[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 184 (Monday, September 23, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58233-58240]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-22872]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 20
[Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2013-0057; FF09M21200-134-FXMB1231099BPP0]
RIN 1018-AY87
Migratory Bird Hunting; Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on
Certain Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands for the 2013-14
Late Season
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This rule prescribes special late-season migratory bird
hunting regulations for certain tribes on Federal Indian reservations,
off-reservation trust lands, and ceded lands. This rule responds to
tribal requests for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service
or we) recognition of their authority to regulate hunting under
established guidelines. This rule allows the establishment of season
bag limits and, thus, harvest at levels compatible with populations and
habitat conditions.
DATES: This rule takes effect on September 21, 2013.
ADDRESSES: You may inspect comments received on the proposed special
hunting regulations and tribal proposals during normal business hours
in room 4107, Arlington Square Building, 4501 N. Fairfax Drive,
Arlington, VA, or at http://www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron W. Kokel, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Department of the Interior, MS MBSP-4107-ARLSQ, 1849 C Street
NW., Washington, DC 20240; (703) 358-1714.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of July 3, 1918 (40 Stat. 755; 16
U.S.C. 703 et seq.), authorizes and directs the Secretary of the
Department of the Interior, having due regard for the zones of
temperature and for the distribution, abundance, economic value,
breeding habits, and times and lines of flight of migratory game birds,
to determine when, to what extent, and by what means such birds or any
part, nest, or egg thereof may be taken, hunted,
[[Page 58234]]
captured, killed, possessed, sold, purchased, shipped, carried,
exported, or transported.
In the August 2, 2013, Federal Register (78 FR 47136), we proposed
special migratory bird hunting regulations for the 2013-14 hunting
season for certain Indian tribes, under the guidelines described in the
June 4, 1985, Federal Register (50 FR 23467). The guidelines respond to
tribal requests for Service recognition of their reserved hunting
rights, and for some tribes, recognition of their authority to regulate
hunting by both tribal members and nonmembers on their reservations.
The guidelines include possibilities for:
(1) On-reservation hunting by both tribal members and nonmembers,
with hunting by nontribal members on some reservations to take place
within Federal frameworks but on dates different from those selected by
the surrounding State(s);
(2) On-reservation hunting by tribal members only, outside of usual
Federal frameworks for season dates and length, and for daily bag and
possession limits; and
(3) Off-reservation hunting by tribal members on ceded lands,
outside of usual framework dates and season length, with some added
flexibility in daily bag and possession limits.
In all cases, the regulations established under the guidelines must
be consistent with the March 10-September 1 closed season mandated by
the 1916 Migratory Bird Treaty with Canada.
In the April 9, 2013, Federal Register (78 FR 21200), we requested
that tribes desiring special hunting regulations in the 2013-14 hunting
season submit a proposal including details on:
(1) Harvest anticipated under the requested regulations;
(2) Methods that would be employed to measure or monitor harvest
(such as bag checks, mail questionnaires, etc.);
(3) Steps that would be taken to limit level of harvest, where it
could be shown that failure to limit such harvest would adversely
impact the migratory bird resource; and
(4) Tribal capabilities to establish and enforce migratory bird
hunting regulations.
No action is required if a tribe wishes to observe the hunting
regulations established by the State(s) in which an Indian reservation
is located. We have successfully used the guidelines since the 1985-86
hunting season. We finalized the guidelines beginning with the 1988-89
hunting season (August 18, 1988, Federal Register [53 FR 31612]).
Although the August 2 proposed rule included generalized
regulations for both early- and late-season hunting, this rulemaking
addresses only the late-season proposals. Early-season proposals were
addressed in a final rule published in the August 28, 2013, Federal
Register (78 FR 53218). As a general rule, early seasons begin during
September each year and have a primary emphasis on such species as
mourning and white-winged dove. Late seasons begin about September 24
or later each year and have a primary emphasis on waterfowl. All the
regulations contained in this final rule were either submitted by the
tribes or approved by the tribes and follow our proposals in the August
2 proposed rule.
Status of Populations
Information on the status of waterfowl and information on the
status and harvest of migratory shore and upland game birds, including
detailed information on methodologies and results, is available at the
address indicated under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT or from our Web
site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewsPublicationsReports.html.
Comments and Issues Concerning Tribal Proposals
For the 2013-14 migratory bird hunting season, we proposed
regulations for 30 tribes or Indian groups that followed the 1985
guidelines and were considered appropriate for final rulemaking. Some
of the proposals submitted by the tribes had both early- and late-
season elements.
