2005 Federal Register, 70 FR 54146; Centralized Library: U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service - 09/13/2005

[Federal Register: September 13, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 176)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 54145-54197]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13se05-26]

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Part III

Department of the Interior

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Fish and Wildlife Service

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50 CFR Part 32

2005-2006 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations; Final
Rule

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 32

RIN 1018-AU14

2005-2006 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service adds six refuges to the list of
areas open for hunting and/or sport fishing programs and increases the
activities available at seven other refuges. We also implement
pertinent refuge-specific regulations for those activities and amend
certain regulations on other refuges that pertain to migratory game
bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, and sport fishing
for the 2005-2006 season.

DATES: This rule is effective on September 13, 2005.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Leslie A. Marler, (703) 358-2397; Fax
(703) 358-2248.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Wildlife Refuge System
Administration Act of 1966 closes national wildlife refuges in all
States except Alaska to all uses until opened. The Secretary of the
Interior (Secretary) may open refuge areas to any use, including
hunting and/or sport fishing, upon a determination that such uses are
compatible with the purposes of the refuge and National Wildlife Refuge
System (Refuge System) mission. The action also must be in accordance
with provisions of all laws applicable to the areas, developed in
coordination with the appropriate State fish and wildlife agency(ies),
consistent with the principles of sound fish and wildlife management
and administration, and otherwise in the public interest. These
requirements ensure that we maintain the biological integrity,
diversity, and environmental health of the Refuge System for the
benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
We annually review refuge hunting and sport fishing programs to
determine whether to include additional refuges or whether individual
refuge regulations governing existing programs need modifications,
deletions, or additions. Changing environmental conditions, State and
Federal regulations, and other factors affecting fish and wildlife
populations and habitat may warrant modifications to refuge-specific
regulations to ensure the continued compatibility of hunting and sport
fishing programs and to ensure that these programs will not materially
interfere with or detract from the fulfillment of refuge purposes or
the Refuge System's mission.
Provisions governing hunting and sport fishing on refuges are in
Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations in part 32 (50 CFR part
32). We regulate hunting and sport fishing on refuges to:
Ensure compatibility with refuge purpose(s);
Properly manage the fish and wildlife resource(s);
Protect other refuge values;
Ensure refuge visitor safety; and
Provide opportunities for quality wildlife-dependent
recreation.
On many refuges where we decide to allow hunting and sport fishing,
our general policy of adopting regulations identical to State hunting
and sport fishing regulations is adequate in meeting these objectives.
On other refuges, we must supplement State regulations with more-
restrictive Federal regulations to ensure that we meet our management
responsibilities, as outlined in the ``Statutory Authority'' section.
We issue refuge-specific hunting and sport fishing regulations when we
open wildlife refuges to migratory game bird hunting, upland game
hunting, big game hunting, or sport fishing. These regulations list the
wildlife species that you may hunt or fish, seasons, bag or creel
limits, methods of hunting or sport fishing, descriptions of areas open
to hunting or sport fishing, and other provisions as appropriate. You
may find previously issued refuge-specific regulations for hunting and
sport fishing in 50 CFR part 32. With this rulemaking, we are also
standardizing and clarifing the existing language of these regulations.

Plain Language Mandate

In this rule, we made some of the revisions to the individual
refuge units to comply with a Presidential mandate to use plain
language in regulations; as such, these particular revisions do not
modify the substance of the previous regulations. These types of
changes include using ``you'' to refer to the reader and ``we'' to
refer to the Service, using the word ``allow'' instead of ``permit''
when we do not require the use of a permit for an activity, and using
active voice.

Statutory Authority

The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act
(Administration Act) of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee, as amended) and
the Refuge Recreation Act (Recreation Act) of 1962 (16 U.S.C. 460k-
460k-4) govern the administration and public use of refuges.
Amendments enacted by the National Wildlife Refuge System
Improvement Act of 1997 (Improvement Act) build upon the Administration
Act in a manner that provides an ``organic act'' for the Refuge System
similar to those that exist for other public Federal lands. The
Improvement Act serves to ensure that we effectively manage the Refuge
System as a national network of lands, waters, and interests for the
protection and conservation of our Nation's wildlife resources. The
Administration Act states first and foremost that we focus Refuge
System mission on conservation of fish, wildlife, and plant resources
and their habitats. The Improvement Act requires the Secretary, before
allowing a new use of a refuge, or before expanding, renewing, or
extending an existing use of a refuge, to determine that the use is
compatible. The Improvement Act established as the policy of the United
States that wildlife-dependent recreation, when compatible, is a
legitimate and appropriate public use of the Refuge System, through
which the American public can develop an appreciation for fish and
wildlife. The Act established six wildlife-dependent recreational uses,
when compatible, as the priority general public uses of the Refuge
System. These uses are: hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and
photography, and environmental education and interpretation.
The Recreation Act authorizes the Secretary to administer areas
within the Refuge System for public recreation as an appropriate
incidental or secondary use only to the extent that doing so is
practicable and not inconsistent with the primary purpose(s) for which
Congress and the Service established the areas. The Recreation Act
requires that any recreational use of refuge lands be compatible with
the primary purpose(s) for which we established the refuge and not
inconsistent with other previously authorized operations.
The Administration Act and Recreation Act also authorize the
Secretary to issue regulations to carry out the purposes of the Acts
and regulate uses.
We develop specific management plans for each refuge prior to
opening it to hunting or sport fishing. In many cases, we develop
refuge-specific regulations to ensure the compatibility of the programs
with the purpose(s) for which we established the refuge and the Refuge
System mission. We ensure initial compliance with the Administration
Act and the Recreation Act for hunting and sport fishing on

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newly acquired refuges through an interim determination of
compatibility made at or near the time of acquisition. These
regulations ensure that we make the determinations required by these
acts prior to adding refuges to the lists of areas open to hunting and
sport fishing in 50 CFR part 32. We ensure continued compliance by the
development of comprehensive conservation plans, specific plans, and by
annual review of hunting and sport fishing programs and regulations.

Response to Comments Received

In the July 12, 2005, Federal Register (70 FR 40108), we published
a proposed rulemaking identifying refuges and their proposed hunting
and/or fishing programs and invited public comments. We reviewed and
considered all comments received by August 5, 2005, the end of a 30-day
comment period that opened on the date of public filing (July 6, 2005).
We received 859 comments on the proposed rule. The comments/responses
are grouped by major issue area.
Comment 1: Many commenters expressed opposition to opening refuges
to hunting and fishing and believe refuges should offer protection and
safe haven for wildlife. They feel this rule violates the Service's own
policy that ``wildlife comes first in the National Wildlife Refuge
System.'' Also, commenters were concerned about endangered species
being accidentally killed.
Response 1: The Administration Act authorizes the Secretary to
allow use of any refuge area for any purpose as long as those uses are
compatible; and the Act specifically references hunting and fishing.
Amendments to the Administration Act made by the National Wildlife
Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (Improvement Act) establish
wildlife-dependent recreational uses as priority uses, when compatible.
It specifically includes hunting and fishing as wildlife-dependent
recreational uses.
Additionally, we comply with ESA Section 7 before opening or
expanding hunting on refuges in order to insure the programs will not
jeopardize listed species.
Comment 2: A commenter questioned the use of the 2001 figures from
the ``national source of hunting and fishing and wildlife'' as being
very old and inaccurate.
Response 2: Due to the unavailability of site-specific expenditure
data, we use the national estimates from the 2001 National Survey of
Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife Associated Recreation to identify
expenditures for food and lodging, transportation, and other incidental
expenses. These are the best available data that are consistent
nationwide.
The number of hunting and fishing days are collected by each
individual refuge annually. The hunting and fishing numbers presented
represent the year 2004.
Comment 3: A commenter questioned the use of lead shot by hunters.
Response 3: 50 CFR 32.2(k) specifically prohibits the possession of
toxic shotgun pellets by hunters on waterfowl production areas and
certain other areas (refuges or areas within refuges) of the System.
This regulation does not apply to turkey and deer hunters using
buckshot or slugs, except as specifically authorized by refuge-specific
regulations or State laws. The only shot types allowed on the Refuge
System are specifically identified in 50 CFR 20.21(j).
Comment 4: Several commenters questioned the practice of allowing
ATV use on refuges. They felt that refuges should prohibit ATV use
unless they were found to be compatible and that our regulations did
not address these issues of compatibility and other procedural issues
relating to this subject.
Response 4: We allow limited ATV use on some refuges. For example,
in the State of Arkansas on Felsenthal, Overflow, and Pond Creek
Refuges and in the State of Louisiana on Catahoula National Wildlife
Refuge, we allow ATVs for wildlife-dependent activities only but
restrict their use to designated times, dates, and specific trails. The
refuges further limit the size of the engines, tires, etc. so as to
minimize their impact. The refuges provide ATV use specifics to the
public in their brochures. On Black Bayou Lake, D'Arbonne, and Upper
Ouachita National Wildlife Refuges in the State of Louisiana, we
prohibit hunting from or across ATV trails. And similar to the refuges
mentioned at the beginning of this response, these refuges limit ATV
use to designated times, dates, and specific trails, in addition to
limiting their engine and tire size.
On Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge in the State of Texas,
we allow ATV use for hunters with mobility impairments and other
disabilities through the issuance of a Special Use Permit.
On Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge in the State of Missouri,
the refuge manager has decided to prohibit all ATV use on the refuge,
and we have revised condition A9 accordingly.
As required by the Administration Act, we determined these uses are
compatible. In addition, we have complied with NEPA with regard to the
hunting programs and associated ATV use. However, because these
comments have raised the issue, we are commencing a System-wide review
of our ATV approvals to ensure that we are meeting the requirements of
E.O. 11644 and 11989.
Comment 5: A commenter felt we should not allow hunting of greater
prairie chicken and/or rail at Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge
in the State of Minnesota as most hunters cannot differentiate between
a ``flushed grouse and a greater prairie chicken or a snipe and yellow
rail prior to discharging their weapon.''
Response 5: The proposal to allow hunting of the greater prairie
chicken on the Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) will be
cooperatively managed with the State of Minnesota (State). While it is
possible for hunters to misidentify birds and take protected species,
it is anticipated that through the Minnesota Firearm Safety Program,
which is mandatory and covers wildlife identification, as well as
providing the public other educational materials, this would be rare.
In addition, sharp-tailed grouse, and the sora and Virginia rails, are
species for which the State allows hunting. Ruffed grouse will not be
affected, as it occupies different habitat.
Currently, the Service owns only 2,300 acres of the proposed 35,000
acre refuge. While it will be many years before we reach this goal, we
are also developing plans for providing opportunities for the
nonhunting public. While the main purpose of the Refuge is the
restoration and management of tallgrass prairie habitat, we anticipate
that the refuge will accommodate both consumptive and nonconsumptive
compatible public use.
Comment 6: A commenter was concerned about negligence in the
hunting community and wondered about the lack of funding spent for law
enforcement. Other commenters expressed concern about safety in general
on refuges.
Response 6: While there is inherent risk in any type of activity on
a refuge, we promote hunter safety as much as possible. We require a
State hunting license of hunters on national wildlife refuges. Most
State regulations require hunter safety courses and certification prior
to issuance of hunting licenses, and safety on refuges has increased as
a result. We routinely review their needs, and changes in the 2006
budget will make it much easier to track law enforcement expenditures
and plan accordingly.

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Comment 7: A commenter felt that without sufficiently detailed,
annotated maps accompanying each refuge in the regulations, a brief
physical description of the areas open to hunting is unclear, and we
are in violation of Executive Order 12866.
Response 7: We disagree and believe we are in full compliance with
the Executive Order. Balancing a number of factors, including efficient
ease of understanding and feasibility, we ask refuges to describe the
boundary of the hunting areas for inclusion in regulations when they
can do so simply. For many reasons, we do not publish maps for each
refuge where public activities take place. For example, refuge
boundaries are subject to change depending on land acquisition, and the
refuge maps would be of such a small size to fit into the Federal
Register, and subsequently codified in the CFR as to be useless for
detailed boundaries of areas in question. However, detailed information
is available at each refuge. We advise the public to consult with the
refuge staff for further details and information, pick up a brochure
(which in most cases include maps) available at each refuge, and/or
view large-scale refuge maps posted at each refuge.
Comment 8: Concerning Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge in Maine,
two commenters questioned allowing deer hunting, alleging it made the
refuge unavailable for safe access for other users (including visits by
school groups in October). Further, a commenter said that because of
many years of deer hunting only, other species are less wary and more
likely to be seen and easily killed. A commenter also felt that for
years part of Washington County had been unsuccessfully trying to
recover from overhunting, illegal hunting, and clear cutting. A
commenter also felt woodcock numbers hadn't been growing and questioned
allowing hunting for that species. A commenter also asked about adding
coot and rail to the list of hunted species. A commenter also believes
that since there are more wildlife watchers than hunters in Maine, this
should be the focus of departmental policy.
Response 8: Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge has modified the
regular Maine hunting season and provided 2,077 acres of ``No Hunt
Zones'' to provide for hiking, photography, wildlife viewing, and other
activities during the hunting season. Deer hunting will take place in
areas of the Edmunds Division and in the section of Baring Division to
the west of Route 191. We do not have a school nature trail in these
areas. The school nature trail, which is 1.8 miles (2.9 km) long, is in
the center of the No Hunt Zone and circles around the refuge office. It
is on the core Baring Division and the only expansion of hunting in
this zone is incidental take of coyote and bear during the deer hunt
season that has been in existence on the refuge since 1957. The refuge
has experienced no incidences in this area, and many school groups have
visited without complaint or incident. Twenty years ago there was a \1/
4\ mile (.4 km) No Hunt Zone, which the refuge expanded to over \1/2\
mile (.8 km) from trails and structures. This not only complies with
State regulations but exceeds the standards. The refuge's Friends Group
and Youth Conservation Corps are, in fact, working on this school trail
this summer to insure that there are good directional signs.
It is the refuge's opinion that the wildlife population of eastern
Washington County is diverse and healthy and that the clear-cut areas
from 15-20 years ago have developed into excellent wildlife habitat.
This habitat will provide excellent cover for wildlife, and an expanded
hunting program will have little effect on migratory species and
mammals that move on and off the refuge lands. The white-tailed deer
population in Washington County has been below State optimal objective
levels, but the reasons for this are not well understood. The average
number of deer taken on the 28,800 acres of the refuge during the
hunting season over the last 8 years is eight deer per year. The refuge
has a vigorous biological program that monitors its wildlife resources,
and along with our law enforcement program, ensures that we protect our
resources.
The refuge's hunt plan does not call for any migratory bird hunting
(which includes woodcock) on the core Baring Division. The refuge is
trying to preserve this nonhunted woodcock population for further
study. There was a study conducted (McAuley et al. 2005) that indicated
that hunting did not appear to reduce the overall survival of woodcock
on the Moosehorn Breeding Grounds. Woodcock numbers have, in fact,
increased substantially on the refuge since intense habitat management
began in the late 1970s.
The refuge gave consideration to adding coot and rail to the list
of species for hunting; however, for this season they decided not to
add them to the list.
The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997
encourages hunting, when compatible, on national wildlife refuges along
with other activities as long as the biological compatibility process
has been met. It is the refuge's finding that, based on State data, the
species hunted have sustainable populations.
We are considering adding coot, sora, and Virginia rail to the list
of species hunted and will review and make that determination for the
next hunting season (2006-2007).
Regardless of the number of participants in wildlife watching or
hunting activities, we believe both of these uses are important to the
economy, and we provide for both groups as best we can within our
budgets.
Comment 9: A commenter questioned the use of ``natural material''
for hunters constructing blinds and wondered if that might be a source
of introduced nonnative/invasive species on a refuge.
Response 9: We are adding language to all of the wetland management
districts in North and South Dakota that will read as follows: ``We
prohibit bringing any type of live or dead vegetation onto the refuge
for any purpose at any time.'' We are also amending the language for
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge in Illinois to
expressly prohibit nonnative materials. On Don Edwards San Francisco
Bay National Wildlife Refuge, the refuge has allowed the public to
bring in materials for temporary blind construction in the Ravenswood
ponds for decades. It has not resulted in invasive species being
introduced to the area.
Comment 10: A commenter recommended that we make all attempts to
minimize the amount of additional regulation, restriction, permits,
fees, etc., associated with implementing this proposed rule and felt
there were redundancies with State regulations. This comment was
specific to Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Massachusetts
(Great Meadows).
Response 10: It is not our intent to burden a hunter with
additional regulations and restrictions. Rather, our intent is to
provide hunters with quality wildlife-dependent recreational
experience, as stated in Refuge System policy (8 RM 5.2A of the Refuge
Manual, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1985). The Refuge Manual (8 RM
5.5) states: ``Refuge hunting programs should be planned, supervised,
conducted, and evaluated to promote positive hunting values and hunter
ethics such as fair chase and sportsmanship. In general, hunting on
refuges should be superior to that available on other public or private
lands and should provide participants with reasonable harvest
opportunities, uncrowded conditions, limited interference from or
dependence on mechanized aspects of the sport. This may require zoning
the hunt unit and

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limiting the number of participants. Good planning will minimize the
controls and regimentation needed to achieve hunting objectives.'' The
additional measures implemented by refuge staff will help facilitate
such an experience. In addition, we review the hunting program annually
to ensure compatibility with the Service mission and refuge purposes as
well as its compliance with Federal and State hunting regulations.
Comment 11: The same commenter questioned our repeating the State
requirement of required hunter orange clothing for hunters on Great
Meadows.
Response 11: Safety is a priority on all of our refuges, and we
feel this is a condition that bears inclusion in our regulations, even
if it repeats the State regulations. The statement of this requirement
may seem redundant because it is listed under three separate refuges
(Assabet River, Great Meadows, and Oxbow National Wildlife Refuges) on
the same page of the Federal Register.
Comment 12: The same commenter questioned whether condition A12
should apply to big game hunting as well as to migratory bird hunting
on Great Meadows.
Response 12: The commenter points up an error on our part. In fact,
condition A12 states that we allow no more than two dogs per hunting
party and is only applicable to Migratory Game Bird Hunting, not for
Big Game Hunting. The correct condition we should have referenced for
Big Game Hunting under C4 is A10, which actually prohibits use of dogs
during scouting. We corrected that error in the final rule.
Comment 13: The same commenter questioned our statement that costs
should be minimal for the proposed rule, which flowed down to the
individual refuge hunt plans, for Great Meadows. Therefore, the
commenter feels that no additional fees or charges should be
implemented or associated with the proposed rule.
Response 13: There are sufficient funds within the annual operating
budget of the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex
(of which Great Meadows is a part) to conduct the refuge hunt program.
There will be little difference in the amount of law enforcement needed
whether or not the refuge is open to hunting. We focus current law
enforcement efforts on prohibiting poaching on the refuge. By opening
Great Meadows to hunting, the refuge will incur additional
administrative costs due to the issuance of hunt permits and outreach,
particularly in the first few years of the hunt program.
Comment 14: The same commenter questioned where the ``Additional
Hunting Day'' figures came from on Table 1, Additional Hunting Days,
and felt that the numbers were too low for Great Meadows. The commenter
felt that the refuge can accommodate a much larger number of hunting
days over the course of the hunting season. The commenter recommended
eliminating the permit restrictions after the initial opening days.
Response 14: The number of hunters anticipated represent good-faith
estimates from the refuges when they were asked to estimate annual
hunter participation for the new activities for purposes of economic
analysis on the overall impact of the rule on the local economy, and
this is a conservative estimate. At this time the Service plans to
institute a two-tiered permit process (first tier is that each hunter
must possess a general permit, second tier is a lottery for big game
and waterfowl hunting) that will be in effect at the three refuges
located in the northern part of the complex (Great Meadows, Assabet
River, and Oxbow). We will charge a fee for the permit and limit the
number of permits issued through a lottery to ensure a quality hunt and
help us achieve refuge management objectives. We are implementing this
permit process because the anticipated level of interest in hunting
deer, waterfowl, and turkey (where allowed) at these refuges is
unknown, but could be initially high due to interest in hunting areas
that have not been open for hunting for many years. Limiting the number
of hunters on the refuge should ensure a quality hunt, increase safety,
and reduce potential conflicts with other refuge users. The need to
maintain the two-tiered permit process will be reevaluated after a few
hunt seasons, and modified or eliminated if determined to no longer be
necessary.
Comment 15: The same commenter opposes the imposition of fees or
user charges for hunters that would exceed any current fees/charges for
other users of these refuge properties for Great Meadows. The commenter
feels the permits should be free of charge.
Response 15: Costs of administering the hunt will be partially
offset by revenues received from the issuance of hunt permits. The only
way the Service will be able to achieve, maintain, and provide a
quality hunting program in the future is with additional funds to cover
the administrative costs. Failure to receive additional revenues will
have a significant impact on our ability to provide quality hunting
opportunities on refuges and provide participants with reasonable
harvest opportunities.
Comment 16: The same commenter feels that the refuge should not
attempt to regulate/limit scouting for waterfowl hunting areas, nor
should they require a permit for this purpose for Great Meadows.
Response 16: Once a hunter obtains a permit, we would then allow
scouting in areas that are normally off limits or closed to the public.
Allowing unlimited scouting in these areas could lead to adverse
impacts on refuge habitat.
Comment 17: A commenter expressed concerns about the section of
Great Meadows around Heard Pond as being quite small. The commenter
feels allowing hunting creates a safety issue as the area is in the
midst of suburban neighborhoods.
Response 17: The refuge weighs a number of factors in opening an
area to hunting, including visitor safety considerations. The refuge
manager may, upon annual review of the hunting program, impose further
restrictions on hunting, recommend that the refuge be closed to
hunting, or further liberalize hunting within the limits of State law.
Restrictions will occur if hunting becomes inconsistent with other
higher priority refuge programs or endangers refuge resources or public
safety. There will be areas on the refuge where we prohibit hunting. We
strive to achieve a balance between consumptive and nonconsumptive uses
on the refuges. Because Massachusetts prohibits hunting on Sunday, at a
minimum nonhunters will be free to enjoy the refuge with no concern
about possible hunting conflicts on those days during the hunting
seasons.
In others, we have restricted hunting because of the mandated
safety zones, such as in the Heard Pond area. Further, State regulation
requires a 500 foot (150 m) zone around any inhabited structure. As we
state in the draft comprehensive conservation plan (CCP), ``Hunting,
whether by gun or bow, is prohibited in this area unless the hunter
received permission from the owner of the building. It is the hunter's
responsibility to ensure that he/she is more than 500 feet (150 m) from
any such buildings.'' There are times in which the safety zone extends
into the refuge. We will prohibit hunting within these areas.
Based upon concerns expressed in response to the draft CCP, we
reviewed the most up-to-date aerial photographs available, which
include the Heard Pond area. We analyzed locations of the 500-foot
safety zones around existing homes to determine whether or not a

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reasonable hunting area could be provided given the constraints
associated with safety zones. In addition to the aerial photo analysis,
we went to the refuges to determine how visible the homes near the
refuge are from inside the refuge. The Service will assist hunters and
nonhunters in delineating any areas where there may be confusion as to
the actual location of the safety zone.
Comment 18: Many commenters also felt that the procedure by which
we open refuges circumvents the review process mandated by both the
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species Act
(ESA). In a related comment, a commenter felt the Service erred in
categorically excluding the proposed rule from NEPA review and feels we
should prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Response 18: As discussed in the section SUPPLEMENTARY of this
rule, ``New Hunting and Sport Fishing Programs,'' we detail the steps
which follow NEPA and ESA mandates. This final rule represents a
compilation of the new refuges opening for this season and makes
corrections to existing refuges listed in 50 CFR part 32. Each
individual refuge, when making a determination as to whether or not to
allow hunting and/or fishing, includes the appropriate NEPA and ESA
Section 7 compliance when preparing an ``opening package.'' For each of
the refuges included in the rulemaking, we prepared Environmental
Assessments and determined that EISs were unnecessary. No changes were
made to the regulation as a result of this comment.
The Service applies a categorical exclusion regarding the action of
publishing the proposed and final rules. It does not assert a
categorical exclusion regarding the opening or alteration of existing
hunting or fishing programs. On the contrary, the Service complied with
NEPA in each and every case in arriving at the decision to open or
alter these programs. As we noted in the preamble to the proposed rule,
we conduct all of the legally required compliance steps at each of the
involved refuges before coordinating publication at the Headquarters
level. It is the act of publishing the proposed rule, not the decisions
regarding openings or alterations, which we categorically exclude. We
also disagree with the commenter's opinion that the openings and
alterations require an EIS.
Comment 19: Several commenters objected to the 30-day public
comment period as being insufficient time for adequate public comment.
Response 19: We disagree that the comment period is insufficient.
The process of opening refuges is done in stages, with the fundamental
work being done on the ground at the refuge and in the community where
the program is administered. In these stages, the public is given other
opportunities to comment, for example, on the comprehensive
conservation plans and the compatibility determinations. The second
stage is when we publish the proposed rule in the Federal Register each
summer for additional comment, commonly a 30-day comment period. There
is nothing contained in this annual regulation outside the scope of the
annual review process where we add refuges or determine whether
individual refuges need modifications, deletions, or additions made to
them. We make every attempt to collect all of the proposals from the
refuges nationwide and process them expeditiously to maximize the time
available for public review. We believe that a 30-day comment period,
through the broader publication following the earlier public
involvement, gives the public sufficient time to comment and allows us
to establish hunting and fishing programs in time for the upcoming
seasons. Many of these rules also relieve restrictions and allow the
public to participate in wildlife-dependent recreational activities on
a number of refuges. Even after issuance of a final rule, we accept
comments, suggestions, and concerns for consideration for any
appropriate subsequent rulemaking.
Comment 20: A commenter felt we believe that the Improvement Act
provides carte blanche approval to us to open refuges to hunting and
fishing and feels we have not ensured the availability of sufficient
funds as the law requires.
Response 20: We do not agree with commenter's characterization that
the Improvement Act provides carte blanche approval for hunting and
fishing on refuges. That Act, amending the National Wildlife Refuge
System Administration Act, maintained the requirement that all uses be
found compatible before allowing them, and the Service adheres to that.
Each of these uses has been found compatible. We do note, however, that
the Improvement Act establishes a policy that compatible wildlife-
dependent recreational uses (two of the six specifically named being
hunting and fishing) are to be facilitated. Moreover, the Improvement
Act requires the Secretary to recognize the wildlife-dependent
recreational uses as the priority general public uses, ensure that
opportunities for compatible wildlife-dependent uses are provided
within the Refuge System, and provides increased opportunities for
families to experience wildlife-dependent uses such as hunting and
fishing.
The reference to the Refuge Recreation Act (16 U.S.C. 460k)
regarding a finding on availability of funds is incorrect. The
Improvement Act specifically exempts wildlife-dependent recreational
uses from that requirement.
Comment 21: A commenter expressed concern that elk are being
targeted as a threat to the Columbian white-tailed deer instead of
cattle grazing at Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-
tailed Deer in Washington.
Response 21: Elk traditionally used the mainland unit of the refuge
as a wintering area. Before 1978, their numbers were relatively small
(20 to 30), and they stayed on the refuge for only 2 to 4 months. After
1978, both the numbers of elk and the length of time they spent on the
refuge began increasing for unknown reasons. By 1983 there were an
estimated 110 elk living year-round on the refuge.
The Service recognized the need to control elk numbers to minimize
competition between the deer and the elk. The Columbian White-tailed
Deer Recovery Team stated that the presence of elk on the refuge was
not compatible with the recovery of the deer and recommended that elk
be significantly reduced or eliminated (letter from Recovery Team to
Division of Endangered Species, dated February 13, 1984). In 1984, we
prepared an Environmental Assessment (USFWS 1984) for elk control, and
a public meeting was held in Cathlamet, Washington. We evaluated
several alternatives, and it was decided to proceed, with the support
of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), with
transplanting the elk to other areas of Wahkiakum County, construction
of a barrier fence along the northeast side of the refuge, and off-
refuge hunting (the issuance of additional anterless permits in the
management unit adjacent to the refuge). In the Proposed Alternative of
the 1984 Environmental Assessment, the Service proposed that we allow a
maximum of 20-30 elk on the refuge. The transplanting program began in
1984 and 38 elk were moved off the refuge. Since then, an additional
283 elk have been captured and relocated. Currently transplanting elk
is no longer feasible because the WDFW has withdrawn their support for
this option.
The primary refuge objective is to maintain the refuge in optimum

[[Page 54151]]

condition for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer (CWTD). High elk numbers
have the potential of causing significant damage to CWTD habitat
through feeding and movement activities. Although a small herd of 20-30
animals may cause a level of damage that is tolerable to the deer,
larger numbers can cause serious problems for the deer recovery effort.
Despite the refuge's best efforts to exclude new elk from entering the
refuge, each year some succeed. The herd also continues to grow due to
the fact that calves are generally born every year.
Because the refuge's main purpose is to provide high-quality
habitat for the CWTD, and because high numbers of elk in a relatively
restricted environment can degrade deer browsing and resting areas, we
must control elk population numbers on the refuge. Options for
controlling the size of the elk herd are somewhat limited due to State
concerns regarding relocation of animals and because of limited funds
for moving elk.
Cattle grazing on the refuge, an important management tool for
providing high-quality forage for the deer, control reed canary grass
that the deer find unpalatable and allow more desirable grasses and
clover to grow. We allow cattle grazing only in the spring and summer
months and restrict them to small, fenced pastures. These pastures
occupy less than 10 percent of the refuge land base. The deer prefer
the pastures for feeding areas during the winter months. Cattle numbers
on the refuge have been reduced over the past 10 years and are
presently now at an all-time low. Elk, on the other hand, are free to
roam throughout the refuge feeding on and trampling sensitive riparian
areas.
Cattle grazing do not limit the growth of brush and trees on the
refuge. Old fields that are not grazed become dominated by reed canary
grass that outcompetes woody seedlings. The refuge is presently
establishing brush and trees in old fields by plowing and planting
saplings.
Columbian white-tailed deer numbers continue to hover at around 100
animals on the mainland unit. The refuge's stated goal for the mainland
unit of the refuge is 200 animals. Control of elk numbers has been and
continues to be an important component in recovery of the mainland
population of CWTD.
Comment 22: With regard to Eastern Massachusetts refuges generally,
several commenters expressed concern about sufficient use of local
population estimates in setting take limits for the proposed list of
hunted species. They feel the local populations of woodcock, ruffed
grouse, and common snipe appear to be low and should not be hunted. The
commenter also felt that use of archery should be promoted over firearm
hunting due to the refuges' location in a suburban area.
Response 22: Woodcock and waterfowl (ducks and geese) populations
are managed at a national level. The Service Migratory Bird Regulations
Committee, comprised of flyway and State representatives, and Service
personnel, annually prescribes frameworks, or outer limits, for dates
and times when hunting may occur and the maximum number of birds that
may be taken and possessed in early and late seasons. The length of
hunting seasons, the number of permits issued, and bag limits are
annually changed to reflect population status. Numerous and varied
monitoring efforts are undertaken by a wide variety of organizations.
The Service's Office of Migratory Bird Management conducts a number of
surveys in conjunction with the Service's Regional Offices, the
Canadian Wildlife Service, and State and Provincial wildlife-management
agencies. For more information about migratory bird management, please
consult their Web site at: http://migratorybirds.fws.gov/mgmt/mgmttbl.html
.

