically 
incorporate by reference the Federal migratory bird regulations.
    C. Particular regulations of note include:
    1. Nontoxic shot is required for all waterfowl hunting by tribal 
members.
    2. Tribal members in each zone must comply with tribal regulations 
providing for closed and restricted waterfowl hunting areas. These 
regulations generally incorporate the same restrictions contained in 
parallel State regulations.
    3. There are no possession limits, with the exception of 2 swans 
(in the aggregate) and 25 rails (in the aggregate). For purposes of 
enforcing bag limits, all migratory birds in the possession and custody 
of tribal members on ceded lands are considered to have been taken on 
those lands unless tagged by a tribal or State conservation warden as 
taken on reservation lands. All migratory birds that fall on 
reservation lands do not

[[Page 41350]]

count as part of any off-reservation bag or possession limit.
    4. The baiting restrictions included in the respective section 
10.05(2)(h) of the model ceded territory conservation codes will be 
amended to include language which parallels that in place for nontribal 
members as published at 64 FR 29799, June 3, 1999.
    5. There are no shell limit restrictions.
    6. Hunting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes 
after sunset.
    (f) Jicarilla Apache Tribe, Jicarilla Indian Reservation, Dulce, 
New Mexico (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters).

Ducks (Including Mergansers)

    Season Dates: Open October 14 through November 30, 2017.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: The daily bag limit is seven, 
including no more than two hen mallards, one pintail, two redheads, two 
canvasback, and three scaup. The possession limit is three times the 
daily bag limit.

Canada Geese

    Season Dates: Open October 14 through November 30, 2017.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and six, respectively.
    General Conditions: Tribal and nontribal hunters must comply with 
all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20 
regarding shooting hours and manner of taking. In addition, each 
waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or older must carry on his/her person 
a valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) 
signed in ink across the stamp face. Special regulations established by 
the Jicarilla Tribe also apply on the reservation.
    (g) Kalispel Tribe, Kalispel Reservation, Usk, Washington (Tribal 
Members and Nontribal Hunters).

Nontribal Hunters on Reservation

Geese

    Season Dates: Open September 9 through September 10, 2017; open 
September 16 through September 17, 2017; and open October 1, 2017, 
through January 8, 2018. During these periods, days to be hunted are 
specified by the Kalispel Tribe. Nontribal hunters should contact the 
Tribe for more detail on hunting days.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 5 Canada geese for the early 
season, and 3 light geese and 4 dark geese, for the late season. The 
daily bag limit is 2 brant (when the State's season is open) and is in 
addition to dark goose limits for the late-season. The possession limit 
is twice the daily bag limit.

Ducks

    Season Dates: Open September 23 through September 24, 2017; open 
September 19 through September 30, 2017; and open October 1, 2017, 
through January 8, 2018. During these periods, days to be hunted are 
specified by the Kalispel Tribe. Nontribal hunters should contact the 
Tribe for more detail on hunting days.

Scaup

    Season Dates: Open September 23 through December 17, 2017.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 7 ducks, including no more than 2 
female mallards, 1 pintail, 1 canvasback, 3 scaup (when open), and 2 
redheads. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.

Tribal Hunters Within Kalispel Ceded Lands

Ducks

    Season Dates: Open October 10, 2017, through January 31, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 7 ducks, including no more than 2 
female mallards, 2 pintail, 1 canvasback, 3 scaup, and 2 redheads. The 
possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.

Geese

    Season Dates: Open September 10, 2017, through January 31, 2016.
    Daily Bag Limit: 6 light geese and 4 dark geese. The daily bag 
limit is 2 brant and is in addition to dark goose limits.
    General: Tribal members must possess a validated Migratory Bird 
Hunting and Conservation Stamp and a tribal ceded lands permit.
    (h) Klamath Tribe, Chiloquin, Oregon (Tribal Members Only).

Ducks

    Season Dates: Open October 7, 2017, through January 31, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 9 and 18 ducks, respectively.

Coots

    Season Dates: Same as ducks.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 9 and 18 coots, respectively.