However, as noted earlier, only those with late-season proposals
are included in this final rulemaking; 13 tribes have proposals with
late seasons. We also noted in the August 2 proposed rule (78 FR 47136)
that we were proposing seasons for three Tribes who have submitted
proposals in past years but from whom we had not yet received proposals
this year. We did not receive proposals from the three Tribes and,
therefore, have not included them in this final rule.
The comment period for the August 2 proposed rule closed on August
12, 2013. We received two comments on our August 2, 2013, proposed
rule, which announced proposed seasons for migratory bird hunting by
American Indian Tribes, which we responded to in our August 28, 2013,
final rule.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
The programmatic document, ``Second Final Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual Regulations
Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (EIS 20130139),'' filed
with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on May 24, 2013,
addresses NEPA compliance by the Service for issuance of the annual
framework regulations for hunting of migratory game bird species. We
published a notice of availability in the Federal Register on May 31,
2013 (78 FR 32686), and our Record of Decision on July 26, 2013 (78 FR
45376). We also address NEPA compliance for waterfowl hunting
frameworks through the annual preparation of separate environmental
assessments, the most recent being ``Duck Hunting Regulations for 2013-
14,'' with its corresponding August 19, 2013, finding of no significant
impact. In addition, an August 1985 environmental assessment entitled
``Guidelines for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Federal Indian
Reservations and Ceded Lands'' is available from the address indicated
under the caption FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
Endangered Species Act Consideration
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), provides that, ``The Secretary shall review other
programs administered by him and utilize such programs in furtherance
of the purposes of this Act'' (and) shall ``insure that any action
authorized, funded, or carried out . . . is not likely to jeopardize
the continued existence of any endangered species or threatened species
or result in the destruction or adverse modification of [critical]
habitat. . . .'' Consequently, we conducted formal consultations to
ensure that actions resulting from these regulations would not likely
jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species
or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical
habitat. Findings from these consultations are included in a biological
opinion, which concluded that the regulations are not likely to
jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened
species. Additionally, these findings may have caused modification of
some regulatory measures previously proposed, and the final frameworks
reflect any such modifications. Our biological opinions resulting from
this section 7 consultation are public documents available for public
inspection at the address indicated under ADDRESSES.
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
[[Page 58235]]
rules. OIRA has reviewed this rule and has determined that this rule is
significant because it would have an annual effect of $100 million or
more on the economy.
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 these approaches are relevant, feasible, and
consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further
that regulations must be based 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.
An economic analysis was prepared for the 2013-14 season. This
analysis was based on data from the 2011 National Hunting and Fishing
Survey, the most recent year for which data are available (see
discussion in Regulatory Flexibility Act section below). This analysis
estimated consumer surplus for three alternatives for duck hunting
(estimates for other species are not quantified due to lack of data).
The alternatives are (1) issue restrictive regulations allowing fewer
days than those issued during the 2012-13 season, (2) issue moderate
regulations allowing more days than those in alternative 1, and (3)
issue liberal regulations identical to the regulations in the 2012-13
season. For the 2013-14 season, we chose Alternative 3, with an
estimated consumer surplus across all flyways of $317.8-$416.8 million.
We also chose alternative 3 for the 2009-10, the 2010-11, the 2011-12,
and the 2012-13 seasons. The 2013-14 analysis is part of the record for
this rule and is available at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No.
FWS-HQ-MB-2013-0057.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The annual migratory bird hunting regulations have a significant
economic impact on substantial numbers of small entities under the
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). We analyzed the
economic impacts of the annual hunting regulations on small business
entities in detail as part of the 1981 cost-benefit analysis. This
analysis was revised annually from 1990-95. In 1995, the Service issued
a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis), which was subsequently
updated in 1996, 1998, 2004, 2008, and 2013. The primary source of
information about hunter expenditures for migratory game bird hunting
is the National Hunting and Fishing Survey, which is conducted at 5-
year intervals. The 2013 Analysis was based on the 2011 National
Hunting and Fishing Survey and the U.S. Department of Commerce's County
Business Patterns, from which it was estimated that migratory bird
hunters would spend approximately $1.5 billion at small businesses in
2013. Copies of the Analysis are available upon request from the
Division of Migratory Bird Management (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT) or from our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewReportsPublications/SpecialTopics/SpecialTopics.html#HuntingRegs or
at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2013-0057.
