[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 176 (Tuesday, September 11, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56027-56066]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-22099]
[[Page 56027]]
Vol. 77
Tuesday,
No. 176
September 11, 2012
Part IV
Department of the Interior
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Fish and Wildlife Service
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50 CFR Part 32
2012-2013 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations; Final
Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 77 , No. 176 / Tuesday, September 11, 2012 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 56028]]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 32
[Docket No. FWS-R9-NWRS-2012-0022; FXRS126509000004A-123-FF09R20000]
RIN 1018-AY37
2012-2013 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 hunting and/or sport fishing, closes one refuge to hunt
activities, closes one hunt opportunity at one refuge, and increases
the hunting activities available at 16 other refuges, along with
pertinent refuge-specific regulations on other refuges that pertain to
migratory game bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, and
sport fishing for the 2012-2013 season.
DATES: This rule is effective September 11, 2012.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Leslie A. Marler, (703) 358-2397.
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 proposing to standardize and clarify
the language of existing regulations.
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, are 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 purpose for which the refuge was
established and the mission of the Refuge System. 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 as the priority general public
uses of the Refuge System. These uses are: hunting, fishing, wildlife
observation and photography, and environmental education and
interpretation.
The Recreation Act authorizes the Secretary to administer areas
within the Refuge System for public recreation as an appropriate
incidental or secondary use only to the extent that doing so is
practicable and not inconsistent with the primary purpose(s) for which
Congress and the Service established the areas. The Recreation Act
requires that any recreational use of refuge lands be compatible with
the primary purpose(s) for which we established the refuge and not
inconsistent with other previously authorized operations.
The Administration Act and Recreation Act also authorize the
Secretary to issue regulations to carry out the purposes of the Acts
and regulate uses.
We develop specific management plans for each refuge prior to
opening it to hunting or sport fishing. In many cases, we develop
refuge-specific regulations to ensure the compatibility of the programs
with the purpose(s) for which we established the refuge and the Refuge
System mission. We ensure initial compliance with the Administration
Act and the Recreation Act for hunting and sport fishing on 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
[[Page 56029]]
development of comprehensive conservation plans, specific plans, and by
annual review of hunting and sport fishing programs and regulations.
Response to Comments Received
In the July 11, 2012, Federal Register (77 FR 41002), we published
a proposed rulemaking identifying changes pertaining to migratory game
bird hunting, upland game bird hunting, big game hunting, and sport
fishing to existing refuge-specific language on certain refuges for the
2012-2013 season. We received 33 comments on this proposed rule during
a 30-day comment period; 9 of those comments were supportive of the
rulemaking; 16 were opposed to our ban of falconry on a specific
refuge; and several were opposed to allowing hunting at all on our
refuges.
Comment 1: Numerous commenters expressed concern regarding a
proposed prohibition on falconry at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge
in the State of Texas. They state we offered no explanation in the
Cumulative Impacts Report and no environmental, biological, or other
such scientific justification for this prohibition. They contend that
falconry is a legal means of hunting/take in the State of Texas as it
is in 49 of the 50 States. They object strongly to what appears to be
``prejudicial and a denied equitable public opportunity'' on the refuge
and request that we remove such a bias from the regulations by allowing
falconry.
Response 1: During the recent National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) process to open Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) to two
new hunts (wild turkey and feral hog), we did not address impacts of
falconry as it is not a legal means of take for wild turkey in Texas
and unfeasible for feral hog hunting. Falconry for any species has
never occurred on the refuge. Therefore, we have completed no
assessment of short-term, long-term, or cumulative impacts related to
this type of special hunt.
The only migratory game bird hunting currently or historically
allowed on Hagerman NWR is for mourning dove. We have allowed mourning
dove hunting by shotguns only in the Big Mineral Management Unit of
Hagerman NWR from September 1 through 30, annually, since 1985.
In Texas, the Statewide falconry season for doves is from mid-
November to mid-December (dates fluctuate annually). This is outside of
the refuge's open season for dove hunting, and during this time,
limited permit archery deer hunting is in progress at the refuge. By
law, refuges may be more conservative than the States when setting
their individual refuge-specific regulations but not more liberal.
Regarding policy specific to falconry, Service policy 605 FW 2.7M
Special Hunts, stipulates, ``We will address special types of hunts,
such as falconry, in the hunt section of the visitor service plan
(VSP).'' In other words, each refuge manager when developing their
step-down visitor service's plan (which would include a hunt plan, if
appropriate) from their Comprehensive Conservation Plan, must first
determine if hunting is compatible. Assuming it is found to be
compatible, the refuge manager would next determine the conduct of the
hunt which might include the use of falconry. A refuge manager has
discretion to prohibit hunting, and specifically falconry, in certain
cases such as if endangered or threatened species are present; thus,
this issue is decided individually on a refuge-by-refuge basis.
Other than the issue of our dove season falling outside of the
State of Texas' season for falconry, there is concern regarding the
potential take of nontarget species if we allowed falconry for
migratory game bird hunting at Hagerman NWR. For example, mourning
doves and Inca doves (which occur around Hagerman NWR) are similar in
appearance and size, with the mourning dove being only slightly larger.
While mourning doves are a legal species to hunt, Inca doves are a
protected species. Also, bird species listed as federally or State
threatened or endangered, including interior least tern (nesting site)
and piping plover, forage on the refuge during spring and fall
migration. We are making no change to the regulation as a result of
this comment.
Comment 2: A commenter noted that Minnesota Valley NWR in the State
of Minnesota is located in a more suburban setting and is mixed use for
the hunting and nonhunting public. The commenter feels there should be
better parking access in the spring for turkey hunters to minimize
contact with the nonhunting users of the Wilkie Unit of the refuge.
Response 2: Minnesota Valley NWR is constructing an additional
parking lot and making improvements to the existing parking lot, both
of which the refuge manager expects to complete by early fall 2012. The
new parking lot will accommodate approximately 15 vehicles with options
for overflow parking. The improvements to the second parking lot, which
accommodates approximately 25 vehicles, will include additional signage
and surface improvements. We will still allow hunters to use the
current parking lot along with other refuge visitors. We believe that
these improvements will ease congestion for all users of Minnesota
Valley NWR and enhance the visitor's enjoyment of refuge resources. We
are making no change to the regulation as a result of this comment.
Comment 3: A commenter felt that the ``working population of
America needs more than 30 days to comment. 60 days or 3 months would
be more appropriate.''
Response 3: We disagree that the 30-day public 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, the compatibility determinations, on
the hunt plans, and on accompanying NEPA documents. The final stage for
public comment is when we publish the proposed rule in the Federal
Register, commonly providing a 30-day comment period.
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 for
the first time 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. We are making no changes to
the regulation as a result of this comment.
Comment 4: A commenter felt that the name, National Bison National
Wildlife Refuge, should remain unchanged, and it should be a refuge.
Response 4: The commenter is referring to amendment (e) we made to
50 CFR 32.7 where we revised the entry for ``National Bison National
Wildlife Refuge'' to read ``National Bison Range'' and placed it in
alphabetical order in the State of Montana. This was a technical
amendment change to the regulation. The proper name of the National
Bison Range has always been National Bison Range since its
establishment in an amendment by
[[Page 56030]]
Senator Dixon of Montana to an agriculture bill on May 23, 1908. We are
correcting the way the refuge name is listed in the Code of Federal
Regulations to reflect the legal name of the refuge. We are making no
changes to the regulation as a result of this comment.
Comment 5: A commenter stated, ``the number of hunters has been
diminishing every single year, there are fewer hunters in 2012 than
there were in 2006 so why is this agency using 2006 numbers when a 2011
report has been bought and paid for by us general taxpayers.''
Response 5: The economists use the most up-to-date data available
to them when calculating hunter numbers to determine the economic
impacts. The national numbers are updated every 5 years then another
year is needed to tabulate and incorporate this data into the databases
and produce a new survey. The 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting,
and Wildlife Associated Recreation provides the national estimates of
expenditures for food and lodging, transportation and other incidental
expenses. The revised survey (issued jointly by the Service and the
Department of Commerce) will not be available until November 2012. We
are making no changes to the regulation as a result of this comment.
Comment 6: A commenter opined that ``killing wildlife is not an
acceptable use for a refuge, you even misuse the word refuge.''
Response 6: The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act
of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-ee), amended by the 1997 National Wildlife
Refuge System Improvement Act (Pub. L. 105-57), stipulates that hunting
(along with fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and
environmental education and interpretation), if found to be compatible,
is a legitimate and priority general public use of a refuge and should
be facilitated. The Administration Act authorizes the Secretary to
allow use of any refuge area for any purpose as long as those uses are
compatible. In the case of each refuge opening/expansion in this rule,
the refuge managers went through the compatibility process (which
allows for public comment), in addition to complying with NEPA, which
also allows for public comment, to make the determination before
opening or expanding the refuge to allow for hunting. We are making no
changes to the regulation as a result of this comment.
Comment 7: A commenter felt that the [National Wildlife Refuge
System Administration Act] 1966 law is ``too old to use as a plan since
this is 2012 and massive changes in both habitat and climate [have
occurred] since this law was passed.''
Response 7: The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act
of 1966, as amended, (as referenced and described in some detail in the
Statutory Authority section of this rule) is foundational legislation
for the National Wildlife Refuge System. The 1997 National Wildlife
Refuge System Improvement Act amended the 1966 Act as described in
Response 6. Congress determines when changes to law are necessary and
appropriate. Further, refuge managers do take changes in habitat and
climate into consideration when deciding whether to open or continue
hunting and/or fishing activities on national wildlife refuges. These
discussions take place when the refuge managers develop their
comprehensive conservation plans and then their step-down hunting and/
or fishing plans. Those plans are modified when and if situations
change on the refuge affecting their hunting and/or fishing programs.
We are making no changes to the regulation as a result of this comment.
Comment 8: Several commenters felt that the use of lead shot (Pb)
was inappropriate on national wildlife refuges. One commenter expanded
this thought to state that they believed that we should extend the ban
``on nontoxic shot to all firearms ammunition, especially center-fire
and rim-fire lead-based bullets.'' They ask that we consider developing
and implementing an aggressive education outreach program on all
national wildlife refuges informing users about the dangers related to
the deposition of all traditional Pb-based hunting ammunition and
fishing tackle.
Response 8: This rule contains amendments to 94 refuges. Lead shot
for waterfowl hunting has been illegal on national wildlife refuges
since 1998. The majority (54) of these 94 refuges also ban the use of
toxic shot for upland game hunting (for such species as squirrel,
rabbit, quail, pheasant, and/or partridge); 27 of those 94 refuges do
not offer upland game hunting. Under the big game category (primarily
deer and/or turkey), 8 of the refuges only allow nontoxic shot for
turkey hunting, 14 of them ban the use of toxic shot, and 12 of them
are closed to big game hunting.
As for fishing tackle, there are nontoxic fishing weights (split
shots) for use in nontidal waters that are readily available on the
marketplace. Many anglers use fishing tackle made from nontoxic
materials such as tin, bismuth, steel, and tungsten, alternatives which
are found in all 50 States. Many of our refuges have banned lead
sinkers for years. Of the 94 refuges in this rulemaking, currently 7 of
them ban lead tackle and 19 do not offer fishing.
Lead is a toxic metal that, in sufficient quantities, has adverse
effects on the nervous and reproductive systems of animals and can be
lethal to wildlife if ingested, even in small amounts. We continue to
look at options and ways to reduce the indirect impacts of toxic shot
to scavengers. We are and have been phasing out the use of lead shot by
hunters on refuge lands.
As part of the Service's effort in Conserving the Future: Wildlife
Refuges and the Next Generation (a vision document for the National
Wildlife Refuge System developed in 2011), there are several
implementation teams that will consider developing and implementing
education products on the dangers of lead shot and fishing tackle. We
invite and encourage the involvement of those interested parties in
developing outreach elements relating to the dangers of toxicity in our
continuing efforts to educate the public on alternative ammunition and
fishing tackle.
The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 directs
us to make refuge regulations as consistent with State regulations as
practicable. We share a strong partnership with the States in managing
wildlife, and, therefore, we are proceeding with the phase-out of toxic
ammunition and tackle in a coordinated manner with the respective State
wildlife agency. There were no changes to this rulemaking as a result
of these comments.
Comment 9: A commenter felt that the Improvement Act which amended
the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act should include
trapping as one of the six priority public uses on a national wildlife
refuge, as they feel it is a legitimate wildlife-dependent activity in
the State of New York.
Response 9: As mentioned in the previous response, the National
Wildlife Refuge System does not write legislation, Congress does. As
trapping is not one of the six priority public uses (which are hunting,
fishing, wildlife observation and interpretation, and environmental
education) outlined in the Improvement Act and not a subject of this
rulemaking. Additionally as mentioned earlier, the Refuge System
reserves the right to be more restrictive than the States in
formulating the conduct of hunting and/or fishing activities on our
national wildlife refuges. We are making no changes as a result of this
comment.
[[Page 56031]]
Effective Date
This rule is effective upon publication in the Federal Register. We
have determined that any further delay in implementing these refuge-
specific hunting and sport fishing regulations would not be in the
public interest, in that a delay would hinder the effective planning
and administration of the hunting and fishing programs. We provided a
30-day public comment period for the July 11, 2012, proposed rule. An
additional delay would jeopardize holding the hunting and/or fishing
programs this year or shorten their duration and thereby lessen the
management effectiveness of this regulation. This rule does not impact
the public generally in terms of requiring lead time for compliance.
Rather it relieves restrictions in that it allows activities on refuges
that we would otherwise prohibit. Therefore, we find good cause under 5
U.S.C. 553(d)(3) to make this rule effective upon publication.
Amendments to Existing Regulations
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, 28, 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.
Table 1--Changes for 2012-2013 Hunting/Fishing Season
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Refuge (FWS region) State Migratory bird hunting Upland game hunting Big game hunting Sport fishing
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Big Muddy (3)...................... Missouri.............. C..................... C.................... C.................... Already open.
Big Oaks (3)....................... Indiana............... Closed................ Already open......... C.................... Already open.
Block Island (3)................... Rhode Island.......... Closed................ Closed............... B deer............... Already open.
Bond Swamp (4)..................... Georgia............... B..................... B.................... C/D turkey........... Already open.
Chickasaw (4)...................... Tennessee............. C..................... C.................... C.................... Already open.
Deer Flat (1)...................... Idaho................. Already open.......... Already open......... C.................... Already open.
Detroit River International (3).... Michigan.............. A..................... A.................... A.................... Closed.
Hagerman (2)....................... Texas................. Already open.......... Already open......... D turkey............. Already open.
Hakalau Forest (1)................. Hawaii................ Closed................ Closed............... E.................... Closed.
Hanford Reach/Saddle Mt. (1)....... Washington............ C..................... C/D chukar........... C.................... Already open.
Julia Butler Hansen (1)............ Oregon................ C..................... Closed............... Closed............... Already open.
Lower Hatchie (4).................. Tennessee............. C..................... C.................... C.................... Already open.
Minnesota Valley (3)............... Minnesota............. C..................... C.................... C.................... Already open.
Ninigret (5)....................... Rhode Island.......... Closed................ Closed............... B deer............... Already open.
Red Rock Lakes (6)................. Montana............... C..................... Closed............... C.................... Already open.
Santee (4)......................... South Carolina........ E..................... Already open......... Already open......... Already open.
Upper Ouachita (4)................. Louisiana............. C..................... C.................... C.................... Already open.
Waccamaw (4)....................... South Carolina........ D Woodcock............ Already open......... C.................... Already open.
William L. Finley (1).............. Oregon................ Closed................ Closed............... C.................... Already open.
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A = New refuge opened.
B = New activity on a refuge previously opened to other activities.
C = Refuge already open to activity but added new land/waters which increased activity.
D = Refuge already open to activity but added new species to hunt.
E = Refuge closing to previously opened activity.
We are closing and reserving big game hunting on the Hakalau Forest
National Wildlife Refuge in the State of Hawaii. We opened the Maulua
tract (2,000 acres) of Hakalau Forest NWR to the public for pig and
cattle hunting in 1991 (with most of the area never hunted) but closed
it in 2000 as hunting had reduced the pig population to such low
numbers as to provide an unacceptable hunting experience. As there were
few cattle, they were quickly removed. We have received no requests for
approval to hunt on Hakalau Forest NWR since 2000.
We are closing and reserving migratory bird game hunting on Santee
National Wildlife Refuge in the State of South Carolina. The refuge
will remain open both for upland and big game hunting as well as for
sport fishing. The refuge established a mourning dove hunt in 1975 when
historic land management practices on the refuge were productive for
both resident and migratory mourning dove habitat. We farmed over 500
acres of corn, wheat, and soybean annually in the Cuddo Unit of the
refuge. Over time, however, land management practices and objectives
for habitat management adapted and changed, and farming practices are
now minimal. Without habitat suitable for mourning dove or the hunting
of mourning dove, the refuge has had no public interest in the morning
dove hunt. There have been no recorded mourning dove hunting visits
since 2003.
We also added Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District in the
State of Nebraska to the list of refuges in part 32. As set forth in 50
CFR 32.1 and 32.4, ``Lands acquired as `waterfowl production areas'
shall annually be open to the hunting of migratory game birds, upland
game, big game and sport fishing subject to the provisions of State law
and regulations and the pertinent provisions of parts 25 through 31 of
this subchapter: Provided, That all forms of hunting or entry on all or
any part of the individual areas may be temporarily suspended by
posting upon occasions of unusual or critical conditions of, or
affecting land, water, vegetation, or wildlife populations.''
The changes for the 2012-13 hunting/fishing season noted in the
chart above
[[Page 56032]]
are each based on a complete administrative record which, among other
detailed documentation, also includes a hunt plan, a compatibility
determination, and the appropriate National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) analysis, all of which were the subject
of a public review and comment process. These documents are available
upon request.
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/waterscience/fish/
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'').
Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)
Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) will review all significant rules. OIRA has
determined that this rule is not significant.
Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while
calling for improvements in the nation's regulatory system to promote
predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most
innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends.
The executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches
that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for
the public where those approaches are relevant, feasible, and
consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further
that we must base regulations on the best available science and that
the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open
exchange of ideas. We have developed this rule in a manner consistent
with these requirements.
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 adds 1 national wildlife refuge to the list of refuges
open to hunting, increases hunting activities on 16 national wildlife
refuges, closes 1 national wildlife refuge that was previously open to
hunting, and closes 1 hunting activity previously open at 1 national
wildlife refuge. As a result, visitor use for wildlife-dependent
recreation on these national wildlife refuges will change. If the
refuges establishing new programs were a pure addition to the current
supply of such activities, it would mean an estimated increase of 7,960
user days (one person per day participating in a recreational
opportunity) (Table 2). Because the participation trend is flat in
these activities since 1991, this increase in supply will most likely
be offset by other sites losing participants. Therefore, this is likely
to be a substitute site for the activity and not necessarily an
increase in participation rates for the activity.
Table 2--Estimated Change in Recreation Opportunities in 2012/2013
[Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Additional
Refuge days expenditures
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Big Muddy............................... 30 $1.0
Big Oaks................................ 100 3.3
Block Island............................ 60 2.0
Bond Swamp.............................. 1,000 32.6
Chickasaw............................... 150 4.9
Deer Flat............................... 3,300 107.7
Detroit River International............. 1,021 33.3
Hagerman................................ 194 6.3
Hakalau Forest.......................... 0 0.0
Hanford Reach/Saddle Mountain........... 260 8.5
Julia Butler Hansen..................... 900 29.4
Lower Hatchie........................... 300 9.8
Minnesota Valley........................ 200 6.5
Ninigret................................ 347 11.3
Red Rock Lakes.......................... 52 1.7
Santee.................................. 0 0.0
Upper Ouachita.......................... 50 1.6
Waccamaw................................ 4 0.1
William L. Finley....................... -8 -0.3*
-------------------------------
[[Page 56033]]
TOTAL............................... 7,960 259.7
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Negative number resulting from decreased hunting days available
despite increased acres to hunt.
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. Due to the
unavailability of site-specific expenditure data, we use the national
estimates from the 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and
Wildlife Associated Recreation to identify expenditures for food and
lodging, transportation, and other incidental expenses. Using the
average expenditures for these categories with the maximum expected
additional participation of the Refuge System yields approximately
$259,700 in recreation-related expenditures (Table 2). By having ripple
effects throughout the economy, these direct expenditures are only part
of the economic impact of these recreational activities. Using a
national impact multiplier for hunting activities (2.67) derived from
the report ``Economic Importance of Hunting in America'' yields a total
economic impact of approximately $693,500 (2011 dollars) (Southwick
Associates, Inc., 2007). 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 $693,500, and most likely considerably less. Since 80
percent of the participants travel less than 100 miles to engage in
hunting and fishing activities, their spending patterns would not add
new money into the local economy and, therefore, the real impact would
be on the order of about $138,700 annually.
Small businesses within the retail trade industry (such as hotels,
gas stations, taxidermy shops, bait and tackle shops, etc.) may be
impacted from some increased or decreased refuge visitation. A large
percentage of these retail trade establishments in the local
communities around national wildlife refuges qualify as small
businesses. We expect that the incremental recreational changes will be
scattered, and so we do not expect that the rule would have a
significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities
in any region or nationally. As noted previously, we expect
approximately $259,700 to be spent in total in the refuges' local
economies. The maximum increase at most would be less than one-tenth of
1 percent for local retail trade spending (Table 3).
Table 3--Comparative Expenditures for Retail Trade Associated With Additional Refuge Visitation for 2012/2013
[Thousands, 2011 dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated
Retail maximum Establ.