The refuges have found both archery and shotgun hunting to be
compatible. Refer to Comment/Response 6 for a further
discussion of safety issues. The Eastern Massachusetts refuges exercise
strict limitations on both the numbers of permits issued and where we
allow hunting to minimize conflicts.
Comment 23: A commenter also felt that deer (and another commenter
mentioned turkey) hunting at the Eastern Massachusetts refuges should
be determined by wildlife and habitat inventories and management step-
down plans. They felt that hunting permits and check stations would be
crucial to the success of such a program.
Response 23: The hunting of resident species, such as deer,
rabbits, and squirrels, falls within the responsibility of State fish
and wildlife agencies, which also monitor and manage populations to
ensure healthy ecosystems, sustainable populations, and a certain level
of hunter success. We work in partnership with the Massachusetts
Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and rely on their knowledge and
expertise to determine the appropriateness of hunting seasons. We base
any decisions we make to limit or prevent the harvest of resident
species on any refuge on other refuge management concerns and not on a
concern about the population of a given species. State fish and
wildlife agencies have an excellent record of sound, professional
wildlife management, and this is true in Massachusetts as well.
Refuge law enforcement staff will work independently, and in
conjunction with State Environmental Police, to enforce State and
Federal hunting regulations on the refuge.
The refuge will not provide check stations. Hunters will be
required to tag and report harvested game according to State
regulations.
Comment 24: Several commenters wondered about the archery-only
``buffer'' at Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge in Massachusetts
and why that buffer was not extended to the eastern portion (Marlboro
Road) of the refuge. A commenter also asked why specific areas of
Assabet River were designated archery only.
Response 24: During the CCP process, based upon comments that the
refuge received regarding Hudson Road and Stearns Lane, they made a
revision to the hunting areas on the north section of the refuge. The
area outside of the entire Patrol Road has been designated ``Archery
Only.'' (The map currently published in the CCP and on the website does
not reflect this change and will be updated).
Pertaining to the request for extension of the archery-only area
east of Marlboro Road, the refuge weighs a number of factors before
opening an area to hunting, including visitor safety considerations.
The refuge manager may, upon annual review of the hunting program,
impose further restrictions on hunting, recommend closure of the refuge
to hunting, or further liberalize hunting within the limits of the
State law. Restrictions will occur if hunting becomes inconsistent with
other higher priority refuge programs or endangers refuge resources or
public safety.
To mitigate some of the concerns about safety at Assabet River, the
refuge manager wanted to keep all shotgun hunting within the confines
of Patrol Road and Craven Lane, thus creating a clear landmark for
hunters to orient themselves when participating in this priority use
north of Hudson/Sudbury Road.
During the CCP process, some individuals expressed concerns about
safety while using the refuge during hunting season and the assertion
that the nonhunting public will not participate in other wildlife-
dependent activities during the hunting seasons. Some people will be
too uncomfortable to walk on the refuge during any hunt season. Others
are or will become comfortable walking on the refuge during archery-
only seasons. The refuge manager has a responsibility to facilitate

[[Page 54152]]

all forms of wildlife-dependent public use on the refuges, when
possible, and there may be days when people engaged in hunting will
have preferential access to parts of the refuges.
Comment 25: A commenter asked that Assabet River Refuge specify how
many hunting permits they will issue for each category of hunting and
describe how they will advise hunters in the field of the boundaries of
the hunting areas to avoid trespass on private property.
Response 25: Additional information about the application process
and permits will be available on the respective refuge websites for
Assabet River, Oxbow, and Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuges. We
will encourage hunters to scout potential hunting areas in advance of
their hunt in order to become familiar with refuge lands, boundaries,
and hunting areas. We will provide refuge hunting regulations and maps
with each permit to assist hunters in this effort to safely and legally
participate in a hunt and minimize conflicts with refuge neighbors and
refuge users. Ultimately, it is the hunters' responsibility to know
where they are located on the refuge in order to comply with State laws
and refuge specific regulations.
Comment 26: A commenter believes the Service has engaged in a
pattern of compromising the biological and ecological integrity of our
national wildlife refuges by providing hunters the opportunity to kill
for fun and sport the deer, ducks, and a variety of other wildlife
species that inhabit these refuges.
Response 26: We strongly disagree with and object to the
allegations that we have compromised the biological and ecological
integrity of the Refuge System and that we have not provided sufficient
opportunities for nonconsumptive users of the System. The commenter has
failed to take note of the repeated enactment of laws governing refuges
whereby Congress has authorized and encouraged hunting and fishing on
refuge lands. Those enactments recognize that all types of uses,
consumptive as well as nonconsumptive, have their place on Refuge
System lands, and we have taken steps that ensure those needs are
balanced within the delegation given to the Secretary by them.

New Hunting and Sport Fishing Programs

In preparation for new openings, we include the following documents
in each refuge's ``opening package'' (which the Region and/or
California/Nevada Operations Office completes, the Regional Director
and/or California/Nevada Operations Manager reviews, and the refuge
copies and sends to the Headquarters Office for review of compliance
with the various opening requirements): (1) Step-down management plan;
(2) appropriate National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation
(e.g., Categorical Exclusion, Environmental Assessment, or
Environmental Impact Statement); (3) appropriate NEPA decision
documentation (e.g., Finding of No Significant Impact, Record of
Decision); (4) Endangered Species Act Section 7 evaluation; (5) copies
of letters requesting State and, where appropriate, Tribal involvement
and the results of the request(s); (6) draft news release; (7) outreach
plan; and (8) draft refuge-specific regulation. Upon approval of these
documents, the Regional Director(s) is certifying that the opening of
these refuges to hunting and/or sport fishing has been found to be
compatible with the principles of sound fish and wildlife management
and administration and otherwise will be in the public interest.
In accordance with the Administration Act and Recreation Act, we
have determined that these openings are compatible and consistent with
the purpose(s) for which we established the respective refuges and the
Refuge System mission. A copy of the compatibility determinations for
these respective refuges is available by request to the Regional office
noted under the heading ``Available Information for Specific Refuges.''
The annotated chart below reflects the following changes for the
2005-2006 season. The key below the chart explains the symbols used:

Changes for 2005-2006 Hunt/Fish Season
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unit State Migratory bird hunting Upland game hunting Big game hunting Sport fishing
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assabet River NWR............ MA....... A......................... A......................... A......................... A
Great Meadows NWR............ MA....... B......................... .......................... B......................... E
Moosehorn NWR................ ME....... B......................... B......................... C
Oxbow NWR.................... MA....... C......................... C......................... B
Silvio O. Conte NWR.......... NH....... A......................... A......................... A
Wertheim NWR................. NY....... .......................... .......................... B......................... Previously published.
Cahaba River NWR............. AL....... .......................... A......................... A......................... A
Julia Butler Hansen NWR...... WA....... Previously published...... .......................... B
Stone Lakes NWR.............. CA....... A
Glacial Ridge NWR............ MN....... A......................... A......................... A
Squaw Creek NWR.............. MO....... B......................... .......................... Previously published...... Previously published.
Sacramento River NWR......... CA....... B......................... B......................... B......................... D
Previously published.
San Bernardino NWR........... AZ....... E......................... Previously published......
Stewart B. McKinney NWR...... CT....... A
Pocasse NWR.................. SD....... .......................... F
Rock Lake NWR................ ND....... .......................... .......................... F
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. Refuge added to part 32 and activity(ies) opened.
B. Refuge already listed in part 32; added hunt category.
C. Refuge already listed in part 32; species added to hunt category.
D. Refuge already listed in part 32; land added.
E. Refuge opened to that activity for many years but never listed in part 32; correcting administrative oversight.
F. Refuge removed from part 32 (explanation below).

We are adding 6 refuges to the list of open refuges in part 32 and
increasing hunt categories at 7 refuges already listed in part 32.
Lands acquired as ``waterfowl production areas,'' which we
generally manage as part of wetland management

[[Page 54153]]

districts, are open to the hunting of migratory game birds, upland
game, big game, and sport fishing subject to the provisions of State
law and regulations (see 50 CFR 32.1 and 32.4). We are adding these
existing wetland management districts (WMDs) to the list of refuges
open for all four activities in 50 CFR part 32: Big Stone WMD and
Minnesota Valley WMD (both in the State of Minnesota;) and Arrowwood
WMD, Audubon WMD, Chase Lake WMD, Crosby WMD, J. Clark Salyer WMD, Kulm
WMD, Lostwood WMD, Long Lake WMD, Tewaukon WMD, and Valley City WMD all
in the State of North Dakota.
We are correcting the following administrative errors in 50 CFR
part 32: we are removing Pocasse National Wildlife Refuge in the State
of South Dakota because it was an easement refuge, and it is no longer
a part of the Refuge System; we are removing Rock Lake National
Wildlife Refuge in the State of North Dakota because it closed to
hunting in 1996; we are adding Great Meadows in the State of
Massachusetts as open to fishing as it has been open to that
opportunity for years but this status has never been reflected in 50
CFR part 32; and we are adding migratory bird hunting to San Bernardino
National Wildlife Refuge in the State of Arizona, because it has been
open to that opportunity since 1986, but this status has not been
reflected in 50 CFR part 32.
This document codifies in the Code of Federal Regulations, all of
the Service's hunting and/or sport fishing regulations that are
applicable at Refuge System units previously opened to hunting and/or
sport fishing. We are doing this to better inform the general public of
the requirements at each refuge, to increase understanding and
compliance with these requirements, and to make enforcement of these
regulations more efficient. In addition to now finding these conditions
in 50 CFR part 32, visitors to our refuges will usually find these
terms and conditions reiterated in literature distributed by each
refuge or posted on signs.
We have cross-referenced a number of existing regulations in 50 CFR
parts 26, 27, and 32 to assist hunting and sport fishing visitors with
understanding safety and other legal requirements on refuges. This
redundancy is deliberate, with the intention of improving safety and
compliance in our hunting and sport fishing programs.

Fish Advisory

For health reasons, anglers should review and follow State-issued
consumption advisories before enjoying recreational sport fishing
opportunities on Service-managed waters. You can find information about
current fish consumption advisories on the Internet at: http://www.epa.gov/ost/fish/
.

We incorporate this regulation into 50 CFR part 32. Part 32
contains general provisions and refuge-specific regulations for hunting
and sport fishing on refuges.

Regulatory Planning and Review

In accordance with the criteria in Executive Order 12866, the
Service asserts that this rule is not a significant regulatory action.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) makes the final determination
under Executive Order 12866.
a. This rule will not have an annual economic effect of $100
million or adversely affect an economic sector, productivity, jobs, the
environment, or other units of the government. A cost-benefit and full
economic analysis is not required. However, a brief assessment follows
to clarify the costs and benefits associated with the rule.
The purpose of this rule is to add six refuges to the list of areas
open for hunting and/or sport fishing programs and increase the
activities available at seven other refuges. The refuges are located in
the States of Alabama, California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts,
Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, and Washington. Fishing
and hunting are two of the wildlife-dependent uses of national wildlife
refuges that Congress recognizes as legitimate and appropriate, and we
should facilitate their pursuit, subject to such restrictions or
regulations as may be necessary to ensure their compatibility with the
purpose of each refuge. Many of the 545 existing national wildlife
refuges already have programs where we allow fishing and hunting. Not
all refuges have the necessary resources and landscape that would make
fishing and hunting opportunities available to the public. By opening
these refuges to new activities, we have determined that we can make
quality experiences available to the public. This rule establishes
hunting and/or fishing programs and expands existing activities at the
following refuges: Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama,
Sacramento River and Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuges in
California, Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge in
Connecticut, Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge in Maine, Assabet
River, Great Meadows, and Oxbow National Wildlife Refuges in
Massachusetts, Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota,
Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri, Silvio O. Conte
National Wildlife Refuge in New Hampshire, Wertheim National Wildlife
Refuge in New York, and Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian
White-Tailed Deer in Washington.
We are correcting the following administrative errors in 50 CFR
part 32: We are removing Pocasse National Wildlife Refuge in the State
of South Dakota as it was an easement refuge and is no longer a part of
the Refuge System, and we are removing Rock Lake National Wildlife
Refuge in the State of North Dakota, because it closed to hunting back
in 1996. Since both of these closures happened years ago, and we are
just correcting 50 CFR part 32 to reflect this, there is no appreciable
economic impact.
Lands acquired as ``waterfowl production areas,'' which we
generally manage as part of wetland management districts (WMDs), are
open to the hunting of migratory game birds, upland game, big game, and
sport fishing subject to the provisions of State law and regulations
(see 50 CFR 32.1 and 32.4). We are adding these existing WMDs to the
list of refuges open for all four activities in part 32 this year: Big
Stone WMD and Minnesota Valley WMD, both in the State of Minnesota, and
Arrowwood WMD, Audubon WMD, Chase Lake WMD, Crosby WMD, J. Clark Salyer
WMD, Kulm WMD, Lostwood WMD, Long Lake WMD, Tewaukon WMD, and Valley
City WMD, all in the State of North Dakota. We do not expect any change
in visitation rates at these wetland management districts because
recreationists currently have the option to participate in these
activities. Therefore, there are no new economic impacts from the
addition of these wetland management districts to the list in 50 CFR
part 32.

Costs Incurred

Costs incurred by this regulation would be minimal, if any. We
expect any law enforcement or other refuge actions related to
recreational activities to be included in any usual monitoring of the
refuge. Therefore, we expect any costs to be negligible.

Benefits Accrued

A correction has been made from the proposed rule concerning Squaw
Creek National Wildlife Refuge (MO). The refuge expects an increase of
30 days during the Spring Conservation Order Season for migratory game
birds, not an increase of 300 days. This corrected number impacts
additional hunting days, total additional fishing and hunting days, and
total days per year

[[Page 54154]]

(Table 1); change in estimated customer surplus for hunters and change
in total consumer surplus (Table 2); change of possible additional
refuge expenditures for hunters (Table 3); and estimated maximum
addition from new refuge and addition as a percentage of total for
Squaw Creek (Table 4).
Benefits from this regulation would be derived from the new fishing
and hunting days from opening the refuges to these activities. If the
refuges establishing new fishing and hunting programs were a pure
addition to the current supply of such activities, it would mean an
estimated increase of 12,000 user days of fishing and 7,185 user days
of hunting (Table 1). These new fishing and hunting days would
generate: (1) Consumer surplus (the net benefit received by
recreationists); and (2) expenditures associated with fishing and
hunting on the refuges.

Table 1.--Estimated Change in Fishing and Hunting Opportunities in 2005/06
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current hunting Total additional
Refuge and/or fishing Additional Additional fishing and
days (FY04) fishing days hunting days hunting days
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assabet River....................... ................. 3,000 130 3,130
Great Meadows....................... 49,050 ................. 125 125
Moosehorn........................... 43,500 ................. 985 985
Oxbow............................... 18,886 ................. 128 128
Silvio O. Conte..................... ................. ................. 65 65
Wertheim............................ 14,750 ................. 1,406 1,406
Cahaba River........................ ................. 8,000 2,200 10,200
Julia Butler Hansen................. 2,660 ................. 20 20
Stone Lakes......................... ................. ................. 14 14
Glacial Ridge....................... ................. ................. 87 87
Squaw Creek......................... 353 ................. 30 30
Sacramento River.................... ................. 1,000 1,005 2,005
San Bernardino...................... 45 ................. ................. 0
Stewart B. McKinney................. ................. ................. 990 990
--------------------
Total Days per Year............. 129,244 12,000 7,185 19,185
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Assuming the new days are a pure addition to the current supply,
the additional days would create consumer surplus (CS) of approximately
$906,000 annually ([7,185 days x $47.32 CS per day] + [12,000 days x
$47.07 CS per day]) (Table 2). However, the participation trend is flat
in fishing and hunting activities because the number of Americans
participating in these activities has been stagnant since 1991. Any
increase in the supply of these activities introduced by adding refuges
where the activity is available will most likely be offset by other
sites losing participants, especially if the new sites have higher
quality fishing and/or hunting opportunities. Therefore, the additional
consumer surplus is more likely to be smaller.

Table 2.--Estimated Change in Consumer Surplus From Additional Fishing and Hunting Opportunities in 2005/06
[2004 $]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total fishing and
Fishing Hunting hunting
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total additional days.................................. 12,000 7,185 19,185
Consumer surplus per day \1\........................... $47.32 $47.07 .................
Change in total Consumer Surplus....................... $567,840 $338,198 $906,038
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Due to the unavailability of consistent consumer surplus estimates for these various site-specific
activities, a national consumer surplus estimate is used for this analysis. The estimates are from: Pam Kaval
and John Loomis. ``Updated Outdoor Recreation Use Values with Emphasis on National Recreation.'' October 2003.

In addition to benefits derived from consumer surplus, this rule
would also have benefits from the recreation-related expenditures. Due
to the unavailability of site-specific expenditure data, we use the
national estimates from the 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting,
and Wildlife Associated Recreation to identify expenditures for food
and lodging, transportation, and other incidental expenses. Using the
average expenditures for these categories with the expected maximum
additional participation on the Refuge System yields approximately
$818,000 in fishing-related expenditures and $692,000 in hunting-
related expenditures (Table 3).

[[Page 54155]]

Table 3.--Estimation of the Additional Expenditures With an Increase of Activities in Seven Refuges and the
Opening of Six Refuges to Fishing and/or Hunting for 2005/06
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Current refuge Possible
U.S. total expenditures per expenditures w/o additional refuge
expenditures in 2001 day duplication expenditures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anglers
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Days Spent............. 557 Mil.............. ................. 7.0 Mil............. 12,000
Total Expenditures........... 38.0 Bil............. $68 $453.6 Mil.......... $818,231
Trip Related................. 15.6 Bil............. 28 $186.6 Mil.......... $336,549
Food and Lodging............. 6.3 Bil.............. 11 $74.9 Mil........... $135,046
Transportation............... 3.8 Bil.............. 7 $44.8 Mil........... $80,733
Other........................ 5.6 Bil.............. 10 $66.9 Mil........... $120,769
------------------------------
Hunters
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Days Spent............. 228 Mil.............. ................. 2.4 Mil............. 7,185
Total Expenditures........... 22.0 Bil............. $96 $212.0 Mil.......... $691,676
Trip Related................. 5.6 Bil.............. 25 $54.0 Mil........... $176,263
Food and Lodging............. 2.6 Bil.............. 11 $25.2 Mil........... $82,216
Transportation............... 1.9 Bil.............. 8 $18.0 Mil........... $60,047
Other........................ 1.1 Bil.............. 5 $10.4 Mil........... $33,999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By having ripple effects throughout the economy, these direct
expenditures are only part of the economic impact of waterfowl hunting.
Using a national impact multiplier for hunting activities (2.73)
derived from the report ``Economic Importance of Hunting in America''
and a national impact multiplier for sportfishing activities (2.79)
from the report ``Sportfishing in America'' for the estimated increase
in direct expenditures yields a total economic impact of approximately
$4.2 million (2004 dollars) (Southwick Associates, Inc., 2003). (Using
a local impact multiplier would yield more accurate and smaller
results. However, we employed the national impact multiplier due to the
difficulty in developing local multipliers for each specific region.)
Since we know that most of the fishing and hunting occurs within
100 miles of a participant's residence, then it is unlikely that most
of this spending would be ``new'' money coming into a local economy
and, therefore, this spending would be offset with a decrease in some
other sector of the local economy. The net gain to the local economies
would be no more than $4.2 million, and most likely considerably less.
Since 80 percent of the participants travel less than 100 miles to
engage in hunting and fishing activities, their spending patterns would
not add new money into the local economy and, therefore, the real
impact would be on the order of $834,000 annually.
In summary, we estimate that the additional fishing and hunting
opportunities would yield approximately $906,000 in consumer surplus
and $834,000 in recreation-related expenditures annually. The 10-year
quantitative benefit for this rule would be $17.4 million ($15.3
million discounted at 3 percent or $13.1 million discounted at 7
percent).
b. This rule will not create inconsistencies with other agencies'
actions. This action pertains solely to the management of the Refuge
System. The fishing and hunting activities located on national wildlife
refuges account for approximately 1 percent of the available supply in
the United States. Any small, incremental change in this supply will
not measurably impact any other agencies' existing programs.
c. This rule will not materially affect entitlements, grants, user
fees, loan programs, or the rights and obligations of their recipients.
This rule does not affect entitlement programs. There are no grants or
other Federal assistance programs associated with public use of
national wildlife refuges.
d. This rule will not raise novel legal or policy issues. This rule
opens six additional refuges for fishing and hunting programs and
increases the activities available at seven other refuges. This rule
continues the practice of allowing recreational public use of national
wildlife refuges. Many refuges in the Refuge System currently have
opportunities for the public to hunt and fish on refuge lands.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (as amended by the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act [SBREFA] of 1996) (5
U.S.C. 601, et seq.), whenever a Federal agency is required to publish
a notice of rulemaking for any proposed or final rule, it must prepare
and make available for public comment a regulatory flexibility analysis
that describes the effect of the rule on small entities (i.e., small
businesses, small organizations, and small government jurisdictions).
However, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required if the head of
an agency certifies that the rule would not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small entities. Thus, for a
regulatory flexibility analysis to be required, impacts must exceed a
threshold for ``significant impact'' and a threshold for a
``substantial number of small entities.'' See 5 U.S.C. 605(b). SBREFA
amended the Regulatory Flexibility Act to require Federal agencies to
provide a statement of the factual basis for certifying that a rule
would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of
small entities.
This rule does not increase the number of recreation types allowed
in the System but establishes hunting and/or fishing programs on six
refuges and expands activities at seven other refuges. As a result,
opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation on national wildlife
refuges will increase. The changes in the amount of allowed use are
likely to increase visitor activity on these national wildlife refuges.
But, as stated in the Regulatory Planning and Review section, this is
likely to be a substitute site for the activity and not necessarily an
increase in participation rates for the activity. To the extent
visitors spend time and money in the area of the refuge that they would
not have spent there anyway, they contribute new income to the regional
economy and benefit local businesses.

[[Page 54156]]

Many small businesses within the retail trade industry (such as
hotels, gas stations, taxidermy shops, bait and tackle shops, etc.) may
benefit from some increased refuge visitation. A large percentage of
these retail trade establishments in the majority of affected counties
qualify as small businesses (Table 4).
We expect that the incremental recreational opportunities will be
scattered, and so we do not expect that the rule will have a
significant economic effect (benefit) on a substantial number of small
entities in any region or nationally. Using the estimate derived in the
Regulatory Planning and Review section, we expect approximately
$834,000 to be spent in total in the refuges' local economies. The
maximum increase ($4.2 million if all spending is new money) at most
would be less than 1 percent for local retail trade spending (Table 4).

Table 4.--Comparative Expenditures for Retail Trade Associated With Additional Refuge Visitation for 2005/2006
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retail trade in
1997 (2004 Estimated maximum Addition as a Total number Establish with
Refuge/County(ies) dollars in addition from new percent of total retail establish < 10 emp
millions) refuge
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assabet River
Middlesex, MA........................................ 17,021.1 $148,079 0.0009 5,701 3,697
Great Meadows
Middlesex, MA........................................ 17,021.1 5,884 0.0001 5,701 3,697
Moosehorn
Washington, ME....................................... 306,233.4 46,364 0.0151 281 206
Oxbow
Middlesex, MA........................................ 17,021.1 3,012 0.0001 5,701 3,697
Worcester, MA........................................ 7,334.4 3,012 0.0001 2,796 1,896
Silvio O. Conte
Coos, NH............................................. 498.8 3,060 0.0006 293 218
Wertheim
Suffolk, NY.......................................... 15,900.2 66,180 0.0004 8,946 6,904
Cahaba River
Bibb, AL............................................. 90.8 482,114 0.5307 69 51
Julia Butler Hansen
Wahkiakum, WA........................................ 8.6 471 0.0054 25 21
Clatsop, OR.......................................... 391.2 471 0.0001 407 291
Stone Lakes
Sacramento, CA....................................... 11,183.2 659 0.0001 5,555 3,573
Glacial Ridge
Polk, MN............................................. 249.2 4,095 0.0016 203 131
Squaw Creek
Holt, MO............................................. 46.4 1,412 0.0030 32 22
Sacramento River
Butte, CA............................................ 1,768.5 94,625 0.0054 1,095 736
San Bernardino
Cochise, AZ.......................................... 838.1 0 0.0001 628 439
Stewart B. McKinney
New Haven, CT........................................ 9,092.1 23,300 0.0003 4,852 3,424
Fairfield, CT........................................ 13,610.1 23,300 0.0002 5,672 3,994
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

With the small increase in overall spending anticipated from this
rule, it is unlikely that a substantial number of small entities will
have more than a small benefit from the increased spending near the
affected refuges. Therefore, we certify that this rule will not have a
significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities
as defined under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.).
An initial/final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis is not required.
Accordingly, a Small Entity Compliance Guide is not required.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

The rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. We anticipate no
significant employment or small business effects. This rule:
a. Does not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or
more. The additional fishing and hunting opportunities at the seven
refuges would generate angler and hunter expenditures with an economic
impact estimated at $4.2 million per year (2004 dollars). Consequently,
the maximum benefit of this rule for businesses both small and large
would not be sufficient to make this a major rule. The impact would be
scattered across the country and would most likely not be significant
in any local area.
b. Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for
consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government
agencies, or geographic regions. This rule will have only a slight
effect on the costs of hunting and fishing opportunities for Americans.
Under the assumption that any additional hunting and fishing
opportunities would be of high quality, participants would be attracted
to the refuge. If the refuge is closer to the participants' residences,
then a reduction in travel costs would occur and benefit the
participants. The Service does not have information to quantify this
reduction in travel cost but assumes that, since most people travel
fewer than 100 miles to hunt and fish, the reduced travel cost would be
small for the additional days of hunting and fishing generated by this
rule. We do not expect this rule to affect the supply or demand for
fishing and hunting opportunities in the United States and, therefore,
it should not affect prices for fishing and hunting equipment and
supplies, or the retailers that sell equipment. Additional

[[Page 54157]]

refuge hunting and fishing opportunities would account for less than
0.001 percent of the available opportunities in the United States.
c. Does not have significant adverse effects on competition,
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of
United States-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based
enterprises. This rule represents only a small proportion of
recreational spending of a small number of affected anglers and
hunters, approximately a maximum of $4.2 million annually in impact.
Therefore, this rule will have no measurable economic effect on the
wildlife-dependent industry, which has annual sales of equipment and
travel expenditures of $72 billion nationwide. Refuges that establish
hunting and fishing programs may hire additional staff from the local
community to assist with the programs, but this would not be a
significant increase because we are only opening six refuges to hunting
and/or fishing and only seven refuges are increasing programs by this
rule.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

Since this rule applies to public use of federally owned and
managed refuges, it does not impose an unfunded mandate on State,
local, or tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100
million per year. The rule does not have a significant or unique effect
on State, local, or tribal governments or the private sector. A
statement containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates
Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not required.

Takings (Executive Order 12630)

In accordance with Executive Order 12630, the rule does not have
significant takings implications. This regulation will affect only
visitors at national wildlife refuges and describe what they can do
while they are on a refuge.

Federalism (Executive Order 13132)

As discussed in the Regulatory Planning and Review and Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act sections above, this rule does not have sufficient
federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism
Assessment under Executive Order 13132. In preparing this rule, we
worked with State governments.

Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)

In accordance with Executive Order 12988, the Office of the
Solicitor has determined that the rule does not unduly burden the
judicial system and that it meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and
3(b)(2) of the Order. The regulation will clarify established
regulations and result in better understanding of the regulations by
refuge visitors.

Energy Supply, Distribution or Use (Executive Order 13211)

On May 18, 2001, the President issued Executive Order 13211 on
regulations that significantly affect energy supply, distribution, and
use. Executive Order 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of
Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. Because this rule
opens six refuges to hunting and/or sport fishing programs and makes
minor changes to other refuges open to those activities, it is not a
significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866 and is not
expected to significantly affect energy supplies, distribution, and
use. Therefore, this action is a not a significant energy action and no
Statement of Energy Effects is required.

Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments (Executive
Order 13175)

In accordance with Executive Order 13175, we have evaluated
possible effects on federally recognized Indian tribes and have
determined that there are no effects. We coordinate recreational use on
national wildlife refuges with tribal governments having adjoining or
overlapping jurisdiction before we propose the regulations. This
regulation is consistent with and not less restrictive than tribal
reservation rules.

Paperwork Reduction Act

This regulation does not contain any information collection
requirements other than those already approved by the Office of
Management and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501
et seq.) (OMB Control Number is 1018-0102). See 50 CFR 25.23 for
information concerning that approval. An agency may not conduct or
sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of
information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. We
are seeking further OMB approval for other necessary information
collection.

Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation

In preparation for new openings, we include Section 7 consultation
documents approved by the Service's Endangered Species program in the
refuge's ``openings package'' for Regional review and approval from the
Headquarters Office. We reviewed the changes in hunting and fishing
regulations herein with regard to Section 7 of the Endangered Species
Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531-1544, as amended) (ESA). For the national
wildlife refuges opening for hunting and/or fishing, we have determined
that Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge (bald eagle), Wertheim National
Wildlife Refuge, Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, Julia Butler
Hansen National Wildlife Refuge (Columbia white-tailed deer and bald
eagle), Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, Squaw Creek National
Wildlife Refuge (bald eagle), and Sacramento River National Wildlife
Refuge will not likely adversely affect any endangered or threatened
species or designated critical habitat; and Assabet River National
Wildlife Refuge, Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Moosehorn
National Wildlife Refuge (Atlantic salmon), Oxbow National Wildlife
Refuge, Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge, Julia Butler Hansen
National Wildlife Refuge (marbled murrelet, northern spotted owl, bull
trout, howellia, Nelson's checkermallow, streaked horned lark), Stewart
B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, Squaw Creek National Wildlife
Refuge (piping plover and least tern), and Stone Lakes National
Wildlife Refuge will not affect any endangered or threatened species or
designated critical habitat; and Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge
(Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake) is not likely to jeopardize candidate
or proposed species critical habitat.
We also comply with Section 7 of the ESA when developing
Comprehensive Conservation Plans (CCPs) and step-down management plans
for public use of refuges, and prior to implementing any new or revised
public recreation program on a refuge as identified in 50 CFR 26.32. We
also make determinations when required by the ESA before the addition
of a refuge to the lists of areas open to hunting or fishing as
contained in 50 CFR 32.7.

