[Federal Register: June 11, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 113)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 33157-33200]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr11jn08-15]
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Part II
Department of the Interior
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Fish and Wildlife Service
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50 CFR Part 32
2008-2009 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-AU61
2008-2009 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 one refuge to the list of
areas open for sport fishing. We also amend certain regulations on
other refuges that pertain to migratory game bird hunting, upland game
hunting, big game hunting, and sport fishing for the 2008-2009 season.
DATES: This rule is effective July 11, 2008.
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 or our/we) 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.
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 fish and 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
(container for carrying fish) 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.
In this rulemaking, we are also standardizing and clarifying the
language of existing 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 Refuge
System, using the word ``allow'' instead of ``permit'' when we do not
require the use of a permit for an activity, and using active voice
(i.e., ``We restrict entry into the refuge'' vs. ``Entry into the
refuge is restricted''.)
Statutory Authority
The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16
U.S.C. 668dd-668ee, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System
Improvement Act of 1997 [Improvement Act]) (Administration Act) and the
Refuge Recreation Act of 1962 (16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4) (Recreation Act)
govern the administration and public use of refuges.
Amendments enacted by the Improvement Act built 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 our
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 with the mission for which the refuge was
established. 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 Improvement 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
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initial compliance with the Administration Act and the Recreation Act
for hunting and sport fishing on 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 Public Comment
In the July 24, 2006, Federal Register (71 FR 41864), 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 16, 2006, the end of a 30-
day comment period that opened on the date of public filing (July 17,
2006). We received 24 comments on the proposed rule. We grouped the
comments/responses by major issue area.
Comment 1: A commenter asked why on Delta National Wildlife Refuge
in Louisiana we are limiting ``recreational fishing'' to 1/2 hour
before and after daylight hours as there is no such limitation for
commercial trawlers and fishermen. The commenter feels it is arbitrary
to exclude recreational fishermen who may wish to nightfish for red
drum or speckle trout during the hot summer.
Response 1: We close Delta NWR to all night activities, and we
prohibit commercial activities on the refuge. There are several
navigable waterways flowing through the interior of the refuge that are
not under our jurisdiction. The State of Louisiana allows crabbing on
those navigable waters but access to those areas would still be through
the refuge, and thus we would prohibit access at night. All users of
the refuge must abide by the same guidelines of access before and after
legal sunset. We made no change to the rule as a result of this
comment.
Comment 2: Several commenters asked why DeSoto National Wildlife
Refuge in Iowa had changed its policy regarding removal of tree stands
for bowhunters at the end of each hunting day as opposed to at the end
of each season. They enumerated the following concerns: Putting up and
taking down tree stands in the dark is dangerous and unsafe; the rule
will cause rifle hunters to shoot from the ground instead of using
stands thus creating unsafe situations; carrying in and setting up tree
stands each morning is noisy thus forecasting to the deer the arrival
of hunters; it will limit the number of hunters physically able to
transport their stands on a daily basis; and this change is unfair as
the refuge was purchased with ``Pittman-Roberts'' money and would
severely limit hunter access.
Response 2: We have decided not to adopt this amendment and, for
this season, we will retain the 2005-2006 regulations, which ask
hunters to remove their personal property from the refuge at the end of
the season. We would remind hunters to please keep in mind the impact
their blind has on other hunters and ask that they leave blinds up only
for the periods in which the blinds will receive that hunter's use.
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, which consists of land the
majority of which was purchased with Migratory Bird Conservation Fund
dollars, does not require the use of tree stands by hunters for deer
hunting. If the hunters believe it is unsafe to put up or take down a
tree stand in the dark or in daylight, or if hunters perceive that
issues such as noise or physical problems limit their success, they
should use other methods to hunt deer such as ground blinds or hunting
within easier walking distance to parking lots, etc. We do not regulate
where hunters place themselves. The refuge management acknowledges
there is inherent risk in any type of activity on a refuge. We strongly
promote hunter safety in all of our hunts. Rifle and bow hunters are
responsible for any shot they take. During the 2005 season rifle hunts,
many hunters sat on the ground, used ground blinds, or simply sat on a
bucket, and we had no reported accidents by hunters. Disabled hunters,
conversely, use ground blinds. When hunters place a stand on Federal
land, they are effectively claiming that section of ground as their
own, whether that is their intention or not. Other hunters, coming
through the area scouting for a spot to hunt, see the first hunter's
stand and often leave the area because it has been ``claimed.'' Hunters
on Federal land, while in the act of hunting, have the privilege to use
an area for their hunt. However, when they are through hunting, they
need to leave the area unclaimed so another hunter may have the same
opportunity to hunt that spot and so that the nonhunting public may
view an unlittered landscape. We removed the language requiring daily
removal of tree stands from DeSoto NWR's regulation.
Comment 3: Also at DeSoto NWR, in a related comment to the tree
stand issue, the commenter felt that a better rule would be to require
all deer hunters to shoot a doe before they are allowed a buck, and for
the refuge to return some of the refuge land that is grass back to
agriculture crops, thereby keeping the deer on the refuge for the
hunters and leaving a larger protion of the crops for winter food for
wildlife.
Response 3: The technique of taking a doe before a buck is used to
take more does on a specific area and has no bearing on the proposed
rule (the same is true about habitat on the refuge). Enforcing an
``earn a buck'' hunt is costly and generally used as a last resort when
an area cannot sufficiently fill its allotted doe tags to effectively
manage the deer population on the refuge. DeSoto NWR has had no trouble
filling needed tags for the deer hunts. As far as management of
habitat, DeSoto has conducted extensive public reviews, including
Federal Register comment periods, during the creation of the station's
comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) in 2001. A major portion of the
CCP states the types of habitat that the refuge will support. We
decided that the refuge would reduce the acres in agricultural crop
ground to 475 acres by 2015. The refuge is converting cropland acreage
to more natural and regionally scarce habitats such as native
grasslands, riparian forests dominated by cottonwood, and moist soil/
wetland plant communities. We made no changes to the rule as a result
of this comment.
Comment 4: In another comment related to DeSoto NWR, a commenter
asked how our wildlife refuges can have different sets of rules
concerning the application of tree stands for deer hunters in the many
refuges across the country.
Response 4: For the most part, our refuge regulations are
consistent with State regulations, which may reflect the variances in
refuge decisions concerning changes in rules on the same issue from
refuge to refuge. We also allow refuge managers the latitude to be more
restrictive than the State when they deem it necessary and appropriate
for their particular refuge. But differences between refuges occur even
within the same State. In Montana, for example, Charles M. Russell NWR
allows year-round stands, while Lee Metcalf NWR requires daily removal
of stands. By this regulation, DeSoto NWR will continue to allow deer
stands to remain in place for the entire season. We prefer that hunters
leave them up only for the periods when they will receive regular use.
We changed the regulation (see Response 2) to reflect this
decision.
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Comment 5: In a comment also related to DeSoto Refuge, the
commenter said that the State regulations say that any stand put up on
public ground becomes public property for others to use, and that this
rule has served DeSoto well and should be continued.
Response 5: As discussed in 4 above, we adopt State
regulations where we can, but we may also be more restrictive than the
States. DeSoto NWR experienced many problems with this aspect of the
State's policy concerning ``ownership'' of stands. Some hunters would
erect six to eight stands to ``block'' an area, and very few hunters
would use someone else's stand. On those rare occasions when hunters
tried to use someone else's stand, we were informed that those hunters
were threatened. For the reasons discussed in the comments above, we
are changing the regulations to allow hunters to leave their blinds in
for the season, however, we prefer that hunters limit their blind
placement to those periods of regular use and only put up one blind per
hunter.
Comment 6: Several commenters requested an extension of the 30-day
public comment period to gather and examine each refuge's ``opening
package'' and to allow more thoughtful review of the proposed rule. In
connection with this, one commenter felt that we were in conflict with
Executive Order 12996, ``Management and General Public Use of the
National Wildlife Refuge System,'' and the public involvement section
therein and also felt that hunting programs are ``generally
inconsistent with refuge-specific purposes and represent an
incompatible use.''
Response 6: 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 provided
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. In
2006, the proposed rule went on public file on July 17, published on
July 24, and the public comment period ended August 16, 30 days after
the date the document went on public file.
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.
Concerning the comment on Executive Order 12996 (March 25, 1996)
(E.O. 12996) that hunting and/or fishing programs are inconsistent with
refuge-specific purposes and represent an incompatible use, E.O. 12996
helped refine the mission and guiding principles of the Refuge System.
It provided directives to the Secretary of the Interior in carrying out
his trustee and stewardship responsibility of the Refuge System.
Regarding public involvement, E.O. 12996 stated, ``The public should be
given a full and open opportunity to participate in decisions regarding
acquisition and management of our National Wildlife Refuges.'' We
believe we provide the public that opportunity, as discussed above.
E.O. 12996 goes on to establish Public Use as one of the four guiding
principles of the Refuge System. The President affirmed as one of these
principles that ``The Refuge System provides important opportunities
for compatible wildlife-dependent recreational activities involving
hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and
environmental education and interpretation.'' Further in E.O. 12996,
the President directs the Secretary of the Interior ``to recognize
compatible wildlife-dependent recreational activities involving
hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and
environmental education and interpretation as priority general public
uses of the Refuge System through which the American public can develop
an appreciation for fish and wildlife; to provide expanded
opportunities for these priority public uses within the Refuge System
when they are compatible and consistent with sound principles of fish
and wildlife management, and are otherwise in the public interest; [to]
ensure that such priority public uses receive enhanced attention in
planning and management within the Refuge System; [and to] provide
increased opportunities for families to experience wildlife-dependent
recreation, particularly opportunities for parents and their children
to safely engage in traditional outdoor activities, such as fishing and
hunting...'' As discussed in this Response to Public Comment section
and elsewhere in this SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section, those refuges
that have made decisions regarding hunting and/or fishing opportunities
have complied with E.O. 12996 and the responsibilities and requirements
mandated under the Administration Act and the Improvement Act
addressing compatibility and consistency with refuge purposes. We made
no changes to this rule as a result of this comment.
Comment 7: Several commenters expressed opposition to opening
refuges to hunting and fishing and believe refuges should offer safe
haven for wildlife.
Response 7: The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act
of 1966 authorizes the Secretary to allow uses of any refuge area as
long as those uses are compatible; and, in fact, the Administration Act
specifically references hunting and fishing. Amendments to the
Administration Act made by the National Wildlife Refuge System
Improvement Act establish wildlife-dependent recreational uses as
priority uses and include hunting and fishing in the definition of
those uses.
The principal focus of the Improvement Act was to clearly establish
a wildlife conservation mission for the Refuge System and provide
managers clear direction to make determinations regarding wildlife
conservation and public uses within the units of the Refuge System. The
Service manages national wildlife refuges primarily for wildlife
conservation, habitat protection, and biological integrity, and allows
uses only when compatible with the refuge purpose(s). In passing the
Improvement Act, Congress reaffirmed the System was created to conserve
fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats and would facilitate
opportunities for Americans to participate in compatible wildlife-
dependent recreation, including hunting and/or fishing on Refuge system
lands. The Service has adopted policies and regulations implementing
the requirements of the Improvement Act that refuge managers comply
with when considering hunting and fishing programs. We made no changes
to the rule as a result of this comment.
Comment 8: A commenter felt the Service erred in categorically
excluding the proposed rule from National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) review and believes that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
should have been prepared. They
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further believe that we did not follow Endangered Species Act (ESA)
mandates.
Response 8: We disagree. As discussed in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION,
we detail the steps that follow NEPA and ESA mandates. This final rule
represents a compilation of a new sport fishing opening and corrects
existing language for refuges listed in 50 CFR part 32. Cape May NWR
has included the appropriate NEPA and ESA Section 7 compliance for the
sport fishing opening package. The reference to a categorical exclusion
in the proposed rule is no longer applicable to this final rule. Our
NEPA compliance is the relevant environmental assessment for the sport
fishing opening and the previously opened programs to which minor
modifications are being made.
Comment 9: A commenter felt that members of the nonhunting public
would be ``cumulatively impacted by the Service's vast expansion of
hunting on refuges, because these nonhunters are foreclosed from
enjoying refuges during hunting seasons due to the possibility of being
shot at or viewing wounded birds or animals, thus limiting the
recreational opportunities the refuges afford nonconsumptive
recreationalists.''
Response 9: When we decide to open a refuge to any activity, we
consider the impacts on and interrelationships of all users. The time
that refuges are open to hunting as opposed to activities for
nonconsumptive recreationalists is very limited, and we would restrict
those areas where we allow hunting during those limited hunting seasons
to hunters only, to avoid any possibility of visitors ``being shot
at.'' Also, we stress the importance of game retrieval with hunters so
the likelihood of ``viewing wounded birds or animals'' would be
extremely slim. Many refuges even allow dogs to accompany the hunter
for just that purpose. We made no changes to the rule as a result of
this comment.
Modifications From the Proposed Rule
In light of a U.S. District Court decision issued August 31, 2006,
we made some changes to the rule as proposed on July 24, 2006, in the
Federal Register (71 FR 41864). Pending completion of additional
analysis, we are withdrawing from this rule the following: the opening
of the hunting program at the new national wildlife refuge, Hamden
Slough in Minnesota; and the expansion of activities at the following
national wildlife refuges: Agassiz in Minnesota; Blackwater in
Maryland; Whittlesey Creek in Wisconsin; and Upper Ouachita, Bayou
Cocodrie, and Tensas River in Louisiana and the associated regulations
dealing with those activities. Finally, we are removing the proposed
modifications for Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish
Refuge in the State of Minnesota published in the Federal Register on
July 24, 2006 (71 FR 41864). On June 28, 2007, we published a proposed
rule (72 FR 35380) in the Federal Register identifying amendments to
the refuge-specific regulations for Upper Mississippi River National
Wildlife and Fish Refuge and invited comments for 30 days. On September
7, 2007, we published a final rule (72 FR 51534) in the Federal
Register amending the regulations for this refuge.
Unchanged Elements From the Proposed Rule
The new sport fishing program at Cape May NWR in New Jersey remains
in the rule as does a new listing for Holt Collier NWR (offering upland
and big game hunting) in Mississippi, as it was created from the
existing Yazoo NWR where the hunts had been opened previously. We are
modifying the list of refuges in part 32 to reflect the four wetland
management districts that are open to all four activities in Montana:
Black Coulee, Creedman Coulee, Hewitt Lake, and Lake Thibadeau.
Finally, we are correcting the administrative errors in 50 CFR part 32.
We discuss all of these actions later in this preamble under ``Changes
to 2008-2009 Hunting and Sport Fishing Season.''
Curtailment of Fishing at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
On June 15, 2006, Presidential Proclamation 8031 established the
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument, which also
encompasses the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge and the
Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge/Battle of Midway National
Memorial. In the context of this Proclamation only, we hereby prohibit
sport fishing within the Midway Atoll Special Management Area. This
proclamation and its implementation does not set a precedent or
otherwise establish policy for other refuges within the National
Wildlife Refuge System.
Changes to the 2008-2009 Hunting and Sport Fishing Season
In preparation for new openings, we prepare and approve, at the
appropriate Regional Office and in Washington, documentation of
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species
Act; and we consult with the State and, where appropriate, Tribal
wildlife management agency. The Regional Director certifies that the
opening of Cape May National Wildlife Refuge (State of New Jersey) to
sport fishing has been found to be compatible with the purpose(s) for
which the refuge was established and the Refuge System mission. Copies
of the compatibility determinations for this refuge are available by
request to the Regional office noted under the heading ``Available
Information for Specific Refuges.''
Table 1 summarizes our changes for the 2008-2009 season.
Table 1.--Changes for 2008-2009 Hunting/Fishing Season
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Migratory bird
National wildlife refuge State hunting Upland hunting Big game hunting Fishing
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Cape May...................... NJ........ Previously ................. Previously B.
published. published.
Holt Collier.................. MS........ ................. A................ A................
Black Coulee.................. MT........ Previously Previously C................
published. published.
Creedman Coulee............... MT........ Previously C................ C................
published.
Hewitt Lake................... MT........ Previously C................ C................
published.
Lake Thibadeau................ MT........ Previously C................ C ...............
published.
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A = Refuge was created from existing land that was part of Yazoo NWR Complex, which was already open to all 3
hunting opportunities in 50 CFR.
B = Refuge already listed, added fishing.
C = Refuge opened to activity in past but omitted from 50 CFR due to administrative oversight.
Some refuges that are already open to hunting activities will be
modifying recreational opportunities, which will result in new hunting
days (discussed in the economic analysis section in following pages). A
summary of these
[[Page 33162]]
modified opportunities on refuges follow: Washita NWR (OK) will
increase its hunting season by 9 additional days; Trinity River NWR
(TX) will be open to archery hunting; Agassiz NWR (MN) has initiated a
youth hunt, opened to archery hunting, and has extended the
muzzleloader deer hunting season; Tensas River NWR (LA) will increase
the time period for the youth deer hunt and will add a deer hunt for
the physically challenged; and Lake Alice NWR (ND) will be allowing the
use of motorized boats while hunting waterfowl.
Lands acquired as ``waterfowl production areas'' under the
Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act (16 U.S.C. 718d(c)),
which we generally manage as part of wetland management 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 this year: Benton Lake WMD, Bowdoin WMD,
Charles M. Russell WMD, Northeast Montana WMD, and Northwest Montana
WMD, all in the State of Montana.
We are correcting administrative errors in 50 CFR part 32. We are
correctly reflecting hunting opportunities for four refuges in the
State of Montana (Black Coulee, Creedman Coulee, Hewitt Lake, and Lake
Thibadeau). These refuges were open to all three hunting activities in
the 1983 CFR. The publication of a final rule (49 FR 36737, September
19, 1984), which codified the 1984 CFR with administrative technical
amendments, resulted in these four refuges being mistakenly dropped
from the upland and/or big game hunting lists. We are now correcting
those errors for these refuges.
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 regulations at each refuge, to increase understanding and
compliance with these regulations, and to make enforcement of these
regulations more efficient. In addition to now finding these
regulations in 50 CFR part 32, visitors to our refuges will usually
find them 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.
We incorporate these regulations into 50 CFR part 32. Part 32
contains general provisions and refuge-specific regulations for hunting
and sport fishing on refuges.
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/.
Regulatory Planning and Review
In accordance with the criteria in Executive Order (E.O.) 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 E.O. 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 this rule.
The purpose of this rule is to add one refuge to the list of areas
open for sport fishing, to correct 50 CFR part 32 reflecting
administrative changes, and to make minor changes to the existing
regulations in part 32. In many instances, updates to part 32 are
clarifying current practices on individual refuges. As such, many of
the updates will not impact the status quo of recreational
opportunities on refuges. Only those updates that may impact the status
quo are addressed in this section.
Sport 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(s) of each refuge. Many of the 547
existing national wildlife refuges already have programs which allow
sport fishing and hunting. Not all refuges have the necessary resources
and landscape that would make sport fishing and hunting opportunities
available to the public.
Cape May NWR (State of New Jersey) will be added to the list of
areas open for sport fishing. Cape May NWR is the only refuge that will
be newly added to the list of areas opened. This addition will result
in an increase in the number of fishing days.
We are correcting the following administrative errors in 50 CFR
part 32. The publication of a 1984 final rule (49 FR 36737, September
19, 1984), which codified the 1984 CFR with administrative technical
amendments, resulted in four refuges (Black Coulee, Creedman Coulee,
Hewitt Lake, and Lake Thibadeau NWRs all in the State of Montana) being
mistakenly dropped from the upland and/or big game hunting lists. This
rule corrects this error reflecting those hunting opportunities. There
are no new economic impacts resulting from this correction because
recreational activities never ceased at those refuges.
We will establish Holt Collier NWR (State of Mississippi) as a
separate refuge. Because it was formerly part of the Yazoo NWR complex
and recreational activities will not increase, we expect no new
economic impacts to result.
We generally manage lands acquired as ``waterfowl production
areas'' under the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act (16
U.S.C. 718d(c) as part of wetland management districts (WMDs). These
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, all in the State of Montana, to the list of refuges open for all
four activities in part 32 this year: Benton Lake WMD, Bowdoin WMD,
Charles M. Russell WMD, Northeast Montana WMD, and Northwest Montana
WMD. 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.
Some refuges that are already open to hunting activities will be
modifying recreational opportunities, which will result in new hunting
days. A summary of these modified opportunities follow: Washita NWR
(OK) will increase its hunting season by 9 additional days; Trinity
River NWR (TX) will be open to archery hunting; Agassiz NWR (MN) has
initiated a youth hunt, opened to archery hunting, and has extended the
muzzleloader deer hunting season;
[[Page 33163]]
Tensas River NWR (LA) will increase the time period for the youth deer
hunt and will add a deer hunt for the physically challenged; and Lake
Alice NWR (ND) will be allowing the use of motorized boats while
hunting waterfowl. The potential impacts of these recreational
opportunities are discussed below in the Benefits Accrued section.
In some cases, the changes to part 32 will not impact the
opportunity to hunt or fish. Instead, these changes will impact the
quality of the hunting or sport fishing experience. These impacts are
discussed qualitatively below.
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.
A number of refuges will be requiring the use of nontoxic shot for
turkey hunting. Hunters that use toxic shot will be negatively impacted
by this requirement because nontoxic shot is more expensive and does
not travel the same distance or with the same trajectory as toxic shot.
The number of hunters currently using toxic shot is unknown. Therefore,
the impact of this requirement is unknown. While this change may
negatively impact some hunters, it will not affect the opportunity to
hunt on the refuges.
A number of refuges will be requiring personal property (i.e.,
decoys, blinds, boats, etc.) to be removed from the refuge property at
the end of each day. In addition, a few refuges will be prohibiting
hunters from entering the refuge until a specified time of day. The
inconveniences caused by these changes may have a negative impact on
the hunter's or angler's experience. However, these changes will not
affect the opportunity to hunt or fish on the refuges.
Benefits Accrued
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 or modifying new fishing and hunting programs were
a pure addition to the current supply of such activities, there would
be an estimated increase of 840 user days of hunting and 500 user days
of fishing (Table 2). These new fishing and hunting days would
generate: (1) Consumer surplus \1\, and (2) expenditures associated
with fishing and hunting on the refuges.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The difference between the total value people receive from
the consumption of a particular good and the total amount they pay
for the good.
Table 2.--Estimated Change in Fishing and Hunting Opportunities in 2008/09
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current hunting Total additional
Refuge and/or fishing Additional Additional fishing and
days (FY04) fishing days hunting days hunting days
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agassiz (MN)............................ 740 ................ 110 110
Cape May (NJ)........................... 8,550 500 ................ 500
Lake Alice (ND)......................... 1,380 ................ 600 600
Tensas River (LA)....................... 28,850 ................ 25 25
Trinity River (TX)...................... 3,320 ................ 30 30
Washita (OK)............................ 28,818 ................ 75 75
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Days Per Year............. 71,658 500 840 1,340
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assuming the new days are a pure addition to the current supply,
the additional days would create consumer surplus of $65,342 annually
([500 days x $48.92 CS per day] + [840 days x $48.67 CS per day])
(Table 3). 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 likely to be smaller.
Table 3.--Estimated Change in Annual Consumer Surplus From Additional Fishing and Hunting Opportunities in 2008/
09 (2005 $)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total fishing
Fishing Hunting and hunting
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Additional Days........................................... 500 840 1,340
Avg. Consumer Surplus per Day \2\............................... $48.92 $48.67 ..............