Refuge/county(ies) or parishes trade in addition Addition as Establishments with <10
2007 from new % of total in 2009 emp in 2009
activities
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Big Muddy:
Moniteau, MO............................ $173,206 $1.0 0.001% 56 43
Big Oaks:
Ripley, IN.............................. 277,024 1.1 <0.001% 97 74
Jefferson, IN........................... 415,188 1.1 <0.001% 152 118
Jennings, IN............................ 242,792 1.1 <0.001% 72 54
Block Island:
Washington, RI.......................... 1,873,234 2.0 <0.001% 545 398
Bond Swamp:
Bibb, GA................................ 135,291 16.3 0.012% 815 575
Twiggs, GA.............................. 32,915 16.3 0.050% 16 12
Chickasaw:
Lauderdale, TN.......................... 164,722 2.4 0.001% 85 65
Dyer, TN................................ 557,684 2.4 <0.001% 182 140
Deer Flat:
Payette, ID............................. 557,684 107.7 0.019% 68 52
Detroit River International:
Wayne, MI............................... 18,741,934 16.7 <0.001% 6,069 4,702
Monroe, MI.............................. 1,589,678 16.7 0.001% 383 267
Hagerman:
Grayson, TX............................. 1,730,094 6.3 <0.001% 457 327
Hanford Reach/Saddle Mountain:
Benton, WA.............................. 2,302,112 8.5 <0.001% 587 399
Julia Butler Hansen:
Columbia, OR............................ 684,891 29.4 0.004% 119 83
Lower Hatchie:
[[Page 56034]]
Lauderdale, TN.......................... 164,722 4.9 0.003% 85 65
Tipton, TN.............................. 438,464 4.9 0.001% 156 119
Minnesota Valley:
Sibley, MN.............................. 81,861 3.3 0.004% 59 46
Scott, MN............................... 1,268,971 3.3 <0.001% 344 234
Ninigret:
Washington, RI.......................... 1,873,234 11.3 0.001% 545 398
Red Rock Lakes:
Beaverhead, MT.......................... 133,341 1.7 0.001% 53 37
Upper Ouachita:
Union, LA............................... 160,639 0.8 0.001% 68 55
Morehouse, LA........................... 261,859 0.8 <0.001% 96 70
Waccamaw:
Georgetown, SC.......................... 761,751 0.04 <0.001% 295 229
Horry, SC............................... 5,388,805 0.04 <0.001% 1,707 1,241
Marion, SC.............................. 292,846 0.04 <0.001% 135 103
William L. Finley:
Benton, OR.............................. 743,322 -0.3 <0.001% 275 192
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With the small change in overall spending anticipated from this
rule, it is unlikely that a substantial number of small entities would
have more than a small impact from the spending change near the
affected refuges. Therefore, we certify that this rule would 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 minimal impact will be scattered across the country and would
most likely not be significant in any local area.
b. Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for
consumers; individual industries; Federal, State, or local government
agencies; or geographic regions. This rule will have only a slight
effect on the costs of hunting opportunities for Americans. If the
substitute sites are farther from the participants' residences, then an
increase in travel costs would occur. The Service does not have
information to quantify this change in travel cost but assumes that,
since most people travel less than 100 miles to hunt, the increased
travel cost would be small. We do not expect this rule to affect the
supply or demand for hunting opportunities in the United States and,
therefore, it should not affect prices for hunting equipment and
supplies, or the retailers that sell equipment.
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 at national wildlife refuges. Therefore, this
rule will have no measurable economic effect on the wildlife-dependent
industry, which has annual sales of equipment and travel expenditures
of $72 billion nationwide.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
Since this rule applies to public use of federally owned and
managed refuges, it will not impose an unfunded mandate on State,
local, or Tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100
million per year. The rule will 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 does not have significant
takings implications. This regulation affects only visitors at national
wildlife refuges and describes 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 does 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 does not unduly burden the judicial system and
that it meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of the
Order. The regulation clarifies established regulations and will 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 increases activities at
16 refuges, closes hunting at one refuge, stops one hunt at
[[Page 56035]]
another refuge, and opens one new refuge, it is not a significant
regulatory action under E.O. 12866, and we do not expect it 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
This regulation does not contain any information collection
requirements other than those already approved by the Office of
Management and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501
et seq.) (OMB Control Numbers are 1018-0102 and 1018-0140). 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.
Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation
We comply with section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), when developing Comprehensive
Conservation Plans (CCPs) and step-down management plans (which would
include hunting and/or fishing plans) for public use of refuges, and
prior to implementing any new or revised public recreation program on a
refuge as identified in 50 CFR 26.32. We have completed section 7
consultation on each of the affected refuges.
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)),
43 CFR part 46, and 516 Departmental Manual (DM) 8.
A categorical exclusion from NEPA documentation applies to
publication of amendments to refuge-specific hunting and fishing
regulations since they are technical and procedural in nature, and the
environmental effects are too broad, speculative, or conjectural to
lend themselves to meaningful analysis (43 CFR 46.210 and 516 DM 8).
Concerning the actions that are the subject of this rulemaking, we have
complied with NEPA at the project level when developing each proposal.
This is consistent with the Department of the Interior instructions for
compliance with NEPA where actions are covered sufficiently by an
earlier environmental document (516 DM 3.2A).
Prior to the addition of a refuge to the list of areas open to
hunting and fishing in 50 CFR part 32, we develop hunting and fishing
plans for the affected refuges. We incorporate these refuge hunting and
fishing activities 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 prepare these CCPs and
step-down plans in compliance with section 102(2)(C) of NEPA, and the
Council on Environmental Quality's regulations for implementing NEPA in
40 CFR parts 1500-1508. We invite the affected public to participate in
the review, development, and implementation of these plans. Copies of
all plans and NEPA compliance are available from the refuges at the
addresses provided below.
Available Information for Specific Refuges
Individual refuge headquarters have information about public use
programs and conditions that apply to their specific programs and maps
of their respective areas. To find out how to contact a specific
refuge, contact the appropriate Regional office listed below:
Region 1--Hawaii, Idaho, 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. Detroit
River International Wildlife Refuge, 9311 Groh Road, Large Lakes
Research Station, Grossle Ile, MI 43138; Telephone (734) 692-7608.
Region 4--Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana,
Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, 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.
Region 5--Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine,
Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, 300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley, MA 01035-9589; Telephone
(413) 253-8306.
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.
Region 8--California and Nevada. Regional Chief, National Wildlife
Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2800 Cottage Way, Room
W-2606, Sacramento, CA 95825; Telephone (916) 414-6464.
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.
Regulation Promulgation
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. Revising the entry for ``Mountain Lonleaf National Wildlife Refuge''
to read ``Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge'' in the State of
Alabama;
0
b. Revising the entry for ``Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge'' to
read ``Umbagog National Wildlife
[[Page 56036]]
Refuge'' and placing it in alphabetical order in the State of Maine;
0
c. Adding an entry for ``Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge''
and placing it in alphabetical order in the State of Michigan;
0
d. Revising the entry for ``Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge'' to read
``Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge'' and placing it in
alphabetical order in the State of Mississippi;
0
e. Revising the entry for ``National Bison National Wildlife Refuge''
to read ``National Bison Range'' in the State of Montana;
0
f. Revising the entry for ``Nine-Pipe National Wildlife Refuge'' to
read ``Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge'' in the State of Montana;
0
g. Adding an entry for ``Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District''
and placing it alphabetical order in the State of Nebraska;
0
h. Adding an entry for ``Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge'' and placing
it in alphabetical order in the State of New Hampshire;
0
i. Placing the entry for ``Currituck National Wildlife Refuge'' in
alphabetical order in the State of North Carolina in this section; and
0
j. Removing the entry for ``Pocasse National Wildlife Refuge'' in the
State of South Dakota.
0
3. Amend Sec. 32.20 Alabama by revising paragraphs B.6., B.8., and
B.10., adding paragraph B.11., revising the introductory text of
paragraph C., and revising paragraph C.1. under Choctaw National
Wildlife Refuge. These revisions and addition reads as follows:
Sec. 32.20 Alabama.
* * * * *
Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
6. We prohibit the mooring and storing of boats from \1/2\ hour
after legal sunset to \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise.
* * * * *
8. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on the
refuge must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons
may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations
(see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter and specific refuge regulations in
part 32). Persons may only use approved nontoxic shot (see Sec.
32.2(k)) 4 or smaller, .22 caliber rimfire or smaller rifles,
or legal archery equipment.
* * * * *
10. We allow squirrel, raccoon, rabbit, and opossum to be hunted
with dogs during designated hunts. We prohibit dogs in the Middle Swamp
area of the refuge, except during the February small game hunt.
11. Hunt information and hunt dates are available at refuge
headquarters and specified in the refuge brochure.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow archery hunting of white-tailed deer
and incidental take of feral hog in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions B1 through B9 and B11 apply.
* * * * *
0
4. Amend Sec. 32.22 Arizona by revising paragraph C.1. under Cibola
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.22 Arizona.
* * * * *
Cibola National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. For units open to mule deer hunting, refer to current Big Game
hunt brochure.
* * * * *
0
5. Amend Sec. 32.23 Arkansas by:
0
a. Revising paragraph C.10. under Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Removing paragraph C.7., redesignating paragraphs C.8. through C.12.
as paragraphs C.7. through C.11., and revising newly redesignated
paragraph C.7. under Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Revising paragraph C.10. under Cache River National Wildlife Refuge;
0
d. Adding paragraph C.16. under Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge;
0
e. Revising paragraph A.5., removing paragraph A.19., and redesignating
paragraphs A.20. through A.23. as paragraphs A.19. through A.22. under
Overflow National Wildlife Refuge;
0
f. Removing paragraph C.5., redesignating paragraphs C.6. through C.9.
as paragraphs C.5. through C.8., and revising newly redesignated
paragraph C.6. under Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
g. Revising paragraphs A.22., B.2., and B.3., removing paragraph B.8.,
redesignating paragraphs B.9. through B.11. as paragraphs B.8. through
B.10., revising newly redesignated paragraphs B.8. and B.9., and
revising paragraphs C.10. and C.13. under White River National Wildlife
Refuge.
These additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 32.23 Arkansas.
* * * * *
Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
10. We allow only portable deer stands capable of being carried in
their entirety by a single individual. Hunters may erect stands 7 days
prior to the refuge deer season and must remove them from the waterfowl
sanctuaries prior to November 15, except for stands used by Quota Gun
Deer Hunt permit holders (signature required), which hunters must
remove by the last day of the Quota Gun Deer Hunt. Hunters must remove
all stands on the remainder of the refuge within 7 days of the closure
of archery season (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter). Hunters must
permanently affix the owner's name and address to their deer stands on
the refuge.
* * * * *
Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
7. We allow only portable deer stands capable of being carried in
their entirety by a single individual. Hunters may erect stands 7 days
prior to the refuge deer season and must remove them within 7 days of
the closure of archery season (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
Hunters must permanently affix the owner's name and address to stands
on the refuge.
* * * * *
Cache River National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
10. We allow only portable deer stands capable of being carried in
their entirety by a single individual.
* * * * *
Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
16. We restrict hunt participants for quota hunts to those drawn
for a quota permit (OMB 1018-0140). These permits are nontransferable
and permit fees are nonrefundable. If conditions prevent the hunts from
taking place, there will be no refunds or permits carried over from
year to year. Hunt dates and application procedures will be available
at the refuge office in July for deer and January for turkey.
* * * * *
Overflow National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
[[Page 56037]]
5. We close areas of the refuge by posting ``Area Closed'' signs
and identifying them on the refuge hunt brochure map as ``Sanctuary''
and closed to all public entry and public use. Exception: We open the
area identified as ``North Sanctuary'' on the refuge hunt brochure map
to all authorized public use activities from 2 days prior to the
opening of deer archery season through October 31.
* * * * *
Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
6. We allow only portable deer stands capable of being carried in
their entirety by a single individual. Hunters may erect stands 7 days
prior to the refuge deer season and must remove them from the waterfowl
sanctuaries by December 1. Hunters must remove all stands on the
remainder of the refuge within 7 days of the closure of archery season
(see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter). Hunters must permanently affix their
name and address on stands on the refuge.
* * * * *
White River National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
22. We allow refuge users to leave boats 16 feet (4.8 m) or less in
length unattended overnight from March 1 to October 31 as long as the
owner clearly and prominently displays his or her complete name and
physical address.
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We allow hunting of rabbit and squirrel on the North Unit from
September 1 until January 31.
3. We allow dogs for hunting of rabbit and squirrel from December 1
through January 31 on the North Unit.
* * * * *
8. We allow furbearer (as defined by State law) hunting in
accordance with season dates posted in the refuge user brochure/permit
(signed brochure). We allow furbearer hunting only with rimfire weapons
and shotguns.
9. We allow the use of dogs for hunting furbearers from legal
sunset to legal sunrise. Hunters must tether or pen all dogs used for
furbearer hunting from legal sunrise to legal sunset and any time they
are not involved in actual hunting.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
10. We close refuge lands on the North Unit to all deer hunting and
fall turkey hunting when the White River Gauge at St. Charles (station
no. 53) reaches 23 feet (7 m) as reported by the following Web site:
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lzk/html/whitervr.htm. The season will reopen
when the gauge reading reaches 21 feet (6 m) as reported by the same
Web site.
* * * * *
13. We prohibit the use of dogs other than those specified in the
user permit.
* * * * *
0
6. Amend Sec. 32.28 Florida by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs D.9., D.10., and D.17. under J.N. ``Ding''
Darling National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising paragraphs A.2., B.3., and C.25. under Lower Suwannee
National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Revising paragraphs B.1., B.3., and B.4., adding a new paragraph
B.11., and revising paragraphs C.8., C.9., and D.11. under St. Marks
National Wildlife Refuge;
0
d. Revising paragraph C.9. under St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge;
and
0
e. Revising paragraph A.13. under Ten Thousand Islands National
Wildlife Refuge.
These additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 32.28 Florida.
* * * * *
J.N. ``Ding'' Darling National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
9. We allow anglers to launch canoes and kayaks anywhere on the
north side of Wildlife Drive. We prohibit launching motorized vessels
over 14 feet (4.2 m) in length from Wildlife Drive. We allow launching
of motorized vessels only 14 feet (4.2 m) or less in length from
designated site 2.
10. We allow public access to Wildlife Drive and Indigo Trail,
except on Fridays, when we close Wildlife Drive to all public access.
See hours posted at the front gate, on the refuge Web site http://www.fws.gov/dingdarling/, or call 239-472-1100.
* * * * *
17. We prohibit the use of bows and spears from Wildlife Drive or
any structure affixed to shore.
* * * * *
Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We designate open and closed refuge hunting areas on the map in
the refuge hunt brochure. The hunter must possess and carry this
brochure while hunting on the refuge. The refuge can designate
temporary closed hunting areas at the management's discretion for
refuge management activities (e.g., prescribed burns, forestry, habitat
restoration, wildlife management).
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. You may use only .17, .22, and .22 magnum caliber rimfire rifle
firearms (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter), bows, or shotguns with shot
no larger than 4 birdshot when hunting. The refuge retains the
discretion to allow the use of a crossbow during refuge hunts.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
25. We retain the discretion to allow the use of crossbows during
all or portions of refuge hunts. We may allow, on a case-by-case basis,
individuals with a State-issued disabled-persons crossbow permit use of
crossbows. Those individuals will hunt according to State regulations.
* * * * *
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. We require refuge permits (signed brochure) for hunting upland
game. Permits are available at no cost from the refuge office. Each
hunter must possess and carry a signed refuge permit while
participating in a hunt.
* * * * *
3. You may use .22 caliber or smaller rim-fire 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, archery equipment, or
pistols to take feral hogs. We prohibit the use of other weapons.
4. We allow the use of leashed dogs for trailing injured or
harvested game. We prohibit unleashed dogs.
* * * * *
11. We limit vehicle access to permitted hunters during the hunt.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
8. 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 per State regulations
(i.e., deer with no antlers or antlers less than 5 inches
[[Page 56038]]
(12.5 cm)). Otherwise, hunters may harvest one antlerless deer and one
antlered deer per hunt. Hunters must ensure that antlered deer must
have at least 3 points, of 1 inch (2.5 cm) or more length.
9. There is one youth hunt, for youth ages 12 to 17, on the St.
Marks Unit in an area we will specify in the refuge hunt brochure.
Hunters may harvest one deer of either sex or feral hog (no limit). An
adult age 21 or older possessing a refuge permit (State permit) must
accompany each youth hunter, and each adult may accompany only one
youth. Only the youth hunter may handle or discharge firearms. Contact
the refuge office for specific dates.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
11. We prohibit commercially registered boats, air-thrust boats,
commercial guides, and personal watercraft to launch at the saltwater
boat ramp on the St. Marks Unit.
* * * * *
St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
9. We limit weapons to primitive weapons (bow and arrow and
muzzleloader) 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 the
white-tailed deer archery hunt except with a State disabled persons
permit.
* * * * *
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
13. We allow youth hunt days in accordance with State regulations.
We also will designate a special youth hunt day during the second phase
of the regular State waterfowl season that we will specify in the
annual hunt brochure. Hunters under age 16 may hunt only with a
nonhunting adult age 18 or older. Youth hunters must remain within
sight and sound of the nonhunting adult.
* * * * *
0
7. Amend Sec. 32.29 Georgia by:
0
a. Removing paragraph C.17. and redesignating paragraphs C.18. through
C.20. as paragraphs C.17. through C.19. under Blackbeard Island
National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Adding paragraphs A. and B., and revising paragraph C. under Bond
Swamp National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Removing paragraph C.18. and redesignating paragraphs C.19. and
C.20. as paragraphs C.18. and C.19. under Harris Neck National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
d. Removing paragraph A.4. and redesignating paragraph A.5. as A.4.,
revising the introductory text of paragraph B., revising paragraph
B.3., removing paragraphs B.5. and B.6., redesignating paragraphs B.7.
and B.8. as B.5. and B.6, revising newly redesignated paragraphs B.5.
and B.6., removing paragraph C.2., redesignating paragraph C.3. as
paragraph C.2., revising newly redesignated paragraph C.2., removing
paragraph C.4., redesignating paragraph C.5. as paragraph C.3.,
revising newly redesignated paragraph C.3., redesignating paragraphs
C.6. and C.7. as paragraphs C.4. and C.5., removing paragraph C.8,
redesignating paragraph C.9. as paragraph C.6., revising newly
redesignated paragraph C.6., redesignating paragraph C.10. as paragraph
C.7. and revising newly redesignated paragraph C.7., and redesignating
paragraphs C.11. and C.12. as paragraphs C.8. and C.9. under Savannah
National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
e. Removing paragraph C.19. and redesignating paragraphs C.20. and
C.21. as paragraphs C.19. and C.20. under Wassaw National Wildlife
Refuge.
These additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 32.29 Georgia.
* * * * *
Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl,
mourning dove, snipe, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We coordinate hunting seasons and limits with the State and
annually list them in the hunting brochure.
2. We require you to possess and carry a signed refuge hunt
brochure while hunting. The hunt brochure will serve as the hunt
permit. You may obtain this permit from the refuge Web site, kiosks at
designated parking lots, or the refuge office.
3. At the manager's discretion we may zone or restrict some of the
areas of the refuge to season of use, while we may close other areas to
all public use.
4. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on
national wildlife refuges must comply with all provisions of State and
local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with
refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in
part 32).
5. We allow the incidental take of feral hog with legal weapons
during open season.
6. We allow only nontoxic shot with the use of a shotgun in
designated areas at the manager's discretion (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
7. We require hunters to report all harvested game at the check
station before leaving the refuge (see hunting brochure).
8. We allow access to the hunt area from 1 hour before legal
sunrise until 1 hour after legal sunset.
9. We allow the use of hunting dogs during migratory bird hunts.
10. We allow motorized boats in designated areas at the manager's
discretion.
11. We prohibit flagging, blazing, painting, or any other trail-
marking devices.
12. We prohibit hunting within 50 yards (45 m) of a road open to
vehicle travel or within 200 yards (180 m) of a building.
13. We prohibit entry into the designated hunt area by nonhunters
during the hunts.
14. We prohibit use or possession of alcoholic beverages while
hunting on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
15. We prohibit target practice or any nonhunting discharge of
firearms (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter).
16. We prohibit walking or trespassing on the railroad tracks to
access the refuge.
17. We prohibit removal of live hogs from the refuge.
18. We prohibit the use of organized drives for taking or
attempting to take game.
19. 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.
20. We prohibit taking, collecting, or disturbing any artifact,
property, plant, wildlife, or part thereof, other than that
specifically allowed by refuge regulation (see Sec. Sec. 27.61 and
27.62 of this chapter).
21. We prohibit littering (see Sec. 27.94 of this chapter).
22. We prohibit disturbing, annoying, or interfering with other
persons.
23. We prohibit open fires (see Sec. 27.95(a) of this chapter).
24. We prohibit ATVs on the refuge except by disabled hunters with
a refuge Special Use Permit (General Special Use Application and Permit
FWS Form 3-1383-G).
[[Page 56039]]
25. We prohibit off-road vehicle travel.
26. We prohibit vehicle travel around a closed gate.
27. We prohibit blocking refuge roads, boat ramp, or gates with
vehicles, boats, or trailers.
28. We prohibit leaving vehicles, boats, or trailers on the refuge
overnight (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
29. We prohibit overnight camping and/or parking.
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:
1. Conditions A1 through A8 and A10 through A29 apply.
2. We allow the use of hunting dogs during small game hunts.
3. We require each small game hunter to wear at least 500 square
inches (3,250 cm\2\) of hunter orange as an outer garment above the
waist during small game hunts.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting for 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 A1 through A8 and A10 through A29 apply.
2. We may implement designated feral hog hunts at the manager's
discretion.
3. We prohibit the use of buckshot.
4. We prohibit the use of dogs during deer and feral hog hunts.
5. We require each deer and feral hog hunter to wear at least 500
square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of hunter orange as an outer garment above
the waist during hunts.
* * * * *
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel on designated
areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
* * * * *
3. We prohibit hunting on or within 100 yards (90 m) of U.S.
Highway 17, GA Highway 25/SC Highway 170, refuge facilities, road and
trails, railroad rights of way, and within areas marked as closed.
* * * * *
5. During the period when the squirrel hunt coincides with the
refuge gun hunt for deer and hogs, we require hunters to possess a big
game license (State) and to wear an outer garment containing a minimum
of 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of hunter-orange material above the
waistline.
6. Condition A4 applies.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We allow only bows, in accordance with State regulations, for
deer and hog hunting during the refuge archery hunt.
3. We allow only shotguns (20 gauge or larger; slugs only), center-
fire rifles (.22 caliber or larger), muzzleloaders, and bows, in
accordance with State regulations, for deer and hog hunting during the
gun hunts.
* * * * *
6. Conditions A4 and B3 apply.
7. Turkey hunters may harvest only three gobblers (male turkey).
* * * * *
0
8. Amend Sec. 32.30 Hawaii by revising paragraph C. under Hakalau
Forest National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.30 Hawaii.
