Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2003/08/08/03-20290/migratory-bird-hunting-proposed-migratory-bird-hunting-regulations-on-certain-federal-indian
Timestamp: 2018-04-24 19:04:03
Document Index: 392363245

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 20', 'art 20', 'art 20', 'art 20', 'art 20', 'art 20', 'art 20', 'art 20', 'art 20']

Federal Register :: Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Certain Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands for the 2003-04 Season
A Proposed Rule by the Fish and Wildlife Service on 08/08/2003
We will accept all comments on the proposed regulations that are postmarked or received in our office by August 18, 2003.
47423-47439 (17 pages)
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/03-20290 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/03-20290
Start Preamble Start Printed Page 47424
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we) proposes special migratory bird hunting regulations for certain Tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and ceded lands for the 2003-04 migratory bird hunting season.
Send your comments on these proposals to the Chief, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, ms MBSP-4107-ARLSQ, 1849 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20240 or fax comments to (703) 358-2272. All comments received will become part of the public record. You may inspect comments during normal business hours in room 4107, 4501 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia.
Tina Chouinard, (318) 201-0400, or Ron W. Kokel, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (703) 358-1714.
In the May 6, 2003, Federal Register (68 FR 24324), we requested proposals from Indian Tribes wishing to establish special migratory bird hunting regulations for the 2003-04 hunting season, under the guidelines described in the June 4, 1985, Federal Register (50 FR 23467). In this supplemental proposed rule, we propose special migratory bird hunting regulations for 28 Indian Tribes, based on the input we received in response to the May 6, 2003, proposed rule. As described in that rule, the promulgation of annual migratory bird hunting regulations involves a series of rulemaking actions each year. This proposed rule is part of that series.
We believe the guidelines provide appropriate opportunity to Start Printed Page 47425accommodate the reserved hunting rights and management authority of Indian Tribes while ensuring that the migratory bird resource receives necessary protection. The conservation of this important international resource is paramount. The guidelines should not be viewed as inflexible. In this regard, we note that they have been employed successfully since 1985. We believe they have been tested adequately and, therefore, made them final beginning with the 1988-89 hunting season. We should stress here, however, that use of the guidelines is not mandatory and no action is required if a Tribe wishes to observe the hunting regulations established by the State(s) in which the reservation is located.
Habitat conditions for breeding waterfowl have improved over last year in the prairie survey areas, except for eastern South Dakota. Most prairie areas had warm temperatures and plenty of rain this spring. Two areas of dramatic improvement over the past several years were south-central Alberta and southern Saskatchewan, where conditions went from poor to good after much-needed precipitation relieved several years of drought. Other areas in the prairies also improved in condition over 2002, but to a lesser extent. However, years of dry conditions in parts of the United States and Canadian prairies, combined with agricultural practices, have lessened the quality and quantity of residual nesting cover and over-water nest sites in many regions. This could potentially limit production for both dabbling and diving ducks, if the warm spring temperatures and good moisture of 2003 does not result in rapid growth of new cover. Eastern South Dakota was the one area of the prairies where wetland habitat conditions were generally worse than last year, mostly due to low soil moisture, little winter precipitation, and no significant rainfall in April. By the time this region received several inches of rain in May, most birds probably had overflown the area to wetter conditions in other regions to the north and west.
In the northwestern survey areas, habitat was in generally good condition and most areas had normal water levels. The exception was northern Manitoba, where low water levels in small streams and beaver ponds resulted in overall breeding habitat conditions that were only fair. Warm spring temperatures arrived much earlier this year than the exceptionally late spring last year. However, a cold snap in early May could have hurt early-nesting species such as mallards and pintails, particularly in the northern Northwest Territories.
Habitat conditions in the eastern survey area ranged from excellent to fair. In the southern and western part of this survey area, water and nesting cover were plentiful and temperatures were mild this spring. Habitat quality decreased to the north, especially in northern and western Quebec, where many shallow marshes and bogs were either completely dry or reduced to mudflats. Beaver-pond habitat was also noticeably less common than normal. To the east in Maine and most of the Maritime provinces, conditions were excellent, with adequate water, vegetation, and warm spring temperatures.
Breeding population estimates for blue-winged teal from surveyed areas total 5.5 million blue-winged teal, which is above the 4.7 million needed to trigger the 16-day teal season in the Central and Mississippi Flyways, and the 3.3 million needed to trigger the 9-day teal season in the Atlantic Flyway.
The Mid-Continent Population of Sandhill Cranes has generally stabilized at comparatively high levels, following increases in the 1970s. The Central Platte River Valley, Nebraska, spring index for 2003, uncorrected for visibility, was 316,676 cranes. The most recent photo-corrected 3-year average (for 2000-02) was 375,875, which is within the established population-objective range of 343,000-465,000 cranes. All Central Flyway States, except Nebraska, allowed crane hunting in portions of their respective States in 2002-03. About 8,800 hunters participated in these seasons, which was 10 percent higher than the number participating in the previous year. An estimated 16,650 cranes were harvested in the Central Flyway during 2001-02 seasons, which was 11% higher than the previous year's estimate. Retrieved harvests in the Pacific Flyway, Canada, and Mexico were estimated to be about 11,650 cranes for the 2002-03 period. The total North American sport harvest, including crippling losses, was estimated at 31,830, which is similar to the previous year's estimate. The long-term trend analysis for the Mid-Continent Population during 1982-2000 indicates that harvests have been increasing at a higher rate than the trend in population growth over the same period.
The fall 2002 pre-migration survey estimate for the Rocky Mountain Population of sandhill cranes was 18,803, which was 12% higher than the previous year's estimate of 16,559. Limited special seasons were held during 2002 in portions of Arizona, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, resulting in a harvest of 639 cranes, which is 29% below the previous year's record high harvest of 898 cranes.
Singing-Ground and Wing-Collection Surveys were conducted to assess the population status of the American woodcock (Scolopax minor). Singing-Ground Survey data for 2003 indicate that the numbers of displaying woodcock in the Eastern and Central Regions were unchanged from 2002 (P>0.10); although the point estimates of the trends were higher. Trends from the Singing-Ground Survey during 1993-2003 were -1.3 and -1.6 percent change per year for the Eastern and Central regions, respectively (P<0.05). There were long-term (1968-03) declines (P<0.01) of 2.3 percent per year in the Eastern Region and 1.8 percent per year in the Central Region.
The 2002 recruitment index for the Eastern Region (1.4 immatures per adult female) was similar to the 2001 index, but was 18 percent below the long-term average. The recruitment index for the Central Region (1.6 immatures per adult female) was 17 percent higher than the 2001 index of 1.3 immatures per female, and was similar to the long-term average. The index of daily hunting success in the Eastern Region increased slightly from 1.8 woodcock per successful hunt in 2001 to 1.9 in 2002, but seasonal hunting success declined from 6.9 woodcock per successful hunter in 2001 to 6.6 in 2002. In the Central Region, the daily success index was 2.1 woodcock per successful hunt in both 2001 and 2002; but seasonal hunting success increased from 10.0 woodcock per successful hunter in 2001 to 11.0 in 2002.
