[Federal Register: September 25, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 185)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 49291-49297]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr25se09-19]
[[Page 49291]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Part VI
Department of the Interior
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fish and Wildlife Service
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
50 CFR Part 20
Migratory Bird Hunting; Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Certain
Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands for the 2009-10 Late
Season; Final Rule
[[Page 49292]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 20
[FWS-R9-MB-2009-0124]
[91200-1231-9BPP-L2]
RIN 1018-AW31
Migratory Bird Hunting; Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on
Certain Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands for the 2009-10
Late Season
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This rule prescribes special late-season migratory bird
hunting regulations for certain tribes on Federal Indian reservations,
off-reservation trust lands, and ceded lands. This rule responds to
tribal requests for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service
or we) recognition of their authority to regulate hunting under
established guidelines. This rule allows the establishment of season
bag limits and, thus, harvest at levels compatible with populations and
habitat conditions.
DATES: This rule takes effect on September 25, 2009.
ADDRESSES: You may inspect comments received on the proposed special
hunting regulations and tribal proposals during normal business hours
in room 4107, Arlington Square Building, 4501 N. Fairfax Drive,
Arlington, VA, or at http://www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron W. Kokel, Division of Migratory
Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (703/358-1967), or
Tina Chouinard, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, (731/432-0981).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of July 3,
1918 (40 Stat. 755; 16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.), authorizes and directs the
Secretary of the Department of the Interior, having due regard for the
zones of temperature and for the distribution, abundance, economic
value, breeding habits, and times and lines of flight of migratory game
birds, to determine when, to what extent, and by what means such birds
or any part, nest or egg thereof may be taken, hunted, captured,
killed, possessed, sold, purchased, shipped, carried, exported, or
transported.
In the August 11, 2009, Federal Register (74 FR 40138), we proposed
special migratory bird hunting regulations for the 2009-10 hunting
season for certain Indian tribes, under the guidelines described in the
June 4, 1985, Federal Register (50 FR 23467). The guidelines respond to
tribal requests for Service recognition of their reserved hunting
rights, and for some tribes, recognition of their authority to regulate
hunting by both tribal members and nonmembers on their reservations.
The guidelines include possibilities for:
(1) On-reservation hunting by both tribal members and nonmembers,
with hunting by nontribal members on some reservations to take place
within Federal frameworks but on dates different from those selected by
the surrounding State(s);
(2) On-reservation hunting by tribal members only, outside of usual
Federal frameworks for season dates and length, and for daily bag and
possession limits; and
(3) Off-reservation hunting by tribal members on ceded lands,
outside of usual framework dates and season length, with some added
flexibility in daily bag and possession limits.
In all cases, the regulations established under the guidelines must
be consistent with the March 10 - September 1 closed season mandated by
the 1916 Migratory Bird Treaty with Canada.
In the April 10, 2009, Federal Register (74 FR 16339), we requested
that tribes desiring special hunting regulations in the 2009-10 hunting
season submit a proposal including details on:
(a) Harvest anticipated under the requested regulations;
(b) Methods that would be employed to measure or monitor harvest
(such as bag checks, mail questionnaires, etc.);
(c) Steps that would be taken to limit level of harvest, where it
could be shown that failure to limit such harvest would adversely
impact the migratory bird resource; and
(d) Tribal capabilities to establish and enforce migratory bird
hunting regulations.
No action is required if a tribe wishes to observe the hunting
regulations established by the State(s) in which an Indian reservation
is located. We have successfully used the guidelines since the 1985-86
hunting season. We finalized the guidelines beginning with the 1988-89
hunting season (August 18, 1988, Federal Register [53 FR 31612]).
Although the August 11 proposed rule included generalized
regulations for both early- and late-season hunting, this rulemaking
addresses only the late-season proposals. Early-season proposals were
addressed in a final rule published in the September 2, 2009, Federal
Register (74 FR 51704). As a general rule, early seasons begin during
September each year and have a primary emphasis on such species as
mourning and white-winged dove. Late seasons begin about September 24
or later each year and have a primary emphasis on waterfowl.
