Proposed Rule: Migratory Bird Hunting: Seasons, Limits, and Shooting Hours, Establishment, Etc.

Monday,
July 23, 2007
Part II
Department of the
Interior
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 20
Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed
Frameworks for Early-Season Migratory
Bird Hunting Regulations; Notice of
Meetings; Proposed Rule
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40194 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 140 / Monday, July 23, 2007 / Proposed Rules
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 4107, 4501 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, 19. Hawaii
Virginia. 20. Puerto Rico
Fish and Wildlife Service FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 21. Virgin Islands
Robert Blohm, Chief, or Ron W. Kokel, 22. Falconry
50 CFR Part 20 23. Other
Division of Migratory Bird Management,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (703) Subsequent documents will refer only
RIN 1018–AV12 358–1714. to numbered items requiring attention.
Therefore, it is important to note that we
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed will omit those items requiring no
Frameworks for Early-Season Regulations Schedule for 2007 attention, and remaining numbered
Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations; items will be discontinuous and appear
On April 11, 2007, we published in
Notice of Meetings incomplete.
the Federal Register (72 FR 18328) a On June 8, 2007, we published in the
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20. The Federal Register (72 FR 31789) a second
Interior. proposal provided a background and document providing supplemental
overview of the migratory bird hunting proposals for early- and late-season
ACTION: Proposed rule; supplemental.
regulations process, and dealt with the migratory bird hunting regulations and
SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife establishment of seasons, limits, the regulatory alternatives for the 2007–
Service (hereinafter Service or we) is proposed regulatory alternatives for the 08 duck hunting season. The June 8
proposing to establish the 2007–08 2007–08 duck hunting season, and other supplement also provided detailed
early-season hunting regulations for regulations for hunting migratory game information on the 2007–08 regulatory
certain migratory game birds. We birds under §§ 20.101 through 20.107, schedule and announced the Service
annually prescribe frameworks, or outer 20.109, and 20.110 of subpart K. Major Migratory Bird Regulations Committee
limits, for dates and times when hunting steps in the 2007–08 regulatory cycle (SRC) and Flyway Council meetings.
may occur and the maximum number of relating to open public meetings and This document, the third in a series
birds that may be taken and possessed Federal Register notifications were also of proposed, supplemental, and final
in early seasons. Early seasons may identified in the April 11 proposed rule. rulemaking documents for migratory
open as early as September 1, and Further, we explained that all sections bird hunting regulations, deals
include seasons in Alaska, Hawaii, of subsequent documents outlining specifically with proposed frameworks
Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. hunting frameworks and guidelines for early-season regulations. It will lead
These frameworks are necessary to were organized under numbered to final frameworks from which States
allow State selections of specific final headings. As an aid to the reader, we may select season dates, shooting hours,
seasons and limits and to allow reiterate those headings here: and daily bag and possession limits for
recreational harvest at levels compatible 1. Ducks the 2007–08 season. We have
with population status and habitat A. General Harvest Strategy considered all pertinent comments
conditions. B. Regulatory Alternatives received through July 6, 2007, on the
C. Zones and Split Seasons April 11 and June 8, 2007, rulemaking
DATES: The Service Migratory Bird D. Special Seasons/Species documents in developing this
Regulations Committee will meet to Management document. In addition, new proposals
consider and develop proposed i. September Teal Seasons for certain early-season regulations are
regulations for late-season migratory ii. September Teal/Wood Duck provided for public comment. Comment
bird hunting and the 2008 spring/ Seasons periods are specified above under
summer migratory bird subsistence iii. Black Ducks DATES. We will publish final regulatory
seasons in Alaska on August 1 and 2, iv. Canvasbacks frameworks for early seasons in the
2007. All meetings will commence at v. Pintails Federal Register on or about August 20,
approximately 8:30 a.m. You must vi. Scaup 2007.
submit comments on the proposed vii. Mottled Ducks
migratory bird hunting-season Service Migratory Bird Regulations
viii. Youth Hunt
frameworks for Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto 2. Sea Ducks Committee Meetings
Rico, the Virgin Islands, and other early 3. Mergansers Participants at the June 20–21, 2007,
seasons by August 2, 2007, and for the 4. Canada Geese meetings reviewed information on the
forthcoming proposed late-season A. Special Seasons current status of migratory shore and
frameworks by August 30, 2007. B. Regular Seasons upland game birds and developed 2007–
ADDRESSES: The Service Migratory Bird C. Special Late Seasons 08 migratory game bird regulations
Regulations Committee will meet in 5. White-fronted Geese recommendations for these species plus
room 200 of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 6. Brant regulations for migratory game birds in
Service’s Arlington Square Building, 7. Snow and Ross’s (Light) Geese Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin
4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, 8. Swans Islands; special September waterfowl
Virginia. Send your comments on the 9. Cranes seasons in designated States; special sea
proposals to the Chief, Division of 10. Coots duck seasons in the Atlantic Flyway;
Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish 11. Moorhens and Gallinules and extended falconry seasons. In
and Wildlife Service, Department of the 12. Rails addition, we reviewed and discussed
Interior, MS MBSP–4107–ARLSQ, 1849 13. Snipe preliminary information on the status of