A significant decline in the Coastal population of band-tailed pigeons occurred during 1968-2002, as indicated by the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS); however, no trend was noted over the most recent 10 years. Additionally, mineral-site counts at 10 selected sites in Oregon indicate a general increase over the most recent 10 Start Printed Page 47426years. Call-Count Surveys conducted in Washington showed a significant increase during 1998-02 and a nonsignificant increase during 1975-02. According to Harvest Information Program (HIP) surveys, approximately 9,600 pigeons were taken during the 2002-03 season. The Interior band-tailed pigeon population is stable with no trend indicated by the BBS over the short-or long-term periods. An estimated 3,700 birds were taken in 2002-03.
Analyses of Mourning Dove Call-Count Survey data over the most recent 10 years indicated no trend in doves heard in any Management Unit. Between 1966 and 2003, all 3 Units exhibited significant declines. In contrast, for doves seen over the 10-year period, a significant increase was found in the Eastern Unit while no trends were found in the Central and Western Units. Over 38 years, no trend was found for doves seen in the Eastern and Central Units while a decline was indicated for the Western Unit. HIP surveys indicated that about 22,700,000 mourning doves were bagged nationwide during the 2002-03 season.
In Arizona, the white-winged dove population has shown a significant decline between 1962 and 2003. However, the number of whitewings has been fairly stable since the 1970s and, over the most recent 10 years, there is no significant trend indicated. The 2002 harvest estimate from the HIP survey was 102,700. In Texas, the range and density of white-winged doves continue to expand. In 2003, the whitewing population in Texas was estimated to be 2,525,000 birds, an increase of 8.4 percent from 2002. A more inclusive count in San Antonio documented more than 1.3 million birds. HIP surveys indicated a harvest of 943,000 whitewings during the 2002-03 season. The expansion of whitewings northward and eastward from Texas has led to reports of nesting in Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. They have been sighted in Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota. Whitewings are believed to be expanding northward from Florida and have been seen in Georgia, the Carolinas, and Pennsylvania.
White-tipped doves are maintaining a relatively stable population in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. They are most abundant in cities and, for the most part, are not available to hunting. The 2003 survey averaged 0.95 birds per stop, a 2 percent decrease over the 2002 survey. During the special 4-day whitewing season, about 2,700 whitetips were bagged, according to State harvest-survey estimates.
For the 2003-04 hunting season, we received requests from 24 Tribes and Indian organizations. We actively solicit regulatory proposals from other tribal groups that are interested in working cooperatively for the benefit of waterfowl and other migratory game birds. We encourage Tribes to work with us to develop agreements for management of migratory bird resources on tribal lands. It should be noted that this proposed rule includes generalized regulations for both early- and late-season hunting. A final rule will be published in a mid-August 2003 Federal Register that will include tribal regulations for the early-hunting season.
The early season generally begins on September 1 each year and most commonly includes such species as American woodcock, sandhill cranes, mourning doves, and white-winged doves. A final rule will also be published in a September 2003 Federal Register that will include regulations for late-season hunting. The late season begins on or around September 24 and most commonly includes waterfowl species.
The proposed frameworks for early-season regulations were published in the Federal Register on July 17, 2003 (68 FR 42546); early-season final frameworks will be published in mid-August. Proposed late-season frameworks for waterfowl and coots will be published in mid-August, and the final frameworks for the late seasons will be published in mid-September. We will notify affected Tribes of season dates, bag limits, etc., as soon as final frameworks are established. As previously discussed, no action is required by Tribes wishing to observe migratory bird hunting regulations established by the State(s) where they are located. The proposed regulations for the 24 Tribes that have submitted proposals that meet the established criteria and an additional 4 Tribes from whom we expect to receive proposals are shown below.
The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa is located in northern Minnesota, as specified in Federal Register 66, No., 83. Bois Forte is a 103,000-acre land area, home to 800 Band members. The reservation includes Nett Lake, a 7,400-acre wild rice lake.
In their 2003-04 proposal, dated June 14, 2003, Bois Forte requested the authority to establish a waterfowl season on their reservation. The season would be the same as that established by the State of Minnesota, except that shooting hours on opening day would be one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Harvest under their proposal would not alter possession limits or species allowances already in place in Minnesota. Bois Forte requests these hours on opening day and for every hunting day for the remainder of the State's official, established season.
Bag limits for non-tribal hunters will not be changed from current, State of Minnesota established levels. Bois Forte requires non-tribal persons hunting on Nett Lake on the first day of the season to complete a survey upon completion of the day's hunting requesting: (1) Name and contact information; (2) hunting permit number (State and tribal); (3) number of hours hunted; (4) location of hunting site; (5) tribal guide name; (6) number and species of waterfowl harvested in possession; and (7) number and species of waterfowl shot but not recovered. Bois Forte will collect the results and compare to previous seasons' data.
Harvest information from the 2002-03 migratory bird season included harvest of 1,000 ducks. Of these 1,000 taken, 700 were ring-neck ducks, 150 were blue/green-winged teal, and 150 were mallards. They had 216 hunters, similar to levels in the past.
The Band's Conservation Department regulates non-tribal harvest limits under the following regulations: (1) Non-tribal hunters must be accompanied at all times by a Band Member guide; (2) non-tribal hunters must have in their possession a valid small game hunting license, a Federal migratory waterfowl stamp, and a Minnesota State waterfowl stamp; (3) non-tribal hunters and Band Members must have only Service-approved non-toxic shot in possession at all times; (4) non-tribal hunters must conform to possession limits established Start Printed Page 47427and regulated by the State of Minnesota and the Bois Forte Band.
We propose to approve the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa regulations for the 2003-04 hunting season.
In their 2003-04 proposal, the Colorado River Indian Tribes requested split dove seasons. They propose their early season begin September 1 and end September 15, 2003. Daily bag limits would be 10 mourning or 10 white-winged doves either singly or in the aggregate. The late season for doves is proposed to open November 15, 2003, and close December 29, 2003. The daily bag limit would be 10 mourning doves. The possession limit would be twice the daily bag limit. Shooting hours would be from one-half hour before sunrise to noon in the early season and until sunset in the late season. Other special tribally set regulations would apply.
The Tribes also propose duck hunting seasons. The season would likely open October 11, 2003, and run until January 25, 2004. The Tribes propose the same season dates for mergansers, coots, and common moorhens. The daily bag limit for ducks, including mergansers, would be seven, except that the daily bag limits could contain no more than two hen mallards, two redheads, two Mexican ducks, two goldeneye, and two cinnamon teal. The seasons on canvasback and pintail are closed. The possession limit would be twice the daily bag limit. The daily bag and possession limit for coots and common moorhens would be 25, singly or in the aggregate.
For geese, the Colorado River Indian Tribes propose a season of October 18, 2003, through January 25, 2004. The daily bag limit for geese would be four, but could include no more than three light geese or three dark geese. The possession limit would be six light geese and six dark geese.
We propose to approve the Colorado River Indian Tribes regulations for the 2003-04 hunting season.