Change in Total Consumer Surplus................................ $24,460 $40,882 $65,342
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ Due to the unavailability of consistent consumer surplus estimates for these various site-specific
activities, we use benefit transfer. We use national average consumer surplus estimates for fishing and for
hunting for this analysis. The estimates are from: Pam Kaval and John Loomis, ``Updated Outdoor Recreation Use
Values with Emphasis on National Park 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
[[Page 33164]]
the maximum expected additional participation on the Refuge System
yields $35,248 in fishing-related expenditures and $83,604 in hunting-
related expenditures (Table 4).
Table 4.--Estimation of the Additional Expenditures With Modification of Activities on Refuges and the Opening
of 1 Refuge to Sport Fishing for 2008/09
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current refuge Possible
U.S. total Average expenditures w/o additional
expenditures in 2001 expenditures per duplication refuge
day (FY2004) expenditures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fishing:
Total Days Spent............... 557 Mil.............. ................ 7,045,382 500
Total Expenditures............. 39.3 Bil............. $70 $496,671,534 $35,248
Trip Related................... 16.2 Bil............. $29 $204,287,312 $14,498
Food and Lodging............... 6.5 Bil.............. $12 $81,974,145 $5,818
Transportation................. 3.9 Bil.............. $7 $49,005,482 $3,478
Other.......................... 5.8 Bil.............. $10 $73,307,685 $5,203
Hunting:
Total Days Spent............... 228 Mil.............. ................ 2,378,813 840
Total Expenditures............. 22.7 Bil............. $100 $236,759,998 $83,604
Trip Related................... 5.8 Bil.............. $25 $60,334,509 $21,305
Food and Lodging............... 2.7 Bil.............. $12 $28,142,621 $9,938
Transportation................. 2.0 Bil.............. $9 $20,554,019 $7,258
Other.......................... 1.1 Bil.............. $5 $11,637,870 $4,110
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
$327,000 (2005 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.
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 $327,000, and most likely considerably less. Since 80
percent of the participants travel less than 100 miles to engage in
hunting and sport 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 $65,000 annually.
In summary, we estimate that the additional fishing and hunting
opportunities would yield approximately $65,000 in consumer surplus and
$65,000 in recreation-related expenditures annually. The 10-year
quantitative benefit for this rule would be $653,000 ($574,000
discounted at 3 percent or $491,000 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 sport 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 the
supply of sport fishing and hunting opportunities will not measurably
impact any other agency's 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
makes minor changes to existing regulations in 50 CFR part 32 and
corrects some administrative errors. 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 establishes a fishing program on one refuge and modifies
recreational opportunities at several other refuges. As a result,
opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation on national wildlife
refuges will increase. The changes in the amount of allowed use(s) are
likely to increase visitor activity on these national wildlife refuges.
However, 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
[[Page 33165]]
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.
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 5).
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 $65,000
to be spent in total in the refuges' local economies. The maximum
increase ($327,000 if all spending were new money) at most would be
less than 1 percent for local retail trade spending (Table 5).
Table 5.--Comparative Expenditures for Retail Trade Associated With Additional Refuge Visitation for 2008/2009 (Thousands, 2005 Dollars)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated
Retail trade in maximum addition Addition as a Total number Establish. with
Refuge/county(ies) 2002 from new percent of total retail 10 emp.
activities establish.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agassiz:
Marshall, MN.............................................. $77,841 $5 0.007 43 35
Cape May:
Cape May, NJ.............................................. 1,501,452 25 0.002 776 633
Lake Alice:
Ramsey, ND................................................ 211,203 15 0.007 98 69
Towner, ND................................................ 10,819 15 0.135 15 14
Tensas River:
Franklin, LA.............................................. 199,210 0 0.0002 83 63
Madison, LA............................................... 75,763 0 0.001 42 31
Tensas, LA................................................ 23,183 0 0.002 26 22
Trinity River:
Liberty, TX............................................... 686,415 2 0.0002 204 155
Washita:
Custer, OK................................................ 324,161 4 0.001 161 120
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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. Will not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or
more. The additional fishing and hunting opportunities at these refuges
would generate angler and hunter expenditures with an economic impact
estimated at $327,000 per year (2005 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 would have only a slight
effect on the costs of hunting and sport fishing opportunities for
Americans. Under the assumption that any additional hunting and sport
fishing opportunities would be of high quality, participants would be
attracted to the refuge. If the refuge were 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 less than 100 miles to hunt and fish, the reduced travel cost
would be small for the additional days of hunting and sport fishing
generated by this rule. We do not expect this rule to affect the supply
or demand for sport fishing and hunting opportunities in the United
States and, therefore, it should not affect prices for sport fishing
and hunting equipment and supplies, or the retailers that sell
equipment. Additional refuge hunting and sport fishing opportunities
would account for less than 0.001 percent of the available
opportunities in the United States.
c. Will 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 $327,000 annually in impact.
Therefore, this rule would have no measurable economic effect on the
wildlife-dependent industry, which has annual sales of equipment and
travel expenditures of $72 billion nationally. Refuges that establish
hunting and sport 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 opening only one refuge to sport
fishing and modifying opportunities at several other refuges.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
Since this rule would apply to public use of federally owned and
managed refuges, it would not impose an unfunded mandate on State,
local, or Tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100
million per year. The
[[Page 33166]]
rule would 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 (E.O. 12630)
In accordance with E.O. 12630, this rule would not have significant
takings implications. This regulation would affect only visitors at
national wildlife refuges and describe what they can do while they are
on a refuge.
Federalism (E.O. 13132)
As discussed in the Regulatory Planning and Review and Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act sections above, this rule would not have sufficient
Federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism
Assessment under E.O. 13132. In preparing this rule, we worked with
State governments.
Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)
In accordance with E.O. 12988, the Office of the Solicitor has
determined that the rule would 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 would clarify established regulations and result
in better understanding of the regulations by refuge visitors.
Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use (E.O. 13211)
On May 18, 2001, the President issued E.O. 13211 on regulations
that significantly affect energy supply, distribution, and use. E.O.
13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of Energy Effects when
undertaking certain actions. Because this rule would add one refuge to
the list of areas open for sport fishing and modify activities at
several other refuges, it is not a significant regulatory action under
E.O. 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 (E.O.
13175)
In accordance with E.O. 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.
Paperwork Reduction Act
The Office of Management and Budget has approved our collection of
information associated with special use permits used by refuges outside
of Alaska and assigned 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 will seek further OMB approval for other necessary
information collection.
Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation
In preparation for new openings, we comply with Section 7 of the
Endangered Species Act. Copies of the Section 7 evaluations may be
obtained by contacting the regions listed under Available Information
for Specific Refuges. For the proposal to open Cape May National
Wildlife Refuge, we have determined the actions will have no effect on
any listed species or 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.
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 Departmental Manual (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.
Concerning the action that is the subject of this rulemaking
(opening Cape May National Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey to fishing),
NEPA was complied with at the project level where this proposal was
developed.
Prior to the addition of a refuge to the list of areas open to
sport fishing in 50 CFR part 32, we developed a fishing plan for the
affected refuge. We incorporate this proposed refuge fishing activity
in the refuge CCPs and/or other step-down management plans, pursuant to
our refuge planning guidance in 602 Fish and Wildlife Service Manual
(FW) 1, 3, and 4. We prepared 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. Copies of all plans and
NEPA compliance are available from the refuge at the addresses provided
below. The modifications of existing public use hunting and fishing
programs are all minor in nature and fall within the relevant NEPA
compliance prepared for the programs initially and also would fall
within the category of minor modifications excluded from further NEPA
consideration described in 516 DM 6, Appendix 1, 1.4A (1, 7, and 9).
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. If the specific refuge you are
interested in is not mentioned below, then contact the appropriate
Regional offices 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 N.E.
11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97232-4181; Telephone (503) 231-6214.
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, NM 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, MN 55111; Telephone (612) 713-5401.
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, GA 30345; Telephone (404) 679-7166. Holt Collier National
Wildlife Refuge, 728 Yazoo Refuge Road, Hollandale, MI 38748; Telephone
(662) 839-2638.
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
[[Page 33167]]
Drive, Hadley, MA 01035-9589; Telephone (413) 253-8306. Cape May
National Wildlife Refuge, 24 Kimbles Beach Road, Cape May Court House,
NJ 08210; Telephone (609) 463-0994.
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, CO
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, AK 99503;
Telephone (907) 786-3545.
Primary Author
Leslie A. Marler, Management Analyst, Division of Conservation
Planning and Policy, National Wildlife Refuge System, is the primary
author of this rulemaking document.
List of Subjects in 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--[AMENDED]
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.
0
2. Amend Sec. 32.7, ``What refuge units are open to hunting and/or
sport fishing?'', by:
0
a. Adding Holt Collier National Wildlife Refuge in alphabetical order
in the State of Mississippi;
0
b. Adding Benton Lake Wetland Management District, Bowdoin Wetland
Management District, Charles M. Russell Wetland Management District,
Northeast Montana Wetland Management District, and Northwest Montana
Wetland Management District in alphabetical order in the State of
Montana; and
0
c. Removing ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge and adding Ernest F.
Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge in the State of South
Carolina in alphabetical order.
0
3. Amend Sec. 32.20 Alabama by:
0
a. Revising paragraph C.2. of Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising paragraph B.7. of Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
c. Revising paragraphs B.5. and C.4. of Eufaula National Wildlife
Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.20 Alabama.
* * * * *
Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
7. We prohibit the mooring and storing of boats from legal sunset
to legal sunrise.
* * * * *
Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
5. We prohibit the mooring and storing of boats from 1\1/2\ hours
after legal sunset to 1\1/2\ hours before legal sunrise.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. All youth hunters age 15 and under must remain within sight and
normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license.
We allow youth gun deer hunting (ages 10-15) within the Bradley Unit on
weekends during October where an adult must supervise youth age 15 or
under. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
* * * * *
0
4. Amend Sec. 32.22 Arizona by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs A.1. through A.3., B., and C.2. of Buenos Aires
National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
b. Revising paragraph A.11.viii. and adding paragraphs A.13. and A.14.
of Havasu National Wildlife Refuge;
Sec. 32.22 Arizona.
* * * * *
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. We allow portable or temporary blinds and stands, but you must
remove them at the end of each hunt day.
2. We prohibit the use of flagging tape, reflective tape, or other
signs or markers used to identify paths or to mark tree stands, blinds,
or other areas.
3. The No-Hunt Zones include all Service property east of milepost
7 of Arivaca Road within the Arivaca Creek Management Area, all Service
property in Brown Canyon, all Service property within \1/4\ mile (.4
km) of refuge residences, and the posted No-Hunt Zone encompassing
refuge headquarters and area bounded by the 10-mile (16 km) Pronghorn
Drive auto tour loop.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of cottontail rabbit,
coyote, and skunk on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with
State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A3 apply.
2. We require hunting groups using more than four horses to possess
and carry a refuge special use permit.
3. We require each hunter using horses to provide water and feed
and clear all horse manure from campsites.
4. We prohibit upland game hunting on the refuge from June 1
through August 19.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. Conditions A1 through A3, B2, and B3 apply.
* * * * *
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
11. * * *
* * * * *
viii. We allow waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and
Sundays. Waterfowl hunting ends at 12:00 p.m. (noon) MST. Hunters must
be out of the slough area by 1:00 p.m. MST.
* * * * *
13. We prohibit the use of all air-thrust boats and/or air-cooled
propulsion engines, including floating aircraft.
14. Hunting dogs must be under the immediate control of the hunter
at all times.
* * * * *
0
5. Amend Sec. 32.23 Arkansas by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs B.6., B.12., adding paragraphs B.13., and B.14.,
revising paragraph C. and the introductory text of paragraph D., and
revising paragraphs D.1., D.7., D.8., D.9., D.10., and adding
paragraphs D.11. through D.14. of Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge;
and
0
b. Revising paragraphs A.2., A.6., A.8., A.10., A.15., C.7., C.8.,
C.12., and C.16. of White River National Wildlife Refuge to read as
follows:
Sec. 32.23 Arkansas.
* * * * *
[[Page 33168]]
Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
6. We prohibit possession or use of alcoholic beverage(s) while
hunting (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
* * * * *
12. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of roads and trails
open to motor vehicle use.
13. We prohibit marking trails with tape, ribbon, paint, or any
other substance other than biodegradable materials.
14. We allow the use of nonmotorized boats during the hunting
season, but we prohibit hunters leaving boats on the refuge overnight
(see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
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:
1. Conditions B1 and B4 through B14 apply.
2. Archery/crossbow season for deer and turkey begins October 1 and
continues through December 10.
3. The refuge will conduct one youth-only (between ages 12-15 at
the beginning of the gun deer season in Zone 7) quota deer hunt. This
hunt will take place after the archery season (typically in December).
Specific hunt dates and application procedures will be available at the
refuge office in September. We restrict hunt participants to those
selected for a quota permit, except that one nonhunting adult age 21 or
older must accompany the youth hunter during the youth hunt.
4. We open spring and fall archery turkey hunting during the State
spring and fall turkey season for this zone.
5. We close spring archery turkey hunting during scheduled turkey
quota gun hunts.
6. The refuge will conduct one 2-day youth-only (age 15 and under
at the beginning of the spring turkey season) quota spring turkey hunt
and one 2-day quota spring turkey hunt (typically in April). Specific
hunt dates and application procedures will be available at the refuge
office in January. We restrict hunt participants to those selected for
a quota permit, except that one nonhunting adult age 21 or older must
accompany the youth hunter during the youth hunt.
7. An adult age 21 or older must accompany and be within sight or
normal voice contact of hunters age 15 and under. One adult may
supervise no more than one youth hunter.
8. We allow only portable deer stands. Hunters may erect stands 2
days before the start of the season and must remove the stands from the
refuge within 2 days after the season ends (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and
27.94 of this chapter).
9. Hunters must permanently affix the owner's name and address to
all deer stands on the refuge.
10. We prohibit the use of dogs during big game hunting.
11. We prohibit hunting from paved, graveled, and mowed roads and
mowed trails (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter).
12. We prohibit hunting with the aid of bait, salt, or ingestible
attractant (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
13. We prohibit all forms of organized drives.
14. You must check all game at the refuge check station.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing and frogging in accordance
with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions B7, B8, and B10 apply.
* * * * *
7. We will allow only bank fishing in Long Lake year-round from
legal sunrise to legal sunset. Access to this bank fishing area is
through the parking area off of Hwy 155.
8. We allow only bow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset
during August.
9. We allow frogging from May 1 to May 31. We allow only frogging
on those areas of the old river channel that connect with the Arkansas
River.
10. Anglers must enter and exit the refuge from designated roads
and parking areas.
11. We prohibit anglers from leaving their boats unattended
overnight on any portion of the refuge (see Sec. 27.93 of this
chapter).
12. We require a Special Use Permit for all commercial fishing
activities on the refuge.
13. We prohibit possessing turtle (see Sec. 27.21 of this
chapter).
14. We prohibit hovercraft, personal watercraft (Jet Skis, etc.),
and airboats.
* * * * *
White River National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We allow duck hunting from legal shooting hours until 12 p.m.
(noon).
* * * * *
6. You may take coot and woodcock during the State season.
* * * * *
8. Waterfowl hunters may enter and access the refuge no earlier
than 4:30 a.m.
* * * * *
10. We prohibit boating December 1 through January 31 in the South
Unit Waterfowl Hunt Area, except from 4:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on
designated hunt days.
* * * * *
15. We prohibit loaded weapons in a vehicle or boat while under
power (see Sec. 27.42(b) of this chapter). We define ``loaded'' as
shells in the gun or ignition device on a muzzleloader.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
7. You may hunt the North or South Unit by muzzleloader or modern
gun with a quota hunt permit. You may take only one deer of either sex.
We list the season in the refuge hunt brochure/permit.
8. We allow muzzleloader hunting on the North Unit for 4
consecutive days following the 3-day muzzleloader quota hunt.
* * * * *
12. If you harvest deer and turkey on the refuge, you must
immediately record the zone number on your hunting license and later at
an official check station.
* * * * *
16. We allow access and refuge use during quota hunt to anglers and
nonconsumptive users.
* * * * *
0
6. Amend Sec. 32.28 Florida by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs A.1., A.2., A.3., A.11., A.13., A.14., A.15.,
and adding paragraphs A.16. and A.17., revising paragraphs D.8., D.9.,
and removing paragraph D.10. of Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National
Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising paragraphs D.2., D.4., D.5., and adding paragraphs D.6.,
D.7., and D.8. of Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Revising paragraphs D.4. through D.14. and adding paragraphs D.15.
through D.20. of J.N. ``Ding'' Darling National Wildlife Refuge;
0
d. Revising paragraphs A.7. and A.10., adding paragraph A.16., revising
paragraphs B.1., B.2., B.3., C.1., C.7., and C.23., removing paragraph
C.24., and redesignating paragraphs C.25. and C.26. as paragraphs C.24.
and C.25. of Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge;
0
e. Revising paragraphs A., D.2., D.3., D.9., and D.11. of Merritt
Island National Wildlife Refuge;
0
f. Revising paragraphs B.3. through B.9., revising the introductory
text of paragraph C., removing paragraph C.3. and redesignating
paragraphs C.4. through C.13. as paragraphs C.3. through C.12., and
revising newly designated paragraphs C.6. through C.9., and C.11. of
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge; and
[[Page 33169]]
0
g. Revising paragraphs C., D.6., and D.7. and removing paragraphs D.8.
and D.9. of St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.28 Florida.
* * * * *
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge waterfowl hunt permit
while hunting. Only original permits are lawful. Internet copies are
not valid.
2. We allow hunting in the interior of the refuge south of latitude
line 26.27.130 and north of mile markers 12 and 14. We prohibit hunting
from canals, levees, or those areas posted as closed.
3. The refuge open waterfowl season is concurrent with the State
season. The refuge participates in both the early experimental and
regular seasons. Hunters may take only duck and coot.
* * * * *
11. Hunters must complete a daily bag report card and place it in
an entrance fee canister each day prior to exiting the refuge.
* * * * *
13. We allow boats equipped only with outboards or electric motors
and nonmotorized boats. We prohibit airboats, Hovercraft, and personal
watercraft (Go Devils, Jet Skis, jet boats, and Wave Runners).
14. We require all boats operating outside of the main perimeter
canals (the L-40 Canal, L-39 Canal, L-7 Canal, and L-101 Canal) in
interior areas of the refuge and within the hunt area, to fly a 12 inch
by 12 inch (30 cm x 30 cm) orange flag, 10 feet (3 m) above the
vessel's waterline.
15. We prohibit motorized vehicles of any type on the levees and
undesignated routes (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter).
16. Hunters, their vehicles, boats, equipment, and other belongings
are subject to inspection by Service law enforcement officers.
17. For emergencies or to report violations, contact law
enforcement personnel at 1-800-307-5789. Law enforcement officers may
be monitoring VHF Channel 16.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
8. Conditions A13, A14, A15, and A17 apply.
9. Anglers, their vehicles, boats, equipment, and other belongings
are subject to inspection by Service law enforcement officers.
* * * * *
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
2. We allow salt-water fishing along the Atlantic Ocean and Indian
River Lagoon year-round in accordance with State recreational fishing
regulations.
* * * * *
4. We allow the use of only rods and reels and poles and lines, and
anglers must attend them at all times.
5. We allow only two poles per angler and those poles must be
attended at all times (In conjunction with the Martin County, Florida
two-pole ordinance.)
6. We prohibit motorized vehicles of any type on the fire roads,
undesignated routes, and areas posted as closed (see Sec. 27.31 of
this chapter).
7. Anglers, their vehicles, boats, equipment, and other belongings
are subject to inspection by Service law enforcement officers.
8. For emergencies or to report violations, contact law enforcement
personnel at 1-800-307-5789. Law enforcement officers may be monitoring
VHF Channel 16.
J.N. ``Ding'' Darling National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
4. We allow the take of blue crab with the use of dip nets only.
5. The daily limit of blue crab is 20 per person (including no more
than 10 females).
6. We prohibit kite surfing, kite boarding, wind surfing, sail
boarding, and any similar type of activities.
7. We allow vessels propelled only by polling, paddling, or
floating in the post ``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.''
8. We prohibit camping on all refuge lands and overnight mooring of
vessels on all refuge waters.
9. You may only launch vessels at designated sites on the refuge.
10. We allow public access to Wildlife Drive and Indigo Trail
beginning at 7:30 a.m., except on Fridays, when we close Wildlife Drive
to all public access.
11. All visitors (e.g., anglers and photographers) must exit refuge
lands and waters no later than \1/2\ hour after legal sunset.
12. We allow fishing and crabbing from the bank on the impoundment
side only (left side) of Wildlife Drive. We prohibit all public entry
into the impoundments.
13. We prohibit commercial fishing and crabbing (see Sec. 27.21 of
this chapter).
14. We prohibit the possession or use of seines or trot lines.
15. We prohibit the use of cast nets from Wildlife Drive or any
structure affixed to shore.
16. All fish must remain in whole condition.
17. We prohibit consumption of alcohol or possession of open
alcohol containers on refuge lands and waters (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
18. We prohibit airboats, Hovercraft, and personal watercraft (Go
Devils, Jet Skis, jet boats, and Wave Runners).
19. Vessels must not exceed slow speed/minimum wake in refuge
waters.
20. We close to public entry islands (including rookery islands)
except for designated trails.
* * * * *
Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting.* * *
* * * * *
7. We prohibit hunting from all refuge roads open to public vehicle
travel. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of the Dixie
Mainline and Lower Suwannee Nature Drive (Levy Loop Road).
* * * * *
10. We prohibit guiding or participating in a guided hunt where a
fee is charged.
* * * * *
16. We prohibit cleaning of game within 1,000 feet (300 m) of any
developed public recreation area, game check station, or gate.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A16 apply.
2. You may possess only .22 caliber rimfire rifle (.22 magnum
prohibited) firearms (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter) shotguns with
shot no larger than 4 common and 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.
3. 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. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A16 apply.
* * * * *
[[Page 33170]]
7. We prohibit hunting from a tree in which a metal object has been
inserted (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
* * * * *
23. You may take only bearded turkeys and only during the State
spring turkey season.
* * * * *
Merritt Island 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. You must possess and carry a current signed Merritt Island
National Wildlife Refuge hunt permit at all times while hunting
waterfowl on the refuge.
2. You must possess and carry (or hunt within 30 yards (27 m) of a
hunter who possesses) a valid refuge waterfowl hunting quota permit
while hunting areas 1 or 4 from the beginning of the regular waterfowl
season through December 31. No more than four hunters will hunt using a
single valid refuge waterfowl hunting quota permit.
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
to enter the normal or expanded restricted areas of the Kennedy Space
Center.
5. You may hunt only waterfowl on refuge-established hunt days from
the legal shooting time until 1 p.m.
6. You may enter no earlier than 4 a.m. for the purpose of
waterfowl hunting.
7. We require all hunters to successfully complete a State-approved
hunter education course.
8. We require an adult, age 18 or older, to supervise hunters under
age 18.
9. We prohibit accessing a hunt area from Black Point Wildlife
Drive. You may not leave vehicles parked on Black Point Wildlife Drive,
Playalinda Beach Road, or Scrub Ridge Trail (see Sec. 27.31 of this
chapter).