Geese

    Season Dates: Same as ducks.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 9 and 18 geese, respectively.
    General Conditions: The Klamath Tribe provides its game management 
officers, biologists, and wildlife technicians with regulatory 
enforcement authority, and has a court system with judges that hear 
cases and set fines. Nontoxic shot is required. Shooting hours are one-
half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
    (i) Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Cass Lake, Minnesota (Tribal Members 
Only).

Ducks

    Season Dates: Open September 16 through December 31, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limits: 10 ducks, including no more than 5 pintail, 5 
canvasback, and 5 black ducks.

Geese

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 31, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limits: 10 geese.
    General: Possession limits are twice the daily bag limits. Shooting 
hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. 
Nontoxic shot is required. Use of live decoys, bait, and commercial use 
of migratory birds are prohibited. Waterfowl may not be pursued or 
taken while using motorized craft.
    (j) Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Manistee, Michigan (Tribal 
Members Only).

1836 Ceded Territory and Tribal Reservation

Ducks

    Season Dates: Open September 9, 2017, through January 26, 2018.
    Daily Bag Limits: 12 ducks, including no more than 6 mallards (2 of 
which may be hens), 3 black ducks, 3 redheads, 3 wood ducks, 2 pintail, 
1 hooded merganser, and 2 canvasback.

Canada Geese

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through February 4, 2018.
    Daily Bag Limit: Five.

White-Fronted Geese, Brant, and Snow Geese

    Season Dates: Open September 8 through December 10, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: Five.

Woodcock, Mourning Doves, Snipe, and Sora and Virginia Rails

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through November 12, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 5 woodcock and 10 each of the other species.
    General conditions are as follows:
    A. All tribal members will be required to obtain a valid tribal 
resource card and 2016-17 hunting license.
    B. Except as modified by the Service rules adopted in response to 
this proposal, these amended regulations parallel all Federal 
regulations contained in 50 CFR part 20. Shooting hours will be from 
one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
    C. Particular regulations of note include:

[[Page 41351]]

    (1) Nontoxic shot will be required for all waterfowl hunting by 
tribal members.
    (2) Tribal members in each zone will comply with tribal regulations 
providing for closed and restricted waterfowl hunting areas. These 
regulations generally incorporate the same restrictions contained in 
parallel State regulations.
    D. Tribal members hunting in Michigan will comply with tribal codes 
that contain provisions parallel to Michigan law regarding duck blinds 
and decoys.
    E. Possession limits are twice the daily bag limits.
    (k) The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Petoskey, 
Michigan (Tribal Members Only).

Ducks

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through January 31, 2018.
    Daily Bag Limits: 20 ducks, including no more than 5 hen mallards, 
5 black ducks, 5 redheads, 5 wood ducks, 5 pintail, 5 scaup, and 5 
canvasback.

Mergansers

    Season Dates: Open September 15, 2017, through January 31, 2018.
    Daily Bag Limits: 10 mergansers, including no more than 5 hooded 
mergansers.

Coots and Gallinules

    Season Dates: Open September 15 through December 31, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 20.

Canada Geese

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through February 8, 2018.
    Daily Bag Limit: 20 in the aggregate.

Sora and Virginia Rails

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 31, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 20.

Snipe

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 31, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 16.

Mourning Doves

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through November 14, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 15.

Woodcock

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 1, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 10.

Sandhill Cranes

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 1, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 1.
    General: Possession limits are twice the daily bag limits.
    (l) Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Lower Brule Reservation, Lower Brule, 
South Dakota (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters).

Tribal Members

Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through March 10, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Six ducks, including no more than 
two hen mallards and five mallards total, two pintail, two redheads, 
two canvasback, three wood ducks, three scaup, two bonus teal during 
the first 16 days of the season, and one mottled duck. Coot daily bag 
limit is 15. Merganser daily bag limit is five, including no more than 
two hooded mergansers. The possession limit is three times the daily 
bag limit.

Canada Geese

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through March 10, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 6 and 18, respectively.