C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20240. 14. Woodcock waterfowl. Participants at the previously
All comments received, including 15. Band-Tailed Pigeons announced August 1–2, 2007, meetings
names and addresses, will become part 16. Mourning Doves will review information on the current
of the public record. You may inspect 17. White-Winged and White-Tipped status of waterfowl and develop
comments during normal business Doves recommendations for the 2007–08
hours at the Service’s office in room 18. Alaska regulations pertaining to regular
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 140 / Monday, July 23, 2007 / Proposed Rules 40195
waterfowl seasons and other species and year. Improvements this year came produced local flooding of some nesting
seasons not previously discussed at the largely as a result of melting of large habitat. Wetland basins in Quebec were
early-season meetings. In accordance snowpacks and wet soil conditions, adequately charged and spring
with Department of the Interior policy, which caused above-average natural temperatures were near normal. There
these meetings are open to public runoff volume in many river basins. was some potential for flooding of nests
observation and you may submit in Maine and the Maritimes due to
U.S. Prairies
comments to the Director on the matters heavy rain during mid-May, but this
discussed. Habitat conditions in U.S. prairies are was not as problematic as it has been
highly variable, and mostly ranged from during the past few years.
Population Status and Harvest good to poor. The drought conditions Newfoundland and Labrador
The following paragraphs provide seen last year in the Eastern Dakotas experienced a late spring compared to
preliminary information on the status of were improved by abundant fall and the last 5 years, with northernmost part
waterfowl and information on the status winter precipitation, especially in of the survey region in Labrador still
and harvest of migratory shore and eastern South Dakota. Exceptionally frozen in late May. However, this region
upland game birds excerpted from heavy rain events during May helped to was still considered to be in good
various reports. For more detailed improve conditions in eastern Montana condition.
information on methodologies and and parts of the Dakotas. Unfortunately,
results, you may obtain complete copies the area covered by the May rains did Status of Teal
of the various reports at the address not include the high quality duck The estimate of blue-winged teal
indicated under ADDRESSES or from our habitat of the Missouri Coteau region in numbers from the Traditional Survey
Web site at http://fws.gov/ the Eastern Dakotas. Although the May Area is 6.7 million. This represents a 14
migratorybirds/reports. rains occurred after many ducks had percent increase from 2006 and is 48
moved through the survey area, the percent above the 1955–2006 average.
May Breeding Waterfowl and Habitat precipitation should benefit renesting
Survey Sandhill Cranes
birds and improve the quality of
Federal, provincial, and State vegetation in wetlands and uplands, Compared to increases recorded in the
agencies conduct surveys each spring to thereby aiding brood survival. 1970s, annual indices to abundance of
estimate the size of breeding the Mid-Continent Population (MCP) of
populations and to evaluate the Bush (Alaska, Northern Manitoba, sandhill cranes have been relatively
conditions of the habitats. These Northern Saskatchewan, Western stable since the early 1980s. The Central
surveys are conducted using fixed-wing Ontario) Platte River Valley, Nebraska, spring
aircraft and helicopters and encompass Habitat in the bush regions of the index for 2007, uncorrected for visibility
principal breeding areas of North traditional survey area were mostly bias, was 302,600 sandhill cranes. The
America, and cover over 2.0 million classified as good due to a normal photo-corrected, 3-year average for
square miles. The Traditional survey spring break-up and generally good 2004–06 was 378,420, which is within
area comprises Alaska, Canada, and the water conditions in the beaver ponds, the established population-objective
northcentral United States, and includes river deltas, and small lakes and ponds range of 349,000–472,000 cranes. All
approximately 1.3 million square miles. that are characteristic of this region. Central Flyway States, except Nebraska,
The Eastern survey area includes parts Spring phenology and water levels allowed crane hunting in portions of
of Ontario, Quebec, Labrador, varied slightly in local areas. For their States during 2006–07. About
Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince example spring was slightly late in the 10,120 hunters participated in these
Edward Island, New Brunswick, New Old Crow Flats, slightly early in the seasons, which was similar to the
York, and Maine, an area of Yukon Delta, and it was slightly drier in number that participated in the previous
approximately 0.7 million square miles. the Yukon Flats compared to other year season. Hunters harvested 17,631
Overall, habitat conditions for regions in Alaska, but habitat conditions MCP cranes in the U.S. portion of the
breeding waterfowl in 2007 are fairly were still generally good across the bush Central Flyway during the 2006–07
similar or slightly improved compared region. The exceptions were the slightly seasons, which was 3 percent lower
to conditions in 2006. drier conditions in northwest than the estimated harvest for the
Saskatchewan and central Alberta. previous year. The retrieved harvest of
Canadian Prairies MCP cranes in hunt areas outside the
There is also the potential for some
For the third year in a row, habitat flooding in northern Saskatchewan and Central Flyway (Arizona, New Mexico,
conditions were good-to-excellent in the Manitoba. Alaska, Canada, and Mexico combined)
northern grasslands and parklands of was estimated at 13,048 during 2006–
southern Saskatchewan and southern Eastern Survey Area 07. The preliminary estimate for the
Manitoba. Three years of plentiful The boreal forests of the eastern North American MCP sport harvest,
precipitation has generally maintained survey area were generally in good or including crippling losses, was 35,341
or improved the quality of the wetland excellent condition this spring, except birds, which is 3 percent lower than the
and upland vegetation in this region. for a few drier patches in Northern previous year’s estimate. The long-term
However, some areas of the parklands of Quebec, that were in fair condition. (1982–2004) trends for the MCP indicate
southern Saskatchewan experienced Spring arrived early in the James and that harvest has been increasing at a
severe flooding due to record amounts Hudson Bay Lowlands for the third higher rate than population growth.
of spring runoff. This runoff may have consecutive year, and habitat conditions The fall 2006 pre-migration survey for
flooded some nests. The southern were classified as excellent. In eastern the Rocky Mountain Population (RMP)
grasslands of Saskatchewan and and southern Ontario, the winter was not completed due to engine
Manitoba were dry, and in fair or poor snowpack was below normal, however, problems with the survey aircraft. The
condition. Conditions in southern a good frost seal, spring runoff, and 3-year average for 2003–05 was 19,633
Alberta, which have generally been fair spring storms left this region in good sandhill cranes, which is within
or poor for much of the last decade, condition at the time of the survey. established population objectives of
improved for the second consecutive Storms following the survey period 17,000–21,000 for the RMP. Hunting
seasons during 2006–07 in portions of than half of mineral sites (54 percent) in whitewing abundance. Moreover,
Arizona, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, increased in 2006. In 2006, there were because until recently, whitewing
Utah, and Wyoming, resulted in a 44 sites counted. populations were not surveyed outside
harvest of 907 RMP cranes, a 29 percent Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data are south Texas, the population increase
increase from the harvest of 702 the year used to monitor the Interior Band-tailed has probably been even more dramatic.
before, and a record high harvest for this Pigeon Population. Analyses of BBS A new distance sampling protocol was
population. data over the most recent 10 years implemented for Central and South
(1997–2006) showed a significant Texas for 2007. It is anticipated that this
Woodcock decline, while there was no trend protocol will be implemented statewide
Singing-ground and Wing-collection indicated between 1968 and 2006. For in 2008, which should give the ability
Surveys were conducted to assess the the Pacific Coast Population, the to obtain a good estimate of white-
population status of the American preliminary 2006 harvest estimate from winged dove abundance in Texas. The
woodcock (Scolopax minor). The the Harvest Information Program (HIP) 2007 data were not available at the time
Singing-ground Survey is intended to was 16,600 pigeons. For the Interior of this report. However, 2006 surveys in
measure long-term changes in woodcock Population, the preliminary harvest Central Texas indicated a population in
population levels. Singing-ground estimate was 1,600 pigeons. this region of 991,103 to 1,394,300
Survey data indicated that the numbers Analyses of Mourning Dove Call- whitewings. Preliminary harvest
of displaying American woodcock in the count Survey data over the most recent estimates suggest that, during the 2006–
Eastern Region in 2007 declined 11.6 10 years indicated no significant trend 07 season, 2,165,128 white-winged
percent from 2006; however, the Central for doves heard in either the Eastern or doves were harvested statewide. This
Region was unchanged. We note that Western Management Units, while the includes approximately 278,000
measurement of short-term (i.e., annual) Central Unit showed a significant whitewings harvested during the special
trends tend to give estimates with larger decline. Over the 42-year period 1966– white-winged dove season in the
variances and is more prone to be 2007, all 3 units exhibited significant Special White-winged Dove Zone, and
influenced by climatic factors that may declines in mourning doves heard. In approximately 319,000 white-wings
affect local counts during the survey. contrast, for doves seen over the 10-year harvested during the same period
For example, it is possible that the period, no significant trends were found outside the Special Zone. Total
decrease observed in the Eastern Region in any of the three Management Units. statewide harvest represents a slight, but
this year may have been due in part to For doves seen over 42 years, no trend not necessarily significant, change from
late season snowfalls that portions of was found in the Eastern and Central the previous season of 1,840,536
the Northeast received after woodcock Units, while a significant decline was whitewings.
arrived on the breeding grounds. indicated for the Western Unit. The In California, BBS data indicate that
There was no significant trend in preliminary 2006 harvest estimate for there has been a significant increase in
woodcock heard in either the Eastern or the United States was 19,245,300 doves, the population between 1968 and 2006
Central Regions during 1997–2007. This a 13 percent decrease from 2005. A while no trend was indicated over the
represents the fourth consecutive year banding project is underway to obtain most recent 10 years. According to HIP
since 1992 that the 10-year trend current information in order to develop surveys, the preliminary harvest
estimate for either region did not mourning dove population models for estimate for 2006 was 55,200. In New
indicate a significant decline. There each unit to provide guidance for Mexico, both the long- and short-term
were long-term (1968–2007) declines of improving our decision-making process trends show a significant increase. In
2.0 percent per year in the Eastern with respect to harvest management. 2006, the estimated harvest was 66,100
Region and 1.8 percent per year in the The two key states with a white- doves.
Central Region. Wing-collection survey winged dove population are Arizona White-tipped doves are maintaining a
data indicate that the 2006 recruitment and Texas. California and New Mexico relatively stable population in the
index for the U.S. portion of the Eastern have much smaller populations. In Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. They
Region (1.5 immatures per adult female) Arizona, the white-winged dove are most abundant in cities and, for the
was 7 percent lower than the 2005 population showed a significant decline most part, are not available to hunting.
index, and 8 percent lower than the between 1962 and 1980. To adjust White-winged dove distance sampling
long-term average. The recruitment harvest with population size, the bag in the Valley included white-tipped
index for the U.S. portion of the Central limits, season length, and shooting doves for the first time in 2007.
Region (1.6 immatures per adult female) hours have been reduced over the years, However, these data were not available
was 11 percent higher than the 2005 most recently in 1988. These regulations at the time of this report. Once
index, and 2 percent higher than the changes appear to have slowed the available, they should provide, for the
long-term average. decline, and in recent years, the harvest first time, an estimate of actual white-
has stabilized at around 110,000 birds tipped dove abundance in Texas. During
Band-Tailed Pigeons and Doves per year. Arizona is currently the 2006–07 season, an estimated total
A rangewide survey for the Pacific experiencing the greatest drought in of 150,521 white-tipped doves were
Coast Band-tailed Pigeon Population recorded history. In 2007, the Call-count killed in Texas. This is essentially
was initiated on an experimental basis index was 24.6. According to HIP unchanged from the 2005–06 estimate of
in 2001 and became operational in 2004. surveys, the 2006 harvest estimate was 144,302 doves.
Pigeons are counted at selected mineral 107,400 doves.
sites throughout their range in British In Texas, white-winged doves Review of Public Comments
Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and continue to expand their breeding range The preliminary proposed rulemaking
California. Results are used as an index and are even extending into the (April 11 Federal Register) opened the
to determine the population trend over northeast part of the state. Nesting is public comment period for migratory
time. Rangewide trend estimates essentially confined to urban areas, but game bird hunting regulations and
showed an increase in Pacific Coast appears to be expanding to exurban announced the proposed regulatory
pigeons during 2001–2006 of over 10 areas. Concomitant with this range alternatives for the 2007–08 duck
percent/year. Pigeon counts at more expansion has been a dramatic increase hunting season. Comments concerning
early-season issues and the proposed Alaska’s early season regulations, and to report and recommendations. This
alternatives are summarized below and investigate the addition of alternative recommendation will be included in
numbered in the order used in the April models. considerations of potential changes to
11 Federal Register document. Only the Service Response: As we stated in the the set of regulatory alternatives at a yet
numbered items pertaining to early- April 11 Federal Register, we intend to to be determined later date.
seasons issues and the proposed continue use of adaptive harvest We will propose a specific regulatory
regulatory alternatives for which written management (AHM) to help determine alternative for each of the Flyways
comments were received are included. appropriate duck-hunting regulations during the 2007–08 season after survey
Consequently, the issues do not follow for the 2007–08 season. AHM is a tool information becomes available later this
in consecutive numerical or that permits sound resource decisions in summer. More information on AHM is
alphabetical order. the face of uncertain regulatory impacts, located at http://www.fws.gov/
We received recommendations from as well as providing a mechanism for migratorybirds/mgmt/AHM/AHM-
all four Flyway Councils. Some reducing that uncertainty over time. The intro.htm.
recommendations supported current AHM protocol is used to
continuation of last year’s frameworks. evaluate four alternative regulatory D. Special Seasons/Species
Due to the comprehensive nature of the levels based on the population status of Management
annual review of the frameworks mallards (special hunting restrictions
i. September Teal Seasons
performed by the Councils, support for are enacted for certain species, such as
continuation of last year’s frameworks is canvasbacks, scaup, and pintails). Utilizing the criteria developed for the
assumed for items for which no In recent years, the prescribed teal season harvest strategy, this year’s
recommendations were received. regulatory alternative for the Pacific, estimate of 6.7 million blue-winged teal
Council recommendations for changes Central, and Mississippi Flyways has from the Traditional Survey Area
in the frameworks are summarized been based on the status of mallards and indicates that a 16-day September teal
below. breeding-habitat conditions in central season is appropriate in 2007.
We seek additional information and North America (Federal survey strata 1–
comments on the recommendations in 18, 20–50, and 75–77, and State surveys iii. Black Ducks
this supplemental proposed rule. New in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Council Recommendations: The
proposals and modifications to Michigan). In the April 11 Federal Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations
previously described proposals are Register, we also stated our intent for Committees of the Mississippi Flyway
discussed below. Wherever possible, the 2007 hunting season to consider Council endorsed the draft International
they are discussed under headings setting hunting regulations in the Pacific Harvest Strategy for Black Ducks
corresponding to the numbered items in Flyway based on the status and developed by the Black Duck AHM
the April 11 Federal Register document. dynamics of a newly defined stock of Working Group until such time that a
‘‘western’’ mallards. For now, western full AHM model is available and
1. Ducks mallards would be defined as those
requested a dialogue with the Service on
Categories used to discuss issues breeding in Alaska (as based on Federal
options for implementing harvest
related to duck harvest management are: surveys in strata 1–12), and in California
restrictions, assuming harvest
(A) General Harvest Strategy; (B) and Oregon (as based on State-
restrictions are warranted.
Regulatory Alternatives, including conducted surveys). However, upon
specification of framework dates, season further review of the issue, we agree Service Response: In the April 11
lengths, and bag limits; (C) Zones and with the Pacific Flyway Council’s Federal Register we announced our
Split Seasons; and (D) Special Seasons/ recommendation to delay intent to propose the specifics of a joint
Species Management. The categories implementation of the revised protocol black duck harvest strategy with Canada
correspond to previously published for managing the harvest of mallards in in this rule. The draft strategy consisted
issues/discussions, and only those Western North America until 2008 for of a maximum harvest rate for the
containing substantial recommendations the reasons identified by the Council. continental black duck population, as
are discussed below. Delaying implementation of the revised well as criteria for maintaining
protocol until 2008 should allow us and approximate parity in harvest between
A. General Harvest Strategy the Council to more effectively consider the two countries. However, although
Council Recommendations: The these management concerns. the Mississippi Flyway Council
Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations Finally, since 2000, we have approved the draft strategy, the Atlantic
Committees of the Mississippi Flyway prescribed a regulatory alternative for Flyway Council did not, due to
Council recommended that regulations the Atlantic Flyway based on the concerns over several technical issues.
changes be restricted to one step per population status of mallards breeding Thus, further consultations are required
year, both when restricting as well as in eastern North America (Federal between all parties to determine an
liberalizing hunting regulations. survey strata 51–54 and 56, and State acceptable upper limit to the overall
The Pacific Flyway Council surveys in New England and the mid- harvest rate, procedures for determining
recommended that the proposal Atlantic region). We will continue this whether the realized harvest rate is
developed by the Service for a revised protocol for the 2007–08 season. below this limit, procedures for
protocol for managing the harvest of Regarding incorporation of a one-step determining whether the distribution of
mallards in Western North America be constraint into the AHM process, as we harvest between the countries is
implemented in 2008. The Council stated in the June 24, 2005, Federal acceptable, and rules for changing
stated that this delay is needed to fully Register (70 FR 36794), and last year in regulations if the harvest-rate and parity
understand and pick a management the May 30, 2006, Federal Register (71 criteria are not met. We will continue to
objective, to incorporate explicit FR 30786), our incorporation of a one- work with the Black Duck Adaptive
consideration of mallards derived from step constraint into the AHM process Harvest Management Working Group to
those portions of Alberta that contribute was addressed by the AHM Task Force refine the black duck strategy to address
mallards to the Pacific Flyway, to of the International Association of Fish outstanding concerns. We hope to
determine how this strategy relates to and Wildlife Agencies (IAFWA) in its present a revised strategy to the Flyway
Councils prior to their summer Flyway strategy of less than Maximum Flyway-specific harvest allocations, as
meetings. Sustained Yield (MSY). In developing well as an additional analysis that
regulation packages to implement the predicted scaup harvest from various
v. Pintails
framework, the Council further combinations of Flyway-specific season
Council Recommendations: The requested recognition of flyway lengths and bag limits (www.fws.gov/
Pacific Flyway Council recommended differences in scaup populations and migratorybirds/reports).
that the proposal developed by the harvest potential. We received a number of comments
Service for the addition of a Written Comments: We received on the proposed assessment. Some
compensatory model for Northern comments from the Atlantic, comments were very general in nature
Pintail harvest management be Mississippi, and Central Flyway or related to fundamental concerns
incorporated in 2007 and that work Councils; wildlife agencies in the States about the models we used or the
continue on improving the harvest of Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, assumptions we made in the
management decision-making process Mississippi, North Dakota, Oklahoma, assessment. Other comments were more
for pintail. Additionally, the Council South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin, and specific and technical in nature. We
urged the Service to complete its Wyoming; 5 non-governmental have attempted to respond to the more
banding needs assessment and to work organizations; and 13 individuals. None general, broad-based comments,
with the Flyways and the Canadian of the commenters supported the concerns, and issues in this proposed
Wildlife Service to improve the basic implementation of the proposed scaup rule. A more detailed, technical
biological data to more fully inform strategy at this time and all expressed response to other comments received
decision making. various technical, biological, social, and can be found at (www.fws.gov/
Written Comments: An individual policy concerns with the Service’s migratorybirds/reports).
expressed support for liberalizing scaup assessment and draft decision- Many of the comments concerned
pintail limits as we continue to refine making framework (summarized below). scaup population biology. However, it is
the pintail harvest strategy. Service Response: The continental important to recognize that a full
Service Response: We concur with the scaup (greater Aythya marila and lesser understanding of these biological
Pacific Flyway Council’s proposal to Aythya affinis combined) population processes does not presently exist even
incorporate a compensatory model of has experienced a long-term decline for mallards, a species where we have
harvest into the existing pintail harvest over the past 20 years. Over the past accumulated a significant amount of
strategy and agree that this strategy will several years in particular, we have information. The primary purpose of
benefit by including this alternative continued to express our growing management models is to provide a tool
model. We also believe that further concern about the status of scaup. Last to predict rather than to explain. If data
technical improvements should be year, we stated that we did not change are abundant, it may be possible to do
pursued with the objective of achieving scaup harvest regulations with the firm both. But with scaup, and probably most
a more fully adaptive strategy in the understanding that a draft harvest other species besides mallards, we often
future. Lastly, we appreciate the strategy would be available for Flyway must rely on more empirical models
Council’s continued support for Council review prior to the winter (i.e., models that lack details of
improving this strategy and remain meetings (71 FR 55654, September 22, biological processes). Nonetheless, these
committed to making the best regulatory 2006) and be in place to guide models must be well supported by data,
decisions possible based on application development of scaup hunting allow us to make reasonable
of the best scientific approaches we can regulations in 2007. As part of this predictions, and be updated as
cooperatively develop. effort, we developed an assessment experience allows. The logistic growth
framework that uses available data to model is an empirical model that has
vi. Scaup help predict the effects of harvest and proven to be robust for describing
Council Recommendations: The other uncontrollable environmental patterns in population abundance for a
Central Flyway Council recommended factors on the scaup population. After large variety of species and, in the case
not implementing a scaup harvest extensive review that we believe of scaup, efficiently uses available data.
strategy that uses an objective function resulted in substantial improvements, Some commenters focused on the use
based on Maximum Sustained Yield the final technical assessment was of a yield curve, which depicts the
(MSY). They suggested that scaup presented during the Winter Flyway relationship between sustainable
regulatory alternatives for the Central Technical Section meetings and made harvests and breeding population size.
Flyway in 2009 be based on the most available for public review in the April Yield curves are derived from specific
recent 3-year running mean of the May 11 Federal Register. We stated then, and hypotheses concerning fundamental
Breeding Population estimates (BPOP) continue to believe, that this technical aspects of population biology. They
as follows: assessment represents an objective and underlie modern harvest theory and
a. BPOP mean > 4.0 million, daily bag comprehensive synthesis of data actually have been the basis for
limit of 3. relevant to scaup harvest management optimizing harvests and regulations in
b. BPOP mean 3.25–4.0 million, daily and can help frame a scientifically- mid-continent and eastern mallards,
bag limit of 2. sound scaup harvest strategy. We note black ducks, and other stocks for some
c. BPOP mean 2.5–3.25 million, daily that results of the assessment suggest time.
bag limit of 1. that a reduction in scaup harvest is Another common misconception was
d. BPOP mean < 2.5 million, Hunter’s commensurate with the current that the proposed scaup harvest
Choice or 1-bird daily bag limit with a population status of scaup. Based on assessment uses a single model to
season-within-a-season. this updated technical assessment, a describe scaup dynamics. The