10. We prohibit construction of permanent blinds (see Sec. 27.92
of this chapter) or digging into dikes.
11. We prohibit hunting or shooting within 15 feet (4.5 m) or
shooting from any portion of a dike, dirt road, or railroad grade.
12. We prohibit hunting or shooting within 150 yards (135 m) of SR
402, SR 406, or any paved road right-of-way.
13. All hunters must stop at posted refuge waterfowl check stations
and report statistical hunt information to refuge personnel.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
2. We prohibit fishing after legal sunset or before legal sunrise,
except that we allow fishing at night from a vessel in the open waters
of Mosquito Lagoon, Indian River Lagoon, Banana River, and Haulover
Canal.
3. We allow launching of boats for night fishing activities only
from Bair's Cove, Beacon 42, and Bio Lab boat ramps.
* * * * *
9. Vessels must not exceed idle speed in Bairs Cove and KARS
Marina.
* * * * *
11. We prohibit fishing within the normal or expanded restricted
areas of the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), unless those areas are
officially designated by KSC as special fishing opportunity sites.
* * * * *
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. You may use .22 caliber or smaller rim-fired rifles, shotguns
with nontoxic shot (4 bird shot or smaller) (see Sec.
32.2(k)), or muzzleloaders to harvest squirrel, rabbit, and raccoon. In
addition, you may use shotgun slugs, buckshot, or archery equipment to
take feral hogs. We prohibit the use or possession of other weapons.
4. You must unload all firearms for transport in vehicles (uncap
muzzleloaders) (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter).
5. We prohibit dogs in the hunt area.
6. There is no limit on the size or number of feral hog that
hunters may take.
7. We allow hunting on designated areas of the refuge. Contact the
refuge office for specific dates.
8. We prohibit hunting from any named or numbered road (with the
exception of persons hunting during the mobility impaired hunt).
9. We prohibit cleaning of game within 1,000 feet (300 m) of any
residence, developed public recreation area, or game check station.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, feral
hog, and bearded turkey in accordance with State regulations subject to
the following conditions:
* * * * *
6. We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, or reflective
trail markers.
7. There are two fall archery hunts: Hunters may harvest either-sex
deer or feral hog during the fall archery hunts. There will be a fall
archery hunt on the Panacea and Wakulla Units. We prohibit other
weapons in the hunt area (see Sec. 27.43 of this chapter). Contact the
refuge office for specific dates.
8. There are two modern gun hunts. Hunters may harvest deer and
feral hog. Modern guns must meet State requirements. We will hold one
hunt on the Panacea Unit and one on the Wakulla Unit. See condition C10
for game limits. Contact the refuge office for specific dates.
9. The bag limit for white-tailed deer is two deer per scheduled
hunt period. We allow hunters to harvest two antlerless deer per
scheduled hunt period. We define antlerless deer as no visible antler
above the hairline. State daily bag limits apply to antlerless deer. Or
hunters may harvest one antlerless deer and one antlered deer per hunt.
Antlered deer must have at least 3 points, 1 inch (2.5 cm) or greater
in length on one antler to be harvested. There is no limit on feral
hogs. The scheduled hunt periods vary; contact the refuge office for
specific dates.
* * * * *
11. There is one mobility-impaired hunt. Hunters may have an able-
bodied hunter accompany them. You may transfer permits issued to able-
bodied assistants. We limit those hunt teams to harvesting white-tailed
deer and feral hog within the limits described in condition C10.
Contact the refuge office for specific dates.
* * * * *
St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, sambar
deer, raccoon, and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require refuge permits. The permits are nontransferable, and
the hunter must possess and carry them while hunting. Only signed
permits are valid. We allow people only with a signed refuge hunt
permit on the island during the hunt periods. Contact the refuge office
for details on obtaining a permit. We will charge fees for the hunts.
2. We restrict hunting to three hunting periods: Sambar deer,
raccoon, and feral hog (primitive weapons); white-tailed deer, raccoon,
and feral hog (archery); and white-tailed deer, raccoon, and feral hog
(primitive weapons). Contact the refuge office for specific dates.
Hunters may check in and set up campsites and stands 1 day prior to the
scheduled
[[Page 33171]]
hunt. Hunters must leave the island and remove all equipment by 4 p.m.
the last day of the scheduled hunt.
3. Hunters must check in at the check stations on the island. We
restrict entry onto St. Vincent Island to the Indian Pass and West Pass
Campsites. We restrict entry during the sambar deer hunt to the West
Pass Campsite. All access to hunt areas will be on foot or by bicycle
from these areas.
4. Hunt hours are \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 3 p.m. for
the sambar deer hunt. All other hunt times will be in accordance with
State regulations.
5. We restrict camping and fires (see Sec. 27.95(a) of this
chapter) to the two designated camping areas. We may restrict or ban
fires during dry periods.
6. We prohibit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages during
the refuge hunt period (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
7. You may set up tree stands only after you check in, and you must
remove them from the island at the end of the hunt (see Sec. Sec.
27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
8. You may retrieve game from the closed areas only if accompanied
by a refuge officer.
9. We issue permits for the sambar deer hunt by random drawing. You
may obtain applications from the refuge office.
10. We limit weapons to primitive weapons on the sambar deer hunt
and the primitive weapons white-tailed deer hunt. We limit the archery
hunt to bow and arrow. Weapons must meet all State regulations. We
prohibit crossbows during our hunts except with State permit.
11. We allow only stand, still, and stalk hunting. We prohibit game
drives.
12. We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, or reflective
trail markers.
13. We prohibit target practice on the refuge (see Sec. 27.42 of
this chapter). You may discharge muzzleloaders at the designated
discharge area between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.
14. Nonmovement stand hours for all hunts will be from legal
morning shooting time until 9 a.m.
15. We prohibit discharging of weapons (including cap firing) in
campgrounds (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter).
16. Weapons must have the caps removed from muzzleloaders and
arrows quivered before and after legal shooting hours.
17. Hunters must check out at the check station prior to leaving
the refuge at the end of their hunt. A refuge staff member or volunteer
must check the campsites before the hunters leave the refuge.
18. We prohibit motorized equipment, generators, or land vehicles
(except bicycles).
19. Bag limits:
i. Sambar deer hunt--one sambar deer of either sex, no limit on
feral hog or raccoon.
ii. Archery hunt--one white-tailed deer of either sex (no spotted
fawns or spike bucks), no limits on feral hog or raccoon.
iii. Primitive weapons hunt--one white-tailed deer buck having one
or more forked antlers at least 5 inches (12.5 cm) in length visible
above the hairline with points greater than 1 inch (12.5 cm) in length;
we issue a limited number of either-sex permits. If you have an either-
sex permit, the bag limit is one deer that may be antlerless or a buck
legal antler configuration. There is no limit on feral hog or raccoon.
20. We prohibit bringing live game into the check station.
21. Hunters must observe quiet time in the campground between 9
p.m. and 5 a.m. We prohibit loud or boisterous behavior or activity.
22. We prohibit domestic animals.
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
6. We allow only the use of rods and reels or poles and lines in
the refuge lakes. You must attend your fishing equipment at all times.
7. You may take only fish species and fish limits authorized by
State regulations. We prohibit the taking of frog or turtle.
* * * * *
0
7. Amend Sec. 32.29 Georgia by:
0
a. Revising paragraph D.4. of Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Adding paragraph C.22. of Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Revising paragraphs C.2., C.9., and D.3. of Harris Neck National
Wildlife Refuge;
0
d. Revising paragraph C.2.v. of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge;
0
e. Adding paragraph C.18. of Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge;
0
f. Revising paragraphs C.3., C.5., redesignating paragraphs C.6.
through C.10. as paragraphs C.7. through C.11. and adding a new
paragraph C.6. of Savannah National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
g. Revising paragraphs C.8. and C.9. of Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge
to read as follows:
Sec. 32.29 Georgia.
* * * * *
Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
4. We prohibit swimming, wading, jet skiing, water skiing, and the
use of airboats.
* * * * *
Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
22. Youth hunters age 15 and under must remain within sight and
normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older possessing a valid
hunting license. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
* * * * *
Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. Each hunter may place one stand on the refuge during the week
preceding each hunt, but you must remove stands by the end of each hunt
(see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
* * * * *
9. During the archery hunt we allow only bows (no crossbows).
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
3. We close the Barbour River Landing (boat ramp and parking areas)
to the public from 12 a.m. (midnight) to 4 a.m.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. * * *
* * * * *
v. You must tag your deer with special refuge tags. There is a
limit of two deer of either sex per day.
* * * * *
Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
18. Youth hunters age 15 and under must remain within sight and
normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older possessing a valid
hunting license. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
* * * * *
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. We allow only bows (no crossbows) for deer and hog hunting
during the archery hunt.
* * * * *
[[Page 33172]]
5. We allow only shotguns with slugs, muzzleloaders, and bows (no
crossbows) 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.
6. You may place one stand on the refuge for 2 consecutive days
during the October archery hunt, the November gun hunt, and the March
hog hunt. You must remove your stand by legal sunset of the second day
of each 2-day period. Your name, address, and phone number must be
marked on your stand.
* * * * *
Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
8. We allow bows (no crossbows) and muzzleloading rifles during the
primitive weapons hunt.
9. We allow shotguns, 20 gauge or larger (slugs only), centerfire
rifles of .22 caliber or larger, bows (no crossbows), and primitive
weapons during the gun hunt.
* * * * *
0
8. Amend Sec. 32.32 Illinois by:
0
a. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A., revising paragraph
A.2., adding paragraph A.3., and revising paragraph D. of Chautauqua
National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Revising paragraphs A., B.1., C.1., and D. of Cypress Creek National
Wildlife Refuge;
0
d. Revising paragraphs A.1., A.2., B., C., and D.1. of Emiquon National
Wildlife Refuge;
0
e. Revising paragraphs D.3. and D.4. of Meredosia National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
f. Revising paragraphs A.1., A.2., B., C., and D. of Middle Mississippi
River National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
g. Revising paragraphs A.1., A.2., B., C., and D.4. of Two Rivers
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.32 Illinois.
* * * * *
Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
2. Hunters must remove boats, decoys, blinds, and blind materials
at the end of each day's hunt (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
3. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands,
or scaffolds (see Sec. 27.92 of this chapter).
* * * * *
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 on Lake Chautauqua from January 15 through
October 15. We prohibit fishing in the Waterfowl Hunting Area during
the waterfowl hunting season.
2. We allow bank fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset from
October 16 to January 14 between the boat ramp and the fishing trail in
the North Pool and from Goofy Ridge Public Access to the west gate of
the north pool water control structure.
3. Motorboats must not exceed ``no-wake'' speeds.
4. We prohibit the public entering Weis Lake on the Cameron-
Billsbach Unit of the refuge from October 16 through January 14.
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters may hunt waterfowl, by daily permit drawing, on the
controlled areas of Grassy Point, Carterville, and Greenbriar land
areas, as well as on Orchard, Sawmill, Turkey, and Grassy islands from
\1/2\ hour before legal sunrise to posted closing times each day during
the goose season. Hunters may hunt waterfowl in these areas, including
the lake shoreline, only from existing refuge blinds during the goose
season.
2. We prohibit waterfowl hunting in the restricted use area of Crab
Orchard Lake.
3. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands,
platforms, or scaffolds (see Sec. 27.92 of this chapter).
4. Hunting blinds must be a minimum of 200 yards (180 m) apart.
5. Hunters must remove all boats, decoys, blinds, blind materials,
and 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.
6. Goose hunters outside the controlled goose hunting area on Crab
Orchard Lake must hunt from a blind that is on shore or anchored a
minimum of 200 yards (180 m) away from any shoreline. Waterfowl hunters
may also hunt on the east shoreline in Grassy Bay.
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 upland game hunting in the controlled goose hunting
areas during the goose hunting season, except we allow furbearer
hunting from legal sunset to legal sunrise.
2. We prohibit upland game hunting within 50 yards (45 m) of all
designated public use facilities, including but not limited to parking
areas, picnic areas, campgrounds, marinas, boat ramps, public roads,
and established hiking trails listed in the refuge trails brochure.
3. We prohibit hunters using rifles or handguns with ammunition
larger than .22 caliber rimfire, except they may use black powder
firearms up to and including .40 caliber.
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 require all deer and turkey hunters using the restricted use
area to check in at the refuge visitor contact station prior to
hunting.
2. We allow deer hunting with archery equipment only in the
following areas:
i. In the controlled goose hunting area;
ii. On all refuge lands north of Illinois State Route 13; and
iii. In the area north of the Crab Orchard Lake emergency spillway
and west of Crab Orchard Lake.
3. We prohibit big game hunting within 50 yards (45 m) of all
designated public use facilities, including but not limited to parking
areas, picnic areas, campgrounds, marinas, boat ramps, public roads,
and established hiking trails listed in the refuge trails brochure.
4. You must remove all portable hunting stands, blinds, and other
hunting equipment from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see
Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
5. Condition A3 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. On Crab Orchard Lake west of Wolf Creek Road:
i. Anglers may fish from boats all year.
ii. Anglers must remove all trotlines/jugs from legal sunrise until
legal sunset from the Friday immediately prior to Memorial Day through
Labor Day.
2. On Crab Orchard Lake east of Wolf Creek Road:
i. Anglers may fish from boats March 15 through September 30.
ii. Anglers may fish all year at the Wolf Creek and Route 148
causeways.
[[Page 33173]]
3. Anglers must check and remove fish from all jugs and trotlines
daily.
4. We prohibit using stakes to anchor any trotlines.
5. Anglers must tag all trotlines with their name and address.
6. We prohibit anglers using jugs or trotlines with any flotation
device that has previously contained any petroleum-based material or
toxic substance.
7. Anglers must attach a buoyed device that is visible on the
water's surface to all trotlines.
8. Anglers may use all noncommercial fishing methods, except they
may not use any underwater breathing apparatus.
9. On A-41, Bluegill, Managers, Honkers, and Vistors Ponds:
i. Anglers may fish only from legal sunrise to legal sunset March
15 through September 30.
ii. We prohibit anglers from using boats or floatation devices.
10. Anglers may not submerge any pole or similar object to take or
locate any fish.
11. Organizers of all fishing events must possess a refuge-issued
permit.
12. We prohibit anglers from fishing within 250 yards (225 m) of an
occupied waterfowl hunting blind.
13. We restrict motorboats to slow speeds leaving ``no wake'' in
Cambria Neck, and within 150 feet (45 m) of any shoreline, swimming
area, marina entrance, boat ramp, or causeway tunnel on Crab Orchard,
Little Grassy, or Devils Kitchen Lakes.
Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose,
coot, woodcock, dove, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require hunters to possess and carry a free refuge hunting
permit while hunting on the refuge.
2. Hunters must remove all boats, decoys, blinds, blind materials,
stands, and platforms (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter)
brought onto the refuge at the end of each day's hunt.
3. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds,
platforms, and scaffolds (see Sec. 27.92 of this chapter).
4. We prohibit outboard motors larger than 10 hp.
5. We prohibit the use of paint, flagging, reflectors, tacks, or
other manmade materials to mark trails or hunting locations.
6. We allow dove hunting beginning on September 1 and continuing on
the following Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays throughout the State
season.
7. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dogs are under
the immediate control of the hunter at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of
this chapter).
8. On the Bellrose Waterfowl Reserve:
i. We prohibit all upland game hunting, big game hunting, and duck
hunting.
ii. You may hunt goose only following the closure of the State duck
hunting season.
iii. We allow goose hunting only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays,
and Sundays.
iv. We allow hunting from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 1
p.m.
v. Hunters must exit the Reserve by 2 p.m.
vi. We prohibit entry to the Reserve prior to 4:30 a.m.
vii. We prohibit hunting during the special snow goose seasons
after closure of the regular goose seasons.
viii. We prohibit construction or use of pit blinds (see Sec.
27.92 of this chapter).
ix. We prohibit hunting within 100 yards (90 m) of any private
property boundary.
x. All hunting parties must be at least 200 yards (180 m) apart.
xi. All hunters must sign in and out and report daily harvest at
the hunter registration station.
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, A4, A5, and A7 apply.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 apply.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. Condition A4 applies.
2. Anglers must remove all boats and fishing equipment (see Sec.
27.93 of this chapter) brought onto the refuge at the end of each day's
fishing activity.
3. We prohibit the use of trotlines, jugs, yo-yos, nets, or any
commercial fishing equipment except in areas where State regulation
authorizes commercial tackle.
4. We prohibit the use of more than two poles per angler and more
than two hooks or lures per pole.
5. We prohibit possession of bass less than 15 inches (37.5 cm) in
length from refuge ponds.
6. We prohibit possession of more than six channel catfish from
refuge ponds.
Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands,
or scaffolds (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
2. Hunters must remove boats, decoys, blinds, and blind materials
(see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) brought onto the
refuge at the end of each day's hunt.
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on designated
areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following condition: We allow access for hunting from 1 hour before
legal sunrise until legal sunset.
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 prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds,
platforms, or ladders (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
2. You must remove all portable hunting stands and blinds from the
area at the end of each day's hunt (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of
this chapter).
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. We prohibit leaving boats on refuge waters overnight (see Sec.
27.93 of this chapter).
* * * * *
Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
3. We prohibit leaving boats on refuge waters overnight (see Sec.
27.93 of this chapter).
4. Motorboats must not exceed ``no-wake'' speeds.
Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands,
scaffolds, or platforms (see Sec. 27.92 of this chapter).
2. Hunters must remove boats, blinds, blind materials, stands,
decoys, and other hunting equipment (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of
this chapter) from the refuge at the end of each day.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
condition: We allow hunting of furbearers only from legal sunrise to
legal sunset.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
turkey on the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to
the following conditions:
1. The Harlow and Meissner Island Divisions are open only to
archery hunting.
[[Page 33174]]
2. Conditions A1 and A2 apply.
3. On refuge lands where archery and firearm hunting seasons
(shotgun, rifle, muzzleloader) run concurrent, archery hunters must
comply with firearm blaze-orange, safety requirements for the State in
which they are hunting (i.e., Missouri or Illinois).
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on the refuge in accordance with
State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We close the Meissner Island Division to all sport fishing.
2. We prohibit the taking of turtle and frog (see Sec. 27.21 of
this chapter).
3. We allow fishing only from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
4. Anglers must remove all fishing devices (see Sec. 27.93 of this
chapter) at the end of each day's fishing.
* * * * *
Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands,
scaffolds, or platforms (see Sec. 27.92 of this chapter).
2. Hunters must remove boats, decoys, blinds, and blind materials
(see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) brought onto the
refuge at the end of each day's hunt.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting only on the
Apple Creek Division and the portion of the Calhoun Division east of
the Illinois River Road in accordance with State regulations subject to
the following condition: We allow hunting from legal sunrise to legal
sunset.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
turkey on the Apple Creek Division and the portion of the Calhoun
Division east of the Illinois River Road in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds,
platforms, or ladders (see Sec. 27.92 of this chapter).
2. Hunters must remove all portable hunting stands and blinds from
the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and
27.94 of this chapter).
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
4. Anglers must remove boats and all other fishing devices (see
Sec. 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day's fishing activity.
* * * * *
0
9. Amend Sec. 32.33 Indiana by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs B., C., and D. of Big Oaks National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
b. Revising paragraphs B., C., and D. of Muscatatuck National Wildlife
Refuge; and
0
c. Revising Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area
to read as follows:
Sec. 32.33 Indiana.
* * * * *
Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel in accordance
with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require a refuge access permit.
2. We allow the use of hunting dogs only during the squirrel
hunting season. Hunters must ensure that all hunting dogs wear a collar
displaying the owner's name, address, and telephone number.
3. Hunters must hunt only in assigned areas. We prohibit trespass
into an unassigned hunt area.
4. In areas posted ``Area Closed,'' we prohibit entry, including
hunting.
5. We prohibit the use of flagging tape and reflective tacks.
6. We allow the use of squirrel hunting dogs only in the day-use
area.
7. Permitted squirrel hunters are the only hunters authorized to
possess a rifle (only .22 rimfire) on the refuge.
8. Squirrel hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while
in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
9. We prohibit the use or possession of handguns on the refuge.
10. We require that hunters check all harvested game taken on the
refuge at the refuge check station.
11. We require all refuge hunters to hunt with a partner. We
require hunting partners to know the location of their partner while
hunting. Youth hunters, anyone age 17 or under, must be directly
supervised by a responsible adult age 18 or older.
12. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages on the refuge
(see Sec. 32.2(j)).
13. Hunters must possess and carry a compass while hunting on the
refuge.
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 B1, B3, B4, B5, B9, B10, B11, B12, and B13 apply.
2. The refuge access permit will contain bag limits and license
requirements.
3. We allow the use of portable hunting stands and blinds. All
hunting stands and blinds may be left in the field overnight only if
the hunter will be hunting that same location the following day. We
prohibit tree steps or screw-in steps (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on the Old Timbers Lake in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require a refuge access permit.
2. We only allow fishing with a rod and reel or pole and line.
3. We prohibit the use of trotlines.
4. We allow boats only rowed, paddled, or powered by an electric
trolling motor on the Old Timbers Lake.
5. We prohibit retaining black bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth
bass, and spotted bass between 12 and 15 inches (30 and 37.5 cm).
Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, and
rabbit on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit discharge of firearms within 100 yards (90 m) of an
occupied dwelling.
2. We allow the use of hunting dogs only for hunting rabbit and
quail, provided the dogs are under the immediate control of the hunter
at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
3. We allow .22 caliber rifles only with rimfire ammunition and
shotgun for upland game hunting.
4. We prohibit quail, squirrel, and rabbit hunting during refuge
deer hunts.
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. Condition B1 applies.
2. You must possess and carry a refuge permit during the State
muzzleloader deer season.
3. You must possess and carry a refuge permit during the deer
archery hunting season that overlaps with the State muzzleloader deer
season.
4. Our late archery season deer hunt opens at the end of the State
muzzleloader season and ends at the conclusion of the State late
archery season.
5. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds,
platforms, or ladders (see Sec. 27.92 of this chapter).
6. Hunters may take only one deer per day from the refuge.
7. We allow only spring turkey hunting on the refuge, and hunters
must possess a refuge permit.
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 the use of boats only on Stanfield Lake. We prohibit
the use of gasoline- or electric-powered boat
[[Page 33175]]
motors. We allow manual- (foot- or hand-) propelled boats.
2. We allow the use of belly boats or float tubes in all designated
fishing areas.
3. We allow fishing only with rod and reel or pole and line.
4. We prohibit harvest of frog and turtle (see Sec. 27.21 of this
chapter).
Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game
birds on designated areas of the refuge and the White River Wildlife
Management Area in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands,
platforms, or scaffolds (see Sec. 27.92 of this chapter).
2. Hunters must remove all boats, decoys, blinds, and blind
materials after each day's hunt (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
3. We allow motorboats only on Snakey Point Marsh east of the South
Fork River and the Patoka River. All other areas are open to either
manual-powered boats or boats with battery-driven motors only.
4. Motorboats must not exceed ``no wake'' speeds.
5. We prohibit the use of powered airboats on the refuge.
6. We close the Cane Ridge Wildlife Management Area to all hunting.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of bobwhite quail,
cottontail rabbit, squirrel (gray and fox), turkey, red and gray fox,
coyote, opossum, and raccoon in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. You must possess and carry a refuge permit for all furbearer
hunting.