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
This rule is a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. For the reasons outlined above,
this rule will have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or
more. However, because this rule establishes hunting seasons, we are
not deferring the effective date under the exemption contained in 5
U.S.C. 808(1).
Paperwork Reduction Act
This final rule does not contain any new information collection
that requires approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not
required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number. OMB has reviewed and approved the
information collection requirements associated with migratory bird
surveys and assigned the following OMB control numbers:
1018-0010--Mourning Dove Call Count Survey (expires 4/30/
2015).
1018-0019--North American Woodcock Singing Ground Survey
(expire 4/30/2015).
1018-0023--Migratory Bird Surveys (expires 4/30/2014).
Includes Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program, Migratory Bird
Hunter Surveys, Sandhill Crane Survey, and Parts Collection Survey.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
We have determined and certify, in compliance with the requirements
of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this
rulemaking will not impose a cost of $100 million or more in any given
year on local or State government or private entities. Therefore, this
rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act.
Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 12988
The Department, in promulgating this rule, has determined that this
rule will not unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the
requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988.
Takings Implication Assessment
In accordance with Executive Order 12630, this rule, authorized by
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703-711), does not have
significant takings implications and does not affect any
constitutionally protected property rights. This rule will not result
in the physical occupancy of property, the physical invasion of
property, or the regulatory taking of any property. In fact, this rule
allows hunters to exercise otherwise unavailable privileges and,
therefore, reduce restrictions on the use of private and public
property.
Energy Effects--Executive Order 13211
Executive Order 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of
Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. While this rule is a
significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866, it is not
expected to adversely affect energy supplies, distribution, or use.
Therefore, this action is not a significant energy action and no
Statement of Energy Effects is required.
Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes
In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994,
``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal
Governments'' (59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175, and 512 DM 2, we
have evaluated possible effects on Federally-recognized Indian tribes
and have determined that there are no effects on Indian trust
resources. However, in the April 9 Federal Register, we solicited
proposals for special migratory bird hunting regulations for certain
Tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and
ceded lands for the 2013-14 migratory bird hunting season. The
resulting proposals were contained in a separate August 2, 2013,
proposed rule (78 FR 47136). By virtue of these actions, we have
consulted with Tribes affected by this rule.
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Federalism Effects
Due to the migratory nature of certain species of birds, the
Federal Government has been given responsibility over these species by
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually prescribe frameworks from
which the States make selections regarding the hunting of migratory
birds, and we employ guidelines to establish special regulations on
Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. This process preserves the
ability of the States and tribes to determine which seasons meet their
individual needs. Any State or Indian tribe may be more restrictive
than the Federal frameworks at any time. The frameworks are developed
in a cooperative process with the States and the Flyway Councils. This
process allows States to participate in the development of frameworks
from which they will make selections, thereby having an influence on
their own regulations. These rules do not have a substantial direct
effect on fiscal capacity, change the roles or responsibilities of
Federal or State governments, or intrude on State policy or
administration. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 13132,
these regulations do not have significant federalism effects and do not
have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a
federalism summary impact statement.
Regulations Promulgation
The rulemaking process for migratory game bird hunting must, by its
nature, operate under severe time constraints. However, we intend that
the public be given the greatest possible opportunity to comment. Thus,
when the preliminary proposed rulemaking was published, we established
what we believed were the longest periods possible for public comment.
In doing this, we recognized that when the comment period closed, time
would be of the essence. That is, if there were a delay in the
effective date of these regulations after this final rulemaking, States
and Tribes would have insufficient time to select season dates and
limits; to communicate those selections to us; and to establish and
publicize the necessary regulations and procedures to implement their
decisions. We therefore find that ``good cause'' exists, within the
terms of 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) of the Administrative Procedure Act, and
these seasons will, therefore, take effect less than 30 days after the
date of publication.
Accordingly, with each participating Tribe having had an
opportunity to participate in selecting the hunting seasons desired for
its reservation or ceded territory on those species of migratory birds
for which open seasons are now prescribed, and consideration having
been given to all other relevant matters presented, certain sections of
title 50, chapter I, subchapter B, part 20, subpart K, are hereby
amended as set forth below.
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20
Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Transportation, Wildlife.
Regulations Promulgation
Accordingly, part 20, subchapter B, chapter I of title 50 of the
Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:
PART 20--[AMENDED]
0
1. The authority citation for part 20 continues to read as follows:
Authority: Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 40 Stat. 755, 16 U.S.C.