As in the past, tribal regulations for nontribal members would be at least as restrictive as those established for the Pacific Flyway portion of Montana. Goose season dates would also be at least as restrictive as those established for the Pacific Flyway portion of Montana. Shooting hours for waterfowl hunting on the Flathead Reservation are sunrise to sunset. Steel shot or other Federally-approved nontoxic shots are the only legal shotgun loads on the reservation for waterfowl or other game birds.
We propose to approve the Tribes' request for special migratory bird regulations for the 2003-04 hunting season.
In their 2003 proposal, the Tribe requested a duck and merganser season of October 4 to December 16, 2003, with a daily bag limit of six ducks, including no more that five mallards (only two of which may be hens), two redheads, two wood ducks, and three scaup. The merganser daily bag limit would be five and include no more than one hooded merganser. The daily bag limit for coots would be 15. The pintail season would run from October 4 to December 2, 2003, with a daily bag limit of one pintail.
For Canada geese, the Tribe proposes an October 18, 2003, to January 20, 2004, season with a three-bird daily bag limit. For white-fronted geese, the Tribe proposes a September 27 to December 21, 2003, season with a daily bag limit of two. For snow geese, the Tribe proposes a September 27, 2003, to January 1, 2004, season with a daily bag limit of 20.
Similar to the last several years, the Tribe also requests a sandhill crane season from September 13 to October 19, 2003, with a daily bag limit of three. The Tribe proposes a mourning dove season from September 1 to October 30, 2003, with a daily bag limit of 15.
Since 1996, the Service and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians have cooperated to establish special migratory bird hunting regulations for tribal members. The Fond du Lac's May 29, 2003, proposal Start Printed Page 47428covers land set apart for the band under the Treaties of 1837 and 1854 in northeast and east-central Minnesota.
The band's proposal for 2003-04 is essentially the same as that approved last year. Specifically, the Fond du Lac Band proposes a September 20 to December 1, 2003, season on ducks, mergansers, coots, and moorhens, and a September 2 to December 1, 2003, season for geese. For sora and Virginia rails, snipe, and woodcock, the Fond du Lac Band proposes a September 2 to December 1, 2003, season. Proposed daily bag limits would consist of the following:
For the 2003-04 season, the Tribe requests that the tribal member duck season run from September 15, 2003, through January 15, 2004. A daily bag limit of 12 would include no more than 2 pintail, 2 canvasback, 1 hooded merganser, 3 black ducks, 3 wood ducks, 3 redheads, and 6 mallards (only 3 of which may be hens).
For Canada geese, the Tribe proposes a September 1 through November 30, 2003, and a January 1 through February 8, 2004, season. For white-fronted geese, brant, and snow geese, the Tribe proposes a September 20 through November 30, 2003, season. The daily bag limit for all geese (including brant) would be five birds. Based on our information, it is unlikely that any Canada geese from the Southern James Bay Population will be harvested by the Tribe.
For woodcock, the Tribe proposes a September 1 to November 14, 2003, season. The daily bag limit will not exceed five birds. For mourning doves, snipe and rails, the Tribe proposes a September 1 to November 14, 2003, season. The daily bag limit would be 10 per species.
All other Federal regulations contained in 50 CFR part 20 would apply. The Tribe proposes to monitor harvest closely through game bag checks, patrols, and mail surveys. Harvest surveys from the 2002-03 hunting season indicated that approximately 34 tribal hunters harvested an estimated 200 ducks and 30 Canada geese.
We propose to approve the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians' requested 2003-04 special migratory bird hunting regulations.
Since 1985, various bands of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians have exercised judicially recognized off-reservation hunting rights for migratory birds in Wisconsin. The specific regulations were established by the Service in consultation with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC, which represents the various bands). Beginning in 1986, a tribal season on ceded lands in the western portion of the State's Upper Peninsula was developed in coordination with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and we have approved special regulations for tribal members in both Michigan and Wisconsin since the 1986-87 hunting season. In 1987, the GLIFWC requested, and we approved, special regulations to permit tribal members to hunt on ceded lands in Minnesota, as well as in Michigan and Wisconsin. The States of Michigan and Wisconsin concurred with the regulations, although Wisconsin has raised some concerns each year. Minnesota did not concur with the regulations, stressing that the State would not recognize Chippewa Indian hunting rights in Minnesota's treaty area until a court with jurisdiction over the State acknowledges and defines the extent of these rights. We acknowledge the State's concern, but point out that the U.S. Government has recognized the Indian hunting rights decided in the Lac Courte Oreilles v. State of Wisconsin (Voigt) case, and that acceptable hunting regulations have been negotiated successfully in both Michigan and Wisconsin even though the Voigt decision did not specifically address ceded land outside Wisconsin. We believe this is appropriate because the treaties in question cover ceded lands in Michigan (and Minnesota), as well as in Wisconsin. Consequently, in view of the above, we have approved special regulations since the 1987-88 hunting season on ceded lands in all three States. In fact, this recognition of the principle of reserved treaty rights for band members to hunt and fish was pivotal in our decision to approve a special 1991-92 season for the 1836 ceded area in Michigan.
The GLIFWC proposed off-reservation special migratory bird hunting regulations for the 2003-04 seasons on behalf of the member Tribes of the Voigt Intertribal Task Force of the GLIFWC (for the 1837 and 1842 Treaty areas) and the Bay Mills Indian Community (for Start Printed Page 47429the 1836 Treaty area). Member Tribes of the Task Force are: the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, the Sokaogon Chippewa Community (Mole Lake Band), all in Wisconsin; the Mille Lacs Band of Chippewa Indians in Minnesota; the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Chippewa Indians and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community in Michigan. Details of the proposed regulations are shown below. In general, the proposal is essentially the same as the regulations approved for the 2002-03 season.
Results of 1987-98 hunter surveys on off-reservation tribal duck harvest in the Wisconsin/Michigan entire ceded territory ranged from 1,022 to 2,374 with an average of 1,422. Estimated goose harvest has ranged from 72 to 586, with an average of 310. Harvest from 2001 was estimated at 1,014 ducks, 81 geese, and 146 coots. Under the proposed regulations, harvest is expected to remain within these ranges. Tribal harvest in the Minnesota ceded territory is anticipated to be much smaller than in the Wisconsin/Michigan area since waterfowl hunting has been limited to 10 individuals thus far. Due to the limited distribution of doves and dove habitat in the ceded territory, and the relatively small number of tribal off-reservation migratory bird hunters, harvest is expected to be negligible.
We believe that regulations advanced by the GLIFWC for the 2003-04 hunting season are biologically acceptable, and we recommend approval. If the regulations are finalized as proposed, we would request that the GLIFWC closely monitor the member band's duck harvest and take any actions necessary to reduce harvest if locally nesting populations are being significantly impacted.
The GLIFWC's proposed 2003-04 waterfowl hunting season regulations are as follows:
Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end December 1, 2003. In addition, any portion of the ceded territory that is open to State-licensed hunters for goose hunting after December 1 will also be open concurrently for tribal members.
E. Mourning Dove: 1837 and 1842 Ceded Territories
B. Except as otherwise noted, tribal members will be required to comply with tribal codes that will be no less restrictive than the model ceded territory conservation codes approved by Federal courts in the Voigt and Mille Lacs Band v. State of Minnesota cases. The respective Chapters 10 of these model codes regulate ceded territory migratory bird hunting. They 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 adopted in response to this proposal.