The Pacific Flyway Council was proposed scaup harvest strategy was accounting for uncertainty is perhaps
supportive of the proposed approach made available for public review in the more obvious with other harvest
outlined in the recently proposed June 8 Federal Register. The proposed assessment frameworks used by the
Service assessment and decision-making harvest strategy included initial Service Service, such as mid-continent
framework to inform scaup harvest recommendations on a harvest mallards, because we use four discrete
management, and endorsed a shoulder management objective and proposed models with mechanistic names (e.g.,
additive hunting mortality and weakly Under the proposed assessment, we are focus efforts on achieving consensus
density-dependent reproduction) to the first to acknowledge that around Flyway-wide regulatory
describe mallard population dynamics. considerable uncertainty exists in the alternatives. Secondly, we recognize
Nonetheless, while the scaup estimate of K (95% credibility interval that additional effort is necessary over
assessment framework utilizes a single for K is 5.7–12.2 million). However, for the coming year to communicate the
functional form (the logistic growth purposes of developing the harvest rationale for a scaup strategy and
model), it still accounts for the high strategy for scaup, it is important to note possible regulatory changes to the
degree of uncertainty in the model that the uncertainty surrounding any Flyways and the public. We intend to
parameters (e.g., carrying capacity, estimate of K can be accounted for review progress on policy issues at the
intrinsic rate of growth). within the assessment framework. winter 2008 SRC meeting and anticipate
Several commenters questioned the The third concern was that the significant progress by that time.
need to restrict hunting opportunity if logistic model employed by the Service Having considered all of these
harvest is not likely the cause of the for scaup does not account for the fact concerns, we agree that another year is
scaup population decline. We that the reproductive value of some needed to develop consensus on a
acknowledge that the decline in scaup cohorts is higher than others and thus, harvest strategy for scaup. We believe
since the early 1980s was most likely for example, shooting a female has the that one year is sufficient time to resolve
driven by large-scale changes in same effect on the population as all outstanding issues and it is our
environmental conditions. Regardless, shooting a male. It is true that the intent to implement a strategy in 2008.
smaller populations have less logistic model does not distinguish This does not preclude the possibility
harvestable surpluses than large among age-sex cohorts. Unfortunately, that we would consider possible
populations, everything else being available data are not sufficient to changes to scaup harvest regulations for
equal. In addition, harvest rates of scaup support a more detailed model. In the 2007–08 hunting season, based on
appear to have increased while the addition, accounting for age and sex- population status. We will work with
harvest potential of scaup appears to specific effects of hunting mortality the Flyway Councils to resolve
have declined. The proposed strategy would be of little practical use unless outstanding issues and to continue
seeks to make scaup harvest the age and sex composition of the ongoing cooperative efforts to improve
commensurate with current population harvest could be controlled, which we the monitoring programs and databases
status. do not believe is the case. upon which scaup regulatory decisions
Several common concerns involved A final concern was that the carrying are based. These include: Evaluation of
misconceptions about the assumptions capacity (K) of scaup is changing over potential biases in population estimates,
we made in the assessment or time and, therefore, historical data expansion and improvement of
disagreement with some of the cannot be used as a basis to determine population surveys, and a feasibility
associated inferences and underlying allowable harvests. However, a review assessment of a broad-scale scaup
assumptions. The first was that within of historical data does suggest that banding program. Additionally, we will
the proposed assessment framework, all scaup population dynamics have continue retrospective analyses of
scaup harvest is assumed to be additive changed since the early 1980s and that existing databases to assist in the
because no correlation has been this change has resulted in lower identification of casual factors which
demonstrated between harvest and harvest potential. The assessment might explain the continued scaup
population size. We must note, framework used permits model decline.
however, that it is not possible to make parameters like K to be updated Finally, we acknowledge that many
any inference about additive hunting annually so changes can be tracked. If misconceptions about our technical
mortality with a correlation between history is not a useful guide to the assessment of scaup harvest potential
harvest and population size without future, no modeling effort based on data exist and commit to continued work
explicitly accounting for possible will provide useful information for with the Flyway Councils to reach a
density-dependent and other harvest management. Further, in the common understanding about the true
environmental factors. We do absence of a model, decisions about strengths, limitations, and implications
acknowledge that a standard logistic hunting regulations would be subjective
of this framework. Throughout this
model with harvest incorporated does and not supported by our biological
process, we will continue to incorporate
assume that hunting mortality is knowledge.
While we continue to support the reviews or model refinements that are
additive. However, the logistic model
technical assessment of scaup harvest supported by data.
upon which the assessment framework
is based incorporates a scaling factor to potential, we are sensitive to the 4. Canada Geese
allow for the possibility of concerns expressed by the Flyway
Councils about the policy and social A. Special Seasons
compensatory harvest mortality.
Additionally, the logistic model allows aspects of implementation of the Council Recommendations: The
for compensation for hunting losses in proposed strategy at this time. Atlantic Flyway Council made several
subsequent breeding seasons through Specifically, we agree that more recommendations dealing with early
both the survival and recruitment dialogue about the nature of harvest Canada goose seasons. First, the Council
processes. management objectives and regulatory recommended allowing the
The second concern related to alternatives is necessary for successful experimental seasons in portions of
inferences from the assessment was that implementation of the strategy. Failure Florida, Georgia, New York, North
the estimated carrying capacity (K) for to agree on crucial policy aspects of the Carolina, South Carolina, and Vermont
scaup is 8.2 million when the proposed strategy in a timely fashion to become operational in 2007. Lastly,
population has never been that high. increases the risk that more drastic the Council recommended that the
The scaup assessment suggests that regulatory measures may be necessary Service allow the use of special
population size would only reach this in the future. In preparation for that regulations (electronic calls, unplugged
level in the complete absence of harvest dialogue, we reiterate our longstanding guns, extended hunting hours) later
and if there were no further objections to State-specific regulations than September 15 during existing
deterioration in habitat conditions. and encourage the Flyway Councils to September Canada goose hunting
seasons in Atlantic Flyway States. Use implemented for the purpose of 9. Sandhill Cranes
of these special regulations would be controlling local breeding populations
limited to the geographic areas of States or nuisance geese that nest primarily in Council Recommendations: The
that were open to hunting and under the conterminous United States (60 FR Central and Pacific Flyway Councils
existing September season ending dates 45021). Prior to 1995, in order to recommended using the 2006 Rocky
as approved by the Service for the 2007 implement a special season, each State Mountain Population sandhill crane
regulation cycle. was required to conduct a 3-year harvest allocation of 1,321 birds, as
The Upper- and Lower-Region evaluation to determine whether the proposed in the allocation formula,
Regulations Committees of the take of non-target Canada goose using the 2003–2005 3-year running
Mississippi Flyway Council populations (migrants) exceeded 10 average.
recommended that the closing dates for percent of the harvest. This evaluation The Pacific Flyway Council
Canada goose hunting during the requirement was removed in 1995 for recommended initiating a limited hunt
September goose season in the special seasons held September 1–15, for Lower Colorado River sandhill
Northwest goose zone of Minnesota be but remained in effect for all such cranes in Arizona, with the goal of the
extended through September 22 to seasons, or extensions of seasons, after hunt being a limited harvest of 5 cranes
coincide with the remainder of the state September 15. in January. To limit harvest, Arizona
with a waiver of the experimental In 1999, Minnesota received approval would issue permits to hunters and
season requirements of collecting to initiate a 3-year experimental require mandatory check of all
Canada goose parts. extension of the September goose season harvested cranes. To limit disturbance
Service Response: We support the from September 15–22. Minnesota was of wintering cranes, Arizona would
Atlantic Flyway Council’s request to granted a 1-year extension of the restrict the hunt to one 3-day period.
make the experimental seasons in experiment in 2002. Minnesota’s Arizona would also coordinate with the
portions of Florida, Georgia, New York, National Wildlife Refuges where cranes
experiment did not include the
North Carolina, South Carolina, and occur.
Northwest Goose Zone, due to concerns
Vermont operational in 2007. Data and Service Response: Greater and lesser
(at that time) about the status and
analysis submitted by the Council sandhill cranes are presently hunted in
potential impacts to migrant Canada
shows a minimal impact of these parts of their range and have been
geese, particularly Eastern Prairie
seasons on migrant stocks of Canada divided into management populations
Population (EPP) Canada geese. While
geese and demonstrates that they meet based on their geographic distribution
parts collection, harvest, and banding
the criteria for establishment of special during Fall and Winter. The current
data obtained in the evaluation of
early Canada goose hunting seasons. Flyway Management Plan for the Lower
We also support the Atlantic Flyway Minnesota’s experiment indicated that
migrant geese in areas adjacent to the Colorado River Valley Population
Council’s desire to increase
Northwest Goose Zone comprised less (LCRVP) of sandhill cranes allows for
opportunities to harvest resident Canada
than 5 percent of the harvest, granting hunting of this population when the
geese during special early Canada goose
hunting seasons. In many areas of the an extension of the framework closing wintering population exceeds 2,500
Flyway, resident Canada geese remain date without conducting an experiment cranes, a population level now
overabundant. Recent spring population would be contrary to established criteria exceeded. In 2005, the Pacific Flyway
surveys continue to estimate that for such seasons. Although the Council proposed a limited open season
approximately 1 million geese reside in magnitude of expected harvest of on this population. In response to
the States of the Atlantic Flyway—a migrant geese during September 16–22 proposal, we stated in the August 29,
number far in excess of the Flyway’s in the Northwest Goose Zone is small, 2006, Federal Register (71 FR 51406)
established goal of 650,000 resident a waiver of the evaluation criteria will that while we were in general support
geese. Allowing the use of these special likely invite requests for similar of allowing a very limited, carefully
expanded hunting methods would be waivers. Further, we recognize that controlled harvest of sandhill cranes
consistent with our August 10, 2006, collection of sufficient parts collection from this population, we did not believe
final rule on resident Canada goose and harvest data in the Northwest zone that this limited harvest was of
management (71 FR 45964) and is problematic. However, we are open to immediate concern, and recommended
November 2005 Final Environmental working with Minnesota to develop an that prior to initiating such a season, a
Impact Statement on resident Canada appropriate evaluation plan. more detailed harvest strategy be
goose management, would have a developed by the Flyway Council. We
B. Regular Seasons stated that this harvest strategy should
minimal impact on migrant Canada
goose populations, would contribute to Council Recommendations: The be included as an appendix to the
maximizing the harvest of resident Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations management plan prior to any hunting
Canada geese in the Flyway, would Committees of the Mississippi Flyway season being initiated. The Pacific
allow greater flexibility to affected Council recommended that the Flyway has modified the management
States, would be consistent with the framework opening date for all species plan as recommended.
Atlantic Flyway Resident Canada Goose of geese for the regular goose seasons in We prepared a draft environmental
Management Plan, and would provide a Michigan and Wisconsin be September assessment (DEA) considering the action
simplified, consistent set of regulations 16, 2007. to begin a limited harvest of sandhill
throughout the September Canada goose Service Response: We concur. As we cranes from the LCRVP by reviewing
season. stated last year (71 FR 51406), we agree current management strategies and
We do not support the Mississippi with the objective to increase harvest population objectives, and examining
Flyway Council’s request to extend the pressure on resident Canada geese in the alternatives to current management
framework closing date for the Mississippi Flyway and will continue to programs. The preferred alternative in
September goose season in the consider the opening dates in both the DEA was to institute the limited
Northwest Goose Zone of Minnesota to States as exceptions to the general season. We made this DEA available for
September 22. Special September Flyway opening date, to be reconsidered public comment and received only two
Canada goose seasons were annually. responses. We have addressed these
comments and prepared a final difficulties some States have in anticipate that these interim strategies,
environmental assessment (FEA). reversing statutes that prevent hunting representing each of the three
Based on our FEA, we will authorize on Sundays. However, granting a management units, will be introduced at
a limited experimental season for this request for compensatory days for the January 2008 SRC meeting, and
population of sandhill cranes as hunting American woodcock would be formally proposed and finalized prior to
requested by the Pacific Flyway contrary to the agreement reached the early-season SRC meeting next June.
Council. All of the described between the Service and the Flyway
requirements in the management plan 18. Alaska
Council that limited granting of
and the FEA will apply to this 3-year compensatory days to waterfowl Council Recommendations: The
experiment. Further, we will work with hunting. We also note that the ability to Pacific Flyway Council recommended
the participating Pacific Flyway States hunt on Sundays may provide more maintaining status quo in the Alaska
to meet the monitoring and assessment opportunities for hunter recruitment early-season framework, except for
requirements described in the than the allowance of compensatory increasing the dark goose daily bag limit
management plan for the evaluation of days. in selected units to provide more
this experimental season. In addition, Further, we do not view this as a good harvest opportunity for white-fronted
we encourage the participating States to time to liberalize woodcock regulations. geese.
work with us to improve our Although we cannot attribute a cause- Service Response: We concur. Pacific
understanding and management of this and-effect relationship between 1997 white-fronted geese are nearly 70
important group of sandhill cranes. woodcock harvest restrictions and percent above current management
The FEA can be obtained by writing improved woodcock population status, objectives at 509,000 birds. The
Robert Trost, Pacific Flyway the stabilization of woodcock trends in Council’s proposed liberalization of
Representative, U.S. Fish and Wildlife both the Eastern and Central Region is white-front limits to as many as 6 per
Service, Division of Migratory Bird encouraging. day within most of the range is
Management, 911 NE 11th Avenue, consistent with liberalizations in Pacific
Portland, Oregon 97232–4181, or it may 16. Mourning Doves Flyway coastal states. Further, the
be viewed via the Service’s home page Council Recommendations: The Council’s recommendation is crafted to
at http://fws.gov/migratorybirds/reports. Atlantic Flyway Council and the Upper- avoid additional harvest in units where
and Lower-Region Regulations Tule white-fronts occur (Units 1–16),
14. Woodcock Committees of the Mississippi Flyway and retains the restrictions on cackling
Council Recommendations: The Council recommended that, based on geese on the primary breeding and
Atlantic Flyway Council recommended criteria set forth in the current version staging areas (Unit 9E and 18) because
allowing compensatory days for of the Mourning Dove Harvest the population is below objective.
woodcock hunting in States where Management Strategy for the Eastern
Sunday hunting is prohibited by State Public Comments Solicited
Management Unit (EMU), no changes in
law. bag limit and season length components The Department of the Interior’s
Service Response: In 1995, the of the mourning dove harvest policy is, whenever practicable, to
Atlantic Flyway Council asked the framework are warranted. They both afford the public an opportunity to
Service to reconsider its longstanding further recommended that EMU States participate in the rulemaking process.
policy of denying compensatory days to should be offered the choice of either a Accordingly, we invite interested
those States that forego hunting 12-bird daily bag limit and 70-day persons to submit written comments,
opportunity due to State laws that season or a 15-bird daily bag limit and suggestions, or recommendations
prohibit Sunday hunting. We agreed to 60-day season for the 2007–08 mourning regarding the proposed regulations.
work with the Flyway Council to dove hunting season, with a Before promulgation of final migratory
‘‘frame’’ or better clarify this issue with standardized 15-bird daily bag limit and game bird hunting regulations, we will
regard to aspects such as Federal 70-day season beginning with the 2008– take into consideration all comments
authority, number of States involved, 09 mourning dove hunting season. The received. Such comments, and any
migratory birds affected, harvest standardized bag limit and season additional information received, may
impacts, framework adjustments, etc. In length will then be used as the lead to final regulations that differ from
1997, the Council again requested that ‘‘moderate’’ harvest option for revising these proposals. We invite interested
we grant compensatory days for States the Initial Mourning Dove Harvest persons to participate in this rulemaking
in their Flyway that were closed to Management Strategy. by submitting written comments to the
waterfowl hunting statewide on Sunday Service Response: We concur with the address indicated under the caption
by State law. The Council’s requested recommendation to maintain the current ADDRESSES. Before including your
compensatory days applied to waterfowl bag limit and season length options of address, phone number, e-mail address,
seasons only and not to other migratory 70 days with a 12-bird daily bag limit or other personal identifying
game birds (62 FR 44234). We granted or 60 days with a 15-bird daily bag for information in your comment, you
this request and stipulated that all the 2007–08 season. However, we should be aware that your entire
Sundays would be closed to all take of recommend that the proposal to comment—including your personal
migratory waterfowl and that other standardize this framework as a 70-day identifying information—may be made
migratory game species were not eligible season length with a 15-bird daily bag publicly available at any time. While