* * * * *
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
* * * * *
0
9. Amend Sec. 32.31 Idaho by revising the entry for Deer Flat National
Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.32 Idaho.
* * * * *
Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck,
coot, common snipe, and dove on designated areas of the refuge in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You may hunt only duck, coot, and dove on the Lake Lowell Unit.
2. Duck and coot hunting in the East Side Recreation Area is walk-
in only. Duck and coot hunters may use float tubes, nonmotorized boats,
or boats equipped with only electric motors within 200 yards (180 m) of
the shoreline in the South Side Recreation Area.
3. We allow only portable and temporary blinds. We prohibit
permanent structures.
4. You must remove boats, decoys, blinds, other personal property,
and any materials brought onto the refuge for blind construction at the
end of each day.
5. We allow hunters to enter the refuge 1 hour before official
shooting hours (\1/2\ hour before legal sunrise), and remain on the
refuge until 1 hour after official shooting hours (legal sunset).
6. We allow the use of dogs for hunting. Dogs must be under the
immediate control of the handler at all times and not allowed to roam
at large.
7. From February 1 through May 31, we prohibit hunting on the Snake
River Islands Unit.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. You may hunt only pheasant, quail, and partridge on the Lake
Lowell Unit.
2. We allow hunters to enter the refuge 1 hour before official
shooting hours (\1/2\ hour before legal sunrise), and remain on the
refuge until 1 hour after official shooting hours (\1/2\ hour after
legal sunset).
3. We allow the use of dogs for hunting. Dogs must be under the
immediate control of the handler at all times and not allowed to roam
at large.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer on designated areas
of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions;
1. You must obtain a refuge-specific hunting permit (signed
brochure) to hunt deer on the Lake Lowell Unit. Hunters must sign and
carry the permit in the field while hunting.
2. Only the southern portion of the Lake Lowell Unit is open to
deer hunting. We define the deer hunting area on the north by the
southern shoreline of Lake Lowell, on the east by the New York Canal,
on the south by the southern boundary of the refuge, and on the west by
Riverside Road.
3. Hunters may place up to two portable deer stands (including
elevated platforms) in the Lake Lowell Unit. Hunters must place stands/
platforms by hand, without the use of a vehicle. Hunters may place
stands/platforms on the refuge no earlier than the beginning date of
the assigned hunt permit and must remove them no later than the ending
date of the hunt permit. Each stand must bear the hunter's name,
address, and telephone number so that it is legible from the ground.
4. In the Lake Lowell Unit you may only shoot deer while hunting
from an elevated tree stand/platform. We prohibit ground stalking and/
or still hunting from the ground. We prohibit shooting a firearm or bow
while on the ground, except to kill a downed deer.
5. While hunting from a tree stand, you must use a Fall-Arrest
System (FAS)/Full Body Harness meeting Treestand Manufacturer's
Association (TMA) Standards.
6. Hunters may only access the Lake Lowell Unit deer hunting area
from Parking Areas 1-8.
[[Page 56040]]
7. Hunters may enter the Lake Lowell Unit no earlier than 2 hours
before official shooting hours (\1/2\ hour before legal sunrise) and
must leave the area within 2 hours after official shooting hours (\1/2\
hour after legal sunset). Successful hunters may extend their departure
time up to 5 hours past official shooting hours (\1/2\ hour after legal
sunset) to retrieve dead deer.
8. A refuge employee or State Game Warden must accompany hunters to
retrieve a wounded or dead deer from any Closed Area.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. During the waterfowl hunting season, we allow fishing only
within 200 yards (180 m) of the shoreline in front of both the Lower
Dam (Fishing Area A) and the Upper Dam (Fishing Area B) on the Lake
Lowell Unit.
2. From October 1 through April 14, we allow nonmotorized boats
from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise to \1/2\ hour after legal sunset
only within 200 yards (180 m) of the shoreline in front of both the
Lower Dam (Fishing Area A) and the Upper Dam (Fishing Area B) on the
Lake Lowell Unit.
3. From April 15 through September 30, we allow motorized and
nonmotorized boats from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise to \1/2\ hour
after legal sunset throughout the Lake Lowell Unit.
4. From February 1 through May 31, we prohibit fishing from the
islands within the Snake River Islands Unit.
* * * * *
0
10. Amend Sec. 32.32 Illinois by:
0
a. Revising paragraph D. under Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Adding paragraph A.4., revising paragraph B., revising paragraphs
C.1. and C.2., adding paragraph C.3., and revising paragraph D. under
Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
c. Revising paragraphs D.1. and D.2. under Meredosia National Wildlife
Refuge.
These additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 32.32 Illinois.
* * * * *
Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the
refuge from legal sunrise to legal sunset in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow fishing on Lake Chautauqua from February 1 through
October 15. We prohibit fishing in the Waterfowl Hunting Area during
the waterfowl hunting season.
2. We allow bank fishing year-round 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 31.
5. We prohibit leaving boats on refuge waters overnight (see Sec.
27.93 of this chapter).
* * * * *
Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. We allow access for hunting from 1 hour before legal shooting
time (consult the State regulations for the species in question) until
1 hour after legal sunset.
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: Condition A4 applies.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Condition A4 applies.
2. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds,
platforms, or ladders (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
3. 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. We allow sport fishing throughout the year on
designated areas of the refuge. We allow fishing from legal sunrise to
legal sunset in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We prohibit fishing in the Waterfowl Hunting area during the
waterfowl hunting season.
2. We prohibit leaving boats on refuge waters overnight (see Sec.
27.93 of this chapter).
3. Condition A3 applies.
* * * * *
Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. We allow sport fishing on all areas open to public access from
legal sunrise to legal sunset from February 1 to October 15.
2. We allow access to Meredosia Lake from the boat ramp and allow
foot access on refuge land along the east side of the Meredosia Lake in
Morgan County from legal sunrise to legal sunset throughout the year.
* * * * *
0
11. Amend Sec. 32.33 Indiana by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs B., C.1., C.3., D.1., and D.4. under Big Oaks
National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
b. Revising paragraphs B.1., B.4., C., and D. under Muscatatuck
National Wildlife Refuge.
These revisions 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 hunt permit (signature only).
2. We allow the use of hunting dogs only during the squirrel
hunting season. You must ensure that all hunting dogs wear a collar
displaying the owner's name, address, and telephone number.
3. You 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
areas.
7. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field
(see Sec. 32.2(k)).
8. We require that all hunters check all harvested game taken on
the refuge at the refuge check station.
9. We require all refuge hunters to hunt with a partner. We require
hunting partners to know the location of their partner while hunting.
An adult, age 18 or older, must directly supervise youth hunters age 17
or under.
10. We prohibit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages while
hunting on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
11. Hunters must possess and carry a compass and/or GPS while
hunting on the refuge.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions B1, B3, B4, B5, and B7 through B11 apply.
* * * * *
3. We allow the use of portable hunting stands and blinds. You may
leave hunting stands and blinds in the field overnight only if you 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. * * *
[[Page 56041]]
1. We require a refuge access permit (signature only).
* * * * *
4. We allow boats only if rowed, paddled, or powered by an electric
trolling motor on the Old Timbers Lake.
* * * * *
Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. We prohibit hunting and the discharge of a firearm within 100
yards (30 m) of any dwelling or any other building that people, pets,
or livestock may occupy.
* * * * *
4. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field
(see Sec. 32.2(k)).
* * * * *
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, B5, and B7 apply.
2. You must possess and carry a State-issued refuge hunting permit
to hunt deer during the State muzzleloader season and the youth hunting
weekend.
3. We prohibit firearms deer hunting during the State firearms
season except in compliance with condition C2.
4. You may take only one deer per day from the refuge.
5. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds,
platforms, or ladders (see Sec. 27.92 of this chapter).
6. We allow only spring turkey hunting on the refuge, and hunters
must possess a State-issued hunting permit during the first 2 weeks of
the season.
7. We require successful deer and turkey hunters to report their
harvest on the Big Game Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2359) at a box at
the entrance gate before leaving the refuge.
8. Our late archery season deer hunt is open from the end of the
State muzzleloader season to the conclusion of the State late archery
season.
9. We allow archery deer hunting in November except during youth
hunting weekend.
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 (hand- or foot-propelled only) on
Stanfield Lake. We prohibit the use of electric or gasoline motors.
2. We allow the use of kayaks and nonmotorized canoes on Richart
Lake.
3. We allow the use of belly boats or float tubes in all designated
fishing areas.
4. We allow fishing only with rod and reel or pole and line.
5. We prohibit harvest of frog and turtle (see Sec. 27.21 of this
chapter).
6. We prohibit the use of lead fishing tackle.
* * * * *
0
12. Amend Sec. 32.35 Kansas by:
0
a. Revising paragraph A. and B.1., adding paragraphs B.2. through B.4.,
revising paragraph C.5., and adding paragraph C.6. under Flint Hills
National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
b. Revising paragraph A.4. and adding paragraph D.8. under Quivira
National Wildlife Refuge.
These additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 32.35 Kansas.
* * * * *
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck,
coot, dove, rail, woodcock, crow, and common snipe on designated areas
of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We allow waterfowl hunting only on portions of the refuge on the
south side of the Neosho River.
2. We prohibit hunting on the Neosho River and using boats on the
river to gain hunting access.
3. We prohibit shooting from or over roads and parking areas.
4. 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).
5. You may leave temporary blinds (other than portable blinds)
constructed of natural vegetation found on site overnight. We prohibit
bringing any type of live or dead vegetation onto the refuge for any
purpose at any time. Construction of these temporary blinds does not
constitute exclusive use of the blind.
6. Dogs must be under the owner's immediate control at all times.
7. We prohibit hunters or dogs retrieving game in areas closed to
hunting.
8. We prohibit leaving decoys unattended at any time.
9. We allow crow hunting on designated areas of the refuge subject
to the following conditions:
i. We prohibit the use of centerfire rifles and pistols for hunting
on the range.
ii. We close hunting areas on the north side of the Neosho River to
all hunting from November 1 through March 1.
iii. Conditions A2, A3, and A7 apply.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A2, A3, A6, and A7 apply.
2. Hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec.
32.2(k)).
3. We prohibit the use of centerfire rifles and pistols for hunting
on the refuge.
4. We close hunting areas on the north side of the Neosho River to
all hunting from November 1 through March 1.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
5. We allow portable tree stands and/or portable ground blinds;
however, you must remove them along with any other personal property at
the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
6. Conditions A2, A3, A7, B3, and B4 apply.
* * * * *
Quivira National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. The refuge is open from 1\1/2\ hours before legal sunrise to
1\1/2\ hours after legal sunset. We prohibit hunters entering refuge
hunting areas to set up decoys and other devices until 1 hour prior to
legal shooting time (\1/2\ hour before legal sunrise). Hunters must
remove all decoys within 1 hour following the end of legal shooting
time (legal sunset).
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
8. The refuge is open 1\1/2\ hours before legal sunrise to 1\1/2\
hours after legal sunset.
0
13. Amend Sec. 32.37 Louisiana by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs A.3., A.5., and A.13., adding paragraph A.20.,
and revising paragraph D.2. under Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
b. Revising paragraph A.6. and A.17., adding paragraph A.18., and
revising paragraphs B.4., C.8., and D.1. under Big Branch Marsh
National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Adding paragraph D.9. under Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
d. Revising paragraphs A.9., A.13., B.4., C.1., and C.5., redesignating
paragraphs C.6. through C.10. as paragraphs C.8. through C.12., and
adding new paragraphs C.6. and C.7. under Bogue Chitto National
Wildlife Refuge;
0
e. Revising paragraphs A.7. and D.10. under Lacassine National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
f. Revising paragraphs A.16., D.8.i., D.8.ii., D.8.iv., and D.8.vi.,
removing paragraph D.8.ix., and redesignating paragraph D.8.x. as
paragraph D.8.ix.
[[Page 56042]]
under Sabine National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
g. Revising the entry for Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge.
These additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 32.37 Louisiana.
* * * * *
Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. We allow waterfowl (duck, goose, and coot) hunting until 12 p.m.
(noon) on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, including
early teal season, youth waterfowl hunt season, or other such special
seasons that may be promulgated by law or statute. We will close the
refuge to waterfowl and coot hunting during any segment of goose season
that extends beyond the regular duck season.
* * * * *
5. We allow hunting only on those portions of the refuge that lie
outside of the confines of the hurricane protection levee, unless we
post areas closed to hunting or designated areas closed on the refuge
hunt permit (signed brochure).
* * * * *
13. We prohibit air-thrust boats, aircraft, mud boats, and air-
cooled propulsion engines on the refuge, except hunters may use air-
cooled propulsion engines to traverse the refuge through the
Intracoastal Waterway and the Irish Bayou Straight Canal.
* * * * *
20. We close all portions of the refuge outside of the Hurricane
Protection Levee to public entry other than waterfowl hunting until 12
p.m. from November 1 through January 31 and during the State teal
season.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
2. We allow sport fishing and shell fishing year-round on
designated areas of the refuge and only after 12 p.m. on portions of
the refuge outside of the Hurricane Protection Levee from November 1
through January 31 and during the State teal season. We close the
remainder of the refuge from November 1 through January 31.
* * * * *
Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
6. We prohibit air-thrust boats, aircraft, mud boats, and air-
cooled propulsion engines on the refuge.
* * * * *
17. We prohibit the use of any type of material used as flagging or
trail markers except reflective tacks.
18. We designate refuge areas closed to public hunting on the
refuge hunt permit (signed brochure) or posted with no hunting signs.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. Conditions A5 through A10 and A12 through A18 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
8. Conditions A5 through A10 and A12 through A18 apply.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. You may fish only from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until \1/
2\ hour after legal sunset, except we allow night fishing from the bank
and pier on Lake Road.
* * * * *
Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
9. We prohibit crossing the water hyacinth booms in a boat or
traveling over idle speed within the booms.
Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
9. We allow primitive camping within 100 feet (30 m) of designated
streams. These include either bank of the Boque Chitto River, Wilson
Slough, and West Pearl River south of Wilson Slough, refuge lands along
the East Pearl River, and Holmes Bayou. Campers must mark their
campsite with the owner's name, address, and phone number placed in a
conspicuous location in the center of camp.
* * * * *
13. We prohibit the use of any type of material used as flagging or
trail markers, except reflective tacks.
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. All hunters in Louisiana (including archery hunters and small
game hunters), except waterfowl hunters, must wear and display not less
than 400 square inches (2,600 cm\2\) of unbroken hunter-orange as the
outermost layer of clothing on the chest and back and a hunter-orange
cap during deer gun seasons. We require all deer hunters to display a
minimum of 400 square inches of hunter-orange or a hunter-orange cap or
hat while walking to and from elevated stands. All hunters in
Mississippi must wear not less than 500 square inches of hunter-orange
in place of the 400 square inches requirement described above. All
hunters, including archers (while on the ground), except waterfowl
hunters, must wear a hunter-orange cap during the dog season for
squirrels and rabbits.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A5 through A7, A9 through A11, A13 through A17, B2,
and B4 apply.
* * * * *
5. We list specific dates for the primitive weapons big game hunts
in the refuge hunt brochure.
6. Legal primitive firearms used for hunting the primitive firearms
season in Louisiana include:
i. Rifles or pistols, .35 caliber minimum, or shotguns 10 gauge or
smaller, all of which must load exclusively from the muzzle or cap and
ball cylinder; use of black powder or approved substitute only; use of
ball or bullet projectile only, including saboted bullets, including
primitive firearms known as ``inline'' primitive firearms; and
ii. Single shot, breech-loading rifles, .35 caliber or larger of a
kind or type manufactured prior to 1900; and replicas, reproductions,
or reintroductions of that type of rifle having an exposed hammer that
use metallic cartridges loaded with black power or modern smokeless
powder. Hunters may fit all of the above with magnified scopes.
7. Legal primitive firearms/weapons used for hunting the primitive
firearms season in Mississippi are crossbows and primitive firearms,
which include:
i. a. Single or double-barreled-muzzle-loading rifles of at least
.38 caliber; single shot, breech- loading-metallic-cartridge rifles
(.35 caliber or larger) and replicas, reproductions, or reintroductions
of those type rifles with an exposed hammer; and
b. Single or double-barreled-muzzle-loading shotguns, with single
ball or slug.
ii. All muzzle-loading primitive firearms must use black powder or
a black powder substitute with either percussion caps or 209
shotgun primers or flintlock ignition. Hunters may load metallic
cartridges with black powder or modern smokeless powder. Hunters may
fit all of the above with magnified scopes.
* * * * *
[[Page 56043]]
Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
7. We prohibit all boat motors, excluding trolling motors, within
refuge marshes. We prohibit air-thrust boats and ATVs on the refuge
(see Sec. 27.31(f) of this chapter), unless otherwise permitted.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
10. We prohibit boat and bank fishing in Lacassine Pool Unit D and
refuge waters from October 16 through March 14.
* * * * *
Sabine National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
16. An adult at least age 21 must supervise youth hunters under age
16 during all hunts. One adult may supervise two youths during
migratory game bird hunts. Youth must remain within normal voice
contact of the adult who is supervising them. Parents or adult
guardians are responsible for ensuring that hunters under age 16 do not
engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of refuge
regulations.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
8. * * *
i. We allow recreational cast netting from boats only from legal
sunrise to legal sunset during the Louisiana inshore shrimp season.
ii. Anglers must immediately return all incidental take (bycatch)
to the water before continuing to cast.
* * * * *
iv. The daily bait shrimp limit is one gallon (3.8 L) per day, per
boat, outside the Louisiana inshore shrimp season.
* * * * *
vi. We prohibit all cast netting activities from the banks,
wharves, and water control structures.
* * * * *
Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl
(duck, goose, coot, gallinule, rail, snipe), woodcock, and dove on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge permit
(brochure).
2. We allow dove hunting during the first 3 days of the State
season.
3. We allow waterfowl hunting until 12 p.m. (noon) during the State
season.
4. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m.
5. We prohibit hunting within 100 feet (30 m) of the maintained
rights of ways of roads, from or across ATV trails, and from above-
ground oil, gas, or electrical transmission facilities.
6. We prohibit leaving boats, blinds, and decoys unattended.
7. We allow only recognized dog breeds to locate, point, and
retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds.
8. Youth hunters 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 youth hunters.
9. We prohibit any person or group to act as a hunting guide or
outfitter, or in any other capacity that receives payment directly or
indirectly for services rendered to any other person or persons hunting
on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding,
outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel,
rabbit, raccoon, beaver, coyote, and opossum on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. Conditions A1 and A9 (to hunt upland game) apply.
2. We prohibit firearm ammunition used for hunting small game
larger than a .22 caliber rim-fire, shotgun slugs, and buckshot.
3. We allow hunting of raccoon and opossum during the daylight
hours (legal sunrise to legal sunset) of rabbit and squirrel season. We
allow night hunting (legal sunset to legal sunrise) during December and
January, and we allow use of dogs for night hunting. We prohibit the
selling of raccoon and opossum taken on the refuge for human
consumption.
4. We allow the use of dogs to hunt squirrel and rabbit after the
last refuge gun deer hunt.
5. To use horses and mules to hunt raccoon and opossum at night,
hunters must first obtain a General Special Use Application and Permit
(FWS Form 3-1383-G) at the refuge office.
6. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must
exit no later than 2 hours after legal shooting hours.
7. We allow hunting of beaver and coyote during all open refuge
hunts with weapons legal for the ongoing hunt.
8. Youth hunters under age 18 must remain within sight and normal
voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult may supervise no
more than two youth hunters.
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 A1, A9, B6, and B8 (to hunt big game) apply.
2. We allow deer gun hunts subject to State regulations. Specific
open dates will appear in the Annual Public Use Regulations Brochure.
3. The daily bag limit is one either-sex deer. The State season
limit applies.
4. We prohibit leaving deer stands, blinds, and other equipment
unattended.
5. Deer hunters must wear hunter orange as per State deer hunting
regulations on Wildlife Management Areas.
6. We prohibit hunters placing stands or hunting from stands on
pine trees with white-painted bands and/or rings.
7. We will hold a limited lottery youth turkey hunt on the Saturday
of the State youth turkey hunt weekend.
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)).
9. We allow hunting of hog during all open refuge hunts with
weapons legal for the ongoing hunt.
10. We prohibit the use of dogs for hog hunting.
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 sport fishing year-round except within closed areas of
the refuge, as designated by the Annual Public Use Regulations
Brochure.
2. We prohibit outboard motors in the Wigeon Ponds.
3. We prohibit launching boats from a trailer or from a
nondesignated boat ramp within the Mollicy levee.
4. We prohibit leaving boats and other personal property on the
refuge unattended (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
5. You must tend trotlines daily. You must attach ends of trotlines
by a length of cotton line that extends into the water.
6. We prohibit commercial fishing. Recreational fishing using
commercial gear (slat traps, etc.) requires a special refuge permit
(General Special Use Application and Permit, FWS Form 3-1383-G) that
you must possess and carry and that is available at the refuge office.
[[Page 56044]]
7. We prohibit the taking of turtle (see Sec. 27.21 of this
chapter).
0
15. Amend Sec. 32.38 Maine by:
0
a. Revising the listing of ``Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge'' to
read ``Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge'' and placing the newly titled
entry in alphabetical order within the section;
0
b. Revising paragraph A.12., redesignating paragraphs C.6. through
C.14. as paragraphs C.7. through C.15., adding a new paragraph C.6.,
and revising newly redesignated paragraph C.8. under Moosehorn National
Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Revising paragraph A., and the introductory text of paragraph B.,
adding paragraph B.5., revising paragraphs C.1. and C.2., redesignating
paragraphs C.3. and C.4. as paragraphs C.4. and C.5., adding a new
paragraph C.3., and revising newly redesignated paragraph C.5. under
Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge;
0
d. Revising paragraph A., revising the introductory text of paragraph
B., revising paragraph B.3., adding paragraph B.4., revising the
introductory text of paragraph C., revising paragraphs C.1. and C.2.,
and adding paragraph C.4. under Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife
Refuge; and
0
e. Revising paragraphs A.1., A.3., A.4., and A.5., revising the
introductory text of paragraph B., revising paragraphs B.3., B.5., and
B.6., adding paragraph B.7., and revising paragraphs C.1., C.2., and
C.4., under the newly titled Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge.
These additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 32.38 Maine.