3. Possession limits for each species are double the daily bag limit, except on the opening day of the season, when the possession limit equals the daily bag limit, unless otherwise noted above.
4. The baiting restrictions included in the respective sections 10.05 (2)(h) of the model ceded territory conservation codes will be amended to include language which parallels that in place for non-tribal members as published in 64 FR 29804, June 3, 1999. This language is also included in Appendix 1.
5. The shell limit restrictions included in the respective sections 10.05 (2)(b) of the model ceded territory conservation codes will be removed.
The Jicarilla Apache Tribe has had special migratory bird hunting regulations for tribal members and Start Printed Page 47430nonmembers since the 1986-87 hunting season. The Tribe owns all lands on the reservation and has recognized full wildlife management authority. In general, the proposed seasons would be more conservative than allowed by the Federal frameworks of last season and by States in the Pacific Flyway.
The Tribe proposed a 2003-04 waterfowl season beginning with the earliest possible opening date in the Pacific Flyway States and a closing date of November 30, 2003. Daily bag and possession limits for waterfowl would be the same as Pacific Flyway States. The Tribe proposes a season on Canada geese with a two-bird daily bag limit. Other regulations specific to the Pacific Flyway guidelines for New Mexico would be in effect.
During the Jicarilla Game and Fish Department's 2002-03 season, estimated duck harvest was 216, which is within the historical harvest range. The species composition in the past has included mainly mallards, gadwall, wigeon, and teal. Northern pintail comprised 3 percent of the total harvest in 2002. The estimated harvest of geese was 13 birds.
The proposed regulations are essentially the same as were established last year. The Tribe anticipates the maximum 2003-04 waterfowl harvest would be around 250-700 ducks and 20-30 geese.
We propose to approve the Tribe's requested 2003-04 hunting seasons.
For the 2003-04 migratory bird hunting seasons, the Kalispel Tribe proposed tribal and nontribal member waterfowl seasons. The Tribe requests that both duck and goose seasons open at the earliest possible date and close on the latest date under Federal frameworks. For nontribal members, the Tribe requests that the season for ducks begin September 20, 2003, and end January 26, 2004. In that period, nontribal hunters would be allowed to hunt approximately 101 days. Hunters should obtain further information on specific hunt days from the Kalispel Tribe.
The Tribe also requests the season for geese run from September 4 to September 15, 2003, and from October 1, 2003, to January 26, 2004. Total number of days would not exceed 107. Nontribal members should obtain further information on specific hunt days from the Tribe. Daily bag and possession limits would be the same as those for the State of Washington.
The Tribe reports a 2002-03 nontribal harvest of 55 ducks and 0 geese. Under the proposal, the Tribe expects harvest to be similar to last year and less than 30 geese and 100 ducks.
All other State and Federal regulations contained in 50 CFR part 20, such as use of non-toxic shot and possession of a signed migratory bird hunting stamp, would be required.
For tribal members on Kalispel-ceded lands, the Kalispel propose outside frameworks for ducks and geese of September 1, 2003, through January 26, 2004. The Tribe requests that both duck and goose seasons open at the earliest possible date and close on the latest date under Federal frameworks. However, during that period, the Tribe proposes that the season run continuously. Daily bag and possession limits would be concurrent with the Federal rule.
The Tribe reports that there was no 2002-03 tribal harvest. Under the proposal, the Tribe expects harvest to be less than 500 birds for the season with less than 200 geese. Tribal members would be required to possess a signed Federal migratory bird stamp and a tribal ceded lands permit.
We propose to approve the regulations requested by the Kalispel Tribe provided that the nontribal seasons conform to Treaty limitations and final Federal frameworks for the Pacific Flyway. For the 2003-04 season, outside Federal frameworks for ducks in the Pacific Flyway under the “moderate” and “liberal” regulatory alternatives are September 20, 2003, through January 26, 2004. For geese, frameworks for special early Canada goose seasons are September 1 through September 15, 2003, while regular seasons frameworks are September 28, 2003, through January 26, 2004. All seasons for nontribal hunters must conform with the 107-day maximum season length established by the Treaty.
For the 2003-04 season, we have not yet heard from the Tribe regarding this season's proposal. Based on last year, we assume the Tribe would request proposed season dates of October 1, 2003, through January 28, 2004. Daily bag limits would be nine for ducks and six for geese, with possession limits twice the daily bag limit. The daily bag and possession limit for coots would be 25. Shooting hours would be one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Steel shot is required.
We propose to approve the Klamath Tribe's requested 2003-04 special migratory bird hunting regulations upon receipt of their proposal and confirmation that the Tribe would like to have a special season.
For the 2003-04 season, the Tribe requests a duck season starting on September 13 and ending December 31, 2003. They request a goose season to Start Printed Page 47431run from September 1 through December 31, 2003. Daily bag limits for both ducks and geese would be 10. Possession limits would be twice the daily bag limit. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
We propose to approve the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe's requested 2003-04 special migratory bird hunting regulations.
For the 2003-04 season, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians proposes duck, merganser, coot, and common moorhen seasons from September 29 through December 5, 2003. A daily bag limit of eight ducks would include no more than one pintail, one canvasback, one black duck, two wood ducks, two redheads, three scaup, and five mallards (only one of which may be a hen). The daily bag limit for mergansers would be five, of which only one could be a hooded merganser. Possession limits for mergansers is 10, only 2 of which may be hooded mergansers. The daily bag limit for coots and common moorhens would be 12. Possession limits would be twice the daily bag limit.
For Canada geese, white-fronted geese, snow geese, Ross geese, and brant, the Tribe proposes a September 1 through November 30, 2003, season. Daily bag limits would be 5 Canada geese and a combination of 10 of all other species. For Canada geese only, the Tribe proposes a January 1, 2004, through February 7, 2004, season with a daily bag limit of five Canada geese. The possession limit would be twice the daily bag limit.
For snipe, woodcock, and rails, the Tribe proposes a September 1 to November 14, 2003, season. The daily bag limit would be 10 common snipe, 5 woodcock, and 10 rails. Possession limits for all species would be twice the daily bag limit. For mourning dove, the Tribe proposes a September 15 to November 14, 2003, season. The daily bag limit would be 10 and possession limit of 20.
A. All tribal members will be required to obtain a valid tribal resource card and 2003-04 hunting license.
We propose to approve Little River Band of Ottawa Indians' requested 2003-04 special migratory bird hunting regulations.
For the 2003-04 season, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians propose regulations similar to other Tribes in the 1836 treaty area. The tribal member duck season would run from September 15, 2003, through January 20, 2004. A daily bag limit of 12 would include no more than 2 pintail, 2 canvasback, 1 hooded merganser, 3 black ducks, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, and 6 mallards (only 3 of which may be hens). For Canada geese, the Tribe proposes a September 1, 2003, through November 30, 2003, and January 1, 2004, through February 7, 2004, season. For white-fronted geese, brant, and snow geese, the Tribe proposes a September 1 through November 30, 2003, season. The daily bag limit for Canada geese would be 5 birds, and for snow geese, brant, and white-fronted geese, 10 birds. Based on our information, it is unlikely that any Canada geese from the Southern James Bay Population would be harvested by the Tribe. Possession limits are twice the daily bag limit.