National Environmental Policy Act

We analyzed this rule in accordance with the criteria of the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4332(C))
and 516 DM 6, Appendix 1. This rule does not constitute a major Federal
action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. An
environmental impact statement/assessment is not required.
A categorical exclusion from NEPA documentation applies to this
amendment of refuge-specific hunting and fishing regulations since it
is technical and procedural in nature, and

[[Page 54158]]

the environmental effects are too broad, speculative, or conjectural to
lend themselves to meaningful analysis (516 DM 2, Appendix 1.10).
Prior to the addition of a refuge to the list of areas open to
hunting and fishing in 50 CFR part 32, we develop hunting and fishing
plans for the affected refuges. We incorporate these proposed refuge
hunting and fishing activities in the refuge CCPs and/or other step-
down management plans, pursuant to our refuge planning guidance in 602
FW 1, 3, and 4. We prepare these CCPs and step-down plans in compliance
with section 102(2)(C) of NEPA, and the Council on Environmental
Quality's regulations for implementing NEPA in 40 CFR parts 1500-1508.
We invite the affected public to participate in the review,
development, and implementation of these plans.

Available Information for Specific Refuges

Individual refuge headquarters retain information regarding public
use programs and conditions that apply to their specific programs and
maps of their respective areas. You may also obtain information from
the regional offices at the addresses listed below:
Region 1--California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and
Washington. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, Eastside Federal Complex, Suite 1692, 911 NE.
11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232-4181; Telephone (503) 231-6214.
California/Nevada Operations Office--Assistant Manager, National
Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2800 Cottage
Way, Room W-2606, Sacramento, California 95825; Telephone (916) 414-
6464
Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge; 1624 Hood-Franklin Road, Elk
Grove, California 95757-9774; Telephone (916) 775-4421.
Region 2--Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Regional Chief,
National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Box
1306, 500 Gold Avenue, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103; Telephone (505)
248-7419.
Region 3--Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri,
Ohio, and Wisconsin. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1 Federal Drive, Federal Building, Fort
Snelling, Twin Cities, Minnesota 55111; Telephone (612) 713-5401.
Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, c/o Rydell National
Wildlife Refuge, 17788 349th Street, SE., Erskine, Minnesota 56535;
Telephone (218) 687-2229.
Region 4--Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana,
Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Puerto Rico,
and the Virgin Islands. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge
System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Boulevard,
Atlanta, Georgia 30345; Telephone (404) 679-7166.
Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge; 291 Jimmy Parks Blvd.,
Anniston, Alabama 36205; Telephone (256) 848-7085.
Region 5--Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine,
Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, 300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley, Massachusetts 01035-9589;
Telephone (413) 253-8306.
Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, c/o Eastern Massachusetts
National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 73 Weir Hill Road, Sudbury,
Massachusetts 01776; Telephone (978) 443-4661.
Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge, 52 Avenue A, Turners
Falls, Massachusetts 01376; Telephone (413) 863-0209.
Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 1030, 733
Old Clinton Road, Westbrook, Connecticut 06498; Telephone (860) 399-
2513.
Region 6--Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South
Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge
System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 134 Union Blvd., Lakewood,
Colorado 80228; Telephone (303) 236-8145.
Region 7--Alaska. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 E. Tudor Rd., Anchorage, Alaska
99503; Telephone (907) 786-3545.

Primary Author

The primary author of this rulemaking document is Leslie A. Marler,
Management Analyst, Division of Conservation Planning and Policy,
National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Arlington, Virginia 22203.

List of Subjects

50 CFR Part 32

Fishing, Hunting, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements,
Wildlife, Wildlife refuges.

0
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, we amend Title 50, Chapter
I, subchapter C of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

PART 32--HUNTING AND FISHING

0
1. The authority citation for part 32 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k, 664, 668dd-668ee, and
715i.

Sec. 32.7 [Amended]

0
2. Amend Sec. 32.7 ``What refuge units are open to hunting and/or
sport fishing?'' by:
0
a. Adding the listing of Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge in the
State of Alabama;
0
b. Adding the listings of Sacramento River and Stone Lakes National
Wildlife Refuges in the State of California;
0
c. Adding the listing of Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge
in the State of Connecticut;
0
d. Adding the listing of Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge in the
State of Massachusetts;
0
e. Adding the listings of Big Stone Wetland Management District,
Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, and Minnesota Valley Wetland
Management in the State of Minnesota;
0
f. Adding the listing of Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge in
the State of New Hampshire; and
0
g. Adding the listings of Arrowwood Wetland Management District,
Audubon Wetland Management District, Chase Lake Wetland Management
District, Crosby Wetland Management District, J. Clark Salyer Wetland
Management District, Kulm Wetland Management District, Lostwood Wetland
Management District, Long Lake Wetland Management District, Tewaukon
Wetland Management District, and Valley City Wetland Management
District in the State of North Dakota.
0
3. Amend Sec. 32.20 Alabama by:
0
a. Adding Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
b. Revising the introductory text of paragraph C. and adding paragraph
C.9. of Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.20 Alabama.

* * * * *

Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel,
rabbit, opossum, raccoon, coyote, and bobcat on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. You must possess and carry a signed hunt permit when hunting.
2. We prohibit hunting within 100 yards (90 m) of River Road.

[[Page 54159]]

3. We prohibit ATVs, mules, and horses on the refuge.
4. We allow the use of dogs to hunt upland game, but the dogs must
be under the immediate control of the handler at all times and not
allowed to run free (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
5. We allow shotguns with 4 shot or smaller, rifles firing
.22 caliber rimfire ammunition, or archery equipment.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow the hunting of white-tailed deer,
feral hog, and wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You must possess and carry a signed hunt permit when hunting.
2. We only allow the use of archery equipment during white-tailed
deer season.
3. We prohibit marking trees and the use of flagging tape,
reflective tacks, and other similar marking devices.
4. We prohibit damaging trees or hunting from a tree that contains
an inserted metal object (see Sec. 27.51 of this chapter). Hunters
must remove stands from trees after each day's hunt (see Sec. Sec.
27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
5. We require tree stand users to use a safety belt or harness.
6. We prohibit the use of dogs for hunting or pursuit of big game.
7. Conditions B2 and B3 apply.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. We prohibit the taking of frog or turtle (see Sec. 27.21 of
this chapter).
2. Condition B3 applies.
* * * * *

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow the hunting of white-tailed deer and
feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
9. You may only hunt feral hog during the refuge archery and
flintlock deer season.
* * * * *

0
4. Amend Sec. 32.22 Arizona by:
0
a. Revising paragraph B.1. of Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising Havasu National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Revising the introductory text of paragraphs A. and B., revising
paragraphs B.2. through B.5., and revising paragraphs C. and D. of
Imperial National Wildlife Refuge;
0
d. Revising paragraph A., revising the introductory text of paragraph
B., and revising paragraph B.1. of San Bernardino National Wildlife
Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.22 Arizona.

* * * * *

Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A7 apply.
* * * * *

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of mourning
and whitewinged dove, duck, coot, moorhen, goose, and common snipe on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit falconry.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field
(see Sec. 32.2(k)).
3. You may not hunt within 50 yards (45m) of any building or public
road.
4. We prohibit target shooting or the discharge of any weapon
except to hunt.
5. We prohibit possession of firearms except while hunting.
6. We prohibit the construction or use of pits and permanent blinds
(see Sec. 27.92 of this chapter).
7. You must remove temporary blinds, boats, hunting equipment, and
decoys from the refuge following each day's hunt (see Sec. Sec. 27.93
and 27.94 of this chapter).
8. We prohibit retrieving game from closed areas. You may retrieve
game from areas closed to hunting, but otherwise open to entry, as long
as you possess no firearms or other means of take.
9. Anyone hired to assist or guide hunter(s) must obtain, possess,
and carry a valid Special Use Permit issued by the refuge manager.
10. We prohibit hunting on those refuge lands within the Lake
Havasu City limits.
11. The following conditions apply only to Pintail Slough (all
refuge lands north of North Dike):
i. We require a fee for waterfowl hunting. You must possess proof
of payment (refuge permit) while hunting.
ii. Waterfowl hunters must hunt within 25 feet (7.5 m) of the
numbered post of their assigned blind.
iii. We limit the number of persons at each waterfowl hunt blind to
three. Observers cannot hold shells or guns unless in possession of a
valid State hunting license and stamps.
iv. We limit the number of shells a waterfowl hunter may possess to
25.
v. Waterfowl hunters must possess at least 12 decoys per blind.
vi. You may use only dead vegetation or materials brought from off
refuge for making or fixing hunt blinds. We prohibit the cutting,
pulling, marking or removing vegetation (see Sec. 27.51 of this
chapter).
vii. Waterfowl hunters must be at their blind at least 45 minutes
before legal shoot time and not leave their blind until 10:00 am MST.
viii. Waterfowl hunting ends at 12:00 p.m. (noon) MST. Hunters must
be out of the slough area by 1:00 p.m. MST.
ix. We allow hunting in the juniors-only waterfowl season.
x. We allow dove hunting only during the September season.
12. The following conditions apply to all waters of the lower
Colorado River within the Havasu NWR:
i. We close designated portions of Topock Marsh to all entry from
October 1 through the last day of the waterfowl hunt season (including
the State junior waterfowl hunt). These areas are indicated in refuge
brochures and identified by buoys and/or signs.
ii. We prohibit hunting in the waters of the Colorado River and on
those refuge lands within 1/4 mile (.4 km) of the waters of the
Colorado River from and including Castle Rock Bay north to Interstate
40.
iii. We allow hunting on refuge lands and waters south of Castle
Rock Bay to the north boundary of the Lake Havasu City limits.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail and cottontail
rabbit on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A10, A11vi., and A12 apply.
2. We prohibit the possession or use of rifles.
3. We allow hunting of quail in Pintail Slough prior to and
following the State waterfowl season (The State waterfowl season
includes the State general waterfowl season, the days between the
juniors-only waterfowl hunt and the general State waterfowl season, and
the juniors-only waterfowl hunt.).
4. We allow hunting of cottontail rabbit in Pintail Slough prior to
and following the State waterfowl season (The State waterfowl season
includes the State general waterfowl season, the days between the
juniors-only waterfowl hunt and the general State waterfowl season, and
the juniors-only waterfowl hunt.).
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of bighorn sheep on those
refuge lands in Arizona Wildlife Management Area 16B in accordance with
State regulations subject to the following conditions:

[[Page 54160]]

1. Conditions A3 through A9 and A12ii apply.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations (Colorado River specific
regulations apply) subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the use of all air-thrust boats or air-cooled
propulsion engines, including floating aircraft.
2. We prohibit overnight boat mooring and shore anchoring unless
actively fishing as defined by State regulations (see Sec. 27.93 of
this chapter).
3. Anyone hired to assist or guide anglers must obtain, possess,
and carry a valid Special Use Permit issued by the refuge manager.
4. The following apply only on Topock Marsh:
i. We close designated portions to all entry from October 1 through
the last day of the waterfowl hunt season (including the State junior
waterfowl hunt).
ii. We close designated portions to all entry from April 1 through
August 31. These areas are indicated in refuge brochures and identified
by buoys and or signs.
iii. We prohibit personal watercraft (PWC, as defined by State
law).
5. The following apply to all waters of the Colorado River within
Havasu NWR from the south regulatory buoy line to the north regulatory
buoy line at Interstate 40 (approximately 17 miles [27.2 km]).
i. We prohibit personal watercraft (PWC, as defined by State law)
as indicated by signs or regulatory buoys in all backwaters.
ii. We limit watercraft speed as indicated by signs or regulatory
buoys to no wake (as defined by State law) in all backwaters.
iii. We prohibit water-skiing, tubing, wake boarding, or other
recreational-towed devices.
6. The following apply to the Mesquite Bay areas of Lake Havasu.
i. We prohibit entry of all watercraft (as defined by State law) in
all three bays as indicated by signs or regulatory buoys.
ii. The Mesquite Bays are Day Use Only areas and open from 1 hour
before legal sunrise to 1 hour after legal sunset.

Imperial National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of mourning
and white-winged dove, duck, coot, moorhen, goose, and common snipe on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, cottontail
rabbit, coyote, and fox on designated areas of the refuge subject to
the following conditions:
* * * * *
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting quail
and cottontail rabbit (see Sec. 32.2(k).
3. We allow cottontail rabbit hunting from September 1 to the close
of the State quail season.
4. We require Special Use Permits for hunting coyote and fox.
5. We allow coyote and fox hunting only during the State quail
season.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of mule deer and desert
bighorn sheep on designated areas of the refuge.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing and frogging for bullfrog on
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We
close posted portions of Martinez Lake and Ferguson Lake to entry from
October 1 through the last day of February.
* * * * *

San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of mourning and
white-winged dove on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with
State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow only shotguns.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field
(see Sec. 32.2(k)).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail and cottontail
rabbit on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 and A2 apply.
* * * * *

0
5. Amend Sec. 32.23 Arkansas by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs A.10., A.13., and adding paragraph A.21.,
revising paragraph B.1., revising paragraph C.1., adding paragraph
C.15., and revising paragraph D.4. of Felsenthal National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
b. Adding paragraphs B.11. and B.12., revising paragraph C.1., C.4.,
and D.1. of Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Revising paragraphs A.10., A.13., and adding paragraph A.20.,
revising paragraphs B.1., C.1., and adding paragraph C.11. of Overflow
National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
d. Revising paragraphs A.8. and A.11., adding paragraph A.19., revising
paragraphs B.3. and C.2., adding paragraph C.16., and revising
paragraph D.3. of Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge to read as
follows:

Sec. 32.23 Arkansas.

* * * * *

Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
10. We prohibit possession or use of alcoholic beverage(s) while
hunting (see Sec. 32.2(j)). We prohibit consumption or possession of
opened container(s) of alcoholic beverage(s) in parking lots, on
roadways, and in plain view in campgrounds.
* * * * *
13. We only allow ATVs for wildlife-dependent activities such as
hunting and fishing. We restrict ATVs to designated times and
designated trails (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter) marked with signs
and paint. We identify these trails and the dates they are open for use
in the refuge hunt brochure. We limit ATVs to those having an engine
displacement size not exceeding 700cc. We limit ATV tires to those
having a centerline lug depth not exceeding 1 inch (2.5 cm). You may
use horses on roads and ATV trails (when open to motor vehicle and ATV
traffic respectively) as a mode of transportation for on-refuge,
wildlife-dependent activities.
* * * * *
21. We prohibit the use or possession of any electronic call or
other electronic device used for producing or projecting vocal sounds
of any wildlife species.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A4 through A18, A20, and A21 apply.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A6, A8 through A11, A13 through A18, A20, and A21
apply.
* * * * *
15. We prohibit the use of deer decoy(s).
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
4. We prohibit consumption or possession of opened container(s) of
alcoholic beverage(s) in parking lots, on roadways, and in plain view
in campgrounds (see Sec. 32.2(j)).

Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
11. Hunters must enter and exit the refuge from designated roads
and parking areas.
12. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of roads and trails
open to public use.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

[[Page 54161]]

1. Conditions B1 and B4 through B12 apply.
* * * * *
4. The firearms spring youth hunt for turkey is the same as the
State. We restrict hunting to youths under age 16. One adult age 18 or
older must accompany one youth hunter. We must receive applications for
hunts by the last day of January.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. Conditions B6, B7, B8, and B10 apply.
* * * * *

Overflow National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
10. We prohibit possession or use of alcoholic beverage(s) while
hunting (see Sec. 32.2(j)). We prohibit consumption or possession of
opened container(s) of alcoholic beverage(s) in parking areas and on
roadways.
* * * * *
13. We only allow ATVs for wildlife-dependent activities such as
hunting and fishing. We restrict ATVs to designated times and
designated trails (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter) marked with signs
and paint. We identify those trails and the dates they are open for use
in the refuge hunt brochure. We limit ATVs to those having an engine
displacement size not exceeding 700cc. We limit ATV tires to those
having a centerline lug depth not exceeding 1 inch (2.5 cm). You may
use horses on roads and ATV trails (when open to motor vehicle and ATV
traffic respectively) as a mode of transportation for on-refuge,
wildlife-dependent activities. You may use ATVs on unmarked roads and
levees in the North Sanctuary beginning 2 days prior to the opening of
deer archery season through October 31.
* * * * *
20. We prohibit the use or possession of any electronic call or
other electronic device used for producing or projecting vocal sounds
of any wildlife species.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A4 through A17, A19, and A20 apply.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A5 through A11, A13 through A17, A19, and A20 apply.
* * * * *
11. We prohibit the use of deer decoy(s).
* * * * *

Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
8. We prohibit possession or use of alcoholic beverage(s) while
hunting (see Sec. 32.2(j)). We prohibit consumption or possession of
opened container(s) of alcoholic beverage(s) in parking lots, on
roadways, and in plain view in campgrounds.
* * * * *
11. We only allow ATVs for wildlife-dependent activities such as
hunting and fishing. We restrict ATVs to designated times and
designated trails (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter) marked with signs
and paint. We identify those trails and the dates they are open for use
in the refuge hunt brochure. We limit ATVs to those having an engine
displacement size not exceeding 700cc. We limit ATV tires to those
having a centerline lug depth not exceeding 1 inch (2.5 cm). You may
use horses on roads and ATV trails (when open to motor vehicle and ATV
traffic respectively) as a mode of transportation for on-refuge,
wildlife-dependent activities.
* * * * *
19. We prohibit the use or possession of any electronic call or
other electronic device used for producing or projecting vocal sounds
of any wildlife species.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. Conditions A4 through A16, A18, and A19 apply.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. Conditions A4, A5 (for archery deer and muzzleloader deer hunts
and spring turkey hunts), A6 through A9, A11 through A16, A18, and A19
apply.
* * * * *
16. We prohibit the use of deer decoy(s)
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
3. We prohibit consumption or possession of opened container(s) of
alcoholic beverage(s) in parking lots, on roadways, and in plain view
in campgrounds (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
* * * * *

0
6. Amend Sec. 32.24 California by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs A.2. through A.9. and adding paragraph A.10. of
Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
c. Alphabetically adding Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge to read
as follows:

Sec. 32.24 California.

* * * * *

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We allow hunting in the 17 salt evaporation ponds listed below.
These ponds are surrounded by levees and were formerly part of the San
Francisco Bay. We have not opened any other ponds.
i. Ponds R1 and R2 in the Ravenswood Unit. These ponds are located
on the west side of the Dumbarton Bridge between Ravenswood Slough and
Highway 84. You may access these ponds only by foot or bicycle from
either of two trailheads off Highway 84. We prohibit hunting within 300
feet (90 m) of Highway 84. These ponds will be open 7 days a week.
ii. Ponds M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, and A19 in the Mowry Slough Unit.
These ponds are located on the east side of the Bay between Mowry
Slough and Coyote Creek. You may only access these ponds by boat. You
may land your boat at specific points on the Bay side of the levee as
designated by refuge signs. You may pull your boat across the levee
from the Bay. We prohibit hunting within 300 feet (90 m) of the Union
Pacific Railroad track. These ponds will be open 7 days a week.
iii. Ponds AB1, A2E, AB2, A3N, and A3W in the Alviso Unit. These
ponds are located on the west side of the Bay between Stevens Creek and
Guadalupe Slough. You must obtain a refuge Special Use Permit to hunt
these ponds. Access to Ponds AB1 and A2E will be from the Crittenden
Lane Trailhead in Mountain View. Access to Ponds A3W will be from the
Carl Road Trailhead in Sunnyvale. Access to Ponds A3N and AB2 is by
boat from the other ponds. We allow hunting only from existing hunting
blinds. We allow hunting only on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays on
these ponds.
iv. Ponds A5, A7, and A8N in the Alviso Unit. These ponds are
located on the south end of the Bay between Guadalupe Slough and Alviso
Slough. You must obtain a refuge Special Use Permit to hunt these
ponds. Access is via walking and bicycling from the Gold Street gate in
Alviso. We allow hunting from existing hunting blinds and by walking
pond levees. We allow hunting only on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and
Sundays on these ponds.
3. During the 2 weekends before the opening of the hunt season, you
may

[[Page 54162]]

bring a boat into Ponds AB1, A2E, AB2, A3N, A3W, A5, A7, and A8N and
moor it at a designated site only if authorized by a valid refuge
Special Use Permit. These boats will be used to access the hunting
blinds and will stay in the pond during the hunt season. You must
remove your boat within 2 weeks following the close of the hunt season.
We allow nonmotorized boats and motorized boats powered by electric or
4-stroke gasoline motors only.
4. You may maintain an existing blind in the ponds open to hunting
if you have a valid refuge Special Use Permit, but the blind will be
open for general use on a first-come, first-served basis. We prohibit
pit blinds or digging into the levees (see Sec. 27.92 of this
chapter).
5. You must remove all decoys and other personal property (except
personal boats authorized by a refuge Special Use Permit) from the
refuge by legal sunset. You must remove all trash, including shotshell
hulls, when leaving hunting areas (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of
this chapter).
6. Hunters may enter closed areas of the refuge to retrieve downed
birds, provided they leave all weapons in a legal hunting area. We
encourage the use of retriever dogs. You must keep your dog(s) under
immediate control of the handler at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of
this chapter). Dogs must remain inside a vehicle or be on a leash until
they are on the ponds or on the levees (Ponds R1, 2, A5, 7, and 8N
only) as a part of the hunt.
7. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field
(see Sec. 32.2(k)).
8. You must keep firearms unloaded (see Sec. 27.42(b) of this
chapter) until you are within the designated hunt area.
9. We prohibit target practice on the refuge or any nonhunting
discharge of firearms (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter).
10. At the Ravenswood Unit only, we only allow portable blinds or
construction of temporary blinds of natural materials that readily
decompose. We prohibit collection of these natural materials from the
refuge (see Sec. 27.51 of this chapter). You must remove portable
blinds (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) by legal
sunset. Temporary blinds become available for general use on a first-
come, first-served basis on subsequent days. We prohibit permanent
blinds, pit blinds, or digging into the levees (see Sec. 27.92 of this
chapter). We prohibit entry into closed areas of the refuge prior to
the hunt season in order to scout for hunting sites or to build blinds.
* * * * *

Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck,
coot, moorhen, dove, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We only allow shotgun hunting.
2. You must unload firearms (see Sec. 27.42(b) of this chapter)
before transporting them between parking areas and hunting areas.
``Unloaded'' means that no ammunition is in the chamber or magazine of
the firearm.
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field
(see Sec. 32.2(k)).
4. We prohibit hunting within 50 feet (15 m) of any landward
boundary adjacent to private property.
5. We prohibit hunting within 150 yards (45 m) of any occupied
dwelling, house, residence, or other building or any barn or other
outbuilding used in connection therewith.
6. Access to the hunt area is by foot traffic or boat only. We
prohibit bicycles or other conveyances. Mobility-impaired hunters
should consult with the refuge manager for allowed conveyances.
7. We prohibit fires on the refuge, except we allow portable gas
stoves on gravel bars (see Sec. 27.95(a) of this chapter).
8. We allow camping on gravel bars up to 7 days during any 30-day
period. We prohibit camping on all other refuge lands.
9. We open the refuge for day-use access from 1 hour before legal
sunrise until 1 hour after legal sunset. We allow access during other
hours on gravel bars only (see condition A8).
10. We require dogs to be kept on a leash, except for hunting dogs
engaged in authorized hunting activities, and under the immediate
control of a licensed hunter (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
11. We prohibit permanent blinds. You must remove all personal
property, including decoys and boats, by one hour after legal sunset
(see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
12. We prohibit cutting or removal of vegetation for blind
construction or for making trails (see Sec. 27.51 of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, turkey, and
quail on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We only allow shotgun and archery hunting.
2. Conditions A3 through A10 and A12 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of black-tailed deer on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A4, A5, A7, A8, A9, A12, and B1 apply.
2. We prohibit construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms
ladders or screw-in foot pegs.
3. You must remove all personal property, including stands, from
the refuge by one hour after legal sunset (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and
27.94 of this chapter).
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. Conditions A7, A8, A9, and A12 apply.
2. On Packer Lake, due to primitive access, we only allow boats up
to 14 feet (4.2 m) and canoes.
* * * * *

Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck,
coot, and moorhen on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with
State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow hunting on Sun River Unit only on Wednesdays and
Saturdays from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon).
2. We will select hunters through a random drawing process
conducted at the refuge. Hunters should bring a copy of their refuge
notification on the day of their hunt. Hunters should contact the
refuge manager for additional information.
3. We require adults, age 18 or older, to accompany hunters under
age 16.
4. We prohibit bicycles or other conveyances. Mobility-impaired
hunters should contact the refuge manager regarding allowed
conveyances.
5. You must unload firearms (see Sec. 27.42(b) of this chapter)
before transporting them between parking areas and spaced-blind areas.
``Unloaded'' means that no ammunition is in the chamber or magazine of
the firearm.
6. We restrict hunters to their assigned spaced-blind except when
they are placing or retrieving decoys, traveling to and from the
parking area, retrieving downed birds, or when shooting to retrieve
cripples.
7. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field
(see Sec. 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less.
8. We prohibit fires on the refuge (see Sec. 27.95(a) of this
chapter).
9. We allow vehicles to stop only at designated parking areas. We
prohibit

[[Page 54163]]

dropping of passengers or equipment or stopping between designated
parking areas.
10. We allow only nonmotorized boats to access water blinds.
11. You must remove all decoys, personal equipment, shotshell
hulls, and refuse from the refuge by 12:30 p.m. (see Sec. Sec. 27.93
and 27.94 of this chapter).
12. Junior hunters must possess a valid Junior Hunting License.
13. We allow the use of hunting dogs for retrieving birds, provided
the dogs remain under the immediate control of the hunter at all times
(see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

0
7. Amend Sec. 32.25 Colorado by revising paragraph D. of Rocky
Mountain Arsenal to read as follows:

Sec. 32.25 Colorado.

* * * * *

Rocky Mountain Arsenal

* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing at designated times and on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. We require a valid State fishing license and valid refuge
fishing permit for all anglers age 16 and older. You must obtain and
display a daily refuge fishing badge while fishing.
2. We only allow the use of rod and reel with one hook or lure per
line.
3. We only allow catch and release fishing.
4. We only allow barbless hooks.
5. We only allow artificial flies or lures.
6. We prohibit the use of live bait.

0
8. Amend Sec. 32.26 Connecticut by adding an introductory paragraph
and adding Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge to read as
follows:

Sec. 32.26 Connecticut.

The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or
fishing and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-
specific regulations.

Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, coot, and
goose on designated areas of the Great Meadows Unit in Stratford,
Connecticut in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We require hunters to obtain an annual Special Use Permit in
advance for permission to hunt in the designated hunting area. Consult
the refuge manager for details on how and when to apply for a Special
Use Permit.
2. Any person entering, using, or occupying the refuge for hunting
must abide by all the terms and conditions of the Special Use Permit.
3. You must have all applicable hunting licenses, permits, stamps,
and a photographic identification in your possession while hunting on
the refuge.
4. We will limit hunt days to Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays
during the waterfowl hunting season as established by the State.
5. We only allow shotguns.
6. You must keep firearms unloaded until you are within the
designated hunting area (see Sec. 27.42(b) of this chapter).
7. Access to the hunt area is by foot or boat in designated areas
only. Mobility-impaired hunters should consult with the refuge manager
for allowed conveyances.
8. You may possess no more than 25 approved nontoxic shot per day
while in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
9. This is a waterfowl hunt only. We allow no more than two dogs
per waterfowl hunting party. We prohibit dog training on the refuge.
10. During State-established youth days, licensed junior hunters
may hunt in the designated hunting area when accompanied by a licensed
adult hunter age 18 or older. Adults must possess a valid hunting
license; however, we prohibit them carrying a firearm.
11. We prohibit the use of air-thrust and inboard water-thrust
boats such as, but not limited to, hovercrafts, airboats, jet skis,
watercycles, and waterbikes on all waters within the refuge boundaries.
12. We prohibit hunters launching any boats on the refuge that they
cannot portage by hand. A dock and a boat ramp are not available on the
refuge.
13. We prohibit pit or permanent blinds.
14. You must remove all temporary blinds, boats, decoys, and all
other personal property from the refuge each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93
and 27.94 of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

0
9. Amend Sec. 32.28 Florida by:
0
a. Revising paragraph D. of Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising paragraph D. of J. N. ``Ding'' Darling National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
c. Revising paragraphs C. and D. of Lake Woodruff National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
d. Revising Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge;
0
e. Revising paragraphs A.2. through A.5., the introductory text of
paragraph D., D.1., D.3., D.4., D.6., D.11., and adding paragraph D.12.
of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge;
0
f. Revising paragraph C.1., C.5., C.9. through C.12, and adding
paragraph C.13. of St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
g. Revising paragraph C.2. of St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge to
read as follows:

Sec. 32.28 Florida.

* * * * *

Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow salt water sport fishing year-round in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition:
We will close a 300 foot (90 m) buffer zone beginning at mean high tide
line and extending into the waters around Seahorse Key to all public
entry from March 1 through June 30.
* * * * *

J. N. ``Ding'' Darling National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing and crabbing on designated areas
of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We prohibit fishing and crabbing in all waters of the Bailey
Tract except for Smith Pond and Airplane Canal.
2. We allow fishing and crabbing in all other refuge waters except
in areas designated as ``closed to public entry''.
3. We prohibit the taking of horseshoe crabs, stone crabs, or
spider crabs.
4. We prohibit the taking of blue crabs for commercial purposes.
5. We allow the recreational take of blue crabs within 150 feet (45
m) of the Wildlife Drive only with the use of dip nets.
6. Beyond 150 feet (45 m) of the Wildlife Drive we allow
recreational take of blue crabs with baited lines and traps only if
such devices are continuously attended/monitored and removed at the end
of each day. ``Attended/monitored'' means that all devices used in the
capture of blue crabs must be within the immediate view of the sport
crabber.
7. The daily limit of blue crabs is 20 per person, of which no more
than 10 shall be females.
8. We prohibit the use of cast nets within 150 feet (45 m) of a
water-control structure on the Wildlife Drive.
9. We prohibit the use of personal watercraft, air-thrust boats,
and hovercraft.