White-Fronted Geese

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through March 10, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and six, respectively.

Light Geese

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through March 10, 2018.
    Daily Bag Limit: 20.

Nontribal Hunters

Ducks (Including Mergansers and Coots)

    Season Dates: Open October 7, 2017, through January 11, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Six ducks, including five mallards 
(no more of which can be two hen mallards), three scaup, two 
canvasback, two redheads, three wood ducks, one mottled duck, and one 
pintail. Coot daily bag limit is 15. Merganser daily bag limit is five, 
including no more than two hooded mergansers. The possession limit is 
three times the daily bag limit.

Canada Geese

    Season Dates: Open October 28, 2017, through February 11, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 6 and 18, respectively.

White-fronted Geese

    Season Dates: Open October 28, 2017, through January 23, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and six, respectively.

Light Geese

    Season Dates: Open October 28, 2017, through February 11, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 50 and no possession limit.
    General Conditions: All hunters must comply with the basic Federal 
migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20, including the use 
of steel shot and shooting hours. Nontribal hunters must possess a 
validated Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp. The Lower 
Brule Sioux Tribe has an official Conservation Code that hunters must 
adhere to when hunting in areas subject to control by the Tribe.
    (m) [Reserved.]
    (n) Makah Indian Tribe, Neah Bay, Washington (Tribal Members).

Band-Tailed Pigeons

    Season Dates: Open September 22 through October 23, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: Two band-tailed pigeons.

Ducks and Coots

    Season Dates: Open September 23, 2017, through January 28, 2018.
    Daily Bag Limit: Seven ducks including no more than five mallards 
(only two of which can be a hen), one redhead, one pintail, three 
scaup, and one canvasback. The seasons on wood duck and harlequin are 
closed. The coot daily bag limit is 25.

Geese

    Season Dates: Open September 23, 2017, through January 28, 2018.
    Daily Bag Limit: Four, including no more than one brant. The 
seasons on Aleutian and dusky Canada geese are closed.

General Conditions

    All other Federal regulations contained in 50 CFR part 20 apply. 
The following restrictions also apply:
    1. As per Makah Ordinance 44, only shotguns may be used to hunt any 
species of waterfowl. Additionally, shotguns must not be discharged 
within 0.25 miles of an occupied area.
    2. Hunters must be eligible, enrolled Makah tribal members and must 
carry their Indian Treaty Fishing and Hunting Identification Card while 
hunting. No tags or permits are required to hunt waterfowl.
    3. The Cape Flattery area is open to waterfowl hunting, except in 
designated wilderness areas, or within 1 mile of Cape Flattery Trail, 
or in any area that is closed to hunting by another ordinance or 
regulation.
    4. The use of live decoys and/or baiting to pursue any species of 
waterfowl is prohibited.

[[Page 41352]]

    5. Steel or bismuth shot only for waterfowl is allowed; the use of 
lead shot is prohibited.
    6. The use of dogs is permitted to hunt waterfowl.
    7. Shooting hours for all species of waterfowl are one-half hour 
before sunrise to sunset.
    8. Open hunting areas are: GMUs 601 (Hoko), a portion of the 602 
(Dickey) encompassing the area north of a line between Norwegian 
Memorial and east to Highway 101, and 603 (Pysht).
    (o) Navajo Nation, Navajo Indian Reservation, Window Rock, Arizona 
(Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters).

Band-Tailed Pigeons

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through September 30, 2017.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 5 and 10 pigeons, respectively.

Mourning Doves

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through September 30, 2017.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 20 doves, respectively.

Ducks (Including Mergansers and Coots)

    Season Dates: Open September 23, 2017, through January 7, 2018.

Scaup

    Season Dates: Open September 23 through December 17, 2017.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more 
than two hen mallards, one mottled duck, two canvasback, three scaup 
(when open), two redheads, and one pintail. Coot daily bag limit is 25. 
Merganser daily bag limit is seven. The possession limit is three times 
the daily bag limit.