For woodcock, the Tribe proposes a September 1, 2003, to November 14, 2003, season. The daily bag limit will not exceed five birds. For snipe, mourning doves, and sora rail, the Tribe proposes a September 1 to November 14, 2003, season. The daily bag limit will not exceed 10 birds per species. The possession limit will not exceed two days bag limit for all birds.
All other Federal regulations contained in 50 CFR part 20 would apply. The Tribe proposes to monitor harvest closely through game bag checks, patrols, and mail surveys. In particular, the Tribe proposes monitoring the harvest of Southern James Bay Canada geese to assess any impacts of tribal hunting on the population.
We propose to approve the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians' requested 2003-04 special migratory bird hunting regulations.
The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe first established tribal migratory bird hunting regulations for the Lower Brule Reservation in 1994. The Lower Brule Reservation is about 214,000 acres in size and is located on and adjacent to the Missouri River, south of Pierre. Land ownership on the reservation is mixed, and until recently, the Lower Brule Tribe had full management authority over fish and wildlife via an MOA with the State of South Dakota. The MOA provided the Tribe jurisdiction over fish and wildlife on reservation lands, including deeded and Corps of Engineers taken lands. For the 2003-04 season, the two parties have come to an agreement that provides the public a clear understanding of the Lower Brule Sioux Wildlife Department license requirements and hunting season regulations. The Lower Brule Reservation waterfowl season is open to tribal and non-tribal hunters.
For the 2003-04 migratory bird hunting season, the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe proposes a nontribal member duck, merganser, and coot season length of 97 days, the same number of days tentatively allowed under the “liberal” Start Printed Page 47432regulatory alternative in the High Plains Management Unit for this season. The Tribe's proposed season would run from October 4, 2003, through January 8, 2004. The daily bag limit would be six birds, including no more than five mallards (only one of which may be a hen), one pintail, two redheads, two wood ducks, three scaup, and one mottled duck. The canvasback season for nontribal members is closed. The daily bag limit for mergansers would be five, only one of which could be a hooded merganser. The daily bag limit for coots would be 15. Possession limits would be twice the daily bag limits. The Tribe also proposes a youth waterfowl hunt on September 27-28, 2003.
The Tribe's proposed nontribal member Canada goose season would run from October 18, 2003, through January 20, 2004, with a daily bag limit of three Canada geese. The Tribe's proposed nontribal member white-fronted goose season would run from October 18, 2003, through January 11, 2004, with a daily bag limit of two white-fronted geese. The Tribe's proposed nontribal member light goose season would run from October 18, 2003, through January 17, 2004, and February 26 through March 10, 2004. The light goose daily bag limit would be 20. Possession limits would be twice the daily bag limits.
For tribal members, the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe proposes a duck, merganser, and coot season from October 4, 2003, through March 9, 2004. The daily bag limit would be six birds, including no more than five mallards (only one of which may be a hen), one pintail, two redheads, one canvasback, two wood ducks, three scaup, and one mottled duck. The daily bag limit for mergansers would be five, only one of which could be a hooded merganser. The daily bag limit for coots would be 15. Possession limits would be twice the daily bag limits. The Tribe also proposes a youth waterfowl hunt on September 27-28, 2003.
The Tribe's proposed Canada goose season for tribal members would run from October 18, 2003, through March 9, 2004, with a daily bag limit of three Canada geese. The Tribe's proposed white-fronted goose tribal season would run from October 18, 2003, through March 9, 2004, with a daily bag limit of two white-fronted geese. The Tribe's proposed light goose tribal season would run from October 18, 2003, through March 9, 2004. The light goose daily bag limit would be 20. Possession limits would be twice the daily bag limits.
In the 2002-03 season, hunters harvested an estimated 1,785 geese and 660 ducks. In the 2002-03 season, duck harvest species composition was primarily mallard (60 percent), green-winged teal (19 percent), gadwall (10 percent), blue-winged teal (7 percent), and wood duck, scaup, pintail, and wigeon (4 percent collectively). Goose harvest species composition in 2002 at Mni Sho Sho was approximately 86 percent Canada geese, 8 percent snow geese, and 6 percent white-fronted geese. Harvest of geese harvested by other hunters was approximately 96 percent Canada geese, 3 percent snow geese, and 1 percent white-fronted geese. However, typical harvest is 100 percent Canada geese with less than 1 percent snow geese.
The Tribe anticipates a duck harvest similar to the 9-year average (403) and a goose harvest below the target harvest level of 3,000 to 4,000 geese. All basic Federal regulations contained in 50 CFR part 20, including the use of steel shot, Migratory Waterfowl Hunting and Conservation Stamp, etc., would be observed by the Tribe's proposed regulations. In addition, the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe has an official Conservation Code that was established by Tribal Council Resolution in June 1982 and updated in 1996.
The Makah Indian Tribe proposes a duck and coot hunting season from September 15, 2003, to January 13, 2004. The daily bag limit is seven ducks including no more than one canvasback and one redhead. The daily bag limit for coots is 25. The Tribe has a year-round closure on wood ducks and harlequin ducks. For geese, the Tribe proposes the season open on September 15, 2003, and close January 13, 2004. The daily bag limit for geese is four. The Tribe notes that there is a year-round closure on Aleutian and Dusky Canada geese. For band-tailed pigeons, the Tribe proposes the season open September 1, 2003, and close October 31, 2003. The daily bag limit for band-tailed pigeons is two. Shooting hours for all species of waterfowl are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
The Tribe anticipates that harvest under this regulation will be relatively low since fewer than 20 hunters are likely to participate at this time. The Tribe expects fewer than 70 ducks and 20 geese are expected to be harvested during the 2003-04 migratory bird hunting season.
All other Federal regulations contained in 50 CFR part 20 would apply. The following restrictions are also proposed by the Tribe: (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 one 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; (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.
We propose to approve the Makah Indian Tribe's requested 2003-04 special migratory bird hunting regulations.
The Tribe requests special migratory bird hunting regulations on the reservation for both tribal and nontribal members for the 2003-04 hunting season for ducks (including mergansers), Canada geese, coots, band-tailed pigeons, and mourning doves. For ducks, mergansers, Canada geese, and coots, the Navajo Nation requests the earliest opening dates and longest seasons, and the same daily bag and possession limits permitted Pacific Flyway States under final Federal frameworks.
For both mourning dove and band-tailed pigeons, the Navajo Nation proposes seasons of September 1 through 30, 2003, with daily bag limits Start Printed Page 47433of 10 and 5 for mourning dove and band-tailed pigeon, respectively. Possession limits would be twice the daily bag limits.
The Tribe anticipates a total harvest of less than 100 mourning doves, 20 band-tailed pigeons, 500 ducks, coots, and mergansers, and 300 Canada geese for the 2003-04 season. Harvest will be measured by mail survey forms. Through the established Tribal Nation Code, Title 17 and 18 U.S.C. 1165, the Tribe will take action to close the season, reduce bag limits, or take other appropriate actions if the harvest is detrimental to the migratory bird resource.