703-712; Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, 16 U.S.C. 742a-j; Pub. L.
106-108, 113 Stat. 1491, Note Following 16 U.S.C. 703.
Note: The following hunting regulations provided for by 50 CFR
20.110 will not appear in the Code of Federal Regulations because of
their seasonal nature.
0
2. Amend Sec. 20.110 by revising paragraphs (a), (b), (f), (g), (l),
(o), (p), (s), (w), (x), (z), (aa), and (cc) to read as set forth.
(Current Sec. 20.110 was published at 78 FR 53218, August 28, 2013.)
Sec. 20.110 Seasons, limits, and other regulations for certain
Federal Indian reservations, Indian Territory, and ceded lands
(a) Colorado River Indian Tribes, Colorado River Indian Reservation,
Parker, Arizona (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters)
Doves
Season Dates: Open September 1 through 15, 2013; then open November
9 through December 23, 2013.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: For the early season, daily bag
limit is 10 mourning or white-winged doves, singly, or in the
aggregate. For the late season, the daily bag limit is 10 mourning
doves. Possession limits are twice the daily bag limits after the first
day of the season.
Ducks (Including Mergansers)
Season Dates: Open October 12, 2013, through January 26, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including two hen
mallards, two redheads, two Mexican ducks, two goldeneye, two cinnamon
teal, three scaup, one canvasback, and one pintail. The possession
limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Coots and Common Moorhens
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 coots and common moorhens,
singly or in the aggregate. The possession limit is twice the daily bag
limit.
Geese
Season Dates: Open October 13, 2013, through January 20, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Three geese, including no more
than three dark (Canada) geese and three white (snow, blue, Ross's)
geese. The possession limit is six dark geese and six white geese.
General Conditions: All persons 14 years and older must be in
possession of a valid Colorado River Indian Reservation hunting permit
before taking any wildlife on tribal lands. Any person transporting
game birds off the Colorado River Indian Reservation must have a valid
transport declaration form. Other tribal regulations apply, and may be
obtained at the Fish and Game Office in Parker, Arizona. The early
season will be open from one-half hour before sunrise until noon. For
the late season, shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise
to sunset.
(b) Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Flathead Indian
Reservation, Pablo, Montana (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters)
Tribal Members Only
Ducks (Including Mergansers)
Season Dates: Open September 2, 2013, through March 9, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: The Tribe does not have specific
bag and possession restrictions for Tribal members. The season on
harlequin duck is closed.
Coots
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Same as ducks.
Geese
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Same as ducks.
Nontribal Hunters
Ducks (Including Mergansers)
Season Dates: Open September 28, 2013, through January 5, 2014, and
January 10, 2014 through January 14, 2014.
[[Page 58237]]
Scaup
Season Dates: September 28, 2013, through December 22, 2013.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more
than two hen mallards, two pintail, three scaup (when open), two
canvasback, and two redheads. The possession limit is twice the daily
bag limit.
Coots
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: The daily bag and possession limit
is 25.
Geese
Dark Geese
Season Dates: Open September 28, 2013, through January 5, 2014, and
January 10, 2014 through January 14, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Four and eight geese,
respectively.
Light Geese
Season Dates: Open September 28, 2013, through January 5, 2014, and
January 10, 2014 through January 14, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 20 and 40 geese, respectively.
Youth Waterfowl Hunt
Season Dates: September 21-22, 2013.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Same as ducks.
General Conditions: Tribal and nontribal hunters must comply with
all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations contained in 50
CFR part 20 regarding manner of taking. In addition, shooting hours are
sunrise to sunset, and each waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or older
must carry on his/her person a valid Migratory Bird Hunting and
Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) signed in ink across the stamp face.
Special regulations established by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai
Tribes also apply on the reservation.
* * * * *
(f) Jicarilla Apache Tribe, Jicarilla Indian Reservation, Dulce, New
Mexico (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters)
Ducks (Including Mergansers)
Season Dates: Open October 12 through November 30, 2013.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: The daily bag limit is seven,
including no more than two hen mallards, two pintail, two redheads, two
canvasback, and three scaup. The possession limit is twice the daily
bag limit.
Canada Geese
Season Dates: Open October 12 through November 30, 2013.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and four, respectively.