* * * * *
Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
12. You must follow the State hunter-orange clothing requirements.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
6. The hunter must retrieve all species, including coyotes,
harvested on the refuge.
* * * * *
8. All tree stands, blinds, and ladders must be portable.
* * * * *
Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose,
woodcock, rail, gallinule, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge
(Gouldsboro Bay and Sawyers Marsh Divisions) in accordance with State
regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow waterfowl hunting on the following islands: Little
Libby, Eastern Brothers, Halifax, Schoppee, Inner Sand, Jordans
Delight, Petit Manan, Sally, Abbott, Egg Rock, South Twinnie, John's,
Little Marshall, Ship, Trumpet, East and West Barge, Matinicus Rock,
Two Bush, Hart, Little Thrumcap, Outer White, Outer Heron, Upper Flag,
and Ram.
2. We prohibit erection of permanent waterfowl blinds.
3. You must remove all temporary blinds, concealment materials,
boats, and decoys (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter) each day.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on
designated areas of the refuge (Gouldsboro Bay and Sawyers Marsh
Division) in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
* * * * *
5. The hunter must retrieve all species, including coyotes,
harvested on the refuge.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. We allow white-tailed deer hunting on designated areas of the
Petit Manan Point, Sawyers Marsh, and Gouldsboro Bay Division and Bois
Bubert Island. Petit Manan Point is open only during the State-
prescribed muzzleloader season.
2. We allow black bear hunting only on designated areas of the
Sawyers Marsh and Gouldsboro Bay Divisions during the firearm season
for white-tailed deer.
3. We prohibit the use of dogs.
* * * * *
5. We normally close the refuge to all visitors from legal sunset
to legal sunrise. However, during hunting season, we allow hunters to
enter the refuge 1 hour prior to legal sunrise and remain on the refuge
1 hour after legal sunset.
* * * * *
Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game
birds on all areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on all
areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
* * * * *
3. We allow hunters to enter the refuge 1 hour before legal
shooting hours (\1/2\ hour before legal sunrise in the State of Maine),
and they must exit the refuge by 1 hour past legal shooting hours (\1/
2\ hour after legal sunset in the State of Maine), except for hunters
pursuing raccoons and coyotes at night.
4. The hunter must retrieve all species, including coyotes,
harvested on the refuge.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of black bear, bobcat, moose,
and white-tailed deer on all areas of the refuge in accordance with
State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require hunter-orange clothing in accordance with State of
Maine regulations.
2. We allow hunters to enter the refuge 1 hour before legal
shooting hours (\1/2\ hour before legal sunrise in the State of Maine),
and they must exit the refuge by 1 hour past legal shooting hours (\1/
2\ hour after legal sunset in the State of Maine).
* * * * *
4. You must remove all tree stands by the last day of the white-
tailed deer hunting season (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
* * * * *
Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. Hunters must comply with State regulations regarding hunter-
orange clothing or material.
* * * * *
3. Pursuant to State regulations, you may use dogs to assist in
hunting and retrieval of harvested birds.
4. We prohibit dog training on the refuge.
5. We open the refuge to hunting during the hours stipulated under
the State's hunting regulations. Hunters will unload all hunting
firearms outside of legal hunting hours.
* * * * *
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:
* * * * *
3. We open the refuge to hunting during the hours stipulated under
State hunting regulations. Hunters must unload all hunting firearms
(see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter) and nock no arrows outside of legal
hunting hours (\1/2\ hour before legal sunrise and \1/2\ hour after
legal sunset in the State of Maine).
* * * * *
[[Page 56045]]
5. Each hunter must wear hunter-orange clothing or material as
specified by State hunting regulations.
6. We allow hunting of showshoe hare, ring-necked pheasant, and
ruffed grouse with dogs during State hunting seasons in accordance with
State regulations.
7. We prohibit dog training on the refuge.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Condition B3 applies, and we prohibit night hunting.
2. We allow bear and coyote hunting with dogs during State hunting
seasons. We prohibit dog training on the refuge.
* * * * *
4. Each hunter must wear hunter-orange clothing or material in
accordance with State regulations.
* * * * *
0
16. Amend Sec. 32.39 Maryland by revising paragraphs A.9.i., A.9.ii.,
A.10.i., A.12., B.2., C.6., C.11., C.12., D.1., and D.4. through D.6.,
removing paragraphs D.9. and D.10., redesignating paragraphs D.11.
through D.18. as paragraphs D.9. through D.16., and revising newly
redesignated paragraphs D.15.i., D.15.iii., and D.16.i. under Patuxent
Research Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.39 Maryland.
* * * * *
Patuxent Research Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
9. * * *
i. You must be more than 50 yards (135 m) beyond the gate at Blue
Heron Pond before hunting.
ii. You must be more than 50 yards (135 m) from the road beyond the
barricade at Wood Duck Pond before hunting.
* * * * *
10. * * *
i. You must wear a solid-colored-fluorescent hunter orange that
must be visible 360[deg] while carrying-in and carrying-out equipment
(e.g., portable blinds).
* * * * *
12. We prohibit hunting of goose, duck, and dove during the youth
deer firearms hunts, deer firearms seasons, and the early deer
muzzleloader season. The only exceptions are that Blue Heron Pond, Lake
Allen, and Area Z will remain open for duck hunters and the Junior
Waterfowl hunt day during the early muzzleloader season.
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. Hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the
field (see Sec. 32.2(k)), except for the use of .22-caliber rimfire
rifles during the month of January only to hunt squirrel.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
6. We require bow hunters to wear either a cap of solid-
fluorescent-orange color at all times or a vest or jacket containing
back and front panels of at least 250 square inches (1,625 cm\2\) of
solid-fluorescent-orange color when moving to and from their vehicle to
their deer stand or their hunting spot and while tracking or dragging
out their deer. We do not require bow hunters to wear solid-colored-
fluorescent hunter orange when positioned to hunt except during the
North Tract Youth Firearms Deer Hunts, the muzzleloader seasons, and
the firearms seasons, when they must wear it at all times.
* * * * *
11. We prohibit the use of dogs to hunt or track wounded deer.
12. If you wish to track wounded deer beyond 2 hours after legal
sunset, you must gain consent from a refuge law enforcement officer. We
prohibit tracking 3 hours after legal sunset. You must make a
reasonable effort to retrieve the wounded deer. This may include next-
day tracking except Sundays and Federal holidays.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. We require all anglers, age 16 and older, to present their
current Maryland State nontidal fishing license and complete the
Fishing/Shrimping/Crabbing Application (FWS Form 3-2358). Anglers age
18 and older will receive a free Patuxent Research Refuge Fishing
Vehicle Parking Pass. Organized groups must complete the Fishing/
Shrimping/Crabbing Application (FWS Form 3-2358), and the group leader
must stay with the group at all times while fishing.
* * * * *
4. Anglers must display a copy of the Fishing Vehicle Parking Pass
in the vehicle windshield while fishing at Cash Lake.
5. We require anglers, ages 16 and 17, to have a parent or guardian
cosign the Fishing/Shrimping/Crabbing Application (FWS Form 3-2358). We
will not issue a Fishing Vehicle Parking Pass to anglers ages 16 and
17.
6. An adult age 21 or older possessing a Fishing Vehicle Parking
Pass must accompany anglers age 17 or younger in the field; they must
maintain visual contact with each other within a 50-yard (45 m)
distance; and they may take 3 youths, age 15 or younger, to fish under
their Fishing Vehicle Parking Pass.
* * * * *
15. * * *
i. Conditions D1 through D14 apply.
* * * * *
iii. Anglers age 18 and older must complete an Emergency Contact
Information/warning/waiver form (PRR Fishing Form 1) prior to
receiving a free North Tract Vehicle Access Pass. Anglers must display
the North Tract Vehicle Access Pass in the vehicle windshield at all
times and return the Pass to the North Tract Visitor Contact Station at
the end of each visit.
* * * * *
16. * * *
i. Conditions D1 through D13 apply.
* * * * *
0
17. Amend Sec. 32.40 Massachusetts by removing paragraph A.2.,
revising paragraphs C.1. and C.2., redesignating paragraphs C.4.
through C.11. as paragraphs C.5. through C.12, adding new paragraph
C.4., revising newly redesignated paragraphs C.8., C.9., and C.11., and
revising paragraph D. under Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.
These additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 32.40 Massachusetts.
* * * * *
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. All hunters, regardless of age, must possess and carry a refuge
permit (Quota Deer Hunt Application, FWS Form 3-2354). This is a quota
hunt, and we will randomly select a limited number of hunters from
those that apply. You may apply by mail from September 1 until October
1.
2. If selected from the random drawing, you must attend a refuge-
specific hunter orientation session prior to the hunt. We will charge a
fee of participating hunters.
* * * * *
4. We prohibit discharge of a firearm on or across the refuge road.
You must unload hunting weapons when walking upon the refuge road.
* * * * *
8. We prohibit loaded hunting firearms (see Sec. 27.42 of this
chapter) on or within 150 feet (45 m) of the refuge road.
9. You must bring all deer to the refuge deer check station located
at our Headquarters on the Plum Island Turnpike in Newburyport,
Massachusetts.
* * * * *
[[Page 56046]]
11. We prohibit vehicular travel (emergency excepted) on refuge
roads from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 8:30 a.m. Refuge and
Sandy Point State Reservation hunters may enter or reenter the refuge
until 2:30 p.m. during the refuge deer hunt.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow saltwater fishing on designated areas of
the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We allow saltwater fishing on the ocean beach and the
surrounding waters of the Broad Sound with the following conditions:
i. We prohibit fishing during closures.
ii. Anglers are subject to State licensing requirements and catch
limits.
iii. We allow persons using refuge fishing areas access from legal
sunrise to legal sunset without a refuge permit. They are, however,
subject to entrance fee requirements.
iv. Nelson Island is open to fishing from legal sunrise to legal
sunset, except during waterfowl seasons, or other closures. We limit
access to the trail, and fishing within 100 feet (30 m) on either side
of the trail at the shoreline of Broad Sound.
v. The south-facing shoreline of Stage Island is open to fishing
when accessed from the shore from Sandy Point State Reservation. We
allow access from the Sandy Point State Reservation, along the
shoreline below mean high tide, to a point 250 feet (73 m) beyond the
terminus, or most western point, of the Stage Island peninsula known as
Ipswich Bluff.
2. We require a Fishing Application (Fishing/Shrimping/Crabbing
Application, FWS Form 3-2358) and application fee, as well as an
entrance fee for night fishing and for the use of over-the-sand, surf-
fishing vehicles (ORVs) with the following conditions:
i. We prohibit fishing in closed areas.
ii. Anglers must enter the refuge through the entrance gate and
arrive prior to legal sunset.
iii. We generally allow fishing after legal sunset with a permit
(vehicle sticker issued by the refuge office) sometime in mid-July
until October 31 of the same year. Those persons are subject to
additional listed environmental and/or emergency conditions.
iv. We will issue persons wishing access to the refuge beach with
ORVs a separate Fishing/Shrimping/Crabbing Application (FWS Form 3-
2358), generally valid between September 1 and October 31 of the same
year. Those persons are subject to additional listed permit conditions.
We may restrict ORV use due to beach, weather, tide, and other
conditions.
0
18. Amend Sec. 32.41 Michigan by adding an entry in alphabetical order
for Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.41 Michigan.
* * * * *
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose,
rail, gallinule, coot, woodcock, and snipe on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. We prohibit cutting of woody vegetation (see Sec. 27.51 of this
chapter) on the refuge for blinds.
2. All blinds must be portable; and you must remove all of your
blinds, boats, and decoys (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter) from the
refuge each day.
3. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands,
platforms, or scaffolds (see Sec. 27.92 of this chapter).
4. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k))
while in the field.
5. We allow refuge access from 1\1/2\ hours prior to legal sunrise
until 1 hour after legal sunset.
6. We prohibit the use of paint, flagging, reflectors, tacks, or
other human-made materials to mark trails or hunting locations (see
Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
7. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the
immediate control of the hunter at all times.
8. You must park all vehicles in designated parking areas.
9. We prohibit camping.
10. We allow hunting of waterfowl only on the Plum Creek Bay Unit
of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
i. Conditions A1 through A7 and A9 apply.
ii. Access to this unit is by boat only.
11. We allow hunting of waterfowl only on the Brancheau Unit of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
i. You must obtain permits for this unit by entering the Michigan
Department of Natural Resources daily drawing at the Point Mouilee
State Game Area.
ii. You must possess a valid permit for the date you are hunting in
the Brancheau Unit.
iii. Conditions A1, A2, A4, and A6 through A9 apply.
iv. You must remain with 75 feet (22.5 m) of your assigned blind or
numbered post. We allow an exception for unarmed (hunting weapons)
retrieval of waterfowl.
v. We prohibit boats. You may access all blinds or areas by
walking.
vi. You may possess a maximum of 18 shells per hunter containing
only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
vii. We prohibit shot size larger than BBB.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, squirrel,
rabbit, fox, raccoon, and coyote on designated areas of the refuge in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A3, and A5 through A9 apply.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k))
while in the field with the following exception: while hunting fox,
coyote, and raccoon in units where we allow it, hunters may use single-
projectile shot such as bullets, slugs, or muzzleloader bullets
containing lead. We prohibit the use of buckshot for any hunting on the
refuge.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer and turkey on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A3, A5, A6, A8, and A9 apply.
2. We prohibit the distribution of bait or hunting with the aid of
bait, salt, minerals, or other ingestible attractant (see Sec.
32.2(h)).
3. For deer hunting, we allow only single-projectile shot. We
prohibit the use of buckshot for any hunting on the refuge.
4. For turkey hunting, you must possess only approved nontoxic shot
(see Sec. 32.2(k)) while in the field.
5. We allow only portable tree stands for deer hunting.
6. We allow only one tree stand per hunter per refuge unit.
7. We do not require hunters to remove tree stands at the end of
each day's hunt. However, we strictly enforce State rules on tree
stands.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
0
19. Amend Sec. 32.42 Minnesota by:
0
a. Revising paragraph A.4. under Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising paragraph B.2. and adding paragraph B.3. under Glacial
Ridge National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Revising paragraphs A.1., B.2., and B.3., removing paragraphs B.4.
and B.5., revising the introductory text of paragraph C., removing
paragraphs C.3 through C.6., revising the introductory text of
paragraph D., and revising
[[Page 56047]]
paragraph D.4. under Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge;
0
d. Revising paragraph B. under Minnesota Valley Wetland Management
District; and
0
e. Revising paragraph C.7. and adding paragraph C.8. under Sherburne
National Wildlife Refuge.
These additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 32.42 Minnesota.
* * * * *
Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
4. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds (see
Sec. 27.92 of this chapter).
* * * * *
Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field,
including shot used for hunting wild turkey (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
3. Condition A2 applies.
* * * * *
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. We require refuge authorization for refuge-specific special
hunts.
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We allow hunters to possess and use small-caliber rimfire
rifles, .22 caliber and smaller, on designated areas of the refuge.
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shotshells while in the
field, including shotshells used for hunting wild turkey (see Sec.
32.2(k)).
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:
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
* * * * *
4. We prohibit the taking of any turtle species by any method on
the refuge (see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter).
Minnesota Valley Wetland Management District
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting throughout the
District in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. Conditions A4 and A5 apply.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot for hunting wild
turkey (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
* * * * *
Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
7. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field,
including shot used for hunting wild turkey (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
8. Conditions A4 and A7 apply.
* * * * *
0
20. Amend Sec. 32.43 Mississippi by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs A., D.1., and D.2., removing paragraph D.4.,
redesignating paragraphs D.5. through D.9. as paragraphs D.4. through
D.8. under Coldwater River National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising paragraphs A.1., A.3., and A.4., removing paragraph A.6.,
redesigating paragraphs A.7. through A.12. as paragraphs A.6. through
A.11., adding new paragraph A.12., revising the introductory text of
paragraph B., revising paragraphs B.1., B.3., B.5., C.1., and C.8.,
adding paragraphs C.9. and C.10., revising paragraphs D.1. and D.2.,
removing paragraph D.3., and redesignating paragraphs D.4. through D.8.
as paragraphs D.3. through D.7. under Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Revising paragraphs A.2. and A.3., adding paragraphs A.17. and
A.18., and revising paragraphs B.1. and C.1. under Hillside National
Wildlife Refuge;
0
d. Revising paragraphs B.2., B.3., and B.14., adding paragraph B.16.,
and revising paragraph C.1. under Holt Collier National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
e. Revising paragraphs A.3. and A.4., adding paragraphs A.16. and
A.17., and revising paragraphs B.1. and C.1. under Mathews Brake
National Wildlife Refuge;
0
f. Revising paragraphs A.2. and A.3., adding paragraphs A.16. and
A.17., and revising paragraphs B.1., C.1., and D.7. under Morgan Brake
National Wildlife Refuge;
0
g. Revising the entry for ``Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge'' to read
``Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge'' and placing it in
alphabetical order in this section, revising paragraphs A.1., A.3., and
A.8., adding paragraph A.12., revising the introductory text of
paragraph B., revising paragraphs B.4., B.7., B.8., and B.11., revising
the introductory text of paragraph C., revising paragraphs C.1. and
C.2., removing paragraph C.3., redesignating paragraphs C.4. through
C.9. as paragraphs C.3. through C.8., revising newly redesignated
paragraph C.8., and revising paragraphs D.1. and D.9. under Sam D.
Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge;
0
h. Revising paragraphs A.1. through A.3., A.10., and A.18., adding
paragraph A.19., and revising paragraphs B.1., C.1., and D.7. under
Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge;
0
i. Revising paragraphs A.1., A.3., and A.5., removing paragraph A.7.,
redesignating paragraphs A.8. through A.13. as paragraphs A.7. through
A.12., adding new paragraph A.13., revising the introductory text of
paragraph B., revising paragraphs B.1., B.3., B.5., and C.8., adding
paragraphs C.9. and C.10., revising paragraphs D.1. and D.2., removing
paragraph D.4., and redesignating paragraphs D.5. through D.9. as
paragraphs D.4. through D.8 under Tallahatchie National Wildlife
Refuge; and
0
j. Revising paragraphs A.1. through A.3., adding paragraphs A.16. and
A.17., and revising paragraphs B.2., B.7., B.8., C.1., and C.12. under
Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge.
These additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 32.43 Mississippi.
* * * * *
Coldwater River National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory
waterfowl and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with
State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. All hunters must comply with all State hunter education
requirements. All hunters age 16 and older must possess and carry a
valid signed refuge hunting permit (name and address).
2. We restrict all public use to the period beginning 2 hours
before legal sunrise and ending 2 hours after legal sunset. We prohibit
entering or remaining on the refuge before or after hours.
3. We allow hunting of migratory game birds, including the Light
Goose Conservation Order, only on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and
Sundays from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise and ending at 12 p.m.
(noon). Hunters must remove all decoys, blind
[[Page 56048]]
materials (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl
from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day.
4. Each hunter must obtain a daily Harvest Report Card (OMB 1018-
0140) available at each refuge information station and follow the
printed instructions on the card. You must display the card in plain
view on the dashboard of your vehicle so that the personal information
is readable. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must complete the reverse
side of the card/form and deposit it at one of the refuge information
stations. Include all game harvested; if you harvested no game, report
``0''. Hunters may possess only one Harvest Report Card at a time.
5. We close certain areas of the refuge for sanctuary or
administrative purposes. We will mark such areas with ``No Hunting'' or
``Area Closed'' signs.
6. Waterfowl hunters may leave boats meeting all State registration
requirements on the refuge water bodies throughout the waterfowl
season. You must remove boats (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter) within
72 hours after the season closes.
7. All hunters, or persons on the refuge for any reason, must wear
a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of visible, unbroken,
fluorescent-orange-colored material above the waistline. Waterfowl
hunters must comply with this requirement while walking/boating to and
from actual hunting area. We do not require fluorescent orange for
turkey season, for hunting raccoons at night, or for waterfowl hunters
while actually hunting.
8. We allow dogs on the refuge only when specifically authorized
for hunting. We encourage the use of dogs to retrieve dead or wounded
waterfowl. Dogs must remain under the immediate control of their
handlers at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
9. You must remove decoys, blinds, other personal property, and
litter (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) from the
hunting area following each morning's hunt. We prohibit cutting or
removing trees and other vegetation (see Sec. 27.51 of this chapter).
We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, tacks, or other types
of markers.
10. We prohibit ATVs/UTVs (see Sec. 27.31(f) of this chapter),
horses, and mules on the refuge.
11. We prohibit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages while
hunting on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. Condition A11 applies.
2. All anglers must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge
fishing permit (name and address) certifying that they understand and
will comply with all regulations.
* * * * *
Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. All hunters must comply with all State hunter education
requirements. All hunters age 16 and older must possess and carry a
valid, signed refuge hunting permit (name and address).
* * * * *
3. We allow hunting of migratory game birds, including Light Goose
Conservation Order, only on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon). Hunters must
remove all decoys, blind material (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter),
and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day.
4. Each hunter must obtain a Harvest Report Card (OMB 1018-0140)
available at each refuge information station and follow the printed
instructions on the card. Hunters must place the card in plain view on
the dashboard of their vehicle so 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 hunter information stations. Include
all game harvested, and if there is none, report ``0''. We prohibit
hunters possessing more than one Harvest Report Card at a time.
* * * * *
12. We prohibit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages while
hunting on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel,
rabbit, and raccoon (raccoon by General Special Use Application and
Permit [FWS Form 3-1383-G] only) on designated areas of the refuge in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A4, A5, A7, A8, A11, and A12 apply.
* * * * *
3. You may possess shotguns with approved nontoxic shotgun shot
(see Sec. 32.2(k)), .17, .22, .22-magnum rifles, and legal archery
equipment.
* * * * *
5. We allow use of dogs, but they must remain under the immediate
control of their handlers at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this
chapter).
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1, A4, A5, A8, A11, and A12 apply.
* * * * *
8. You may erect portable deer stands (see Sec. 32.2(i)) 2 weeks
prior to the opening of archery season on the refuge, and you must
remove them by January 31 (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter). We
prohibit hunters leaving their stands in the tree at the end of each
hunting day. Hunters who wish to leave a stand on the refuge must chain
the stand to the base of the tree and label it with the hunter's name
and phone number legibly written on or attached to the stand. This does
not reserve the site for their exclusive use. All hunting sites are on
a first-come, first-served basis. We may confiscate and dispose of deer
stands not in compliance with these regulations.