We propose to approve the Navajo Nation's request for these special regulations for the 2003-04 migratory bird hunting seasons.
In a May 13, 2003, letter, and a June 26, 2003 supplemental letter, the Tribe proposed special migratory bird hunting regulations. For ducks, the Tribe described the general “outside dates” as being September 27 through December 7, 2003, with a closed segment of November 22 through 30. The Tribe proposes a daily bag limit of six birds, which could include no more than six mallards (three hen mallards), five wood ducks, one redhead, two pintails, and one hooded merganser.
For geese, the Tribe requests a season between September 1 and December 31, 2003, with a daily bag limit of three Canada geese. Hunters will be issued three tribal tags for geese in order to monitor goose harvest. An additional three tags will be issued each time birds are registered. The Tribe will close the season November 22 to 30, 2003. If a quota of 150 geese is attained before the season concludes, the Tribe will recommend closing the season early.
For woodcock, the Tribe proposes a season between September 13 and November 16, 2003, with a daily bag and possession limit of 5 and 10, respectively.
For mourning dove, the Tribe proposes a season between September 1 and November 16, 2003, with a daily bag and possession limit of 10 and 20, respectively.
The Tribe proposes shooting hours be 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 shooting hours of one-half hour before sunrise to sunset, season dates, and daily bag limits. 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: Oneida members would be exempt from the purchase of the Migratory Waterfowl Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp); and shotgun capacity is not limited to three shells. Tribal member shooting hours will be from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunset.
For the 2003-04 season, the Tribe requests seasons for ducks, geese, brant, coots, snipe, band-tailed pigeons, and mourning doves. For ducks, coots, geese, and snipe, the season would run from September 15, 2003, to March 10, 2004, with a daily bag limit of 7 ducks, 25 coots, 4 geese (including no more than 3 light geese), and 8 snipe. The duck daily bag limit would include mergansers and could include no more than two hen mallards, one pintail, one canvasback, one harlequin, and two redheads. The goose daily bag limit is to include no more than three light geese. The season is closed on Aleutian Canada geese. For brant, the season would run from November 1, 2003, to March 10, 2004. The daily bag limit for brant would be two. All possession limits would be twice the daily bag limit. For band-tailed pigeons and mourning doves, the season would start September 1, 2003, and end March 10, 2004. The band-tailed pigeon daily bag limit would be 2, with a possession limit of 4, and the mourning dove daily bag limit would be 10, possession limit of 20.
The Tribes require that all hunters authorized to hunt migratory birds on the reservation obtain a tribal hunting permit from the respective Tribe. Hunters are also required to adhere to a number of special regulations available at the tribal office. Tribal harvest in 2002-03 under similar regulations was approximately 150 ducks, 20 geese, and 25 coots.
We propose to approve the Point No Point Treaty Tribe's 2003-04 regulations.
Almost all of the Fort Hall Indian Reservation is tribally owned. The Tribes claim full wildlife management authority throughout the reservation, but the Idaho Fish and Game Department has disputed tribal jurisdiction, especially for hunting by non-tribal members on reservation lands owned by non-Indians. As a compromise, since 1985, we have established the same waterfowl hunting regulations on the reservation and in a surrounding off-reservation State zone. The regulations were requested by the Tribes and provided for different season dates than in the remainder of the State. We agreed to the season dates because they seemed to provide additional protection to mallards and pintails. The State of Idaho concurred with the zoning arrangement. We have no objection to the State's use of this zone again in the 2003-04 hunting season, provided the duck and goose hunting season dates are the same as on the reservation.
In a proposal for the 2003-04 hunting season, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Start Printed Page 47434requested a continuous duck (including mergansers) season with the maximum number of days and the same daily bag and possession limits permitted for Pacific Flyway States, under final Federal frameworks. The Tribes propose that, if the same number of hunting days are permitted as last year, the season would have an opening date of October 4, 2003, and a closing date of January 11, 2004. Coot and snipe season dates would be the same as for ducks, with the same daily bag and possession limits permitted for Pacific Flyway States. The Tribes anticipate harvest will be between 2,000 and 5,000 ducks.
The Tribes also requested a continuous goose season with the maximum number of days and the same daily bag and possession limits permitted in Idaho under Federal frameworks. The Tribes propose that, if the same number of hunting days are permitted as in previous years, the season would have an opening date of October 4, 2003, and a closing date of January 4, 2004. The Tribes anticipate harvest will be between 4,000 and 6,000 geese.
The Tribe requests a common snipe season with the maximum number of days and the same daily bag and possession limits permitted in Idaho under Federal frameworks. The Tribes propose that, if the same number of hunting days are permitted as in previous years, the season would have an opening date of October 4, 2003, and a closing date of January 11, 2004.
We note that the requested regulations are nearly identical to those of last year and propose they be approved for the 2003-04 hunting season.
For the 2003-04 season, the Tribe requests to establish duck and coot seasons that would run from September 15, 2003, through January 15, 2004. The daily bag limit for ducks is five per day and could include only one canvasback. The season on harlequin ducks is closed. For coots the daily bag limit is 25. For snipe, the Tribe proposes the season start on September 15, 2003, and end on January 15, 2004. The daily bag limit for snipe is eight.
For geese, the Tribe proposes establishing a season that would run from September 15, 2003, through January 15, 2004. The daily bag limit for geese is four and could include only two snow geese. The season on Aleutian and cackling Canada geese is closed. For brant, the Tribe proposes to establish a September 15 to December 31, 2003, season with a daily bag limit of two. The Tribe also proposes a September 1 to December 31, 2003, season for band-tailed pigeons with a daily bag limit of five.
We propose to approve the Squaxin Island Tribe's requested 2003-04 special migratory bird hunting regulations.
The Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians and the Service have cooperated to establish special regulations for migratory game birds since 2001. The Tribe is proposing regulations to hunt all open and unclaimed lands under the Treaty of Point Elliott of January 22, 1855, including their main hunting grounds around Camano Island, Skagit Flats, Port Susan to the border of the Tulalip Tribe's Reservation. Ceded lands are located in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, and Kings Counties, and a portion of Pierce County, Washington. The Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians is a federally recognized Tribe and reserves the Treaty Right to hunt (U.S. v. Washington).
The Tribe proposes that duck (including mergansers, sea ducks, and coots), goose, and snipe seasons run from October 1, 2003, to January 31, 2004. The daily bag limit on ducks (including sea ducks and mergansers) is 10 and must include no more than 7 mallards (only 3 of which can be hens), 3 pintail, 3 redhead, 3 scaup, and 3 canvasback. The daily bag limit for coot is 25. For geese, the daily bag limit is six. The daily bag limit on brant is three. The daily bag limit for snipe is ten. Possession limits are totals of two daily bag limits.