Status of Populations
In the August 11 proposed rule and September 2 final rule, we
reviewed the status for various populations for which seasons were
proposed. This information included brief summaries of the May Breeding
Waterfowl and Habitat Survey; population status reports for blue-winged
teal, sandhill cranes, woodcock, mourning doves, white-winged doves,
white-tipped doves, and band-tailed pigeons; and the status and harvest
of waterfowl. The tribal seasons established below are commensurate
with the population status.
For more detailed information on methodologies and results,
complete copies of the various reports are available at the street
address indicated under ADDRESSES or from our website at http://
www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewsPublicationsReports.html.
Comments and Issues Concerning Tribal Proposals
For the 2009-10 migratory bird hunting season, we proposed
regulations for 29 tribes or Indian groups that followed the 1985
guidelines and were considered appropriate for final rulemaking. Some
of the proposals submitted by the tribes had both early- and late-
season elements. However, as noted earlier, only those with late-season
proposals are included in this final rulemaking; 11 tribes have
proposals with late seasons. The comment period for the proposed rule,
published on August 11, 2009, closed on August 21, 2009.
We did not receive any comments on our April 10, 2009, proposed
rule, which announced rulemaking on regulations for migratory bird
hunting by American Indian tribal members, or on our August 11, 2009,
proposed rule.
NEPA Consideration
NEPA considerations are covered by the programmatic document
``Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual
Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (FSES 88-
14),'' filed with the Environmental Protection Agency on June 9, 1988.
We published Notice of Availability in the Federal Register on June 16,
1988 (53
[[Page 49293]]
FR 22582). We published our Record of Decision on August 18, 1988 (53
FR 31341). In addition, an August 1985 environmental assessment
entitled ``Guidelines for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Federal
Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands'' is available from the street
address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES.
In a notice published in the September 8, 2005, Federal Register
(70 FR 53376), we announced our intent to develop a new Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement for the migratory bird hunting program.
Public scoping meetings were held in the spring of 2006, as detailed in
a March 9, 2006, Federal Register (71 FR 12216). A scoping report
summarizing the scoping comments and scoping meetings is available by
either writing to the street address indicated under ADDRESSES or by
viewing on our website at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/.
Endangered Species Act Considerations
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, as amended (16 U.S.C.
1531-1543; 87 Stat. 884), provides that, ``The Secretary shall review
other programs administered by him and utilize such programs in
furtherance of the purposes of this Act'' (and) shall ``insure that any
action authorized, funded or carried out ... is not likely to
jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered species or
threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification
of [critical] habitat...'' Consequently, we conducted consultations to
ensure that actions resulting from these regulations would not likely
jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species
or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical
habitat. Findings from these consultations are included in the Section
7 Consultation on the Proposed 2009-10 Migratory Game Bird Hunting
Regulations (dated August 24, 2009). The consultation concluded that
the 2009-10 regulations are not likely to jeopardize the continued
existence of either the whooping crane or Steller's eider. To prevent
take of whooping cranes, the Contingency Plan for Federal-State
Cooperative Protection of whooping cranes provides a protective program
in 13 States. In addition, the State of Kansas will implement specific
restrictions to avoid accidental shootings. To prevent take of
Steller's eiders, the 2009-10 regulations include the continued
implementation of measures initiated and outlined under the 2009 Alaska
migratory bird subsistence regulations. These measures include Service-
initiated conservation measures that increase migratory bird hunter
outreach prior to the opening of the hunting season, increased Service
enforcement of migratory bird regulations, and in-season harvest
verification of Steller's eider mortality and injury. Additionally, any
modifications resulting from this consultation may have caused
modification of some regulatory measures previously proposed. The final
frameworks reflect any modifications. Our biological opinions resulting
from this section 7 consultation are public documents available for
public inspection in the Service's Division of Endangered Species and
Division of Migratory Bird Management, at the street address indicated
under ADDRESSES.
Executive Order 12866
The Office of Management and Budget has determined that this rule
is significant and has reviewed this rule under Executive Order 12866.
OMB bases its determination of regulatory significance upon the
following four criteria:
(a) Whether the rule will have an annual effect of $100 million or
more on the economy or adversely affect an economic sector,
productivity, jobs, the environment, or other units of the government.