for compensatory days. Furthermore, limit, beginning with the 2008–09 you can ask us in your comment to
only States in the Atlantic Flyway that season, be included in ongoing withhold your personal identifying
prohibited Sunday hunting statewide by discussions on the interim harvest information from public review, we
State law prior to 1997 were eligible for strategy for the Eastern Management cannot guarantee that we will be able to
compensatory days for waterfowl. Unit, rather than considered at this do so.
We are sensitive to the Atlantic time. While it is our understanding that Special circumstances involved in the
Flyway’s desire to provide additional this framework represents the establishment of these regulations limit
woodcock hunting opportunity, and ‘‘moderate’’ harvest option for the the amount of time that we can allow for
acknowledge the longstanding Eastern Unit’s harvest strategy, we public comment. Specifically, two
considerations compress the time in meetings is available either at the Send a copy of any comments that
which the rulemaking process must address indicated under ADDRESSES or concern how we could make this rule
operate: (1) The need to establish final on our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/ easier to understand to: Office of
rules at a point early enough in the migratorybirds. Regulatory Affairs, Department of the
summer to allow affected State agencies Interior, Room 7229, 1849 C Street,
to appropriately adjust their licensing Endangered Species Act Consideration NW., Washington, DC 20240, or e-mail
and regulatory mechanisms; and (2) the Prior to issuance of the 2007–08 to Exsec@ios.doi.gov.
unavailability, before mid-June, of migratory game bird hunting Regulatory Flexibility Act
specific, reliable data on this year’s regulations, we will comply with
status of some waterfowl and migratory provisions of the Endangered Species These regulations have a significant
shore and upland game bird Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. economic impact on substantial
populations. Therefore, we believe that 1531–1543; hereinafter, the Act), to numbers of small entities under the
to allow comment periods past the dates ensure that hunting is not likely to Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601
specified in DATES is contrary to the jeopardize the continued existence of et seq.). We analyzed the economic
public interest. Before promulgation of any species designated as endangered or impacts of the annual hunting
final migratory game bird hunting threatened, or modify or destroy its regulations on small business entities in
regulations, we will take into critical habitat, and is consistent with detail as part of the 1981 cost-benefit
consideration all comments received conservation programs for those species. analysis discussed under Executive
during the comment period. Such Consultations under Section 7 of this Order 12866. This analysis was revised
comments, and any additional Act may cause us to change proposals annually from 1990 through 1995. In
information received, may lead to final in this and future supplemental 1995, the Service issued a Small Entity
regulations that differ from these rulemaking documents. Flexibility Analysis (Analysis), which
proposals. was subsequently updated in 1996,
You may inspect comments received Executive Order 12866 1998, and 2004. The primary source of
on the proposed annual regulations information about hunter expenditures
The migratory bird hunting
during normal business hours at the for migratory game bird hunting is the
regulations are economically significant
Service’s Division of Migratory Bird National Hunting and Fishing Survey,
and were reviewed by the Office of
Management office in room 4107, 4501 which is conducted at 5-year intervals.
Management and Budget (OMB) under
North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA The 2004 Analysis was based on the
Executive Order 12866. As such, a cost/
22203. For each series of proposed 2001 National Hunting and Fishing
benefit analysis was initially prepared
rulemakings, we will establish specific Survey and the U.S. Department of
in 1981. This analysis was subsequently
comment periods. We will consider, but Commerce’s County Business Patterns,
revised annually from 1990 through
possibly may not respond in detail to, from which it was estimated that
1996, updated in 1998, and updated
each comment. As in the past, we will migratory bird hunters would spend
again in 2004. It is further discussed
summarize all comments received between $481 million and $1.2 billion at
below under the heading Regulatory
during the comment period and respond small businesses in 2004. Copies of the
Flexibility Act. Results from the 2004
to them after the closing date in any Analysis are available upon request
analysis indicate that the expected
final rules. from the address indicated under
welfare benefit of the annual migratory
ADDRESSES or from our Web site at
NEPA Consideration bird hunting frameworks is on the order
http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/
NEPA considerations are covered by of $734 to $1,064 million, with a
reports/SpecialTopics/
the programmatic document ‘‘Final midpoint estimate of $899 million.
EconomicAnalysis-Final-2004.pdf.
Supplemental Environmental Impact Copies of the cost/benefit analysis are
Statement: Issuance of Annual available upon request from the address Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Regulations Permitting the Sport indicated under ADDRESSES or from our Fairness Act
Hunting of Migratory Birds (FSES 88– Web site at http://www.fws.gov/ This rule is a major rule under 5
14),’’ filed with the Environmental migratorybirds/reports/SpecialTopics/ U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business
Protection Agency on June 9, 1988. We EconomicAnalysis-Final-2004.pdf. Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act.
published a notice of availability in the Executive Order 12866 also requires For the reasons outlined above, this rule
Federal Register on June 16, 1988 (53 each agency to write regulations that are has an annual effect on the economy of
FR 22582). We published our Record of easy to understand. We invite comments $100 million or more. However, because
Decision on August 18, 1988 (53 FR on how to make this rule easier to this rule establishes hunting seasons, we
31341). In addition, an August 1985 understand, including answers to do not plan to defer the effective date
environmental assessment entitled questions such as the following: (1) Are under the exemption contained in 5
‘‘Guidelines for Migratory Bird Hunting the requirements in the rule clearly U.S.C. 808 (1).
Regulations on Federal Indian stated? (2) Does the rule contain
Reservations and Ceded Lands’’ is technical language or jargon that Paperwork Reduction Act
available (see ADDRESSES). interferes with its clarity? (3) Does the We examined these regulations under
In a notice published in the format of the rule (grouping and order the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
September 8, 2005, Federal Register (70 of sections, use of headings, The various recordkeeping and
FR 53376), we announced our intent to paragraphing, etc.) aid or reduce its reporting requirements imposed under
develop a new Supplemental clarity? (4) Would the rule be easier to regulations established in 50 CFR part
Environmental Impact Statement for the understand if it were divided into more 20, Subpart K, are utilized in the
migratory bird hunting program. Public sections? (5) Is the description of the formulation of migratory game bird
scoping meetings were held in the rule in the ‘‘Supplementary hunting regulations. Specifically, OMB
spring of 2006, as detailed in a March Information’’ section of the preamble has approved the information collection
9, 2006, Federal Register (71 FR 12216). helpful in understanding the rule? (6) requirements of the surveys associated
A scoping report summarizing the What else could we do to make the rule with the Migratory Bird Harvest
scoping comments and scoping easier to understand? Information Program and assigned
clearance number 1018–0015 (expires 2/ is not expected to adversely affect consulted with all the tribes affected by
29/2008). This information is used to energy supplies, distribution, or use. this rule.
provide a sampling frame for voluntary Therefore, this action is not a significant
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20
national surveys to improve our harvest energy action and no Statement of
estimates for all migratory game birds in Energy Effects is required. Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting
order to better manage these and recordkeeping requirements,
Federalism Effects Transportation, Wildlife.
populations. OMB has also approved
the information collection requirements Due to the migratory nature of certain The rules that eventually will be
of the Sandhill Crane Harvest Survey species of birds, the Federal promulgated for the 2007–08 hunting
and assigned clearance number 1018– Government has been given season are authorized under 16 U.S.C.
0023 (expires 11/30/2007). The responsibility over these species by the 703–712 and 16 U.S.C. 742 a–j.
information from this survey is used to Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually
Dated: July 13, 2007.
estimate the magnitude and the prescribe frameworks from which the
States make selections regarding the David M. Verhey,
geographical and temporal distribution
hunting of migratory birds, and we Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and
of the harvest, and the portion it Wildlife and Parks.
constitutes of the total population. A employ guidelines to establish special
Federal agency may not conduct or regulations on Federal Indian Proposed Regulations Frameworks for
sponsor and a person is not required to reservations and ceded lands. This 2007–08 Early Hunting Seasons on
respond to a collection of information process preserves the ability of the Certain Migratory Game Birds
unless it displays a currently valid OMB States and tribes to determine which
seasons meet their individual needs. Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty
control number. Act and delegated authorities, the
Any State or Indian tribe may be more
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act restrictive than the Federal frameworks Department of the Interior approved the
at any time. The frameworks are following proposed frameworks, which
We have determined and certify, in
developed in a cooperative process with prescribe season lengths, bag limits,
compliance with the requirements of the
the States and the Flyway Councils. shooting hours, and outside dates
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2
This process allows States to participate within which States may select hunting
U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this rulemaking
in the development of frameworks from seasons for certain migratory game birds
will not impose a cost of $100 million
which they will make selections, between September 1, 2007, and March
or more in any given year on local or
thereby having an influence on their 10, 2008.
State government or private entities.
Therefore, this rule is not a ‘‘significant own regulations. These rules do not General
regulatory action’’ under the Unfunded have a substantial direct effect on fiscal
capacity, change the roles or Dates: All outside dates noted below
Mandates Reform Act. are inclusive.
responsibilities of Federal or State
Civil Justice Reform—Executive Order governments, or intrude on State policy Shooting and Hawking (taking by
12988 or administration. Therefore, in falconry) Hours: Unless otherwise
accordance with Executive Order 13132, specified, from one-half hour before
The Department, in promulgating this
these regulations do not have significant sunrise to sunset daily.
proposed rule, has determined that this Possession Limits: Unless otherwise
proposed rule will not unduly burden federalism effects and do not have
sufficient federalism implications to specified, possession limits are twice
the judicial system and that it meets the the daily bag limit.
requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) warrant the preparation of a Federalism
of Executive Order 12988. Assessment. Flyways and Management Units
Takings Implication Assessment Government-to-Government Waterfowl Flyways
Relationship With Tribes
In accordance with Executive Order Atlantic Flyway—includes
12630, this proposed rule, authorized by Due to the migratory nature of certain Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia,
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, does not species of birds, the Federal Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New
have significant takings implications Government has been given Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,
and does not affect any constitutionally responsibility over these species by the North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode
protected property rights. This rule will Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Thus, in Island, South Carolina, Vermont,
not result in the physical occupancy of accordance with the President’s Virginia, and West Virginia.
property, the physical invasion of memorandum of April 29, 1994, Mississippi Flyway—includes
property, or the regulatory taking of any ‘‘Government-to-Government Relations Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana,
property. In fact, these rules allow with Native American Tribal Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan,
hunters to exercise otherwise Governments’’ (59 FR 22951), Executive Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio,
unavailable privileges and, therefore, Order 13175, and 512 DM 2, we have Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
reduce restrictions on the use of private evaluated possible effects on Federally Central Flyway—includes Colorado
and public property. recognized Indian tribes and have (east of the Continental Divide), Kansas,
determined that there are no effects on Montana (Counties of Blaine, Carbon,
Energy Effects—Executive Order 13211 Indian trust resources. However, in the Fergus, Judith Basin, Stillwater,
On May 18, 2001, the President issued April 11 proposed rule we solicited Sweetgrass, Wheatland, and all counties
Executive Order 13211 on regulations proposals for special migratory bird east thereof), Nebraska, New Mexico
that significantly affect energy supply, hunting regulations for certain Tribes on (east of the Continental Divide except
distribution, and use. Executive Order Federal Indian reservations, off- the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation),
13211 requires agencies to prepare reservation trust lands, and ceded lands North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota,
Statements of Energy Effects when for the 2006–07 migratory bird hunting Texas, and Wyoming (east of the
undertaking certain actions. While this season. The resulting proposals will be Continental Divide).
proposed rule is a significant regulatory contained in a separate proposed rule. Pacific Flyway—includes Alaska,
action under Executive Order 12866, it By virtue of these actions, we have Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada,
Oregon, Utah, Washington, and those Mississippi Flyway—Alabama, would be the same as those allowed in
portions of Colorado, Montana, New Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, the regular season. Flyway species and
Mexico, and Wyoming not included in Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, area restrictions would remain in effect.
the Central Flyway. and Tennessee. Shooting Hours: One-half hour before
Central Flyway—Colorado (part), sunrise to sunset.
Management Units Kansas, Nebraska (part), New Mexico Participation Restrictions: Youth
Mourning Dove Management Units (part), Oklahoma, and Texas. hunters must be 15 years of age or
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag younger. In addition, an adult at least 18
Eastern Management Unit—All States Limits: Not to exceed 9 consecutive days years of age must accompany the youth
east of the Mississippi River, and in the Atlantic Flyway and 16 hunter into the field. This adult may not
Louisiana. consecutive days in the Mississippi and duck hunt but may participate in other
Central Management Unit—Arkansas, Central Flyways. The daily bag limit is seasons that are open on the special
Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, 4 teal. youth day.
Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Shooting Hours:
Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Atlantic Flyway—One-half hour Scoter, Eider, and Oldsquaw Ducks
Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. before sunrise to sunset except in (Atlantic Flyway)
Western Management Unit—Arizona, Maryland, where the hours are from Outside Dates: Between September 15
California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, sunrise to sunset. and January 31.
and Washington. Mississippi and Central Flyways— Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag
Woodcock Management Regions One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, Limits: Not to exceed 107 days, with a
except in the States of Arkansas, daily bag limit of 7, singly or in the
Eastern Management Region— Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Ohio, aggregate, of the listed sea-duck species,
Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, where the hours are from sunrise to of which no more than 4 may be scoters.
Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New sunset. Daily Bag Limits During the Regular
Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Duck Season: Within the special sea
North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Special September Duck Seasons duck areas, during the regular duck
Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Florida, Kentucky and Tennessee: In season in the Atlantic Flyway, States
Virginia, and West Virginia. lieu of a special September teal season, may choose to allow the above sea duck
Central Management Region— a 5-consecutive-day season may be limits in addition to the limits applying
Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, selected in September. The daily bag to other ducks during the regular duck
Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, limit may not exceed 4 teal and wood season. In all other areas, sea ducks may
Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, ducks in the aggregate, of which no be taken only during the regular open
Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, more than 2 may be wood ducks. season for ducks and are part of the
Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Iowa: Iowa may hold up to 5 days of regular duck season daily bag (not to
Texas, and Wisconsin. its regular duck hunting season in exceed 4 scoters) and possession limits.
Other geographic descriptions are September. All ducks that are legal Areas: In all coastal waters and all
contained in a later portion of this during the regular duck season may be waters of rivers and streams seaward
document. taken during the September segment of from the first upstream bridge in Maine,
the season. The September season New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode
Definitions
segment may commence no earlier than Island, Connecticut, and New York; in
Dark geese: Canada geese, white- the Saturday nearest September 20 any waters of the Atlantic Ocean and in
fronted geese, brant (except in Alaska, (September 22). The daily bag and any tidal waters of any bay which are
California, Oregon, Washington, and the possession limits will be the same as separated by at least 1 mile of open
Atlantic Flyway), and all other goose those in effect last year, but are subject water from any shore, island, and
species except light geese. to change during the late-season emergent vegetation in New Jersey,
Light geese: snow (including blue) regulations process. The remainder of South Carolina, and Georgia; and in any
geese and Ross’ geese. the regular duck season may not begin waters of the Atlantic Ocean and in any
before October 10. tidal waters of any bay which are
Waterfowl Seasons in the Atlantic
separated by at least 800 yards of open
Flyway Special Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days
water from any shore, island, and
In the Atlantic Flyway States of Outside Dates: States may select two emergent vegetation in Delaware,
Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, consecutive days (hunting days in Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia;
Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Atlantic Flyway States with and provided that any such areas have