9. Hunters using a climbing tree stand must use a fall-arrest
system manufactured to Treestand Manufacturers Association standards.
10. We prohibit cutting or removing trees and other vegetation (see
Sec. 27.51 of this chapter). We prohibit the use of flagging, paint,
blazes, tacks, or other types of markers. We prohibit nailing deer
stands and/or steps to trees and attaching any blind or stand to a tree
by any metal object driven, screwed, or otherwise inserted into the
tree (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
9. D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. Condition A12 applies.
2. All anglers must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge
fishing permit (name and address) certifying that they understand and
will comply with all regulations.
* * * * *
Hillside National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their
User Information/Harvest Report Card (OMB 1018-0140) in plain view on
the dashboard of their vehicle so that the card number is readable.
3. Failure to display the User Information/Harvest Report Card will
result in the loss of the participant's annual refuge public use permit
(name, address, and phone number).
* * * * *
17. For instances of lost or stolen public use permits, management
may issue duplicates at their discretion, and we may charge a fee.
18. We allow retriever dogs while hunting migratory birds.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A10 and A17 apply.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
[[Page 56049]]
1. Conditions A1 through A10, A17, B5, and B8 apply.
* * * * *
Holt Collier National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their
User Information/Harvest Report Card (OMB 1018-0140) in plain view on
the dashboard of their vehicle so that the card number is readable.
3. Failure to display the User Information/Harvest Report Card (OMB
1018-0140) will result in the loss of the participant's annual refuge
public use permit (name, address, and phone number).
* * * * *
14. We prohibit ATVs, horses, and mules.
* * * * *
16. For instances of lost or stolen public use permits, management
may issue duplicates at their discretion, and we may charge a fee.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions B1 through B7, B9, and B13 through B16 apply.
* * * * *
Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. All participants must display the User Information/Harvest
Report Card (OMB 1018-0140) in plain view on the dashboard of their
vehicle so that the card number is readable.
4. Failure to display the User Information/Harvest Report Card will
result in the loss of the participant's annual refuge public use permit
(name, address, and phone number).
* * * * *
16. For instances of lost or stolen public use permits, management
may issue duplicates at their discretion, and the hunter may incur a
fee.
17. We allow retriever dogs while hunting migratory birds.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A2 through A9, A15, and A16 apply.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A9, A15, A16, and B5 through B7 apply.
* * * * *
Morgan Brake National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. Before hunting and fishing, all participants must display their
User Information/Harvest Report Card (OMB 1018-0140) in plain view on
the dashboard of their vehicle so that the card number is readable.
3. Failure to display the User Information/Harvest Report Card will
result in the loss of the participant's annual refuge public use permit
(name, address, and phone number).
* * * * *
16. For instances of lost or stolen public use permits, management
may issue duplicates at their discretion, and the hunter may incur a
fee.
17. We allow retriever dogs while hunting migratory birds.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A11 and A16 apply.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A7, A9, A10, A16, and B5 through B7 apply.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
7. Conditions A2 through A10 and A16 apply.
* * * * *
Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. Youth hunters age 15 and younger 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 (name, address, and phone number) certifying that he or she
understands and will comply with all regulations. One adult may
supervise no more than one youth hunter.
2. Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their
User Information/Harvest Report Card (OMB 1018-0140) in plain view on
the dashboard of their vehicle so that the card number is readable.
3. Failure to display the User Information/Harvest Report Card will
result in the loss of the participant's annual public use permit.
* * * * *
10. We allow ATVs/UTVs only on designated trails (see Sec. 27.31
of this chapter) (see refuge brochure map) from September 15 through
February 28. Size limitations may apply (see refuge brochure).
* * * * *
18. For instances of lost or stolen public use permits, management
may issue duplicates at their discretion, and the hunter may incur a
fee.
19. We allow retriever dogs while hunting migratory birds.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A10 and A18 apply.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A7, A9, A10, A18, and B6 through B8 apply.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
7. Conditions A1 through A7, A10, and A18 apply.
Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. We require a $15 fee permit (name and address) for waterfowl
hunting, and only two companions may accompany each permit holder.
Permits are nontransferable, and each hunter may apply for only one
permit. We do not guarantee preferred dates.
* * * * *
3. Hunts and hunt dates are available at refuge headquarters and
specified in the refuge brochure. You must possess and carry a signed
refuge hunt permit (signed brochure) when hunting.
* * * * *
8. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on the
refuge must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons
may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations
(see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter and specific refuge regulations in
part 32).
* * * * *
12. We allow dogs for retrieval of migratory game birds.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit,
quail, opossum, and raccoon on designated areas of the refuge in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
4. We allow hunting of squirrel, raccoon, rabbit, quail, and
opossum with dogs during designated hunts.
* * * * *
7. Conditions A3, A7, A8, and A10 apply.
8. We prohibit the use of ATVs, horses, and mules.
* * * * *
11. Valid permit holders (signed brochure) may take incidental
species (coyote, beaver, nutria, and feral hog) during any hunt with
those weapons legal during those hunts.
[[Page 56050]]
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 A3, A5, A7, A8, A10, B8, B9, and B11 apply.
2. We require a $15 fee permit (name and address) for all refuge
deer hunts. Hunters must sign this permit and have it in their
possession at all times while hunting. Permits are nontransferable, and
each hunter may apply for only one permit.
* * * * *
8. We will make special deer hunting blinds available for persons
limited to the use of a wheelchair by General Special Use Application
and Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G). Contact the refuge office for
information.
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. The sport fishing, boating, and bow fishing season extends from
March 1 through October 31, except for the Noxubee River and borrow pit
areas along Highway 25 that are open year-round. Persons must possess
and carry a signed refuge fishing permit (signed brochure) when
fishing.
* * * * *
9. We prohibit fishing tournaments on all refuge waters.
Tallahatchie National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. All hunters must comply with all State hunter education
requirements. All hunters age 16 and older must possess and carry a
valid, signed refuge hunting permit (name and address).
* * * * *
3. We allow hunting of migratory game birds, including Light Goose
Conservation Order, only on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise and ending at 12 p.m. (noon).
Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material (see Sec. 27.93 of this
chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m.
each day.
* * * * *
5. Each hunter must obtain a daily User Information/Harvest Report
Card (OMB-1018-0140) available at each refuge information station and
follow the printed instructions on the card. You must display the card
in plain view on the dashboard of your vehicle 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. Include all game harvested, and if you harvest no
game, report ``0.'' We prohibit hunters possessing more than one User
Information/Harvest Report Card at a time.
* * * * *
13. We prohibit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages while
hunting on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel,
rabbit, and raccoon (raccoon by General Special Use Permit [FWS Form 3-
1383-G] only) on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with
State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A4 through A6, A8, A9, and A11 through A13 apply.
* * * * *
3. You may possess shotguns only with approved nontoxic shotgun
shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)), .17, .22., .22-magnum rifles, and legal
archery equipment.
* * * * *
5. Hunters may use dogs, but they must remain under the immediate
control of their handlers at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this
chapter).
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
8. You may erect portable deer stands (see Sec. 32.2(i)) 2 weeks
prior to the opening of archery season on the refuge, and you must
remove them by January 31 (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter). We
prohibit hunters leaving their stands in the tree at the end of each
hunting day. If they wish to leave the stands on the refuge, they may
be chained to the base of the tree and labeled with the hunter's name
and phone number legibly written on or attached to the stand. This does
not reserve the site for their exclusive use. All hunting sites are on
a first-come, first-served basis. We may confiscate and dispose of deer
stands not in compliance with these regulations.
9. Hunters using a climbing tree stand must use a fall-arrest
system manufactured to Treestand Manufacturers Association standards.
10. We prohibit cutting or removing trees and other vegetation (see
Sec. 27.51 of this chapter). We prohibit the use of flagging, paint,
blazes, tacks, or other types of markers. We prohibit nailing deer
stands and/or steps to trees and attaching any blind or stand to a tree
by any metal object driven, screwed, or otherwise inserted into the
tree (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
1. Condition A13 applies.
2. All anglers must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge
fishing permit (name and address) certifying that they understand and
will comply with all regulations.
* * * * *
Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. 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 (name, address, and phone number) certifying that he or she
understands and will comply with all regulations. One adult may
supervise no more than one youth hunter.
2. Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their
User Information/Harvest Report Card (OMB 1018-0140) in plain view on
the dashboard of their vehicle so that the card number is readable.
3. Failure to display the User Information/Harvest Report Card will
result in the loss of the participant's annual refuge public use
permit.
* * * * *
16. For instances of lost or stolen public use permits, management
may issue duplicates at their discretion, and hunters may incur a fee.
17. We allow retriever dogs while hunting migratory birds.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. Conditions A1 through A9 and A16 apply.
* * * * *
7. We prohibit ATVs, horses, and mules.
8. We allow rabbit hunting on the Herron and Brown Tracts.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A7, A9, A16, B6, B7, and B9 apply.
* * * * *
12. We allow archery deer hunting on the Brown Tract.
* * * * *
0
21. Amend Sec. 32.44 Missouri by removing paragraph B.3., and revising
paragraphs C.4. through C.6., and removing paragraph C.7. under Big
Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.44 Missouri.
* * * * *
Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
[[Page 56051]]
4. We restrict deer and turkey hunters on the Boone's Crossing
Unit, including Johnson Island, to archery methods only.
5. The Cora Island Unit is open to deer hunting for archery methods
only. We restrict hunting for other game to shotgun only with shot no
larger than BB.
6. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting on the
refuge (see Sec. 32.2(k)); this includes turkey hunting.
* * * * *
0
22. Amend Sec. 32.45 Montana by:
0
a. Revising the entry for ``National Bison National Wildlife Refuge''
to read ``National Bison Range'', and revising paragraph D. under the
newly titled National Bison Range;
0
b. Revising the entry for ``Nine-Pipe National Wildlife Refuge'' to
read ``Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge'', and revising paragraph D.
under the newly titled Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Revising the entry for Northwest Montana Wetland Management
District;
0
d. Revising paragraph D. under Pablo National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
e. Revising paragraph A.1., adding paragraphs A.4. and A.5., revising
paragraphs C.2. through C.6., adding paragraphs C.7. through C.11., and
revising paragraph D. under Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge;
These additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 32.45 Montana.
* * * * *
National Bison Range
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State laws and regulations and per Joint
State and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal regulations subject
to the following conditions:
1. We allow public access by walk-in only. All anglers must remain
within 100 feet (30 m) of the creek except they may use the canal road
to access the creek.
2. We prohibit the use of lead or lead-based lures or sinkers.
3. We prohibit leaving or dumping any dead animal, fish or fish
entrails, garbage, or litter on the refuge (see Sec. 27.94 of this
chapter).
Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State laws and regulations and per joint
State and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal regulations subject
to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the use of lead or lead-based tackle.
2. We prohibit the use of boats, float tubes, and other flotation
devices.
3. You must remove ice fishing shelters and other personal property
at the end of each day (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
4. We prohibit leaving or dumping any dead animal, fish or fish
entrails, garbage, or litter on the refuge (see Sec. 27.94 of this
chapter).
* * * * *
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 law (Flathead County WPAs) and per
Joint State and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal regulations
(Lake Count WPAs) subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters must remove all boats, decoys, portable blinds, boat
blinds, and other personal property at the end of each day (see Sec.
27.93 of this chapter).
2. Hunters must construct blinds, other than portable blinds, of
native materials only. They must label all nonportable blinds with
their name, Automated License System (ALS) number, 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.
3. We prohibit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages while
hunting (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas (WPAs) throughout the wetland district in accordance
with State law (Flathead County WPAs) and per Joint State and
Confederated Salish and Kootenai 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 hunting with a shotgun capable of holding more than
three shells on all Lake County WPAs.
3. We prohibit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages while
hunting (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on Lake County
Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) per Joint State and Confederated
Salish and Kootenai 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, hunters must remove them daily (see Sec. 27.93 of this
chapter). We prohibit construction and/or use of tree stands or
portable ground blinds from dimensional lumber. We prohibit the use of
nails, wire, screws, or bolts to attach a stand to a tree or hunting
from a tree into which a metal object has been driven (see Sec.
32.2(i)).
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on all Waterfowl
Production Areas (WPAs) throughout the wetland district in accordance
with State law (Flathead County WPAs) and per Joint State and
confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal regulations (Lake County WPAs)
subject to the following condition: 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. 27.93 of this chapter).
Pablo National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State laws and per Joint State and
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We prohibit the use of lead or lead-based lures or sinkers.
2. We prohibit the use of boats, float tubes, and other flotation
devices.
3. You must remove ice fishing shelters and other personal property
at the end of each day (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
4. We prohibit leaving or dumping any dead animal, fish or fish
entrails, garbage, or litter on the refuge (see Sec. 27.94 of this
chapter).
Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. We allow only goose, duck, and coot hunting in the area
surrounding Lower Red Rock Lake. The north boundary is the east-west
running fence line 1 mile (1.6 km) north of the River Marsh. The west
boundary is the west boundary of the refuge. The south boundary is the
South Valley Road and Sparrow Pond Trail. The east boundary is 50 yards
(45 m) east of Odell Creek northward from Sparrow Pond Trail Bridge to
Lower Red Rock Lake then continuing due north from the mouth of Odell
Creek to the north boundary. (Consult the refuge manager prior to
[[Page 56052]]
hunting to learn the specific boundary of the hunting area.)
* * * * *
4. We prohibit the use of motorized decoys.
5. We prohibit camping along roadsides. We allow camping only in
two established campgrounds. We restrict camping to 16 consecutive days
within any 30-day period. We prohibit horses in the campgrounds. All
bear attractants including, but not limited to, food, garbage, and
carcasses, must be acceptably stored at night (unless in immediate use)
and during the day if unattended.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We restrict moose hunting to the willow fen area south of Elk
Springs Creek, east of Upper Red Rock Lake and north and west of the
South Valley Road, at the southeast corner of the refuge. We prohibit
moose hunting in all other areas of the refuge.
3. We allow big game hunting (elk, white-tailed deer, mule deer,
and pronghorn antelope) on the refuge except we prohibit big game
hunting in the moose hunting area (willow fen area), in Alaska Basin
(far east end of the refuge), on those areas of the refuge east of Elk
Lake Road (Culver Pond/Widgeon Pond Area), and east of the willow fen.
4. We prohibit hunting near the Lakeview town site, near refuge
headquarters, and on portions of Odell Creek Trail. We close those
areas for protection of nearby residences. (Consult the refuge manager
prior to hunting to learn the specific boundary of the closed areas.)
5. We limit the number of hunters per day during the ``general''
big game season for the area north of South Valley Road, south of Red
Rock River Mash, west of Upper Red Rock Lake to the west refuge
boundary. We close this area to hunting by other big game hunters
during the general big game season. We select the hunters per day by
annual lottery. (Consult the refuge manager to participate in the
lottery.)
6. You may hire outfitters or ranchers for the retrieval of big
game only. We prohibit outfitted or guided hunting on the refuge.
7. We prohibit retrieval of game from closed areas of the refuge
without consent of a refuge employee.
8. We prohibit use of wheeled game carts or other mechanical
transportation devices for game retrieval on portions of the refuge
designated as Wilderness Area.
9. We prohibit horses north of South Valley Road except for the
retrieval of big game. We only allow horses for back-country access to
the Centennial Mountains south of South Valley Road. We require the use
of certified weed-free hay or pellets in refuge parking lots and on
refuge roads or trails.
10. We prohibit shooting and/or hunting until the hunter is more
than 50 yards (45 m) from the center line of South Valley Road. We
prohibit shooting from any refuge or county roadway.
11. Condition A5 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State fishing regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We allow fishing on all refuge streams in accordance with State
River and Stream regulations, unless closure is necessary to protect
nesting trumpeter swans or Arctic grayling restoration efforts.
2. We allow fishing on Widgeon Pond and Culver Pond. These are open
under State River and Stream regulations to fishing from the bank,
except for necessary closures to protect nesting trumpeter swans or
Arctic grayling restoration efforts.
3. We prohibit fishing on all other refuge waters.
4. We prohibit all means of fishing except the use of pole and line
or rod and reel while fishing on the refuge.
5. We prohibit the use of felt-soled wading boots on all refuge
waters.
6. We prohibit bait fishing and allow only artificial lures or
flies when fishing refuge waters.
7. We prohibit the use or possession of lead sinkers or any lead
fishing product while fishing.
8. We prohibit tubes and other flotation devices while fishing on
Widgeon and Culver Ponds.
9. Condition A5 applies.
* * * * *
0
23. Amend Sec. 32.46 Nebraska by adding an entry for Rainwater Basin
Wetland Management District and placing it in alphabetical order to
read as follows:
Sec. 32.46 Nebraska.
* * * * *
Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow migratory game bird
hunting on Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA) throughout the District,
excluding McMurtrey Waterfowl Production Area in Clay County, in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the use of motorboats. We allow only nonpowered
motorboats and those powered by electric motors (see Sec. 27.32 of
this chapter).
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(a)
of this chapter).
3. You may leave temporary blinds, other than portable blinds,
constructed of natural vegetation found on site overnight. We prohibit
bringing any type of live or dead vegetation onto the WPAs for any
purpose at any time (see Sec. 27.52 of this chapter). Construction of
these temporary blinds does not constitute exclusive use of the blind
(see Sec. 27.92 of this chapter).
4. We prohibit exercising, running, training, or hunting with dogs
from May 1 to July 31; and dogs must be on a leash during this time
period. At all other times during the hunting season, dogs must be
under the owner's immediate control (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this
chapter).
5. We prohibit camping and/or open fires (see Sec. 27.95(a) of
this chapter).
6. We restrict the use of all motorized vehicles, including ATVs
and/or snowmobiles, to designated parking lots only (see Sec. 27.31 of
this chapter).
7. We prohibit the use of all firearms for target practice (see
Sec. 27.41 of this chapter).
8. We prohibit the use of horses for any purpose (see Sec.
26.21(b) of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas throughout the District, excluding McMurtrey WPA in
Clay 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 shooting or harvesting of black-tailed prairie
dogs.
3. Conditions A4 through A8 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on Waterfowl
Production Areas throughout the District, excluding McMurtrey WPA in
Clay County, in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We allow portable tree stands and/or portable ground blinds;
however, you must remove them along with any other personal property at
the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94(a) of this
chapter).
2. Conditions A3 through A8 apply.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on Waterfowl Production
Areas throughout the District, excluding McMurtrey WPA in Clay County,
in
[[Page 56053]]
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions;
1. You must remove all boats, 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(a) of this chapter).
2. Conditions A1 and A5 apply.
0
24. Amend Sec. 32.48 New Hampshire by:
0
a. Revising paragraph A.2., removing paragraph A.4., revising
paragraphs C.3., C.10., and C.11., and removing paragraphs C.12.
through C.17. under Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
b. Revising the entry for ``Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge'' to
read ``Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge,'' placing the newly titled
entry in alphabetical order within the section, and revising paragraphs
A.1., A.3., A.4., B.3., B.5., B.6., C.1., C.2., and C.4. under Umbagog
National Wildlife Refuge.
These revisions read as follows:
Sec. 32.48 New Hampshire.
* * * * *
Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We allow hunting within the refuge boundary upon navigable
waters from within a boat. We prohibit access to land areas, mud flats,
rocks, or marsh grass above mean high tide within the refuge. We
prohibit hunters retrieving birds inland of the boundary signs.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. We require a fee for a Quota Deer Hunt Application (FWS Form 3-
2354) which you must possess and carry. We draw, by lottery, 20 hunters
for each day for a total of 40 hunters. We also draw 20 alternate
hunters.
* * * * *
10. Refuge hunting regulations, as listed in the Hunter Information
Package and map, will be in effect, and hunters must be in compliance
with State law.
11. The refuge is located in Newington, New Hampshire, along the
eastern shoreline of Great Bay. McIntyre Road borders the refuge to the
east. The southern boundary begins approximately \1/4\ mile (.4 km)
north of the intersection of Fabyan Point Road and McIntyre Road and
continues west to the shoreline of Great Bay. The northern boundary
begins approximately 150 feet (45 m) south of the intersection of
McIntyre Road and Little Bay Road and continues west to the shoreline
of Great Bay. The western boundary is the shoreline of Great Bay.
* * * * *
Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. You must wear hunter-orange clothing or material in accordance
with State of Maine regulations for the season and/or species you are
hunting.
* * * * *
3. You may use dogs to assist in hunting and retrieval of harvested
birds. We prohibit dog training on the refuge.
4. We open the refuge to hunting during the hours stipulated under
the State's hunting regulations. We close the refuge to night hunting.
Hunters must unload all hunting firearms (see Sec. 27.42 of this
chapter) outside of legal hunting hours.
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. We open the refuge to hunting during the hours stipulated under
the State's hunting regulations. We close the refuge to night hunting.
Hunters must unload all hunting firearms (see Sec. 27.42 of this
chapter) and nock no arrows outside of legal hunting hours.
* * * * *
5. Condition A1 applies.
6. We allow hunting of snowshoe hare, ring-necked pheasant, and
ruffed grouse with dogs during State hunting seasons. We prohibit dog
training on the refuge.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. We open the refuge to hunting during the hours stipulated under
the State's hunting regulations. We prohibit night hunting. Hunters
must unload all hunting firearms (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter) and
nock no arrows outside of legal hunting hours.
2. We allow bear and coyote hunting with dogs during State hunting
seasons. We prohibit dog training on the refuge.
* * * * *
4. Each hunter must wear hunter-orange clothing or material in
accordance with State of Maine regulations for the season and/or
species you are hunting.
* * * * *
0
25. Amend Sec. 32.49 New Jersey by revising paragraph C.2., removing
paragraph C.3., redesignating paragraphs C.4. through C.6. as
paragraphs C.3. through C.5., and revising newly redesignated paragraph
C.5. under Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.
These revisions read as follows:
Sec. 32.49 New Jersey.
* * * * *
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. In addition to the State permit, we require a Deer Hunting
Permit (Big/Upland Game Hunt Application, FWS Form 3-2356) along with a
fee, issued by the refuge. We must stamp this permit for validation.
* * * * *
5. Refuge hunting regulations, as listed in the ``Great Swamp
National Wildlife Refuge Public Deer Hunt Map,'' will be in effect.