[[Page 54164]]

10. We prohibit kite-surfing or kite-boarding, wind-surfing or
sail-boarding, or any similar type of activities.
11. We prohibit vessels exceeding the slow speed/minimum wake in
refuge waters.
12. We only allow vessels propelled by polling, paddling, or
floating in the posted ``no-motor zone'' of the Ding Darling Wilderness
Area. All motors, including electric motors, must be in a nonuse
position (out of the water) when in the ``no-motor zone''.
13. We prohibit camping on all refuge lands and overnight mooring
of vessels on all refuge waters.
14. You may only launch vessels at designated sites on the refuge.

Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following condition: We require refuge
permits.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. We only allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
2. We prohibit the use of airboats on the refuge.
3. We prohibit commercial fishing or the taking of frogs or turtles
(see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter).
4. We prohibit the use of snatch hooks in the refuge impoundments.
5. When boating, you must slow down and observe all manatee speed
zones and caution areas.

Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck and coot
on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. We require hunters to possess and carry signed refuge hunt
permits for all hunts.
2. We designated open and closed refuge hunting areas on the map in
the refuge hunt permit that the hunter must possess and carry.
3. You must park vehicles in a manner that does not block roads or
gates (see Sec. 27.31(h) of this chapter).
4. We prohibit the use of ATVs (see Sec. 27.31(f) of this
chapter).
5. We prohibit horses.
6. We prohibit possession of a loaded firearm or bow and arrow (see
Sec. 27.42(b) of this chapter) while on a refuge road right-of-way
designated for motorized vehicle travel or in any vehicle or boat. We
define ``loaded'' as shells in the chamber or magazine or percussion
cap on a muzzleloader, or arrow notched in a bow.
7. We prohibit hunting from refuge roads open to public vehicle
travel.
8. We prohibit construction of permanent blinds or stands.
9. In addition to State hunter education requirements, an adult
(parent or guardian) age 21 or older must supervise and must remain
within sight of and in normal voice contact of the youth hunter age 15
and under. Parents or adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that
hunters under age 16 do not engage in conduct that would constitute a
violation of the refuge regulations. An adult may supervise no more
than two youths.
10. We prohibit all commercial activities, including guiding or
participating in a guided hunt.
11. We prohibit target practice or any nonhunting discharge of
firearms (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter).
12. We prohibit marking any tree, or other refuge feature, with
flagging, litter, paint, or blaze.
13. We allow marking trails with reflective markers, but you must
remove the markers (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) at
the end of the refuge deer hunting season.
14. Hunters utilizing the refuge are subject to inspection of
licenses, permits, hunting equipment, bag limits, vehicles, and their
contents during compliance checks by refuge or State law enforcement
officer.
15. Hunters must be at their vehicles by 1 hour after legal
shooting time.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of gray squirrel,
armadillo, opossum, rabbit, raccoon, coyote, and beaver on designated
areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A15 apply.
2. The refuge upland game hunting season opens on the Monday after
the refuge limited hog hunt closes and ends on February 28.
3. You may only possess .22 caliber rimfire rifle (but not .22
magnum) firearms (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter) or shotguns with
shot no larger than 4 common or bows with arrows that have
judo or blunt tips. We prohibit possession of arrows capable of taking
big game during the upland game hunting season.
4. We allow night hunting in accordance with State regulations for
raccoon and opossum on Wednesday through Saturday nights from legal
sunset until legal sunrise during the month of February.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of big game on designated
areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A15 apply.
2. We prohibit the use of hunting and tracking dogs for all deer
and hog hunts.
3. We require quota hunt permits (issued through a random draw) for
the limited deer gun hunt, limited hog hunt, and limited youth gun deer
hunt. They cost $12.50.
4. Quota hunt permits are nontransferable.
5. Hunters may only use archery equipment in accordance with State
archery regulations during the refuge archery season.
6. Hunters may only use muzzleloading firearms (see Sec. 27.42 of
this chapter) in accordance with State muzzleloader regulations during
the refuge muzzleloader season.
7. We prohibit hunting from a tree in which a metal object has been
driven (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
8. You may leave temporary tree stands on the refuge starting on
the last weekend of August, but you must remove them by the last day of
the general gun hunting season (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
9. All hunters (including all persons accompanying hunters) must
wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm \2\) of fluorescent
orange visible above the waistline while hunting during all refuge deer
gun hunts.
10. We prohibit the use of organized drives for taking or
attempting to take game.
11. The refuge general gun season begins on the opening Saturday of
the Florida State Central Management Zone, General Gun season and ends
on the following Friday. It reopens on the Monday after the refuge
limited deer season and ends on the following Sunday. The refuge
general gun season lasts 14 days.
12. The refuge limited either-sex deer hunt is on the second
Saturday and Sunday of the State Central Management Zone General Gun
season. This coincides with the opening of the State's either-sex hunt
deer hunting season.
13. The youth limited Gun Deer Hunt is the Saturday and Sunday
following the close of the refuge general gun season.
14. The refuge limited hog hunt begins on the first Monday after
the Florida State Central Management Zone General Gun (antlered deer
and wild hog) season closes, and ends on the following Sunday.

[[Page 54165]]

15. During the limited youth hunt, an adult age 21 or older must
accompany the youth, age 15 and under, but only the youth hunter may
hunt and handle the firearm.
16. We confine the limited youth hunt to the Levy County portion of
the refuge, and hunters must access the refuge from Levy County Road
347.
17. We allow hunting of deer (except spotted fawns), feral hog (no
size or bag limit), gray squirrel, rabbit, armadillo, opossum, raccoon,
beaver, and coyote during the archery season.
18. Hunters may take deer, with one or more antlers at least 5
inches (12.5 cm) in length visible above the hairline, and feral hog
(no bag or size limit) during the muzzleloader and general-gun season.
19. Hunters may take hog (no size or bag limit), and a maximum of
two deer per day, during the limited deer gun hunt and limited youth
gun deer hunt, except only one deer may be a buck for each of the 2-day
limited hunts.
20. Hunters may take hog (no size or bag limit) during the limited
hog hunt.
21. We prohibit all other public entry or use of the hunting area
during the limited hog, limited gun, and limited youth deer hunts.
During the limited gun hunt and limited hog hunt, the Dixie Mainline
road will remain open to all public vehicles, but we prohibit firearms
except for permit holders.
22. Hunters must check all game harvested during all deer and hog
hunts.
23. You may only take turkey during the State spring turkey hunting
season.
24. You may only take bearded turkeys during the spring turkey
hunt.
25. Shooting hours for spring turkey begin \1/2\ hour before legal
sunrise and end at 1 p.m.
26. We only allow shotguns with shot no larger than size 2 common
shot or bows and arrows for spring turkey hunting.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. Anglers may take game and nongame fish only with pole and line
or rod and reel.
2. We prohibit taking of frogs and turtles (see Sec. 27.21 of this
chapter).
3. We prohibit leaving boats on the refuge overnight (see Sec.
27.93 of this chapter).
4. We prohibit consumption of alcohol or possession of open alcohol
containers in the public use areas of Shired Island boat launch/fishing
and parking lot area and the Shell Mound fishing/recreational area (see
Sec. 32.2(j)).

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. You must possess and carry a refuge waterfowl hunting quota
permit while hunting areas 1 or 4, from the beginning of the regular
waterfowl season through December 31.
3. You may hunt Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and all Federal
holidays that fall within the State's waterfowl season.
4. You may hunt in four designated areas of the refuge as
delineated in the refuge hunting regulations map. We prohibit hunters
entering the normal or expanded restricted areas of the Kennedy Space
Center.
5. You may only hunt on refuge-established hunt days from legal
shooting time until 1 p.m.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow you to fish, crab, clam, oyster, and
shrimp in designated areas of the refuge as delineated in the refuge
fishing regulations map in accordance with State regulations subject to
the following conditions:
1. You must possess and carry a current, signed refuge fishing
permit at all times while fishing on the refuge.
* * * * *
3. We allow launching of boats at night only from Bair's Cove,
Beacon 42, and Bio Lab boat ramps.
4. We prohibit crabbing or fishing, and access for the purpose of
crabbing or fishing, from Black Point Wildlife Drive or any side road
connected to Black Point Wildlife Drive except L Pond Road.
* * * * *
6. Anglers and crabbers must attend their lines at all times.
* * * * *
11. We prohibit fishing within the normal or expanded restricted
areas of the Kennedy Space Center.
12. We prohibit the use of internal combustion engines within the
two zones in Mosquito Lagoon. The zones include the posted waters
located north of WSEG Boat Ramp and west of the Intra Coastal Waterway
and the posted waters on Tiger Shoals extending from the northeast
refuge boundary southward to the waters just south of Preachers Island.
* * * * *

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. We require refuge permits issued by lottery. Lottery
applications are available at the refuge office each year beginning in
July. There is a fee for permits. Permits are nontransferable. There is
an additional fee for duplicate permits. Each hunter must possess and
carry a signed permit when participating in a hunt. Prior to hunting
each day, you must check-in at a hunt check station as specified in the
refuge hunt brochure. You must check out upon completion of hunting
each day.
* * * * *
5. There is a two-deer limit per hunt as specified in C8 and C9
below, except in the youth hunt, where the limit is one deer per hunt
as specified in C11 below. The limit for bearded turkey is one per
hunt. There is no limit on feral hog.
* * * * *
9. There is a winter archery/muzzleloader hunt. Hunters may harvest
doe deer, antlerless deer, bearded turkey, or feral hog. We define
``antlerless deer'' as deer with antlers less than 1 inch (2.5 cm)
above the hairline and ``antlered deer'' as deer with antlers at least
1 inch (2.5 cm) above the hairline. If the first deer you harvest is an
antlerless male, you may harvest another doe or antlerless deer as your
second deer. If the first deer you harvest is a doe, you may bring it
to the check station, and we will give you a permit to harvest an
antlered deer. With the antlered deer permit, you may harvest any deer
as your second deer. Archery equipment and muzzleloaders must meet the
requirements set by the State. We prohibit other weapons in the hunt
area (see Sec. 27.43 of this chapter). Contact the refuge office for
specific dates.
10. There are two modern gun hunts. Modern guns must meet State
requirements. We will hold one hunt on the Panacea Unit and one on the
Wakulla Unit. You may harvest deer as described in C9 above. You may
also harvest one bearded turkey or feral hog (no limit). Contact the
refuge office for specific dates.
11. There is one youth hunt, for youths ages 10 to 15, on the St.
Marks Unit in an area to be specified in the refuge hunt brochure.
Hunters may harvest one deer of either sex or feral hog (no limit). An
adult, age 21 or older, must accompany each youth hunter, and each
adult may accompany only one youth. The adult must possess a refuge
permit. Only the youth hunter may handle or discharge firearms. Contact
the refuge office for specific dates.
12. There is one mobility-impaired hunt on the Panacea Unit in the
area west of County Road 372. Hunters may harvest doe deer, antlerless
deer,

[[Page 54166]]

bearded turkey, or feral hog. See definition for ``antlerless deer'' in
C9 above. We will give each hunter that harvests a doe deer a permit to
harvest an antlered deer, as described in C9 above. Hunters may have an
able-bodied hunter accompany them. You may transfer permits issued to
able-bodied assistants. We limit those hunt teams to two deer per hunt.
Contact the refuge office for specific dates.
13. There is one spring gobbler hunt. You may harvest one bearded
turkey per hunt. You may only use shotguns to harvest turkey. Contact
the refuge officer for specific dates. You must unload and dismantle or
case weapons (see Sec. 27.42(b) of this chapter) after 1 p.m.
* * * * *

St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We restrict hunting to three hunt periods: Sambar deer, raccoon,
and feral hog--November 17-19; and white-tailed deer, raccoon, and
feral hog--December 15-17 and January 5-7. Hunters may check-in and set
up camp sites and stands on November 16, December 14, and January 4.
Hunters must leave the island and remove all equipment by 11 a.m. on
November 20, December 18, and January 8.
* * * * *

0
10. Amend Sec. 32.29 Georgia by:
0
a. Revising paragraph D. of Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Adding paragraphs C.18. and C.19. of Blackbeard Island National
Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Adding paragraph C.18. and C.19. of Harris Neck National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
d. Revising paragraphs B.9., D.1., and D.4. of Piedmont National
Wildlife Refuge;
0
e. Revising paragraph A.1., adding paragraphs A.4., A.5., and B.8., and
revising paragraphs C.5. and C.8. of Savannah National Wildlife Refuge;
and
0
f. Adding paragraphs C.19. and C.20. of Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge
to read as follows:

Sec. 32.29 Georgia.

* * * * *

Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. We only allow the use of pole and line or rod and reel, which
the angler must attend at all times.
2. We allow sport fishing after legal sunset; but we prohibit all
other activity after legal sunset.
3. We prohibit marking of paths or navigational routes.
4. We prohibit swimming, wading, jet skiing, and water skiing.

Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
18. Youth hunters age 15 and under must possess and carry a valid
hunter education card in order to hunt.
19. Youth hunters age 15 and under must remain within sight and
normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license.
One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
* * * * *
Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
18. Youth hunters age 15 and under must possess and carry a valid
hunter education card in order to hunt.
19. Youth hunters age 15 and under must remain within sight and
normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license.
One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
* * * * *

Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
9. We only allow .22 caliber or smaller rimfire firearms for
raccoon and opossum hunting.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. We allow fishing from April 1 to September 30.
* * * * *
4. We allow nonmotorized boats on all ponds designated as open to
fishing except the Children's pond. We allow boats with electric motors
only in Pond 2A and Allison Lake.
* * * * *

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge permit at all times
while hunting on the refuge. We only require a fee for the quota youth
waterfowl hunt on the Solomon Tract and the wheelchair-dependent
hunters' quota deer hunt.
* * * * *
4. Youth hunters age 15 and under must possess and carry a valid
hunter education card in order to hunt.
5. Youth hunters age 15 and under must remain within sight and
normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license.
One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
8. Conditions A4 and A5 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
5. We only allow shotguns with slugs, muzzleloaders, and bows for
deer and hog hunting throughout the designated hunt area during the
November gun hunt and the March hog hunt. However, we allow high-
powered rifles north of Interstate Highway 95 only. We prohibit
handguns.
* * * * *
8. Conditions B7, A4, and A5 apply.
* * * * *

Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
19. Youth hunters age 15 and under must possess and carry a valid
hunter education card in order to hunt.
20. Youth hunters age 15 and under must remain within sight and
normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license.
One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
* * * * *

0
11. Amend Sec. 32.32 Illinois by:
0
a. Removing paragraphs A.2. and A.3., redesignating paragraph A.4. as
A.2., revising paragraph A.2., and revising paragraph D.2. of
Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising paragraph A.5., adding paragraph A.7.xii., and revising
paragraphs B.1., B.2., C.1., and D.1. of Cypress Creek National
Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A., adding paragraph
A.3., revising the introductory text of paragraph B., adding paragraphs
B.1., B.2., and revising paragraphs C. and D. of Emiquon National
Wildlife Refuge;
0
d. Revising the introductory text of paragraph D. and revising
paragraphs D.1. and D.2. of Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge;
0
e. Revising the introductory text of paragraphs B., C., and D. of
Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge;
0
f. Revising paragraph B.3., revising the introductory text of paragraph
C., and revising paragraph D.3. of Port Louisa National Wildlife
Refuge;

[[Page 54167]]

0
g. Revising paragraph D.3. of Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
h. Revising paragraph A.6. of Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife
and Fish Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.32 Illinois.

* * * * *

Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
2. Hunters must remove boats, decoys, and portable blinds at the
end of each day's hunt (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
2. We allow bank fishing from legal sunrise October 16 to legal
sunset January 14 between the boat ramp and the fishing trail in the
North Pool and from Goofy Ridge Public Access to west gate of the north
pool water control structure.
* * * * *

Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
5. We allow dove hunting beginning on September 1 and continuing on
the following Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays throughout the State
season.
* * * * *
7. * * *
* * * * *
xii. All hunting parties must hunt over a minimum of 12 decoys at
each blind site.
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1, A2, A3, and A4 apply.
2. We prohibit hunting after legal sunset, except we allow raccoon
and opossum hunting after legal sunset.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 and A2 apply.
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. Conditions A2 and A3 apply.
* * * * *

Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game
birds on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
3. We allow the use of motorized boats at no-wake speeds on all
refuge waters.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting all
allowed species except wild turkey and coyote (see Sec. 32.2(k)). You
may possess lead shot for hunting of wild turkey and coyote.
2. We allow access for hunting from 1 hour before legal sunrise
until legal sunset.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of big game on designated
areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following condition: Hunters must remove hunting stands at the end of
each day's hunt (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. We prohibit leaving private boats on refuge waters overnight
(see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
2. Condition A3 applies.
* * * * *

Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. We allow sport fishing on all areas open to public access from
legal sunrise to legal sunset from January 15 to October 15.
2. We allow foot access on refuge land along the east side of
Meredosia Lake in Morgan County from legal sunrise to legal sunset from
October 16 to January 14. The boat ramp remains open throughout the
year for access to Meredosia Lake.
* * * * *

Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of small game, furbearers,
turkey, and nonmigratory game birds on the Beaver, Harlow, Meissner,
and Wilkinson Island Division in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on the
Beaver, Harlow, Meissner, and Wilkinson Island Divisions in accordance
with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on the Beaver, Harlow, and
Wilkinson Island Divisions in accordance with State regulations subject
to the following conditions:
* * * * *

Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. We allow hunting in designated areas on the Horseshoe Bend
Division from September 1 until September 14 and from December 1 until
February 28. We allow spring turkey hunting.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer only on
Big Timber Division and in designated areas on Horseshoe Bend Division
in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
3. We close the following Divisions to all public access: Louisa
Division--September 14 until January 1; Horseshoe Bend Division--
September 14 until December 1; Keithsburg Division--September 15 until
January 1.
* * * * *

Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
3. From October 15 through December 31 we close the Batchtown,
Gilbert Lake, and Portage Island Divisions, and the portion of the
Calhoun Division north and west of the Illinois River Road, to all
public access.
* * * * *

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
6. For Pools 12, 13 (excluding the Lost Mound Unit), and 14, we
allow the following: hunting from boat blinds or scull boats;
construction of permanent blinds from dimensional lumber (however, we
prohibit use of nonbiodegradable materials such as metal, plastic, or
fiberglass); and use of local, native-only species such as willow,
cattail, bulrush, lotus, arrowhead vegetation, and dead wood on the
ground for blind building and camouflage. We prohibit bringing
nonnative species (alive or dead) onto the refuge and cutting or
removing any other trees or vegetation (see Sec. 27.51 of this
chapter). Hunters must place an identification card with name, address,

[[Page 54168]]

and telephone number inside the permanent blind. Blinds not occupied by
1 hour before legal sunrise are available on a first-come, first-served
basis.
* * * * *

0
12. Amend Sec. 32.33 Indiana by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs B., C., and D. of Muscatatuck National Wildlife
Refuge; and
0
b. Revising paragraph B.1., adding paragraph C.3., and revising the
introductory text of paragraph D. and paragraph D.1. of Patoka River
National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area to read as follows:

Sec. 32.33 Indiana.

* * * * *

Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of wild turkey, quail,
squirrel, and rabbit on designated areas of the refuge in accordance
with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. For wild turkey hunting, we require a refuge permit.
2. We prohibit discharge of firearms within 100 yards (90 m) of an
occupied dwelling.
3. Shotgun hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot on the
refuge (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
4. We allow the use of hunting dogs for hunting rabbit and quail
only.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on
designated areas of the refuge during the State archery and
muzzleloader seasons in accordance with State regulations subject to
the following conditions:
1. You must possess and carry a refuge permit during the State
muzzleloader season.
2. We only allow bow and arrow and muzzleloaders, except that
hunters with a State handicapped hunting permit may use crossbows.
3. We prohibit the construction and use of permanent blinds,
platforms, or ladders (see Sec. 27.92 of this chapter).
4. Condition B2 applies.
5. We allow access to the refuge during posted hours during refuge
deer hunts.
6. Hunters may only take one deer per day from the refuge.
7. We allow only permitted muzzleloader hunters during the State
muzzleloader season.
8. We allow archery hunting during the refuge-designated seasons.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. We prohibit the use of boats and belly boats on all refuge
waters except for Stanfield Lake and Richart Lake.
2. We only allow fishing with rod and reel or pole and line.
3. We allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
4. We prohibit harvesting of frogs and turtles (see Sec. 27.21 of
this chapter).

Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area

* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while hunting on the
refuge (see Sec. 32.3(k)).
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. We prohibit marking trails with tape, ribbons, paper, paint,
tacks, tree blazes, or other devices.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing in accordance with State
regulations on the main channel of the Patoka River, but all other
refuge waters are subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
* * * * *

0
13. Amend Sec. 32.34 Iowa by removing paragraph B.1., redesignating
paragraphs B.2. through B.4. as paragraphs B.1. through B.3., and
adding a new paragraph B.4. of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge to
read as follows:

Sec. 32.34 Iowa.

* * * * *

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. We prohibit shooting on or over any refuge road within 50 feet
(15 m) from the centerline.
* * * * *

0
14. Amend Sec. 32.36 Kentucky by:
0
a. Revising Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
b. Revising paragraph C.1., and removing paragraph C.5. of Reelfoot
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.36 Kentucky.

* * * * *

Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of mourning dove,
woodcock, common snipe, Canada and snow goose, coot, and waterfowl
listed in 50 CFR 10.13 under DUCKS on designated areas of the refuge in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. The refuge is a day-use area only, with the exception of legal
hunting/fishing activities.
2. We prohibit the use of motorized off-road vehicles (e.g., ATVs)
on the refuge (see Sec. 27.31(f) of this chapter).
3. We prohibit target practice with any weapon or nonhunting
discharge of firearms (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter).
4. We prohibit the use of horses and mules on refuge property
during the State muzzleloader and modern gun deer hunts. We allow
horseback riding on refuge roads and portions of the abandoned railroad
tracks owned by the refuge for access purposes while engaged in
wildlife activities. We prohibit horses and mules off these secondary
access routes for any reason.
5. You must possess and carry a valid refuge permit while hunting
and/or fishing on the refuge.
6. To retrieve or track game from a posted closed area of the
refuge, the hunter must first request permission from the refuge
manager at 270-527-5770 or the law enforcement officer at 270-703-2836.
7. We prohibit the use of flagging tape, reflective tacks, or
nonbiodegradable devices used to identify paths to and mark tree
stands, blinds, and other areas.
8. We close those portions of abandoned railroad tracks within the
refuge boundary to vehicle access (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter).
9. We prohibit discharge of firearms or carrying loaded firearms on
or within 100 feet (90 m) of any home, the abandoned railroad tracks,
graveled roads, and hiking trails.
10. We prohibit possession and/or use of herbicides (see Sec.
27.51 of this chapter).
11. We prohibit possession or use of alcoholic beverages while
hunting (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
12. We prohibit the use of electronic calls with the exception for
taking crow during crow season.
13. An adult, age 21 or older, must supervise all youth hunters,
age 15 and under. Youth hunters must remain in sight and normal voice
contact with the adult. On small game hunts, the adult may supervise no
more than two youths; on big game hunts, the adult may supervise no
more than one youth.
14. All persons born after January 1, 1975 must possess a valid
hunter education card while hunting.
15. Waterfowl hunters must pick up decoys and equipment (see
Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter), unload firearms (see Sec.
27.42(b) of this chapter), and be

[[Page 54169]]

out of the field by 2 p.m. daily during the State waterfowl season.
16. You may only use portable or temporary blinds that must be
removed (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) from the
refuge daily.
17. We close, as posted, the Sharpe-Elva Water Management Unit from
November 1 through March 15 to all entry with the exception of drawn
permit holders and their guests.
18. We only allow waterfowl hunting on the Sharpe-Elva Water
Management Unit on specified Saturdays and Sundays during the State
waterfowl season. We only allow hunting by individuals in possession of
a refuge draw permit and their guests. State regulations and the
following conditions apply:
i. Application procedures and eligibility requirements are
available from the refuge office.
ii. We allow permit holders and up to three guests to hunt their
assigned provided blind on the designated date. We prohibit guests in
the blind without the attendance of the permit holder.
iii. We prohibit selling, trading, or bartering of permits. This
permit is nontransferable.
iv. You may place decoys out Saturday morning at the beginning of
the hunt, and you must remove them by Sunday at the close of the hunt
(see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
v. We prohibit watercraft in the Sharpe-Elva Water Management Unit,
except for drawn permit holders to access their assigned blinds and
retrieve downed birds as needed.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit,
quail, raccoon, opossum, crow, and coyote on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A14 apply.
2. We close squirrel, rabbit, and quail seasons during muzzleloader
and modern gun deer hunts.
3. You may not kill or cripple a wild animal without making a
reasonable effort to retrieve the animal and harvest a reasonable
portion of that animal and include it in your daily bag limit.
4. You may use only rimfire rifles, pistols, shotguns, and legal
archery equipment for taking upland game.
5. We prohibit possession and use of lead ammunition, except that
you may use rimfire rifle and pistol lead ammunition no larger than .22
caliber for upland game hunting.
6. You may hunt coyote during any daytime refuge hunt with weapons
and ammunition allowed for that hunt.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A15 and B3 apply.
2. We only allow the use of portable and climbing stands. You may
place stands in the field no earlier than 2 weeks prior to the opening
of deer season, and you must remove them from the field within 1 week
after the season closes (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter). The hunter's name and address must appear on all stands left
in the field.
3. You must use safety belts at all times when occupying the tree
stands.
4. We prohibit organized deer drives of two or more hunters. We
define ``drive'' as: the act of chasing, pursuing, disturbing, or
otherwise directing deer so as to make animals more susceptible to
harvest.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing and frogging on designated areas
of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A15 apply.
* * * * *

Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions B1 through B6 apply.
* * * * *

0
15. Amend Sec. 32.37 Louisiana by:
0
a. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A., revising paragraph
A.8., adding paragraphs A.12., and A.13., revising the introductory
text of paragraph B., revising paragraph B.4., and adding paragraph
C.10. of Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising paragraph A.6. of Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
c. Adding paragraphs A.9. and A.10., revising paragraph B.7., adding
paragraph B.8. and B.9., revising paragraphs C.1., C.3., and C.9., and
revising paragraphs D.2. and D.4., and adding paragraph D.6. of Boque
Chitto National Wildlife Refuge;
0
d. Revising paragraphs A.5. and A.6. of Cameron Prairie National
Wildlife Refuge;
0
e. Revising paragraphs A.1. and A.8., adding paragraphs A.21. through
A.25., revising paragraphs B.1. and C.1., redesignating paragraphs C.3.
through C.8. as paragraphs C.4. through C.9., adding a new paragraph
C.3., revising paragraph C.4., and adding paragraphs C.9., D.10. and
D.11. of Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge;
0
f. Revising paragraphs A.2. and A.4., adding paragraphs A.15. and
A.16., revising paragraphs B.1. and B.8., adding paragraphs B.9. and
B.10., revising paragraphs C.1., C.2., C.3., C.8., adding paragraph
C.11., revising paragraph D.1., and adding paragraph D.8. of Catahoula
National Wildlife Refuge;
0
g. Revising paragraph A.6. of D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge;
0
h. Revising paragraph A.12., adding paragraph A.13., and revising
paragraph C.1. of Delta National Wildlife Refuge;
0
i. Revising paragraph A.1., adding paragraphs A.23. through A.29.,
revising paragraphs B.1., C.1., C.2., C.3., and C.4., adding paragraph
C.9., and revising paragraphs D.1. and D.8., and adding paragraphs
D.13. through D.15. of Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge;
0
j. Revising the heading and introductory text of paragraph A., revising
paragraphs A.1., A.15., A.16., adding paragraphs A.21., A.22., and
A.23. revising paragraphs B.1., B.2., C.1., C.3., C.4., C.6., C.11.,
C.12., adding paragraphs C.15. through C.17., revising paragraph D.1.,
and adding paragraphs D.9. and D.10. of Lake Ophelia National Wildlife
Refuge; and
0
k. Revising paragraph A.8. of Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge
to read as follows:

Sec. 32.37 Louisiana.

* * * * *

Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, coot,
goose, snipe, rail, and gallinule on designated areas of the refuge
during the State waterfowl season in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
8. The refuge is open from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise to \1/2\
hour after legal sunset.
* * * * *
12. Hunters may not enter the refuge before 4 a.m.
13. We prohibit any person or group to act as a hunting guide,
outfitter, or in any other capacity that any other individual(s) pays
or promises to pay directly or indirectly for services rendered to any
other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether
such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit,
woodcock, and quail on designated areas of the refuge in accordance
with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
4. Conditions A5 through A13 apply.
* * * * *

[[Page 54170]]

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
10. Conditions A5 through A13 apply.
* * * * *

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
6. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of the maintained
right-of-way of roads, from or across ATV trails (see Sec. 27.31 of
this chapter). We prohibit hunting within 50 feet (15 m), or
trespassing on above-ground oil or gas production facilities.
* * * * *

Boque Chitto National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
9. We allow primitive camping within 100 feet (30 m) of designated
streams. These include either bank of the Boque Chitto River, Wilson
Slough, and West Pearl River south of Wilson Slough, refuge lands along
the East Pearl River, and Holmes Bayou.
10. We prohibit any person or group to act as a hunting guide,
outfitter, or in any other capacity that any other individual(s) pays
or promises to pay directly or indirectly for services rendered to any
other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether
such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
7. Conditions A3 (upland game hunts), and A5 through A10 apply.
8. During the refuge deer gun season, all hunters except waterfowl
hunters must wear a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm2) of
unbroken hunter orange as the outermost layer of clothing on the chest
and back, and in addition we require a hat or cap of unbroken hunter
orange.
9. We allow upland game hunting during the open State season.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A3 (one adult may only supervise one youth hunter
during refuge Gun Deer Hunts), A5 through A7, A10, B5, and B8 apply.
* * * * *
3. We allow archery deer hunting during the open State archery
season.
* * * * *
9. You may take hogs as incidental game while participating in the
refuge archery, primitive weapon and general gun deer hunts only.
Additionally, you may take hogs typically during varying dates in
January and February, and you must only take them with the aid of
trained hog-hunting dogs from legal sunrise until legal sunset. During
the special hog season in January and February, hunters may use pistol
or rifle ammunition not larger than .22 caliber or a shotgun with
nontoxic (steel, bismuth) shot to kill hogs after they have been caught
by dogs.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
2. Conditions A9 and B5 apply.
* * * * *
4. We allow boats in the fishing ponds at the Pearl River
Turnaround that do not have gasoline-powered engines attached. These
boats must be hand launched into the ponds.
* * * * *
6. We allow trotlines but the last five feet of trotline must be
100% cotton.
* * * * *

Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
5. We allow dove hunting on designated areas during the first split
of the State dove season only.
6. We allow snipe hunting on designated areas for the remaining
portion of the State snipe season following closure of the State Ducks
and Coots season in the West Zone.
* * * * *

Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. We require hunters and anglers age 16 and older to purchase and
carry a signed refuge special recreational activity permit.
* * * * *
8. You must report all harvest game at the refuge check station
upon leaving the refuge.
* * * * *
21. We prohibit accessing refuge property by boat from the
Mississippi River.
22. Persons using the refuge are subject to inspection of permits,
licenses, hunting equipment, bag limits, and boats and vehicles by law
enforcement officers.
23. We allow nonmotorized or electric-powered boats only.
24. We prohibit trapping.
25. We prohibit the possession of saws, saw blades, or machetes.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A17, A19, A21, and A22 apply.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A17, A19, and A21 through A22 apply.
* * * * *
3. There will be two or three lottery gun hunts (muzzleloader/
rifle) in November and December (see refuge brochure for details). We
will set hunt dates in July, and we will accept applications from
August 1 through August 31. Applicants may apply for more than one
hunt. There is a $5 application fee per person for each hunt
application and a $15 per person permit for each successful applicant.
We will notify successful applicants by September 5.
4. We allow only portable deer stands. Hunters may erect stands 2
days before the beginning of the refuge archery season and must remove
them the last day of the State archery season (see Sec. 27.93 of this
chapter).
5. We prohibit the use of dogs to trail wounded deer or hogs.
* * * * *
9. We prohibit driving or screwing nails, spikes, or other metal
objects into trees or hunting from any tree into which such an object
has been driven (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
10. We prohibit boat launching by trailer from all refuge roads and
parking lots.
11. We prohibit the harvest of frogs or turtles (see Sec. 27.21 of
this chapter).

Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We allow goose, duck, and coot hunting on the Bushley Bayou Unit
on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays only from \1/2\ hour
before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon) during the State season.
* * * * *
4. We allow ATVs on ATV trails (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter)
designated on the refuge hunt/fish permit from September 1 through the
end of rabbit season. We open Bushley Creek, Black Lake, Boggy Bayou,
Round Lake, Dempsey Lake Roads, and that portion of Minnow Ponds Road
at Highway 8 to Green's Creek Road and then south to Green's Creek
Bridget to ATVs year-round. We prohibit the use of an ATV on graveled
roads designated for motor vehicle traffic unless otherwise posted. We
only allow ATVs for wildlife-dependent activities. We define an ATV

[[Page 54171]]

as an off-road vehicle (not legal for highway use) with factory
specifications not to exceed the following: weight 750 lbs. (337.5 kg),
length 85 inches (212.5 cm), and width 48 inches (120 cm). We restrict
ATV tires to those no larger than 25 x 12 with a maximum 1 inch (2.5
cm) lug height and a maximum allowable tire pressure of 7 psi as
indicated on the tire by the manufacturer.
* * * * *
15. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting
for migratory game birds. We only allow dogs after the last deer-
muzzleloader hunt, except when we allow them for waterfowl hunting
throughout the entire refuge waterfowl season.
16. We prohibit camping or parking overnight on the refuge.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1, A4 (at the Bushley Bayou Unit), A7 through A14,
and A16 apply.
* * * * *
8. At the Headquarters Unit, we close upland game hunting during
high water conditions with an elevation of 42 feet (12.6 m) or above as
measured at the Corps of Engineers center of the lake gauge on
Catahoula Lake. At the Bushley Bayou Unit, we close upland game hunting
during high water conditions with an elevation of 44 feet (13.2 m) or
above as measured at the Corps of Engineers center of the lake gauge on
Catahoula Lake.
9. On the Bushley Bayou Unit we allow the use of dogs to hunt
squirrel, rabbit, and raccoon only after the last deer-muzzleloader
hunt.
10. Dog owners must place their names and phone numbers on the
collars of all of their dogs.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1, A4 (at the Bushley Bayou Unit), A7 through A9,
A12 through A14, A16, and B4 through B8 (big game hunting) apply.
2. At the Bushley Bayou Unit, we allow deer-archery hunting during
the State archery season, except when closed during deer-gun and deer-
muzzleloader hunts. We allow either-sex, deer-muzzleloader hunting
during the first segment of the State season for Area 1, weekdays only
(Monday through Friday) and the third weekend after Thanksgiving Day.
We allow either-sex, deer-gun hunting for the Friday, Saturday, and
Sunday immediately following Thanksgiving Day and for the second
weekend following Thanksgiving Day.
3. At the Headquarters Unit, we allow deer-archery hunting during
the State archery season, except when closed during the deer-gun hunt
south of the French Fork of the Little River. We allow either-sex,
deer-gun hunting on the fourth weekend after Thanksgiving Day on the
area south of the French Fork of the Little River.
* * * * *
8. We prohibit the use of organized drives for taking or attempting
to take game or using pursuit dogs.
* * * * *
11. We prohibit the use of dogs to trail wounded deer.
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. Conditions A4 (at the Bushley Bayou Unit), A7, A9, A13 (as a
fishing guide), A14, A16, B5, and B7 apply.
* * * * *
8. We prohibit bank fishing on Bushley Creek and fishing in Black
Lake, Dempsey Lake, Long Lake, Rhinehart Lake, and round Lake, during
deer-gun and muzzleloader hunts. We prohibit fishing in Black Lake,
Dempsey Lake, Long Lake, Rhinehart Lake, and Round Lake during
waterfowl hunts.

D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
6. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of the maintained
right-of-way roads, from or across ATV trails (see Sec. 27.31 of this
chapter). We prohibit hunting within 50 feet (15 m) or trespassing on
above-ground oil or gas production facilities.
* * * * *

Delta National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
12. We prohibit any person or group to act as a hunting guide,
outfitter, or in any other capacity that any other individual(s) pays
or promises to pay directly or indirectly for services rendered to any
other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of weather
such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
13. We open the refuge from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise to \1/
2\ hour after legal sunset, with the exception that hunters may enter
the refuge earlier, but not before 4 a.m. Condition A10 applies.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. For archery hunting of deer and hogs, conditions A4 through A13
apply. For A11 each adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter
during big game hunting.
* * * * *

Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. We require hunters and anglers age 16 and older to purchase and
carry a signed refuge special recreational activity permit.
* * * * *
23. There will be space-blind waterfowl hunts on designated
sections of the refuge during the regular State waterfowl season (see
refuge brochure for details). Hunt dates will be Wednesdays and
Saturdays until 12 p.m. (noon). There will be a random drawing on each
hunt day to select participants. The drawing for each hunt day will be
approximately 2 hours before legal sunrise. We will limit blinds to
three persons. We will set hunt dates in September, subject to water
availability, after the State sets the season.
24. There will youth-only lottery waterfowl hunts on designated
sections of the refuge during the regular State waterfowl season (see
refuge brochure for details). We will determine hunt dates after the
State sets the waterfowl season and limit the hunts to no more than
five per season. We will accept applications from November 1 through
November 21. We will notify successful applicants by mail.
25. There may be special youth, women, and disabled hunter dove
hunts (subject to cropland availability) during the regular State dove
season (see refuge brochure for details). We will determine hunt dates
after the State sets the season. We will determine the number of hunt
days and participants by location of available cropland. We will accept
applications from July 1 through July 31, and we may only select
individuals for one hunt date. We will notify successful applicants by
mail.
26. Individuals utilizing the refuge are subject to inspections of
permits, licenses, hunting equipment, bag limits, and boats and
vehicles by law enforcement officers.
27. We allow nonmotorized or electric-powered boats only.
28. We prohibit the possession of saws, saw blades, or machetes.
29. We prohibit trapping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A16, A20, and A26 apply.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A16, A20, and A26 apply.
2. We allow archery-only deer hunting on certain sections of the
refuge from October 1 through November 30 (see refuge brochure for
details).

[[Page 54172]]

3. We allow only portable deer stands (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and
27.94 of this chapter). Deer stands must have the owner's name,
address, and phone number clearly printed on the stand.
4. We prohibit hunters to drive deer or to use pursuit dogs. We
prohibit the use of dogs to trail wounded deer or hogs.
* * * * *
9. We prohibit driving or screwing nails, spikes, or other metal
objects into trees or hunting from any tree into which such an object
has been driven (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. Conditions A11, A26, C7, and C8 apply
* * * * *
8. You may harvest 100 lbs. (45 kg) of crawfish per person per day.
* * * * *
13. We prohibit the harvest of frogs or turtles (see Sec. 27.21 of
this chapter).
14. We only allow bank fishing in Coulee des Grues along Little
California Road.
15. We prohibit launching boats, put or placed, in Coulee des Grues
from refuge property.
* * * * *

Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose,
coot, woodcock, snipe, and mourning dove on designated areas of the
refuge, as shown in the refuge hunting brochure map, in accordance with
State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require hunters and anglers age 16 and older to purchase and
carry a signed refuge special recreational activity permit.
* * * * *
15. We allow motors up to 25 hp in Possum Bayou (north of Boat
Ramp), Palmetto Bayou, Westcut Lake, Pt. Basse, and Nicholas Lake.
16. We allow electric-powered or nonmotorized boats in Dooms Lake,
Lake Long, and Possum Bayou (south of Boat Ramp).
* * * * *
21. We will allow incidental take of mourning dove while migratory
bird hunting on days open to waterfowl hunting.
22. Persons using the refuge are subject to inspections of permits,
licenses, hunting equipment, bag limits, boats, and vehicles by law
enforcement officers.
23. We prohibit trapping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A16, A19, and A22 apply.
2. We allow squirrel and rabbit hunting in Hunt Unit 2B from the
opening of the State season through December 15.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A3, A5 through A16, A19, and A22 apply.
* * * * *
3. We allow archery hunting from November 15 through January 1 and
January 23 to the end of the State archery season except during the
youth and muzzleloader deer hunts when we prohibit archery hunting.
4. We allow archery deer hunting in Hunt Units 1B and 2B from
November 15 through December 15.
* * * * *
6. We allow only portable deer stands. Hunters may erect deer
stands 2 days before the beginning of the refuge archery season and
must remove them the last day of the State archery season.
* * * * *
11. We allow electric-powered or nonmotorized boats in Lake Ophelia
from November 1 through December 15.
12. You may kill one deer of either sex per day during the first
refuge archery season, and you may kill antlered bucks only during the
second refuge archery season.
* * * * *
15. There will be three lottery muzzleloader hunts (see refuge
brochure for details). We will set hunt dates in July, and we will
accept applications from August 1 through August 31. Applicants may NOT
apply for more than one hunt. There is a $5 nonrefundable application
fee per person for each hunt application and a $15 per person permit
for each successful applicant. We will notify successful applicants by
September 15.
16. There will be two lottery deer hunts for youth ages 12 to 15
(see refuge brochure for details). We will set hunt dates in July, and
we will accept applications from November 1 through November 21. We
will provide blinds. We will require successful applicants to pass a
shooting proficiency test in order to qualify for the hunt. We will
notify successful applicants by mail.
17. We prohibit driving or screwing nails, spikes, or other metal
objects into trees or hunting from any tree in which such an object has
been driven (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. Conditions A1, A3, A5 through A9, A17, A19 (remove boats [see
Sec. 27.93 of this chapter]) and A22 apply.
* * * * *
9. We prohibit the harvest of frogs or turtles (see Sec. 27.21 of
this chapter).
10. We prohibit crawfishing.
* * * * *

Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
8. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of the maintained
right-of-way of roads and from or across ATV trails (see Sec. 27.31 of
this chapter). We prohibit hunting within 50 feet (15 m) or trespassing
on above-ground oil or gas production facilities.
* * * * *

0
16. Amend Sec. 32.38 Maine by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs A., B., and C. of Moosehorn National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
b. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A., revising paragraphs
A.5. and A.6., and adding paragraphs A.7. and A.8., revising paragraph
B., revising paragraphs C.1., C.3, C.5., C.6., C.7., C.8., and adding
paragraph C.9., and revising paragraph D. of Rachel Carson National
Wildlife Refuge; and
0
c. Revising Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge to read as
follows:

Sec. 32.38 Maine.

* * * * *

Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose,
American woodcock, and Wilson's snipe on designated areas of the Baring
and Edmunds Division of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. We require every hunter to possess and carry a personally signed
refuge hunting permit. Permits and regulations are available at
checkpoints throughout the refuge.
2. You must complete a Hunter Information Card at a self-clearing
check station after each hunt before leaving the refuge.
3. We allow hunters to enter the refuge 2 hours before legal
shooting hours, and they must exit the refuge by 1 hour past legal
shooting hours.
4. You may hunt American woodcock and Wilson's snipe on the Edmunds
Division and that part of the Baring Division that lies west of State
Route 191.
5. You may hunt waterfowl (duck and goose) in that part of the
Edmunds Division that lies north of Hobart Stream and west of U.S.
Route 1, and in those areas east of U.S. Route 1, and refuge lands that
lie south of South Trail, and in that portion of the Baring Division
that lies west of State Route 191.

[[Page 54173]]

6. We prohibit hunting of migratory birds in the Nat Smith Field
and Marsh or Bills Hill Ponds on the Edmunds Division.
7. We prohibit construction or use of any permanent blind.
8. You may only use portable or temporary blinds.
9. You must remove portable or temporary blinds and decoys from the
refuge following each day's hunt (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of
this chapter).
10. We prohibit motorized or mechanized vehicles and equipment in
designated Wilderness Areas. This includes all vehicles and items such
as winches, pulleys, and wheeled game carriers. Hunters must remove
animals harvested within the Wilderness Areas by hand without the aid
of mechanical equipment of any type.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of ruffed grouse, snowshoe
hare, red fox, red squirrel, gray squirrel, raccoon, skunk, and
woodchuck on designated areas of the Baring and Edmunds Divisions of
the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A2, and A10 apply.
2. We allow hunters to enter the refuge \1/2\ hour before legal
shooting hours, and they must exit the refuge by \1/2\ hour past legal
shooting hours except for hunters pursuing raccoons at night.
3. During the firearms big game seasons, you must wear in a
conspicuous manner on head, chest, and back a minimum of 400 square
inches (2,600 cm\2\) of solid-colored, hunter-orange clothing or
material.
4. We allow the hunting of ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare, red fox,
red squirrel, gray squirrel, raccoon, skunk, and woodchuck on the
Edmunds Division and that part of the Baring Division that lies west of
State Route 191.
5. We prohibit hunting of upland game on refuge lands from April 1
through September 30.
6. You must register with the refuge office prior to hunting
raccoon or red fox with trailing dogs.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of black bear, bobcat,
eastern coyote, moose, and white-tailed deer on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A2, A10, B3, and B5 apply.
2. We allow hunters to enter the refuge \1/2\ hour before legal
shooting hours, and they must exit the refuge by \1/2\ hour past legal
shooting hours, except for hunters pursuing eastern coyotes at night.
3. We allow bear hunting from October 1 to the end of the State
Prescribed Season.
4. We allow eastern coyote hunting from October 1 to March 31
annually.
5. If you harvest a bear, deer, or moose on the refuge, you must
notify the refuge office in person or by phone within 24 hours and make
the animal available for inspection by refuge personnel.
6. We prohibit construction or use of permanent tree stands,
blinds, or ladders.
7. You must use only portable tree stands, blinds, and ladders.
8. You must clearly label any tree stand, blind, or ladder left on
the refuge overnight with your name, address, phone number, and hunting
license number.
9. You must remove all tree stands, blinds, and ladders from the
refuge on the last day of the muzzleloader deer season (see Sec. Sec.
27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
10. You may hunt black bear, eastern coyote, and white-tailed deer
during the State archery and firearms deer seasons on that part of the
Baring Division that lies east of State Route 191.
11. You may hunt black bear, bobcat, eastern coyote, moose, and
white-tailed deer on the Edmunds Division and that part of the Baring
Division that lies west of State Route 191.
12. You may only use a long, recurve, or compound bow to hunt
during the archery deer season, and a muzzleloader to hunt during the
deer muzzleloader season on that part of the refuge that lies east of
Route 191.
13. You must register with the refuge office prior to hunting black
bear, bobcat, or eastern coyote with trailing dogs.
14. We prohibit hunting in the following areas:
i. The South Magurrewock Area: The boundary of this area begins at
the intersection of the Charlotte Road and U.S. Route 1; it follows the
Charlotte Road in a southerly direction to a point just south of the
fishing pier and observation blind, where it turns in an easterly
direction, crossing the East Branch of the Magurrewock Stream, and
proceeds in a northerly direction along the upland edge of the Upper
and Middle Magurrewock Marshes to U.S. Route 1 where it follows Route 1
in a southerly direction to the point of origin.
ii. The North Magurrewock Area: The boundary of this area begins
where the northern exterior boundary of the refuge and Route 1
intersect; it follows the boundary line in a westerly direction to the
railroad grade where it follows the main railroad grade and refuge
boundary in a southwest direction to the upland edge of the Lower Barn
Meadow Marsh; it then follows the upland edge of the marsh in an
easterly direction to U.S. Route 1, where it follows Route 1 to the
point of origin.
iii. The posted safety zone around the refuge headquarters complex:
The boundary of this area starts where the southerly edge of the Horse
Pasture Field intersects with the Charlotte Road. The boundary follows
the southern edge of the Horse Pasture Field, across the abandoned
Maine Central Railroad grade, where it intersects with the North
Fireline Road. It follows the North Fireline Road to a point near the
northwest corner of the Lane Construction Tract. The line then proceeds
along a cleared and marked trail in a northwesterly direction to the
Barn Meadow Road. It proceeds south along the Barn Meadow Road to the
intersection with the South Fireline Road, where it follows the South
Fireline Road across the Headquarters Road to the intersection with the
Mile Bridge Road. It then follows the Mile Bridge Road in a southerly
direction to the intersection with the Lunn Road, then along the Lunn
Road leaving the road in an easterly direction at the site of the old
crossing, across the abandoned Maine Central Railroad grade to the
Charlotte Road (directly across from the Moosehorn Ridge Road gate).
The line follows the Charlotte Road in a northerly direction to the
point of origin.
iv. The Southern Gravel Pit: The boundary of this area starts at a
point where Cranberry Brook crosses the Charlotte Road and proceeds
south along the Charlotte Road to the Barin/Charlotte Town Line, east
along the Town Line to a point where it intersects the railroad grade
where it turns in a northerly direction, and follows the railroad grade
to Cranberry Brook, following Cranbettery Brook in a westerly direction
to the point of origin.
* * * * *

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose,
coot, woodcock, and snipe in accordance with State regulations on
designated areas of the Brave Boat Harbor, Lower Wells, Upper Wells,
Mousam River, Goose Rocks, and Spurwink River Divisions of the refuge
subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
5. You may use seasonal blinds with a Special Use Permit. A
permitted seasonal blind is available to permitted hunters on a first-
come, first-served

[[Page 54174]]

basis. The permit holder for the blind is responsible for the removal
of the blind at the end of the season and compliance with all
conditions of the Special Use Permit. You must remove temporary blinds,
decoys, and boats from the refuge each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and
27.94 of this chapter).
6. We open the refuge to hunting during the hours stipulated by
State regulations but no longer than \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise to
\1/2\ hour after legal sunset. We close the refuge to night hunting.
You must unload all firearms (see Sec. 27.42(b) of this chapter)
outside of legal hunting hours.
7. We prohibit all-terrain vehicles (ATVs or OHRVs) (see Sec.
27.31(f) of this chapter).
8. We close the Moody, Little River, Biddeford Pool, and Goosefare
Brook divisions of the refuge to all migratory bird hunting.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant and grouse on
designated areas of the Brave Boat Harbor, Lower Wells, Upper Wells,
Mousam River, Goose Rocks, Goosefare Brook, and Spurwink River division
of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A6, and A7 apply.
2. You may take pheasant and grouse by falconry during State
seasons.
3. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k))
while on the refuge.
4. We close the Moody, Little River, and Biddeford Pool division of
the refuge to all upland game hunting.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1, A6, and A7 apply.
* * * * *
3. You must use only portable tree stands and ladders. We prohibit
use of nails, screws, or bolts to attach tree stands and ladders to
trees (see Sec. 32.2(i)). You must remove tree stands and ladders from
the refuge following each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
* * * * *
5. We close the Moody and Biddeford Pool divisions of the refuge to
white-tailed deer hunting.
6. We only allow archery on those areas of the Little River
division open to hunting.
7. You may hunt fox and coyote with archery or shotgun during
daylight hours of the State firearm deer season only.
8. Bow hunters with refuge permits may apply for the special
``Wells Hunt''. We must receive letters of interest by November 1 for
consideration in a random drawing. Selected hunters must comply with
regulations as set by the State.
9. You must report any deer harvested to the refuge office within
48 hours.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing along the shoreline on the
following designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. At the Brave Boat Harbor division on the north side (York) of
the stream crossing under Route 103, beginning at Route 103 then
downstream to the first railroad trestle.
2. At the Moody division on the north side of the Ogunquit River
and downstream of Route 1, beginning at the refuge boundary then
downstream a distance of 500 feet (150 m).
3. At the Moody division on the east side of Stevens Brook and
downstream of Bourne Avenue, beginning at Bourne Avenue then downstream
to where the refuge ends near Ocean Avenue.
4. At the Lower Wells division on the west side of the Webhannet
River downstream of Mile Road, from Mile Road north to the first creek.
5. At the Upper Wells division on the south side of the Merriland
River downstream of Skinner Mill Road, beginning at the refuge boundary
and then east along the oxbow to the woods.
6. At the Mousam River division on the north side of the Mousam
River downstream of Route 9, beginning at the refuge boundary and then
east to a point opposite Great Hill Road. Access is from the Bridle
Path along the first tidal creek.
7. At the Goosefare Brook division on the south side of Goosefare
Brook where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
8. At the Spurwink River division on the west side (Scarborough) of
the Spurwink River upstream of Route 77, beginning at Route 77 and then
upstream approximately 1,000 feet (300 m) to a point near the fork in
the river.
9. You may launch boats from car top from legal sunrise to legal
sunset at Brave Boat Harbor division on Chauncey Creek at the
intersection of Cutts Island Road and Sea Point Road.
10. We allow car-top launching from legal sunrise to legal sunset
at Spurwink River division on the upstream side of Route 77 at the old
road crossing.
11. We allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
12. We prohibit lead jigs and sinkers.
13. Anglers must attend their lines at all times.
14. We prohibit collection of bait on the refuge.

Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game
birds on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following condition: You may possess only approved
nontoxic shot while in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer, moose, and bear on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following condition: You must wear, in a conspicuous
manner on head, chest, and back a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600
cm²) of solid-colored hunter-orange clothing or material
during firearms big game season.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on the waters of and from
the banks of Baker Brook, Birch Stream, Buzzy Brook, Dudley Brook,
Johnson Brook, Little Birch Stream, Little Buzzy Brook, Sandy Stream,
and Sunkhaze Stream.

0
17. Amend Sec. 32.39 Maryland by revising Patuxent Research Refuge to
read as follows:

Sec. 32.39 Maryland.

* * * * *

Patuxent Research Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck,
and dove on the North Tract in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. We require a fee-hunting permit.
2. We require hunters age 17 and under to have a parent or guardian
countersign to receive a hunting permit. An adult, age 21 or older,
possessing a hunting permit, must accompany hunters age 16 and younger
in the field.
3. You must check-in and out at the Hunter Control Station (HCS)
and exchange your hunting permit for a daily hunting pass and a vehicle
pass every time you enter or exit the refuge, including breaks, lunch,
and dinner.
4. We restrict hunters to the selected area and activity until you
check out at the HCS.
5. You must use established and maintained roads and not block
traffic (see Sec. 27.31(h) of this chapter).
6. We prohibit hunting on or across any road, within 50 yards (45
m) of a road, within 150 yards (135 m) of any occupied structure, or
within 25 yards (22.5 m) from any designated ``No Hunting'' area. Only
those with a State ``Hunt from a Vehicle Permit'' may hunt from the
roadside at designated areas.
7. You must wear at least a fluorescent-orange hat or cap when

[[Page 54175]]

walking from your vehicle to your hunting site. ``Jump Shooters'' must
wear at least a fluorescent-orange hat or cap while hunting. If you
stop and stand, you may replace the orange hat or cap with a camouflage
one.
8. You may only carry one shotgun, 20 gauge or larger, in the
field. We prohibit additional firearms.
9. We only allow the taking of Canada goose during the special
September and late season for a resident Canada goose.
10. We prohibit hunting of goose, duck, or dove during the deer
firearm seasons and the early deer muzzleloader seasons that occur in
October.
11. We prohibit dove hunting during any deer muzzleloader or
firearms seasons.
12. We require waterfowl hunters to use retrievers on any impounded
waters. Retrievers must be of the traditional breeds, such as
Chesapeake Bay, Golden, Labrador, etc.
13. We require dogs to be under the immediate control of their
owner at all times. Law enforcement officers may seize dogs running
loose or unattended (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of turkey, bobwhite quail,
grey squirrel, eastern cottontail rabbit, and woodchuck on the North
Tract and turkey on the Central Tract in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 and A6 apply.
2. You must wear a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600
cm²) of fluorescent orange on your head, chest, and back
while hunting upland game except for turkey hunting. We encourage
turkey hunters to wear fluorescent orange.
3. We prohibit hunting of upland game during the firearms and
muzzleloader seasons.
4. We select turkey hunters by a computerized lottery for youth,
disabled, mobility impaired, and general public hunts. We require
documentation for disabled and mobility-impaired hunters.
5. We require each turkey hunter to attend a turkey clinic
sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation.
6. We require turkey hunters to pattern their weapons prior to
hunting.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require you to pass a proficiency test with each weapon that
you desire to use prior to issuing you a hunting permit.
2. Conditions A1 through A6 apply.
3. You must wear a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600
cm²) of fluorescent orange on your head, chest, and back
while hunting. Bow hunters must follow this requirement when moving to
and from the deer stand and while tracking. We do not require bow
hunters to wear the fluorescent orange when positioning to hunt except
during the deer muzzleloader season.
4. We will extract a jaw from each deer harvested before leaving
the refuge.
5. We publish the Refuge Hunting Regulations, which include the
daily and yearly bag limits and hunting dates for the North, Central,
and South Tracts, in July. We give hunters a copy of the regulations
with the fee permit, and they must know the specific hunt seasons and
regulations.
6. You must use portable tree stands equipped with a safety belt.
You must wear the safety belt while in the tree stand. The stand must
be at least 10 feet (3 m) off the ground. You must remove tree stands
daily from the refuge (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter). Hunters must
use deer stands to hunt the South and Central Tracts. (We will make
limited accommodations for disabled hunters for Central Tract lottery
hunts.)
7. We prohibit the firing of weapons after legal shooting hours,
including the unloading of muzzleloaders.
8. We prohibit use of dogs to hunt or track wounded deer.
9. If you wish to track wounded deer beyond 1\1/2\ hours after
legal sunset, you must report in person to the HCS. If you are hunting
on the refuge's South or Central Tracts, you must call the HCS. The HCS
manager will call a refuge law enforcement officer to gain consent to
track. We prohibit tracking later than 2\1/2\ hours after legal sunset.
We may revoke your hunting privileges if you wound a deer and do not
make a reasonable effort to retrieve it. This may include next-day
tracking.
10. North Tract: We allow shotgun, muzzleloader, and bow hunting in
accordance with the following conditions:
i. Conditions C1 through C9 apply.
11. Central Tract: We allow shotgun and bow hunting in accordance
with the following conditions:
i. Conditions C1 through C9 apply.
ii. We only allow bow hunters to hunt on the Schafer Farm.
iii. We select Central Tract shotgun and bow hunters by a
computerized lottery. You will be assigned a specific hunting location.
iv. You must carry a flashlight, whistle, and a compass while
hunting.
12. South Tract: We allow shotgun, muzzleloader, and bow hunting in
accordance with the following regulations:
i. Conditions C1 through C9 and C11iv apply.
ii. You must access South Tract hunting areas A, B, and C off
Springfield Road through the Old Beltsville Airport, and South Tract
hunting area D off Maryland Route 197 through Gate 4 and park
in designated parking areas.
iii. We prohibit shooting into any open meadow or field area.
iv. We prohibit parking along the National Wildlife Visitor Center
road or in the visitor center parking lot.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require a free refuge fishing permit, which you must carry
with you at all times while fishing. Organized groups may request a
group permit. The group leader must carry a copy of the permit and stay
with the group at all times while fishing.
2. You may take one additional licensed adult or two youths age 15
or under to fish under your permit and in your presence.
3. You may only use earthworms for live bait.
4. We prohibit harvesting bait on the refuge.
5. You must attend all fishing lines.
6. We prohibit fishing from all bridges except the south side of
Bailey Bridge.
7. You may take the following species: Chain pickerel, catfish,
golden shiner, eel, and sunfish (includes bluegill, black crappie,
warmouth, and pumpkinseed).
8. You must catch and release all bass.
9. North Tract: We allow sport fishing in accordance with the
following conditions:
i. We allow sport fishing at Lake Allen, Rieve's Pond, New Marsh,
Cattail Pond, Bailey Bridge Pond, Bailey Bridge (south side), and
Little Patuxent River (downstream only from Bailey's Bridge).
ii. Conditions D1 through D8 apply.
iii. We require a free North Tract refuge access permit that you
must possess and carry at all times. If you are age 17 or under, you
must have a parent or guardian countersign to receive an access permit.
A parent or legal guardian must accompany those anglers age 17 and
under.
iv. You may fish year-round at Lake Allen, New Marsh, Cattail Pond,
Bailey Bridge Pond, Bailey Bridge (south side), and the Little Patuxent
River (downstream only from Bailey Bridge) except during the white-
tailed deer muzzleloader and shotgun seasons and the waterfowl hunting
season. We also reserve the right to close Lake Allen at any time.
v. You may fish at Rieve's Pond from February 1 to August 31 and on
Sundays from September 1 to January 31.