(b) Whether the rule will create inconsistencies with other Federal
agencies' actions.
(c) Whether the rule will materially affect entitlements, grants,
user fees, loan programs, or the rights and obligations of their
recipients.
(d) Whether the rule raises novel legal or policy issues.
An economic analysis was prepared for the 2008-09 season. This
analysis was based on data from the 2006 National Hunting and Fishing
Survey, the most recent year for which data are available (see
discussion in Regulatory Flexibility Act section below). This analysis
estimates consumer surplus for three alternatives for duck hunting
(estimates for other species are not quantified due to lack of data).
The alternatives are (1) Issue restrictive regulations allowing fewer
days than those issued during the 2007-08 season, (2) Issues moderate
regulations allowing more days than those in alternative 1, and (3)
Issue liberal regulations identical to the regulations in the 2007-08
season. For the 2008-09 season, we chose alternative 3, with an
estimated consumer surplus across all flyways of $205-$270 million. For
the upcoming 2009-10 season, we again considered these three
alternatives and again chose alternative 3 for ducks. We made minor
modifications to the season frameworks for some other species, but
these do not significantly change the economic impacts of the rule,
which were not quantified for other species. For these reasons, we have
not conducted a new economic analysis, but the 2008-09 analysis is part
of the record for this rule and is available at http://www.fws.gov/
migratorybirds/NewReportsPublications/SpecialTopics/
SpecialTopics.html#HuntingRegs or at http://www.regulations.gov.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The regulations have a significant economic impact on substantial
numbers of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5
U.S.C. 601 et seq.). We analyzed the economic impacts of the annual
hunting regulations on small business entities in detail as part of the
1981 cost-benefit analysis. This analysis was revised annually from
1990-95. In 1995, the Service issued a Small Entity Flexibility
Analysis (Analysis), which was subsequently updated in 1996, 1998,
2004, and 2008. The primary source of information about hunter
expenditures for migratory game bird hunting is the National Hunting
and Fishing Survey, which is conducted at 5-year intervals. The 2008
Analysis was based on the 2006 National Hunting and Fishing Survey and
the U.S. Department of Commerce's County Business Patterns, from which
it was estimated that migratory bird hunters would spend approximately
$1.2 billion at small businesses in 2008. Copies of the Analysis are
available upon written request from the street address indicated under
ADDRESSES or from our website at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/
NewReportsPublications/SpecialTopics/SpecialTopics.html#HuntingRegs or
at http://www.regulations.gov.
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
This rule is a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. For the reasons outlined above,
the rule has an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more.
Paperwork Reduction Act
We examined these regulations under the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). The various recordkeeping and reporting
requirements imposed under regulations established in 50 CFR part 20,
subpart K, are utilized in the formulation of migratory game bird
hunting regulations. Specifically, OMB has approved the information
collection requirements of our Migratory Bird
[[Page 49294]]
Surveys and assigned control number 1018-0023 (expires 2/28/2011). This
information is used to provide a sampling frame for voluntary national
surveys to improve our harvest estimates for all migratory game birds
in order to better manage these populations. OMB has also approved the
information collection requirements of the Alaska Subsistence Household
Survey, an associated voluntary annual household survey used to
determine levels of subsistence take in Alaska, and assigned control
number 1018-0124 (expires 1/31/2010).
A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not
required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
We have determined and certify, in compliance with the requirements
of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this
rulemaking will not impose a cost of $100 million or more in any given
year on local or State government or private entities. Therefore, this
rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act.
Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 12988
The Department, in promulgating this rule, has determined that the
rule will not unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the
requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988.
Takings Implication Assessment
In accordance with Executive Order 12630, this rule, authorized by
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, does not have significant takings
implications and does not affect any constitutionally protected
property rights. This rule will not result in the physical occupancy of
property, the physical invasion of property, or the regulatory taking
of any property. In fact, these rules allow hunters to exercise
otherwise unavailable privileges and, therefore, reduce restrictions on
the use of private and public property.
Energy Effects--Executive Order 13211
Executive Order 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of
Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. While this rule is a
significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866, it is not
expected to adversely affect energy supplies, distribution, or use.