For the 2003-04 season, the Tribe requests to establish a migratory bird hunting season on all areas that are open and unclaimed and consistent with the meaning of the treaty. The Tribe requests to establish duck, merganser, Canada goose, brant, and coot seasons opening on the earliest possible date allowed by the final Federal frameworks for the Pacific Flyway and closing 30 days after the State of Washington closes its season. The Swinomish requests an additional three birds of each species over that allowed by the State for daily bag and possession limits.
The Community normally anticipates that the regulations will result in the harvest of approximately 300 ducks, 50 Canada geese, 75 mergansers, 100 brant, and 50 coot. The Swinomish utilize a report card and permit system to monitor harvest and will implement steps to limit harvest where conservation is needed. All tribal Start Printed Page 47435regulations will be enforced by tribal fish and game officers.
On reservation, the Tribal Community proposes a hunting season for the above-mentioned species beginning on the earliest possible opening date and closing March 9, 2004. The Swinomish manage harvest by a report card permit system, and we anticipate harvest will be similar to that expected off reservation.
We believe the estimated harvest by the Swinomish will be minimal and will not adversely affect migratory bird populations. We propose to approve the Tribe's requested 2003-04 special migratory bird hunting regulations.
The Tulalip Tribes proposed tribal and nontribal hunting regulations for the 2003-04 season. Migratory waterfowl hunting by Tulalip Tribal members is authorized by Tulalip Tribal Ordinance No. 67. For ducks, mergansers, coot, and snipe, the proposed season for tribal members would be from September 15, 2003, through February 29, 2004. In the case of nontribal hunters hunting on the reservation, the season would be the latest closing date and the longest period of time allowed under final Pacific Flyway Federal frameworks. Daily bag and possession limits for Tulalip Tribal members would be 7 and 14 ducks, respectively, except that for blue-winged teal, canvasback, harlequin, pintail, and wood duck, the bag and possession limits would be the same as those established in accordance with final Federal frameworks. For nontribal hunters, bag and possession limits would be the same as those permitted under final Federal frameworks. Nontribal members should check with the Tulalip tribal authorities regarding additional conservation measures which may apply to specific species managed within the region. Ceremonial hunting may be authorized by the Department of Natural Resources at any time upon application of a qualified tribal member. Such a hunt must have a bag limit designed to limit harvest only to those birds necessary to provide for the ceremony.
For geese, tribal members are proposed to be allowed to hunt from September 15, 2003, through February 29, 2004. Non-tribal hunters would be allowed the longest season and the latest closing date permitted for Pacific Flyway Federal frameworks. For tribal hunters, the goose daily bag and possession limits would be 7 and 14, respectively, except that the bag limits for brant, cackling Canada geese, and dusky Canada geese would be those established in accordance with final Federal frameworks. For nontribal hunters hunting on reservation lands, the daily bag and possession limits would be those established in accordance with final Federal frameworks for the Pacific Flyway. The Tulalip Tribes also set a maximum annual bag limit for those tribal members who engage in subsistence hunting of 365 ducks and 365 geese.
For the 2003-04 duck season, the Tribe requests a season of November 1, 2003, and ending February 8, 2004. The Tribe proposes a daily bag limit of 15 with a possession limit of 20. The coot daily bag limit is 20 with a possession limit of 30.
The Tribe proposes a goose season from November 1, 2003, to February 8, 2004, with a daily bag limit of seven geese and five brant. The possession limit for geese and brant are seven and five, respectively.
The Tribe proposes a mourning dove season between September 1 to December 31, 2003, with a daily bag limit of 12 and possession limit of 20.
The anticipated migratory bird harvest under this proposal would be 100 ducks, 5 geese, 2 brant, and 10 coots. 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 regulations found in 50 CFR, except shooting hours would be one-half hour before official sunrise to one-half hour after official sunset.
The Service proposes to approve the request for special migratory bird hunting regulations for the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe. We request that the Tribe closely monitor harvest of this special migratory bird hunting season.
For the 2003-04 season, the Tribe proposes a duck season of November 1, 2003, to February 28, 2004. The Tribe proposes a daily bag limit of six birds, which could include no more than two hen mallards, two black ducks, two mottled ducks, one fulvous whistling duck, four mergansers, three scaup, one hooded merganser, two wood ducks, one canvasback, two redheads, and one pintail. The season for harlequins would be closed. The Tribe proposes a teal (green-winged and blue) season of October 18, 2003, to January 31, 2004. A daily bag limit of six teal would be in addition to the daily bag limit for ducks.
For sea ducks, the Tribe proposes a season between October 18, 2003, and February 28, 2004, with a daily bag limit Start Printed Page 47436of seven, which could include no more than one hen eider and four of any one species unless otherwise noted above.
For geese, the Tribe requests a season between September 13 to September 27, 2003, and November 1, 2003, through February 28, 2004, with a daily bag limit of 5 Canada geese during the first period and 3 Canada geese during the second period. They propose a daily bag limit of 15 snow geese.
For woodcock, the Tribe proposes a season between October 18 and November 29, 2003, with a daily bag limit of three.
The Tribe currently has 22 registered tribal hunters and estimates harvest to be no more than 40 geese, 50 mallards, 50 teal, 50 black ducks, and 50 of all other species combined. Tribal members hunting on the Reservation will observe all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations found in 50 CFR part 20. Hunters will be required to register with the HIP program.
The White Earth Band of Ojibwe is a federally-recognized tribe located in northwest Minnesota and encompasses all of Mahnomen County and parts of Becker and Clearwater Counties. The reservation employs conservation officers to enforce migratory bird regulations. The Tribe and the Service first cooperated to establish special tribal regulations in 1999.
For the 2003-04 migratory bird hunting season, the White Earth Band of Ojibwe request a duck and merganser season to start September 13 and end December 14, 2003. For ducks, they request a daily bag limit of 10 including no more than 2 mallards and 2 canvasback. The merganser daily bag limit would be 5 with no more than 2 hooded mergansers. For geese, the Tribe proposes a September 1 to December 14, 2003, season with a daily bag limit of five geese.
For coots, dove, rail, woodcock, and snipe, the Tribe proposes a September 7 to December 31, 2003, season with daily bag limits of 20 coots, 25 doves, 25 rails, 10 woodcock, and 10 snipe. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Nontoxic shot is required.
We propose to approve the White Earth Band of Ojibwe's requested 2003-04 special migratory bird hunting regulations for this year.
The hunting zone for waterfowl is restricted and is described as: the length of the Black River west of the Bonito Creek and Black River confluence and the entire length of the Salt River forming the southern boundary of the reservation; the White River, extending from the Canyon Day Stockman Station to the Salt River; and all stock ponds located within Wildlife Management Units 4, 5, 6, and 7. Tanks located below the Mogollon Rim, within Wildlife Management Units 2 and 3 will be open to waterfowl hunting during the 2003-04 season. The length of the Black River east of the Black River/Bonito Creek confluence is closed to waterfowl hunting. All other waters of the reservation would be closed to waterfowl hunting for the 2003-04 season.