Canada Geese

    Season Dates: Open September 23, 2017, through January 7, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 4 and 12, respectively.
    General Conditions: Tribal and nontribal hunters will comply with 
all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20, 
regarding shooting hours and manner of taking. In addition, each 
waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or over must carry on his/her person a 
valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) signed 
in ink across the face. Special regulations established by the Navajo 
Nation also apply on the reservation.
    (p) Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin, Oneida, Wisconsin (Tribal 
Members Only).

Ducks (Including Mergansers)

    Season Dates: Open September 16 through December 3, 2017.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Six, including no more than six 
mallards (three hen mallards), six wood ducks, one redhead, two 
pintail, and one hooded merganser. The possession limit is twice the 
daily bag limit.

Geese

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 31, 2017.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 5 Canada geese with a possession 
limit of 10. A seasonal quota of 500 birds is adopted. If the quota is 
reached before the season concludes, the season will be closed at that 
time.

Woodcock

    Season Dates: Open September 3 through November 6, 2017.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and four woodcock, 
respectively.

Doves

    Season Dates: Open September 2 through November 5, 2017.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 20 doves, respectively.
    General Conditions: Tribal member shooting hours are one-half hour 
before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Nontribal members hunting 
on the Reservation or on lands under the jurisdiction of the Tribe must 
comply with all State of Wisconsin regulations, including season dates, 
shooting hours, and bag limits, which differ from tribal member 
seasons. Tribal members and nontribal members hunting on the 
Reservation or on lands under the jurisdiction of the Tribe will 
observe all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations found in 
50 CFR part 20, with the following exceptions: Tribal members are 
exempt from the purchase of the Migratory Waterfowl Hunting and 
Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp); and shotgun capacity is not limited to 
three shells.
    (q) Point No Point Treaty Council, Kingston, Washington (Tribal 
Members Only).

Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe

Ducks

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through March 10, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more 
than two hen mallards, one pintail, one canvasback, four scoters, and 
two redheads. Possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Bag and 
possession limits for harlequin ducks is one per season.

Geese

    Season Dates: Open September 9, 2017, through March 10, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Four geese, and may include no 
more than three light geese. The season on dusky Canada geese is 
closed. Possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.

Brant

    Season Dates: Open January 10 through January 25, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and four, respectively.

Coots

    Season Dates: Open September 13, 2017, through February 1, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 and 50 coots, respectively.

Mourning Doves

    Season Dates: Open September 13, 2017, through January 18, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 20 doves, respectively.

Snipe

    Season Dates: Open September 13, 2017, through March 10, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 8 and 16 snipe, respectively.

Band-Tailed Pigeons

    Season Dates: Open September 13, 2017, through January 18, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and four pigeons, 
respectively.

Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe

Ducks

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through March 10, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more 
than two hen mallards, one pintail, one canvasback, four scoters, and 
two redheads. Possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Bag and 
possession limits for harlequin ducks is one per season.

Geese

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through March 10, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Four geese, and may include no 
more than three light geese. The season on dusky Canada geese is 
closed. Possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.

Brant

    Season Dates: Open November 9, 2017, through January 31, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and four, respectively.

Coots

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through March 10, 2018.

[[Page 41353]]

    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 7 and 14 coots, respectively.

Mourning Doves

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through January 31, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 20 doves, respectively.

Snipe

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through March 10, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 8 and 16 snipe, respectively.

Band-Tailed Pigeons

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through March 10, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and four pigeons, 
respectively.
    General: Tribal members must possess a tribal hunting permit from 
the Point No Point Tribal Council pursuant to tribal law. Hunting hours 
are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Hunters must observe 
all other basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR 
part 20.
    (r) The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan, Isabella 
Reservation, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan (Tribal Members Only).

Mourning Doves

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through January 31, 2018.
    Daily Bag Limit: 25 doves.

Ducks

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through January 31, 2018.
    Daily Bag Limits: 20, including no more than 5 hen mallards, 5 wood 
ducks, 5 black ducks, 5 pintail, 5 redhead, 5 scaup, and 5 canvasback.