General Conditions: Tribal and nontribal hunters must comply with
all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20
regarding shooting hours and manner of taking. In addition, each
waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or older must carry on his/her person
a valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp)
signed in ink across the stamp face. Special regulations established by
the Jicarilla Tribe also apply on the reservation.
(g) Kalispel Tribe, Kalispel Reservation, Usk, Washington (Tribal
Members and Nontribal Hunters)
Nontribal Hunters on Reservation
Ducks
Duck Season Dates: Open September 21, through September 23, 2013,
and open September 28 through September 30, 2013, and open October 1,
2013, through January 31, 2014. During this period, days to be hunted
are specified by the Kalispel Tribe as weekends, holidays, and for a
continuous period in the months of October and November, not to exceed
107 days total. Nontribal hunters should contact the Tribe for more
detail on hunting days.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more
than two female mallards, two pintail, two canvasback, three scaup
(when open), and two redheads. The possession limit is twice the daily
bag limit.
Geese
Season Dates: Open September 7 through September 15, 2013, for the
early-season, and open October 1, 2013, through January 31, 2014, for
the late-season. During this period, days to be hunted are specified by
the Kalispel Tribe. Nontribal hunters should contact the Tribe for more
detail on hunting days.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 5 Canada geese for the early
season, and 6 light geese and 4 dark geese, for the late season. The
daily bag limit is 2 brant (when the State's season is open) and is in
addition to dark goose limits for the late season. The possession limit
is twice the daily bag limit.
Tribal Hunters Within Kalispel Ceded Lands
Ducks
Season Dates: Open October 1, 2013, through January 31, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 7 ducks, including no more than 2
female mallards, 2 pintail, 2 canvasback, 3 scaup, and 2 redheads. The
possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Geese
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2013, through January 31, 2014.
Daily Bag Limit: 6 light geese and 4 dark geese. The daily bag
limit is 2 brant and is in addition to dark goose limits.
General Conditions: Tribal members must possess a validated
Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp and a tribal ceded lands
permit.
* * * * *
(l) Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Lower Brule Reservation, Lower Brule,
South Dakota (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters)
Tribal Hunters
Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2013, through March 10, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Six ducks, including no more five
mallards (only two of which may be hens), four scaup, one mottled duck,
two redheads, three wood ducks, one canvasback, and two pintail. Coot
daily bag limit is 15. Merganser daily bag limit is five, including no
more than two hooded mergansers. The possession limit is twice the
daily bag limit.
Canada Geese
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2013, through March 10, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Three and six, respectively.
White-fronted Geese
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2013, through March 10, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and four, respectively.
Light Geese
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2013, through March 10, 2014.
Daily Bag Limit: 20.
Nontribal Hunters
Ducks (Including Mergansers and Coots)
Season Dates: Open October 12, 2013, through January 17, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Six ducks, including five mallards
(no more of which can be two hen mallard), three scaup, two canvasback,
two redheads, three wood ducks, and two pintail. Coot daily bag limit
is 15. Merganser daily bag limit is five, including no more than two
hooded mergansers. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Canada Geese
Season Dates: Open November 2, 2013, through February 16, 2014.
[[Page 58238]]
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 8 and 16, respectively.
White-fronted Geese
Season Dates: Open November 2, 2013, through January 29, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: One and two, respectively.
Light Geese
Season Dates: Open November 2, 2013, through January 12, 2014, and
open February 2 through March 10, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 50 and no possession limit.
General Conditions: All hunters must comply with the basic Federal
migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20, including the use
of steel shot. Nontribal hunters must possess a validated Migratory
Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp. The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe has an
official Conservation Code that hunters must adhere to when hunting in
areas subject to control by the Tribe.
* * * * *
(o) Navajo Nation, Navajo Indian Reservation, Window Rock, Arizona
(Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters)
Band-tailed Pigeons
Season Dates: Open September 1 through 30, 2013.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 5 and 10 pigeons, respectively.
Mourning Doves
Season Dates: Open September 1 through 30, 2013.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 20 doves, respectively.
Ducks (Including Mergansers and Coots)
Season Dates: Open September 21, 2013, through January 5, 2014.
Scaup
Season Dates: Open September 21, 2013, through December 15, 2013.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more
than two hen mallards, one mottled duck, two canvasback, three scaup
(when open), two redheads, and two pintail. Coot daily bag limit is 25.
Merganser daily bag limit is seven. The possession limit is twice the
daily bag limit.