North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and compensatory days) per duck-hunting been described, delineated, and
Virginia, where Sunday hunting is zone, designated as ‘‘Youth Waterfowl designated as special sea-duck hunting
prohibited statewide by State law, all Hunting Days,’’ in addition to their areas under the hunting regulations
Sundays are closed to all take of regular duck seasons. The days must be adopted by the respective States.
migratory waterfowl (including held outside any regular duck season on
mergansers and coots). a weekend, holidays, or other non- Special Early Canada Goose Seasons
school days when youth hunters would Atlantic Flyway
Special September Teal Season
have the maximum opportunity to
Outside Dates: Between September 1 participate. The days may be held up to General Seasons
and September 30, an open season on 14 days before or after any regular duck- Canada goose seasons of up to 15 days
all species of teal may be selected by the season frameworks or within any split during September 1–15 may be selected
following States in areas delineated by of a regular duck season, or within any for the Eastern Unit of Maryland and
State regulations: other open season on migratory birds. Delaware. Seasons not to exceed 25 days
Atlantic Flyway—Delaware, Florida, Daily Bag Limits: The daily bag limits during September 1–25 may be selected
Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, may include ducks, geese, mergansers, for the Montezuma Region of New York
South Carolina, and Virginia. coots, moorhens, and gallinules and and the Lake Champlain Region of New
York and Vermont. Seasons not to period September 1–15. In addition, in Special Seasons in the Central and
exceed 30 days during September 1–30 the NW goose management zone in Pacific Flyways: Arizona, Colorado,
may be selected for Connecticut, Oregon, a 15-day season may be selected Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and
Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New York during the period September 1–20. Wyoming may select seasons for
(Long Island Zone), North Carolina, Daily bag limits may not exceed 5 hunting sandhill cranes within the
Rhode Island, and South Carolina. Canada geese. range of the Rocky Mountain Population
Seasons may not exceed 25 days during Idaho may select a 7-day season (RMP) subject to the following
September 1–25 in the remainder of the during the period September 1–15. The conditions:
Flyway. Areas open to the hunting of daily bag limit is 2 and the possession Outside Dates: Between September 1
Canada geese must be described, limit is 4. and January 31.
delineated, and designated as such in Washington may select a special Hunting Seasons: The season in any
each State’s hunting regulations. Canada goose season of up to 15 days State or zone may not exceed 30 days.
Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 15 during the period September 1–15.
Canada geese. Bag limits: Not to exceed 3 daily and
Daily bag limits may not exceed 5
9 per season.
Mississippi Flyway Canada geese.
Wyoming may select an 8-day season Permits: Participants must have a
General Seasons on Canada geese between September 1– valid permit, issued by the appropriate
15. This season is subject to the State, in their possession while hunting.
Canada goose seasons of up to 15 days
during September 1–15 may be selected, following conditions: Other provisions: Numbers of permits,
except in the Upper Peninsula in 1. Where applicable, the season must open areas, season dates, protection
Michigan, where the season may not be concurrent with the September plans for other species, and other
extend beyond September 10, and in portion of the sandhill crane season. provisions of seasons must be consistent
Minnesota (except in the Northwest 2. A daily bag limit of 2, with season with the management plan and
Goose Zone), where a season of up to 22 and possession limits of 4, will apply to approved by the Central and Pacific
days during September 1–22 may be the special season. Flyway Councils, with the following
selected. The daily bag limit may not Areas open to hunting of Canada exceptions:
exceed 5 Canada geese. Areas open to geese in each State must be described, 1. In Utah, the requirement for
the hunting of Canada geese must be delineated, and designated as such in monitoring the racial composition of the
described, delineated, and designated as each State’s hunting regulations. harvest in the experimental season is
such in each State’s hunting regulations. Regular Goose Seasons waived, and 100 percent of the harvest
A Canada goose season of up to 10 will be assigned to the RMP quota;
consecutive days during September 1– Regular goose seasons may open as 2. In Arizona, monitoring the racial
10 may be selected by Michigan for early as September 16 in Wisconsin and composition of the harvest must be
Huron, Saginaw, and Tuscola Counties, Michigan. Season lengths, bag and conducted at 3-year intervals;
except that the Shiawassee National possession limits, and other provisions
will be established during the late- 3. In Idaho, seasons are experimental,
Wildlife Refuge, Shiawassee River State and the requirement for monitoring the
Game Area Refuge, and the Fish Point season regulations process.
racial composition of the harvest is
Wildlife Area Refuge will remain Sandhill Cranes waived; 100 percent of the harvest will
closed. The daily bag limit may not be assigned to the RMP quota; and
exceed 5 Canada geese. Regular Seasons in the Central
Flyway: 4. In New Mexico, the season in the
Central Flyway Outside Dates: Between September 1 Estancia Valley is experimental, with a
and February 28. requirement to monitor the level and
General Seasons
Hunting Seasons: Seasons not to racial composition of the harvest;
In Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, exceed 37 consecutive days may be greater sandhill cranes in the harvest
South Dakota, and Texas, Canada goose selected in designated portions of North will be assigned to the RMP quota.
seasons of up to 30 days during Dakota (Area 2) and Texas (Area 2). Special Seasons in the Pacific Flyway:
September 1–30 may be selected. In Seasons not to exceed 58 consecutive Arizona may select a season for
Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota, days may be selected in designated hunting sandhill cranes within the
Montana, and Wyoming, Canada goose portions of the following States: range of the Lower Colorado River
seasons of up to 15 days during Colorado, Kansas, Montana, North Population (LCR) of sandhill cranes,
September 1–15 may be selected. The Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. subject to the following conditions:
daily bag limit may not exceed 5 Canada Seasons not to exceed 93 consecutive
geese. Areas open to the hunting of Outside Dates: Between January 1 and
days may be selected in designated January 31.
Canada geese must be described, portions of the following States: New
delineated, and designated as such in Hunting Seasons: The season may not
Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
each State’s hunting regulations. Daily Bag Limits: 3 sandhill cranes, exceed 3 days.
except 2 sandhill cranes in designated Bag limits: Not to exceed 1 daily and
Pacific Flyway 1 per season.
portions of North Dakota (Area 2) and
General Seasons Texas (Area 2). Permits: Participants must have a
California may select a 9-day season Permits: Each person participating in valid permit, issued by the appropriate
in Humboldt County during the period the regular sandhill crane seasons must State, in their possession while hunting.
September 1–15. The daily bag limit is have a valid Federal sandhill crane Other provisions: The season is
2. hunting permit and/or, in those States experimental. Numbers of permits, open
Colorado may select a 9-day season where a Federal sandhill crane permit is areas, season dates, protection plans for
during the period of September 1–15. not issued, a State-issued Harvest other species, and other provisions of
The daily bag limit is 3. Information Survey Program (HIP) seasons must be consistent with the
Oregon may select a special Canada certification for game bird hunting in management plan and approved by the
goose season of up to 15 days during the their possession while hunting. Pacific Flyway Council.
Common Moorhens and Purple seasons between October 1 and January Central Management Unit
Gallinules 31. States in the Central Management Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag
Outside Dates: Between September 1 Region may select hunting seasons Limits: Not more than 70 days with a
and the last Sunday in January (January between the Saturday nearest September daily bag limit of 12 mourning and
27) in the Atlantic, Mississippi and 22 (September 22) and January 31. white-winged doves in the aggregate, or
Central Flyways. States in the Pacific Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag not more than 60 days with a bag limit
Flyway have been allowed to select Limits: Seasons may not exceed 30 days of 15 mourning and white-winged doves
their hunting seasons between the in the Eastern Region and 45 days in the in the aggregate.
outside dates for the season on ducks; Central Region. The daily bag limit is 3. Zoning and Split Seasons: States may
therefore, they are late-season Seasons may be split into two segments. select hunting seasons in each of two
frameworks, and no frameworks are Zoning: New Jersey may select zones. The season within each zone may
provided in this document. seasons in each of two zones. The be split into not more than three
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag season in each zone may not exceed 24 periods.
Limits: Seasons may not exceed 70 days days. Texas may select hunting seasons for
in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central each of three zones subject to the
Flyways. Seasons may be split into 2 Band-Tailed Pigeons
following conditions:
segments. The daily bag limit is 15 Pacific Coast States (California, Oregon, A. The hunting season may be split
common moorhens and purple Washington, and Nevada) into not more than two periods, except
gallinules, singly or in the aggregate of in that portion of Texas in which the
the two species. Outside Dates: Between September 15 special white-winged dove season is
Zoning: Seasons may be selected by and January 1. allowed, where a limited mourning
zones established for duck hunting. Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag dove season may be held concurrently
Limits: Not more than 9 consecutive with that special season (see white-
Rails
days, with a daily bag limit of 2 band- winged dove frameworks).
Outside Dates: States included herein tailed pigeons. B. A season may be selected for the
may select seasons between September Zoning: California may select hunting North and Central Zones between
1 and the last Sunday in January seasons not to exceed 9 consecutive September 1 and January 25; and for the
(January 27) on clapper, king, sora, and days in each of two zones. The season South Zone between September 20 and
Virginia rails. in the North Zone must close by October January 25.
Hunting Seasons: The season may not C. Daily bag limits are aggregate bag
3.
exceed 70 days, and may be split into limits with mourning, white-winged,
2 segments. Four-Corners States (Arizona, Colorado,
and white-tipped doves (see white-
Daily Bag Limits: New Mexico, and Utah)
Clapper and King Rails—In Rhode winged dove frameworks for specific
Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Outside Dates: Between September 1 daily bag limit restrictions).
Delaware, and Maryland, 10, singly or and November 30. D. Except as noted above, regulations
in the aggregate of the 2 species. In Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag for bag and possession limits, season
Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Limits: Not more than 30 consecutive length, and shooting hours must be
Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North days, with a daily bag limit of 5 band- uniform within each hunting zone.
Carolina, and Virginia, 15, singly or in tailed pigeons. Western Management Unit
the aggregate of the two species. Zoning: New Mexico may select Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag
Sora and Virginia Rails—In the hunting seasons not to exceed 20 Limits: Idaho, Oregon, and
Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central consecutive days in each of two zones. Washington—Not more than 30
Flyways and the Pacific-Flyway The season in the South Zone may not consecutive days with a daily bag limit
portions of Colorado, Montana, New open until October 1. of 10 mourning doves.
Mexico, and Wyoming, 25 daily and 25
Mourning Doves Utah—Not more than 30 consecutive
in possession, singly or in the aggregate
days with a daily bag limit that may not
of the two species. The season is closed Outside Dates: Between September 1 exceed 10 mourning doves and white-
in the remainder of the Pacific Flyway. and January 15, except as otherwise winged doves in the aggregate.
Common Snipe provided, States may select hunting Nevada—Not more than 30
seasons and daily bag limits as follows: consecutive days with a daily bag limit
Outside Dates: Between September 1
and February 28, except in Maine, Eastern Management Unit of 10 mourning doves, except in Clark
Vermont, New Hampshire, and Nye Counties, where the daily bag
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag limit may not exceed 10 mourning and
Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
Limits: Not more than 70 days with a white-winged doves in the aggregate.
Connecticut, New York, New Jersey,
daily bag limit of 12 mourning and Arizona and California—Not more
Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia,
white-winged doves in the aggregate, or than 60 days, which may be split
where the season must end no later than
not more than 60 days with a bag limit between two periods, September 1–15
January 31.
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag of 15 mourning and white-winged doves and November 1–January 15. In
Limits: Seasons may not exceed 107 in the aggregate. Arizona, during the first segment of the
days and may be split into two Zoning and Split Seasons: States may season, the daily bag limit is 10
segments. The daily bag limit is 8 snipe. select hunting seasons in each of two mourning and white-winged doves in
Zoning: Seasons may be selected by zones. The season within each zone may the aggregate, of which no more than 6
zones established for duck hunting. be split into not more than three may be white-winged doves. During the
periods. Regulations for bag and remainder of the season, the daily bag
American Woodcock possession limits, season length, and limit is 10 mourning doves. In
Outside Dates: States in the Eastern shooting hours must be uniform within California, the daily bag limit is 10
Management Region may select hunting specific hunting zones. mourning doves, except in Imperial,
Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties, 21 ducks. Daily bag and possession than 1 permit issued per hunter per
where the daily bag limit may not limits in the North Zone are 10 and 30, season.
exceed 10 mourning and white-winged and in the Gulf Coast Zone, they are 8 4. In Game Management Unit (GMU)
doves in the aggregate. and 24. The basic limits may include no 18, no more than 500 permits may be
more than 1 canvasback daily and 3 in issued during the operational season.
White-Winged and White-Tipped Doves
possession and may not include sea Up to 3 tundra swans may be authorized
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag ducks. per permit. No more than 1 permit may
Limits: In addition to the basic duck limits, be issued per hunter per season.
Except as shown below, seasons must Alaska may select sea duck limits of 10 5. In GMU 22, no more than 300
be concurrent with mourning dove daily, 20 in possession, singly or in the permits may be issued during the
seasons. aggregate, including no more than 6 operational season. Each permittee may
Eastern Management Unit: The daily each of either harlequin or long-tailed be authorized to take up to 3 tundra
bag limit may not exceed 12 (15 under ducks. Sea ducks include scoters, swan per permit. No more than 1 permit
the alternative) mourning and white- common and king eiders, harlequin may be issued per hunter per season.
winged doves in the aggregate. ducks, long-tailed ducks, and common 6. In GMU 23, no more than 300
Central Management Unit: permits may be issued during the
and red-breasted mergansers.
In Texas, the daily bag limit may not
Light Geese—A basic daily bag limit operational season. No more than 3
exceed 12 mourning, white-winged, and
of 4 and a possession limit of 8. tundra swans may be authorized per
white-tipped doves (15 under the Dark Geese—A basic daily bag limit of permit with no more than 1 permit
alternative) in the aggregate, of which
4 and a possession limit of 8. issued per hunter per season.
no more than 2 may be white-tipped Dark-goose seasons are subject to the
doves. In addition, Texas also may following exceptions: Hawaii
select a hunting season of not more than 1. In Units 5 and 6, the taking of Outside Dates: Between October 1 and
4 days for the special white-winged Canada geese is permitted from January 31.
dove area of the South Zone between September 28 through December 16. Hunting Seasons: Not more than 65
September 1 and September 19. The 2. On Middleton Island in Unit 6, a days (75 under the alternative) for
daily bag limit may not exceed 12 special, permit-only Canada goose mourning doves.
white-winged, mourning, and white- season may be offered. No more than 10 Bag Limits: Not to exceed 15 (12
tipped doves in the aggregate, of which permits can be issued. A mandatory under the alternative) mourning doves.
no more than 4 may be mourning doves goose identification class is required.
and 2 may be white-tipped doves. Note: Mourning doves may be taken in
Hunters must check in and check out. Hawaii in accordance with shooting hours
In the remainder of the Central
The bag limit is 1 daily and 1 in and other regulations set by the State of
Management Unit, the daily bag limit
possession. The season will close if Hawaii, and subject to the applicable
may not exceed 12 (15 under the provisions of 50 CFR part 20.
incidental harvest includes 5 dusky
alternative) mourning and white-winged
Canada geese. A dusky Canada goose is
doves in the aggregate. Puerto Rico
Western Management Unit: any dark-breasted Canada goose
Arizona may select a hunting season (Munsell 10 YR color value five or less) Doves and Pigeons:
of not more than 30 consecutive days, with a bill length between 40 and 50 Outside Dates: Between September 1
running concurrently with the first millimeters. and January 15.
segment of the mourning dove season. 3. In Units 9, 10, 17 and 18, dark Hunting Seasons: Not more than 60
The daily bag limit may not exceed 10 goose limits are 6 per day, 12 in days.
mourning and white-winged doves in possession; however, no more than 2 Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Not
the aggregate, of which no more than 6 may be Canada geese in Units 9(E) and to exceed 15 Zenaida, mourning, and
may be white-winged doves. 18; and no more than 4 may be Canada white-winged doves in the aggregate, of
In Utah, the Nevada Counties of Clark geese in Units 9(A–C), 10 (Unimak which not more than 3 may be
and Nye, and in the California Counties Island portion), and 17. mourning doves. Not to exceed 5 scaly-
of Imperial, Riverside, and San Brant—A daily bag limit of 2. naped pigeons.
Bernardino, the daily bag limit may not Common snipe—A daily bag limit of Closed Areas: There is no open season
exceed 10 mourning and white-winged 8. on doves or pigeons in the following
doves in the aggregate. Sandhill cranes—Bag and possession areas: Municipality of Culebra,
In the remainder of the Western limits of 2 and 4, respectively, in the Desecheo Island, Mona Island, El Verde
Management Unit, the season is closed. Southeast, Gulf Coast, Kodiak, and Closure Area, and Cidra Municipality
Aleutian Zones, and Unit 17 in the and adjacent areas.
Alaska Northern Zone. In the remainder of the Ducks, Coots, Moorhens, Gallinules,
Outside Dates: Between September 1 Northern Zone (outside Unit 17), bag and Snipe:
and January 26. and possession limits of 3 and 6, Outside Dates: Between October 1 and
Hunting Seasons: Alaska may select respectively. January 31.
107 consecutive days for waterfowl, Tundra Swans—Open seasons for Hunting Seasons: Not more than 55
sandhill cranes, and common snipe in tundra swans may be selected subject to days may be selected for hunting ducks,
each of 5 zones. The season may be split the following conditions: common moorhens, and common snipe.
without penalty in the Kodiak Zone. 1. All seasons are by registration The season may be split into two
The seasons in each zone must be permit only. segments.
concurrent. 2. All season framework dates are Daily Bag Limits:

Closures: The hunting season is September 1—October 31. Ducks—Not to exceed 6.
closed on emperor geese, spectacled 3. In Game Management Unit (GMU) Common moorhens—Not to exceed 6.
eiders, and Steller’s eiders. 17, no more than 200 permits may be Common snipe—Not to exceed 8.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: issued during this operational season. Closed Seasons: The season is closed
Ducks—Except as noted, a basic daily No more than 3 tundra swans may be on the ruddy duck, white-cheeked
bag limit of 7 and a possession limit of authorized per permit with no more pintail, West Indian whistling duck,
fulvous whistling duck, and masked must not exceed 3 and 6 birds, Oklahoma
duck, which are protected by the respectively, singly or in the aggregate,
North Zone—That portion of the State
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The during extended falconry seasons, any
north of a line extending east from the
season also is closed on the purple special or experimental seasons, and
Texas border along U.S. Highway 62 to
gallinule, American coot, and Caribbean regular hunting seasons in all States,
Interstate 44, east along Oklahoma State
coot. including those that do not select an
Highway 7 to U.S. Highway 81, then
Closed Areas: There is no open season extended falconry season.
south along U.S. Highway 81 to the
on ducks, common moorhens, and Regular Seasons: General hunting Texas border at the Red River.
common snipe in the Municipality of regulations, including seasons and South Zone—The remainder of
Culebra and on Desecheo Island. hunting hours, apply to falconry in each Oklahoma.
Virgin Islands State listed in 50 CFR 21.29(k). Regular-
season bag and possession limits do not Texas
Doves and Pigeons apply to falconry. The falconry bag limit North Zone—That portion of the State
Outside Dates: Between September 1 is not in addition to gun limits. north of a line beginning at the
and January 15. Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions International Bridge south of Fort
Hunting Seasons: Not more than 60 Hancock; north along FM 1088 to TX 20;
days for Zenaida doves. Mourning and White-Winged Doves west along TX 20 to TX 148; north along
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Not Alabama TX 148 to I–10 at Fort Hancock; east
to exceed 10 Zenaida doves. along I–10 to I–20; northeast along I–20
Closed Seasons: No open season is South Zone—Baldwin, Barbour, to I–30 at Fort Worth; northeast along I–
prescribed for ground or quail doves, or Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia, 30 to the Texas-Arkansas State line.
pigeons in the Virgin Islands. Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Mobile
South Zone—That portion of the State
Closed Areas: There is no open season Counties.
south and west of a line beginning at the
for migratory game birds on Ruth Cay North Zone—Remainder of the State. International Bridge south of Del Rio,
(just south of St. Croix). California proceeding east on U.S. 90 to State Loop
Local Names for Certain Birds: 1604 west of San Antonio; then south,
Zenaida dove, also known as mountain White-winged Dove Open Areas— east, and north along Loop 1604 to
dove; bridled quail-dove, also known as Imperial, Riverside, and San Bernardino Interstate Highway 10 east of San
Barbary dove or partridge; Common Counties. Antonio; then east on I–10 to Orange,
ground-dove, also known as stone dove, Florida Texas.
tobacco dove, rola, or tortolita; scaly- Special White-winged Dove Area in
naped pigeon, also known as red-necked Northwest Zone—The Counties of
the South Zone—That portion of the
or scaled pigeon. Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin,
State south and west of a line beginning
Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson,
Ducks at the International Bridge south of Del
Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton,
Rio, proceeding east on U.S. 90 to State
Outside Dates: Between December 1 Washington, Leon (except that portion
Loop 1604 west of San Antonio,
and January 31. north of U.S. 27 and east of State Road
southeast on State Loop 1604 to
Hunting Seasons: Not more than 55 155), Jefferson (south of U.S. 27, west of
Interstate Highway 35, southwest on
consecutive days. State Road 59 and north of U.S. 98), and
Interstate Highway 35 to TX 44; east
Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 6. Wakulla (except that portion south of
along TX 44 to TX 16 at Freer; south
Closed Seasons: The season is closed U.S. 98 and east of the St. Marks River).
along TX 16 to TX 285 at Hebbronville;
on the ruddy duck, white-cheeked South Zone—Remainder of State. east along TX 285 to FM 1017;
pintail, West Indian whistling duck, Louisiana southwest along FM 1017 to TX 186 at
fulvous whistling duck, and masked Linn; east along TX 186 to the Mansfield
duck. North Zone—That portion of the state
Channel at Port Mansfield; east along
north of a line extending east from the
Special Falconry Regulations the Mansfield Channel to the Gulf of
Texas border along State Highway 12 to
Mexico.
Falconry is a permitted means of U.S. Highway 190, east along U.S. 190
Area with additional restrictions—
taking migratory game birds in any State to Interstate Highway 12, east along
Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy
meeting Federal falconry standards in Interstate 12 to Interstate Highway 10,
Counties.
50 CFR 21.29(k). These States may then east along Interstate 10 to the
Mississippi border. Central Zone—That portion of the
select an extended season for taking
State lying between the North and South
migratory game birds in accordance South Zone—The remainder of the
Zones.
with the following: State.
Extended Seasons: For all hunting Band-Tailed Pigeons
Mississippi
methods combined, the combined
North Zone—That portion of the State California
length of the extended season, regular
season, and any special or experimental north and west of a line extending west North Zone—Alpine, Butte, Del Norte,
seasons must not exceed 107 days for from the Alabama State line along U.S. Glenn, Humboldt, Lassen, Mendocino,
any species or group of species in a Highway 84 to its junction with State Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra,
geographical area. Each extended season Highway 35, then south along State Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity Counties.
may be divided into a maximum of 3 Highway 35 to the Louisiana State line. South Zone—The remainder of the
segments. South Zone—The remainder of State.
Framework Dates: Seasons must fall Mississippi.
New Mexico
between September 1 and March 10.
Nevada
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: North Zone—North of a line following
Falconry daily bag and possession limits White-winged Dove Open Areas— U.S. 60 from the Arizona State line east
for all permitted migratory game birds Clark and Nye Counties. to I–25 at Socorro and then south along
I–25 from Socorro to the Texas State east and north of a line extending along Connecticut River Zone: The
line. NY 9B from the Canadian border to U.S. remaining portion of Vermont east of
South Zone—Remainder of the State. 9, south along U.S. 9 to NY 22 south of the Interior Zone.
Washington Keesville; south along NY 22 to the west
Mississippi Flyway
shore of South Bay, along and around
Western Washington—The State of the shoreline of South Bay to NY 22 on Illinois
Washington excluding those portions the east shore of South Bay; southeast
lying east of the Pacific Crest Trail and Northeast Canada Goose Zone—Cook,
along NY 22 to U.S. 4, northeast along Du Page, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee,
east of the Big White Salmon River in U.S. 4 to the Vermont border.
Klickitat County. Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will
Long Island Zone—That area Counties.
Woodcock consisting of Nassau County, Suffolk North Zone: That portion of the State
County, that area of Westchester County outside the Northeast Canada Goose
New Jersey southeast of I–95, and their tidal waters. Zone and north of a line extending west
North Zone—That portion of the State Western Zone—That area west of a from the Indiana border along Peotone-
north of NJ 70. line extending from Lake Ontario east Beecher Road to Illinois Route 50, south
South Zone—The remainder of the along the north shore of the Salmon along Illinois Route 50 to Wilmington-
State. River to I–81, and south along I–81 to Peotone Road, west along Wilmington-
the Pennsylvania border, except for the Peotone Road to Illinois Route 53, north
Special September Canada Goose
Montezuma Zone. along Illinois Route 53 to New River
Seasons
Montezuma Zone—Those portions of Road, northwest along New River Road
Atlantic Flyway Cayuga, Seneca, Ontario, Wayne, and to Interstate Highway 55, south along I–
Connecticut Oswego Counties north of U.S. Route 55 to Pine Bluff–Lorenzo Road, west
20, east of NYS Route 14, south of NYS along Pine Bluff—Lorenzo Road to
North Zone—That portion of the State Route 104, and west of NYS Route 34. Illinois Route 47, north along Illinois
north of I–95. Northeastern Zone—That area north Route 47 to I–80, west along I–80 to I–
South Zone—Remainder of the State. of a line extending from Lake Ontario 39, south along I–39 to Illinois Route 18,
Maryland east along the north shore of the Salmon west along Illinois Route 18 to Illinois
River to I–81, south along I–81 to NY 49, Route 29, south along Illinois Route 29
Eastern Unit—Anne Arundel, Calvert,
east along NY 49 to NY 365, east along to Illinois Route 17, west along Illinois
Caroline, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester,
NY 365 to NY 28, east along NY 28 to Route 17 to the Mississippi River, and
Harford, Kent, Queen Anne’s, St.
NY 29, east along NY 29 to I–87, north due south across the Mississippi River
Mary’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico,
along I–87 to U.S. 9 (at Exit 20), north to the Iowa border.
and Worcester Counties; that portion of
along U.S. 9 to NY 149, east along NY Central Zone: That portion of the
Prince Georges, Howard, and Baltimore
149 to U.S. 4, north along U.S. 4 to the State outside the Northeast Canada
Counties east of Interstate 95.
Western Unit—Allegany, Carroll, Vermont border, exclusive of the Lake Goose Zone and south of the North Zone
Frederick, Garrett, Montgomery, and Champlain Zone. to a line extending west from the
Washington Counties; that portion of Southeastern Zone—The remaining Indiana border along Interstate Highway
Prince Georges, Howard, and Baltimore portion of New York. 70 to Illinois Route 4, south along
Counties west of Interstate 95. North Carolina Illinois Route 4 to Illinois Route 161,
west along Illinois Route 161 to Illinois
Massachusetts Northeast Hunt Unit—Camden, Route 158, south and west along Illinois
Western Zone—That portion of the Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Route 158 to Illinois Route 159, south
State west of a line extending south Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and along Illinois Route 159 to Illinois Route
from the Vermont border on I–91 to MA Washington Counties; that portion of 156, west along Illinois Route 156 to A
9, west on MA 9 to MA 10, south on MA Bertie County north and east of a line Road, north and west on A Road to
10 to U.S. 202, south on U.S. 202 to the formed by NC 45 at the Washington Levee Road, north on Levee Road to the
Connecticut border. County line to U.S. 17 in Midway, U.S. south shore of New Fountain Creek,
Central Zone—That portion of the 17 in Midway to U.S. 13 in Windsor to west along the south shore of New
State east of the Berkshire Zone and the Hertford County line; and that Fountain Creek to the Mississippi River,
west of a line extending south from the portion of Northampton County that is and due west across the Mississippi
New Hampshire border on I–95 to U.S. north of U.S. 158 and east of NC 35. River to the Missouri border.
1, south on U.S. 1 to I–93, south on I– Vermont South Zone: The remainder of Illinois.
93 to MA 3, south on MA 3 to U.S. 6, Iowa
west on U.S. 6 to MA 28, west on MA Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S.
28 to I–195, west to the Rhode Island portion of Lake Champlain and that area North Zone: That portion of the State
border; except the waters, and the lands north and west of the line extending north of U.S. Highway 20.
150 yards inland from the high-water from the New York border along U.S. 4 South Zone: The remainder of Iowa.
mark, of the Assonet River upstream to to VT 22A at Fair Haven; VT 22A to U.S. Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Goose Zone.
the MA 24 bridge, and the Taunton 7 at Vergennes; U.S. 7 to the Canadian Includes portions of Linn and Johnson
River upstream to the Center St.-Elm St. border. Counties bounded as follows: Beginning
bridge will be in the Coastal Zone. Interior Zone: That portion of at the intersection of the west border of
Coastal Zone—That portion of Vermont west of the Lake Champlain Linn County and Linn County Road
Massachusetts east and south of the Zone and eastward of a line extending E2W; thence south and east along
Central Zone. from the Massachusetts border at County Road E2W to Highway 920;
Interstate 91; north along Interstate 91 to thence north along Highway 920 to
New York U.S. 2; east along U.S. 2 to VT 102; County Road E16; thence east along
Lake Champlain Zone—The U.S. north along VT 102 to VT 253; north County Road E16 to County Road W58;
portion of Lake Champlain and that area along VT 253 to the Canadian border. thence south along County Road W58 to
County Road E34; thence east along Dallas County; thence east along County Highway 212 to State Trunk Highway
County Road E34 to Highway 13; thence Road F90 to County Road R22; thence (STH) 284; thence north on STH 284 to
south along Highway 13 to Highway 30; north along County Road R22 to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 10;
thence east along Highway 30 to Highway 44; thence east along Highway thence north and west on CSAH 10 to
Highway 1; thence south along Highway 44 to County Road R30; thence north CSAH 30; thence north and west on
1 to Morse Road in Johnson County; along County Road R30 to County Road CSAH 30 to STH 25; thence east and
thence east along Morse Road to Wapsi F31; thence east along County Road F31 north on STH 25 to CSAH 10; thence
Avenue; thence south along Wapsi to Highway 17; thence north along north on CSAH 10 to the Carver County
Avenue to Lower West Branch Road; Highway 17 to Highway 415 in Polk line.
thence west along Lower West Branch County; thence east along Highway 415 D. In Scott County, all of the cities of
Road to Taft Avenue; thence south along to Northwest 158th Avenue; thence east Shakopee, Savage, Prior Lake, and
Taft Avenue to County Road F62; thence along Northwest 158th Avenue to the Jordan, and all of the Townships of
west along County Road F62 to Kansas point of beginning. Jackson, Louisville, St. Lawrence, Sand
Avenue; thence north along Kansas Creek, Spring Lake, and Credit River.
Michigan
Avenue to Black Diamond Road; thence E. In Dakota County, all of the cities
west on Black Diamond Road to Jasper North Zone: The Upper Peninsula. of Burnsville, Eagan, Mendota Heights,
Avenue; thence north along Jasper Middle Zone: That portion of the Mendota, Sunfish Lake, Inver Grove
Avenue to Rohert Road; thence west Lower Peninsula north of a line Heights, Apple Valley, Lakeville,
along Rohert Road to Ivy Avenue; beginning at the Wisconsin border in Rosemount, Farmington, Hastings,
thence north along Ivy Avenue to 340th Lake Michigan due west of the mouth of Lilydale, West St. Paul, and South St.
Street; thence west along 340th Street to Stony Creek in Oceana County; then due Paul, and all of the Township of
Half Moon Avenue; thence north along east to, and easterly and southerly along Nininger.
Half Moon Avenue to Highway 6; the south shore of, Stony Creek to F. That portion of Washington County
thence west along Highway 6 to Echo Scenic Drive, easterly and southerly lying south of the following described
Avenue; thence north along Echo along Scenic Drive to Stony Lake Road, line: Beginning at County State Aid
Avenue to 250th Street; thence east on easterly along Stony Lake and Garfield Highway (CSAH) 2 on the west
250th Street to Green Castle Avenue; Roads to Michigan Highway 20, east boundary of the county; thence east on
thence north along Green Castle Avenue along Michigan 20 to U.S. Highway 10 CSAH 2 to U.S. Highway 61; thence
to County Road F12; thence west along Business Route (BR) in the city of south on U.S. Highway 61 to State
County Road F12 to County Road W30; Midland, east along U.S. 10 BR to U.S. Trunk Highway (STH) 97; thence east
thence north along County Road W30 to 10, east along U.S. 10 to Interstate on STH 97 to the intersection of STH 97
Highway 151; thence north along the Highway 75/U.S. Highway 23, north and STH 95; thence due east to the east
Linn-Benton County line to the point of along I–75/U.S. 23 to the U.S. 23 exit at boundary of the State.
beginning. Standish, east along U.S. 23 to Shore Northwest Goose Zone—That portion
Road in Arenac County, east along of the State encompassed by a line
Des Moines Goose Zone. Includes
Shore Road to the tip of Point Lookout, extending east from the North Dakota
those portions of Polk, Warren, Madison
then on a line directly east 10 miles into border along U.S. Highway 2 to State
and Dallas Counties bounded as follows:
Saginaw Bay, and from that point on a Trunk Highway (STH) 32, north along
Beginning at the intersection of
line directly northeast to the Canada STH 32 to STH 92, east along STH 92
Northwest 158th Avenue and County
border. to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 2
Road R38 in Polk County; thence south South Zone: The remainder of
along R38 to Northwest 142nd Avenue; in Polk County, north along CSAH 2 to
Michigan.
thence east along Northwest 142nd CSAH 27 in Pennington County, north
Avenue to Northeast 126th Avenue; Minnesota along CSAH 27 to STH 1, east along
thence east along Northeast 126th Twin Cities Metropolitan Canada STH 1 to CSAH 28 in Pennington
Avenue to Northeast 46th Street; thence Goose Zone— County, north along CSAH 28 to CSAH
south along Northeast 46th Street to A. All of Hennepin and Ramsey 54 in Marshall County, north along
Highway 931; thence east along Counties. CSAH 54 to CSAH 9 in Roseau County,
Highway 931 to Northeast 80th Street; B. In Anoka County, all of Columbus north along CSAH 9 to STH 11, west
thence south along Northeast 80th Street Township lying south of County State along STH 11 to STH 310, and north
to Southeast 6th Avenue; thence west Aid Highway (CSAH) 18, Anoka along STH 310 to the Manitoba border.
along Southeast 6th Avenue to Highway County; all of the cities of Ramsey, Southeast Goose Zone—That part of
65; thence south and west along Andover, Anoka, Coon Rapids, Spring the State within the following described
Highway 65 to Highway 69 in Warren Lake Park, Fridley, Hilltop, Columbia boundaries: Beginning at the
County; thence south along Highway 69 Heights, Blaine, Lexington, Circle Pines, intersection of U.S. Highway 52 and the
to County Road G24; thence west along Lino Lakes, and Centerville; and all of south boundary of the Twin Cities
County Road G24 to Highway 28; thence the city of Ham Lake except that portion Metro Canada Goose Zone; thence along
southwest along Highway 28 to 43rd lying north of CSAH 18 and east of U.S. the U.S. Highway 52 to State Trunk
Avenue; thence north along 43rd Highway 65. Highway (STH) 57; thence along STH 57
Avenue to Ford Street; thence west C. That part of Carver County lying to the municipal boundary of Kasson;
along Ford Street to Filmore Street; north and east of the following thence along the municipal boundary of
thence west along Filmore Street to 10th described line: Beginning at the Kasson County State Aid Highway
Avenue; thence south along 10th northeast corner of San Francisco (CSAH) 13, Dodge County; thence along
Avenue to 155th Street in Madison Township; thence west along the north CSAH 13 to STH 30; thence along STH
County; thence west along 155th Street boundary of San Francisco Township to 30 to U.S. Highway 63; thence along
to Cumming Road; thence north along the east boundary of Dahlgren U.S. Highway 63 to the south boundary
Cumming Road to Badger Creek Township; thence north along the east of the State; thence along the south and
Avenue; thence north along Badger boundary of Dahlgren Township to U.S. east boundaries of the State to the south
Creek Avenue to County Road F90 in Highway 212; thence west along U.S. boundary of the Twin Cities Metro
Canada Goose Zone; thence along said U.S. Highway 30 to U.S. Highway 81, east and north of a line extending along
boundary to the point of beginning. then south on U.S. Highway 81 to NE NY 9B from the Canadian border to U.S.
Five Goose Zone—That portion of the Highway 64, then east on NE Highway 9, south along U.S. 9 to NY 22 south of
State not included in the Twin Cities 64 to NE Highway 15, then south on NE Keesville; south along NY 22 to the west
Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone, the Highway 15 to NE Highway 41, then shore of South Bay, along and around
Northwest Goose Zone, or the Southeast east on NE Highway 41 to NE Highway the shoreline of South Bay to NY 22 on
Goose Zone. 50, then north on NE Highway 50 to NE the east shore of South Bay; southeast
West Zone—That portion of the State Highway 2, then east on NE Highway 2 along NY 22 to U.S. 4, northeast along
encompassed by a line beginning at the to the Nebraska-Iowa State line. U.S. 4 to the Vermont border.
junction of State Trunk Highway (STH) Long Island Zone: That area
South Dakota
60 and the Iowa border, then north and consisting of Nassau County, Suffolk
east along STH 60 to U.S. Highway 71, September Canada Goose Unit A— County, that area of Westchester County
north along U.S. 71 to Interstate Brown, Campbell, Edmunds, Faulk, southeast of I–95, and their tidal waters.
Highway 94, then north and west along McPherson, Spink, and Walworth Western Zone: That area west of a line
I–94 to the North Dakota border. Counties. extending from Lake Ontario east along
September Canada Goose Unit B— the north shore of the Salmon River to
Tennessee Clark, Codington, Day, Deuel, Grant, I–81, and south along I–81 to the
Middle Tennessee Zone—Those Hamlin, Marshall, and Roberts Counties. Pennsylvania border.
portions of Houston, Humphreys, September Canada Goose Unit C— Northeastern Zone: That area north of
Montgomery, Perry, and Wayne Beadle, Brookings, Hanson, Kingsbury, a line extending from Lake Ontario east
Counties east of State Highway 13; and Lake, Lincoln, McCook, Miner, along the north shore of the Salmon
Bedford, Cannon, Cheatham, Coffee, Minnehaha, Moody, Sanborn, Turner, River to I–81, south along I–81 to NY 49,
Davidson, Dickson, Franklin, Giles, and Union Counties. east along NY 49 to NY 365, east along
Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Pacific Flyway NY 365 to NY 28, east along NY 28 to
Macon, Marshall, Maury, Moore, NY 29, east along NY 29 to I–87, north
Robertson, Rutherford, Smith, Sumner, Idaho along I–87 to U.S. 9 (at Exit 20), north
Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson East Zone—Bonneville, Caribou, along U.S. 9 to NY 149, east along NY
Counties. Fremont, and Teton Counties. 149 to U.S. 4, north along U.S. 4 to the
East Tennessee Zone—Anderson, Vermont border, exclusive of the Lake
Bledsoe, Bradley, Blount, Campbell, Oregon Champlain Zone.
Carter, Claiborne, Clay, Cocke, Northwest Zone—Benton, Clackamas, Southeastern Zone: The remaining
Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Clatsop, Columbia, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, portion of New York.
Grainger, Greene, Grundy, Hamblen, Marion, Polk, Multnomah, Tillamook,
Mississippi Flyway
Hamilton, Hancock, Hawkins, Jackson, Washington, and Yamhill Counties.
Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Loudon, Southwest Zone—Coos, Curry, Indiana
Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, and
North Zone: That portion of the State
Morgan, Overton, Pickett, Polk, Putnam, Klamath Counties.
East Zone—Baker, Gilliam, Malheur, north of a line extending east from the
Rhea, Roane, Scott, Sequatchie, Sevier, Illinois border along State Road 18 to
Sullivan, Unicoi, Union, Van Buren, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, and
Wasco Counties. U.S. Highway 31, north along U.S. 31 to
Warren, Washington, and White U.S. 24, east along U.S. 24 to
Counties. Washington Huntington, then southeast along U.S.
Wisconsin Area 1—Skagit, Island, and 224 to the Ohio border.
Snohomish Counties. Ohio River Zone: That portion of the
Early-Season Subzone A—That
Area 2A (SW Quota Zone)—Clark State south of a line extending east from
portion of the State encompassed by a
County, except portions south of the the Illinois border along Interstate
line beginning at the intersection of U.S.
Washougal River; Cowlitz, and Highway 64 to New Albany, east along
Highway 141 and the Michigan border
Wahkiakum Counties. State Road 62 to State 56, east along
near Niagara, then south along U.S. 141
Area 2B (SW Quota Zone)—Pacific State 56 to Vevay, east and north on
to State Highway 22, west and
County. State 156 along the Ohio River to North
southwest along State 22 to U.S. 45,
Area 3—All areas west of the Pacific Landing, north along State 56 to U.S.
south along U.S. 45 to State 22, west
Crest Trail and west of the Big White Highway 50, then northeast along U.S.
and south along State 22 to State 110,
Salmon River that are not included in 50 to the Ohio border.
south along State 110 to U.S. 10, south
Areas 1, 2A, and 2B. South Zone: That portion of the State
along U.S. 10 to State 49, south along
Area 4—Adams, Benton, Chelan, between the North and Ohio River Zone
State 49 to State 23, west along State 23
Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Kittitas, boundaries.
to State 73, south along State 73 to State
60, west along State 60 to State 23, Lincoln, Okanogan, Spokane, and Walla Iowa
south along State 23 to State 11, east Walla Counties.
Area 5—All areas east of the Pacific North Zone: That portion of the State
along State 11 to State 78, then south north of a line extending east from the
Crest Trail and east of the Big White
along State 78 to the Illinois border. Nebraska border along State Highway
Salmon River that are not included in
Early-Season Subzone B—The 175 to State Highway 37, southeast
Area 4.
remainder of the State. along State Highway 37 to State