[[Page 54176]]

vi. We allow wading, for fishing purposes only, downstream from
Bailey Bridge on the Little Patuxent River. We prohibit wading in other
bodies of water.
vii. We prohibit the use of any type of watercraft.
10. South Tract: We allow sport fishing in accordance with the
following conditions:
i. Conditions D1 through D8 apply.
ii. You must park your vehicle in the parking lot located behind
Refuge Gate 8 off Maryland Route 197.
iii. You must display your fishing permit on your vehicle
dashboard.
iv. We allow sport fishing at the pier and designated shorelines at
Cash Lake. See Refuge Fishing Regulations for areas opened to fishing.
We post other areas with ``No fishing beyond this point''.
v. You may fish from mid-June until mid-October.
vi. You may fish between the hours of 6 a.m. until legal sunset. We
open refuge trails from legal sunrise until 5:30 p.m. daily.
vii. We prohibit boat trailers.
viii. You may use watercraft for fishing in accordance with the
State boating laws subject to the following conditions: You may use
car-top boats 14 feet (4.2 m) or less, canoes, kayaks, and inflatable
boats. You may only use electric motors, 4 hp or less. We prohibit
sailboats.

0
18. Amend Sec. 32.40 Massachusetts by:
0
a. Adding Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Adding Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
c. Revising Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.40 Massachusetts.

* * * * *

Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of woodcock on
designated portions of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow woodcock hunting within the portions of the refuge
located north of Hudson Road, except those areas north of Hudson Road
that are designated as ``archery only'' hunting on the current refuge
hunting map. These archery only hunting areas north of Hudson Road are
those portions of the refuge that are external to Patrol Road from its
southerly intersection with White Pond Road, northwesterly and then
easterly, to its intersection with Old Marlborough Road.
2. We require refuge permits.
3. You must possess and carry all applicable hunting licenses,
permits, stamps, and a photographic identification while hunting on the
refuge.
4. We prohibit use of motorized vehicles on the refuge. The refuge
will provide designated parking areas for hunters. Consult the refuge
manager for further details.
5. During any season when it is legal to hunt deer with a shotgun
or muzzleloader, we require all hunters to wear a minimum of 500 square
inches (3,250 cm²) of solid-orange clothing or material in a
conspicuous manner on their chest, back, and head. During all other
times, if you are engaged in woodcock hunting on the refuge, you must
wear a minimum of a solid-orange hat.
6. We prohibit the use of electronic calls during any hunting
season.
7. We prohibit trimming or cutting of branches larger than the
diameter of a quarter (see Sec. 27.61 of this chapter).
8. We prohibit the marking any tree or other refuge feature with
flagging, paint, reflective material, or any other substance (see Sec.
27.61 of this chapter).
9. You may scout hunting areas on the refuge once you have obtained
a refuge permit. Scouting may begin no earlier than 1 month from the
opening day of the hunting season. We prohibit the use of dogs during
scouting.
10. We allow hunters to enter the refuge 1\1/2\ hours before legal
hunting hours, and they must leave the refuge no later than 1\1/2\
hours after legal sunset.
11. For seasons wherein State regulations allow use of dogs, we
allow no more than two dogs per hunting party. We prohibit the training
of dogs on the refuge.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on designated
areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We allow shotgun hunting for ruffed grouse, cottontail rabbit,
and gray squirrel within those portions of the refuge located north of
Hudson Road, except those areas north of Hudson Road designated as
``archery only'' hunting on the current refuge hunting map. These
archery only hunting areas north of Hudson Road are those portions of
the refuge that are external to Patrol Road from its southerly
intersection with White Pond Road, northwesterly and then easterly, to
its intersection with Old Marlborough Road.
2. Conditions A2, A3, A4, A6, A7, A8, A9, A10, and A11 apply.
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field
(see Sec. 32.2(k)).
4. We prohibit construction or use of any permanent structure while
hunting on the refuge. You must remove all temporary blinds each day
(see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
5. During seasons when it is legal to hunt deer with a shotgun or
muzzleloader, we require all hunters, including archers and small game
hunters, to wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm²)
of solid-orange clothing or material in a conspicuous manner on their
chest, back, and head. During all other times, if you are engaged in
ruffed grouse, squirrel, or cottontail rabbit hunting on the refuge,
you must wear a minimum of a solid-orange hat.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow shotgun and muzzleloader hunting of white-tailed deer,
as well as shotgun hunting of turkey, within the portions of the refuge
located north of Hudson Road, except those areas north of Hudson Road
that are designated as ``archery only'' hunting on the current refuge
hunting map. These archery only hunting areas north of Hudson Road are
those portions of the refuge that are external to Patrol Road from its
southerly intersection with White Pond Road, northwesterly and then
easterly, to its intersection with Old Marlborough Road.
2. We allow archery deer and archery turkey hunting within all
portions of the refuge during the hunting seasons for these species.
3. We require refuge permits. We limit the numbers of deer and
turkey hunters allowed to hunt on the refuge. If the number of
applications to hunt these species received is greater than the number
of permits available, we will issue permits by random selection.
4. Conditions A3, A4, A6, A7, A8, A9, and A10 apply.
5. During seasons when it is legal to hunt deer with a shotgun or
muzzleloader, we require all hunters, including archers, to wear a
minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm²) of solid-orange
clothing or material in a conspicuous manner on their chest, back, and
head.
6. You may use decoys to hunt turkey.
7. We prohibit driving deer by any means on the refuge.
8. We prohibit construction or use of permanent structures while
hunting. We prohibit driving a nail, spike, screw, or other metal
object into any tree or hunting from any tree into which a nail, spike,
screw, or other object has been driven (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
9. You may use temporary tree stands while engaged in hunting deer
during

[[Page 54177]]

the applicable archery, shotgun, or muzzleloader deer seasons. You must
remove all stands or any blinds by legal sunset each day (see
Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter). We require all tree stands
to have the name and address of the owner clearly printed on the stand.
10. We prohibit possession of buckshot while hunting during any
season on the refuge.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing in Puffer Pond in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow fishing from nonmotorized canoes and car-top boats, as
well as from designated locations on the banks of Puffer Pond. We
prohibit the use of trailers to launch or retrieve canoes or boats on
the refuge.
2. We allow catch and release fishing only.
3. We prohibit the use of live bait.
4. We prohibit lead sinkers.
5. We prohibit taking of frogs or turtles on the refuge (see Sec.
27.21 of this chapter).
6. You may fish on Puffer Pond from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise
to \1/2\ hour after legal sunset.
7. We prohibit night fishing or ice fishing on the refuge.
8. We prohibit open fires anywhere on the refuge.
9. The refuge will provide designated parking areas for anglers.
Consult the refuge manager for further details.

Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of ducks and geese
on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. We require refuge permits. We limit the numbers of waterfowl
hunters allowed to hunt on the refuge. If the number of applications
received to hunt waterfowl is greater than the number of permits
available, we will issue permits by random selection.
2. We will provide waterfowl hunters maps showing the portions of
the refuge designated as open.
3. You must possess and carry all applicable hunting licenses,
permits, stamps, and a photographic identification while hunting on the
refuge.
4. We prohibit construction or use of any permanent structure while
hunting on the refuge. You must remove all temporary blinds by legal
sunset each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
5. We prohibit use of motorized vehicles on the refuge.
6. Except while hunting waterfowl from a blind or from a boat, you
must wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm²) of
solid-orange clothing or material in a conspicuous manner on your
chest, back, and head during any season when it is legal to hunt deer
with a shotgun or muzzleloader.
7. We prohibit the use of electronic calls during any hunting
season.
8. We prohibit trimming or cutting of branches larger than the
diameter of a quarter (see Sec. 27.61 of this chapter).
9. We prohibit the marking any tree or other refuge feature with
flagging, paint, reflective material or any other substance (see Sec.
27.61 of this chapter).
10. You may scout hunting areas on the refuge once you have
obtained a refuge permit. Scouting may begin no earlier than 1 month
from the opening day of the hunting season. We prohibit the use of dogs
during scouting.
11. We allow hunters to enter the refuge 1\1/2\ hours before legal
hunting hours, and they must leave the refuge no later than 1\1/2\
hours after legal sunset.
12. We allow no more than two dogs per hunting party. We prohibit
the training of dogs on the refuge.
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved.]
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow archery hunting of whitetail deer on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow archery hunting of whitetail deer within the portions
of the Concord Unit of the refuge that are located north of
Massachusetts Route 225. We also allow archery hunting of whitetail
deer within the portions of the Sudbury Unit of the refuge that are
located north of Stonebridge Road in Wayland, Massachusetts and south
of Lincoln Road/Sherman's Bridge Road on the Sudbury and Wayland Town
Line.
2. We prohibit the use of firearms for hunting deer on the refuge.
However, you may archery hunt in the portions of the refuge that are
open for deer hunting during the archery, shotgun, and muzzleloader
seasons established by the State.
3. We require refuge permits. We limit the numbers of deer hunters
allowed to hunt on the refuge. If the number of applications received
to hunt deer on the refuge is greater than the number of permits
available, we will issue permits by random selection.
4. Conditions A3, A5, A7, A8, A9, A10, and A11 apply.
5. During seasons when it is legal to hunt deer with a shotgun or
muzzleloader, we require all hunters, including archers, to wear a
minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm²) of solid-orange
clothing or material in a conspicuous manner on their chest, back, and
head.
6. We prohibit the use of decoys to hunt deer on the refuge.
7. We prohibit driving deer by any means on the refuge.
8. We prohibit construction or use of permanent structures while
hunting. We prohibit driving nails, spikes, screws, or other metal
object into any tree or hunting from any tree in which a nail, spike,
screw, or other object has been driven (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
9. You may use temporary tree stands while engaged in hunting deer.
You must remove all stands or any blinds by legal sunset (see
Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter). We require all tree stands
to have the name and address of the owner clearly printed on the stand.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing in designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
condition: We allow fishing along the main channels of the Concord and
Sudbury Rivers and from designated banks of Heard Pond. We limit access
to Heard Pond to foot traffic only.

Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of waterfowl,
woodcock, and common snipe on designated areas of the refuge in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow waterfowl and common snipe hunting within the portions
of the refuge located south of Massachusetts Route 2 and west of the
B&M railroad tracks.
2. We allow woodcock hunting within the portions of the refuge
south of Massachusetts Route 2 and west of the B&M railroad tracks;
north of Massachusetts Route 2 and south of Hospital Road; as well as
within the portions of the refuge along the westerly side of the Nashua
River located north of the commuter rail tracks in Shirley,
Massachusetts.
3. We require refuge permits. We limit the numbers of waterfowl
hunters allowed to hunt on the refuge. If the number of applications
received to hunt waterfowl is greater than the number of permits
available, we will issue permits by random selection.
4. You must possess and carry all applicable hunting licenses,
permits, stamps, and a photographic identification while hunting on the
refuge.
5. We prohibit construction or use of any permanent structure while
hunting on the refuge. You must remove all temporary blinds each day
(see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

[[Page 54178]]

6. We prohibit use of motorized vehicles on the refuge.
7. With the exception of waterfowl hunters hunting within a blind
or from a boat, during any season when it is legal to hunt deer with a
shotgun or muzzleloader, we require all hunters to wear a minimum of
500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of solid-orange clothing or material in
a conspicuous manner on their chest, back, and head. During all other
times, if you are engaged in woodcock hunting on the refuge, you must
wear a minimum of a solid-orange hat.
8. We prohibit the use of electronic calls during any hunting
season.
9. We prohibit trimming or cutting of branches larger than the
diameter of a quarter (see Sec. 27.51 of this chapter).
10. We prohibit the marking any tree or other refuge feature with
flagging, paint, reflective material, or any other substance (see Sec.
27.51 of this chapter).
11. You may scout hunting areas on the refuge once you have
obtained a refuge permit. Scouting may begin no earlier than 1 month
from the opening day of the hunting season. We prohibit the use of dogs
during scouting.
12. We allow hunters to enter the refuge 1\1/2\ hours before legal
hunting hours, and they must leave the refuge no later than 1\1/2\
hours after legal sunset.
13. For seasons wherein State regulations allow use of dogs, we
allow no more than two dogs per hunting party. We prohibit the training
of dogs on the refuge.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on designated
areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We allow shotgun hunting of ruffed grouse, cottontail rabbit,
and gray squirrels within the areas of the refuge located south of
Massachusetts Route 2 and west of the B&M railroad tracks; north of
Massachusetts Route 2 and south of Hospital Road; and, within the
portions of the refuge along the westerly side of the Nashua River
located north of the commuter rail tracks in Shirley, Massachusetts,
subject to the following conditions:
2. We require refuge permits.
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field
(see Sec. 32.2(k)).
4. Conditions A4, A5, A6, A8, A9, A10, A11, A12, and A13 apply.
5. With the exception of waterfowl hunters hunting within a blind
or from a boat, during seasons when it is legal to hunt deer with a
shotgun or muzzleloader, we require all hunters, including archers and
small game hunters, to wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250
cm\2\) of solid-orange clothing or material in a conspicuous manner on
their chest, back, and head. During all other times, if you are engaged
in ruffed grouse, squirrel, or cottontail rabbit hunting on the refuge,
you must wear a minimum of a solid-orange hat.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow shotgun, archery, and muzzleloader hunting of white-
tailed deer, as well as shotgun and archery hunting of turkey, within
the portions of the refuge located south of Massachusetts Route 2 and
west of the B&M railroad tracks.
2. We allow archery deer and archery turkey hunting within the
portions of the refuge located south of Massachusetts Route 2 and east
of the B&M railroad tracks, as well as within the portions of the
refuge along the easterly side of the Nashua River located north of the
commuter rail tracks in Ayer, Massachusetts.
3. We allow archery deer hunting as well as shotgun and archery
turkey hunting within the portions of the refuge located north of
Massachusetts Route 2 and south of Hospital Road; and, within the
portions of the refuge along the westerly side of the Nashua River
located north of the commuter rail tracks in Shirley, MA.
4. We require refuge permits. We limit the numbers of deer and
turkey hunters allowed to hunt on the refuge. If the number of
applications received to hunt these species is greater than the number
of permits available, we will issue permits by random selection.
5. Conditions A4, A6, A8, A9, A10, A11, and A12 apply.
6. With the exception of waterfowl hunters hunting within a blind
or from a boat, during seasons when it is legal to hunt deer with a
shotgun or muzzleloader, we require all hunters, including archers, to
wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of solid-orange
clothing or material in a conspicuous manner on their chest, back, and
head.
7. Hunters may only use decoys to hunt turkey.
8. We prohibit driving deer by any means on the refuge.
9. We prohibit construction or use of permanent structures while
hunting. You may not drive nails, spikes, screws or other metal object
into any tree or hunt from any tree in which a nail, spike, screw or
other object has been driven (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
10. You may use temporary tree stands while engaged in hunting deer
during the applicable archery, shotgun, or muzzleloader deer seasons.
You must remove all stands or any blinds by legal sunset (see
Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter). We require all tree stands
to have the name and address of the owner clearly printed on the stand.
11. We prohibit possession of buckshot while hunting during any
season on the refuge.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing along the banks of the
Nashua River in accordance with State regulations.
* * * * *

0
19. Amend Sec. 32.42 Minnesota by:
0
a. Revising paragraph C. of Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising the introductory text of paragraph B., adding paragraphs
B.4. and B.5. and revising paragraph C. of Big Stone National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
c. Adding Big Stone Wetland Management District;
0
d. Revising Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District;
0
e. Revising paragraph A.3., adding paragraphs A.4. through A.6.,
revising paragraph B., adding paragraph C.3., and revising paragraph
D.1. of Fergus Falls Wetland Management District;
0
f. Adding Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge;
0
g. Adding paragraph A.5., revising paragraph B., and adding paragraphs
C.3. and D.3. of Litchfield Wetland Management District;
0
h. Revising paragraph A., and adding paragraphs B.4. and C.7. of
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge;
0
i. Adding Minnesota Valley Wetland Management District;
0
j. Revising paragraph A.3., adding paragraph A.4., revising paragraph
B., adding paragraph C.3., and revising paragraph D.1. of Morris
Wetland Management District;
0
k. Adding paragraphs A.4. and A.5., revising paragraph B.2., and adding
paragraphs B.4., C.4. and D. of Northern Tallgrass Prairie National
Wildlife Refuge;
0
l. Adding paragraphs A.2. through A.4., B.3., C.5., and D.4. of Rice
Lake National Wildlife Refuge;
0
m. Adding paragraph C.5. and revising paragraph D. of Rydell National
Wildlife Refuge;
0
n. Revising the introductory text of paragraphs A., B., and C.,
revising paragraph A.4., and adding paragraphs A.6., A.7., B.3., C.5.,
and C.6. of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge;
0
o. Revising the introductory text of paragraphs A., B., and C.,
revising paragraph A.2., and adding paragraphs

[[Page 54179]]

A.3., A.4., B.5., C.4., D.5., and D.6. of Tamarac National Wildlife
Refuge; and
0
p. Revising paragraphs A., C., and D. of Windom Wetland Management
District to read as follows:

Sec. 32.42 Minnesota.

* * * * *

Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
moose on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters may use portable stands. Hunters may not construct or
use permanent blinds, permanent platforms, or permanent ladders.
2. You must remove all stands and personal property from the refuge
by legal sunset each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
3. We prohibit hunters occupying ground and tree stands that are
illegally set up or constructed.
4. We prohibit the use of snowmobiles and ATVs.
5. We allow the use of wheeled, nonmotorized conveyance devices
(i.e., bikes, retrieval carts) except in the Wilderness Area.
6. We allow the use of nonmotorized boats and canoes.
7. We prohibit entry into the ``Closed Areas''.
8. We prohibit camping.
* * * * *

Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of partridge, pheasant,
wild turkey, gray and fox squirrel, cottontail and jack rabbit, red and
gray fox, raccoon, and striped skunk on designated areas of the refuge
in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
* * * * *
4. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the
immediate control of the hunter at all times during the State-approved
hunting season (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
5. We prohibit camping.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters may use portable stands. Hunters may not construct or
use permanent blinds, permanent platforms, or permanent ladders.
2. You must remove all stands and personal property from the refuge
by legal sunset each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
3. We prohibit hunters occupying ground and tree stands that are
illegally set up or constructed.
4. We prohibit camping.
* * * * *

Big Stone Wetland Management District

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game
birds throughout the district in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the use of motorized boats.
2. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands,
or scaffolds.
3. You must remove all personal property, which includes boats,
decoys, and blinds brought onto the WPA each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93
and 27.94 of this chapter).
4. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the
immediate control of the hunter at all times during the State-approved
hunting season (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
5. We prohibit camping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting throughout the
district in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions: Conditions A4 and A5 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting throughout the
district in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. Hunters may use portable stands. Hunters may not construct or
use permanent blinds, permanent platforms, or permanent ladders.
2. You must remove all stands and personal property from the WPAs
each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
3. We prohibit hunters occupying ground and tree stands that are
illegally set up or constructed.
4. Condition A5 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing throughout the district in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the use of motorized boats.
2. You must remove all ice fishing shelters and all other personal
property from the WPAs each day (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
3. Condition A5 applies.

Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game
birds throughout the district in accordance with State regulations,
except that we prohibit hunting on the Headquarters Waterfowl
Production Area (WPA) in Becker County, the Hitterdal WPA in Clay
County, and the McIntosh WPA in Polk County. The following conditions
apply:
1. We prohibit the use of motorized boats.
2. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands,
or scaffolds (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
3. You must remove all personal property, which includes boats,
decoys, and blinds brought onto the WPAs each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93
and 27.94 of this chapter).
4. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the
immediate control of the hunter at all times during the State-approved
hunting season.
5. We prohibit camping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting in accordance
with State regulations throughout the district (except that we allow no
hunting on the Headquarters Waterfowl Production Area [WPA] in Becker
County, the Hitterdal WPA in Clay County, and the McIntosh WPA in Polk
County) subject to the following conditions: Conditions A4 and A5
apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting in accordance with
State regulations throughout the district, except that we prohibit
hunting on the Headquarters Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) in Becker
County, the Hitterdal WPA in Clay County, and the McIntosh WPA in Polk
County. The following conditions apply:
1. Hunters may use portable stands. Hunters may not construct or
use permanent blinds, permanent platforms, or permanent ladders.
2. You must remove all stands and personal property from the WPAs
each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
3. We prohibit hunters occupying ground and tree stands that are
illegally set up or constructed.
4. Condition A5 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing in accordance with State
regulations throughout the district subject to the following
conditions:
1. You must remove all ice fishing shelters and all other personal
property from the WPAs each day (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
2. Condition A5 applies.

Fergus Falls Wetland Management District

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *

[[Page 54180]]

3. During the State-approved hunting season, we allow the use of
hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the
hunter at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
4. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands,
or scaffolds (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
5. We prohibit hunters occupying ground and tree stands that are
illegally set up or constructed.
6. We prohibit camping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting throughout the
district (except that we prohibit hunting on the Townsend,
Headquarters, Mavis, and Gilmore WPAs in Otter Tail County, and Larson
WPA in Douglas County) in accordance with State regulations subject to
the following conditions: Conditions A3 and A6 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. Condition A6 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. Conditions A1 and A6 apply.

Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck,
coot, woodcock, snipe, rail, and mourning dove on designated areas of
the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We prohibit all types of watercraft.
2. We restrict vehicles to designated parking lots (see Sec. 27.31
of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of prairie chicken and
sharp-tailed grouse on designated areas of the refuge in accordance
with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Only those hunters selected by the Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources to hunt prairie chicken may hunt sharp-tailed grouse.
2. Condition A2 applies.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. You must remove all stands from the refuge at the end of each
day's hunt.
2. Condition A2 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

Litchfield Wetland Management District

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
5. We prohibit camping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting throughout the
district (except we prohibit hunting on the Phare Lake Waterfowl
Production Area in Renville County) in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions: Conditions A4 and A5
apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. Condition A5 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
3. Condition A5 applies.

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck,
and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require permit for special hunts.
2. We prohibit the use of motorized boats.
3. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands,
or scaffolds.
4. You must remove all personal property, which includes boats,
decoys, and blinds brought onto the refuge each day (see Sec. Sec.
27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
5. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the
immediate control of the hunter at all times during the State-approved
hunting season.
6. We prohibit entry to hunting areas earlier than 2 hours before
legal shooting hours.
7. We prohibit camping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. Conditions A5 and A7 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
7. Conditions A6 and A7 apply.
* * * * *

Minnesota Valley Wetland Management District

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game
birds throughout the district in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the use of motorized boats.
2. We prohibit the construct or use of permanent blinds, stands, or
scaffolds.
3. You must remove all personal property, which includes boats,
decoys, and blinds brought onto the WPAs each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93
and 27.94 of this chapter).
4. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the
immediate control of the hunter at all times during the State-approved
hunting season (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
5. We prohibit camping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting throughout the
district in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions: Conditions A4 and A5 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting throughout the
district in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. Hunters may use portable stands. Hunters may not construct or
use permanent blinds, permanent platforms, or permanent ladders.
2. Hunters may not possess single shot projectiles (shotgun slugs
or bullets) on the Soberg Waterfowl Production Area.
3. You must remove all stands and personal property from the WPAs
at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
4. We prohibit hunters occupying ground and tree stands that are
illegally set up or constructed.
5. Condition A5 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing throughout the district in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 and A5 apply.
2. You must remove all ice fishing shelters and all other personal
property from the WPAs each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).

Morris Wetland Management District

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the
immediate control of the hunter at all times during the State-approved
hunting season (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
4. We prohibit camping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game, except
that we prohibit hunting on the designated portions of the Edward-Long
Lake Waterfowl Production Area in Stevens County, in accordance with
State regulations subject to the following conditions: Conditions A3
and A4 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. Condition A4 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. Conditions A1 and A4 apply.
* * * * *

Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *

[[Page 54181]]

4. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the
immediate control of the hunter at all times during the State-approved
hunting season (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
5. We prohibit camping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We prohibit the use of dogs for hunting furbearers. We allow the
use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the immediate control of
the hunter at all times during the State-approved hunting season (see
Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
* * * * *
4. Condition A5 applies.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. Condition A5 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We require that the visible portion of at least one article of
clothing worn above the waist be blaze orange.
3. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the
immediate control of the hunter at all times during the State-approved
hunting season (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
4. We prohibit camping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. Conditions A3 and A4 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
5. Condition A4 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
4. Condition A4 applies.

Rydell National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
5. We prohibit camping.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on Tamarac Lake in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We only allow fishing from designated fishing piers.
2. We allow fishing from May 1 to November 1.
3. We allow parking at designated parking lots only (see Sec.
27.31 of this chapter).
4. Condition C5 applies.

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck,
coot, rail, woodcock, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
4. We prohibit entry to hunting areas earlier than 2 hours before
legal shooting hours.
* * * * *
6. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the
immediate control of the hunter at all times, during the State-approved
hunting season (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
7. We prohibit camping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of ruffed grouse, ring-
necked pheasant, gray and fox squirrel, snowshoe hare, cottontail
rabbit, and jackrabbit on designated areas of the refuge in accordance
with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
3. Conditions A6 and A7 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulation
subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
5. We prohibit deer pushes or deer drives in the areas closed to
deer hunting.
6. Conditions A4 and A7 apply.
* * * * *

Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow the hunting of goose,
duck, coot, woodcock, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
2. You must remove all personal property, which includes boats,
decoys, and blinds brought onto the refuge each day (see Sec. Sec.
27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
3. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the
immediate control of the hunter at all times, during the State-approved
hunting season (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
4. We prohibit camping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of ruffed grouse, red,
gray, and fox squirrel, cottontail rabbit, jackrabbit, snowshoe hare,
red fox, raccoon, and striped skunk on designated areas of the refuge
in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
* * * * *
5. Conditions A3 and A4 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
4. Condition A4 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
5. You must remove all ice fishing shelters and all other personal
property from the refuge each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of
this chapter).
6. Condition A4 applies.
* * * * *

Windom Wetland Management District

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game
birds throughout the district in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit hunting on the Worthington Waterfowl Production Area
(WPA) in Nobles County, or designated portions of the Wolf Lake WPA in
Cottonwood County.
2. We prohibit the use of motorized boats.
3. You must remove all personal property, which includes boats,
decoys, and blinds brought onto the WPAs at the end of each day (see
Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
4. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the
immediate control of the hunter at all times during the State-approved
hunting season (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
5. We prohibit camping.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of big game throughout the
district in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. We prohibit hunting on the Worthington WPA in Nobles County,
Headquarters WPA in Jackson County, and designated portions of the Wolf
Lake WPA in Cottonwood County.
2. We allow the use of portable stands. Hunters may not construct
or use permanent blinds, permanent platforms, or permanent ladders.
3. You must remove all stands and personal property from the WPAs
at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
4. We prohibit hunters occupying ground and tree stands that are
illegally set up or constructed.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing throughout the district in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A2 and A5 apply.
2. You must remove all ice fishing shelters and other personal
property

[[Page 54182]]

from the WPAs each day (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).

0
20. Amend Sec. 32.43 Mississippi by revising paragraph D. of Noxubee
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.43 Mississippi.

* * * * *

Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. The sport fishing, boating, and bow fishing seasons extend from
March 1 through October 31, except for the Noxubee River and borrow pit
areas along Highway 25 that are open year-round.
2. We prohibit anglers leaving boats overnight on the refuge (see
Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
3. Anglers must keep boat travel at idle speed, and they must not
create a wake when moving.
4. We prohibit limb lines, snag lines, and hand grappling in Ross
Branch, Bluff, and Loakfoma Lakes.
5. Anglers must tag pole and set hooks with their name and address
when using them in rivers, creeks, and other water bodies. Anglers must
remove these devices when not in use.
6. Trotlining:
i. Anglers must label each end of the trotline floats with the
owner's name and address.
ii. We limit trotlines to one line per person, and we allow no more
than two trotlines per boat.
iii. Anglers must tend all trotlines every 24 hours and remove them
when not in use.
7. Jug fishing:
i. Anglers must label each jug with their name and address.
ii. Anglers must attend all jugs every 24 hours and remove them
when not in use.
8. We require a Special Use Permit for night time bow fishing.
* * * * *

0
21. Amend Sec. 32.44 Missouri by:
0
a. Revising the introductory text of paragraph C., revising paragraph
C.5. and adding paragraph C.6. of Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife
Refuge;
0
b. Adding paragraph A.3., revising paragraph B.1., adding paragraphs
B.8. and B.9., revising paragraph C.4., adding paragraphs C.5. through
C.8., and revising paragraph D.8. of Mingo National Wildlife Refuge;
and
0
c. Revising paragraph A. of Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge to
read as follows:

Sec. 32.44 Missouri.

* * * * *

Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer and turkey on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
5. You must unload or dismantle and case all firearms while
transporting them in a motor vehicle (see Sec. 27.42(b) of this
chapter).
6. We restrict deer hunters on the Boone's Crossing Unit to archery
methods only except for hunters on Johnson Island where State-allowed
methods of take are in effect.
* * * * *

Mingo National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. We prohibit the use of paint, flagging, reflectors, tacks, or
other manmade materials to mark trails or hunting locations (see Sec.
27.61 of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. The Public Hunting Area and the road leading to the area from
the Hunter Sign-In Station are open 1\1/2\ hours before legal sunrise
until 1\1/2\ hours after legal sunset.
* * * * *
8. We require that all hunters wear a hat and a shirt, vest, or
coat of hunter orange that is plainly visible from all sides during the
overlapping portion of the squirrel and archery deer seasons.
9. Condition A3 applies.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. Condition B8 applies.
5. We prohibit the use of salt or mineral blocks.
6. We only allow portable tree stands from 2 weeks before to 2
weeks after the State archery deer season. You must clearly mark all
stands with the owner's name, address, and phone number.
7. We only allow one tree stand per deer hunter.
8. Condition A3 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
8. We allow the take of common snapping turtle and soft-shelled
turtle only using pole and line. We require all anglers immediately
release all alligator snapping turtles (see Sec. 27.21 of this
chapter).

Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of light geese on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
during the spring conservation order season subject to the following
conditions:
1. Hunters must remain within direct sight of the guide in the hunt
boundary at all times.
2. We allow the guide and hunters into the hunt boundary up to 2
hours prior to legal shooting time.
3. Hunting will stop at 12 p.m. (noon), and hunters must be out of
the fields by 2 p.m.
4. We allow hunting dogs, portable blinds, and decoys at the
discretion of the guide.
5. We prohibit pit blinds.
6. Hunting dogs must be under the immediate control of their
handlers at all times (see Sec. 26.21 of this chapter).
7. We prohibit retrieving crippled geese outside of the hunt
boundary, including adjacent private land. This includes retrieval by
hunting dogs.
8. We prohibit vehicles beyond the established parking area located
adjacent to State Highway 118 (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter).
9. We prohibit ATV use on the refuge.
10. Both the guide and hunters are responsible for ensuring that
all trash, including spent shotgun shells are removed from the hunt
area each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
11. Violations of these rules may result in the revocation of the
guide's Special Use Permit as deemed appropriate by the refuge manager.
* * * * *

0
22. Amend Sec. 32.45 Montana by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs A. and B. of Black Coulee National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
b. Revising paragraphs A. and B. of Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Revising paragraph C. of Charles M. Russell National Wildlife
Refuge; and
0
d. Revising paragraph A. of Hewitt Lake National Wildlife Refuge to
read as follows:

Sec. 32.45 Montana.