* * * * *
0
26. Amend Sec. 32.50 New Mexico by revising the entry for Bitter Lake
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:
Sec. 32.50 New Mexico.
* * * * *
Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck,
coot, mourning dove, and sandhill crane on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations and any special posting or
publications subject to the following conditions:
1. On the North Tract (including Salt Creek Wilderness Area and the
portion of the refuge located north of U.S. Highway 70), all hunting
must be in accordance with State seasons and regulations.
2. On the Middle Tract (the portion of the refuge located between
U.S. Highway 70 and U.S. Highway 380), we restrict hunting to goose,
duck, sandhill crane, and American coot (no dove):
i. In the designated public hunting area;
ii. In the southern portion of the Tract that never approaches
closer than 100 yards (90 m) to the public auto tour route;
iii. In the southern portion of the Tract only, we limit hunting to
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during the period when the State
seasons for that area are open simultaneously for most of these
species; and
iv. All hunting must cease at 1 p.m. (local time) on each hunt day.
3. On the South Tract (the portion of the refuge located south of
U.S. Highway 380), we allow hunting only during Special Hunts (hunters
with disabilities and/or youth hunters age 17 and younger).
[[Page 56054]]
4. You may use only approved nontoxic shot while hunting (see Sec.
32.2(k)).
5. We prohibit pit or permanent blinds and require removal of all
waterfowl decoys and all temporary blinds/stands (see Sec. 27.93 of
this chapter).
6. We allow unleashed hunting and/or retrieving dogs on the refuge
when hunters are legally present in areas where we allow hunters, only
if the dogs are under the immediate control of hunters at all times
(see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter), and only to pursue species
legally in season at that time.
7. We prohibit hunters and their dogs from entering closed areas
for retrieval of game.
8. We do not require refuge or other special hunt permits other
than those required by the State (e.g., sandhill crane permits).
9. Visit the refuge office or Web site, and/or refer to additional
on-site brochures, leaflets, or postings for additional information.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, quail,
cottontail, and jack rabbit on designated areas of the refuge in
accordance with State regulations and any special postings or
publications subject to the following conditions:
1. On the North Tract (including Salt Creek Wilderness Area and the
portion of the refuge located north of U.S. Highway 70), all hunting
must be in accordance with State seasons and regulations with the
specification that we allow rabbit hunting only during the season that
is concurrently open for quail hunting within the State.
2. On the Middle Tract (the portion of the refuge located between
U.S. Highway 70 and U.S. Highway 380), we allow only pheasant hunting:
i. In the designated public hunting area in the southern portion of
the Tract;
ii. No closer than 100 yards (90 m) to the public auto tour route;
and
iii. We limit hunting to Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during
the appropriate State season for that area.
3. On the South Tract (the portion of the refuge located south of
U.S. Highway 380), we allow public hunting only during Special Hunts
(hunters with disabilities and/or youth hunters age 17 and younger) as
per State seasons and regulations.
4. Conditions A4 and A6 through A9 apply.
5. We prohibit the use of archery equipment at any time on the
refuge except when hunting deer and hogs (see C. Big Game Hunting).
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of mule deer, white-tailed
deer, and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance
with State regulations and any special postings or publications subject
to the following conditions:
1. We restrict all hunting to the North Tract (including Salt Creek
Wilderness Area and the portion of the refuge located north of U.S.
Highway 70) in accordance with State seasons and regulations, with the
specification that you may hunt and take feral hog (no bag limit) only
while legally hunting deer and only with the weapon legal for deer on
that day in that area.
2. Conditions A4 and A7 through A9 apply.
3. We allow use of only portable blinds or stands and require daily
removal of all blinds and stands (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
* * * * *
0
27. Amend Sec. 32.52 North Carolina by:
0
a. Removing paragraph A.5. and revising paragraph C.2. under Currituck
National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Redesignating paragraphs C.2. through C.5. as paragraphs C.3.
through C.6., and adding new paragraph C.2. under Mackay Island
National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Adding paragraphs A.5. and A.6., and revising paragraphs B.1., C.1.,
and C.7. under Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
d. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A., revising paragraphs
A.1., A.2., A.4., and A.6., revising the introductory text of paragraph
B., and revising paragraphs B.4., B.5., C.2., C.3., C.5., C.7., C.9.,
D.2., and D.3. under Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge;
These additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 32.52 North Carolina.
* * * * *
Currituck National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. Each hunter must pay an annual $15 hunt permit (signed brochure)
fee.
* * * * *
Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. Each hunter must pay an annual $15 hunt permit (signed brochure)
fee.
* * * * *
Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
5. We prohibit hunting on Sundays.
6. We prohibit the use of trail cameras. We define a trail camera
as any unattended, self-powered photographic device that records
photographic images.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A6 apply (with the following exception to
condition A2: Each adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter).
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A6 apply (with the following exception to
condition A2: Each adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter).
* * * * *
7. We prohibit placing a tree stand on the refuge more than 4 days
prior to the opening day of the deer hunt in which hunters will be
participating, except for participants of the youth deer hunt, who may
place tree stands no more than 7 days prior to the hunt day. Archery
hunters must remove the tree stands (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter)
by the last day of that hunt. Muzzleloader and firearms hunters must
remove tree stands by the day after the last day of that hunt.
* * * * *
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose,
swan, dove, woodcock, rail, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge
in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. We prohibit hunting on the Davenport and Deaver tracts (which
include the area surrounding the Headquarters/Visitor Center and
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 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. We prohibit all
public entry on Pungo Lake year-round. During November, December,
January, and February, we prohibit all public entry on New Lake, Duck
Pen Road (except that portion that forms the Duck Pen Wildlife Trail
and Pungo Lake Observation point when the trail and observation point
are open),
[[Page 56055]]
and the Pungo Lake, Riders Creek, and Dunbar Road waterfowl banding
sites.
2. We require consent from refuge personnel to enter and retrieve
legally taken game animals from closed areas including ``No Hunting
Zones.'' We prohibit hunting firearms in all closed areas and No
Hunting Zones.
* * * * *
4. We open the refuge for daylight use only (\1/2\ hour before
legal sunrise to \1/2\ hour after legal sunset), except that we allow
hunters to enter and remain in open hunting areas from 2 hours before
legal sunrise until 2 hours after legal sunset except on the Pungo Unit
(see condition C6).
* * * * *
6. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with
refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific regulations in part 32).
We prohibit hunting, taking, and attempting to take any wildlife from a
vehicle while the passenger area is occupied or when the engine is
running, except that:
i. We allow hunting from ATVs and other similarly classed vehicles
(where we authorize them) as long as they are stationary and the engine
is turned off; and
ii. We allow hunting from boats (where we authorize them) when the
motor is off and all forward momentum from a motor has ceased.
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel,
raccoon, opossum, rabbit, beaver, nutria, and fox on designated areas
of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
* * * * *
4. We prohibit the hunting of raccoon and opossum during, 5 days
before, and 5 days after the State bear seasons. Outside of these
periods, we allow the hunting of raccoon and opossum at night but only
while possessing a General Special Use Application and Permit (FWS Form
3-1383-G).
5. We allow those weapons authorized by the North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission for taking upland game species except that we
prohibit the use of rifles, other than .22-caliber rimfire rifles for
hunting, and we prohibit the use of pistols for hunting.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. You may hunt spring turkey only if you possess and carry a valid
permit (General Special Use Application and Permit, FWS Form 3-1383-G).
These permits are valid only for the dates and areas shown on the
permit. We require an application and a fee for those permits and hold
a drawing, when necessary, to select the permittees.
3. We allow those weapons authorized by the North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission for taking big game species except that we
prohibit the use of rifles or pistols for hunting. We allow hunters to
take feral hog in any area that is open to hunting deer using only
those weapons authorized for taking deer. We also allow hunters to take
feral hogs with shotgun, muzzleloader, bow and arrow, and crossbow on
the Frying Pan area tracts whenever we open those tracts to hunting any
game species with firearms.
* * * * *
5. We allow deer hunting with shotgun and muzzleloader on the Pungo
Unit only while possessing a valid permit from the North Carolina
Wildlife Resources Commission for the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife
Refuge Pungo Unit-either-sex deer special hunts that we hold in late
September and October. We require a fee that validates the State permit
to participate in these special hunts.
* * * * *
7. Prior to December 1, we allow deer hunting with archery
equipment as described by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources
Commission on the Pungo Unit during all State deer seasons, except
during the muzzleloader season and except during the special hunts
described in C5.
* * * * *
9. We allow the use of only portable deer stands (tree climbers,
ladders, tripods, etc.). Hunters with a valid permit (State permit) for
the special hunts described in condition C5 may install one deer stand
on the Pungo Unit the day before the start of their hunt and leave it
until the end of their hunt. Hunters must tag any stands left overnight
on the refuge with their name, address, and telephone number. Hunters
may use ground blinds, chairs, buckets, and other such items for
hunting, but we require that you remove all of these items at the end
of each day (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
2. We prohibit boats on Pungo Lake. We prohibit leaving a boat
anywhere on the refuge overnight.
3. We allow fishing only from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until
\1/2\ hour after legal sunset.
* * * * *
0
28. Amend Sec. 32.55 Oklahoma by adding paragraph A.10., revising
paragraph B.2., adding paragraphs B.11., C.10., and C.11., and revising
paragraphs D.2. and D.3. under Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge.
These additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 32.55 Oklahoma.
* * * * *
Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
10. An adult at least age 18 must directly supervise youth age 14
or younger while hunting.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We allow shotguns, .22- and .17-caliber rimfire rifles, and
pistols for rabbit and squirrel hunting.
* * * * *
11. An adult at least age 18 must directly supervise youth hunters
age 14 or younger while hunting.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
10. An adult at least age 18 must directly supervise youth age 14
or younger while hunting.
11. During the refuge archery deer season/hunt, we follow the
archery legal means of taking found in the Oklahoma Department of
Wildlife Conservation's annual official Hunting Guide. No person may
use any firearm in conjunction with this hunt.
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
2. No person may use any firearm in conjunction with fishing.
3. We allow year-round fishing on the Deep Fork River and at the
Montezuma Creek Fishing Area. We allow fishing on all other sloughs,
farm ponds, and impoundments not connected to the River from March 1
through October 31.
* * * * *
0
29. Amend Sec. 32.56 Oregon by:
0
a. Removing paragraph C.5. and redesignating paragraph C.6. as C.5.
under Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge;
0
b. Revising paragraph A. under Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the
Columbian White-Tailed Deer; and
0
c. Revising paragraph C. under William L. Finley National Wildlife
Refuge.
These revisions read as follows:
Sec. 32.56 Oregon.
* * * * *
Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck,
coot, and
[[Page 56056]]
common snipe on the shorelines of refuge-owned portions of Crims,
Price, Hunting, and Wallace Islands subject to the following
conditions:
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot for hunting on the
refuge (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
2. We prohibit hunting along refuge-owned shorelines of Hunting and
Price Islands where it parallels Steamboat Slough.
3. We prohibit permanent blinds. You must remove all personal
property, including decoys and boats, by 1 hour after legal sunset (see
Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
* * * * *
William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow deer hunting on designated areas of
the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We allow restricted firearms and archery deer hunting on
designated dates from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until \1/2\ hour
after legal sunset. We post these refuge-specific regulations at self-
service hunt kiosks.
2. We allow only shotguns using buckshot or slugs and muzzleloaders
for the restricted firearms deer hunt during the designated dates.
3. You may harvest either-sex deer with appropriate State-issued
tags.
4. We prohibit overnight camping or after-hours parking on the
refuge.
5. We prohibit hunting from any refuge structure, observation
blind, or boardwalk.
6. All hunters must complete a Big Game Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-
2359), available at the self-service hunt kiosks, after each hunt day.
7. Hunters may use portable or climbing deer stands but must remove
them from the refuge daily (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
8. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on
national wildlife refuges must comply with all provisions of State and
local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with
refuge regulations (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter and specific refuge
regulations in part 32).
* * * * *
0
30. Amend Sec. 32.59 Rhode Island by:
0
a. Revising paragraph C. under Block Island National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising paragraph C. under Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
c. Revising the heading of the entry for ``Pettaquamscutt Cove National
Wildlife Refuge'' to read ``John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge''
and placing that newly titled entry in alphabetical order within the
section.
Sec. 32.59 Rhode Island.
* * * * *
Block Island National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. We require hunters to submit a Big/Upland Game Hunt Application
(FWS Form 3-2356) to be selected to hunt on the refuge. Hunting
brochures containing hunting application procedures, 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 at the refuge administration office and on the refuge's Web
site.
2. We require hunters to possess a valid State hunting license and
all required stamps, a valid government-issued photo identification,
and a valid hunting permit issued by the refuge at all times while on
refuge property.
3. We prohibit hunters from taking any other wildlife.
4. We require hunters to notify a refuge representative if they
need to enter a closed area to retrieve game.
5. We allow only shotguns (slugs only), muzzleloaders, and archery
equipment to harvest deer.
6. We prohibit the use of any drug on any arrow for bow hunting,
including crossbows, on national wildlife refuges (see Sec. 32.2(g)).
We prohibit archers possessing any arrows employing such drugs on any
national wildlife refuge.
7. We prohibit the distribution of bait and/or hunting over bait
(see Sec. 32.2(h)).
8. We prohibit the use of nails, wire, screws, or bolts to attach a
stand to a tree, or hunting from a tree into which a metal object has
been driven to support a hunter (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
9. We prohibit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages while
hunting (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
10. We prohibit the use of spotlights, automotive headlights, or
other artificial light for the purpose of spotting, locating, or taking
any animal. This regulation applies even if no weapons are in the
vehicle.
11. Anytime State hunting regulations specify the requirement that
hunters wear blaze-orange clothing, hunters must adhere to those
regulations both in amount of blaze-orange clothing required and in
specified seasons. For example, we require both archery and firearms
hunters to wear blaze-orange clothing during the firearm seasons in
areas open to both types of hunts.
12. We prohibit permanent tree stands. Hunters must remove all
portable tree stands from the refuge daily (see Sec. 27.93 of this
chapter). The Service takes no responsibility for the loss or theft of
tree stands left in the field.
13. Hunters must mark tree stands with owner information (name,
address, and phone number). We allow only portable stands.
14. We will prohibit the use of motorized or nonmotorized vehicles
on the refuge unless the refuge manager grants prior approval (e.g.,
accessibility for disabled individuals). This includes, but we do not
limit it to, vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, motorcycles,
and bicycles.
15. We prohibit marking (including, but we do not limit it to, the
use of flagging, bright eyes, tacks, and paint), cutting, and/or
removal of trees or vegetation (see Sec. 27.51 of this chapter).
16. We prohibit hunting in areas designated as closed.
17. We prohibit hunting within 100 feet (30 m) of a State, county,
city roadway, or refuge trail.
18. We prohibit hunting with the use of firearms within 500 feet
(150 m) of an occupied dwelling.
19. We prohibit archery deer hunting within 200 feet (60 m) of an
occupied dwelling.
20. We prohibit the use of buckshot.
21. We prohibit hunters field dressing deer within 100 feet (30 m)
of a road or trail.
22. We prohibit tracking later than 2\1/2\ hours after legal
sunset. Hunters must make a reasonable effort to retrieve all wounded
deer. This may include next-day tracking except on Federal holidays.
23. We prohibit deer drives or anyone taking part in any deer
drive. We define a ``deer drive'' as an organized or planned effort to
pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in
the direction of any person or persons who are part of the organized or
planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.
24. Refuge hunting information and the Rhode Island Hunting and
Trapping Abstract will inform hunters of both State and refuge
regulations. Refuge-specific hunting regulations, as listed in the
``Block Island National Wildlife Refuge Hunting Regulations'' handout,
will be in effect.
* * * * *
Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
[[Page 56057]]
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. We require hunters to submit a Big/Upland Game Hunt Application
(FWS Form 3-2356) to be selected to hunt on the refuge. Hunting
brochures containing hunting application procedures, 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 at the refuge administration office and on the refuge's web
site.
2. We require hunters to possess a valid State hunting license and
all required stamps, a valid government-issued photo identification,
and a valid hunting permit issued by the refuge at all times while on
refuge property.
3. We prohibit hunters from taking any other wildlife.
4. We require hunters to notify a refuge representative if they
need to enter a closed area to retrieve game.
5. We allow only shotguns (slugs only), muzzleloaders, and archery
equipment to harvest deer.
6. We prohibit the use of any drug on any arrow for bow hunting,
including crossbows, on national wildlife refuges (see Sec. 32.2(g)).
We prohibit archers possessing any arrows employing such drugs on any
national wildlife refuge.
7. We prohibit the distribution of bait and/or hunting over bait
(see Sec. 32.2(h)).
8. We prohibit the use of nails, wire, screws, or bolts to attach a
stand to a tree, or hunting from a tree into which a metal object has
been driven to support a hunter (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
9. We prohibit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages while
hunting (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
10. We prohibit the use of spotlights, automotive headlights, or
other artificial light for the purposes of spotting, locating, or
taking any animal. This regulation applies even if no weapons are in
the vehicle.
11. Anytime State hunting regulations specify the requirement that
hunters wear blaze-orange clothing, hunters must adhere to those
regulations both in amount of blaze-orange clothing required and in
specified seasons. For example, we require both archery and firearms
hunters to wear blaze-orange clothing during the firearm seasons in
areas open to both types of hunts.
12. We prohibit permanent tree stands. Hunters must remove all
portable tree stands from the refuge daily (see Sec. 27.93 of this
chapter). The Service takes no responsibility for the loss or theft of
tree stands left in the field.
13. Hunters must mark tree stands with owner information (name,
address, and phone number). We allow only portable stands.
14. We will prohibit the use of motorized or nonmotorized vehicles
on the refuge unless the refuge manager grants prior approval (e.g.,
accessibility for disabled individuals). This includes, but we do not
limit it to, vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, motorcycles,
and bicycles.
15. We prohibit marking (including, but we do not limit it to, the
use of flagging, bright eyes, tacks, and paint), cutting, and/or
removal of trees or vegetation (see Sec. 27.51 of this chapter).
16. We prohibit hunting in areas designated as closed.
17. We prohibit hunting within 100 feet (30 m) of a State, county,
city roadway, or refuge trail.
18. We prohibit hunting on the Kettle Pond Unit within 200 feet (60
m) of the visitor center and parking lots.
19. We prohibit hunting with the use of firearms within 500 feet
(150 m) of an occupied dwelling.
20. We prohibit archery deer hunting within 200 feet (60 m) of an
occupied dwelling.
21. We prohibit the use of buckshot.
22. We prohibit hunters field dressing deer within 100 feet (30 m)
of a road or trail.
23. We prohibit tracking later than 2\1/2\ hours after legal
sunset. Hunters must make a reasonable effort to retrieve all wounded
deer. This may include next-day tracking except we prohibit tracking on
Federal holidays.
24. We prohibit deer drives or anyone taking part in any deer
drive. We define a ``deer drive'' as an organized or planned effort to
pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in
the direction of any person or persons who are part of the organized or
planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.
25. Refuge hunting information and the Rhode Island Hunting and
Trapping Abstract will inform hunters of both State and refuge
regulations. Refuge-specific hunting regulations, as listed in the
``Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge Hunting Regulations'' handout, will
be in effect.
* * * * *
0
31. Amend Sec. 32.60 South Carolina by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs A.7., C.1., and C.3., adding paragraphs C.15.
through C.20., and adding paragraphs D.7. through D.9. under Carolina
Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Removing paragraph C.15., redesignating paragraphs C.16. and C.17.
as paragraphs C.15. and C.16., removing paragraph D.2., and
redesignating paragraph D.3. as D.2. under Pinckney Island National
Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Revising the entry for Santee National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
d. Revising the introductory text for paragraph A., revising paragraphs
A.2., A.7., and B.3., adding paragraph B.5., revising the introductory
text of paragraph C., revising paragraphs C.1., C.2., C.5., C.10.,
C.14., and C.18., and adding paragraphs C.19. and C.20. under Waccamaw
National Wildlife Refuge.
These additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 32.60 South Carolina.
* * * * *
Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
7. Legal shooting hours for September dove hunts are 12 p.m. (noon)
to 6 p.m.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A5 and A8 apply (with the following
exception for condition A4: Each adult may supervise no more than one
youth hunter.).
* * * * *
3. During deer and turkey hunts, we prohibit hunters from entering
the refuge earlier than 4 a.m. and staying on the refuge later than 2
hours after legal sunset.
* * * * *
15. We prohibit the use of game and trail cameras.
16. We prohibit placing stands on the refuge more than 3 days prior
to the opening day of each big game hunt period and leaving stands at
the end of each hunt period.
17. We prohibit the use of a tree stand or climbing equipment
without a safety belt or harness.
18. We prohibit the use of permanent, nonportable tree stands (see
Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
19. We prohibit inserting a nail, screw, spike, or other metal
object into a tree or hunting from a tree into which the hunter has
inserted a metal object (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
20. We prohibit baiting or hunting in the vicinity of bait (see
Sec. 32.2(h)).
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
7. At Mays and Honkers Lakes, the creel limit on largemouth bass is
five fish per person per day. All bass must
[[Page 56058]]
be a minimum length of 12 inches (30 cm).
8. We designate Oxpen Lake as adult-youth fishing only. A youth
(under age 16) must be actively fishing and accompanied by no more than
two adults at least age 18. We prohibit adults fishing unless a youth
accompanies them. The creel limit on channel catfish is five fish per
person per day.
9. We prohibit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages while
hunting (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
* * * * *
Santee National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of raccoon and opossum on
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow hunters to use only weapons, firearms, and ammunition
specifically authorized for each hunt.
2. All refuge hunters under age 16 must show proof of successfully
completing a hunter education/safety course. A properly licensed adult
at least age 21 must directly supervise (within sight and normal voice
contact) hunters under age 16. An adult may supervise only one youth.
3. We require hunters to possess a refuge hunt permit (brochure
signed by the hunter), a valid State hunting license, and photo
identification while hunting.
4. Hunters must check all animals taken on the refuge at the check
station prior to removing the animal from the refuge.
5. We require hunters to make a reasonable effort to retrieve
wounded game. Hunters must obtain permission from refuge personnel to
enter a ``No Hunting Zone'' or ``Closed Area'' for any purpose.