Ducks Highway 183, northeast along State
Central Flyway
Atlantic Flyway Highway 183 to State Highway 141, east
Nebraska along State Highway 141 to U.S.
September Canada Goose Unit—That New York Highway 30, then east along U.S.
part of Nebraska bounded by a line from Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S. Highway 30 to the Illinois border.
the Nebraska-Iowa State line west on portion of Lake Champlain and that area South Zone: The remainder of Iowa.
Central Flyway south along Highway 89 to Main Street Canada Geese

Greenville; north and east to its junction
Colorado Michigan
with North Valley Road; south to its
Special Teal Season Area: Lake and junction of Diamond Mountain Road; MVP—Upper Peninsula Zone: The
Chaffee Counties and that portion of the north and east to its junction with North MVP—Upper Peninsula Zone consists
State east of Interstate Highway 25. Arm Road; south and west to the of the entire Upper Peninsula of
Kansas junction of North Valley Road; south to Michigan.
High Plains Zone: That portion of the the junction with Arlington Road (A22);
MVP—Lower Peninsula Zone: The
State west of U.S. 283. west to the junction of Highway 89;
MVP—Lower Peninsula Zone consists
Low Plains Early Zone: That area of south and west to the junction of
of the area within the Lower Peninsula
Kansas east of U.S. 283, and generally Highway 70; east on Highway 70 to
of Michigan that is north and west of the
west of a line beginning at the Junction Highway 395; south and east on
point beginning at the southwest corner
of the Nebraska State line and KS 28; Highway 395 to the point of intersection
of Branch County, north continuing
south on KS 28 to U.S. 36; east on U.S. with the California-Nevada state line; along the western border of Branch and
36 to KS 199; south on KS 199 to north along the California-Nevada State Calhoun Counties to the northwest
Republic Co. Road 563; south on line to the junction of the California- corner of Calhoun County, then east to
Republic Co. Road 563 to KS 148; east Nevada-Oregon State lines west along the southwest corner of Eaton County,
on KS 148 to Republic Co. Road 138; the California-Oregon State line to the then north to the southern border of
south on Republic Co. Road 138 to point of origin. Ionia County, then east to the southwest
Cloud Co. Road 765; south on Cloud Co. Colorado River Zone: Those portions corner of Clinton County, then north
Road 765 to KS 9; west on KS 9 to U.S. of San Bernardino, Riverside, and along the western border of Clinton
24; west on U.S. 24 to U.S. 281; north Imperial Counties east of a line County continuing north along the
on U.S. 281 to U.S. 36; west on U.S. 36 extending from the Nevada border south county border of Gratiot and Montcalm
to U.S. 183; south on U.S. 183 to U.S. along U.S. 95 to Vidal Junction; south Counties to the southern border of
24; west on U.S. 24 to KS 18; southeast on a road known as ‘‘Aqueduct Road’’ Isabella county, then east to the
on KS 18 to U.S. 183; south on U.S. 183 in San Bernardino County through the southwest corner of Midland County,
to KS 4; east on KS 4 to I–135; south on town of Rice to the San Bernardino- then north along the west Midland
I–135 to KS 61; southwest on KS 61 to Riverside County line; south on a road County border to Highway M–20, then
KS 96; northwest on KS 96 to U.S. 56; known in Riverside County as the easterly to U.S. Highway 10, then
west on U.S. 56 to U.S. 281; south on ‘‘Desert Center to Rice Road’’ to the easterly to U.S. Interstate 75/U.S.
U.S. 281 to U.S. 54; west on U.S. 54 to town of Desert Center; east 31 miles on Highway 23, then northerly along
U.S. 183; north on U.S. 183 to U.S. 56; I–10 to the Wiley Well Road; south on I–75/U.S. 23 and easterly on U.S. 23 to
and southwest on U.S. 56 to U.S. 283. the centerline of the Au Gres River, then
this road to Wiley Well; southeast along
Low Plains Late Zone: The remainder southerly along the centerline of the Au
the Army-Milpitas Road to the Blythe,
of Kansas. Gres River to Saginaw Bay, then on a
Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south
Nebraska on the Blythe-Brawley paved road to the line directly east 10 miles into Saginaw
Special Teal Season Area: That Ogilby and Tumco Mine Road; south on Bay, and from that point on a line
portion of the State south of a line this road to U.S. 80; east 7 miles on U.S. directly northeast to the Canadian
beginning at the Wyoming State line; 80 to the Andrade-Algodones Road; border.
east along U.S. 26 to Nebraska Highway south on this paved road to the Mexican SJBP Zone is the rest of the State, that
L62A east to U.S. 385; south to U.S. 26; border at Algodones, Mexico. area south and east of the boundary
east to NE 92; east along NE 92 to NE Southern Zone: That portion of described above.
61; south along NE 61 to U.S. 30; east southern California (but excluding the Sandhill Cranes
along U.S. 30 to the Iowa border. Colorado River Zone) south and east of
New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion) a line extending from the Pacific Ocean Central Flyway
east along the Santa Maria River to CA
North Zone: That portion of the State Colorado
166 near the City of Santa Maria; east on
north of I–40 and U.S. 54. CA 166 to CA 99; south on CA 99 to the
South Zone: The remainder of New The Central Flyway portion of the
crest of the Tehachapi Mountains at State except the San Luis Valley
Mexico.
Tejon Pass; east and north along the (Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Hinsdale,
Pacific Flyway crest of the Tehachapi Mountains to CA Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache
California 178 at Walker Pass; east on CA 178 to Counties east of the Continental Divide)
U.S. 395 at the town of Inyokern; south and North Park (Jackson County).
Northeastern Zone: In that portion of on U.S. 395 to CA 58; east on CA 58 to
California lying east and north of a line I–15; east on I–15 to CA 127; north on Kansas
beginning at the intersection of CA 127 to the Nevada border.
Interstate 5 with the California-Oregon That portion of the State west of a line
line; south along Interstate 5 to its Southern San Joaquin Valley beginning at the Oklahoma border,
junction with Walters Lane south of the Temporary Zone: All of Kings and north on I–35 to Wichita, north on I–135
town of Yreka; west along Walters Lane Tulare Counties and that portion of to Salina, and north on U.S. 81 to the
to its junction with Easy Street; south Kern County north of the Southern Nebraska border.
along Easy Street to the junction with Zone.
Montana
Old Highway 99; south along Old Balance-of-the-State Zone: The
Highway 99 to the point of intersection remainder of California not included in The Central Flyway portion of the
with Interstate 5 north of the town of the Northeastern, Southern, and State except for that area south and west
Weed; south along Interstate 5 to its Colorado River Zones, and the Southern of Interstate 90, which is closed to
junction with Highway 89; east and San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone. sandhill crane hunting.
New Mexico miles north of Childress, thence east Wyoming