Canada Geese
Season Dates: Open September 21, 2013, through January 5, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Four and eight, respectively.
General Conditions: Tribal and nontribal hunters will comply with
all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20,
regarding shooting hours and manner of taking. In addition, each
waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or over must carry on his/her person a
valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) signed
in ink across the face. Special regulations established by the Navajo
Nation also apply on the reservation.
(p) Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin, Oneida, Wisconsin (Tribal
Members Only)
Ducks (Including Mergansers)
Season Dates: Open September 14 through November 22, 2013.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Six, including no more than six
mallards (three hen mallards), six wood ducks, one redhead, two
pintail, and one hooded merganser. The possession limit is twice the
daily bag limit.
Geese
Season Dates: Open September 14 through November 22, 2013.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 5 and 10 Canada geese,
respectively, from September 1 through 13, 2013; and 3 and 6 Canada
geese, respectively, the remainder of the season. Hunters will be
issued five tribal tags during the early season and three tribal tags
during the late season for geese in order to monitor goose harvest. An
additional three tags will be issued each time birds are registered. A
seasonal quota of 300 birds is adopted. If the quota is reached before
the season concludes, the season will be closed at that time.
Woodcock
Season Dates: Open September 7 through November 3, 2013.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and four woodcock,
respectively.
Doves
Season Dates: Open September 7 through November 3, 2013.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 20 doves, respectively.
General Conditions: Tribal member shooting hours are one-half hour
before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Nontribal members hunting
on the Reservation or on lands under the jurisdiction of the Tribe must
comply with all State of Wisconsin regulations, including season dates,
shooting hours, and bag limits, which differ from tribal member
seasons. Tribal members and nontribal members hunting on the
Reservation or on lands under the jurisdiction of the Tribe will
observe all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations found in
50 CFR part 20, with the following exceptions: Tribal members are
exempt from the purchase of the Migratory Waterfowl Hunting and
Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp); and shotgun capacity is not limited to
three shells.
* * * * *
(s) Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Fort Hall Indian Reservation, Fort
Hall, Idaho (Nontribal Hunters).
Ducks and Mergansers
Season Dates: Open October 5, 2013, through January 18, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks and mergansers,
including no more than two hen mallards, two pintail, two canvasback,
and two redheads. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Coots
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 coots. The possession limit is
twice the daily bag limit.
Common Snipe
Season Dates: Same as ducks.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 8 and 16 snipe, respectively.
Dark Geese
Season Dates: Open October 5, 2013, through January 18, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Four and eight, respectively.
Light Geese
Season Dates: Open October 5, 2013, through January 18, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 6 and 12, respectively.
General Conditions: Nontribal hunters must comply with all basic
Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20 regarding
shooting hours and manner of taking. In addition, each waterfowl hunter
16 years of age or older must possess a valid Migratory Bird Hunting
and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) signed in ink across the stamp
face. Other regulations established by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes also
apply on the reservation.
* * * * *
(w) Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, Arlington, Washington (Tribal
Members Only)
Band-tailed Pigeon
Season Dates: Open September 1 through October 31, 2013.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Four and eight, respectively.
Mourning Dove
Season Dates: Open September 1 through October 31, 2013.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 20, respectively.
[[Page 58239]]
Ducks
Season Dates: Open October 1, 2013, through February 15, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 ducks. The possession limit is
twice the daily bag limit.
Coots
Season Dates: Open October 1, 2013, through January 31, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 coots. The possession limit is
twice the daily bag limit.
Common Snipe
Season Dates: Open October 1, 2013, through January 31, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 20 snipe, respectively.
Geese
Season Dates: Open October 1, 2013, through February 15, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 6 and 12, respectively.
Brant
Season Dates: Open October 1, 2013, through January 31, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 3 and 6, respectively.
Tribal members hunting on lands will observe all basic Federal
migratory bird hunting regulations found in 50 CFR part 20, which will
be enforced by the Stillaguamish Tribal Law Enforcement. Tribal members
are required to use steel shot or a nontoxic shot as required by
Federal regulations.
(x) Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, LaConner, Washington (Tribal
Members Only)
Ducks
Season Dates: Open September 21, 2013, through February 26, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more
than two hen mallards, two pintail, two canvasback, one harlequin per
season, and two redheads. Possession limit is twice the daily bag limit
(except for harlequin).