Therefore, this action is not a significant energy action and no
Statement of Energy Effects is required.
Government-to-Government Relationship with Tribes
In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994,
``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal
Governments'' (59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175, and 512 DM 2, we
have evaluated possible effects on Federally-recognized Indian tribes
and have determined that there are no effects on Indian trust
resources. However, in the April 10 Federal Register, we solicited
proposals for special migratory bird hunting regulations for certain
Tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and
ceded lands for the 2009-10 migratory bird hunting season. The
resulting proposals were contained in an August 11 proposed rule (74 FR
40138). By virtue of these actions, we have consulted with Tribes
affected by this rule.
Federalism Effects
Due to the migratory nature of certain species of birds, the
Federal Government has been given responsibility over these species by
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually prescribe frameworks from
which the States make selections regarding the hunting of migratory
birds, and we employ guidelines to establish special regulations on
Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. This process preserves the
ability of the States and tribes to determine which seasons meet their
individual needs. Any State or Indian tribe may be more restrictive
than the Federal frameworks at any time. The frameworks are developed
in a cooperative process with the States and the Flyway Councils. This
process allows States to participate in the development of frameworks
from which they will make selections, thereby having an influence on
their own regulations. These rules do not have a substantial direct
effect on fiscal capacity, change the roles or responsibilities of
Federal or State governments, or intrude on State policy or
administration. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 13132,
these regulations do not have significant federalism effects and do not
have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a
Federalism Assessment.
Regulations Promulgation
The rulemaking process for migratory game bird hunting must, by its
nature, operate under severe time constraints. However, we intend that
the public be given the greatest possible opportunity to comment. Thus,
when the preliminary proposed rulemaking was published, we established
what we believed were the longest periods possible for public comment.
In doing this, we recognized that when the comment period closed, time
would be of the essence. That is, if there were a delay in the
effective date of these regulations after this final rulemaking, Tribes
would have insufficient time to select season dates and limits; to
communicate those selections to us; and to establish and publicize the
necessary regulations and procedures to implement their decisions. We
find that ``good cause'' exists, within the terms of 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3)
of the Administrative Procedure Act, and therefore, under authority of
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (July 3, 1918), as amended (16 U.S.C.
703-711), these regulations will take effect immediately upon
publication.
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20
Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Transportation, Wildlife.
0
Accordingly, part 20, subchapter B, chapter I of Title 50 of the Code
of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:
PART 20--[AMENDED]
0
1. The authority citation for part 20 continues to read as follows:
Authority: Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 40 Stat. 755, 16 U.S.C.
703-712; Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, 16 U.S.C. 742a-j; Pub. L.
106-108, 113 Stat. 1491, Note Following 16 U.S.C. 703.
(Note: The following hunting regulations provided for by 50 CFR
20.110 will not appear in the Code of Federal Regulations because of
their seasonal nature).
0
2. Amend Sec. 20.110 by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (a), (b), (f), (j), (t) and (u), and
0
b. Adding paragraphs (x), (y), (z), (aa), and (bb), to read as set
forth below. (Current Sec. 20.110 was published at 74 FR 51707,
September 2, 2009.)
Sec. 20.110 Seasons, limits, and other regulations for certain
Federal Indian reservations, Indian Territory, and ceded lands.
(a) Colorado River Indian Tribes, Parker, Arizona (Tribal Members and
Nontribal Hunters).
Doves
Season Dates: Open September 1, through September 15, 2009; then
open November 14, through December 28, 2009.
[[Page 49295]]
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: For the early season, daily bag
limit is 10 mourning or white-winged doves, singly, or in the
aggregate. For the late season, the daily bag limit is 10 mourning
doves. Possession limits are twice the daily bag limits.
Ducks (including mergansers)
Season Dates: Open October 10, 2009, through January 24, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including two hen
mallards, two redheads, two Mexican ducks, two goldeneye, two cinnamon
teal, three scaup, and one pintail. The seasons on canvasback is
closed. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Coots and Common Moorhens
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 coots and common moorhens,
singly or in the aggregate. The possession limit is twice the daily bag
limit.