Regular-Season Open Area—Chaves, along U.S. Highway 62 to the Texas- Regular-Season Open Area—
Curry, De Baca, Eddy, Lea, Quay, and Oklahoma State line, thence south along Campbell, Converse, Crook, Goshen,
Roosevelt Counties. the Texas-Oklahoma state line to the Laramie, Niobrara, Platte, and Weston
Middle Rio Grande Valley Area—The south bank of the Red River, thence Counties.
Central Flyway portion of New Mexico eastward along the vegetation line on Riverton-Boysen Unit—Portions of
in Socorro and Valencia Counties. the south bank of the Red River to U.S. Fremont County.
Estancia Valley Area—Those portions Highway 81. Park and Big Horn County Unit—
of Santa Fe, Torrance and Bernallilo Zone C—The remainder of the State, Portions of Park and Big Horn Counties.
Counties within an area bounded on the except for the closed areas. Pacific Flyway
west by New Mexico Highway 55
beginning at Mountainair north to NM Closed areas—(A) That portion of the Arizona
337, north to NM 14, north to I–25; on State lying east and north of a line
beginning at the junction of U.S. Special-Season Area—Game
the north by I–25 east to U.S. 285; on Management Units 30A, 30B, 31, and
the east by U.S. 285 south to U.S. 60; Highway 81 and the Texas-Oklahoma
State line, thence southeast along U.S. 32.
and on the south by U.S. 60 from U.S.
285 west to NM 55 in Mountainair. Highway 81 to its junction with U.S. Montana
Southwest Zone—Sierra, Luna, Dona Highway 287 in Montague County, Special-Season Area—See State
Ana Counties, and those portions of thence southeast along U.S. Highway regulations.
Grant and Hidalgo Counties south of I– 287 to its junction with Interstate
10. Highway 35W in Fort Worth, thence Utah
southwest along Interstate Highway 35 Special-Season Area—Rich, Cache,
North Dakota to its junction with U.S. Highway 290 and Unitah Counties and that portion of
Area 1—That portion of the State west East in Austin, thence east along U.S. Box Elder County beginning on the
of U.S. 281. Highway 290 to its junction with Utah-Idaho State line at the Box Elder-
Area 2—That portion of the State east Interstate Loop 610 in Harris County, Cache County line; west on the State
of U.S. 281. thence south and east along Interstate line to the Pocatello Valley County
Oklahoma Loop 610 to its junction with Interstate Road; south on the Pocatello Valley
Highway 45 in Houston, thence south County Road to I–15; southeast on I–15
That portion of the State west of I–35.
on Interstate Highway 45 to State to SR–83; south on SR–83 to Lamp
South Dakota Highway 342, thence to the shore of the Junction; west and south on the
That portion of the State west of U.S. Gulf of Mexico, and thence north and Promontory Point County Road to the
281. east along the shore of the Gulf of tip of Promontory Point; south from
Mexico to the Texas-Louisiana State Promontory Point to the Box Elder-
Texas line. Weber County line; east on the Box
Zone A—That portion of Texas lying Elder-Weber County line to the Box
(B) That portion of the State lying
west of a line beginning at the Elder-Cache County line; north on the
within the boundaries of a line
international toll bridge at Laredo, Box Elder-Cache County line to the
beginning at the Kleberg-Nueces County
thence northeast along U.S. Highway 81 Utah-Idaho State line.
line and the shore of the Gulf of Mexico,
to its junction with Interstate Highway thence west along the County line to Wyoming
35 in Laredo, thence north along Park Road 22 in Nueces County, thence
Interstate Highway 35 to its junction Bear River Area—That portion of
north and west along Park Road 22 to Lincoln County described in State
with Interstate Highway 10 in San its junction with State Highway 358 in
Antonio, thence northwest along regulations.
Corpus Christi, thence west and north Salt River Area—That portion of
Interstate Highway 10 to its junction
along State Highway 358 to its junction Lincoln County described in State
with U.S. Highway 83 at Junction,
with State Highway 286, thence north regulations.
thence north along U.S. Highway 83 to
along State Highway 286 to its junction Farson-Eden Area—Those portions of
its junction with U.S. Highway 62, 16
with Interstate Highway 37, thence east Sweetwater and Sublette Counties
miles north of Childress, thence east
along Interstate Highway 37 to its described in State regulations.
along U.S. Highway 62 to the Texas-
Oklahoma State line. junction with U.S. Highway 181, thence
All Migratory Game Birds in Alaska
Zone B—That portion of Texas lying north and west along U.S. Highway 181
to its junction with U.S. Highway 77 in North Zone—State Game Management
within boundaries beginning at the Units 11–13 and 17–26.
junction of U.S. Highway 81 and the Sinton, thence north and east along U.S.
Highway 77 to its junction with U.S. Gulf Coast Zone—State Game
Texas-Oklahoma State line, thence Management Units 5–7, 9, 14–16, and
southeast along U.S. Highway 81 to its Highway 87 in Victoria, thence south
and east along U.S. Highway 87 to its 10 (Unimak Island only).
junction with U.S. Highway 287 in Southeast Zone—State Game
Montague County, thence southeast junction with State Highway 35 at Port
Management Units 1–4.
along U.S. Highway 287 to its junction Lavaca, thence north and east along Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zone—
with Interstate Highway 35W in Fort State Highway 35 to the south end of the State Game Management Unit 10 (except
Worth, thence southwest along Lavaca Bay Causeway, thence south and Unimak Island).
Interstate Highway 35 to its junction east along the shore of Lavaca Bay to its Kodiak Zone—State Game
with Interstate Highway 10 in San junction with the Port Lavaca Ship Management Unit 8.
Antonio, thence northwest along Channel, thence south and east along
Interstate Highway 10 to its junction the Lavaca Bay Ship Channel to the Gulf All Migratory Game Birds in the Virgin
with U.S. Highway 83 in Junction, of Mexico, and thence south and west Islands
thence north along U.S. Highway 83 to along the shore of the Gulf of Mexico to Ruth Cay Closure Area—The island of
its junction with U.S. Highway 62, 16 the Kleberg-Nueces County line. Ruth Cay, just south of St. Croix.
All Migratory Game Birds in Puerto between Routes 186 and 966 from the encompassed within the following
Rico juncture of 186 and 966 on the north, to boundary: Beginning on Highway 172 as
Municipality of Culebra Closure the Caribbean National Forest Boundary it leaves the municipality of Cidra on
Area—All of the municipality of on the south; (3) all lands lying west of the west edge, north to Highway 156,
Culebra. Route 186 for 1 kilometer from the east on Highway 156 to Highway 1,
juncture of Routes 186 and 956 south to south on Highway 1 to Highway 765,
Desecheo Island Closure Area—All of
Km 6 on Route 186; (4) all lands within south on Highway 765 to Highway 763,
Desecheo Island.
Km 14 and Km 6 on the west and the south on Highway 763 to the Rio
Mona Island Closure Area—All of
Caribbean National Forest Boundary on Guavate, west along Rio Guavate to
Mona Island.
the east; and (5) all lands within the Highway 1, southwest on Highway 1 to
El Verde Closure Area—Those areas Highway 14, west on Highway 14 to
of the municipalities of Rio Grande and Caribbean National Forest Boundary
whether private or public. Highway 729, north on Highway 729 to
Loiza delineated as follows: (1) All Cidra Municipality boundary to the
lands between Routes 956 on the west Cidra Municipality and adjacent
point of the beginning.
and 186 on the east, from Route 3 on the areas—All of Cidra Municipality and
north to the juncture of Routes 956 and portions of Aguas Buenas, Caguas, [FR Doc. E7–14071 Filed 7–20–07; 8:45 am]
186 (Km 13.2) in the south; (2) all lands Cayey, and Comerio Municipalities as BILLING CODE 4310–55–P

Proposed Rule: Migratory Bird Hunting: Seasons, Limits, and Shooting Hours, Establishment, Etc.

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Proposed Rule: Migratory Bird Hunting: Seasons, Limits, and Shooting Hours, Establishment, Etc.

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Monday,

July 23, 2007

Interior, MS MBSP–4107–ARLSQ, 1849 13. Snipe preliminary information on the status of

season-within-a-season. this updated technical assessment, a describe scaup dynamics. The

concurrent. 2. All season framework dates are Daily Bag Limits:

remainder of the State. along State Highway 37 to State

Central Flyway south along Highway 89 to Main Street Canada Geese

New Mexico miles north of Childress, thence east Wyoming

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