2. We allow the use of dogs for hunting, provided the dog is under
the immediate control of the hunter at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of
this chapter).
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands,
platforms, or scaffolds (see Sec. 27.92 of this chapter).
2. Condition A6 applies.
3. We prohibit marking trails with tape, ribbons, paper, paint,
tacks, tree blazes, or other devices.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on all areas of the refuge
in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. We allow sport fishing in accordance with State regulations on
the main channel of the Patoka River.
2. All other refuge waters are subject to the following conditions:
i. We allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
ii. We allow fishing only with rod and reel or pole and line.
iii. The minimum size limit for large-mouth bass on Snakey Point
Marsh is 14 inches (35 cm).
iv. You must possess and carry a refuge permit to take bait fish,
crayfish, snapping turtle, and bullfrog.
3. Anglers must remove boats at the end of each day's fishing
activity (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
4. Conditions A2 through A5 apply.
0
10. Amend Sec. 32.34 Iowa by revising paragraphs B., C., and D. of
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.34 Iowa.
* * * * *
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow youth hunting of ring-necked
pheasant on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with the
States of Iowa and Nebraska regulations. The refuge manager will
annually determine and publish hunting seasons, dates, and designated
areas.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and wild
turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with States of
Iowa and Nebraska regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. The refuge manager will annually determine and publish hunting
seasons and dates and include them in the refuge access permit.
2. You must possess and carry a refuge access permit at all times
while in the hunting area. Hunters may enter the hunting areas only
within the dates listed on the Refuge Access Permit.
3. All areas open to hunting may be accessed by hunters with a
valid Iowa or Nebraska resident hunting permit. Reciprocity exists,
with both States allowing hunters with either resident permit to access
refuge hunting land in either State.
4. Hunters holding nonresident Nebraska or nonresident Iowa permits
may hunt only on the ground that lies within the State that issued the
nonresident permit.
5. We allow hunters in the designated area from 3 hours before
legal sunrise until 2 hours after legal sunset.
6. We require all hunters using the designated archery hunting
areas to individually register their name and vehicle at the parking
area prior to entering the archery area. After hunting, hunters must
complete the daily registration by recording the number of hours hunted
and kill information.
7. All hunters must be in possession of a valid Entrance Fee
Permit.
8. Hunters may not construct or use permanent blinds or stands.
Hunters must remove hunting blinds or stands and other property by the
close of the season (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
9. We prohibit shooting on or over any refuge road open to vehicle
traffic within 30 feet (9 m) of the centerline.
10. We prohibit field dressing of any big game within 100 feet (30
m) of the centerline of any refuge road.
11. We prohibit use of two-way mobile radio transmitters to
communicate the location or direction of game or to coordinate the
movement of other hunters.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing in DeSoto Lake in
accordance with the States of Iowa and Nebraska regulations subject to
the following conditions:
1. We allow ice fishing in DeSoto Lake January 2 through the end of
February. The refuge manager may open DeSoto Lake to ice fishing before
January 2 or after the end of February, depending on ice conditions.
2. We allow the use of pole and line or rod and reel fishing in
DeSoto Lake from April 15 through October 14. The refuge manager may
open DeSoto Lake to fishing as early as April 1, depending on waterfowl
usage each year.
3. We allow the use of archery and spear fishing for nongame fish
only from April 15 through October 14.
4. When the lake is open to ice fishing, we prohibit motor- or
wind-driven conveyances on the lake.
5. We allow the use of portable ice fishing shelters on a daily
basis from January 2 through the end of February. The refuge manager
may open DeSoto Lake to the use of ice fishing shelters before January
2 or after the end of February, depending on ice conditions.
6. Anglers may use no more than two lines and two hooks per line,
including ice fishing.
7. We prohibit the use of trotlines, float lines, bank lines, or
setlines.
8. Anglers must adhere to minimum length and creel limits as
posted.
9. We prohibit anglers leaving any personal property, litter, fish
or any parts thereof, on the banks, in the water, or on the ice.
10. We prohibit digging or seining for bait.
11. We prohibit take or possession of turtle or frog at any time
(see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter).
12. We limit boating to ``no-wake'' speeds, not to exceed 5 miles
per hour.
[[Page 33176]]
13. We allow anglers on the refuge from \1/2\ hour before legal
sunrise to \1/2\ hour after legal sunset.
* * * * *
0
11. Amend Sec. 32.35 Kansas by revising paragraphs A.1. through A.3.,
adding paragraph A.4., revising paragraphs B.1., B.2., adding
paragraphs B.3. and B.4., revising paragraphs C.1. through C.3., adding
paragraphs C.4. and C.5., and revising paragraph D. of Marais des
Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.35 Kansas.
* * * * *
Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. We restrict outboard motor use to the westernmost 5\1/2\ miles
(8.8 km) of the Marais des Cygnes River. You may use only nonmotorized
boats and electric trolling motors on remaining waters in designated
areas of the refuge.
2. We prohibit discharge of firearms within 150 yards (135 m) of
any residence or occupied building.
3. We allow only temporary portable blinds and blinds made from
natural vegetation.
4. You must remove boats, decoys, portable blinds, and other
personal property from the refuge at the end of each day (see
Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Condition A2 applies.
2. We prohibit centerfire and rimfire rifles and pistols.
3. You may possess only bow and arrow or shotguns smaller than 10
gauge while hunting upland game.
4. We require the use of approved nontoxic shot (see Sec.
32.2(k)).
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A2, A3, A4, B2, and B4 apply.
2. You must possess and carry a refuge access permit to hunt deer
and spring turkey.
3. We prohibit hunting with the aid of or distribution of any feed,
salt, or other mineral (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
4. We allow the use of portable tree stands. You must label
portable tree stands left overnight with your name and phone number so
it is visible from the ground.
5. You may install portable tree stands no sooner than September
15, and you must remove them by January 15 of each year.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
condition: Condition A1 applies.
* * * * *
0
12. Amend Sec. 32.36 Kentucky by revising paragraphs A.6. and A.8.,
removing paragraph A.10., redesignating paragraphs A.11. through A.18.
as paragraphs A.10. through A.17., and revising paragraphs B.1., B.3.,
B.5., B.6., and C.1. of Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge to read
as follows:
Sec. 32.36 Kentucky.
* * * * *
Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
6. To track game in or retrieve game from a posted closed area of
the refuge, the hunter must first receive authorization from the refuge
manager at 270-527-5770 or the law enforcement officer at 270-703-2836.
* * * * *
8. We close portions of abandoned railroad tracks within the refuge
boundary to vehicle access (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter).
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A13 apply.
* * * * *
3. You may not kill or cripple a wild animal without making a
reasonable effort to retrieve the animal and harvest a reasonable
portion to be included in your daily bag limit.
* * * * *
5. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k))
while hunting small game.
6. You may hunt coyote only during any daytime refuge hunt with
weapons and ammunition allowed for that hunt.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A17 and B3 apply.
* * * * *
0
13. Amend Sec. 32.37 Louisiana by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs A. and B. of Atchafalaya National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
b. Revising paragraphs D.1. and D.2. of Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
c. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A., revising paragraphs
A.1., A.3., and A.4., removing paragraph A.10., redesignating
paragraphs A.11. through A.13. as paragraphs A.10. through A.12.,
revising newly designated paragraph A.10., and revising paragraphs
B.4., B.6., C.1., C.2., C.7., C.9., D.3., and D.5. of Bayou Teche
National Wildlife Refuge;
0
d. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A., revising paragraphs
A.1., A.7., and A.10., adding paragraph A.14., revising the
introductory text of paragraph B., revising paragraphs B.3., B.4.,
C.4., C.5., C.6., and C.8., removing paragraphs C.9. and C.10., and
revising paragraphs D.1. and D.3. of Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
e. Adding paragraph C.8. of Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge;
0
f. Revising paragraphs A.1., A.2., A.3., A7., and A.8., adding
paragraph A.11., revising paragraphs B.1. and B.2., removing paragraph
B.3., redesignating paragraphs B.4. through B.8. as paragraphs B.3.
through B.7., revising newly designated paragraph B.3., removing
paragraph B.9., revising paragraphs C.1., C.2., C.4., and C.5.,
removing paragraph C.8., redesignating paragraphs C.9. through C.11. as
paragraphs C.8. through C.10., revising newly designated paragraph
C.8., revising the introductory text of paragraph D., and revising
paragraph D.2. of Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge;
0
g. Revising paragraphs A., D.2., D.4., D.5., D.7., D.14., and D.15. of
Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge;
0
h. Revising paragraphs A.2., A.5., A.10., A.17., and A.18., adding
paragraphs A.26. through A.28., revising paragraphs B.1. and B.3.,
adding paragraph B.6., revising paragraphs C.1., C.2., C.4., D.2., and
D.7., and removing paragraph D.11. of Cat Island National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
i. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A., revising paragraph
A.4., adding paragraph A.17., revising paragraph B.1., adding paragraph
B.11., revising paragraph C.1., adding paragraphs C.12. and C.13., and
revising paragraph D.1. of Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge;
0
j. Revising paragraph A.6. and adding paragraph C.11. of D'Arbonne
National Wildlife Refuge;
0
k. Revising paragraphs A.1. and A.7., removing paragraph A.10.,
redesignating paragraphs A.11. through A.13. as paragraphs A.10.
through A.12., revising newly designated paragraphs A.10. and A.12.,
revising paragraph B.4., the introductory text of paragraph C., and
paragraphs C.1., D.1., and D.4. of Delta National Wildlife Refuge;
0
l. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A., revising paragraphs
A.5., A.15., A.19., A.21., adding paragraph B.8., revising paragraphs
C.1. and C.2., removing paragraph C.5., redesignating paragraphs C.6.
through C.9. as paragraphs C.5. through C.8., and revising newly
designated paragraph C.6. and paragraphs D.6., D.8., and D.15. of Grand
Cote National Wildlife Refuge;
0
m. Revising paragraphs A.1., A.7., and A.8., revising the introductory
text of
[[Page 33177]]
paragraph C., removing paragraph C.5., redesignating paragraphs C.6.
through C.12. as paragraphs C.5. through C.11., revising newly
redesignated paragraph C.6., and revising paragraph D.5. of Lacassine
National Wildlife Refuge;
0
n. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A., revising paragraphs
A.5., A.11., and A.13., adding paragraph A.24., revising paragraph
B.2., adding paragraph B.7., revising paragraphs C.1., C.2., and C.3.,
removing paragraph C.4., and redesignating paragraphs C.5. through
C.17. as paragraphs C.4. through C.16., revising newly redesignated
paragraphs C.4. and C.10., and adding paragraphs C.17. and C.18. of
Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge;
0
o. Revising paragraphs A.3., A.5., C.1., C.3., C.6., D.3., and D.4. of
Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge;
0
p. Adding paragraph C.9. of Red River National Wildlife Refuge;
0
q. Revising paragraphs A., D.4., D.7. introductory text, D.7.i., D.8.
introductory text, D.8.ii., D.8.viii., and D.8.xii. of Sabine National
Wildlife Refuge;
0
r. Revising paragraphs A.4., A.5., A.7., A.10., A.11., A.13., B.2.,
B.5., B.6., B.7., C.3., C.4., and C.6. through C.15., adding paragraphs
C.16. through C.18., and revising paragraph D. of Tensas River National
Wildlife Refuge; and
0
s. Revising paragraphs A.8. and A.12., the introductory text of
paragraph C., revising paragraph C.4., and adding paragraph C.11. of
Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.37 Louisiana.
* * * * *
Atchafalaya 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 condition: Hunting must be in
accordance with State-issued Sherburne Wildlife Management Area
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: Hunting must be in accordance with
State-issued Sherburne Wildlife Management Area regulations.
* * * * *
Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. The refuge is open from 30 minutes before legal sunrise to 30
minutes after legal sunset.
2. We allow sport fishing and shellfishing year-round on all refuge
lands south of the Intracoastal Waterway, from the banks of U.S.
Highway 11, and within the banks of the borrow canal and borrow pits
between U.S. Highway 11 and Interstate 10. We close the remainder of
the refuge from November 1 through January 31.
* * * * *
Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory
waterfowl on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. All hunters must possess and carry a signed hunt permit while
hunting on the refuge. This permit is free and available on the front
cover of the refuge brochure.
* * * * *
3. Youth hunters under age 16 must have completed a State-approved
Hunter Education Course and possess and carry a card or certification
of completion. Each youth hunter under age 16 must remain within sight
and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult may
supervise no more than two refuge-permitted youth hunters. We require
all adult supervisors and hunters of migratory waterfowl to possess and
carry a State hunter safety course card or certificate.
4. We require waterfowl hunters to remove all portable blinds,
boats, decoys, and other personal equipment from the refuge by 1 p.m.
daily.
* * * * *
10. We allow waterfowl hunting in Centerville, Garden City, and
Bayou Sale Units during the State waterfowl season. We open no other
units to migratory waterfowl hunting.
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. We allow hunting 7 days per week beginning with the opening of
the State season in Centerville, Garden City, Bayou Sale, North Bend--
East, and North Bend--West Units through the last day of the State
waterfowl season in the West Zone. We open no other units to the
hunting of upland game.
* * * * *
6. Conditions A1, A2, A3, A5, A6, A7, A8, and A12 apply.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. We allow hunting of deer only with firearms (see Sec. 27.42 of
this chapter) during 5 specific days during October and November. A
youth gun hunt will occur during the last weekend of October. The
general gun hunt will occur during the final full weekend in November.
The general gun hunt will be a lottery hunt. We will require a Lottery
Hunt Permit. Hunters will find permit application procedures in the
refuge brochure. The youth gun hunt includes both Saturday and Sunday.
The general gun hunt includes the Friday immediately before the
weekend.
2. We allow hunting of deer with archery equipment from the start
of the State archery season until the last day of November in the
following units: Garden City, North Bend--East, and North Bend--West.
The following units are open to archery deer hunting from the start of
the State archery season until January 31: Centerville, Bayou Sale, and
Garden City (south of Garden City levee only). We close refuge archery
hunting on those days that the refuge deer gun hunts occur.
* * * * *
7. We allow the use of portable deer stands according to State of
Louisiana Wildlife Management Area regulations.
* * * * *
9. Conditions A1, A2, with the following exception to A3: One adult
may supervise only one youth; A5, A6, A7, A8, B3, and B5 apply.
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
3. The refuge is open from legal sunrise until legal sunset unless
stated otherwise.
* * * * *
5. Conditions A6 and A8 apply.
Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, coot,
goose, snipe, rail, gallinule, and woodcock on designated areas of the
refuge during the State waterfowl season in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays,
and Sundays from 30 minutes before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon),
including the State special teal season and State youth waterfowl hunt.
* * * * *
7. Youth hunters under age 16 must have completed a hunter
education course and possess and carry evidence of completion. An adult
age 21 or older must closely supervise youth hunters (within sight and
normal voice contact). One adult may supervise no more than two youth
hunters.
* * * * *
[[Page 33178]]
10. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of any road open to
vehicle travel, any residence, or Boy Scout Road (see Sec. 27.31 of
this chapter).
* * * * *
14. We prohibit horses.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, and
quail on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
3. We allow dogs to only locate, point, and retrieve when hunting
for quail.
4. Conditions A5 through A14 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. You may take deer of either sex in accordance with State
regulations. The State season limits apply.
5. Hunters may erect temporary deer stands 14 days prior to the
start of deer season. Hunters must remove all deer stands within 14
days of the end of the refuge deer season (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and
27.94 of this chapter).
6. Hunters may take hogs only during the refuge deer archery hunt.
* * * * *
8. Conditions A5 through A14 apply, except in condition A7: One
adult may supervise only one youth while hunting big game.
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. You may only fish from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise to \1/2\
hour after legal sunset, except in the Lake Road area.
* * * * *
3. We prohibit the use of trotlines, limblines, slat traps, gar
sets, nets, or alligator lines on the refuge. You may take bait with
cast nets 8 feet (2.4 m) in diameter or less.
* * * * *
Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
8. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with
the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals, or other feed or
any nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see Sec.
32.2(h)).
* * * * *
Boque Chitto National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. We allow hunting from 30 minutes before legal sunrise until 12
p.m. (noon).
2. We allow woodcock hunting in accordance with State regulations
using only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)) size 4
or smaller.
3. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-
approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must
possess and carry a certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must
remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or
older. One adult may supervise up to two youth hunters.
* * * * *
7. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of any public road,
refuge road, designated trail, building, residence, designated public
facility, or from or across aboveground oil or gas or electric
facilities.
8. We prohibit possession of slugs, buckshot, rifle, or pistol
ammunition unless otherwise specified.
* * * * *
11. We prohibit horses.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot size 4 or
smaller or .22 caliber rimfire or smaller.
2. You may use dogs for rabbit and squirrel from November 1 to the
end of the State season except during the refuge gun and muzzleloader
season.
3. You may use dogs for raccoon and opossum from January 1 through
the last day of February.
* * * * *
6. Conditions A3 and A5 through A11 apply.
7. During the refuge deer gun season, all hunters except waterfowl
hunters must wear a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm\2\) of
unbroken hunter orange as the outermost layer of clothing on the chest
and back.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A3 (one adult may supervise only one youth hunter
during refuge gun deer hunts), A5 through A7, A10, B4, and B7 apply.
2. Hunters may erect temporary deer stands 14 days prior to the
start of deer season. Hunters must remove all deer stands within 14
days of the end of the refuge deer season (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and
27.94 of this chapter).
* * * * *
4. We list specific dates for general gun big game hunts in the
refuge hunt brochure.
5. We list specific dates for primitive weapons big game hunts in
the refuge hunt brochure.
* * * * *
8. You may take hog as incidental game while participating in the
refuge archery, primitive weapon, and general gun deer hunts only. We
list specific dates for the special hog hunts in January and February
in the refuge hunt brochure. During the special hog hunts you must use
trained hog-hunting dogs to aid in the take of hog. During the special
hog hunts you may take hog from 30 minutes before legal sunrise to 30
minutes after legal sunset, and you must use pistol or rifle ammunition
not larger than .22 caliber rimfire or shotgun with nontoxic shot to
take the hog after it has been caught by dogs.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow recreational fishing year-round in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
2. Conditions A9 and B4 apply.
* * * * *
Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of light and
white-fronted goose, duck, coot, snipe, and dove on designated areas of
the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. The waterfowl hunt is a youth hunt only. We set dates in
September, and you may obtain information from the refuge. We will
accept permit applications September 1 through October 20 and limit
applications to a choice of three dates. We will notify successful
applicants.
2. All hunters born on or after September 1, 1969, must
successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While
hunting, each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of
completion. Each youth hunter (age 16 and under) must remain within
sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. For
waterfowl hunts, one adult may supervise no more than two youth
hunters.
3. We require every hunter to possess and carry signed refuge
hunting regulations and permit.
4. Each hunter must complete a Hunter Information Card at a self-
clearing check station after each hunt and before leaving the refuge.
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 duck
and coot season in the West Zone.
7. We prohibit hunting closer than 50 yards (45 m) of any public
road, refuge road, trail, building, residence, or designated public
facility.
8. We prohibit any person or group from acting as guide, outfitter,
or in any other capacity in which any other individual(s) pay or
promise to pay directly or indirectly for service
[[Page 33179]]
rendered to any other person or persons hunting on the refuge,
regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging,
or club membership.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
2. You may recreationally fish, crab, or cast net in the East Cove
Unit year-round from legal sunrise to legal sunset, except during the
State waterfowl season and when we close the Grand Bayou Boat Bay.
* * * * *
4. On East Cove Unit, we prohibit walking, wading, or climbing in
or on the marsh, levees, or structures.
5. We allow sport fishing, crabbing, and cast netting in the canal
and waterways adjacent to the Gibbstown Unit Bank Fishing Road and the
Outfall Canal from March 15 through October 15.
* * * * *
7. We allow only recreational crabbing with cotton hand lines or
dropnets up to 24 inches ( 60 cm) outside diameter. We prohibit using
floats on crab lines.
* * * * *
14. We prohibit the use of ATVs, air-thrust boats, and personal
motorized watercraft (Jet Skis) in any refuge area (see Sec. 27.31(f)
of this chapter).
15. You may operate outboard motors in refuge canals, bayous, and
lakes. In the marsh we allow only trolling motors.
* * * * *
Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. Hunters must fill out a free daily ``check-in'' and ``check
out'' refuge hunting permit obtained at designated check stations and
must properly display the associated windshield permit while in parking
lots.
* * * * *
5. You must use designated parking areas to participate in any
refuge public use activity.
* * * * *
10. We prohibit transport of loaded weapons on an ATV (see Sec.
27.42(b) of this chapter). For muzzleloaders, we define loaded as cap
on primer.
* * * * *
17. We prohibit all other hunting during refuge lottery deer hunts.
18. We allow waterfowl hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays,
and Sundays until 12 p.m. (noon) during the designated State duck
season.
* * * * *
26. We prohibit blocking of gates or trails (see Sec. 27.31(h) of
this chapter) with vehicles or ATVs.
27. We prohibit ATVs on trails/roads (see Sec. 27.31 of this
chapter) not specifically designated by signs for ATV use.
28. We prohibit handguns for hunting (see Sec. 27.42 of this
chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A17 and A19 through A28 apply.
* * * * *
3. We allow the use of squirrel and rabbit dogs from the day after
the close of the State-designated deer rifle season to the end of the
State-designated season. We allow up to two dogs per hunting party for
squirrel hunting.
* * * * *
6. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with
the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals, or other feed or
nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A17, A19 through A28, and B6 apply.
2. We allow archery-only deer hunting on the refuge during the
State archery deer season.
* * * * *
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. Sec. 27.93 and
27.94 of this chapter). Hunters may erect stands 2 days before hunting
season; however, they must place them in a nonhunting position at the
conclusion of each day's hunt.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
2. Conditions A1, A3, A4, A5, A9 (on the open portions of Wood Duck
ATV Trail for wildlife-dependent activities throughout the year), A13
through A16, A19, and A21 through A28 apply.
* * * * *
7. We allow recreational crawfishing on the refuge subject to
specific dates (see refuge brochure for details). The harvest limit is
100 pounds (45 kg) per permit per day.
* * * * *
Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck,
coot, gallinule, woodcock, rail, and snipe on designated areas of the
Bushley Bayou Unit in accordance with State hunting regulations subject
to the following conditions:
* * * * *
4. We open the following ATV trails year-round: Round Lake Road;
portions of Black Lake and Dempsey Lake Roads beginning at the
designated parking areas; portions of Minnow Ponds Road at Highway 8 to
Green's Creek Road and then south to Green's Creek Bridge.
* * * * *
17. We prohibit parking on the refuge for access to adjoining
nonrefuge property.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1, A4 (at the Bushley Bayou Unit), A7 through A14,
A16, and A17 apply.
* * * * *
11. We require hunters participating in special dog seasons for
rabbit and squirrel to wear a minimum of a hunter-orange cap. All other
hunters and archers (while on the ground), except waterfowl hunters,
also must wear a minimum of a hunter-orange cap during the special dog
seasons for rabbit and squirrel.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1, A4 (at the Bushley Bayou Unit), A7 through A9,
A12 through A14, A16, A17, B4 through B8 (big game hunting), and B11
apply.
