[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 169 (Tuesday, September 1, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52663-52673]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-21595]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 20
[Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2014-0064; FF09M21200-156-FXMB1231099BPP0]
RIN 1018-BA67
Migratory Bird Hunting; Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on
Certain Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands for the 2015-16
Early Season
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This rule prescribes special early-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 Tribal 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 1, 2015.
ADDRESSES: You may inspect comments received on the special hunting
regulations and Tribal proposals during normal business hours U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Headquarters, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-
3803, or at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2014-
0064.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron W. Kokel, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Department of the Interior, MS: MB, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls
Church, VA 22041-3803; (703) 358-1967.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of July
3, 1918 (40 Stat. 755; 16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.), authorizes and directs
the Secretary of the Department of the Interior, having due regard for
the zones of temperature and for the distribution, abundance, economic
value, breeding habits, and times and lines of flight of migratory game
birds, to determine when, to what extent, and by what means such birds
or any part, nest, or egg thereof may be taken, hunted, captured,
killed, possessed, sold, purchased, shipped, carried, exported, or
transported.
In the August 4, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 46218), we proposed
special migratory bird hunting regulations for the 2015-16 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. 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]). In the April 13, 2015, Federal
Register (80 FR 19852), we requested that Tribes desiring special
hunting regulations in the 2015-16 hunting season submit a proposal for
our review.
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. On August 4, 2015, we published a proposed rule (80 FR
46218) that included special migratory bird hunting regulations for 31
Indian Tribes, based on the input we received in response to the April
13, 2015, proposed rule and previous rules. 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 4
proposed rule.
Although the August 4 proposed rule included generalized
regulations for both early- and late-season hunting, this rulemaking
addresses only the early-season proposals. Therefore, it includes
information for only 23 Tribes. The letter designations for the
paragraphs pertaining to each Tribe in this rule are discontinuous
because they follow the letter designations for the 31 Tribes discussed
in the August 4 proposed rule, which set forth paragraphs (a) through
(ee). Late-season hunting will be addressed in late September. As a
general rule, early seasons begin during September each year and have a
primary emphasis on such species as mourning and white-winged doves.
Late seasons begin about October 1 or later each year and have a
primary emphasis on waterfowl.
[[Page 52664]]
Population Status and Harvest
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 2015-16 migratory bird hunting season, we proposed
regulations for 31 Tribes and/or Indian groups that followed the 1985
guidelines. Some of the tribal proposals had both early- and late-
season elements. However, as noted earlier, only those with early-
season proposals are included in this final rulemaking; 23 Tribes have
proposals with early seasons. The comment period for the proposed rule,
published on August 4, 2015, closed on August 14, 2015. Because of the
necessary brief comment period, we will respond to any comments on the
proposed rule and/or these regulations postmarked by August 21, but not
received prior to final action by us, in the September late-season
final rule. At this time, we have received four comments.
Written Comments: A commenter protested the entire migratory bird
hunting regulations process, the killing of all migratory birds, and
status and habitat data on which the migratory bird hunting regulations
are based. Several commenters supported the tribal regulations process.
Service Response: Our long-term objectives continue to include
providing opportunities to harvest portions of certain migratory game
bird populations and to limit harvests to levels compatible with each
population's ability to maintain healthy, viable numbers. Having taken
into account the zones of temperature and the distribution, abundance,
economic value, breeding habits, and times and lines of flight of
migratory birds, we believe that the hunting seasons provided for
herein are compatible with the current status of migratory bird
populations and long-term population goals. Additionally, we are
obligated to, and do, give serious consideration to all information
received as public comment. We believe that the Flyway-Council system
of migratory bird management has been a longstanding, successful
example of State-Federal cooperative management since its establishment
in 1952. However, as always, we continue to seek new ways to improve
the process.
Written Comments: We received one comment on Great Lakes Indian
Fish and Wildlife Commission's (GLIFWC's) initial proposal from the
Mississippi Flyway Council. The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended
approving GLIFWC's mourning dove hunting season extension from the
previous 70-day season to a 90-day season and denying their waterfowl
hunting season request regarding the use of electronic calls.
Service Response: The GLIFWC 2015 proposal has two changes from
regulations approved last season: In the 1837 and 1842 Treaty Areas,
the GLIFWC proposal would extend the mourning dove season from 70 days
to 90 days and would allow the use of electronic calls.