Geese
Season Dates: Open October 17, 2009, through January 24, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Three geese, including no more
than three dark (Canada) geese and three white (snow, blue, Ross's)
geese. The possession limit is six dark geese and six white geese.
General Conditions: All persons 14 years and older must be in
possession of a valid Colorado River Indian Reservation hunting permit
before taking any wildlife on tribal lands. Any person transporting
game birds off the Colorado River Indian Reservation must have a valid
transport declaration form. Other tribal regulations apply, and may be
obtained at the Fish and Game Office in Parker, Arizona.
(b) Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Flathead Indian
Reservation, Pablo, Montana (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters).
Tribal Members Only
Ducks (including mergansers)
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2009, through March 9, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: The Tribe does not have specific
bag and possession restrictions for Tribal members. The season on
harlequin duck is closed.
Coots
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Same as ducks.
Geese
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Same as ducks.
Nontribal Hunters
Ducks (including mergansers)
Scaup Season Dates: Open October 3, 2009, through December 27,
2009.
Season Dates: Open October 3, 2009, through January 17, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more
than two hen mallards, two pintail, three scaup (when open), one
canvasback, and two redheads. The possession limit is twice the daily
bag limit.
Coots
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: The daily bag and possession limit
is 25.
Geese
Dark Geese
Season Dates: Open October 3, 2009, through January 15, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 4 and 8 geese, respectively.
Light Geese
Season Dates: Open October 3, 2009, through January 15, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 6 and 12 geese, respectively.
Youth Waterfowl Hunt
Season Dates: September 26-27, 2009.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Same as ducks.
General Conditions: Tribal members and nontribal hunters must
comply with all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations
contained in 50 CFR part 20 regarding manner of taking. In addition,
shooting hours are sunrise to sunset, and each waterfowl hunter 16
years of age or older must carry on his/her person a valid Migratory
Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) signed in ink across
the stamp face. Special regulations established by the Confederated
Salish and Kootenai Tribes also apply on the reservation.
* * * * *
(f) Kalispel Tribe, Kalispel Reservation, Usk, Washington (Tribal
Members and Nontribal Hunters).
Nontribal Hunters on Reservation
Ducks
Season Dates: Open September 26, 2009, through January 31, 2010.
During this period, days to be hunted are specified by the Kalispel
Tribe as weekends, holidays, and for a continuous period in the months
of October and November, not to exceed 107 days total. Nontribal
hunters should contact the Tribe for more detail on hunting days.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: seven ducks, including no more
than two female mallards, two pintail, 2 scaup, one canvasback, and two
redheads. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Geese
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2009, through September 13, 2009,
for the early-season, and open October 2, 2009, through January 31,
2010, for the late-season. During this period, days to be hunted are
specified by the Kalispel Tribe, not to exceed 107 days total.
Nontribal hunters should contact the Tribe for more detail on hunting
days.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 5 Canada geese for the early
season, and 3 light geese and 4 dark geese, for the late season. The
daily bag limit is 2 brant (when the State's season is open) and is in
addition to dark goose limits for the late season. The possession limit
is twice the daily bag limit.
Tribal Hunters Within Kalispel Ceded Lands
Ducks
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2009, through January 31, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 7 ducks, including no more than 2
female mallards, 2 pintail, 1 canvasback, 3 scaup, and 2 redheads. The
possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Geese
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2009, through January 31, 2010.
Daily Bag Limit: 6 light geese and 4 dark geese. The daily bag
limit is 2 brant and is in addition to dark goose limits.
General: Tribal members must possess a validated Migratory Bird
Hunting and Conservation Stamp and a tribal ceded lands permit.
* * * * *
(j) Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Lower Brule Reservation, Lower Brule,
South Dakota (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters).
Tribal Members
Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots
Season Dates: Open September 19, 2009, through March 10, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Six ducks, including no more than
five mallards (only one of which may be a hen), two scaup, one mottled
duck, two redheads, two wood ducks, one canvasback, and one pintail.
Coot daily bag limit is 15. Merganser daily bag limit is five,
including no more than two
[[Page 49296]]
hooded merganser. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Canada Geese
Season Dates: Open October 10, 2009, through March 10, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Three and six, respectively.