* * * * *
12. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with
aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals or other feed or
nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
13. Deer hunters hunting from concealed ground blinds must display
a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm\2\) of hunter orange above or
around their blinds visible from 360[deg].
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. Conditions A4 (at the Bushley Bayou Unit), A7, A9, A13 (as a
fishing guide), A14, A16, A17, B5, and B7 apply.
* * * * *
D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
6. We prohibit hunting within 100 feet (30 m) of the maintained
rights of way of roads (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter), and from
aboveground oil or gas or electrical transmission facilities.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
11. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with
the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals, or other feed or
any nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see Sec.
32.2(h)).
* * * * *
[[Page 33180]]
Delta National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. We allow waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays,
and Sundays from 30 minutes before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon),
including the State special teal season, State youth waterfowl season,
and State light goose special conservation season.
* * * * *
7. We prohibit air-thrust boats, mud boats, and air-cooled
propulsion engines on the refuge.
* * * * *
10. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-
approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must
possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth
hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult
age 21 or older. Each adult must possess and carry a refuge permit and
may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
* * * * *
12. 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.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. Conditions A4 through A10 (each adult may supervise no more than
two youth hunters during upland game hunting), A11, and A12 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. We only allow archery hunting of white-tailed
deer and hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
archery regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A4 through A12 apply, with the following exception to
condition A10: Each adult can only supervise one youth hunter.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. We only allow recreational fishing and crabbing from \1/2\ hour
before legal sunrise until \1/2\ hour after legal sunset. During State
waterfowl hunting seasons; however, we only allow recreational fishing
and crabbing from after 12 p.m. (noon) until \1/2\ hour after legal
sunset.
* * * * *
4. Conditions A8, A10, and A11 apply.
* * * * *
Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose,
coot, mourning dove, snipe, rail, and woodcock on designated areas of
the refuge (shown on the refuge hunting brochure map) in accordance
with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
5. You must use designated parking areas to participate in any
refuge public use activity.
* * * * *
15. We only allow nonmotorized boats or electric-powered motors.
* * * * *
19. We prohibit handguns for hunting (see Sec. 27.42 of this
chapter).
* * * * *
21. We allow only incidental take of mourning dove and snipe while
migratory bird hunting on days open to waterfowl hunting.
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
8. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with
the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals, or other feed or
nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A16, A20, A26, and B8 apply.
2. We allow archery hunting in special designated units (see refuge
brochure map) from the beginning of the State archery deer season until
the end of the State archery deer season subject to refuge closures
resulting from high water conditions.
* * * * *
6. Hunters may take one deer of either sex per day during the deer
season except during State-designated ``bucks'' only seasons.
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
6. We allow recreational crawfishing on the refuge subject to
specific date restrictions (see refuge brochure for details).
* * * * *
8. You may harvest 100 lbs. (45 kg) of crawfish per permit per day.
* * * * *
15. We prohibit launching boats with trailers, put or placed, in
Coulee des Grues from refuge property.
Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. We require every individual hunter to possess and carry a signed
refuge hunting permit.
* * * * *
7. We prohibit hunting within 50 yards (45 m) of refuge canals;
waterways; public roads; buildings; aboveground oil, gas, or electrical
transmission facilities; or designated public facilities. Hunting
parties must remain a distance of no less than 150 yards (135 m) away
from another hunter.
8. All hunters born on or after September 1, 1969, must
successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While
hunting, each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of
completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice
contact of an adult age 21 or older. For waterfowl hunts, one adult may
supervise no more than two youth hunters.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow archery as the only form of hunting
for white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge in accordance
with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
6. We allow boats of all motor types and of 25 hp or less in
Lacassine Pool.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
5. We prohibit bank fishing from the Lacassine Pool Wildlife Drive.
* * * * *
Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose,
coot, woodcock, snipe, rail, and mourning dove on designated areas of
the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
* * * * *
5. You must use designated parking areas to participate in any
refuge public use activity.
* * * * *
11. We prohibit transport of loaded weapons on an ATV (see Sec.
27.42(b) of this chapter). For muzzleloaders, we define loaded as cap
on primer.
* * * * *
13. We prohibit all hunting during refuge lottery deer hunts.
* * * * *
24. We prohibit handguns for hunting (see Sec. 27.42 of this
chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We allow squirrel and rabbit hunting in Hunt Unit 2B from the
opening of the State season through December 10.
* * * * *
7. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with
the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals, or other feed or
nonnaturally
[[Page 33181]]
occurring attractant on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A3, A5 through A16, A19, A22, and B7
apply.
2. We require hunters to permanently attach their name, address,
and phone number to the deer stand. Hunters may erect stands 2 days
before hunting season; however, they must place stands in a nonhunting
position at the conclusion of each hunt and remove them on the last day
of the State archery deer season.
3. We allow archery hunting in Units 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B subject to
refuge-specific date and harvest restrictions (see refuge hunting
brochure for dates).
4. We allow youth deer hunting in the closed area during the
lottery youth deer season.
* * * * *
10. We allow electric-powered or nonmotorized boats in Lake Ophelia
subject to refuge-specific date restrictions (see refuge hunting
brochure for details).
* * * * *
17. We allow only turkey hunting during the first 14 days of the
State season until 12 p.m. (noon).
18. We allow the use and possession of lead shot for turkey
hunting.
* * * * *
Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-
approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must
possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth
hunter under age 16 must remain within sight and normal voice contact
of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult may supervise no more than two
refuge-permitted youth hunters. We require all adult supervisors and
hunters of migratory waterfowl to possess and carry a State Hunter
Safety Course Certificate.
* * * * *
5. Only one adult may occupy a blind with up to two youths during a
designated Lottery Youth Waterfowl Hunt. We allow no more than three
hunters to hunt from a blind at one time during any waterfowl hunt.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. We open the refuge to hunting of deer and hog during the State
archery season, except prior to 12 p.m. (noon) on Wednesdays and
Saturdays during State waterfowl seasons, when we close areas north of
the Intracoastal Waterway to hunting of big game.
* * * * *
3. You may take big game with archery equipment and in accordance
with State law. From October 1 through October 15, State bucks-only
regulations are in effect. From October 16 through February 15 you may
take only one deer of either sex per day and hunters may possess only
one deer. The State season limits on deer apply. There is no daily or
possession limit on feral hogs.
* * * * *
6. Conditions A3 (except that an adult may supervise only one
youth), A4, and A7 apply.
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
3. We allow fishing in the refuge year-round.
4. The refuge is open from legal sunrise until legal sunset unless
specifically stated otherwise.
* * * * *
Red River National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
9. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with
the aid of bait, including any grain, salt minerals, or other feed or
any nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see Sec.
32.2(h)).
* * * * *
Sabine National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of light and
white-fronted goose, duck, and coot on areas designated by signs
stating ``Waterfowl Hunting Only'' and delineated in the refuge
regulations and on the permit brochure map in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require all hunters to possess and carry a signed refuge
permit.
2. We allow waterfowl hunting only on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and
Sundays during the State teal season and during the regular State
waterfowl season for the west zone.
3. We allow hunters to enter the refuge and launch boats only after
3 a.m. Shooting hours end at 12 p.m. (noon) each day.
4. All hunters born on or after September 1, 1969, must
successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course and
possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth
hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult
age 21 or older. For waterfowl hunts, one adult may supervise no more
than two youth hunters.
5. You may access the hunt areas via the boat launches at the West
Cove Public Use Area, by vehicle on Vastar Road, and at designated
turnouts within the refuge public hunt area along State Highway 27 (see
Sec. 27.31 of this chapter), unless otherwise posted. We prohibit
refuge entrance through adjacent private property or using the refuge
to access private property or leases.
6. We allow launching of boats on trailers only at West Cove Public
Use Area. We allow hand launching of small boats along Vastar Road (no
trailers permitted).
7. We prohibit dragging boats across the levee.
8. We allow operation of outboard motors only in designated refuge
canals and Old North Bayou. We allow trolling motors within the refuge
marshes.
9. We prohibit air-thrust boats and personal motorized watercraft
(e.g., Jet Skis) unless otherwise posted.
10. You must use only portable blinds and those made of native
vegetation. You must remove portable blinds, decoys, spent shells, and
all other personal equipment (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter) each day.
11. We prohibit hunting within 50 yards (45 m) of refuge canals,
waterways, public roads, buildings, above-ground oil, gas or electrical
transmission facilities, or designated public facilities. Hunting
parties must maintain a distance of no less than 150 yards (135 m) away
from another hunter.
12. Each hunter must complete a Hunter Information Card at a self-
clearing check station after each hunt and before leaving the refuge.
13. We prohibit any person or group from acting as guide,
outfitter, or in any other capacity in which any other individual(s)
pay or promise to pay directly or indirectly for service rendered to
any other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of
whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club
membership.
14. We allow dogs to only locate, point, and retrieve when hunting
for migratory game birds.
15. We prohibit all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) (see Sec. 27.31(f) of
this chapter).
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
4. We allow only nonmotorized boats in the 1A and 1B management
units.
* * * * *
7. Crabbing: We allow recreational crabbing in designated areas of
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
[[Page 33182]]
i. You must take crabs only with cotton hand lines or drop nets up
to 24 inches (60 cm) outside diameter. We prohibit use of floats on
crab lines.
* * * * *
8. Cast Netting: We allow cast netting in designated areas of the
refuge during the Louisiana Inland Shrimp Season subject to the
following conditions:
* * * * *
ii. An adult age 21 or older must directly supervise all youths
under age 18.
* * * * *
viii. You may cast net only from the bank and wharves at Northline,
Hog Island Gully, and 1A-1B Public Use Areas or at sites along Highway
27 that provide developed safe access and that we do not post and sign
as closed areas.
* * * * *
xii. We prohibit swimming and/or wading in the canals and
waterways.
* * * * *
Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. In areas posted ``Area Closed'' or ``No Waterfowl Hunting
Zone,'' we prohibit hunting of migratory birds at any time. The Public
Use Regulations brochure will be available at the refuge headquarters
in July.
5. We allow shotguns equipped with a single-piece magazine plug
that allows the gun to hold no more than two shells in the magazine and
one in the chamber. We prohibit target practicing or shooting to unload
modern firearms on the refuge at any time. Shotgun hunters must possess
only an approved nontoxic shot when hunting migratory birds. Hunters
must unload and encase all guns transported in automobiles and boats or
on all-terrain vehicles (see Sec. 27.42(b) of this chapter).
* * * * *
7. We allow nonmotorized boats, electric motors, and boats with
motors 10 hp or less in refuge lakes, streams, and bayous. We require
that boat passengers wear personal floatation devices when using a boat
to access the refuge. Hunters must equip all motorized boats with
navigation lights and use them according to State regulations. We
prohibit boat storage on the refuge. Hunters must remove boats daily
(see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
* * * * *
10. We allow all-terrain vehicle (ATV) travel on designated trails
for access typically from September 15 to the last day of the refuge
squirrel season. We open designated trails from 4 a.m. to no later than
2 hours after legal sunset unless otherwise specified. We define an ATV
as an off-road vehicle (not legal for highway use) with factory
specifications not to exceed the following: Weight 750 pounds (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 1 inch (2.5
cm) lug height and maximum allowable tire pressure of 7 psi. We require
an affixed refuge ATV permit that hunters may obtain from the refuge
headquarters, typically in July. Hunters using the refuge physically
challenged all-terrain trails must possess the State's Physically
Challenged Program Hunter Permit. Additional physically challenged
access information will be available at the refuge headquarters.
11. While visiting the refuge, we prohibit: Spotlighting;
littering; fires; trapping, man-drives for game; possession of
alcoholic beverages; flagging, engineer's tape, or paint; parking/
blocking trail and gate entrances; and hunting within 150 feet (45 m)
of a designated public road, maintained road, trail, fire breaks,
dwellings, or aboveground oil and gas production facilities (see
Sec. Sec. 27.31(h), 27.94, 27.95(a) of this chapter, and 32.2(j)). We
define a maintained road or trail as one which has been mowed, disked,
or plowed and one which is free of trees.
* * * * *
13. We prohibit field dressing of game within 150 feet (45 m) of
parking areas, maintained roads, and trails.
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We allow squirrel and rabbit hunting with and without dogs. We
will allow hunting with dogs from the beginning of the State season and
typically stopping the day before the refuge deer muzzleloader hunt. We
do not require hunters to wear hunter orange during the squirrel and
rabbit hunt without dogs. Squirrel and rabbit hunting with or without
dogs will resume the day after the refuge deer muzzleloader hunt and
will conclude the last day of the refuge squirrel season, which
typically ends February 15.
* * * * *
5. In areas posted ``Area Closed,'' we prohibit upland game hunting
at any time.
6. We allow .22 caliber rimfire weapons and shotguns equipped with
a single-piece magazine plug that allows the gun to hold no more than
two shells in the magazine and one in the chamber. We prohibit target
practicing or shooting to unload modern firearms on the refuge at any
time. Shotgun hunters must possess only an approved nontoxic shot when
hunting upland game. Hunters must unload and encase all guns
transported in automobiles and boats or on all-terrain vehicles (see
Sec. 27.42(b) of this chapter).
7. Conditions A7, A10, A11, and A13 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. We will conduct two 2-day quota modern firearms hunts for deer
typically in the months of November and December. Hunt dates and permit
application procedures are available at refuge headquarters in July. We
prohibit hunters using a muzzleloader during this hunt.
4. We will conduct a 4-day quota youth deer hunt and a 1-day quota
physically challenged deer hunt in the Greenlea Bend area typically in
December and January. Hunt dates and permit application procedures will
be available at the refuge headquarters in July.
* * * * *
6. Hunters may take only one deer (one buck or one doe) per day
during refuge deer hunts.
7. We allow turkey hunting during the first 16 days of the State
turkey season. We will conduct a youth turkey hunt the Saturday and
Sunday before the regular State turkey season. You may harvest two
bearded turkeys per season. We allow the use and possession of lead
shot while turkey hunting on the refuge. We allow use of nonmotorized
bicycles on designated all-terrain vehicle trails. Although you may
hunt turkeys without displaying a solid hunter-orange cap or vest
during your turkey hunt, we do recommend its use.
8. Conditions A7, A8 (deer and turkey), A9, A10, A11, A13, A14
(deer and turkey hunters), and A15 (except that each adult may
supervise no more than one youth hunter during big game hunts) apply.
9. In areas posted ``Area Closed,'' we prohibit big game hunting at
any time. We designate ``Areas Closed'' on the public use regulations
brochure maps, and they are closed to all hunts. We prohibit shooting
into or across any closed area with a gun or archery equipment.
10. We allow shotguns equipped with a single-piece magazine plug
that allows the gun to hold no more than two shells in the magazine and
one in the chamber. We allow shotgun hunters to use rifled slugs only
when hunting deer. We prohibit hunters using or possessing
[[Page 33183]]
buckshot while on the refuge. We prohibit target practicing or shooting
to unload modern firearms on the refuge at any time. Hunters must
unload and encase all guns transported in automobiles and boats or on
all-terrain vehicles.
11. We allow muzzleloader hunters to discharge their muzzleloaders
at the end of each hunt safely into the ground at least 150 feet (135
m) from any designated public road, maintained road, trail, fire
breaks, dwellings, or above-ground oil and gas production facilities.
We define a maintained road or trail as one which has been mowed,
disked, or plowed and one which is free of trees.
12. Hunters must remove all stands, blind materials, and decoys
from the refuge following each day's hunt (see Sec. 27.93 of this
chapter).
13. We require deer hunters using muzzleloaders or modern firearms
to display a solid hunter-orange cap on their head and a solid hunter-
orange vest over their outermost garment covering their chest and back.
Hunters must display the solid hunter-orange items the entire time
while in the field.
14. We require muzzleloader hunters using ground blinds in
reforested areas to display hunter orange outside of the blind, which
is visible from all sides of the blind.
15. We require all deer and turkey hunters to report their game
immediately after each hunt at the check station nearest to the point
of take.
16. We prohibit baiting or the possession of bait while on the
refuge at any time. We prohibit possession of chemical baits or
attractants used as bait (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
17. We prohibit use of climbing spikes or hunting from trees that
contain screw-in steps, nails, screw-in umbrellas, or any metal objects
that could damage trees (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
18. We require a Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge Access
Permit for all big game hunts. Hunters may find the permits on the
front of the public use regulations brochure.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the
refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow anglers to enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m., and
they must depart no later than 2 hours after legal sunset.
2. On areas open to fishing, State creel limits and regulations
apply.
3. We prohibit the taking of turtle (see Sec. 27.21 of this
chapter).
4. We allow nonmotorized boats, electric motors, and boats with
motors 10 hp or less in refuge lakes, streams, and bayous. We require
that boat passengers wear personal floatation devices when using a boat
to access to refuge. Anglers must equip all motorized boats with
navigation lights and use them according to State regulations. We
prohibit storage of boats on the refuge. Anglers must remove them daily
(see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
5. We allow all-terrain vehicle (ATV) travel on designated trails
for access typically from September 15 to the last day of the refuge
squirrel season. Designated trails are open from 4 a.m. to no later
than 2 hours after legal sunset unless otherwise specified. The only
exception is the Mower Woods all-terrain trail, which is open year-
round with the same time restrictions as the seasonal all-terrain
trails. We define an ATV as an off-road vehicle (not legal for highway
use) with factory specifications not to exceed the following: Weight
750 pounds (337.5 kg), length 85 inches (212.5 cm), and width of 48
inches (120 cm). We restrict ATV tires to those no larger than 25 x 12
with a 1-inch (2.5-cm) lug height and maximum allowable tire pressure
of 7 psi. We require an affixed refuge ATV permit that anglers may
obtain from the refuge headquarters typically in July. Anglers using
the refuge physically challenged all-terrain trails must possess the
State's Physically Challenged Program Hunter Permit. Additional
physically challenged access information will be available at the
refuge headquarters.
6. While visiting the refuge, we prohibit: Spotlighting; littering;
fires; possession of alcoholic beverages; flagging, engineer's tape, or
paint; and parking/blocking trail and gate entrances (see Sec. Sec.
27.31(h), 27.94, 27.95(a) of this chapter, and 32.2(j)).
7. We prohibit fish cleaning with 150 feet (45 m) of parking areas,
maintained roads, and trails.
Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
8. We prohibit hunting within 100 feet (90 m) of the maintained
rights of way of roads; from or across ATV trails (see Sec. 27.31 of
this chapter); and from aboveground oil, gas, or electrical
transmission facilities.
* * * * *
12. We prohibit any person or group from acting as a hunting guide,
outfitter, or in any other capacity in which any other individual(s)
pay or promise to pay directly or indirectly for service rendered to
any other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of
whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club
membership.
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. The daily bag limit is one antlered and one anterless deer.
State season limits apply.
* * * * *
11. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with
the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals, or other feed or
nonnaturally occurring attractant, on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
* * * * *
0
14. Amend Sec. 32.38 Maine by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs A. and B., the introductory text of paragraph
C., and paragraph C.2. of Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising paragraphs A.1., A.2., A.5., A.6., A.9., and A.10., adding
paragraphs A.11. and A.12., and revising paragraphs B., C.1., C.2.,
C.4., ,C.5., C.12., C.14.ii., C.14.iii., and C.14.iv. of Moosehorn
National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Revising paragraphs A.6. and A.7., removing paragraph A.8., and
revising paragraphs B.1., B.4., and C. of Rachel Carson National
Wildlife Refuge; and
0
d. Revising paragraphs B. and C. of Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife
Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.38 Maine.
* * * * *
Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, snipe,
duck, coot, and woodcock in accordance with State regulations, seasons,
and bag limits subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters must wear two articles of hunter-orange clothing or
material. One article must be a solid-colored-hunter-orange hat; the
other must cover a major portion of the torso, such as a jacket, vest,
coat, or poncho, and must be a minimum of 50 percent hunter orange in
color (e.g., orange camouflage), except when hunting waterfowl from a
boat or blind or with waterfowl decoys.
2. We will provide permanent refuge blinds at various locations on
the refuge that are available for public use by reservation. Hunters
may make reservations for particular blinds up to 1 year in advance,
for a maximum of 7 days, running Monday through Sunday during the
hunting season. Hunters may make reservations for additional weeks
[[Page 33184]]
up to 7 days in advance, on a space-available basis. We allow no other
permanent blinds. Hunters must remove temporary blinds, boats, and
decoys from the refuge following each day's hunt (see Sec. 27.93 of
this chapter).
3. You may use trained dogs to assist in hunting and retrieval of
harvested birds. Hunting with locating, pointing, and retrieving dogs
on the refuge will be subject to the following conditions:
i. We prohibit dog training.
ii. We allow a maximum of two dogs per hunter.
iii. Hunters must pick up all dogs the same day they release them.
4. We open the refuge to 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.
5. We prohibit night hunting. Hunters will unload all firearms
outside of legal hunting hours.
6. We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs or OHRVs) on
refuge land.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of wild turkey, coyote
(see big game) fox, raccoon, woodchuck, squirrel, porcupine, skunk,
snowshoe hare, ring-necked pheasant, and ruffed grouse in accordance
with State regulations, seasons, and bag limits, subject to the
following conditions:
1. We prohibit night hunting.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot when hunting with a
shotgun (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
3. We open the refuge to hunting during the hours stipulated under
State hunting regulations, but no longer than from \1/2\ hour before
legal sunrise to \1/2\ hour after legal sunset. Hunters must unload all
firearms, and nock no arrows outside of legal hunting hours.
4. We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs or OHRVs) on
refuge land.
5. Each hunter must wear two articles of hunter-orange clothing or
material. One article must be a solid-colored hunter-orange hat; the
other must cover a major portion of the torso, such as a jacket, vest,
coat, or poncho and must be a minimum of 50 percent hunter orange in
color (e.g., orange camouflage) except when hunting wild turkey. There
is no hunter-orange requirement for wild turkey hunters.
6. We allow hunting of snowshoe hare, ring-necked pheasant, and
ruffed grouse with trained dogs during State hunting seasons. Hunting
with locating, pointing, and retrieving dogs on the refuge will be
subject to the following conditions:
i. We prohibit dog training.
ii. We allow a maximum of two 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 bear, white-tailed deer,
coyote, and moose in accordance with State regulations, seasons, and
bag limits subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
2. We allow bear and coyote hunting with dogs during State hunting
seasons. Hunting with trailing (locating) dogs on the refuge is subject
to the following conditions:
i. Hunters must equip all dogs used to hunt bear or coyote with
working radio-telemetry collars and hunters must be in possession of a
working radio-telemetry receiver that can detect and track the
frequencies of all collars used.
ii. We prohibit training during or outside of dog season for bear
or coyote.
iii. We allow a maximum of four dogs per hunter.
iv. You must pick up all dogs the same day you release them (see
Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
* * * * *
Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. We require every hunter to possess and carry a personally signed
refuge hunting permit. Permits and regulations are available from the
refuge in person during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday; closed on holidays) or by contacting the Project
Leader at (207) 454-7161 or by mail (Moosehorn National Wildlife
Refuge, 103 Headquarters Road, Baring, Maine 04694).
2. You must annually complete a Hunter Information Card and submit
it by mail or in person at the refuge headquarters no later than 2
weeks after the close of the hunting season in March. If you do not
comply with this requirement, we may suspend your future hunting
privileges on Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge.