* * * * *

Black Coulee National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose,
coot, swan, sandhill crane, and mourning dove on designated areas of
the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We only allow nonmotorized boats on refuge waters.
2. You must remove all boats, decoys, portable blinds, other
personal property,

[[Page 54183]]

and any materials brought onto the refuge for blind construction by
legal sunset (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, sharp-tailed
grouse, sage grouse, gray partridge, fox, and coyote on designated
areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
2. Fox and coyote hunters may only use centerfire rifles, rimfire
rifles, or shotguns with approved nontoxic shot.
3. We require game bird hunters to wear at least one article of
blaze-orange clothing visible above the waist.
* * * * *

Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose,
coot, swan, sandhill crane, and mourning dove on designated areas of
the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. You must check-in and check out of the refuge daily. Before
hunting, each hunter must record the date, their name, and the time
checking into the refuge on a register inside the Hunter Registration
Kiosk at refuge headquarters. After hunting, each hunter must record
hunting data (hours hunted waterfowl and/or upland game and the number
of birds harvested) before departing the refuge.
2. We prohibit air-thrust boats or boats with motors greater than
25 hp.
3. You must remove all boats, decoys, portable blinds, other
personal property, and any materials brought onto the refuge for blind
construction by legal sunset (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, sharp-tailed
grouse, sage grouse, gray partridge, fox, and coyote on designated
areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. Condition A1 applies.
2. You must possess and carry a refuge Special Use Permit to hunt
fox and coyotes.
3. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
4. Fox and coyote hunters may only use centerfire rifles, rimfire
rifles, or shotguns with approved nontoxic shot.
5. We require game bird hunters to wear at least one article of
blaze-orange clothing visible above the waist.
* * * * *

Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of big game on designated
areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We allow the use of portable blinds and stands. You may install
stands and blinds no sooner than August 1, and you must remove them by
December 15 of each year. We limit each hunter to three stands or
blinds. The hunter must have their name, address, phone number, and
automated licensing system number (ALS) visibly marked on the stand.
2. We allow hunting of elk on designated areas of the refuge. You
must possess and carry a refuge permit to hunt elk on the refuge.
* * * * *

Hewitt Lake National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose,
coot, swan, sandhill crane, and mourning dove on designated areas of
the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We prohibit air-thrust boats and boats with motors greater than
25 hp.
2. You must remove all boats, decoys, portable blinds, other
personal property, and any materials brought onto the refuge for blind
construction by legal sunset (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
* * * * *

0
23. Amend Sec. 32.46 Nebraska by revising the introductory text of
paragraph B. of Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge to read as
follows:

Sec. 32.46 Nebraska.

* * * * *

Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of cottontail rabbit, jack
rabbit, furbearer, coyote, ring-necked pheasant, and prairie grouse on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *

0
24. Amend Sec. 32.48 New Hampshire by adding Silvio O. Conte National
Fish and Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.48 New Hampshire.

* * * * *

Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose,
common snipe, sora, Virginia rail, common moorhen, and American
woodcock on the Pondicherry Division of the refuge in accordance with
State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You may only use portable blinds. You must remove all blinds,
decoys, shell casings, and other personal equipment and refuse from the
refuge by legal sunset (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
2. You must wear in a conspicuous manner on the outermost layer of
the head, chest, and back, a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600
cm²) of hunter-orange clothing or material, except when
hunting waterfowl.
3. We allow the use of retrieving dogs but dogs must be under voice
command at all times (see Sec. 26.21 of this chapter).
4. We allow hunting during the hours stipulated under the State's
hunting regulations but no longer than from \1/2\ hour before legal
sunrise to \1/2\ hour after legal sunset. We prohibit night hunting.
You must unload all firearms (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter) outside
of legal hunting hours.
5. We prohibit all-terrain vehicles (ATV's or OHV's).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of coyote, fox, raccoon,
woodchuck, red squirrel, eastern gray squirrel, porcupine, skunk,
American crow, snowshoe hare, ring-necked pheasant, and ruffed grouse
on the Pondicherry Division of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You must wear in a conspicuous manner on the outermost layer of
the head, chest, and back, a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600
cm²) of hunter-orange clothing or material.
2. Conditions A3, A4, and A5 apply.
3. We allow hunting of snowshoe hare and coyote with dogs from
October 1 to March 15. You may hunt with trailing dogs on the refuge
subject to the following conditions:
i. We will only allow dog training outside the established hunting
seasons under a Special Use Permit issued by the refuge manager.
ii. We allow a maximum of four dogs per hunter.
iii. You must pick up all dogs the same day you release them (see
Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, moose,
black bear, and wild turkey on the Pondicherry Division of the refuge
in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. We allow bear hunting with dogs during the established State
hound season. Hunting with trailing dogs on

[[Page 54184]]

the refuge will be subject to the following conditions:
i. We allow a maximum of four dogs per hunter.
ii. You must pick up all dogs the same day you release them (see
Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
2. We prohibit the use of bait (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
3. We allow temporary tree stands and blinds, but you must remove
them (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) by the end of the
season. Your name and address must be clearly visible on the tree
stand. We prohibit nails, screws, or screw-in climbing pegs to build or
access a stand or blind (See Sec. 32.2(i)).
4. You must wear in a conspicuous manner on the outermost layer of
the head, chest, and back a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600
cm²) of hunter-orange clothing or material, except when
hunting turkey or while engaged in archery hunting.
5. Conditions A5 and A6 apply.
6. We allow prehunt scouting of the refuge; however, we prohibit
firearms during prehunt scouting.
7. We will only allow dog training outside the established hunting
seasons under a Special Use Permit issued by the Refuge Manager.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

0
25. Amend Sec. 32.50 New Mexico by revising paragraphs A.2. and B.3.
of Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.50 New Mexico.

* * * * *

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We allow hunting of light goose on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
during a week in January to be determined by refuge staff. We will
announce hunt dates by September 1 of the previous year. Hunters must
report to the refuge headquarters by 4:45 a.m. each hunt day. Legal
hunting hours will run from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise and will
not extend past 11:00 a.m. local time.
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. We allow cottontail rabbit hunting between December 1 and the
last day of February.
* * * * *

0
26. Amend Sec. 32.51 New York by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs A.3.iii. and C.2.ii., and adding paragraph D.7.
of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
b. Revising paragraph C. of Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge to read
as follows:

Sec. 32.51 New York.

* * * * *

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. * * *
* * * * *
iii. Each youth must hunt with a preapproved, nonhunting adult (see
refuge manager for details), who must be properly licensed to
participate in the program.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. * * *
ii. Only youth hunters ages 12 to 17, accompanied by a properly
licensed, preapproved nonhunting adult (see refuge manager for
details), may hunt at the refuge on the first Sunday of the season. All
youth hunters must register at the refuge headquarters and attend a
mandatory orientation.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
7. We allow fishing and frogging from Schoolhouse Marsh dike and
Center Marsh dike from July 15 to September 30.
* * * * *

Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of whitetail deer on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow archery and shotgun hunting of white-tailed deer within
portions of the refuge on specific days between October 1 and January
31.
2. We require refuge permits. We limit the number of deer hunters
allowed to hunt on the refuge. We will issue permits by random
selection.
3. You must take the specified number of antlerless deer as noted
in the refuge hunting regulations before taking an antlered deer.
4. You must possess and carry all applicable and valid hunting
licenses, permits, stamps, and a photographic identification while
hunting on the refuge.
5. You must possess proof of completion of the refuge-specific
orientation program upon check-in at the designated refuge hunting
location.
6. You must limit driving to designated access roads and park only
in designated areas (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter). We prohibit use
of motorized vehicles on the refuge to retrieve white-tailed deer.
7. You must display refuge parking permits face-up on the vehicle
dashboard while hunting.
8. We allow hunters to enter the refuge 1 hour before legal hunting
hours. Hunters must leave the refuge no later than 1 hour after legal
sunset.
9. We prohibit the use of dogs to hunt or pursue game. We prohibit
driving deer by any means on the refuge. We prohibit the use of decoys
to hunt deer on the refuge.
10. We prohibit carrying a loaded weapon and/or discharge of a
firearm within the designated 500-foot (150 m) ``No Hunt Buffer'',
vehicles, or parking areas (see Sec. 27.42(b) of this chapter).
11. We prohibit shooting directly into or towards the 500-foot (150
m) ``No Hunt Buffer''.
12. We prohibit the killing or crippling of any deer without the
hunter making reasonable effort to retrieve the deer and retain it in
his/her actual custody.
13. Hunters assigned to Unit 5 must hunt from portable tree stands
and must direct aim away from a public road and/or dwelling.
14. You must have only shotgun shells loaded with slugs during the
firearms season.
15. You must wear a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600
cm²) of solid-orange clothing, visible on head, chest, and
back during the firearms season. Camouflage orange does not qualify.
16. We prohibit construction or use of permanent structures while
hunting. We prohibit driving a nail, spike, screw or other metal object
into any tree or hunting from any tree on the refuge in which a nail,
spike, screw or other object has been driven (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
17. You may use temporary or portable tree stands while hunting
deer. You must remove all stands or any blinds by legal sunset (see
Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter). We require all tree stands
to have the name and address of the owner clearly printed on the stand.
18. You must report all accidents and injuries to refuge personnel
as soon as possible and by no later than your departure from the
refuge.
19. Failure to comply with Federal, State, and/or refuge
regulations will lead to dismissal from the refuge and elimination of
participation in future hunts.
20. You must abide all rules and regulations listed on the hunting
permit.
21. We prohibit the use of any bait, salt, or enticement (see Sec.
32.2(h)).

[[Page 54185]]

22. A nonhunting adult (see the refuge manager for details) with a
valid State hunting license must accompany junior hunters.
23. We prohibit the marking of any tree, trail, or other refuge
feature with flagging, paint, reflective material or any other
substance.
24. You may scout hunting areas on the refuge only during
designated times and days. We prohibit the use of dogs during scouting.
25. We prohibit the use of electronic calls during any hunting
season.
26. We prohibit the trimming or cutting of branches larger than the
diameter of a quarter (see Sec. 27.61 of this chapter).
* * * * *

0
27. Amend Sec. 32.52 North Carolina by:
0
a. Revising paragraph A.5., adding paragraphs A.6., and A.7., and
revising paragraphs B. and C. of Alligator River National Wildlife
Refuge; and
0
b. Revising paragraph C.4. of Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge to
read as follows:

Sec. 32.52 North Carolina.

* * * * *

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
5. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot in the field (see
Sec. 32.2(k)).
6. We allow retrieving dogs in designated areas. We prohibit the
use of dogs in the Gum Swamp Unit.
7. We open the refuge to daylight use only, except that we allow
hunters to enter and remain in open hunting areas from 1 hour before
legal shooting time until one hour after legal shooting time.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1, A4, A5, and A7 apply.
2. We only allow dog training during the corresponding hunt season.
3. We require a Special Use Permit to hunt raccoon or opossum from
\1/2\ hour after legal sunset until \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise.
4. We allow the use of dogs in designated areas as shown in the
refuge Hunting Regulations and Permit Map brochure.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1, A4 (an adult may only supervise one youth
hunter), A7 and B2 apply.
2. We close the Hyde county portion of the refuge to all hunting
during State bear seasons.
3. We only allow pursuit/trailing dogs in designated areas as shown
in the Refuge Hunting Regulations and Permit Map brochure.
4. Unarmed hunters may walk to retrieve stray dogs from closed
areas and ``no dog hunting'' areas.
* * * * *

Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k))
while hunting turkeys west of Evans Road and on the Pungo unit. You may
use slugs, buckshot, and muzzleloader ammunition containing lead for
deer hunting in these areas. We prohibit boar hunting on the Pungo Unit
(they are only known to occur in the Frying Pan area of the refuge).
* * * * *

0
28. Amend Sec. 32.53 North Dakota by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs B., C., and D. of Arrowwood National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
b. Alphabetically adding Arrowwood Wetland Management District;
0
c. Alphabetically adding Audubon Wetland Management District;
0
d. Revising paragraph C. of Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge;
0
e. Alphabetically adding Chase Lake Wetland Management District;
0
f. Alphabetically adding Crosby Wetland Management District;
0
g. Revising Devils Lake Wetland Management District;
0
h. Alphabetically adding J. Clark Salyer Wetland Management District;
0
i. Alphabetically adding Kulm Wetland Management District;
0
j. Revising paragraphs A., B., and C. of Lake Alice National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
k. Alphabetically adding Long Lake Wetland Management District;
0
l. Alphabetically adding Lostwood Wetland Management District;
0
m. Removing the listing for Rock Lake National Wildlife Refuge;
0
n. Alphabetically adding Tewaukon Wetland Management District;
0
o. Revising paragraph B.2. and D.13.ii. of Upper Souris National
Wildlife Refuge; and
0
p. Alphabetically adding Valley City Wetland Management District to
read as follows:

Sec. 32.53 North Dakota.

* * * * *

Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, sharp-tailed
grouse, partridge, cottontail rabbit, and fox on designated areas of
the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We allow hunting on the day following the close of the State
firearm deer season through the end of the regular upland bird season.
2. We allow hunting of cottontail rabbit and fox on the day
following the close of the State firearm deer season through March 31.
3. We allow access by foot travel only.
4. We prohibit open fires (see Sec. 27.95(a) of this chapter) and
camping on the refuge.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow deer hunting on designated areas of
the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We prohibit entering the refuge before legal shooting hours on
the opening day of firearms deer season. Thereafter, you may enter, but
not shoot, prior to legal hours. We require all hunters to be off the
refuge 1\1/2\ hours after legal sunset.
2. We allow deer hunting on the refuge during the State Youth Deer
Season except in designated closed areas around refuge headquarters,
the wildlife observation area, and the auto tour route. Consult the
refuge hunting map for open and closed hunting areas during the State
Youth Deer Season.
3. Firearm deer hunters may not enter the refuge after harvesting a
deer unless unarmed (see Sec. 27.42(b) of this chapter) and wearing
blaze orange.
4. We allow access by foot travel only. You may use a vehicle on
designated refuge roads and trails to retrieve deer during the
following times only: 9:30 to 10 a.m.; 1:30 to 2 p.m.; and \1/2\ hour
after legal sunset for 1 hour.
5. We allow only temporary tree stands and blinds. You must remove
all tree stands and blinds at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93
and 27.94 of this chapter).
6. Condition B4 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We only allow boats, up to a maximum of 25 hp, on Arrowwood Lake
and Jim Lake from May 1 to September 30 of each fishing year.
2. We allow bank fishing along major road rights-of-way during the
entire State fishing season.
3. We allow bank fishing on interior portions of the refuge from
May 1 through September 30 of each fishing year. We only allow walk-in
access, except for designated areas.
4. We allow fishing in the bypass channel during the regular State
fishing season. We allow walk-in access along maintenance trails from
June 1 through September 30 of each fishing year.
5. We allow bow fishing for rough fish along road rights-of-way in
accordance

[[Page 54186]]

with State regulations from May 1 through September 30 of each fishing
year. We prohibit the use of crossbows.
6. We allow ice fishing on Arrowwood Lake, Jim Lake, and the south
\1/3\ of Mud Lake. We allow fish houses and vehicles (automobiles and
trucks only) on the ice as conditions permit. You must remove fish
houses by March 15. You may use portable fish houses after March 15,
but you must remove them from the refuge each day (see Sec. 27.93 of
this chapter).
7. We prohibit snowmobiles and ATVs on the refuge (see Sec.
27.31(f) of this chapter).
8. We prohibit water activities not related to fishing (sailing,
skiing, tubing, etc.)
9. We prohibit open fires (see Sec. 27.95(a) of this chapter) and
camping on the refuge.

Arrowwood Wetland Management District

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow migratory game bird
hunting on Waterfowl Production Areas throughout the District in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition:
You must remove boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal
property, and any materials brought onto the area for blind
construction each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
We prohibit bringing any type of live or dead vegetation onto the
refuge for any purpose at any time.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas throughout the District in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following condition: We prohibit the use of
horses for any purpose.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas throughout the District in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following condition: We prohibit the use of
horses for any purpose.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on Waterfowl Production
Areas throughout the District in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following condition: You must remove boats, motor
vehicles, fishing equipment, and other personal property (excluding ice
houses) by legal sunset (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
* * * * *

Audubon Wetland Management District

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow migratory game bird
hunting on Waterfowl Production Areas and Wildlife Development Areas
throughout the District in accordance with State regulations subject to
the following condition: You must remove boats, decoys, portable
blinds, other personal property, and any materials brought onto the
area for blind construction by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec.
27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter). We prohibit bringing any type of live
or dead vegetation onto the refuge for any purpose at any time.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas and Wildlife Development Areas throughout the District
in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
condition: We prohibit the use of horses for any purpose.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas and Wildlife Development Areas throughout the District
in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
condition: We prohibit the use of horses for any purpose.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on Waterfowl Production
Areas and Wildlife Development Areas throughout the District in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition:
You must remove boats, motor vehicles, fishing equipment, and other
personal property (excluding ice houses) by the end of each day (see
Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow deer hunting on the refuge in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit deer hunting until the start of the State deer gun
season.
2. We prohibit the use of horses for any purpose.
3. Hunters may only enter the refuge on foot.
* * * * *

Chase Lake Wetland Management District

Crosby Wetland Management District

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow migratory game bird

hunting on Waterfowl Production Areas throughout the District in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition:
You must remove boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal
property, and any materials brought onto the area for blind
construction by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of
this chapter). We prohibit bringing any type of live or dead vegetation
onto the refuge for any purpose at any time.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas throughout the District in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following condition: We prohibit the use of
horses for any purpose.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas throughout the District in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following condition: We prohibit the use of
horses for any purpose.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on Waterfowl Production
Areas throughout the District in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following condition: You must remove boats, motor
vehicles, fishing equipment, and other personal property (excluding ice
houses) by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
* * * * *

[[Page 54187]]

Devils Lake Wetland Management District

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow migratory game bird
hunting on Waterfowl Production Areas and Wildlife Development Areas
throughout the District in accordance with State regulations subject to
the following conditions:
1. We prohibit hunting on Lambs Lake Waterfowl Production Area in
Nelson County; Pleasant Lake Waterfowl Production Area in Benson
County; and Hart, Nelson, Little Goose, and Vold Waterfowl Production
Areas in Grand Forks County.
2. We prohibit hunting on portions of Kellys Slough Waterfowl
Production Area in Grand Forks County, as posted.
3. You must remove boats, motor vehicles, fishing equipment, and
other personal property (excluding ice houses) by the end of each day
(see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas and Wildlife Development Areas throughout the District
in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. Conditions A1 and A2 apply.
2. We prohibit the use of horses for any purpose.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas and Wildlife Development Areas throughout the District
in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions: Conditions A1, A2, and B2 apply.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on Waterfowl Production
Areas and Wildlife Development Areas throughout the District in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit fishing on Hart, Nelson, Vold, and Kellys Slough
Waterfowl Production Areas in Grand Forks County.
2. You must remove boats, motor vehicles, fishing equipment, and
other personal property (excluding ice houses) by the end of each day
(see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
* * * * *

J. Clark Salyer Wetland Management District

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow migratory game bird
hunting on Waterfowl Production Areas throughout the District in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition:
You must remove boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal
property, and any materials brought onto the area for blind
construction by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of
this chapter). We prohibit bringing any type of live or dead vegetation
onto the refuge for any purpose at any time.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas throughout the District in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following condition: We prohibit the use of
horses for any purpose.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas throughout the District in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following condition: We prohibit the use of
horses for any purpose.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on Waterfowl Production
Areas throughout the District in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following condition: You must remove boats, motor
vehicles, fishing equipment, and other personal property (excluding ice
houses) by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).

Kulm Wetland Management District

Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow migratory game bird
hunting on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions;
1. Refer to the refuge hunting map for designated hunting areas and
information on hunting in specific zones.
2. We prohibit the use of motorized (gas and electric) boats.
3. We prohibit shooting from, on, or across any refuge road.
4. You must remove all boats, decoys, portable blinds, other
personal property, and any materials brought onto the refuge for blind
construction by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of
this chapter).
5. We prohibit pit blinds.
6. We prohibit retrieval of waterfowl in the Archery Only or Deer
and Late Season Pheasant areas; refer to refuge hunting map for
information on hunting in specific zones.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of ring-necked pheasants,
sharp-tailed grouse, gray partridge, cottontail rabbit, jackrabbit,
snowshoe hare, and fox on designated areas of the refuge in accordance
with State regulations subject to the following condition: Refer to the
refuge hunting map for designated hunting areas and restrictions.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow deer and fox hunting on designated
areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. Condition A1 applies.
2. We allow archery hunting on designated areas of the refuge only;
refer to the refuge hunting map for information on hunting in specific
zones.
3. We prohibit the use of horses for any purpose.
4. We prohibit trapping, baiting, and spotlighting.
5. We prohibit permanent tree stands. We allow portable tree stands
that hunters must remove from the refuge by the end of each day (see
Sec. 27.93 of this chapter). We prohibit the use of screw-in tree
steps or similar objects that may damage trees (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
* * * * *

Long Lake Wetland Management District

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow migratory game bird
hunting on

[[Page 54188]]

Waterfowl Production Areas and Wildlife Development Areas throughout
the District in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following condition: You must remove boats, decoys, portable blinds,
other personal property, and any materials brought onto the area for
blind construction by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and
27.94 of this chapter). We prohibit bringing any type of live or dead
vegetation onto the refuge for any purpose at any time.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas and Wildlife Development Areas throughout the District
in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
condition: We prohibit the use of horses for any purpose.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas and Wildlife Development Areas throughout the District
in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
condition: We prohibit the use of horses for any purpose.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on Waterfowl Production
Areas and Wildlife Development Areas throughout the District in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition:
You must remove boats, motor vehicles, fishing equipment, and other
personal property (excluding ice houses) by the end of each day (see
Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
* * * * *

Lostwood Wetland Management District

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow migratory game bird
hunting on Waterfowl Production Areas throughout the District in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition:
You must remove boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal
property, and any materials brought onto the area for blind
construction by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of
this chapter). We prohibit bringing any type of live or dead vegetation
onto the refuge for any purpose at any time.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas throughout the District in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following condition: We prohibit the use of
horses for any purpose.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas throughout the District in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following condition: We prohibit the use of
horses for any purpose.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on Waterfowl Production
Areas throughout the District in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following condition: You must remove boats, motor
vehicles, fishing equipment, and other personal property (excluding ice
houses) by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
* * * * *

Tewaukon Wetland Management District

Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We require hunters, and nonhunters accompanying hunters, to wear
the State-required, legal-orange clothing when hunting game birds
during the deer gun season.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
13. * * *
ii. SILVER BRIDGE--We allow bank fishing from the road right-of-way
around the bridge abutments. You may walk onto the ice from this area
for ice fishing.
* * * * *

Valley City Wetland Management District

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow migratory game bird
hunting on Waterfowl Production Areas throughout the District in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition:
You must remove boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal
property, and any materials brought onto the area for blind
construction by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of
this chapter). We prohibit bringing any type of live or dead vegetation
onto the refuge for any purpose at any time.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas throughout the District in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following condition: We prohibit the use of
horses for any purpose.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas throughout the District in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following condition: We prohibit the use of
horses for any purpose.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on Waterfowl Production
Areas throughout the District in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following condition: You must remove boats, motor
vehicles, fishing equipment, and other personal property (excluding ice
houses) by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).

0
29. Amend Sec. 32.55 Oklahoma by:
0
a. Revising the introductory text of paragraph C. and redesignating
paragraphs C.4., C.5., and C.6. as paragraphs C.5., C.6., and C.7,
adding a new paragraph C.4., and revising paragraph C.6. of Deep Fork
National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising paragraph A.2. and adding paragraph C.5. of Little River
National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Removing paragraphs B.2. and B.3. of Optima National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
d. Adding paragraph A.10. of Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
e. Removing paragraph B.2. and redesignating paragraph B.3. as B.2. of
Washita National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

[[Page 54189]]

Sec. 32.55 Oklahoma.

* * * * *

Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
4. You may hunt feral hog during any established refuge hunting
season. Refuge permits and legal weapons apply for the current hunting
season.
* * * * *
6. You may use tree stands, but you must remove them (see Sec.
27.93 of this chapter) immediately following the end of the hunt
season.
* * * * *

Little River National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We prohibit building and use of permanent blinds. You may only
use portable blinds. You must remove blinds, decoys, and all personal
equipment from the refuge daily (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
5. You may only hunt big game during designated refuge seasons.
* * * * *

Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
10. We prohibit hunters entering the Sandtown Bottom Unit prior to
5 a.m. during hunting season. Hunters must leave the Sandtown Bottom
Unit by 1 hour after legal sunset during hunting season.
* * * * *

0
30. Amend Sec. 32.56 Oregon by:
0
a. Adding paragraphs A.9. and B.3. of Cold Springs National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
b. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A. and revising
paragraphs A.2., B., C., and D. of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Adding paragraphs A.8. and B.1. of McKay Creek National Wildlife
Refuge; and
0
d. Adding paragraphs A.8, B.4., and revising paragraph C. of Umatilla
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.56 Oregon.

* * * * *

Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of dove, goose,
duck, merganser, coot, snipe, and pigeon on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
* * * * *
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field
(see Sec. 32.2(k)).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, quail,
partridge, chukar, coyote, and rabbit on designated areas of the refuge
in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. We allow hunting of pheasant, quail, partridge, chukar, and
rabbit from the third Saturday in November until the end of the State
pheasant season on designated areas of the Blitzen Valley east of
Highway 205. We allow hunting of pheasant, quail, partridge, chukar,
and rabbit on designated areas on Malheur Lake concurrent with the
State pheasant season.
2. We allow hunting of all upland game species during authorized
State seasons on designated areas of the refuge west of Highway 205 and
south of Foster Flat Road.
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field
(see Sec. 32.2(k) of this chapter) on designated areas east of Highway
205 and on Malheur Lake.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer and pronghorn on
designated areas of the refuge west of Highway 205 and south of Foster
Flat Road in accordance with State regulations.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. We allow fishing year-round in the Blitzen River, East Canal,
and Mud Creek upstream from and including Bridge Creek. We allow
fishing in Krumbo Reservoir from the fourth Saturday in April until the
end of October.
2. We prohibit boats, except for nonmotorized boats and boats with
electric motors, on Krumbo Reservoir.

McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

1. Conditions A1, A2, and A8 apply.
* * * * *

Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
8. You may not shoot or discharge any firearm from, across, or
along a public highway, designated route of travel, road, road
shoulder, road embankment, or designated parking area.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. Condition A8 applies.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer on designated areas
of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We allow hunting by special refuge permit only. You must possess
and carry the special refuge permit at all times while hunting.
2. Condition A8 applies.
* * * * *

0
31. Amend Sec. 32.57 Pennsylvania by revising paragraphs A.2., A.3.,
B., C.2., C.4., D.1., D.3., D.4., D.5., and adding paragraphs D.8. and
D.9. of Erie National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.57 Pennsylvania.

* * * * *

Erie National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We only allow nonmotorized boats for waterfowl hunting. Hunters
must remove boats (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge by
legal sunset.
3. We require that hunters remove blinds and decoys from the refuge
by legal sunset (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter)
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of grouse, squirrel,
rabbit, woodchuck, pheasant, quail, raccoon, fox, coyote, skunk, and
opossum on

[[Page 54190]]

designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow hunting on the refuge from September 1 through the end
of February.
2. We require all persons to possess and carry a refuge Special Use
Permit while hunting fox, coyote, and raccoon on the refuge.

3. We allow dogs for hunting; however, they must be under the
immediate control of the hunter at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of
this chapter).

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *

* * * * *
2. Hunters must remove blinds, scaffolds, tree stands, and decoys
(see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge by legal sunset.
* * * * *
4. We require all persons to possess and carry a refuge Special Use
Permit while hunting bear on the refuge.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. We allow bank fishing only on the Seneca Unit of the refuge. We
prohibit wading.
* * * * *
3. We prohibit the use of watercraft for fishing, with the
exception of Area 5 where we allow nonmotorized watercraft use from the
second Saturday in June through September 15. They must remain in an
area from the dike to 3,000 feet (900 m) upstream.
4. We require that all anglers must remove watercraft from the
refuge by legal sunset (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
5. We allow ice fishing in Areas 5 and 7 only.
* * * * *
8. We prohibit the possession of live baitfish on the Seneca Unit.
9. We prohibit the taking or possession of shellfish on the Seneca
Unit of the refuge.
* * * * *
0
32. Amend Sec. 32.60 South Carolina by:
0
a. Adding paragraphs C.15. and C.16. of Pinckney Island National
Wildlife Refuge; and
0
b. Adding paragraph B.4. of Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge to read
as follows:

Sec. 32.60 South Carolina.

* * * * *

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
15. Hunters age 15 and younger must possess and carry a valid
hunter education card in order to hunt.
16. Youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and
normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license.
One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
* * * * *

Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. We prohibit squirrel hunting from a boat or other water
conveyance on the refuge.
* * * * *

0
33. Amend Sec. 32.61 South Dakota by:
0
a. Revising Huron Wetland Management District;
0
b. Revising Lake Andes Wetland Management District;
0
c. Revising Madison Wetland Management District;
0
d. Removing the listing of Pocasse National Wildlife Refuge;
0
e. Revising Sand Lake Wetland Management District; and
0
f. Revising Waubay Wetland Management District to read as follows:

Sec. 32.61 South Dakota.