Geese
Season Dates: Open September 28, 2013, through February 26, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Four geese, and may include no
more than three light geese. The season on Aleutian Canada geese is
closed. Possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Brant
Season Dates: Open November 1, 2013, through February 26, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and four brant, respectively.
Coots
Season Dates: Open September 21, 2013, through February 26, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 and 50 coots, respectively.
* * * * *
(z) Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Sedro Woolley, Washington (Tribal
Members Only)
Ducks
Season Dates: Open October 1, 2013, through February 28, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 15 and 20, respectively.
Coots
Season Dates: Open October 1, 2013, through February 15, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 20 and 30, respectively.
Geese
Season Dates: Open October 1, 2013, through February 28, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven and ten geese, respectively.
Brant
Season Dates: Open November 1 through 10, 2013.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and two, respectively.
Mourning Dove
Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 31, 2013.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 12 and 15 mourning doves,
respectively.
General Conditions: Tribal members must have the tribal
identification and harvest report card on their person to hunt. Tribal
members hunting on the Reservation will observe all basic Federal
migratory bird hunting regulations found in 50 CFR part 20, except
shooting hours would be one-half hour before official sunrise to one-
half hour after official sunset.
(aa) Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head, Aquinnah, Massachusetts (Tribal
Members Only)
Teal
Season Dates: Open October 10, 2013, through February 22, 2014.
Daily Bag Limits: Six teal.
Ducks
Season Dates: Open October 14 through February 22, 2014.
Daily Bag Limits: Eight ducks, including no more than four hen
mallards, six black ducks, four mottled ducks, one fulvous whistling
duck, four mergansers, three scaup, two hooded merganser, three wood
ducks, one canvasback, two redheads, and two pintail. The season is
closed for harlequin ducks.
Sea Ducks
Season Dates: Open October 7, 2013, through February 22, 2014.
Daily Bag Limits: Seven ducks including no more than four of any
one species (only one of which may be a hen eider).
Woodcock
Season Dates: Open October 10 through November 23, 2013.
Daily Bag Limits: Three woodcock.
Canada Geese
Season Dates: Open September 4 through 21, 2013, and open October
28, 2013, through February 22, 2014.
Daily Bag Limits: Eight Canada geese.
Snow Geese
Season Dates: Open September 4 through 21, 2013, and open November
25, 2013, through February 22, 2014.
Daily Bag Limits: 15 snow geese.
Sora and Virginia Rails
Season Dates: Open September 2 through November 10, 2013.
Daily Bag Limits: 5 sora and 10 Virginia Rails.
Snipe
Season Dates: Open September 2 through December 16, 2013.
Daily Bag Limits: Eight snipe.
General Conditions: Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise
to sunset. Nontoxic shot is required. All other basic Federal migratory
bird hunting regulations contained in 50 CFR part 20 will be observed.
* * * * *
(cc) White Mountain Apache Tribe, Fort Apache Indian Reservation,
Whiteriver, Arizona (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters).
Band-tailed Pigeons (Wildlife Management Unit 10 and Areas South of Y-
70 and Y-10 in Wildlife Management Unit 7, Only)
Season Dates: Open September 1 through 15, 2013.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Three and six pigeons,
respectively.
Mourning Doves (Wildlife Management Unit 10 And Areas South of Y-70 and
Y-10 in Wildlife Management Unit 7, Only)
Season Dates: Open September 1 through 15, 2013.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 20 doves, respectively.
[[Page 58240]]
Ducks and Mergansers
Season Dates: Open October 19, 2013, through January 26, 2014.
Daily Bag Limits: Seven, including no more than two female
mallards, two redhead, two pintail, and one canvasback.
Coots
Season Dates: Open October 19, 2013, through January 26, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 and 50, respectively.
Canada Geese
Season Dates: Open October 19, 2013, through January 26, 2014.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Three and six geese, respectively.
General Conditions: All nontribal hunters hunting band-tailed
pigeons and mourning doves on Reservation lands shall have in their
possession a valid White Mountain Apache Daily or Yearly Small Game
Permit. In addition to a small game permit, all nontribal hunters
hunting band-tailed pigeons must have in their possession a White
Mountain Special Band-tailed Pigeon Permit. Other special regulations
established by the White Mountain Apache Tribe apply on the
reservation. Tribal and nontribal hunters will comply with all basic
Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20 regarding
shooting hours and manner of taking.
Dated: September 12, 2013.
Rachel Jacobson,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 2013-22872 Filed 9-20-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P