* * * * *
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.
6. We prohibit hunting waterfowl in the Nat Smith Field and Marsh
or Bills Hill Field or Ponds on the Edmunds Division.
* * * * *
9. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field
(see Sec. 32.2(k)).
10. 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).
11. We prohibit use of motorized or mechanized vehicles and
equipment in designated Wilderness Areas. This includes all vehicles
and items such as winches, pulleys, and wheeled game carriers. You must
remove animals harvested within the Wilderness Areas by hand without
the aid of mechanical equipment of any type.
12. During the firearms deer and moose seasons, 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. However, waterfowl hunters are not required to wear
hunter-orange clothing or material while hunting from a boat, blind, or
in conjunction with waterfowl decoys.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of ruffed grouse, snowshoe
hare, red fox, gray and red squirrel, raccoon, skunk, and woodchuck on
designated areas of the Edmunds Division and that part of the Baring
Division that lies west of State Route 191 in accordance with State
regulations, seasons, and bag limits, subject to the following
conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A2, A9, A11, and A12 apply.
2. 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, except for hunters pursuing raccoons at night.
3. We prohibit hunting of upland game species listed in the
introductory text of this paragraph B. on refuge lands between April 1
and September 30.
4. You must register with the refuge office prior to hunting
raccoon or red fox with trailing dogs.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1, A2, A11, and A12 apply.
2. 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, except for hunters pursuing eastern coyotes at night.
* * * * *
4. We allow eastern coyote hunting from October 1 to March 31.
5. If you harvest a bear, deer, moose, or coyote on the refuge, you
must notify the refuge office in person or by phone within 24 hours and
make the animal
[[Page 33185]]
available for inspection by refuge personnel.
* * * * *
12. We prohibit use of firearms to hunt bear and coyote during the
archery deer season on that part of the Baring Division that lies east
of Route 191. We prohibit the use of firearms, other than a
muzzleloader, to hunt bear and coyote during the deer muzzleloader
season on that part of the Baring Division that lies east of Route 191.
* * * * *
14. * * *
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; then it follows the upland edge of the marsh in a
southerly 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 to the Headquarters Road. It follows the Headquarters
Road in a southerly direction to the Two Mile Meadow Road. It follows
the westerly side of the Two Mile Meadow Road to the intersection with
the Mile Bridge Road. It then follows Mile Bridge Road 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 Baring/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 Cranberry Brook in a westerly direction
to the point of origin.
* * * * *
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
6. We open the refuge to hunting during the hours stipulated by
State regulations. We close the refuge to night hunting.
7. We close the Moody, Little River, Biddeford Pool, and Goosefare
Brook divisions of the refuge to all migratory bird hunting.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 and A6 apply.
* * * * *
4. We close the Moody, Little River, and Biddeford Pool divisions
of the refuge to all upland game hunting.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on
designated areas of the Brave Boat Harbor, Lower Wells, Upper Wells,
Mousam River, Goose Rocks, Little River, Goosefare Brook, and Spurwink
River divisions of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A4, and A6 apply.
2. We allow hunting of deer with shotgun and archery only. We
prohibit rifles and muzzleloading firearms.
3. We allow portable tree stands and ladders only (see Sec.
32.2(i) of this chapter).
4. We close the Moody and Biddeford Pool divisions of the refuge to
white-tailed deer hunting.
5. We allow archery on only those areas of the Little River
division open to hunting.
6. We allow hunting of fox and coyote with archery or shotgun only
during daylight hours of the State firearm deer season.
7. You must report any deer harvested to the refuge office within
48 hours.
* * * * *
Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
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. Shotgun hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in
the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
2. We allow eastern coyote hunting from October 1 to March 31.
3. We allow hunters to enter the refuge \1/2\ hour before legal
shooting hours, and they must exit the refuge by \1/2\ hour after legal
shooting hours, except for hunters pursuing eastern coyotes at night.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of black bear, bobcat, moose,
and white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge in accordance
with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. During firearms big game seasons, 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.
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.
3. We allow bear hunting from October 1 to the end of the State
prescribed season. We prohibit use of bait during the hunting of bears.
* * * * *
0
15. Amend Sec. 32.42 Minnesota by:
0
a. Revising paragraph C. of Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Revising paragraphs A.2. and A.6. of Minnesota Valley National
Wildlife Refuge; and
0
d. Revising Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge 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. We are currently closed to moose hunting until the population
recovers.
2. We will allow a youth hunt only (age 16 and under). Youth
hunters age 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or
older.
3. We allow scouting the day before the youth deer hunt and the
deer firearms hunt.
4. We open archery hunting at the start of the State's deer
firearms season and close according to the State's archery deer season.
5. We allow muzzleloader deer hunting following the State's
muzzleloader season.
6. Hunters may use portable stands. We prohibit construction or use
of
[[Page 33186]]
permanent blinds, permanent platforms, or permanent ladders.
7. You must remove all stands and personal property from the refuge
by legal sunset of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
8. We prohibit hunters from occupying illegally set up or
constructed ground and tree stands (see condition C7).
9. We allow the use of wheeled, nonmotorized conveyance devices
(e.g., bikes, retrieval carts) except in Wilderness Areas.
10. We prohibit vehicles and hunters from entering the refuge
during the youth deer hunt until after 6 a.m.
11. We prohibit the use of motorized boats.
12. We prohibit the use of snowmobiles and ATVs.
13. We prohibit camping.
* * * * *
Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We prohibit the hunting of
migratory game birds. We allow the unarmed retrieval of waterfowl,
legally taken outside the refuge, up to 100 yards (90 m) inside the
refuge boundary.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of ring-necked pheasant,
Hungarian partridge, rabbit (cottontail and jack), squirrel (fox and
gray), raccoon, fox (red and gray), and striped skunk on designated
areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. Shotgun hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in
the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
2. We allow the use of hunting dogs for upland game bird hunting
only, 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).
3. We prohibit the use of dogs for hunting furbearers.
4. You may only hunt fox, raccoon, and striped skunk from 1/2 hour
before legal sunrise until legal sunset from September 1 through the
last day of February.
5. We allow nonmotorized boats and boats using electric motors only
in the Minnesota River channel. We prohibit boats on all other refuge
waters.
6. We prohibit camping.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer and turkey on
designated areas in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We allow the use of temporary stands, blinds, platforms, or
ladders. Hunters may construct blinds using manmade materials only. We
prohibit hunters bringing plants or their parts onto the refuge.
2. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands,
or scaffolds (see Sec. 27.92 of this chapter).
3. You must remove all stands, temporary blinds, platforms,
ladders, materials brought onto the refuge, and other personal property
from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and
27.94 of this chapter).
4. Turkey hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in
the field.
5. Conditions B5 and B6 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. Conditions B5 and B6 apply.
2. You must remove all ice fishing structures, devices, and
personal property from the refuge following each day's fishing activity
(see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
3. We allow only bank fishing on all refuge pools and open marshes.
* * * * *
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We prohibit the use of motorized boats. We allow nonmotorized
boats in areas open to waterfowl hunting during the waterfowl hunting
seasons.
* * * * *
6. We prohibit entry to hunting areas earlier than 2 hours before
legal shooting hours, and all hunters must exit within 2 hours after
the close of the legal shooting hours.
* * * * *
Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose,
coot, rail (Virginia and sora only), woodcock, common snipe, and
mourning dove in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. Hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the
field (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
2. Hunters may construct temporary blinds using manmade materials
only (see Sec. 27.92 of this chapter). We prohibit hunters from
bringing plants or their parts onto the refuge.
3. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands,
scaffolds, and ladders.
4. We prohibit hunters from leaving boats, decoys, or other
personal property unattended at any time (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and
27.94 of this chapter).
5. Hunters must remove boats, decoys, portable or temporary blinds,
materials brought onto the refuge, and other personal property at the
end of each day's hunt (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
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 the use of motorized watercraft.
8. We prohibit camping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of ring-necked pheasant,
Hungarian partridge, rabbit (cottontail and jack), squirrel (fox and
gray), raccoon, opossum, fox (red and gray), badger, coyote, striped
skunk, and crows on designated areas in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Shotgun hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in
the field (see Sec. 32.3(k)).
2. We allow the use of dogs for upland game bird hunting only,
provided that the dogs remain under the immediate control of the hunter
at all times, during the State-approved hunting season (see Sec.
26.21(b) of this chapter).
3. We prohibit the use of dogs for hunting furbearers.
4. We close the refuge to all hunting from March 1 through August
31.
5. We allow hunting for coyote, striped skunk, raccoon, and fox
from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise to legal sunset.
6. Conditions A7 and A8 apply.
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:
1. We allow the use of temporary stands, blinds, platforms, or
ladders (see Sec. 27.92 of this chapter). Hunters may construct blinds
using manmade materials only. We prohibit hunters from bringing plants
or their parts onto the refuge.
2. Conditions A3, A5, A7, and A8 apply.
3. Turkey hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in
the field.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
* * * * *
0
16. Amend Sec. 32.43 Mississippi by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs A.15., C.4., and C.12., and adding paragraph
D.8. of Hillside National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Adding Holt Collier National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Adding paragraph A.18., revising paragraphs B.1., C.4., C.8., and
adding paragraph D.4. of Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge;
[[Page 33187]]
0
d. Revising paragraph A.15., B.1., B.6., C.14., C.18., and adding
paragraph D.9. of Morgan Brake National Wildlife Refuge;
0
e. Revising paragraphs A., B., and C. of Noxubee National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
f. Revising paragraphs A.17., B.1., C.21., D.1., and D.6. of Panther
Swamp National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
g. Revising paragraphs B.4. and C.13. of Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge
to read as follows:
Sec. 32.43 Mississippi.
* * * * *
Hillside National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
15. We allow ATVs only on designated trails (see Sec. 27.31 of
this chapter) (see refuge brochure map). We restrict ATV tires to a
maximum of 1 inch (2.5 cm) for both tread depth and lug height.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. Conditions A5 through A7, A15, and B6 apply.
* * * * *
12. You must dismantle blinds and tripods, and you must remove
stands from the tree each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
8. Condition A15 applies.
Holt Collier National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of rabbit and furbearers
on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. We are open for hunting during the State season.
2. We allow shotguns only with approved nontoxic shot (see Sec.
32.2(k)) and .22 caliber rimfire rifles for taking small game (we
prohibit .22 caliber magnums).
3. We allow dogs only for rabbit hunting February 1 through 28.
4. During the rabbit-with-dog and quail hunts, any person hunting
or accompanying another person hunting must wear at least 500 square
inches (3,250 cm\2\) of unbroken fluorescent orange material visible
above the waistline as an outer garment.
5. Youth hunters age 15 and under must possess and carry a hunter
safety course card or certificate. Each youth hunter must remain within
sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each hunter
age 16 and older must possess and carry a valid signed refuge Public
Use Permit certifying that he or she understands and will comply with
all regulations. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
6. Each day before hunting, all hunters must obtain a daily User
Information Card (pink) available at the hunter information stations
(see refuge brochure map) and follow the printed instructions on the
card. You must display this card in plain view on the dashboard of your
vehicle while hunting or fishing so that the personal information is
readable. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must complete the reverse
side of the card and deposit it at one of the refuge information
stations.
7. Failure to display the User Information Card will result in the
loss of the hunter's refuge annual Public Use Permit.
8. We prohibit the possession of alcoholic beverages (see Sec.
32.2(j)).
9. We prohibit the possession of plastic flagging tape.
10. We prohibit handguns.
11. You must unload and case guns (see Sec. 27.42(b) of this
chapter) transported in/on vehicles and boats under power.
12. You must park vehicles in such a manner as to not obstruct
roads, gates, turnrows, or firelanes (see Sec. 27.31(h) of this
chapter).
13. Valid permit holders may take the following furbearers in
season incidental to other refuge hunts with legal firearms used for
that hunt: raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria.
14. We prohibit horses and mules.
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. Conditions B5 through B12 and B14 apply.
2. Hunts and hunt dates are available at the refuge headquarters in
July, and we post them in the refuge brochure.
3. We allow archery hunting October 1 through January 31.
4. We prohibit organized drives for deer.
5. We allow crossbows only in accordance with State law.
6. We prohibit attaching stands to any power or utility pole.
7. You must dismantle blinds and tripods, and you must remove
stands from the tree each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
18. Beginning the day before duck season opens and ending the last
day of duck season, we will close refuge waters to all public use from
1 p.m. until 12 a.m. (midnight).
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A4 and A18 apply.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. Conditions A7 through A9, A18, and B5 apply.
* * * * *
8. You must dismantle blinds and tripods, and you must remove
stands from the tree each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
4. Condition A18 applies.
Morgan Brake National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
15. We only allow ATVs on designated trails (see Sec. 27.31 of
this chapter) (see refuge brochure map). We restrict ATV tires to a
maximum of 1 inch (2.5 cm) for both tread depth and lug height.
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 and A5 (and we allow only one adult per youth
hunter), and A6 through A15 apply.
* * * * *
6. We prohibit horses and mules.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
14. You must dismantle blinds and tripods, and you must remove
stands from the tree each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
* * * * *
18. Conditions A5 through A7, A15, and B6 apply.
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
9. Condition A15 applies.
Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck,
woodcock, and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with
State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require permits for waterfowl hunting, and only two
companions may accompany each permit holder.
[[Page 33188]]
2. There is no early teal season.
3. We allow waterfowl hunting from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise
until 12 p.m. (noon) on Saturdays and Wednesdays.
4. Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material, and harvested
waterfowl from the area no later than 12 p.m. (noon) each day (see
Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
5. Youth hunters age 15 and under must possess and carry a hunter
safety course card or certificate. Each youth hunter must remain within
sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older.
6. Each day all waterfowl hunters must check in and out at the
refuge's duck check station.
7. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages (see Sec.
32.2(j)).
8. We prohibit handguns.
9. Waterfowl hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while
in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
10. We prohibit leaving boats overnight on the refuge (see Sec.
29.93 of this chapter).
11. During the deer firearm hunts, any person hunting woodcock or
accompanying another person hunting must wear at least 500 square
inches (3,250 cm\2\) of unbroken fluorescent-orange material visible
above the waistline as an outer garment.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit,
quail, opossum, raccoon, coyote, beaver, and nutria on designated areas
of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We prohibit upland game hunting within the designated areas for
waterfowl hunting when this hunt is taking place.
2. We only allow shotguns with approved nontoxic shot for hunting
upland game in greentree reservoirs 1, 2, and 4.
3. We only allow shotguns with a shot size no larger than No. 2 and
rifles no larger than a standard .22 caliber for taking upland game (we
prohibit .22 caliber magnums).
4. We allow dogs for rabbit and squirrel hunting only beginning on
the first day after the last refuge deer hunt.
5. We allow the use of dogs for raccoon and opossum hunting between
the hours of legal sunset and legal sunrise.
6. During the deer firearm hunts, any person hunting upland game or
accompanying another person hunting must wear at least 500 square
inches (3,200 cm\2\) of unbroken fluorescent-orange material visible
above the waistline as an outer garment.
7. Conditions A5, A7, A8, and A10 apply.
8. We prohibit horses and mules.
9. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as being
``closed'' (see refuge brochure map).
10. We require hunters to obtain a refuge hunt permit brochure.
This permit must be signed by them and in their possession at all times
while hunting on the refuge.
11. Valid permit holders may take the following animals in season
incidental to other upland game hunts with legal firearms used for that
hunt: Coyote, beaver, nutria, and feral hog.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, feral
hog, and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with
State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A5, A7, A8, A10, B8, and B9 apply.
2. Hunts and hunt dates are available at refuge headquarters in
July, and we identify them in the refuge brochure.
3. We require a fee permit for all refuge deer hunts. Hunters must
sign this permit and have it in their possession at all times while
hunting.
4. We prohibit organized drives for deer.
5. You may place portable stands on the refuge from September 1
through January 15 and must remove them by January 15.
6. Valid deer permit holders may also take feral hogs and coyotes
while deer hunting.
7. We do not require turkey hunters to use nontoxic shot in
greentree reservoirs 1, 2, and 4.
8. We prohibit big game hunting in the area designated for
waterfowl hunting when this hunt is taking place.
* * * * *
Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
17. We allow ATVs, beginning the third Saturday in September
through February 28, only on designated trails (see Sec. 27.31 of this
chapter) (see refuge brochure map). We restrict ATV tires to a maximum
of 1 inch (2.5 cm) for both tread depth and lug height.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. We allow hunting during the open State season except we close
during only limited refuge gun and muzzleloader deer hunts. You may
obtain information on the hunts and hunt dates both at the refuge
headquarters in July and in the refuge brochure.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
21. You must dismantle blinds and tripods, and you must remove
stands from the tree each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. We close all refuge waters during limited deer gun and
muzzleloader hunts.
* * * * *
6. We allow ATVs for fishing access on designated gravel roads when
we close such roads to vehicular traffic. We restrict ATV tires to a
maximum of 1 inch (2.5 cm) of both tread depth or lug height.
* * * * *
Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. We prohibit horses and mules.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
13. Stands adjacent to fields and tree plantations must be a
minimum of 10 feet (3 m) above the ground. We prohibit attaching stands
to any power or utility pole. You must dismantle blinds and tripods,
and you must remove stands from the tree each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93
and 27.94 of this chapter).
* * * * *
0
17. Amend Sec. 32.44 Missouri by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs C.4., C.5., C.6., C.7., and adding paragraphs
C.8. and D.3. of Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising Great River National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
c. Revising paragraph A.1., adding paragraphs A.4., and A.5., revising
paragraphs B.1., B.7. and B.8., removing paragraph B.9., revising
paragraphs C.1., C.2., C.4. through C.9., D.4., and D.6. of Mingo
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.44 Missouri.
* * * * *
Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands,
platforms, or scaffolds (see Sec. 27.92 of this chapter).
5. Hunters must remove all boats, blinds, blind materials, stands,
platforms, scaffolds, and other hunting equipment (see Sec. Sec. 27.93
and 27.94 of
[[Page 33189]]
this chapter) from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt.
6. We close the area south of Bryants Creek to deer hunting.
7. We require hunters to check in all harvested deer with refuge
personnel prior to leaving the refuge.
8. You must park all vehicles in designated parking areas (see
Sec. 27.31 of this chapter).
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
3. Anglers must remove all boats and fishing equipment at the end
of each day's fishing activity (see Sec. 27.92 of this chapter).
Great River National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl and
coot on the Long Island Division of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following condition: We allow hunting blinds
constructed only on sites posted by the Illinois Department of Natural
Resources.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game species on
Long Island and Fox Island Divisions of the refuge in accordance with
State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We open Long Island and Fox Island Divisions for upland game
hunting only from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until \1/2\ hour
after legal sunset.
2. We close Fox Island Division to all upland game hunting from
October 16 through December 31.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and
turkey on designated portions of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms,
or ladders (see Sec. 27.92 of this chapter).
2. Hunters must remove all portable hunting stands, blinds, and
equipment from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see Sec. Sec.
27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
3. On the Fox Island Division, we allow deer hunting only during
the ``Antlerless-Only'' portion of the State firearms deer season.
4. On the Delair Division, we allow muzzleloader deer hunting only
subject to the following conditions:
i. You must possess and carry a refuge permit.
ii. We require hunters to check in and out of the refuge each day.
iii. We require hunters to record all harvested deer with refuge
staff before removing them from the refuge.
iv. Shooting hours end at 3:00 p.m. each day.
v. Hunters must park all vehicles only in designated parking areas
(see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter).
5. We allow turkey hunting only on the Fox Island Division during
the State spring seasons, including youth season. We do not open to
fall turkey hunting.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on the Long Island and Fox
Island Divisions of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the taking of turtle and frog (see Sec. 27.21 of
this chapter).
2. On the Fox Island Division, we allow bank fishing only along any
portion of the Fox River from January 1 through October 15.
* * * * *
Mingo National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dogs are under
the immediate control of the hunter at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of
this chapter).
* * * * *
4. You must remove boats, decoys, blinds, and blind materials
brought onto the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see Sec. Sec.
27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
5. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands,
or scaffolds (see Sec. 27.92 of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. The Public Hunting Area and the road leading to the Public
Hunting Area from the Hunter Sign-In Station are open 1\1/2\ hours
before legal sunrise until 1\1/2\ hours after legal sunset.
* * * * *
7. We require that all squirrel hunters wear a hat and also a
shirt, vest, or coat of hunter orange so that the color is plainly
visible from all sides during the overlapping portion of the squirrel
and archery deer and turkey seasons. Camouflage orange does not satisfy
this requirement.
8. Condition A3 applies.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A3 and B1 apply.
2. We require that all hunters register at the Hunter Sign-In/Sign
Out Stations and record the number of hours hunted and number of deer
or turkey harvested.
* * * * *
4. You must remove all boats brought onto the refuge at the end of
each day (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
5. We require that all archery deer and turkey hunters must wear a
hat and also a shirt, vest, or coat of hunter orange so that the color
is plainly visible from all sides during the overlapping portion of the
squirrel and archery deer and turkey seasons. Camouflage orange does
not satisfy this requirement.
6. We allow spring turkey hunting. We allow only shotguns with
approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
7. We prohibit the use of salt or mineral blocks.
8. We allow portable tree stands only 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.
9. We allow only one tree stand per deer hunter.
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
4. Anglers must remove watercraft (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter)
from the refuge at the end of each day's fishing activity.
* * * * *
6. Anglers must attend trammel and gill nets at all times and
plainly label them with the owner's name, address, and phone number.
* * * * *
0
18. Amend Sec. 32.45 Montana by:
0
a. Adding Benton Lake Wetland Management District in alphabetical
order;
0
b. Adding paragraph A.3., and revising paragraphs B.3. and C. of Black
Coulee National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Adding Bowdoin Wetland Management District in alphabetical order;
0
d. Adding Charles M. Russell Wetland Management District in
alphabetical order;
0
e. Revising paragraphs A., B., and C. of Creedman Coulee National
Wildlife Refuge;
0
f. Adding paragraph A.3. and revising paragraphs B. and C. of Hewitt
Lake National Wildlife Refuge;
0
g. Revising paragraphs A., B., and C. of Lake Thibadeau National
Wildlife Refuge;
0
h. Revising paragraphs A.1., A.2., adding paragraph A.16., and revising
paragraph C.4. of Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge;
0
i. Adding Northeast Montana Wetland Management District in alphabetical
order; and
0
j. Adding Northwest Montana Wetland Management District in alphabetical
order to read as follows:
Sec. 32.45 Montana.
* * * * *
Benton Lake Wetland Management District
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow migratory game bird
hunting on Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA) throughout the District,
excluding Sands WPA in Hill County and H-2-0 WPA in Powell County, in
accordance with State
[[Page 33190]]
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the use of motorboats.
2. You must remove boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal
property, and any materials brought onto the area for blind
construction at 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 WPAs
throughout the District, excluding Sands WPA in Hill County and H-2-0
WPA in Powell County, in accordance with State regulations subject to
the following conditions:
1. Hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec.
32.2(k)).
2. We prohibit the use of horses for any purposes.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on WPAs throughout
the District, excluding Sands WPA in Hill County and H-2-0 WPA in
Powell County, in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following condition: Condition B2 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on WPAs throughout the
District in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. Condition A1 applies.