Mergansers

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through January 31, 2018.
    Daily Bag Limit: 10, including no more than 5 hooded mergansers.

Canada Geese

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through January 31, 2018.
    Daily Bag Limit: 20 in the aggregate.

Coots and Gallinule

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through January 31, 2018.
    Daily Bag Limit: 20 in the aggregate.

Woodcock

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through January 31, 2018.
    Daily Bag Limits: 10.

Common Snipe

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through January 31, 2018.
    Daily Bag Limits: 16.

Sora and Virginia Rails

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through January 31, 2018.
    Daily Bag Limits: 20 in the aggregate.

Sandhill Crane

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through January 31, 2018.
    Daily Bag Limits: One.
    General: Possession limits are twice the daily bag limits except 
for rails, of which the possession limit equals the daily bag limit 
(20). Tribal members must possess a tribal hunting permit from the 
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe pursuant to tribal law. Shooting hours are one-
half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset. Hunters must 
observe all other basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 
50 CFR part 20.
    (s) Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Sault Ste. Marie, 
Michigan (Tribal Members Only).

Mourning Doves

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through November 14, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 10 doves.

Teal

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 31, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limits: 20 in the aggregate.

Ducks

    Season Dates: Open September 15 through December 31, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limits: 20, including no more than 10 mallards (only 5 of 
which may be hens), 5 canvasback, 5 black duck, and 5 wood duck.

Mergansers

    Season Dates: Open September 15 through December 31, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 10 in the aggregate.

Geese

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 31, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 20 in the aggregate.

Coots and Gallinule

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 31, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 20 in the aggregate.

Woodcock

    Season Dates: Open September 2 through December 1, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limits: 10.

Common Snipe

    Season Dates: Open September 15 through December 31, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limits: 16.

Sora and Virginia Rails

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 31, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limits: 20 in the aggregate.
    General: Possession limits are twice the daily bag limits except 
for rails, of which the possession limit equals the daily bag limit 
(20). Tribal members must possess a tribal hunting permit from the 
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe pursuant to tribal law. Shooting hours are one-
half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset. Hunters must 
observe all other basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 
50 CFR part 20.
    (t) Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Fort Hall Indian Reservation, Fort 
Hall, Idaho (Nontribal Hunters).

Ducks, Including Scaup

    Duck Season Dates: Open October 7, 2017, through January 19, 2018.
    Scaup Season Dates: Open October 7, 2017, through December 31, 
2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks and mergansers, 
including no more than two hen mallards, one pintail, three scaup, two 
canvasback, and two redheads. The possession limit is three times the 
daily bag limit.

Coots

    Season Dates: Same as ducks.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 coots. The possession limit is 
three times the daily bag limit.

Common Snipe

    Season Dates: Same as ducks.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 8 and 24 snipe, respectively.

Canada Geese

    Season Dates: Open October 7, 2017, through January 19, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 4 and 12, respectively.

White-Fronted Geese

    Season Dates: Open October 7, 2017, through January 19, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 30, respectively.

Light Geese

    Season Dates: Open October 7, 2017, through January 19, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 20 and 60, respectively
    General Conditions: Nontribal hunters must comply with all basic 
Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20 regarding 
shooting hours and manner of taking. In addition, each waterfowl hunter 
16 years of age or older must possess a valid Migratory Bird Hunting 
and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) signed in ink across the stamp 
face. Other regulations

[[Page 41354]]

established by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes also apply on the 
reservation.
    (u) [Reserved.]
    (v) Spokane Tribe of Indians, Spokane Indian Reservation and Ceded 
Lands, Wellpinit, Washington (Tribal Members Only).

Ducks

    Season Dates: Open September 2, 2017, through January 31, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more 
than two hen mallards, two pintail, two canvasback, three scaup, and 
two redheads. Possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.

Geese

    Season Dates: Open September 2, 2017, through January 31, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Four dark geese and six light 
geese. Possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
    General Conditions: All tribal hunters must have a valid Tribal 
identification card on his or her person while hunting. Shooting hours 
are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset, and steel shot is required 
for all migratory bird hunting. Hunters must observe all other basic 
Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20.
    (w) [Reserved.]
    (x) Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, Arlington, Washington (Tribal 
Members Only).