White-fronted Geese
Season Dates: Open October 3, 2009, through March 10, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and four, respectively.
Light Geese
Season Dates: Open October 10, 2009, through March 10, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 20 and 40, respectively.
Nontribal Hunters
Ducks (including mergansers and coots)
Season Dates: Open October 10, 2009, through January 14, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Six ducks, including no more than
five mallards (only one of which may be a hen), two scaup, one mottled
duck, one canvasback, two redheads, two wood ducks, and one pintail.
Coot daily bag limit is 15. Merganser daily bag limit is five,
including no more than two hooded mergansers. The possession limit is
twice the daily bag limit.
Canada Geese
Season Dates: Open October 24, 2009, through February 7, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Three and six, respectively.
White-fronted Geese
Season Dates: Open October 10, 2009, through December 20, 2009.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: One and two, respectively.
Light Geese
Season Dates: Open October 10, 2009, through January 10, 2010, and
open February 26, 2010, through March 10, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 20 and 40, respectively.
General Conditions: All hunters must comply with the basic Federal
migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20, including the use
of steel shot. Nontribal hunters must possess a validated Migratory
Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp. The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe has an
official Conservation Code that hunters must adhere to when hunting in
areas subject to control by the Tribe.
* * * * *
(t) Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Sedro Woolley, Washington (Tribal
Members Only).
Ducks
Season Dates: Open October 1, 2009, through February 28, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 15 and 20, respectively. The
season on canvasbacks is closed.
Coots
Season Dates: Open October 15, 2009, through February 15, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 20 and 30, respectively.
Geese
Season Dates: Open October 15, 2009, through February 28, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: The daily bag limits are seven
geese and five brant. The possession limits for geese and brant are 10
and 7, respectively.
Mourning Dove
Season Dates: Open September 1, through December 31, 2009.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 12 and 15 mourning doves,
respectively.
Tribal members must have the tribal identification and harvest
report card on their person to hunt. Tribal members hunting on the
Reservation will observe all basic Federal migratory bird hunting
regulations found in 50 CFR part 20, except shooting hours would be
one-half hour before official sunrise to one-half hour after official
sunset.
(u) Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head, Aquinnah, Massachusetts (Tribal
Members Only).
Teal
Season Dates: Open October 13, 2009, through January 26, 2010.
Daily Bag Limit: Six teal.
Ducks
Season Dates: Open October 29, 2009, through February 23, 2010.
Daily Bag Limit: Six ducks, including no more than two hen
mallards, two black ducks, two mottled ducks, one fulvous whistling
duck, four mergansers, three scaup, one hooded merganser, two wood
ducks, one canvasback, two redheads, and one pintail. The season is
closed for harlequin ducks.
Sea Ducks
Season Dates: Open October 12, 2009, through February 28, 2010.
Daily Bag Limit: Seven ducks including no more than four of any one
species (only one of which may be a hen eider).
Woodcock
Season Dates: Open October 13, through November 28, 2009.
Daily Bag Limit: 3 woodcock.
Canada Geese
Season Dates: Open September 14, through September 28, 2009, and
open October 29, 2009, through February 25, 2010.
Daily Bag Limits: 5 Canada geese during the first period, 3 during
the second.
Snow Geese
Season Dates: Open September 8, 2009, through September 22, 2009,
and October 29, 2009, through February 25, 2010.
Daily Bag Limits: 15 snow geese.
General Conditions: Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise
to sunset. Nontoxic shot is required. All basic Federal migratory bird
hunting regulations contained in 50 CFR part 20 will be observed.
* * * * *
(x) Jicarilla Apache Tribe, Jicarilla Indian Reservation, Dulce, New
Mexico (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters).
Ducks (including mergansers)
Season Dates: Open October 10, through November 30, 2009.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: The daily bag limit is seven,
including no more than two hen mallards, two pintail, two redheads, one
canvasback, and three scaup. The possession limit is twice the daily
bag limit.
Canada Geese
Season Dates: Open October 10, through November 30, 2009.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and four, respectively.
General Conditions: Tribal and nontribal hunters must comply with
all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20
regarding shooting hours and manner of taking. In addition, each
waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or older must carry on his/her person
a valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp)
signed in ink across the stamp face. Special regulations established by
the Jicarilla Tribe also apply on the reservation.