* * * * *

Huron Wetland Management District

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow migratory game bird
hunting on Waterfowl Production Areas throughout the District in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition:
You must remove boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal
property, and any materials brought onto the area for blind
construction by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of
this chapter). We prohibit bringing any type of live or dead vegetation
onto the refuge for any purpose at any time.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas throughout the District in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following condition: We prohibit the use of
horses for any purpose.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas throughout the District in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow hunters to leave portable tree stands and free-standing
elevated platforms on Waterfowl Production Areas from the first
Saturday after August 25 through February 15.
2. You must label portable tree stands and free-standing elevated
platforms with your name and address or current hunting license number
so it is legible from the ground.
3. We prohibit the use of horses for any purpose.
4. You must remove portable ground blinds and other personal
property by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on Waterfowl Production
Areas throughout the District in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following condition: You must remove boats, motor
vehicles, fishing equipment, and other personal property (excluding ice
houses) by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
* * * * *

Lake Andes Wetland Management District

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow migratory game bird
hunting on Waterfowl Production Areas throughout the District in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition:
You must remove boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal
property, and any materials brought onto the area for blind
construction by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of
this chapter). We prohibit bringing any type of live or dead vegetation
onto the refuge for any purpose at any time.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas throughout the District in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following condition: We prohibit the use of
horses for any purpose.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas throughout the District in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow hunters to leave portable tree stands and free-standing
elevated platforms on Waterfowl Production Areas from the first
Saturday after August 25 through February 15.
2. You must label portable tree stands and free-standing elevated
platforms with your name and address or current hunting license number
so it is legible from the ground.
3. We prohibit the use of horses for any purpose.
4. You must remove portable ground blinds and other personal
property by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on Waterfowl Production
Areas throughout the District in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following condition: You must remove

[[Page 54191]]

boats, motor vehicles, fishing equipment, and other personal property
(excluding ice houses) by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and
27.94 of this chapter).

Madison Wetland Management District

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow migratory game bird
hunting on Waterfowl Production Areas throughout the District in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition:
You must remove boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal
property, and any materials brought onto the area for blind
construction by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of
this chapter). We prohibit bringing any type of live or dead vegetation
onto the refuge for any purpose at any time.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas throughout the District in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following condition: We prohibit the use of
horses for any purpose.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas throughout the District in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow hunters to leave portable tree stands and free-standing
elevated platforms on Waterfowl Production Areas from the first
Saturday after August 25 through February 15.
2. You must label portable tree stands and free-standing elevated
platforms with your name and address or current hunting license number
so it is legible from the ground.
3. We prohibit the use of horses for any purpose.
4. You must remove portable ground blinds and other personal
property by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on Waterfowl Production
Areas throughout the District in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following condition: You must remove boats, motor
vehicles, fishing equipment, and other personal property (excluding ice
houses) by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
* * * * *

Sand Lake Wetland Management District

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow migratory game bird
hunting on Waterfowl Production Areas throughout the District in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition:
You must remove boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal
property, and any materials brought onto the area for blind
construction by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of
this chapter). We prohibit bringing any type of live or dead vegetation
onto the refuge for any purpose at any time.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas throughout the District in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following condition: We prohibit the use of
horses for any purpose.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas throughout the District in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow hunters to leave portable tree stands and free-standing
elevated platforms on Waterfowl Production Areas from the first
Saturday after August 25 through February 15.
2. You must label portable tree stands and free-standing elevated
platforms with your name and address or current hunting license number
so it is legible from the ground.
3. We prohibit the use of horses for any purpose.
4. You must remove portable ground blinds and other personal
property by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on Waterfowl Production
Areas throughout the District in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following condition: You must remove boats, motor
vehicles, fishing equipment, and other personal property (excluding ice
houses) by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
* * * * *

Waubay Wetland Management District

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow migratory game bird
hunting on Waterfowl Production Areas throughout the District in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition:
You must remove boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal
property, and any materials brought onto the area for blind
construction by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of
this chapter). We prohibit bringing any type of live or dead vegetation
onto the refuge for any purpose at any time.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas throughout the District in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following condition: We prohibit the use of
horses for any purpose.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas throughout the District in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow hunters to leave portable tree stands and free-standing
elevated platforms on Waterfowl Production Areas from the first
Saturday after August 25 through February 15.
2. You must label portable tree stands and free-standing elevated
platforms with your name and address or current hunting license number
so it is legible from the ground.
3. We prohibit the use of horses for any purpose.
4. You must remove portable ground blinds and other personal
property by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on Waterfowl Production
Areas throughout the District in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following condition: You must remove boats, motor
vehicles, fishing equipment, and other personal property (excluding ice
houses) by the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).

0
34. Amend Sec. 32.63 Tennessee by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs A.3., A.5., B.2., B.3., C.1., C.4., and D. of
Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
c. Revising paragraphs A.3., A.5., A.8., B.2., B.3., C.1., C.4., C.5.,
D.4., and D.7. of Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge to read as
follows:

Sec. 32.63 Tennessee.

* * * * *

Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. You must possess and carry a signed refuge permit and report
game taken as specified within the permit.
* * * * *
5. Mourning dove, woodcock, and snipe seasons close during all
firearms and muzzleloader deer seasons.
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. Spring squirrel season is closed on the refuge.
3. Squirrel, rabbit, and quail seasons close during all firearms
and muzzleloader deer seasons.
* * * * *

[[Page 54192]]

C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A3, and A7 through A8 (each adult may
supervise only one youth hunter) apply.
* * * * *
4. We only allow the use of portable blinds and tree stands on the
refuge. You must remove blinds, tree stands, and all other personal
equipment (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) from the
refuge at the end of each day's hunt.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. We only allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
2. We only allow fishing with pole and line or rod and reel.
3. We prohibit possession of unauthorized fishing gear, including
trotlines, limblines, juglines, yo-yos, nets, spears, and snag hooks,
while fishing on the refuge.
4. We allow the use of bow and arrow or a gig to take nongame fish
on refuge waters.
5. We prohibit taking frog or turtle on the refuge (see Sec. 27.21
of this chapter).
* * * * *

Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game
birds on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. The refuge is a day-use area only, with the exception of legal
hunting/fishing activities.
2. We prohibit the use of motorized off-road vehicles (e.g., ATVs)
on the refuge (see Sec. 27.31(f) of this chapter).
3. You must possess and carry a signed refuge permit and report
game taken as specified within the permit.
4. We only allow waterfowl hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and
Saturdays. Legal hunting hours for duck, goose, coot, and merganser are
\1/2\ hour before legal sunrise to 12 p.m. (noon).
5. Mourning dove, woodcock, and snipe seasons close during all
firearms and muzzleloader deer seasons.
6. We allow only portable blinds, and hunters must remove all
boats, blinds, and decoys (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter) from the refuge by 1 p.m. daily.
7. We allow hunters to access the refuge no more than 2 hours
before legal sunrise, and they must leave the refuge no more than 2
hours after legal sunset.
8. Each youth hunter (under age 16) must remain within sight and
normal voice contact of an adult (age 21 or older).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit,
quail, raccoon, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A3 and A7 through A8 apply.
2. Spring squirrel season is closed on the refuge.
3. Squirrel, rabbit, and quail seasons close during all firearms
and muzzleloader deer seasons.
4. Hunting hours for raccoon and opossum are legal sunset to legal
sunrise.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A3, A7, and A8 (each adult may supervise
only one youth hunter) apply.
2. You may only participate in the refuge deer gun hunts with a
special quota permit issued through random drawing. Information for
permit applications and season dates is available at the refuge
headquarters.
3. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k))
while hunting turkey.
4. We only allow the use of portable blinds and tree stands on the
refuge. You must remove blinds, tree stands, and all other personal
equipment (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) from the
refuge at the end of each day's hunt.
5. We allow archery-only hunting between State Highway 76 and
Interstate 40.
6. We only allow archery hunting the first 16 days of the State
season.
7. We are closed to Youth-Deer hunting.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. Conditions A1 and A2 apply.
2. We only allow fishing with pole and line or rod and reel.
3. We prohibit possession of unauthorized fishing gear, including
trotlines, limblines, juglines, yo-yos, nets, spears, and snag hooks,
while fishing on the refuge.
4. We allow use of a bow and arrow or gig to take nongame fish on
refuge waters.
5. We prohibit taking frog or turtle on the refuge (see Sec. 27.21
of this chapter).
6. We seasonally close the sanctuary areas of the refuge to the
public November 15 through March 15.
7. We open Oneal Lake for fishing during a restricted season and
for authorized special events. Information on event and season dates is
available at the refuge headquarters.
8. You must immediately release all largemouth bass under 14 inches
(30 cm) in length on Goose and Quail Hollow Lakes.
9. We allow the use of nonmotorized boats and boats with electric
motors only.
10. We only allow bank fishing on Goose Lake.

Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. You must possess and carry a signed refuge permit and report
game taken as specified within the permit.
* * * * *
5. Mourning dove, woodcock, and snipe seasons close during all
firearms and muzzleloader deer seasons.
* * * * *
8. We close Sunk Lake Public Use Natural Area to all migratory game
bird hunting, and we close the southern unit of Sunk Lake Public Use
Natural Area to all hunting.
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. Spring squirrel season is closed on the refuge.
3. Squirrel, rabbit, and quail seasons close during all firearms
and muzzleloader deer seasons.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A3, and A7 through A9 (each adult may
supervise only one youth hunter) apply.
* * * * *
4. We only allow the use of portable blinds and tree stands on the
refuge. You must remove blinds, tree stands, and all other personal
equipment (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) from the
refuge at the end of each day's hunt.
5. We allow archery-deer hunting only on the northern unit of Sunk
Lake Public Use Natural Area.
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
4. We allow use of a bow and arrow or a gig to take nongame fish on
refuge waters.
* * * * *
7. We allow the use of nonmotorized boats and boats with electric
motors only on Sunk Lake Public Use Natural Area.
* * * * *

0
35. Amend Sec. 32.63 Texas by:
0
a. Redesignating paragraphs A.1. through A.18. as paragraphs A.2.
through A.19., adding a new paragraph A.1., and revising paragraphs
A.12., A.13., and A.14. of Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge;

[[Page 54193]]

0
b. Redesignating paragraphs A.1. through A.3. as paragraphs A.2.
through A.4. and adding a new paragraph A.1. of Big Boggy National
Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Redesignating paragraphs A.1. through A.4. as paragraphs A.2.
through A.5., adding a new paragraph A.1., and revising paragraph D. of
Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge;
0
d. Revising paragraphs C.2., C.3., C.5., C.6., and adding paragraph
C.17. of Laguna Atascosca National Wildlife Refuge;
0
e. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A., redesignating
paragraphs A.1. through A.15. as paragraphs A.2. through A.16., adding
a new paragraph A.1., revising paragraphs A.4. and A.5., revising
paragraph D.5., and removing paragraph D.6. of McFaddin National
Wildlife Refuge;
0
f. Redesignating paragraphs A.1. through A.4. as paragraphs A.2.
through A.5., adding a new paragraph A.1., revising paragraph A.2., and
revising paragraph D. of San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge;
0
g. Redesignating paragraphs A.1. through A.13. as paragraphs A.2.
through A.14., adding a new paragraph A.1., revising paragraphs A.5.,
A.6., A.11., A.13., and revising paragraph D.4. of Texas Point National
Wildlife Refuge; and
0
h. Revising paragraphs B.2., B.4., and the introductory text of
paragraph D. of Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge to read as
follows:

Sec. 32.63 Texas.

* * * * *

Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. Season dates will be concurrent with the State for the September
teal season, youth-only season, and duck and coot regular season in the
Texas South Zone, and goose regular season in the Texas East Zone, with
the exception that we will prohibit duck (not including the September
teal and youth-only seasons) and coot hunting on the refuge until the
last Saturday in October. If the State-specified duck and coot regular
season opens later than the last Saturday in October, then hunting on
the refuge will open consistent with the State-specified season date.
* * * * *
12. We prohibit the use of airboats, marsh buggies, ATVs (see Sec.
27.31(f) of this chapter) and personal watercraft.
13. On inland waters of refuge hunt areas open to motorized boats,
we restrict the operation of motorized boats to lakes, ponds, ditches,
and other waterways. We prohibit the operation of motorized boats on or
through emergent wetland vegetation.
14. On inland waters of the refuge hunt areas open to motorized
boats, we restrict the use of boats powered by air-cooled or radiator-
cooled engines to those powered by a single engine of 25 hp or less and
utilizing a propeller 9 inches (22.5 cm) in diameter or less.
* * * * *

Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuge

Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. Season dates will be concurrent with the State for the September
teal season, youth-only season, and duck and coot regular season in the
Texas South Zone, and goose regular season in the Texas East Zone, with
the exception that we will prohibit duck (not including the September
teal and youth-only seasons) and coot hunting on the refuge until the
last Saturday in October. If the State-specified duck and coot regular
season opens later than the last Saturday in October, then hunting on
the refuge will open consistent with the State-specified season date.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow fishing only on Nick's Lake, Salt Lake, and Lost Lake
and along the Salt Lake Weir Dike and the Bastrop Bayou Public Fishing
Areas.
2. We allow access for shore fishing at Bastrop Bayou, Clay Banks
and Salt Lake Public Fishing Areas, and Salt Lake Weir Dike.
3. We open Bastrop Bayou to fishing 24 hours a day; we prohibit
camping.
4. We open all other fishing areas from legal sunrise to legal
sunset.
5. We only allow nonmotorized boat launching at the Salt Lake
Public Fishing Area. The refuge provides no other boat launching
facilities.
6. We prohibit the use of trotlines, sail lines, set lines, jugs,
gigs, spears, bush hooks, snatch hooks, crossbows, or bows and arrows
of any type.
* * * * *

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We allow archery and firearm hunting on designated units of the
refuge. Units 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8 are open to archery hunting during
designated dates. Units 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8 are open to firearm hunting
during designated dates. We close the following areas to hunting:
Adolph Thomae, Jr. County Park in Unit 3, posted ``No Hunting Zones''
within all hunt units, La Selva Verde Tract (Armstrong), Waller Tract,
COHYCO, Inc. Tract, Bahia Grande Unit, and South Padre Unit.
3. We offer hunting during specific portions of the State hunting
season. We determine specific deer hunt dates annually, and they
usually fall within November, December, and January. We may provide
special feral pig and nilgai antelope hunts to reduce populations at
any time during the year.
* * * * *
5. We require hunters to visibly wear 400 square inches (2,600
cm\2\) of hunter orange, which includes wearing a minimum of 144 square
inches (936 cm\2\) visible on the chest, a minimum of 144 square inches
(936 cm\2\) visible on the back, and a hunter-orange hat or cap visible
on the head when in the field. We allow hunter-orange camouflage
patterns. We allow archery hunters during the archery-only hunts to
remove their hunter orange in the field only when hunting at a
stationary location.
6. Each youth hunter, ages 12 to 17, must be accompanied by and
remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 18 or
older. Hunters must be at least age 12.
* * * * *
17. We require written documentation from a licensed physician to
certify a hunter as temporarily or permanently disabled or mobility
impaired no later than 10 calendar days before the start of the
scouting or hunt period. We allow the use of all-terrain vehicles
(ATVs), which excludes motorcycles and full-size passenger vehicles,
for hunters with mobility impairments and other disabilities through
the issuance of a Special Use Permit.
* * * * *

[[Page 54194]]

McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck,
and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Season dates will be concurrent with the State for the September
teal season, youth-only season, and duck and coot regular season in the
Texas South Zone, and goose regular season in the Texas East Zone, with
the exception that we will prohibit duck (not including the September
teal and youth-only seasons) and coot hunting on the refuge until the
last Saturday in October. If the State-specified duck and coot regular
season opens later than the last Saturday in October, then hunting on
the refuge will open consistent with the State-specified season date.
* * * * *
4. You may access hunt areas by foot, nonmotorized watercraft,
outboard motorboat, or airboat. Airboats may not exceed 10 hp with
direct drive with a propeller length of 48 inches (120 cm) or less.
Engines may not exceed 2 cylinders and 484 cc. We prohibit all other
motorized vehicles. We prohibit marsh buggies, ATVs, and personal
watercraft (see Sec. 27.31(f) of this chapter).
5. On inland waters of the refuge open to motorized boats, we
restrict the use of boats powered by air-cooled or radiator-cooled
engines to those powered by a single engine of 25 hp or less and
utilizing a propeller 9 inches (22.5 cm) in diameter or less.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
5. Conditions A5 and A6 apply.

San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge

Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. Season dates will be concurrent with the State for the September
teal season, youth-only season, and duck and coot regular season in the
Texas South Zone, and goose regular season in the Texas East Zone, with
the exception that we will prohibit duck (not including the September
teal and youth-only seasons) and coot hunting on the refuge until the
last Saturday in October. If the State-specified duck and coot regular
season opens later than the last Saturday in October, then hunting on
the refuge will open consistent with the State-specified season date.
* * * * *
5. You may access hunt areas by foot, nonmotorized watercraft,
outboard motorboat, or airboat. Airboats may not exceed 10 hp with
direct drive with a propeller length of 48 inches (120 cm) or less.
Engines may not exceed 2 cylinders and 484 cc. We prohibit all other
motorized vehicles. We prohibit marsh buggies, ATVs, and personal
watercraft (see Sec. 27.31(f) of this chapter).
6. On inland waters of the refuge open to motorized boats, we
restrict the use of boats powered by air-cooled or radiator-cooled
engines to those powered by a single engine of 25 hp or less and
utilizing a propeller 9 inches (22.5 cm) in diameter or less.
* * * * *
11. We prohibit pits and permanent blinds. We allow portable binds
or temporary natural vegetation blinds. You must remove portable blinds
(see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) from the refuge daily.
* * * * *
13. Dogs accompanying hunters must be under the immediate control
of handlers at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
4. Conditions A6 and A7 apply.

Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We allow hunting during a designated 23-day season. Hunters may
enter the refuge and park in an assigned parking area no earlier than
4:30 a.m. We allow hunting from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise to
legal sunset. We require hunters to return a data log card.
* * * * *
4. We prohibit the use of dogs, feeders, baiting (see Sec.
32.2(h)), campsites, fires (see Sec. 27.95(a) of this chapter),
horses, bicycles, and all-terrain vehicles.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on most refuge tracts in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
0
36. Amend Sec. 32.64 Utah by revising paragraph A.1. of Bear River
Migratory Bird Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.64 Utah.

* * * * *

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. Hunters may not shoot or hunt within 100 yards (90 m) of
principal refuge roads (the tour route).
* * * * *
0
37. Amend Sec. 32.66 Virginia by:
0
a. Revising paragraph C.2.vi. of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising paragraphs C.7. through C.12. and adding paragraph C.13. of
James River National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Revising paragraphs A.3. and A.7. of Plum Tree Island National
Wildlife Refuge;
0
d. Revising paragraphs C.1., C.5. through C.8., and adding paragraph
C.9. of Presquile National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
e. Revising paragraph C., D.1., D.2., and D.5. of Rappahannock River
Valley National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.66 Virginia.

* * * * *

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. * * *
* * * * *
vi. We reserve Zone 2 for hunters confined to wheelchairs. Hunters
confined to wheelchairs must remain on the paved trail or overlook
platform on Woodland Trail. Hunters confined to wheelchairs who require
assistance retrieving or dressing harvested animals

[[Page 54195]]

must have a nonhunting assistant available.
* * * * *

James River National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
7. During firearms season, all hunters must wear in a visible
manner on head, chest, and back a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600
cm\2\) of solid-colored, hunter-orange clothing or material.
8. During archery only season, archers must wear in a visible
manner a solid-colored, hunter-orange hat or cap while moving to and
from their stand.
9. We require that firearm hunters remain within 25 feet (7.5 m) of
their assigned stand unless tracking or retrieving a wounded deer.
10. We allow hunters to retrieve wounded deer from closed areas
with prior consent from a refuge employee only.
11. We require hunters to unload all weapons while on the refuge
(see Sec. 27.42(b) of this chapter), except when at their assigned
stand.
12. We prohibit the discharge of firearm or archery equipment
across or within refuge roads, including roads closed to vehicles.
13. You must be at least age 18 to hunt without an accompanying,
qualified adult. Youth hunters between ages 12 and 17 may only hunt
when accompanied by an adult age 21 or older, who must also possess and
carry a valid hunting license. The minimum age for hunters is 12.
* * * * *

Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. You may hunt from: the location of your choice, unimproved shore
locations, camouflaged boats (float blinds) anchored to the shore, or
temporary blinds erected on the interior of the island.
* * * * *
7. On all hunt days, hunters must retrieve and remove all decoys,
temporary blinds, and equipment and leave Cow Island by 1 p.m. (see
Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
* * * * *

Presquile National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. We require hunters to purchase a refuge hunt permit. You may
obtain permits by contacting the Charles City office at (804) 829-9020.
The hunter must possess and carry the signed permit while on refuge
property.
* * * * *
5. We allow only portable tree stands that hunters must remove at
the end of each hunt day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
6. We require hunters to wear in a conspicuous manner on head,
chest, and back a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm2) of solid-
colored, hunter-orange clothing or material.
7. We require hunters to remain within 25 feet (7.5 m) of their
designated stand unless tracking or retrieving a wounded deer.
8. We require all hunters to unload all firearms while on the
refuge, except when at their assigned stand (see Sec. 27.42(b) of this
chapter).
9. You must be at least age 18 to hunt without an accompanying,
qualified adult. Youth hunters between ages 12 and 17 may only hunt
when accompanied by an adult age 21 or older who must also possess and
carry a valid hunting license. The minimum age for hunters is 12.
* * * * *

Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. We require hunters to purchase a refuge hunt permit. You may
obtain permits by contacting the refuge headquarters at (804) 333-1470.
The hunter must possess and carry the permit while on refuge property.
2. We allow shotgun, muzzleloader, and archery hunting on
designated refuge hunt days.
3. We allow the take of two deer of either sex per day.
4. We prohibit dogs.
5. We allow only portable tree stands that hunters must remove at
the end of each hunt day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
6. During firearm seasons, all hunters must wear in a visible
manner on head, chest, and back a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600
cm\2\) of solid-colored, hunter-orange clothing or material.
7. During archery only season, archers must wear in a visible
manner a solid-colored, hunter-orange hat or cap while moving to and
from their stand.
8. We prohibit the possession of loaded firearms or nocked arrows
while on the refuge roads.
9. We require hunters to unload all weapons while traveling between
the hunting sites (see Sec. 27.42(b) of this chapter).
10. We prohibit the discharge of a firearm or archery equipment
across or within refuge roads, including roads closed to vehicles.
11. We allow hunters to retrieve wounded deer from closed areas
only with prior consent from a refuge employee.
12. You must be at least age 18 to hunt without an accompanying,
qualified adult. Youth hunters between ages 12 and 17 may only hunt
when accompanied by an adult age 21 or older who must also possess and
carry a valid hunting license. The minimum age for hunters is 12.
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. We allow fishing access from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
2. We allow fishing from the Wilna Pond pier, banks of the dam, and
watercraft. We prohibit fishing from the aluminum catwalk.
* * * * *
5. We prohibit the use of lead sinkers.
* * * * *

0
38. Amend Sec. 32.67 Washington by:
0
a. Adding paragraphs A.3., B.3., and C.3. of Columbia National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
b. Revising paragraphs A. and C. of Conboy Lake National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
c. Adding paragraph A.5., removing paragraphs B.4., B.5., adding a new
paragraph B.4., removing paragraphs C.3., and C.4., and adding a new
paragraph C.3. of Hanford Reach National Monument/Saddle Mountain
National Wildlife Refuge;
0

d. Revising paragraphs A. and C. of Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the
Columbian White-Tailed Deer;
0
e. Revising paragraphs A., B., and C. of Little Pend Oreille National
Wildlife Refuge;
0
f. Adding paragraphs A.14. and B.5. and revising paragraph C. of McNary
National Wildlife Refuge;
0
g. Revising paragraphs A. and D. of Ridgefield National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
h. Adding paragraphs A.9 and B.4. of Toppenish National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
i. Adding paragraphs A.9. and B.3, and revising paragraph C. of
Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
j. Adding paragraphs A.7. and B.5, revising the introductory text of
paragraph C., revising paragraph C.3., and adding paragraph C.5. of
Willapa National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.67 Washington.

* * * * *

[[Page 54196]]

Columbia National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. You may not shoot or discharge any firearm from, across, or
along a public highway, designated route of travel, road, road
shoulder, road embankment, or designated parking area.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. Condition A3 applies.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. Condition A3 applies.
* * * * *

Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of dove, goose,
duck, coot, and common snipe on designated areas of the refuge in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Waterfowl and snipe hunters may possess only approved nontoxic
shot while in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
2. You may not shoot or discharge any firearm from, across, or
along a public highway, designated route of travel, road, road
shoulder, road embankment, or designated parking area.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer on designated areas
of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following condition: Condition A2 applies.
* * * * *

Hanford Reach National Monument/Saddle Mountain National Wildlife
Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
5. We prohibit shooting or discharging any firearm from, across, or
along a public highway, designated route of travel, road, road
shoulder, road embankment, or designated parking area.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. Condition A5 applies.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. Condition A5 applies.
* * * * *

Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck,
coot, and common snipe on designated areas of the Hunting Island Unit
in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field
(see Sec. 32.2(k)).
2. You may not shoot or discharge any firearm from, across, or
along a public highway, designated route of travel, road, road
shoulder, road embankment, or designated parking area.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of elk on designated areas of
the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We conduct the refuge hunt by State permit only. We require
hunters to possess and carry current Washington State elk licenses,
valid for the refuge's hunt unit.
2. We allow a maximum of ten hunters to use the refuge in any one
day, with one hunt period consisting of 5 consecutive days (Monday
through Friday only).
3. We allow a maximum of four hunt periods per hunt season; two
regular permit hunts, and if required, two ``as needed'' permit hunts.
4. We will use the State Second Elk Tag As-Needed hunt program as
necessary to control elk numbers during months outside the normal
hunting season, except we prohibit hunting during the period April
through August.
5. The State will publish the hunting dates, number of permits to
be issued, and other regulations for the refuge hunt in the State's Big
Game hunting pamphlet. You may also obtain this information by
contacting the refuge headquarters.
6. We allow hunting of elk using muzzleloading firearms only.
7. We require hunters to attend a refuge-specific orientation
session each year prior to hunting on the refuge.
8. We allow hunting on Mondays through Fridays only. We close the
refuge to hunting on weekends and Federal holidays.
9. We require hunters to sign in and out each day at the refuge
headquarters. When signing out for the day, you must report hunting
success, failure, and any hit-but-not retrieved animals.
10. No more than one unlicensed person may assist each licensed
hunter during the hunt.
11. Additional persons may assist hunters during elk retrieval
only.
12. We prohibit hunters from operating motorized vehicles on the
refuge.
13. Condition A2 applies.
* * * * *

Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game
birds on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit waterfowl hunting on any creek or stream.
2. We allow hunting during approved State hunting seasons occurring
September through December and during the State spring wild turkey
season only. We prohibit hunting and discharge of firearms during all
other periods.
3. You may not shoot or discharge any firearm from, across, or
along a public highway, designated route of travel, road, road
shoulder, road embankment, or designated parking area.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit use of dogs except for hunting and retrieving upland
game birds.
2. Conditions A2 and A3 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of big game on designated
areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We prohibit all use of dogs for hunting of big game.
2. Conditions A2 and A3 apply.
* * * * *

McNary National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
14. You may not shoot or discharge any firearm from, across, or
along a public highway, designated route of travel, road, road
shoulder, road embankment, or designated parking area.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
5. Condition A14 applies.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer only on the
Stateline, Juniper Canyon, and Wallula Units in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. On the Wallula Unit, we only allow shotgun and archery hunting.
2. Condition A14 applies.
* * * * *

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck,
and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:

[[Page 54197]]

1. We allow hunting by special refuge permit only. You must possess
and carry the special refuge permit at all times while hunting.
2. You may not shoot or discharge any firearm from, across, or
along a public highway, designated route of travel, road, road
shoulder, road embankment, or designated parking area.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing and frogging on designated areas
of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We allow fishing and frogging from March 1 through September 30
only.
2. We allow fishing and frogging from legal sunrise to legal sunset
only.

Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge

Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
9. You may not shoot or discharge any firearm from, across, or
along a public highway, designated route of travel, road, road
shoulder, road embankment, or designated parking area.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. Condition A9 applies.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer on designated areas
of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We allow hunting by special refuge permit only. You must possess
and carry the special refuge permit at all times while hunting.
2. Condition A9 applies.
* * * * *

Willapa National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
7. You may not shoot or discharge any firearm from, across, or
along a public highway, designated route of travel, road, road
shoulder, road embankment, or designated parking area.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
5. Condition A7 applies.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer, elk, and bear on
Long Island, and deer and elk only on designated areas of the refuge
north of the Bear River and east of Wallapa Bay, in accordance with
State regulations subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
3. We prohibit bear hunting on any portion of the refuge except
Long Island.
* * * * *
5. Condition A7 applies.
* * * * *

0
39. Amend Sec. 32.69 Wisconsin by revising paragraphs B.1. and B.4.,
adding paragraph B.6., and revising paragraph C. of Necedah National
Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:

Sec. 32.69 Wisconsin.

* * * * *

Necedah National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Shotgun hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while
hunting on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(k)). This includes turkey
hunters.
* * * * *
4. You may use dogs only when hunting migratory game birds and
upland game (except raccoon).
* * * * *
6. You may possess only unloaded guns in the retrieval zone of the
Refuge Area 2 between 20th Street West and Suk-Cerney flowage during
the State waterfowl hunting season, except while hunting deer during
the deer gun season.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit possession of a loaded firearm or a nocked arrow on
a bow within 50 feet (15 m) of the centerline of all public roads.
Also, during the gun deer season, we prohibit possession of a loaded
firearm within 50 feet (15 m) of the center of refuge trails, and we
prohibit discharge of guns from, across, down, or alongside these
trails.
2. We prohibit possession of a centerfire rifle capable of holding
more than seven cartridges.
3. We prohibit construction or use of permanent blinds, stands, or
ladders.
4. You may use portable elevated devices but must lower them to
ground level at the close of shooting hours each day. You must remove
all blinds, stands, platforms, and ladders from the refuge at the end
of the hunting season (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
5. Hunters must clearly mark all non-natural blinds, stands,
platforms, and ladders on the exterior with the owner's name and
address in letters that are 1 inch (2.5 cm) high. You may also use an
attached metal tag with stamped or engraved lettering that is clearly
visible.
6. We permanently close Refuge Area 1 to all hunting.
7. Refuge Area 2 is open to deer hunting during State archery, gun,
and muzzleloader seasons, except for any October special Zone-T gun
hunts.
8. Refuge Area 3 is open to deer hunting during the State regular
gun, muzzleloader, and late archery seasons. Unarmed deer hunters may
enter Area 3 to scout beginning the Saturday prior to the gun deer
season
9. We prohibit target or practice shooting.
10. You may utilize clothes pins marked with flagging or reflective
material. We allow no other types of marking. You must clearly identify
the owner's name and address on the clothes pin or the flagging itself.
Hunters must remove all clothes pins by the last day of archery season.
11. Beginning the Saturday prior to the opening of the State
regular gun deer season, you may use nonmotorized boats on Sprague-
Goose Pools until freeze-up in order to access areas for deer hunting.
* * * * *

Dated: August 26, 2005.
Craig Manson,
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 05-17792 Filed 9-12-05; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-55-P