Common Snipe

    Season Dates: Open October 1, 2017, through January 31, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 30, respectively.

Ducks

    Season Dates: Open October 1, 2017, through March 10, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 ducks. The possession limit is 
three times the daily bag limit.

Coots

    Season Dates: Open October 1, 2017, through March 10, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 coots. The possession limit is 
three times the daily bag limit.

Geese

    Season Dates: Open October 1, 2017, through March 10, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 6 and 18, respectively. The season 
on brant is closed.
    General Conditions: Tribal members hunting on lands will observe 
all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations found in 50 CFR 
part 20, which will be enforced by the Stillaguamish Tribal Law 
Enforcement. Tribal members are required to use steel shot or a 
nontoxic shot as required by Federal regulations.
    (y) Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, LaConner, Washington (Tribal 
Members Only).

Ceded Territory and Swinomish Reservation

Ducks and Mergansers

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through March 9, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 20 and 40, respectively.

Canada Geese

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through March 9, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 20 geese, respectively.

Brant

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through March 9, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 5 and 10 brant, respectively.

Coots

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through March 9, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 and 75 coots, respectively.

Mourning Dove

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through March 9, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 15 and 30 mourning dove, 
respectively.

Band-Tailed Pigeon

    Season Dates: Open September 1, 2017, through March 9, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Three and six band-tailed pigeon, 
respectively.
    (z) The Tulalip Tribes of Washington, Tulalip Indian Reservation, 
Marysville, Washington (Tribal Members Only).

Ducks and Mergansers

    Season Dates: Open September 3, 2017, through February 28, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more 
than two hen mallards, one pintail, two canvasback, three scaup, and 
two redheads. Possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.

Geese

    Season Dates: Open September 3, 2017, through February 28, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven geese, including no more 
than four cackling and dusky Canada geese. Possession limit is twice 
the daily bag limit.

Brant

    Season Dates: Open September 3, 2017, through February 28, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and four brant, respectively.

Coots

    Season Dates: Open September 3, 2017, through February 28, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 and 25 coots, respectively.

Snipe

    Season Dates: Open September 3, 2017, through February 28, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 8 and 16 snipe, respectively.
    General Conditions: All tribal hunters must have a valid Tribal 
identification card on his or her person while hunting. All nontribal 
hunters must obtain and possess while hunting a valid Tulalip Tribe 
hunting permit and be accompanied by a Tulalip Tribal member. Shooting 
hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset, and steel shot is 
required for all migratory bird hunting. Hunters must observe all other 
basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20.
    (aa) Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Sedro Woolley, Washington (Tribal 
Members Only).

Mourning Doves

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 31, 2017.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 12 and 15 mourning doves, 
respectively.

Ducks

    Season Dates: Open October 1, 2017, through February 28, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 15 and 20, respectively.

Coots

    Season Dates: Open October 1, 2017, through February 15, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 20 and 30, respectively.

Geese

    Season Dates: Open October 1, 2017, through February 28, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 7 and 10 geese, respectively.

Brant

    Season Dates: Open November 1 through November 10, 2017.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and two, respectively.
    General Conditions: Tribal members must have the tribal 
identification and harvest report card on their person to hunt. Tribal 
members hunting on the Reservation will observe all basic Federal 
migratory bird hunting

[[Page 41355]]

regulations found in 50 CFR part 20, except shooting hours would be 15 
minutes before official sunrise to 15 minutes after official sunset.
    (bb) Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head, Aquinnah, Massachusetts (Tribal 
Members Only).

Teal

    Season Dates: Open October 9, 2017, through February 17, 2018.
    Daily Bag Limits: 10 teal.

Ducks

    Season Dates: Open October 9, 2017, through February 17, 2018.
    Daily Bag Limits: Six ducks, including no more than four hen 
mallards, six black ducks, four mottled ducks, one fulvous whistling 
duck, four mergansers, three scaup, two hooded merganser, three wood 
ducks, one canvasback, two redheads, and two pintail. The season is 
closed for harlequin ducks.