2. You must remove boats, fishing equipment, and other personal
property at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
Black Coulee National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. A portion of the land within the refuge boundary is private land
(inholding); persons wishing to hunt the private land must gain
permission from the landowner.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. Condition A3 applies.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on designated
portions of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to
the following conditions:
1. We allow hunters to leave portable tree stands, portable blinds,
and freestanding elevated platforms on the refuge from August 15 to
December 15.
2. You must visibly mark portable tree stands, portable blinds, and
freestanding elevated platforms with your automated licensing system
(ALS) number.
3. You must remove any other personal property brought onto the
area at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
4. Condition A3 applies.
* * * * *
Bowdoin Wetland Management District
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow migratory game bird
hunting on all Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA) (except Holm WPA)
throughout the District in accordance with State regulations subject to
the following conditions:
1. We prohibit use of motorboats.
2. You must remove boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal
property, and any materials brought onto the area for blind
construction at 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 all WPAs
(except Holm WPA) throughout the District in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following condition: Hunters may possess
only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on all WPAs (except
Holm WPA) throughout the District in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow portable tree stands, portable blinds, and freestanding
elevated platforms to be left on WPAs from August 15 to December 15.
2. You must label portable tree stands, portable blinds, and
freestanding elevated platforms with your automated licensing system
(ALS) number. The label must be legible from the ground.
3. You must remove any other personal property brought onto the
area at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
4. We allow the use of only archery, muzzleloader (as defined by
State regulations), or shotgun on the McNeil Slough WPA.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on WPAs throughout the
District in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. We prohibit use of motorboats.
2. You must remove boats, fishing equipment, and other personal
property at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
Charles M. Russell Wetland Management District
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow migratory game bird
hunting on all Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA) in accordance with
State regulations subject to the following condition: You must remove
all watercraft and personal equipment following each day of hunting
(see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow only upland game bird hunting on
all WPAs in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
condition: Hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec.
32.2(k)).
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on all WPAs in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. All tree stands must be visibly marked and identified with the
hunter's name, address, phone number, and ALS number. Hunters must
remove all tree stands no later than December 15 of each year.
2. We prohibit permanent stands, ladders, steps, screw-in spikes,
nails, screws, and wire (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on all WPAs in accordance
with State regulations subject to the following condition: Anglers must
remove all motor boats and other personal equipment at the end of each
day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
Creedman 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 condition:
1. Most of the land within the refuge boundary is private land
(inholding); persons wishing to access the private land must gain
permission from the landowner.
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 condition: Condition A1 applies.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on designated areas
of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following condition: Condition A1 applies.
* * * * *
Hewitt Lake National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. A portion of the land within the refuge boundary is private land
(inholding); persons wishing to hunt the private land must gain
permission from the landowner.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, sharp-tailed
grouse, sage grouse, gray partridge, fox, and coyote on designated
portions of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to
the following conditions:
[[Page 33191]]
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
2. Fox and coyote hunters may use only centerfire rifles, rim-fire
rifles, or shotguns with approved nontoxic shot.
3. We prohibit the shooting or taking of prairie dogs.
4. Condition A3 applies.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on designated
portions of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to
the following conditions:
1. We allow hunters to leave portable tree stands, portable blinds,
and freestanding elevated platforms on the refuge from August 15 to
December 15.
2. You must visibly mark portable tree stands, portable blinds, and
freestanding elevated platforms with your automated licensing system
(ALS) number.
3. You must remove any other personal property brought onto the
area at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
4. Condition A3 applies.
* * * * *
Lake Thibadeau National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose,
coot, swan, sandhill crane, and mourning dove in designated areas of
the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following condition:
1. Most of the land within the refuge boundary is private land
(inholding); persons wishing to hunt the private land must gain
permission from the landowner.
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 condition: Condition A1 applies.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on designated areas
of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following condition: Condition A1 applies.
* * * * *
Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. Hunting Access: We have numbered the blinds and assigned them to
a single access point designated in the refuge hunting leaflet. Hunters
must park at this access point and at the numbered parking space
corresponding to a blind. Hunters must walk to the blind along mowed
trails designated in the hunting leaflet. We open the access point at
3:30 a.m. to hunters who intend to immediately hunt on the refuge. We
prohibit wildlife observation, scouting, and loitering at the access
point.
2. Hunting Hours: We will close the Waterfowl Hunting Area to
waterfowl hunting on Mondays and Thursdays. We open the hunting area,
defined by the refuge boundary fence, 2 hours before and require
departure 2 hours after legal waterfowl hunting hours, as defined by
the State.
* * * * *
16. Hunting Blind 8 has a minimum requirement of six
decoys.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. Tree Stands and Blinds: We allow each hunter the use of a
maximum of two portable tree stands or blinds. Hunters must register
each stand/blind with the refuge headquarters. We prohibit hunters
leaving each stand/blind unattended for more than 72 hours.
* * * * *
Northeast Montana 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 conditions:
1. We prohibit the use of motorboats.
2. You must remove boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal
property, and any materials brought onto the area for blind
construction at 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 throughout the District in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec.
32.2(k)).
2. 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 freestanding
elevated platforms on Waterfowl Production Areas from August 25 through
February 15.
2. You must label portable tree stands and freestanding elevated
platforms with your name and address such that it is legible from the
ground.
3. Condition B2 applies.
4. You must remove portable ground blinds and any other personal
property at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Northwest Montana Wetland Management District
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow migratory game bird
hunting on Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) throughout the wetland
district in accordance with State regulations (Flathead County WPAs) or
Joint State/Tribal regulations (Lake County WPAs) subject to the
following conditions:
1. We prohibit motorboats except on the Flathead and Smith Lake
WPAs in Flathead County.
2. Hunters must operate motorboats at no-wake speeds on Flathead
and Smith Lake WPAs in Flathead County.
3. Hunters must remove all boats, decoys, portable blinds, boat
blinds and other personal property at the end of each day (see
Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
4. Dogs must be on a leash from April 1 to August 31. Dogs must be
under the owner's immediate control at all other times. We prohibit
free-roaming pets year-round on any portion of the WPAs.
5. We prohibit overnight camping and/or open fires (see Sec.
27.95(a) of this chapter).
6. Hunters must contruct blinds, other than portable blinds, of
native materials only. Hunters must label all nonportable blinds with
their name, address, and phone number. Construction and labeling of
these blinds does not constitute exclusive use of the blind. Hunters
must remove these blinds within 7 days of the close of the migratory
game bird hunting season.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on all WPAs
throughout the wetland district in accordance with State regulations
(Flathead County WPAs) or Joint State/Tribal regulations (Lake County
WPAs) subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec.
32.2(k)).
2. We prohibit the use of horses for any purpose.
C. Big Game Hunting. We prohibit big game hunting on Lake County
WPA per Joint State/Tribal regulations. We allow big game hunting on
Flathead County WPAs in accordance with State regulations subject to
the following conditions:
1. We allow portable tree stands and/or portable ground blinds;
however, they must be removed daily. We prohibit construction and/or
use of tree stands or portable ground blinds from dimensional lumber.
2. Conditions A5 and B2 apply.
3. We prohibit ATV and/or snowmobile use.
[[Page 33192]]
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on all WPAs throughout the
wetland district in accordance with State regulations (Flathead County
WPAs) or Joint State/Tribal regulations (Lake County WPAs) subject to
the following conditions:
1. Anglers must remove all motorboats, boat trailers, vehicles,
fishing equipment, and other personal property from the WPAs at the end
of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
2. We prohibit the use of motorboats except on Flathead and Smith
Lake WPAs in Flathead County.
3. Anglers must operate motorboats at no-wake speeds on Flathead
and Smith Lake WPAs in Flathead County.
4. We strictly prohibit harassing or hazing of migratory game birds
with a motorboat.
* * * * *
0
19. Amend Sec. 32.48 New Hampshire by:
0
a. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A., revising paragraphs
A.2., A.3., revising the introductory text of paragraph B., revising
paragraphs B.2., B.3., B.5., B.6., revising the introductory text of
paragraph C., revising paragraphs C.1., C.2., and adding paragraph C.6.
of Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
b. Revising paragraphs A.2. and C.5. of Silvio O. Conte National
Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.48 New Hampshire.
* * * * *
Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose,
merganser, coot, snipe, and woodcock in accordance with State
regulations, seasons, and bag limits subject to the following
conditions:
* * * * *
2. At various locations on the refuge, we will provide permanent
refuge blinds, which are available for public use by reservation.
Hunters may make reservations for particular blinds up to 1 year in
advance, for a maximum of 7 days, running Monday through Sunday during
the hunting season. Hunters may make reservations for additional weeks
up to 7 days in advance, on a space-available basis. We allow no other
permanent blinds. Hunters must remove temporary blinds, boats, and
decoys from the refuge following each day's hunt (see Sec. Sec. 27.93
and 27.94 of this chapter).
3. You may use trained dogs to assist in hunting and retrieval of
harvested birds. Hunting with locating, pointing, and retrieving dogs
on the refuge will be subject to the following regulations:
i. We prohibit dog training.
ii. We allow a maximum of two dogs per hunter.
iii. You must pick up all dogs the same day you release them (see
Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of coyote (see C. Big Game
Hunting), fox, raccoon, woodchuck, squirrel, porcupine, skunk, snowshoe
hare, ring-necked pheasant, and ruffed grouse in accordance with State
regulations, seasons, and bag limits subject to the following
conditions:
* * * * *
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot when hunting with a
shotgun (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
3. We open the refuge to hunting during the hours stipulated under
each State's hunting regulations, but no longer than from \1/2\ hour
before legal sunrise to \1/2\ hour after legal sunset. We close the
refuge to night hunting. Hunters must unload all firearms, and nock no
arrows outside of legal hunting hours.
* * * * *
5. Hunters must wear two articles of hunter-orange clothing or
material. One article must be a solid-colored, hunter-orange hat; the
other must cover a major portion of the torso, such as a jacket, vest,
coat, or poncho, and must be a minimum of 50 percent hunter orange in
color (e.g., orange camouflage).
6. We allow hunting of showshoe hare, ring-necked pheasant, and
ruffed grouse with trained dogs during State hunting seasons. Hunting
with locating, pointing, and retrieving dogs on the refuge will be
subject to the following regulations:
i. We prohibit dog training.
ii. We allow a maximum of two 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 bear, coyote, white-tailed
deer, and moose in accordance with State regulations, seasons, and bag
limits subject to the following conditions:
1. We open the refuge to hunting during the hours stipulated under
each 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. Hunters must unload all firearms and nock no arrows
outside of legal hunting hours.
2. We allow bear and coyote hunting with dogs during State hunting
seasons. Hunting with trailing dogs on the refuge will be subject to
the following conditions:
i. Hunters must equip all dogs used to hunt bear and coyote with
working radio-telemetry collars and hunters must be in possession of a
working radio-telemetry receiver that can detect and track the
frequencies of all collars used.
ii. We prohibit dog training.
iii. We allow a maximum of four dogs per hunter.
iv. You must pick up all dogs the same day you release them (see
Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
* * * * *
6. We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs or OHRVs) on
refuge land.
* * * * *
Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
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 cm \2\)
of hunter-orange clothing or material, except when hunting waterfowl
from a blind or boat or over waterfowl decoys.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
5. Conditions A4 and A5 apply.
* * * * *
0
20. Amend Sec. 32.49 New Jersey by revising paragraph D. of Cape May
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.49 New Jersey.
* * * * *
Cape May 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 fishing from 1 hour before legal sunrise to 1 hour
after legal sunset.
2. We allow fishing only along beach areas of the Two Mile Beach
Unit.
3. The Atlantic Ocean beach is closed annually to all access,
including fishing, between April 1 and September 30.
4. We prohibit commercial fishing, crabbing, and clamming on refuge
lands.
5. We prohibit fishing or possession of conchs or shellfish on
refuge lands.
6. We prohibit dogs on the Two Mile Beach Unit.
[[Page 33193]]
7. We prohibit unauthorized vehicles, including all-terrain
vehicles (ATVs), on any portion of the Two Mile Beach Unit.
8. We prohibit sunbathing on refuge lands.
9. We prohibit access to swimming or surfing in the Atlantic Ocean.
* * * * *
0
21. Amend Sec. 32.50 New Mexico by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs A.1., A.2., A.3., B.2., B.3., C.2., C.3., and
D.6. of Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A., revising paragraphs
A.5., A.6., A.7., and A.8. of Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
c. Adding paragraph A.3. of Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge to read
as follows:
Sec. 32.50 New Mexico.
* * * * *
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. You must possess and carry a refuge permit for hunting of light
goose. The permit is available through a lottery drawing. Applications
must be postmarked by November 15 of each year. A $6.00 nonrefundable
application fee must accompany each application.
2. We allow hunting of light goose on dates to be determined by
refuge staff. We will announce hunt dates by September 1 of each 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.
3. We allow the use of hunting dogs for animal retrieval. You must
keep dogs on a leash when not hunting (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this
chapter).
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. Conditions A3 through A8 apply.
3. We allow cottontail rabbit hunting between December 1 and the
last day of February. We prohibit the use of hounds for cottontail
rabbit hunting.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. Hunting on the east side of the Rio Grande is by foot,
horseback, or bicycle only. Bicycles must stay on designated roads.
3. We allow oryx hunting from the east bank of the Rio Grande and
to the east boundary of the refuge. We will allow hunters possessing a
valid State special off-range permit to hunt oryx on the refuge during
the concurrent State deer season. We also may establish special hunt
dates each year for oryx. Contact the refuge manager for special dates
and conditions.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
6. We allow frogging for bullfrog on the refuge in areas that are
open to fishing.
* * * * *
Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of mourning dove
and goose on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
5. We allow goose hunting on designated day(s) of the week as
identified on the permit.
6. Shooting hours for geese are from \1/2\ hour before legal
sunrise to 1:00 p.m. local time.
7. We assign a bag limit for both light goose and Canada goose to
two geese each.
8. For goose hunting you may possess only approved nontoxic shells
(see Sec. 32.2(k)) while in the field in quantities of six or less.
* * * * *
Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. The refuge may designate special youth and/or persons with
disabilities hunting days during the regular game bird season. This
will apply to areas, species, days, and times that are currently part
of the refuge's hunting program. For additional information concerning
these changes, please contact the refuge staff. We will print specific
dates and information regarding these special days in the refuge's
2008-2009 hunt leaflet.
* * * * *
0
22. Amend Sec. 32.51 New York by revising paragraph A.14. of Montezuma
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.51 New York.
* * * * *
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
14. You may possess only 25 or fewer approved nontoxic shells while
in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
* * * * *
0
23. Amend Sec. 32.52 North Carolina by:
0
a. Removing paragraph A.3., redesignating paragraphs A.4. through A.7.
as paragraphs A.3. through A.6. of Currituck National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising the heading of MacKay Island National Wildlife Refuge to
read Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Removing paragraphs A.2., A.5., and A.8., redesignating paragraphs
A.3. as A.2., A.4. as A.3., A.6. as A.4., and A.7. as A.5, revising
newly redesignated paragraph A.5., revising paragraph B.1., removing
paragraphs B.2. and B.3., redesignating paragraph B.4. as B.2.,
revising paragraphs C.1., C.2., C.3., C.4., and C.10., removing
paragraph D.4., and redesignating paragraph D.5. as D.4. of Pee Dee
National Wildlife Refuge;
0
d. Revising paragraphs A.1., A.4., A.9., revising the introductory text
of paragraph C., and revising paragraphs C.3., C.4., C.7., and C.8. of
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.52 North Carolina.
* * * * *
Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
5. We prohibit hunting on, from, or across any road open to public
vehicle traffic. This includes the right-of-way which extends 30 feet
(9 m) in either direction from the center of the road and all public
parking areas.
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A5 apply.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A5 apply (with the following exception to
condition A2: Each adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter).
2. We require each person participating in a quota deer hunt to
possess a refuge Quota Deer Hunt Permit. The Quota Deer Hunt Permit is
nontransferable.
3. During deer hunts we prohibit hunters from entering the refuge
earlier than 4 a.m., and they must leave the refuge no later than 2
hours after legal sunset.
4. Youth hunts are for hunters under age 16. We prohibit adults
from possessing or discharging a firearm during the youth deer hunts.
* * * * *
10. You must check all deer taken on the refuge at the refuge check
station on the date of take prior to removing the animal from the
refuge. If we do not have the check station staffed by refuge
[[Page 33194]]
personnel, you must use the self-check-in procedures.
* * * * *
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. We prohibit hunting on the Davenport and Deaver tracts (which
include the area surrounding the Headquarters/Visitor Center and the
Scuppernong River Interpretive Boardwalk), the Pungo Shop area, New
Lake, refuge lands between Lake Phelps and Shore Drive, that portion of
the Pinner Tract east of SR 1105, the portion of Allen Road between
Shore Drive and the gate on the north end of Allen Road (including the
area on both sides of this section of Allen Road for a distance of 100
yards (90 m)), the portion of Western Road between the intersection
with Seagoing Road and the gate to the south, and the unnamed road at
the southern boundary of the refuge land located west of Pettigrew
State Park's Cypress Point Access Area. During November, December,
January, and February, we prohibit all public entry on Pungo and New
Lakes, Duck Pen Road, and the Pungo Lake, Riders Creek, and Dunbar Road
banding sites.
* * * * *
4. We open the refuge for daylight use only, except that we allow
hunters to enter and remain in open hunting areas from 1\1/2\ hours
before legal shooting time until 1\1/2\ hours after legal shooting
time.
* * * * *
9. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k))
while migratory game bird hunting on and west of Evans Road.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer, turkey, and feral
hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
3. We allow the use of only shotguns, muzzleloaders, and bow and
arrow for deer and feral hog hunting. We allow disabled hunters to use
crossbows but only while possessing the required State permit. We allow
feral hogs to be taken in any area, except the Pungo Unit, when the
area is open to hunting deer. We allow feral hogs to be taken using bow
and arrow (during the State bow and arrow and gun deer seasons),
muzzleloaders (during the State muzzleloader and gun deer seasons), and
firearms (during the State gun deer season). In addition, feral hogs
may be taken on the Frying Pan Unit during all open firearm seasons.
4. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k))
while hunting turkeys on the Pungo Unit.
* * * * *
7. Prior to December 1, we allow deer hunting with bow and arrow on
the Pungo Unit during all State deer seasons, except the muzzleloading
season; however, we prohibit hunting on the Pungo Unit on the
designated Pungo Deer Gun-Hunts referred to above without a valid Pungo
Deer Gun-Hunt Permit.
8. You must wear 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of fluorescent-
orange material above the waist that is visible from all sides while
hunting deer and feral hogs in any area open to hunting these species
with firearms.
* * * * *
0
24. Amend Sec. 32.53 North Dakota by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs B.1. through B.3., revising paragraphs C.1.
through C.4., and revising paragraph D. of Audubon National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
b. Revising paragraph A.2. of Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
c. Revising paragraphs A., B., and C. of Lostwood National Wildlife
Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.53 North Dakota.
* * * * *
Audubon National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. We open to upland game hunting annually on the day following the
close of the regular deer gun season, and we close per the State
season.
2. We prohibit hunting on or from refuge roads while operating a
vehicle. Hunters must park in designated parking areas or at the refuge
boundary and walk in.
3. We allow game retrieval without a firearm up to 100 yards (90 m)
inside the refuge boundary fence and closed areas of the refuge.
Retrieval time may not exceed 10 minutes. You may use dogs to assist in
retrieval.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. The refuge gun, muzzleloader, and bow deer hunting seasons open
and close according to State regulations.
2. We close the refuge to the State special youth deer hunting
season.
3. We prohibit hunting on or from refuge roads while operating a
vehicle. Hunters must park in designated parking areas or at the refuge
boundary and walk in. Hunters may use designated refuge roads to
retrieve downed deer.
4. We allow only portable tree stands. You must remove all tree
stands at the end of each day (see Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow ice fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. We restrict vehicle use to designated ice access points and
refuge roads (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter).
2. We allow vehicles and fish houses on the ice as conditions
allow. We require anglers to remove fish houses, or parts thereof, from
the refuge ice, water, and land by no later than March 15 of each year.
We allow anglers to use portable houses after March 15, but anglers
must remove them from the refuge at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec.
27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
3. We prohibit leaving fish houses unattended on refuge uplands or
in refuge parking areas.
4. We prohibit all shore and boat fishing on the refuge.
* * * * *
Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We allow motorized boats only during the migratory game bird
hunting season; however, motors must not exceed 10 hp.
* * * * *
Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of ring-necked pheasant,
sharp-tailed grouse, and gray partridge on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. We prohibit hunting on the portion of the refuge south of
Highway 50 during the State deer gun season.
2. We allow hunting only on the portion of the refuge north of
Highway 50 beginning the day following the close of the State deer gun
season through the end of the State season.
3. We allow falconry on the refuge only during the State upland
game season subject to conditions B1 and B2.
4. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field
(see Sec. 32.2(k)).
5. We prohibit the use of horses during all hunting seasons.
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:
[[Page 33195]]
1. The refuge gun, muzzleloader, and bow deer hunting seasons open
and close according to State regulations.
2. We prohibit entry to the refuge before 12 p.m. (noon) on the
first day of the archery, gun, or muzzleloader deer hunting season.
3. We will allow only preseason scouting in public use areas and
hiking trails.
4. We allow only portable tree stands. You must remove all tree
stands at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
5. Condition B5 applies.
* * * * *
0
25. Amend Sec. 32.55 Oklahoma by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs B.1., B.2., B.6., and C.6. of Deep Fork National
Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising paragraph D.1. and removing paragraph D.2. of Little River
National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Revising paragraph D.6. of Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge;
0
d. Revising paragraphs A.1., A.2., A.6., A.9., removing paragraph
A.10., revising paragraph B.1., and removing paragraph C.4. of Sequoyah
National Wildlife Refuge;
0
e. Redesignating paragraphs D.3. through D.12. as paragraphs D.4.
through D.13. and adding a new paragraph D.3. of Tishomingo National
Wildlife Refuge; and
0
f. Revising the introductory text of paragraph D. and adding paragraph
D.6. of Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.55 Oklahoma.
* * * * *
Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge permit for squirrel,
rabbit, and raccoon. We require no fee.
2. We allow only shotguns, .22 caliber rimfire rifles, and .17
caliber rimfire rifles for rabbit and squirrel. We allow only special
archery hunts by refuge Special Use Permit.
* * * * *
6. We offer refuge-controlled turkey hunts. We require hunters to
possess a permit and pay a fee for these hunts. You may call the refuge
office or the State for information concerning these hunts.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
6. We offer refuge-controlled deer hunts (archery, primitive
weapon, youth primitive). We require hunters to possess a permit and
pay a fee for these hunts. For information concerning the hunts,
contact the refuge office or the State.
* * * * *
Little River National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. Condition A1 applies.
* * * * *
Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
6. We only allow fishing on Bonham Pond:
i. By youths age 14 and under;
ii. By any person with a disability;
iii. Only from legal sunrise to legal sunset;
iv. With a limit of one pole per person; and
v. Catch and release only.
Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. We require an annual refuge permit for all hunting. The hunter
must possess and carry the signed permit while hunting.
2. We open the refuge to hunting only on Saturdays, Sundays,
Mondays, and Tuesdays. We prohibit hunters from entering the land
portion of the Sandtown Bottom Unit or any portion of Sally Jones Lake
before 5:00 a.m. Hunters must leave the area by 1 hour after legal
sunset. We prohibit hunting or shooting within 50 feet (15 m) of
designated roads or parking areas. All hunters must park in designated
parking areas.