GLIFWC states that the regulatory changes are intended to provide
tribal members a harvest opportunity within the scope of rights
reserved in their various treaties and increase tribal subsistence
harvest opportunities, while protecting migratory bird populations.
Under the GLIFWC's proposed regulations, GLIFWC expects total ceded
territory harvest to be approximately 1,650 ducks, 375 geese, 20
sandhill cranes, and 20 swans, which is roughly similar to anticipated
levels in previous years for those species for which seasons were
established. GLIFWC further anticipates that tribal harvest will remain
low given the small number of tribal hunters and the limited
opportunity to harvest more than a small number of birds on most
hunting trips.
Recent GLIFWC harvest surveys (1996-98, 2001, 2004, 2007-08, 2011,
and 2012) indicate that tribal off-reservation waterfowl harvest has
averaged fewer than 1,100 ducks and 250 geese annually. In the latest
survey year for which we have specific results (2012), an estimated 86
hunters took an estimated 1,090 trips and harvested 1,799 ducks (1.7
ducks per trip) and 822 geese. Analysis of hunter survey data over
1996-2012 indicates a general downward trend in both harvest and hunter
participation. While we acknowledge that tribal harvest and
participation has declined in recent years, we do not believe that
allowing the use of electronic calls for migratory game bird hunting in
GLIFWC's 2015-16 proposal for tribal waterfowl seasons on ceded lands
in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota is in the best interest of the
conservation of migratory birds. However, we are in favor of allowing a
longer mourning dove season. More specific discussion follows below.
Allowing Electronic Calls
As we have stated the last 4 years (76 FR 54676, September 1, 2011;
77 FR 54451, September 5, 2012; 78 FR 53218, August 28, 2013; 79 FR
52226, September 3, 2014), the issue of allowing electronic calls and
other electronic devices for migratory game bird hunting has been
highly debated and highly controversial over the last 40 years, similar
to other prohibited hunting methods such as baiting. Electronic calls,
i.e., the use or aid of recorded or electronic amplified bird calls or
sounds, or recorded or electrically amplified imitations of bird calls
or sounds to lure or attract migratory game birds to hunters, was
Federally prohibited in 1957, because of their effectiveness in
attracting and aiding the harvest of ducks and geese and are generally
not considered a legitimate component of hunting. In 1999, after much
debate, the migratory bird regulations were revised to allow the use of
electronic calls for the take of light geese (lesser snow geese and
Ross geese) during a light-goose-only season when all other waterfowl
and crane hunting seasons, excluding falconry, were closed (64 FR 7507,
February 16, 1999; 64 FR 71236, December 20, 1999; 73 FR 65926,
November 5, 2008). The regulations were also changed in 2006, to allow
the use of electronic calls for the take of resident Canada geese
during Canada-goose-only September seasons when all other waterfowl and
crane seasons, excluding falconry, were closed (71 FR 45964, August 10,
2006). In both instances, these changes were made in order to
significantly increase the take of these species due to serious
population overabundance, depredation issues, or public health and
safety issues, or a combination of these.
In our previous responses on this issue, we have also provided
discussion on available information from the use of electronic calls
during the special light-goose seasons and our belief to its
applicability to most waterfowl species. Given available evidence on
the effectiveness of electronic calls, we continue to be concerned
about the large biological uncertainty surrounding any widespread use
of electronic calls. Additionally, given the fact that tribal waterfowl
hunting covered by GLIFWC's proposal would occur on ceded lands that
are not in the ownership of the Tribes, we remain very concerned that
the use of electronic calls to take waterfowl would lead to confusion
on the part of the public, wildlife-management agencies, and law
[[Page 52665]]
enforcement officials in implementing the requirements of 50 CFR part
20. Further, similar to the impacts of baiting, uncertainties
concerning the zone of influence attributed to the use of electronic
calls could potentially increase harvest from nontribal hunters
operating within areas electronic calls are being used during the dates
of the general hunt.
Notwithstanding our concerns, we understand GLIFWC's position on
this issue, their desire to increase tribal hunter opportunity,
harvest, and participation, and the importance that GLIFWC has ascribed
to these issues. In our recent discussions with them this summer, they
have expressed a willingness to work with us to further discuss these
issues, all the uncertainties and difficulties surrounding them, and
the overall Federal-Tribal process for addressing these and other such
issues. However, we have only recently begun such discussions. As such,
we are not yet at a point that would allow our approval of this
proposal, or any such proposal. Further, we believe it would be
premature at his time to approve such a measure, or any such measure,
until we finalize the Federal-Tribal process, roles, and
responsibilities for addressing this and other such issues. It is our
hope that over the next year, we can continue these discussions. We
remain hopeful that we can reach a mutually agreeable resolution.