6. We allow vehicles only on established roads marked open for
vehicular traffic. Hunters may travel roads marked ``Closed to all
vehicles'' on foot or by bicycle. The speed limit for all roads is 15
mph. We prohibit blocking travel through refuge access gates or roads.
We prohibit ATVs.
7. Hunters must unload and dismantle (or case) hunting firearms
when transporting them in vehicles and boats during refuge hunts. We
define a loaded firearm as having ammunition in the chamber or
magazine. We will consider muzzleloaders unloaded if the percussion cap
is not seated in the chamber.
8. We prohibit possession of bait, baiting, and/or hunting in the
vicinity of bait (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
9. We prohibit camping, overnight parking, open fires, and
littering (see Sec. Sec. 27.95(a) and 27.94 of this chapter).
10. We prohibit game and trail cameras.
11. We prohibit entry beyond ``Closed Area'' or ``No Hunting Zone''
signs. We prohibit discharging weapons within, into, or across a ``No
Hunting Zone'' or ``Closed Area.''
12. We prohibit discharging a firearm from, on, or across any
refuge road, or designated refuge foot trail.
13. We prohibit hunting from within 100 feet (30 m) of any roadway,
whether open or closed to vehicular traffic, or from or within 300
yards (270 m) of any residence or designated hunter check station.
14. We prohibit use or possession of alcoholic beverages while
hunting (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
15. We prohibit man or dog drives, stalk hunting, and/or hunting
from artificially pruned trees.
16. We allow hunting on each refuge unit only within specified hunt
periods and only for raccoon or opossum, and white-tailed deer (see
paragraph C. Big Game Hunting below).
17. We allow unlimited harvest of feral hog as an incidental take
while hunting.
18. We allow use of dogs only for raccoon hunting. The dogs must
wear a collar displaying the owner's name, address, and telephone
number.
19. We allow take of raccoon and opossum only during night hunting.
Special State regulations apply for night hunting.
20. We allow take of raccoon and opossum with a shotgun using
nontoxic shot size no larger than 4 or a .22-caliber rimfire
rifle. We prohibit possession of buckshot or slugs. We prohibit the use
of all other weapons for hunting.
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 B1 through B17 apply.
2. We prohibit the use of dogs during deer hunts. We prohibit night
hunting.
3. We prohibit the use of nails, screws, or bolts to attach a tree
stand to a tree or hunting from a tree where a metal object has been
driven to support a hunter (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
4. We prohibit destroying or cutting vegetation (see Sec. 27.51 of
this chapter). We prohibit the possession of axes, saws, machetes, or
other tools used for cutting vegetation on the refuge while scouting or
hunting.
5. We allow flagging only along the edges of roads and trails and
at the tree in which the hunter places the stand. Hunters may use
clothes pins with reflective tape to mark the path to the tree, but
they must mark all pins and flagging with the hunter's full name, date,
and phone number. Hunters must remove all flagging and pins at the end
of the hunt; we will consider any flagging or pins found after the end
of the hunt to be littering (see Sec. 27.94 of this chapter), and we
will remove them immediately.
6. We require hunters to wear 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of
solid fluorescent-orange above the waist consisting of a hat and vest
or jacket during all refuge big game firearm hunts.
7. Deer hunting must occur from elevated deer stands; we prohibit
ground blinds. We allow only one stand per hunter, and the hunters must
clearly mark stands with their full name, date, and phone number.
8. We allow scouting on both the Pine Island and Cuddo Units during
periods when these units are open to general public access. We allow
vehicles only on roads designated as open for vehicular traffic. All
other roads and trails are open to walk-in or bicycle traffic. We
prohibit hunting weapons and dogs during scouting activities.
9. Hunters may place stands, cloth pins, and flagging only on
respective hunt areas on the Friday and Saturday immediately prior to
each hunt (from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.) and must remove them by 8:30 p.m.
on the last day of each hunt. We will confiscate any stands found
within the designated hunt areas outside of allowed periods.
10. We will open access roads, closed to the general public for
driving, only during each deer hunt and on the Friday and Saturday
prior to each hunt.
11. We will open hunting areas from 5 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. during
designated hunt periods. We require all hunters to check out at the
hunter check station by 8:30 p.m.
12. We open the Plantation Islands (Cuddo Unit) to hunting only
from 5 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. All hunters hunting Plantation Islands must
indicate on the check-in sheet that they are hunting on an island.
13. Shooting hours are from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until
\1/2\ hour after legal sunset.
14. The refuge conducts one lottery draw hunt (using Quota Deer
Hunt Application FWS 3-2354) for the Family, Friends, and Kids (Family
Friendly) hunts conducted on the Bluff Unit of the refuge. Contact the
refuge office for dates, application information, and more information
about this special hunt opportunity.
[[Page 56059]]
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on the refuge in accordance with
State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. A valid State fishing license and a signed refuge fishing permit
(signed brochure) must be in each angler's possession while fishing on
the refuge.
2. We allow public fishing on all four refuge units. We open waters
of Lake Marion within refuge boundaries for fishing 24 hours a day,
except in areas posted as ``Closed Areas'' or closed for migratory bird
management. We allow fishing only on the inland ponds and canals during
times the refuge units are open for general public access or as posted.
3. Cantey Bay (Bluff Unit), Black Bottom (Cuddo Unit), and Savannah
Branch (Pine Island Unit) are only open to public access, including
boating and fishing, from March 1 through October 31.
4. We limit access to the interior freshwater canals and ponds to
canoes or kayaks, or by foot or bicycle travel only. We prohibit use of
internal combustion engines on interior ponds and canals.
5. We prohibit littering, camping and/or overnight parking, open
fires, swimming or wading, collecting or searching for or taking of any
items of antiquity, and overnight mooring of boats (see Sec. Sec.
27.62, 27.94, 27.95(a) of this chapter). We allow pets only in
designated areas, and they must remain on a leash or within vehicles/
vessels.
6. We prohibit fishing or boating within 100 feet (30 m) of any
nesting bird or bird rookeries within refuge boundaries.
7. We prohibit commercial fishing, air-thrust boats, hovercraft,
airboats, and personal watercraft within the waters of and/or boundary
of the refuge.
8. We prohibit fishing at night, except by boat in Lake Marion. We
prohibit bank fishing and fishing within interior ponds, canals, and
impoundments at night.
9. We prohibit nighttime access to boat launching areas.
* * * * *
Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose,
coot, woodcock, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
2. Each youth hunter age 15 and younger must remain within sight,
within normal voice contact, and under the supervision of an adult age
21 or older. We do not require youth hunters to have a hunter education
card, but they must possess the refuge hunting regulations permit. The
supervising adult must comply with all State and Federal hunting
license requirements and possess a signed refuge hunting regulations
permit (signed brochure). Each supervising adult may supervise no more
than two youths.
* * * * *
7. We allow use of retrieving dogs only while hunting. We require
dogs to wear a collar displaying the owner's name, address, and phone
number.
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. We require nontoxic shot no larger than 2 in shotguns
when hunting. We allow .22-caliber rimfire rifles.
* * * * *
5. We require the use of dogs for hunting raccoon and opossum.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, feral
hog, and turkey on designated areas of the refuge. The State of South
Carolina does not classify feral hog as big game; however, for the
purpose of hunting regulations, we put feral hog in the big game
category. We allow big game hunting on the refuge in accordance with
State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A9, A10, B2, and B4 apply.
2. We allow hunting for designated species only on days designated
annually by the refuge, within the State season, and according to
refuge unit-specific regulations.
* * * * *
5. We prohibit blow guns and drugged arrows (see Sec. 32.2(g)). We
allow muzzleloading rifles that use only a single projectile on the
muzzleloader hunts. We prohibit buckshot, rimfire ammunition, and full-
metal-jacketed military ammunition.
* * * * *
10. The refuge limit on deer is two antlered bucks per year.
Hunters can harvest up to three antlerless deer per year during
coinciding State doe days or by using personal doe tags.
* * * * *
14. We allow only one portable tree stand per hunter, and the
hunter must clearly mark it with their full name and phone number. We
prohibit placing deer stands on the refuge more than 3 days prior to
the opening day of a hunting session. Hunters must remove stands from
the refuge no later than 3 days after each refuge big game hunt (see
Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
* * * * *
18. We prohibit possession of bait, distribution of bait, or
hunting over a baited area (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
19. We allow crossbows only during the big game hunting sessions
where we allow muzzleloaders and modern weapons. We may also allow them
during special hunts if we determine they are appropriate.
20. Each youth hunter age 15 and younger must remain within sight,
within normal voice contact, and under supervision of an adult age 21
or older, and must possess the refuge hunting regulations permit
(signed brochure). We do not require youth hunters who are sitting in
the same hunting stand as the supervising adult to possess a hunter
education card. We require youth hunters who are sitting in a hunting
stand by themselves to possess a valid hunter education card. The
supervising adult must comply with all State and Federal hunting
license requirements and possess a signed refuge hunting regulations
permit. Each supervising adult may supervise a maximum of one youth.
* * * * *
0
32. Amend Sec. 32.61 South Dakota by revising the entry for LaCreek
National Wildlife Refuge and placing that entry in alphabetical order
to read as follows:
Sec. 32.61 South Dakota.
* * * * *
LaCreek National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow the hunting of goose,
duck, coot, common snipe, sandhill crane, American crow, and mourning
dove only within the Little White River Recreation Area in accordance
with State regulations.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow the hunting of ring-necked
pheasant and sharp-tailed grouse on designated areas of the refuge in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters may remain on the refuge no longer than \1/2\ hour after
legal sunset.
2. You must park vehicles in a designated hunter parking area.
3. Hunters must access and exit the hunting area only from a
designated hunter parking area.
4. We prohibit hunting with the aid of a motor vehicle.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed and mule deer
on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. We require a State permit for muzzleloader deer hunting.
[[Page 56060]]
2. All archery deer hunters must possess and carry a refuge permit
(signature required).
3. Deer hunters may enter the refuge 1\1/2\ hours before legal
sunrise and remain no longer than 1\1/2\ hours after legal sunset.
4. Hunters may leave portable tree stands and free-standing
elevated platforms on the refuge from the first Saturday after August
25 through February 15. Hunters must remove all other personal property
by the end of the day (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
5. Portable tree stands and free-standing elevated platforms must
bear the name and address of the owner or user, or that person's
current hunting license number. The labeling must be legible from the
ground.
6. We close the refuge to archery hunting during refuge firearm
seasons.
7. Conditions B2 through B4 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. Areas open for fishing include: Pools 3, 4, 7, and 10, the
Little White River Recreation Area, and the Cedar Creek Trout Ponds. We
prohibit fishing in all other areas of the refuge.
2. We allow boat use only on Pools 3, 4, 7, and 10, and the Little
White River Recreation Area.
3. We prohibit the use of internal combustion motors in Pools 3, 4,
7, and 10.
4. We prohibit the use or possession of live minnows or bait fish
in Pools 3, 4, 7, and 10 and the Cedar Creek Trout Ponds.
5. We will open designated fishing areas from \1/2\ hour before
legal sunrise to \1/2\ hour after legal sunset, except the Little White
River Recreation Area.
* * * * *
0
33. Amend Sec. 32.62 Tennessee by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs A.1., A.2., and A.4. through A.7., removing
paragraph A.8., redesignating paragraphs A.9. and A.10. as paragraphs
A.8. and A.9., revising newly redesignated paragraph A.9., adding new
paragraphs A.10. through A.12., revising paragraphs B.1., B.4., and
B.5., removing paragraph B.7., redesignating paragraph B.8. as
paragraph B.7., adding new paragraph B.8., and revising paragraphs
C.1., C.4., and D.6. under Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A., revising paragraphs
A.1., A.2., A.4., A.5., A.7., A.8., and A.10., adding paragraphs A.11.
and A.12., revising paragraphs B.1. and B.2., removing paragraph B.6.,
redesignating paragraph B.7. as B.6., adding new paragraphs B.7. and
B.8., and revising paragraphs C.1., C.4., and D.9. under Hatchie
National Wildlife Refuge;
0
c. Revising paragraphs B.1. through B.5., B.9., and B.10., adding
paragraphs B.13. through B.16., revising paragraph C.1., revising the
introductory text of paragraph D., and adding paragraphs D.4. through
D.7. under Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge;
0
d. Revising paragraphs A.1., A.2., and A4. through A.7., removing
paragraph A.8., redesignating paragraphs A.9. through A.11. as
paragraphs A.8. through A.10., revising newly redesignated paragraph
A.9., adding new paragraphs A.11. through A.13., revising paragraphs
B.1., B.4., and B.5., removing paragraph B.7., redesignating paragraphs
B.8. and B.9. as paragraphs B.7. and B.8., adding new paragraph B.9.,
revising paragraphs C.1. and C.4., and adding paragraph D.8. under
Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
e. Revising paragraphs B.1. through B.5., B.9., and B.10., adding
paragraphs B.13. through B.16., revising paragraphs C.1., C.4., and
C.5., revising the introductory text of paragraph D., and adding
paragraphs D.5. through D.8. of Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge.
These additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 32.62 Tennessee.
* * * * *
Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. The refuge is a day-use area only. We close the refuge from
legal sunset to legal sunrise, with the exception of legal hunting/
fishing activities.
2. We prohibit the use of all motorized off-road vehicles (e.g.,
ATVs, UTVs) on the refuge (see Sec. 27.31(f) of this chapter).
* * * * *
4. You must possess and carry a signed refuge permit (signed refuge
brochure) and comply with all permit provisions and other applicable
State and Federal law.
5. We allow hunting for duck, goose, coot, and merganser from \1/2\
hour before legal sunrise to 12 p.m. (noon) CST. We allow hunters to
access the refuge no more than 2 hours before legal sunrise.
6. Mourning dove, woodcock, and snipe seasons close during all
firearms, youth, and muzzleloader deer seasons.
7. You may use only portable blinds, and you must remove all boats,
blinds, and decoys (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge by
1 p.m. CST daily.
* * * * *
9. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting with a
shotgun (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
10. We prohibit cutting of holes, lanes, or other manipulation of
vegetation (e.g., cutting bushes and trees, mowing, herbicide use, and
other actions) or hunting from manipulated areas (see Sec. 27.51 of
this chapter).
11. We prohibit use or possession of alcoholic beverages while
hunting on refuge lands (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
12. We prohibit hunting over or the placement of bait (see Sec.
32.2(h)). Baiting means the direct or indirect placing, exposing,
depositing, or scattering of any salt, grain, powder, liquid, or other
feed substance to attract game.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A4 and A8 through A12 apply.
* * * * *
4. Squirrel, rabbit, and quail seasons close during all firearms,
youth, and muzzleloader deer seasons.
5. Raccoon and opossum seasons close Friday and Saturday nights
during all firearms, youth, and muzzleloader deer hunts and seasons,
including the Friday night prior to any hunt or season that opens on a
Saturday morning.
* * * * *
8. We prohibit trapping.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A4, A8, A10 through A12, B6, and B7 apply.
* * * * *
4. Hunters may possess lead-rifled slugs while deer hunting on the
refuge (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
6. We prohibit use or possession of alcoholic beverages while
fishing on refuge lands and waters (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
* * * * *
Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose,
coot, merganser, mourning dove, woodcock, and snipe on designated areas
of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. The refuge is a day-use area only. We close the refuge from
legal sunset to legal sunrise, with the exception of legal hunting/
fishing activities.
2. We prohibit use of all motorized off-road vehicles (e.g., ATVs,
UTVs) on the refuge (see Sec. 27.31(f) of this chapter).
* * * * *
4. You must possess and carry a signed refuge permit (signed refuge
brochure) and comply with all permit
[[Page 56061]]
provisions and other applicable State and Federal laws.
5. We allow waterfowl hunting only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and
Saturdays. We allow hunting for duck, goose, coot, and merganser from
\1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon) CST. We allow
hunters to access the refuge no earlier than 2 hours before legal
sunrise.
* * * * *
7. You may use only portable blinds, and you must remove all boats,
blinds, and decoys (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge by
1 p.m. CST daily.
8. We prohibit use or possession of alcoholic beverages while
hunting on refuge lands (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
* * * * *
10. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting with
a shotgun (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
11. We prohibit cutting of holes, lanes, or other manipulation of
vegetation (e.g., cutting bushes and trees, mowing, herbicide use, and
other actions) or hunting from manipulated areas (see Sec. 27.51 of
this chapter).
12. We prohibit hunting over or the placement of bait (see Sec.
32.2(h)). Baiting means the direct or indirect placing, exposing,
depositing, or scattering of any salt, grain, powder, liquid, or other
feed substance to attract game.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A4 and A8 through A12 apply.
2. We allow hunters to access the refuge no earlier than 2 hours
before legal sunrise to no later than 2 hours after legal sunset, with
the exception of raccoon and opossum hunters. We will allow access to
those hunters from legal sunset to legal sunrise.
* * * * *
7. We prohibit camping and fires on the refuge.
8. We prohibit trapping.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A4, A8, A10 through A12, and B5 through B7
apply.
* * * * *
4. Hunters may possess lead-rifled slugs while deer hunting on the
refuge (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
9. We prohibit use or possession of alcoholic beverages while
fishing on refuge lands and waters (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. The refuge is a day-use area only. We close the refuge from
legal sunset to legal sunrise, with the exception of legal hunting
activities.
2. We prohibit the use of all motorized off-road vehicles (e.g.,
ATVs, UTVs) on the refuge (see Sec. 27.31(f) of this chapter).
3. We set season dates and bag limits annually and publish them in
the refuge brochure available at the refuge office.
4. You must possess and carry a signed refuge permit (signed refuge
brochure) and comply with all permit provisions and other applicable
State and Federal laws.
5. We allow hunters to access the refuge no earlier than 2 hours
before legal sunrise to no later than 2 hours after legal sunset, with
the exception of raccoon and opossum hunters. We will allow access to
those hunters from legal sunset to legal sunrise.
* * * * *
9. We prohibit use or possession of alcoholic beverages while
hunting on refuge lands (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
10. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting with
a shotgun (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
* * * * *
13. We prohibit cutting of holes, lanes, or other manipulation of
vegetation (e.g., cutting bushes and trees, mowing, herbicide use, and
other actions) or hunting from manipulated areas (see Sec. 27.51 of
this chapter).
14. We prohibit hunting over or the placement of bait (see Sec.
32.2(h)). Baiting means the direct or indirect placing, exposing,
depositing, or scattering of any salt, grain, powder, liquid, or other
feed substance to attract game.
15. We do not open for spring squirrel season on the refuge.
16. We prohibit trapping.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions B1 through B6 and B8 through B14 apply.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
* * * * *
4. We allow fishing only with pole and line or rod and reel.
5. We prohibit possession of unauthorized fishing gear, including
trotlines, limblines, juglines, yo-yos, nets, spears, and snag hooks
while fishing on the refuge.
6. We allow use of a bow and arrow or a gig to take nongame fish on
refuge waters.
7. We prohibit use or possession of alcoholic beverages while
fishing on refuge lands and waters (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. The refuge is a day-use area only. We close the refuge from
legal sunset to legal sunrise, with the exception of legal hunting/
fishing activities.
2. We prohibit the use of all motorized off-road vehicles (e.g.,
ATVs, UTVs) on the refuge (see Sec. 27.31(f) of this chapter).
* * * * *
4. You must possess and carry a signed refuge permit (signed refuge
brochure) and comply with all permit provisions and other applicable
State and Federal law.
5. We allow hunting for duck, goose, coot, and merganser from \1/2\
hour before legal sunrise to 12 p.m. (noon) CST. We allow hunters to
access the refuge no earlier than 2 hours before legal sunrise.
6. Mourning dove, woodcock, and snipe seasons close during all
firearms, youth, and muzzleloader deer seasons.
7. You may use only portable blinds, and you must remove all boats,
blinds, and decoys (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge by
1 p.m. CST daily.
* * * * *
9. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting with a
shotgun (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
* * * * *
11. We prohibit cutting of holes, lanes, or other manipulation of
vegetation (e.g., cutting bushes and trees, mowing, herbicide use, and
other actions) or hunting from manipulated areas (see Sec. 27.51 of
this chapter).
12. We prohibit use or possession of alcoholic beverages while
hunting on refuge lands (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
13. We prohibit hunting over or the placement of bait (see Sec.
32.2(h)). Baiting means the direct or indirect placing, exposing,
depositing, or scattering of any salt, grain, powder, liquid, or other
feed substance to attract game.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A4 and A8 through A13 apply.
* * * * *
4. Squirrel, rabbit, and quail seasons close during all firearms,
youth, and muzzleloader deer seasons.
5. Raccoon and opossum seasons close Friday and Saturday nights
during all firearms, youth, and muzzleloader deer hunts and seasons,
including the Friday night prior to any hunt or season that opens on a
Saturday morning.
* * * * *
9. We prohibit trapping.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 through A4, A8, A10 through A13, and B6 through B8
apply.
* * * * *
[[Page 56062]]
4. Hunters may possess lead-rifled slugs while deer hunting on the
refuge (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
8. We prohibit use or possession of alcoholic beverages while
fishing on refuge lands and waters (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. The refuge is a day-use area only. We close the refuge from
legal sunset to legal sunrise, with the exception of legal hunting/
fishing activities.
2. We prohibit the use of all motorized off-road vehicles (e.g.,
ATVs, UTVs) on the refuge (see Sec. 27.31(f) of this chapter).
3. We set season dates and bag limits annually and publish them in
the refuge brochure available at the refuge office.
4. You must possess and carry a signed refuge permit (signed refuge
brochure) and comply with all permit provisions and other applicable
State and Federal law.
5. We allow hunters to access the refuge no earlier than 2 hours
before legal sunrise to no later than 2 hours after legal sunset, with
the exception of raccoon and opossum hunters. We will allow access to
those hunters from legal sunset to legal sunrise.
* * * * *
9. We prohibit use or possession of alcoholic beverages while
hunting on refuge lands (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
10. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting with
a shotgun (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
* * * * *
13. We prohibit cutting of holes, lanes, or other manipulation of
vegetation (e.g., cutting bushes and trees, mowing, herbicide use, and
other actions) or hunting from manipulated areas (see Sec. 27.51 of
this chapter).
14. We prohibit hunting over or the placement of bait (see Sec.
32.2(h)). Baiting means the direct or indirect placing, exposing,
depositing, or scattering of any salt, grain, powder, liquid, or other
feed substance to attract game.