* * * * *
6. We allow boats. You must operate them under applicable State
laws and comply with all licensing, marking, and safety regulations
from the State of origin.
* * * * *
9. We restrict the use of airboats within the refuge boundary to
the Arkansas River navigation channel and to designated hunting areas
from September 1 to March 1.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1, A2, and A7 through A9 apply.
* * * * *
Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
3. We prohibit airboats, hovercraft, and personal watercraft on all
refuge waters and waters of the Wildlife Management Unit.
* * * * *
Wichita Mountains 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:
* * * * *
6. Anglers may use motorized boats on Elmer Thomas Lake; however,
we enforce a no-wake rule on the lake.
0
26. Amend Sec. 32.56 Oregon by:
0
a. Removing paragraph A.3. and redesignating paragraphs A.4. through
A.9. as paragraphs A.3. through A.8; removing paragraphs B.2. and B.4.
and redesignating paragraphs B.3., B.5., and B.6., as paragraphs B.2.,
B.3., and B.4. respectively; removing paragraphs D.2. and D.4., and
redesignating paragraphs D.3., D.5., and D.6., as paragraphs D.2.,
D.3., and D.4., respectively, of Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Removing paragraphs A.1., and A.3. and redesignating paragraphs
A.2., A.4., A.5., A.6., A.7., and A.8. as paragraphs A.1. through A.6.,
respectively, and revising paragraph B.1. of McKay Creek National
Wildlife Refuge; and
0
c. Revising paragraph A.2. of Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge to read
as follows:
Sec. 32.56 Oregon.
* * * * *
McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Condition A1 applies.
* * * * *
Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. On the McCormack Unit, you may possess only approved nontoxic
shotshells (see Sec. 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or fewer per day.
0
27. Amend Sec. 32.57 Pennsylvania by revising paragraphs A.2. through
A.5. and adding paragraphs A.6. and A.7., revising paragraphs B.2., C.,
and D.4. through D.7., and removing 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. * * *
* * * * *
[[Page 33196]]
2. We require all persons to possess and carry a refuge hunt
permit.
3. We require that hunters display in plain view a refuge hunt
permit in the windshield area of their vehicle while parked on the
refuge.
4. We only allow nonmotorized boats for waterfowl hunting.
5. We require that hunters remove all boats, blinds, and decoys
from the refuge within 1 hour after legal sunset (see Sec. Sec. 27.93
and 27.94 of this chapter).
6. 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).
7. We prohibit field possession of migratory game birds in areas of
the refuge closed to migratory game bird hunting.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. Condition A3 applies.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer, bear, and turkey on
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. We also allow spring turkey hunting in accordance with
State regulations.
2. We require all persons to possess and carry a refuge hunt
permit.
3. Conditions A3 and A5 apply.
4. We prohibit organized deer drives in hunt area B of the Sugar
Lake Division. We define a ``drive'' as three or more persons involved
in the act of chasing, pursuing, disturbing, or otherwise directing
deer so as to make the animal more susceptible to harvest.
5. We prohibit the use of watercraft for big game hunting.
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
4. We allow ice fishing in Areas 5 and 7 only.
5. We prohibit the taking of minnow, turtle, or frog.
6. We prohibit the possession of live baitfish on the Seneca Unit.
7. We prohibit the taking or possession of shellfish on the refuge.
* * * * *
0
28. Amend Sec. 32.60 South Carolina by:
0
a. Revising the listing of ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge to read
Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge, placing the
listing in the correct alphabetical order, and revising paragraphs
C.3., C.9. and C.10. of Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
b. Revising paragraph D. of Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Adding paragraphs A.9. and B.5., and revising paragraph C. of
Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge;
0
d. Revising paragraph C.6. of Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge;
and
0
e. Revising paragraphs A.6. and B.4. of Waccamaw National Wildlife
Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.60 South Carolina.
* * * * *
Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing, crabbing, shell fishing,
shrimping, and the harvest of other marine species on designated areas
of the refuge subject to State regulations and the following condition:
Marsh Island, White Banks, and Bird Island are open from September 15
through February 15. We close them the rest of the year to protect
nesting birds.
Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
9. We prohibit the possession or use of more than 50 shotgun
shells.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
5. All persons participating in refuge firearms hunts must wear at
least 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of unbroken,
fluorescent-orange material above the waist as an outer garment that is
visible from all sides while hunting and while en route to and from
hunting areas. This does not apply to raccoon hunters.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, turkey,
and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with
State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A3 through A5, and A8 apply (with the following
exception for condition A4: Each adult may supervise no more than one
youth hunter).
2. All deer, feral hog, and turkey taken on the refuge must be
checked in on the date of take prior to removing the animal from the
refuge.
3. During deer and turkey hunts, we prohibit hunters from entering
the refuge earlier than 4 a.m. Deer hunters must leave the refuge no
later than 2 hours after legal sunset. Turkey hunts will end each day
at 1 p.m. Hunters must unload and encase or dismantle all firearms
after 1 p.m.
4. All persons participating in refuge firearms deer hunts must
wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of unbroken,
fluorescent-orange material above the waist as an outer garment that is
visible from all sides while hunting and while en route to and from
hunting areas.
5. During the primitive weapons hunt, you may use bow and arrow,
muzzleloading shotguns (20 gauge or larger), or muzzleloading rifles
(.40 caliber or larger). We prohibit revolving rifles and black-powder
handguns.
6. During modern gun hunts, you may use shotguns, rifles
(centerfire and larger than .22 caliber), handguns (.357 caliber or
larger and barrel length no less than 6 inches [15 cm]), or any weapon
allowed during the primitive weapons hunt. We prohibit military, hard-
jacketed bullets, and .22 caliber rimfire rifles during the modern gun
hunts.
7. We prohibit man driving for deer. We define a ``man drive'' as
an organized hunting technique involving two or more individuals where
hunters attempt to drive game animals from cover or habitat for the
purpose of shooting or killing the animals or moving them toward other
hunters.
8. We prohibit the use of dogs for any big game hunting.
9. We prohibit the use of plastic flagging.
10. Youth hunts are for hunters under age 16. We prohibit adults
from possessing or discharging firearms during youth deer or turkey
hunts.
11. We prohibit the use of ATVs, except by mobility-impaired
hunters with a Special Use Permit during big game hunts. Mobility-
impaired hunters must have a State Disabled Hunting license, be
wheelchair dependent, need mechanical aids to walk, or have complete
single- or double-leg amputations.
12. We prohibit turkey hunters from calling a turkey for another
hunter unless both hunters have Refuge Quota Turkey Hunt Permits.
13. We prohibit turkey hunting in the area defined as east of Hwy.
145, south of Rt. 9, and north of Hwy. 1.
14. We prohibit discharge of weapons (see Sec. 27.42(a) of this
chapter) for any purpose other than to take or attempt to take legal
game animals during established hunting seasons.
* * * * *
Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. Except for the special quota permit hunts, we allow only archery
or
[[Page 33197]]
muzzleloader hunting, and there is no quota on the number of hunters
allowed to participate. During special quota permit hunts, we allow use
of centerfire rifles or shotguns.
* * * * *
9. You may take feral hogs during refuge deer hunts. There is no
size or bag limit on hogs. We may offer special hog hunts during and
after deer season to further control this invasive species. You must
dispatch all feral hogs before removing them from the refuge.
10. You must hunt deer and feral hogs from an elevated deer stand.
We prohibit shooting big game from a boat.
* * * * *
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
6. Each hunter may place one stand on the refuge during the week
preceding the hunt. You must remove your stand at the end of the hunt
(see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
* * * * *
Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
6. We prohibit permanent blinds. You must remove portable blinds
and decoys at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of
this chapter).
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. We prohibit squirrel and/or raccoon hunting from a boat or other
water conveyance on the refuge.
* * * * *
0
29. Amend Sec. 32.61 South Dakota by:
0
a. Revising paragraph C. of Lake Andes Wetland Management District; and
0
b. Adding paragraph C.7. of Waubay National Wildlife Refuge to read as
follows:
Sec. 32.61 South Dakota.
* * * * *
Lake Andes Wetland Management District
* * * * *
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 the use of archery equipment only for big game hunting
on Atkins Waterfowl Production Area in Lincoln County.
2. We allow portable tree stands and freestanding elevated
platforms to be left on Waterfowl Production Areas from the first
Saturday after August 25 through February 15.
3. You must label portable tree stands and freestanding elevated
platforms with your name and address or current hunting license number
so it is legible from the ground.
4. You must remove portable ground blinds and other personal
property at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this
chapter).
5. We prohibit the use of horses for any purpose.
* * * * *
Waubay National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
7. You must label portable tree stands and freestanding elevated
platforms with your name and address or current hunting license number
so it is legible from the ground.
* * * * *
0
30. Amend Sec. 32.62 Tennessee by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs A.2., A.3., B.2., C.2., and adding paragraph
D.5. of Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising paragraphs A.5., B.3., C.5., D.7., removing paragraphs D.8.
and D.10., and redesignating paragraph D.9. as D.8. of Hatchie National
Wildlife Refuge; and
0
c. Adding paragraph A.11. and revising paragraph B.5. of Tennessee
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.62 Tennessee.
* * * * *
Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We require a refuge hunt permit for all hunters age 16 and
older. We charge a fee for all hunt permits. You must possess and carry
a valid refuge permit while hunting on the refuge.
3. We set and publish season dates and bag limits annually in the
refuge hunting regulations available at the refuge office.
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. Condition A2 applies.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. You may only participate in the refuge quota deer hunts with a
special quota permit issued through random drawing. Information for
permit applications is available at the refuge headquarters.
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
5. We limit boats to no-wake speed on all refuge impoundments and
reservoirs.
Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
5. Mourning dove, woodcock, and snipe seasons close during all deer
archery and quota gun hunts.
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. We close all small game hunts during the refuge deer archery and
quota gun hunts.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
5. We allow archery-only hunting on designated areas of the refuge
(refer to the refuge brochure).
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
7. We open Oneal Lake for bank fishing during a restricted season
and for authorized special events. Information on events and season
dates is available at the refuge headquarters.
* * * * *
Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
11. We prohibit hunters cutting vegetation and bringing exotic/
invasive vegetation to the refuge.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
5. We allow hunters access to the refuge from 1\1/2\ hours before
legal sunrise to 1\1/2\ hours after legal sunset, with the exception of
raccoon hunting.
* * * * *
0
31. Amend Sec. 32.63 Texas by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs A.2., A.4., A.10., A.16., and D. of Anahuac
National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising paragraphs C.6. and C.11. and removing paragraph C.17. of
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Revising paragraph A.2., redesignating paragraphs A.7. through A.16.
as paragraphs A.8. through A.17. and adding a new paragraph A.7., and
revising newly designated paragraphs A.10, A.11., and A.14., and
revising paragraph D. of McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge;
[[Page 33198]]
0
d. Revising paragraphs A.2., A.8., A.11., and D. of Texas Point
National Wildlife Refuge;
0
e. Revising paragraphs B.1., B.2., B.6., adding paragraph B.8, and
revising paragraph C. of Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge to read
as follows:
Sec. 32.63 Texas.
* * * * *
Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. You must possess and carry a current signed refuge hunting
permit while hunting on all hunt units of the refuge.
* * * * *
4. We allow hunting in portions of the East Unit on Saturdays,
Sundays, and Tuesdays during the regular waterfowl season. We require
payment of a $10 daily or $40 annual fee to hunt on the East Unit. All
hunters must check in and out through the check station when accessing
the East Unit by vehicle. We will allow a limited number of parties to
access the East Unit by vehicle. All hunters entering the East Unit
through the check station will designate a hunt area on a first-come-
first-served basis (special duck hunt areas will be assigned through a
random drawing). We will require hunters to remain in an assigned area
for that day's hunt. We allow hunters to access designated areas of the
East Unit by boat from Jackson Ditch, East Bay Bayou, or Onion Bayou.
We require hunters accessing the East Unit by boat from Jackson Ditch,
East Bay Bayou, or Onion Bayou to pay the $40 annual fee. We prohibit
access to the East Unit Reservoirs from Onion Bayou via boat. We
prohibit the use of motorized boats on the East Unit, except on ponds
accessed from Jackson Ditch via Onion Bayou. We prohibit motorized
boats launching from the East Unit.
* * * * *
10. Hunters age 17 and under must be under the direct supervision
of an adult age 18 or older.
* * * * *
16. We prohibit pits and permanent blinds. We allow portable blinds
or temporary natural vegetation blinds. You must remove all blinds from
the refuge daily (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
* * * * *
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 allow fishing and crabbing on shoreline areas on East
Galveston Bay, along East Bay Bayou on the East Bay Bayou Tract, along
West Line Road to the southern end of Shoveler Pond, along the canal
from the Oyster Bayou Boat Ramp to the southwest corner of Shoveler
Pond, and along the banks of Shoveler Pond.
2. We allow fishing and crabbing only with pole and line, rod and
reel, or handheld line. We prohibit the use any method not expressly
allowed, including trotlines, setlines, jug lines, limb lines, bows and
arrows, gigs, spears, or crab traps.
3. We allow cast netting for bait for personal use along waterways
in areas open to the public and along public roads.
4. We prohibit boats and other floatation devices on inland waters.
You may launch motorized boats in East Bay at the East Bay Boat Ramp on
Westline Road and at the Oyster Bayou Boat Ramp (boat canal). We
prohibit the launching of airboats or personal watercraft on the
refuge. You may launch nonmotorized boats only along East Bay Bayou and
along the shoreline of East Galveston Bay.
5. We prohibit fishing from or mooring to water control structures.
* * * * *
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
6. Each youth hunter, ages 12 through 17, must be accompanied by,
and remain within sight and normal voice contact of, an adult age 21 or
older. Hunters must be at least age 12.
* * * * *
11. We restrict vehicle access to service roads not closed by gates
or signs. We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) or off-
road vehicles (ORVs) (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter). You may only
access hunt units by foot or bicycle.
* * * * *
McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. You must possess and carry a current signed refuge hunting
permit while hunting on all units of the refuge.
* * * * *
7. We allow hunting in the Star Lake/Clam Lake Hunt Unit daily
during the special teal season and on Saturdays, Sundays, and Tuesdays
of the regular waterfowl season. During the regular waterfowl season
only, all hunters hunting the Star Lake/Clam Lake Hunt Units must
register at the check station, including those accessing the unit from
the beach along the Brine Line or Perkins Levee. Hunters will choose a
designated hunt area on a first-come-first-served basis and will be
required to remain in assigned areas for that day's hunt. All hunters
accessing Star Lake and associated waters via boat must access through
the refuge's Star Lake boat ramp.
* * * * *
10. We allow daily hunting in the Mud Bayou Hunt Unit during the
September teal season and on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays of the
regular waterfowl season. We allow access by foot from the beach at
designated crossings or by boat from the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway via
Mud Bayou.
11. Hunters age 17 or under must be under the direct supervision of
an adult age 18 or older.
* * * * *
14. We prohibit pits and permanent blinds. We allow portable blinds
or temporary natural vegetation blinds. You must remove all blinds from
the refuge daily (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
* * * * *
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 only allow fishing and crabbing with pole and line, rod and
reel, or handheld line. We prohibit the use of any method not expressly
allowed in inland waters, including trotlines, set lines, jug lines,
limb lines, bows and arrows, gigs, spears, and crab traps.
2. We allow cast netting for bait for personal use along waterways
in areas open to the public and along public roads.
3. We allow fishing and crabbing in 10-Mile Cut and Mud Bayou and
in the following inland waters: Star Lake, Clam Lake, and Mud Lake. We
also allow fishing and crabbing from the shoreline of the Gulf
Intracoastal Waterway and along roadside ditches.
4. Conditions A5 and A6 apply.
5. We prohibit fishing from or mooring to water control structures.
* * * * *
Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. You must possess and carry a current signed refuge hunting
permit
[[Page 33199]]
while hunting on all hunt units of the refuge.
* * * * *
8. Hunters age 17 or under must be under the direct supervision of
an adult age 18 or older.
* * * * *
11. We prohibit pits and permanent blinds. We allow portable blinds
or temporary natural vegetation blinds. You must remove all blinds from
the refuge daily (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
* * * * *
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 allow fishing and crabbing only with pole and line, rod and
reel, or handheld line. We prohibit the use of any method not expressly
allowed in inland waters, including trotlines, set lines, jug lines,
limb lines, bows and arrows, gigs, spears, and crab traps.
2. We allow cast netting for bait only by individuals along
waterways in areas open to the public and along public roads.
3. Conditions A6 and A7 apply.
4. We prohibit fishing from or mooring to water control structures.
Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. We require each participant to pay an application fee to obtain
a permit. We will limit the number of permits issued for the designated
hunt season. Consult the refuge brochure or call the refuge for hunt
dates.
2. We allow hunting during a designated 23-day season.
* * * * *
6. Youth hunters ages 17 and under must be under the direct
supervision of an adult age 18 or older. Hunters must be at least age
12.
* * * * *
8. Participants must possess and carry current authorized hunting
permits at all times. Permits are nontransferable. Hunters may enter
the refuge and park in an assigned parking area no earlier than 5 a.m.
We allow hunting from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise to \1/2\ hour
after legal sunset. We require hunters to return a data log card.
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:
1. We allow hunting during two designated 9-day rifle/shotgun
seasons. We require participants to pay an application fee to enter the
hunt permit drawing. We issue a refuge permit to those individuals
whose names are drawn.
2. We allow hunting during a designated 23-day archery season. We
require participants to pay an application fee to obtain a designated
number of permits. We issue a refuge permit to those individuals.
3. We allow muzzleloader hunting during the designated State
season.
4. Conditions B4 and B6 through B8 apply.
5. We allow only temporary blinds. We prohibit hunting or blind
erection along refuge roads.
6. We restrict the weapon type used depending on the unit hunted.
We publish this information on the refuge permit (which you must
possess and carry) and in the refuge hunt brochure.
* * * * *
0
32. Amend Sec. 32.64 Utah by revising the introductory text of
paragraph A. of Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge to read as
follows:
Sec. 32.64 Utah.
* * * * *
Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, coot, and
goose on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
0
33. Amend Sec. 32.66 Virginia by:
0
a. Revising paragraph C. of Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
b. Revising paragraphs C.2., C.7., and adding paragraphs C.8. and C.9.
of Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
c. Revising paragraph A. of Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge
to read as follows:
Sec. 32.66 Virginia.
* * * * *
Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow archery and shotgun hunting of white-
tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunting brochures containing permit application procedures,
fees, seasons, bag limits, methods of hunting, maps depicting areas
open to hunting, and the terms and conditions under which we issue
hunting permits are available from the refuge administration office.
2. You must possess and carry a refuge hunt permit while hunting.
3. You must be age 12 or older to hunt on the refuge. Hunters, ages
12 through 17, must be accompanied by and directly supervised (within
sight and normal voice contact) by an adult age 18 or older. The
supervising adult must also be engaged in hunting and possess and carry
a State hunting license and refuge permit.
4. You must sign in before entering the hunt zones and sign out
upon leaving the zone.
5. We allow portable tree stands in accordance with Sec. Sec.
27.93, 27.94, and 32.2(i) of this chapter. You must use safety straps
while in tree stands and remove the stand at the end of the day.
6. You must check all harvested animals at the refuge's official
check station.
7. We prohibit deer drives. We define a ``drive'' as three or more
persons involved in the act of chasing, pursuing, disturbing, or
otherwise directing deer so as to make the animal more susceptible to
harvest.
8. We prohibit nocked arrows or loaded firearms outside of the
designated hunting areas.
9. We only allow shotguns, 20 gauge or larger, loaded with buckshot
during the firearm season.
10. During the firearm hunt, you must wear in a visible manner on
the head, chest, and back a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm \2\)
of solid-colored-blaze-orange clothing or material.
11. You must make a reasonable effort to recover wounded animals
from the field and must notify the check station personnel immediately
if you are not able to recover a wounded animal.
* * * * *
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We allow shotguns, 20 gauge or larger, loaded with buckshot or
rifled slugs, and bows and arrows. For the bear hunt, we allow only
shotguns, 20 gauge or larger, with slugs.
* * * * *
7. We require hunters to have their guns, bows and arrows, and
crossbows dismantled or cased when in a vehicle.
8. We prohibit hunters to shoot onto or across refuge roads,
including roads closed to vehicles.
9. You must check in all harvested bears at the refuge official
check station.
* * * * *
[[Page 33200]]
Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl,
gallinule, and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance
with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You must possess and carry a signed Special Use Hunting Permit
while hunting migratory game birds on the refuge. We open the Cow
Island area of the refuge only to migratory game bird hunting. We close
all other areas of the refuge to all public entry. Contact the refuge
office for permit information by calling (804) 829-9029 weekdays.
2. We will determine hunting locations, dates, and times by
lottery, and we will designate them on hunting permits.
3. We prohibit jump-shooting by foot or boat. All hunting must take
place from a blind as determined by hunting permit.
4. Hunters must follow all conditions of their hunt permit.
5. We prohibit any activity that disturbs the bottom, including
landing boats, anchoring, driving posts, etc., within the refuge
boundary and within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers designated Danger
Zone around Plum Tree Island.
* * * * *
0
34. Amend Sec. 32.67 Washington by:
0
a. Adding paragraph B.3. of Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
b. Revising paragraphs B.1. and B.3. and revising paragraph C.1. of
McNary National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Revising paragraphs A.3. and A.4. of Toppenish National Wildlife
Refuge; and
0
d. Removing paragraph A.4. and redesignating paragraphs A.5. through
A.9. as paragraphs A.4. through A.8., respectively, of Umatilla
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.67 Washington.
* * * * *
Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. During the State spring turkey season, we prohibit hunting of
all species except turkey.
* * * * *
McNary National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. On the McNary Fee Hunt Unit, we allow hunting of only upland
game birds on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, and New
Year's Day. We prohibit hunting before 12 p.m. (noon) on each hunt day.
* * * * *
3. We allow turkey hunting only on the Wallula unit.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. On the Juniper Canyon and Wallula Units, we allow shotgun and
archery hunting only.
* * * * *
Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. We allow dove hunting only on the Cloe, Webb, Petty, Halvorson,
Chambers, and Isiri Units.
4. On the Pumphouse and Robbins Road Units, you may possess only
approved nontoxic shotshells (see Sec. 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or
less per day.
* * * * *
0
35. Amend Sec. 32.69 Wisconsin by:
0
a. Revising the introductory text of paragraphs A., B., and C., and
revising paragraphs C.1. and D. of Horicon National Wildlife Refuge;
and
0
b. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A. of Whittlesey Creek
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.69 Wisconsin.
* * * * *
Horicon 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:
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of ring-necked pheasant,
gray partridge, squirrel, and cottontail rabbit on designated areas of
the refuge in accordance with State regulations during the State
seasons subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
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 allow hunting during the State archery, muzzleloader, and
State firearms seasons.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
condition: We allow only bank fishing.
* * * * *
Whittlesey Creek 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:
* * * * *
0
36. Amend Sec. 32.71 United States Unincorporated Pacific Insular
Possessions by revising Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge to read
as follows:
Sec. 32.71 United States Unincorporated Pacific Insular Possessions.
* * * * *
Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Dated: April 2, 2008.
David M. Vehrey,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. E8-12188 Filed 6-10-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P