For nontribal and tribal hunters, the Tribe proposes a continuous duck, coot, merganser, gallinule, and moorhen hunting season, with an opening date of October 11, 2003, and a closing date of January 25, 2004. The Tribe proposes a separate pintail season, with an opening date of October 11, 2003, and a closing date of December 10, 2003. The season on canvasback is closed. The Tribe proposes a daily duck (including mergansers) bag limit of seven, which may include no more than two redheads, one pintail (when open), and seven mallards (including no more than two hen mallards). The daily bag limit for coots, gallinules, and moorhens would be 25, singly or in the aggregate.
For geese, the Tribe is proposing a season from October 11, 2003, through January 25, 2004. Hunting would be limited to Canada geese, and the daily bag limit would be three.
Season dates for band-tailed pigeons and mourning doves would run concurrently from September 3 through September 17, 2003, in Wildlife Management Unit 10 and all areas south of Y-70 in Wildlife Management Unit 7, only. Proposed daily bag limits for band-tailed pigeons and mourning doves would be 3 and 10, respectively.
We propose to approve the regulations requested by the Tribe for the 2003-04 season.
On May 28, 2003, the Yankton Sioux Tribe submitted a waterfowl hunting proposal for the 2003-04 season. The Yankton Sioux tribal waterfowl hunting season would be open to both tribal members and nontribal hunters. The waterfowl hunting regulations would apply to tribal and trust lands within the external boundaries of the reservation.
For ducks (including mergansers) and coots, the Yankton Sioux Tribe proposes a season starting October 9, 2003, and running for the maximum amount of days allowed under the final Federal frameworks. The Tribe indicated that if the Service decided to close the canvasback season, the Tribe would close theirs. Daily bag and possession limits would be 6 ducks, which may include no more than 5 mallards (no more than 2 hens), 1 canvasback (if open), 2 redheads, 3 scaup, 1 pintail, or 2 wood ducks. The bag limit for mergansers is 5, which would include no more than 1 hooded merganser. The coot daily bag limit is 15.
For geese, the Tribe has requested a dark geese (Canada geese, brant, white-fronts) season starting October 29, 2003, and closing January 31, 2004. The daily bag limit would be three geese (including no more than one whitefront or brant). Possession limits would be twice the daily bag limit.
For white geese, the proposed hunting season would start October 29, 2003, and run for the maximum amount of days allowed under the final Federal frameworks. Daily bag and possession limits would be the maximum as those allowed under Federal frameworks.
All hunters would have to be in possession of a valid tribal license while hunting on Yankton Sioux trust lands. Tribal and nontribal hunters must comply with all basic Federal migratory Start Printed Page 47437bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20 pertaining to shooting hours and the manner of taking. Special regulations established by the Yankton Sioux Tribe also apply on the reservation.
During the 2002-03 hunting season, the Tribe reported that 65 nontribal hunters took 350 Canada geese, 25 light geese, and 75 ducks. One hundred and twenty-two tribal members harvested less than 50 geese and 50 ducks.
We concur with the Yankton Sioux proposal for the 2003-04 hunting season.
We intend that adopted final rules be as responsive as possible to all concerned interests and, therefore, desire to obtain the comments and suggestions of the public, other governmental agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and other private interests on these proposals. However, special circumstances are involved in the establishment of these regulations, which limit the amount of time that we can allow for public comment. Specifically, two considerations compress the time in which the rulemaking process must operate: (1) The need to establish final rules at a point early enough in the summer to allow affected State agencies to adjust appropriately their licensing and regulatory mechanisms; and (2) the unavailability, before mid-June, of specific, reliable data on this year's status of some waterfowl and migratory shore and upland game bird populations. Therefore, we believe that to allow the comment period past the date specified in DATES is contrary to the public interest.
The Department of the Interior's policy is, whenever practicable, to afford the public an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking process. Accordingly, we invite interested persons to submit written comments, suggestions, or recommendations regarding the proposed regulations. Before promulgation of final migratory game bird hunting regulations, we will take into consideration all comments received. Such comments, and any additional information received, may lead to final regulations that differ from these proposals. We invite interested persons to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments to the address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES. You may inspect comments received on the proposed annual regulations during normal business hours at the Service's office in room 4107, 4501 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia.
In a proposed rule published in the April 30, 2001, Federal Register (66 FR 21298), we expressed our intent to begin the process of developing a new EIS for the migratory bird hunting program.
Prior to issuance of the 2003-04 migratory game bird hunting regulations, we will consider provisions of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543; hereinafter the Act) to ensure that hunting is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any species designated as endangered or threatened or modify or destroy its critical habitat and is consistent with conservation programs for those species. Consultations under Section 7 of this Act may cause us to change proposals in this and future supplemental proposed rulemaking documents.
This rule is economically significant and was reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under Executive Order 12866. The migratory bird hunting regulations are economically significant and are annually reviewed by OMB under Executive Order 12866. As such, a cost/benefit analysis was prepared in 1998 and is further discussed below under the heading Regulatory Flexibility Act. Copies of the cost/benefit analysis are available upon request from the address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES.
Executive Order 12866 requires each agency to write regulations that are easy to understand. We invite comments on how to make this rule easier to understand, including answers to questions such as the following:
Send a copy of any comments that concern how we could make this rule easier to understand to: Office of the Executive Secretariat and Regulatory Affairs, Department of the Interior, Room 7229, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240. You may also e-mail comments to this address: Exsec@ios.doi.gov.
These 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 and issued a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis) in 2003. The Analysis documented the significant beneficial economic effect on a substantial number of small entities. Start Printed Page 47438The 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 Analysis was based on the 2001 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 between $470 million and $1.2 billion at small businesses in 2003. Copies of the Analysis are available upon request from the address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES.
We examined these regulations under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The various recordkeeping and reporting requirements imposed under regulations established in 50 CFR part 20, Subpart K, are utilized in the formulation of migratory game bird hunting regulations. Specifically, OMB has approved the information collection requirements of the Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program and assigned clearance number 1018-0015 (expires 10/31/2004). This information is used to provide a sampling frame for voluntary national surveys to improve our harvest estimates for all migratory game birds in order to better manage these populations. OMB has also approved the information collection requirements of the Sandhill Crane Harvest Questionnaire and assigned clearance number 1018-0023 (expires 07/31/2003). The information from this survey is used to estimate the magnitude and the geographical and temporal distribution of the harvest, and the portion it constitutes of the total population. A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Based on the results of soon-to-be-completed migratory game bird studies, and having due consideration for any data or views submitted by interested parties, this proposed rulemaking may result in the adoption of special hunting regulations for migratory birds beginning as early as September 1, 2003, on certain Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and ceded lands. Taking into account both reserved hunting rights and the degree to which tribes have full wildlife management authority, the regulations only for tribal members or for both tribal and nontribal members may differ from those established by States in which the reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and ceded lands are located. The regulations will specify open seasons, shooting hours, and bag and possession limits for rails, coot, gallinules (including moorhen), woodcock, common snipe, band-tailed pigeons, mourning doves, white-winged doves, ducks (including mergansers), and geese. Start Printed Page 47439
The rules that eventually will be promulgated for the 2003-04 hunting season are authorized under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of July 3, 1918 (40 Stat. 755; 16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.), as amended. The MBTA authorizes and directs the Secretary 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.
[FR Doc. 03-20290 Filed 8-7-03; 8:45 am]