15. We do not open for spring squirrel season on the refuge.
16. We prohibit trapping.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions B1 through B6 and B8 through B14 apply.
* * * * *
4. Hunters may possess lead-rifled slugs while deer hunting on the
refuge (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
5. We allow the use of only portable blinds and tree stands on the
refuge. You must remove blinds, tree stands, and all other personal
equipment (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge at the end
of each day's hunt.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
* * * * *
5. We allow fishing only with pole and line or rod and reel.
6. We prohibit possession of unauthorized fishing gear, including
trotlines, limblines, juglines, yo-yos, nets, spears, and snag hooks
while fishing on the refuge.
7. We allow use of a bow and arrow or a gig to take nongame fish on
refuge water.
8. We prohibit use or possession of alcoholic beverages while
fishing on refuge lands and waters (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
* * * * *
0
34. Amend Sec. 32.63 Texas by:
0
a. Revising paragraph C.1. and adding paragraph C.11. under Balcones
Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
b. Revising the entry under Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
c. Revising paragraphs C.6. and C.8. under Laguna Atascosa National
Wildlife Refuge.
These revisions and additions read as follows:
Sec. 32.63 Texas.
* * * * *
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1, A4, A5, and A8 through A11 apply.
* * * * *
11. Hunters must be at least age 12. A Texas-licensed adult (age 21
or older), who has successfully completed a Hunter Education Training
Course, must accompany hunters between ages 12 and 17 (inclusive). We
exempt those persons born prior to September 2, 1971, from the Hunter
Education Training Course requirement. We define accompanied as being
within normal voice contact of an adult. This adult may supervise no
more than two hunters.
* * * * *
Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of mourning dove
in the month of September on designated areas of the refuge in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge brochure (which
serves as your Migratory Game Bird/Upland Game permit). The permit is
available free of charge at the refuge headquarters.
2. We require the hunter to self check-in and check out.
3. We allow only shotguns for hunting.
4. You may possess shot for hunting no larger than 4 in
the hunting area.
5. Hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the
field (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
6. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of any Day Use Area
or walking trail.
7. We prohibit target practice or any nonhunting discharge of
firearms.
8. We prohibit falconry.
9. We allow retriever dogs, but the dogs must be under the control
of the handler at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
10. We prohibit airboats, hovercraft, and personal watercraft (jet
skis, wave runner, jet boats, etc.) year-round on refuge waters.
11. We prohibit building or hunting from permanent blinds.
12. We prohibit blocking of gates and roads (see Sec. 27.31(h) of
this chapter).
13. We prohibit ATVs.
14. We prohibit horses.
15. We prohibit glass containers.
16. We prohibit use or possession of alcoholic beverages while
hunting (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
17. We prohibit hunting over feeders or feed (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel and rabbit in
the months of February and September on designated areas of the refuge
in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions: Conditions A1 through A17 apply.
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. We require a limited hunt permit (Big/Upland Game Hunting
Application, FWS Form 3-2356) for archery deer, feral hog, and spring
turkey hunts. For additional information on how to apply, contact the
refuge headquarters at 903-786-2826.
2. Conditions A2, A5 through A7, and A11 through A17 apply.
3. We restrict hunt participants for quota hunts to those drawn for
and in possession of a limited hunt permit. The permits are
nontransferable. Hunt dates and application procedures will be
available annually at the refuge headquarters.
[[Page 56063]]
4. We allow limited hunts for feral hog (March), archery deer
(November, December), and spring turkey (April). We allow
muzzleloaders, bow and arrow, and shotguns for feral hog and spring
turkey hunts. You may possess and use only lead free, nontoxic (steel,
bismuth, copper, or tungsten) bullets, slugs, and shot (00 buck for
hogs, no shell larger than No. 4 shot size for turkey).
5. We require all hunters to check-in, show proof of personal
identification, and produce a valid limited hunt permit (see C1) prior
to the hunt.
6. We limit each hunter to one stand which the hunter may place on
the refuge during the day preceding each hunt. Hunters must remove all
stands by legal sunset on the last day of each hunt (see Sec. Sec.
27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
7. We prohibit the use of nonbiodegradable flagging, blazing,
tacks, nails, or other trail marking devices to locate stands or for
any other purpose.
8. Hunters must check all game harvested during limited hunts at
the refuge check station the same day of the kill and prior to leaving
the refuge for the day.
9. We prohibit crossbows except by special permit (General Special
Use Application and Permit FWS Form 3-1383-G) issued on a case-by-case
basis by the refuge manager to accommodate hunter accessibility needs.
10. We divide the refuge into six hunting units, and we may rotate
areas open to hunting annually. We allow hunting only on designated
days and only on areas identified annually by the refuge.
11. We require proof of completion of a bow hunter education course
for all archery hunting.
12. We require annual successful completion of an archery
proficiency test with a score of 80 percent or higher for all deer and
turkey hunt permit holders.
13. Hunting is from stands, blinds, or by stalking only.
14. We prohibit cutting of trees or limbs greater than 1 inch (2.5
cm).
15. We will close the hunt units to public entry the day prior to
each hunt segment.
16. We will allow hunters with valid limited permits to place hunt
stands on trees the day before their hunt segment begins, but they must
first check-in at the hunter check station. They may not enter any hunt
unit until 8 a.m., and they must leave the unit by 2 p.m. We will
disqualify anyone in violation from hunting.
17. There is no bag or size limit on the harvesting of feral hogs.
18. We prohibit scouting the day prior to and during each hunt
segment.
19. We require hunters to wear a safety harness while hunting in
elevated stands.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the
refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. Lake Texoma and connected streams are open to fishing year-
round. We require a valid State of Texas or Lake Texoma fishing license
as per State regulations.
2. Conditions A10, and A12 through A15 apply.
3. You may bank and wade fish with pole and line, rod and reel, or
hand line year-round in all areas open to public fishing.
4. We allow fishing in refuge ponds March 15 through September 30
annually. We require a valid State of Texas or Lake Texoma fishing
license as per State regulations.
5. Anglers may not use any glass containers, plastic jugs, or
plastic bottles as floats.
6. We prohibit discarding any type of fishing line.
7. You may take bait only for personal use while fishing in refuge
waters in accordance with Texas State law. We prohibit removal of bait
from the refuge for commercial sales or use.
8. We prohibit fishing from bridges.
9. We allow the use of bow and arrow to take nongame fish on refuge
waters.
10. We prohibit limb lines, throw lines, jug lines, seine nets, and
yo-yos.
11. We prohibit taking frog, turtle, and mussel from refuge lands
and waters (see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter).
12. We prohibit entry into refuge impoundments and ponds by any
means (i.e., foot, boat, other floating device), for any purpose, year-
round.
13. We prohibit boats and all other floating devices on all open
waters of Lake Texoma, except Big Mineral Creek from October 1 through
March 14 annually.
14. At the point where Big Mineral Creek joins Lake Texoma, Big
Mineral Creek becomes a year-round no-wake zone to the end of upstream
navigable waters.
15. From October 1 through March 14, we allow only nonmotorized
boats in Big Mineral Creek from the point where it joins Lake Texoma to
the upstream end of navigable waters. This includes any type of gas or
electric motor that is onboard and capable of use. We allow launching
only from L Pad Road or by hand at the Big Mineral Day Use Area.
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
6. We define youth hunters as ages 9 through 16. A Texas-licensed
adult hunter, age 21 or older who has successfully completed a Hunter
Education Training Course or is exempt, must accompany the youth
hunter. We exempt those persons born prior to September 2, 1971, from
the Hunter Education Training course requirement. We define accompanied
as being within normal voice contact of the adult. Each adult hunter
may supervise only one youth hunter.
* * * * *
8. We allow a scouting period prior to the commencement of the
refuge deer hunting season. A permitted hunter and a limit of two
nonpermitted individuals may enter the hunt units during the scouting
period. We allow access to the units during the scouting period from
1[frac12] hours before legal sunrise to legal sunset. You must clearly
display the refuge-issued Hunter Vehicle Validation Tag/Scouting Permit
(available from the refuge office) face up on the vehicle dashboard
when hunting and scouting.
* * * * *
0
35. Amend Sec. 32.64 Utah by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs A. and B., and adding paragraphs D.2. through
D.4. under Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge; and
0
b. Revising paragraph B.3., adding paragraph B.4., revising paragraphs
C.3., C.4., C.6., and C.7., and adding paragraphs C.8. and C.9. under
Ouray National Wildlife Refuge.
These additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 32.64 Utah.
* * * * *
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck,
coot, and tundra swan on designated areas of the refuge in accordance
with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit hunting or shooting within 100 yards (90 m) of
refuge roads, parking areas, and observation platforms.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field
(see Sec. 32.2(k)).
3. We allow only portable blinds and blinds made from natural
vegetation. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds
and/or pits for blinds (see Sec. 27.92 of this chapter).
4. You must remove boats, decoys, portable blinds, and other
personal property from the refuge at the end of
[[Page 56064]]
each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
5. We allow airboats only in Refuge Unit 9 and Block C.
6. You may possess only 10 shells while hunting on or within 50
feet (15 m) from the center of Unit 1A or 2C dike.
7. We prohibit hunters or dogs to enter closed areas to retrieve
downed birds.
8. We prohibit the consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages
while hunting (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
9. We are closed for spring and extended season goose hunts.
10. You must possess a valid State permit to hunt swans on the
refuge.
11. We prohibit all commercial guiding and outfitter activities on
the refuge.
12. We prohibit entering the refuge hunting units prior to the
opening day of waterfowl season.
13. We prohibit archery hunting on the refuge.
14. You may enter the refuge 2 hours before legal sunrise and must
exit the refuge by 2 hours after legal sunset.
15. You may park only in designated areas.
16. We allow only legally licensed vehicles on the refuge. We
prohibit use of unlicensed off-highway vehicles and all-terrain
vehicles on the refuge.
17. We prohibit fires, camping, and overnight RV parking on the
refuge.
18. You may discharge firearms only during legal hunting
activities. We prohibit target shooting.
19. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on
national wildlife refuges must comply with all provisions of State and
local law. Persons may only use (discharge) hunting firearms in
accordance with refuge regulations (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter and
part 32).
20. You must abide by all terms and conditions in the refuge
hunting brochure.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasants on designated
areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the
following conditions:
1. We prohibit hunting or taking of pheasants with a shotgun of any
description capable of holding more than three shells, unless it is
plugged with a one-piece filler incapable of removal without
disassembling the gun, so its total capacity does not exceed three
shells.
2. Condition A2 applies.
* * * * *
D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
2. You may fish only in designated areas west of the Auto Tour Road
access gate from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
3. We prohibit fishing from refuge bridges and water control
structures.
4. You must remove all fishing equipment, personal property, and
trash from the refuge at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and
27.94 of this chapter).
* * * * *
Ouray National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field
(see Sec. 32.2(k)).
4. We allow turkey hunting for youth hunters only during the youth-
only and general turkey seasons. We are closed for all limited-entry
turkey hunts.
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. You may use portable tree stands and hunting blinds that do not
require drilling or nailing into a tree (see Sec. 32.2(i)). You must
remove all tree stands and blinds no later than the last day of the
hunting season for which you have a permit (see Sec. 27.93 of this
chapter).
4. We allow any-legal-weapon elk hunting for youth, disabled, and
depredation pool hunters only prior to October 1. We allow additional
youth, disabled, and depredation-pool elk hunts after October 1
according to refuge and State regulations.
* * * * *
6. We are closed for the general season any-legal-weapon (rifle)
and muzzleloader bull elk hunts.
7. We allow any-legal-weapon elk hunting during limited late season
antlerless elk hunts starting on December 1.
8. We prohibit the use of bait or hunting over bait (see Sec.
32.2(i)).
9. We prohibit the use of trail or game cameras.
* * * * *
0
36. Amend Sec. 32.66 Virginia by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs C.1. through C.4., C.8. through C.10., and
C.15., and adding paragraphs C.18. and C.19. under James River National
Wildlife Refuge;
0
b. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A., and revising
paragraphs A.1. and A.2. under Plum Tree Island National Wildlife
Refuge;
0
c. Revising paragraphs C.1. through C.8. and C.12., and adding
paragraph C.16. of Presquile National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
d. Revising paragraphs C.1. through C.3., C.11., and C.15., and adding
paragraph C.16. of Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge;
These additions and revisions read as follows:
Sec. 32.66 Virginia.
* * * * *
James River National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. We require hunters to possess and carry a refuge hunting permit
(contains date selected to hunt and permit number), along with their
State hunting license while on refuge property. We require hunters to
display a vehicle permit (contains date selected to hunt and permit
number) provided by the refuge on the dashboard of their vehicle while
on the refuge so that the permit is visible through the windshield.
2. We require firearm hunters to complete and sign a Quota Deer
Hunt Application (FWS Form 3-2354) and provide the application and hunt
fee to the hunt administrator at the Refuge Hunter Check Station on the
morning of each hunt on a first-come-first-served basis. The hunt
administrator will then provide the applicant a one-day refuge hunting
permit.
3. We require persons who wish to hunt during the refuge's archery
season to obtain a refuge hunting permit through a lottery administered
by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. We notify
successful applicants by mail or email, and if we receive the hunting
fee by the date identified in the mailing, we mail refuge hunting
permits to successful applicants.
4. We allow archery, muzzleloader, and shotgun hunting on
designated days as indicated on refuge hunting permits.
* * * * *
8. We require hunters during archery-only seasons to wear, in a
visible manner, a minimum of 100 square inches (645 cm\2\) of solid-
colored-hunter-orange clothing or material while moving to and from
their stand and/or hunting location.
9. We require hunters during firearms and muzzleloader seasons to
wear in a conspicuous manner on head, chest, and back a minimum of 400
square inches (2,600 cm\2\) of solid-colored- hunter-orange clothing or
material.
10. We require that hunters during firearms and muzzleloader
seasons remain within 100 feet (30 m) of their assigned stand while
hunting.
* * * * *
15. An adult age 21 or older, possessing and carrying a valid
hunting license and refuge hunting permit, must accompany and directly
control youth
[[Page 56065]]
hunters ages 12 to 17. We prohibit persons under age 12 to hunt on the
refuge.
* * * * *
18. We require hunters to unload hunting bows, crossbows,
muzzleloaders, and shotguns while in or around vehicles or on refuge
roads (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter). We define unloaded as: arrows
or bolts removed from bow or crossbow, primer removed from muzzleloader
or shotgun shell removed from chamber of shotgun.
19. We require hunters during archery-only seasons to sign in and
out at the Hunter Sign-In/Sign-Out stations, and record deer harvest
information on the Big Game Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2359).
* * * * *
Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory
waterfowl, gallinule, and coot on designated areas of the refuge in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require hunters to possess and carry a refuge hunting permit
(see condition A2 below) along with their State hunting license and
stamps, while hunting migratory game birds on the refuge. We open the
Cow Island unit of the refuge only to migratory game bird hunting. We
close all other areas of the refuge to all public entry.
2. We require migratory game bird hunters to obtain a permit
through a lottery administered by the Virginia Department of Game and
Inland Fisheries. We mail permits to successful applicants.
* * * * *
Presquile National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. We require big game hunters to obtain a permit through a lottery
administered by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
We require a fee to obtain a refuge hunting permit. We will notify
successful applicants by mail or email, and if we receive the hunting
fee by the date identified in the mailing, we will mail refuge hunting
permits to successful applicants.
2. We require hunters to possess a refuge hunting permit (contains
date selected to hunt and permit number), along with their State
hunting license, while on refuge property.
3. We require stand hunting only. Stand hunting means the use of
portable hunting blinds, portable tree stands, or stationary ground
hunting. We prohibit the use of nails, screws, bolts, or screw-in
steps. We prohibit damage to trees (see Sec. 32.2(i)). Hunters must
remove stands and blinds daily (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
4. We prohibit the use of ``man drives,'' defined as individual or
group efforts intended to ``push'' or ``jump'' deer for the purposes of
hunting.
5. We allow shotgun hunting on designated days as indicated on
refuge hunting permits, in the State hunting guide, and on the refuge
Web site, http://www.fws.gov/northeast/presquile/.
6. We allow the take of two deer of either sex per day.
7. We prohibit dogs.
8. We prohibit the discharge of a weapon within 300 feet (90 m) of
any building.
* * * * *
12. An adult age 21 or older, possessing and carrying a valid
hunting license and refuge hunting permit, must accompany and directly
control youth hunters ages 12 to 17. We prohibit persons younger than
age 12 to hunt on the refuge.
* * * * *
16. We require hunters to unload hunting bows, crossbows,
muzzleloaders, and shotguns while in or around vehicles or on refuge
roads (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter). We define unloaded as: arrows
or bolts removed from bow or crossbow, primer removed from
muzzleloader, or shotgun shell removed from chamber of shotgun.
* * * * *
Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. We require big game hunters to obtain a permit through a lottery
administered by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
We require a fee to obtain a refuge hunting permit (signed and dated
sheet). We will notify successful applicants by mail or email, and if
we receive the hunting fee by the date identified in the mailing, we
will mail refuge hunting permits to successful applicants. We offer
walk-in registration to fill hunting slots not filled during the
lottery process.
2. We require hunters to possess a refuge hunting permit (contains
date selected to hunt and permit number), along with their State
hunting license, while on refuge property. We require hunters to
display a vehicle permit (contains date selected to hunt and permit
number) provided by the refuge on the dashboard of their vehicle while
on the refuge so that the permit is visible through the windshield.
3. We require stand hunting only. Stand hunting means the use of
portable hunting blinds, portable tree stands, or stationary ground
hunting. We prohibit the use of nails, screws, bolts, or screw-in
steps. We prohibit damage to trees (see Sec. 32.2(i)). Hunters must
remove stands and blinds daily (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter). We
prohibit deer drives, still hunting, and roaming.
* * * * *
11. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on the
refuge must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons
may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations
(see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter).
* * * * *
15. We prohibit the discharge of hunting firearms or archery
equipment within 300 feet (90 m) of any building. We prohibit the
discharge of hunting firearms or archery equipment in or across a
refuge road as marked on the refuge hunt maps.
16. We require hunters to unload hunting bows, crossbows,
muzzleloaders, and shotguns while in or around vehicles or on refuge
roads (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter). We define unloaded as: arrows
or bolts removed from bow or crossbow, primer removed from
muzzleloader, or shotgun shell removed from chamber of shotgun.
* * * * *
37. Amend Sec. 32.67 Washington by:
0
a. Revising paragraph A.1., removing paragraph A.6., and revising
paragraph C.3. under Columbia National Wildlife Refuge; and
0
b. Revising the entry for Hanford Reach National Monument/Saddle
Mountain National Wildlife Refuge.
The revisions read as follows:
Sec. 32.67 Washington.
* * * * *
Columbia National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
1. We prohibit overnight parking and/or camping.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
3. We allow hunting with shotgun, muzzleloader, and archery only.
* * * * *
[[Page 56066]]
Hanford Reach National Monument/Saddle Mountain National Wildlife
Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck,
coot, dove, and snipe on designated areas of the Monument/Refuge in
accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit overnight camping and/or parking.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot for hunting (see
Sec. 32.2(k)).
3. We prohibit discharge of any firearm within \1/4\ mile (396 m)
of any maintained building or Federal facility, such as, but not
limited to, a structure designed for storage, human occupancy, or
shelter for animals.
4. We allow only portable blinds and temporary blinds constructed
of nonliving natural materials. Hunters must remove all decoys and
other equipment (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each
day.
5. We allow only nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors
on the WB-10 Pond (Wahluke Lake) and with walk-in access only.
6. We close all islands within the Columbia River to all access.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, quail, grey
partridge, and chukar partridge on designated areas of the Monument/
Refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions: Conditions A1, A2, A3, and A6 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer and elk on designated
areas of the Monument/Refuge in accordance with State regulations
subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow sport hunting of deer and elk on designated areas of
the Monument/Refuge.
i. Conditions A1, A2, A3, and A6 apply.
ii. We allow hunting with shotgun, muzzleloader, and archery only.
2. We allow population control hunting of elk on the Rattlesnake
Unit of the Monument/Refuge.
i. Condition A1 applies, and we also prohibit smoking.
ii. We require elk population control hunters to participate in a
Service-directed, hunt-specific training session each year prior to
hunting and receive a Service-provided permit (signed brochure) that
hunters must carry at all times.
iii. We allow hunting with modern firearms only.
iv. We allow authorized vehicles only on designated roads and only
in designated parking areas.
v. We prohibit the use of bicycles and carts.
vi. We allow hunting Monday through Friday only.
vii. All hunt assistants must be under the supervision of the
permitted hunter at all times.
viii. We allow foot access only beyond designated roads and parking
areas.
ix. We prohibit retrieval of animals outside the hunt area without
prior Service approval.
x. All hunt assistants must check-in and out and be under the
supervision of the permitted hunter at all times.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on the Wahluke and Ringold Units
in accordance with State regulations subject to the following
conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A5, and A6 apply.
2. We allow access from legal sunrise to legal sunset, except that
we allow access to the Wahluke Unit's White Bluffs boat launch from 2
hours before legal sunrise until 2 hours after legal sunset for launch
and recovery activities only.
* * * * *
0
38. Amend Sec. 32.68 West Virginia by revising paragraph A.2., adding
paragraph A.9., revising paragraph B.1., removing paragraph B.2.,
redesignating paragraphs B.3. through B.6. as paragraphs B.2. through
B.5., revising paragraph C.1., and removing paragraph C.12. under
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
This addition and these revisions read as follows:
Sec. 32.68 West Virginia.
* * * * *
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
2. We allow hunting on refuge lands with the following exceptions:
the area surrounding the refuge headquarters, safety zones, areas
marked as no hunting zones, areas marked as closed to all public entry,
and areas within 500 feet (150 m) of any dwelling in accordance with
State regulations.
* * * * *
9. We close the Research Natural Area except for deer hunting,
which we allow for management purposes.
B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 (Upland/Small Game/Furbearer Report, FWS Form 3-
2362), A2, A4, A6, A7, and A9 apply.
* * * * *
C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
1. Conditions A1 (Big Game Harvest Report, FWS Form 3-2359), A2,
A4, A6, A7, A9, and B3 apply.
* * * * *
Dated: August 30, 2012.
Rachel Jacobson,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 2012-22099 Filed 9-10-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P