Sea Ducks

    Season Dates: Open October 2, 2017, through February 17, 2018.
    Daily Bag Limits: Seven ducks including no more than four of any 
one species (only one of which may be a hen eider).

Woodcock

    Season Dates: Open October 9 through November 25, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limits: Three woodcock.

Canada Geese

    Season Dates: Open September 4 through 16, 2017, and open October 
23, 2017, through February 17, 2018.
    Daily Bag Limits: Eight Canada geese.

Snow Geese

    Season Dates: Open September 4 through 16, 2017, and open November 
20, 2017, through February 17, 2018.
    Daily Bag Limits: 15 snow geese.

Sora and Virginia Rails

    Season Dates: Open September 4 through November 4, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limits: 5 sora and 10 Virginia rails.

Snipe

    Season Dates: Open September 4 through December 9, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limits: Eight snipe.
    General Conditions: Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise 
to sunset. Nontoxic shot is required. All other basic Federal migratory 
bird hunting regulations contained in 50 CFR part 20 will be observed.
    (cc) White Earth Band of Ojibwe, White Earth, Minnesota (Tribal 
Members Only).

Ducks

    Season Dates: Open September 9 through December 17, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit for Ducks: 10 ducks, including no more than 2 
female mallards, 1 pintail, and 1 canvasback.

Mergansers

    Season Dates: Open September 9 through December 17, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit for Mergansers: Five mergansers, including no more 
than two hooded mergansers.

Geese

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 17, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 12 geese through September 22, 2017, and 5 
thereafter.

Coots

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through November 30, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 20 coots.

Snipe

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through November 30, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 10 snipe.

Mourning Dove

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through November 30, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 25 mourning dove.

Woodcock

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through November 30, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 10 woodcock.

Rail

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through November 30, 2017.
    Daily Bag Limit: 25 rail.
    General Conditions: Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise 
to one-half hour after sunset. Nontoxic shot is required. All other 
basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations contained in 50 CFR 
part 20 will be observed.
    (dd) White Mountain Apache Tribe, Fort Apache Indian Reservation, 
Whiteriver, Arizona (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters).

Band-Tailed Pigeons (Wildlife Management Unit 10 and Areas South of Y-
70 and Y-10 in Wildlife Management Unit 7, Only)

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through 15, 2017.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Three and six pigeons, 
respectively.

Mourning Doves (Wildlife Management Unit 10 and Areas South of Y-70 and 
Y-10 in Wildlife Management Unit 7, Only)

    Season Dates: Open September 1 through 15, 2017.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 20 doves, respectively.

Ducks and Mergansers

    Season Dates: Open October 14, 2017, through January 28, 2018.

Scaup

    Season Dates: Open November 4, 2017, through January 28, 2018.
    Daily Bag Limits: Seven including no more than two redheads, one 
pintail, three scaup (when open), seven mallards (including no more 
than two hen mallards), and two canvasback.
    Possession Limits: Twice the daily bag limit.

Coots

    Season Dates: Open October 15, 2017, through January 29, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 and 50, respectively.

Canada Geese

    Season Dates: Open October 14, 2017, through January 28, 2018.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Three and six Canada geese, 
respectively.
    General Conditions: All nontribal hunters hunting band-tailed 
pigeons and mourning doves on Reservation lands shall have in their 
possession a valid White Mountain Apache Daily or Yearly Small Game 
Permit. In addition to a small game permit, all nontribal hunters 
hunting band-tailed pigeons must have in their possession a White 
Mountain Special Band-tailed Pigeon Permit. Other special regulations 
established by the White Mountain Apache Tribe apply on the 
reservation. Tribal and nontribal hunters will comply with all basic 
Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20 regarding 
shooting hours and manner of taking.

    Dated: August 24, 2017.
Todd D. Willens,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 2017-18401 Filed 8-30-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4333-15-P