(y) Klamath Tribe, Chiloquin, Oregon (Tribal Members Only).
Ducks
Season Dates: Open October 1, 2009, through January 31, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 9 and 18 ducks, respectively.
[[Page 49297]]
Coots
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 coots.
Geese
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 9 and 18 geese, respectively.
General: The Klamath Tribe provides its game management officers,
biologists, and wildlife technicians with regulatory enforcement
authority, and has a court system with judges that hear cases and set
fines. Nontoxic shot is required. Shooting hours are one-half hour
before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
(z) Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Fort Hall Indian Reservation, Fort Hall,
Idaho (Nontribal Hunters).
Ducks and Mergansers
Scaup Season Dates: Open October 3, 2009, through December 27,
2009.
Season Dates: Open October 3, 2009, through January 17, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks and mergansers,
including no more than two hen mallards, two pintail, three scaup (when
open), one canvasback, and two redheads. The possession limit is twice
the daily bag limit.
Coots
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 coots. The possession limit is
twice the daily bag limit.
Geese
Season Dates: Open October 3, 2009, through January 17, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 6 light geese and 4 dark geese.
The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Common Snipe
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 8 and 16 snipe, respectively.
General Conditions: Nontribal hunters must comply with all basic
Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20 regarding
shooting hours and manner of taking. In addition, each waterfowl hunter
16 years of age or older must possess a valid Migratory Bird Hunting
and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) signed in ink across the stamp
face. Other regulations established by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes also
apply on the reservation.
(aa) Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, Arlington, Washington (Tribal
Members Only).
Ducks (including mergansers)
Season Dates: Open October 1, 2009, through February 15, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 ducks, including no more than 7
mallards of which only 3 hen mallards, 3 pintail, 3 canvasback, 3
scaup, and 3 redheads. The possession limit is twice the daily bag
limit.
Coot
Season Dates: October 1, 2009, through January 31, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 and 50, respectively.
Geese
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 6 and 12, respectively.
Brant
Season Dates: Open October 1, 2009, through January 31, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 3 and 6, respectively.
Snipe
Season Dates: Open October 1, 2009, through January 21, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 20, respectively.
Tribal members hunting on lands will observe all basic Federal
migratory bird hunting regulations found in 50 CFR part 20, which will
be enforced by the Stillaguamish Tribal Law Enforcement. Tribal members
are required to use steel shot or a nontoxic shot as required by
Federal regulations.
(bb) Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, LaConner, Washington (Tribal
Members Only).
Tribal Hunters within Swinomish, Lower Skagit, Kikialous, and Samish
Ceded Lands
Ducks (including mergansers)
Season Dates: Open September 26, 2009, through February 10, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 ducks and mergansers, including
no more than 5 hen mallards, 5 pintail, 6 canvasback, 6 scaup, and 5
redheads. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Coot
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 28 and 56, respectively.
Geese
Season Dates: Open October 3, 2009, through February 17, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 8 and 16, respectively.
Brant
Season Dates: Open October 3, 2009, through November 18, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 5 and 10, respectively.
Tribal Hunters on Swinomish, Lower Skagit, Kikialous, and Samish
Reservation Lands
Ducks (including mergansers)
Season Dates: Open September 26, 2009, through March 9, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 ducks and mergansers, including
no more than 5 hen mallards, 5 pintail, 6 canvasback, 6 scaup, and 5
redheads. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Coot
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 28 and 56, respectively.
Geese
Season Dates: Open October 3, 2009, through March 9, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 8 and 16, respectively.
Brant
Season Dates: Open October 3, 2009, through March 9, 2010.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 5 and 10, respectively.
Tribal members hunting on lands under this proposal will observe
all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations found in 50 CFR
part 20, which will be enforced by the Swinomish Lower Skagit,
Kikialous, and Samish Tribal Law Enforcement. Tribal members are
required to use steel shot or a nontoxic shot as required by Federal
regulations.
Dated: September 16, 2009.
Thomas L. Strickland,
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. E9-23034 Filed 9-24-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-S