Thus, at this time, removal of the electronic call prohibition,
even with the GLIFWC's proposed limited and experimental design, would
be inconsistent with our long-standing concerns, and we do not support
allowing the use of electronic calls in the 1837 and 1842 Treaty Areas
for any open season.
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 2015-
16,'' with its corresponding August 2015 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 person 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 . . . .'' Conse quently, 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 rule
reflects 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 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 updated economic analysis was prepared for the 2013-14 season.
This analysis was based on data from the newly released 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 were: (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. For the 2015-16 season, we have also chosen alternative 3. We
also chose alternative 3 for the 2009-10, the 2010-11, the 2011-12, the
2012-13, and the 2014-15 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-2014-0064.
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
[[Page 52666]]
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-2014-0064.
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 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.
OMB has reviewed and approved the information collection requirements
associated with migratory bird surveys and assigned the following OMB
control numbers:
1018-0019--North American Woodcock Singing Ground Survey
(expires 5/31/2018).
1018-0023--Migratory Bird Surveys (expires 6/30/2017).
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, reduces 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 13, 2015, 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 2015-16 migratory bird hunting season.
The resulting proposals were contained in a separate August 4, 2015,
proposed rule (80 FR 46218). By virtue of these actions, we have
consulted with affected Tribes.
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, Tribes
would have insufficient time to publicize the necessary regulations and
procedures to their hunters. We therefore find that ``good cause''
exists, within the terms of 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) of the Administrative
Procedure Act, and this rule will, therefore, take effect immediately
upon 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.
Accordingly, part 20, subchapter B, chapter I of title 50 of the
Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:
[[Page 52667]]
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. Section 20.110 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 20.110 Seasons, limits, and other regulations for certain
Federal Indian reservations, Indian Territory, and ceded lands.
Unless specifically provided for below, all of the regulations
contained in 50 CFR part 20 apply to the seasons listed herein.
(a) Colorado River Indian Tribes, Colorado River Indian
Reservation, Parker, Arizona (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters).
Doves
Season Dates: Open September 1 through 15, 2015; then open November
7 through December 20, 2015.
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 15 mourning
doves. Possession limits are twice the daily bag limits after the first
day of the season.
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 Hunters).
Tribal Members Only
Ducks (Including Mergansers)
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through March 9, 2016.
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.
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
one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after 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.
(c) Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Cloquet,
Minnesota (Tribal Members Only).
Ducks
1854 and 1837 Ceded Territories
Season Dates: Begin September 12 and end November 30, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 18 ducks, including no more than 12 mallards (only
3 of which may be hens), 9 black ducks, 9 scaup, 9 wood ducks, 9
redheads, 9 pintails, and 9 canvasbacks.
Reservation
Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 30, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 12 ducks, including no more than 8 mallards (only
2 of which may be hens), 6 black ducks, 6 scaup, 6 redheads, 6
pintails, 6 wood ducks, and 6 canvasbacks.
Mergansers
1854 and 1837 Ceded Territories
Season Dates: Begin September 12 and end November 30, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 15 mergansers, including no more than 6 hooded
mergansers.
Reservation
Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 30, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 10 mergansers, including no more than 4 hooded
mergansers.
Canada Geese
1854 and 1837 Ceded Territories
Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 30, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 20 geese.
Reservation
Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 30, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 20 geese.
Coots and Common Moorhens (Common Gallinules)
1854 and 1837 Ceded Territories
Season Dates: Begin September 12 and end November 30, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 20 coots and common moorhens, singly or in the
aggregate.
Reservation
Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 30, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 20 coots and common moorhens, singly or in the
aggregate.
Sandhill Cranes: 1854 and 1837 Ceded Territories
Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 30, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: One sandhill crane. Crane carcass tags are
required prior to hunting.
Sora and Virginia Rails
1854 and 1837 Ceded Territories
Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 30, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 25 sora and Virginia rails, singly or in the
aggregate.
Reservation
Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 30, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 25 sora and Virginia rails, singly or in the
aggregate.
Common Snipe
1854 and 1837 Ceded Territories
Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 30, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: Eight common snipe.
Reservation
Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 30, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: Eight common snipe.
Woodcock
1854 and 1837 Ceded Territories
Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 30, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: Three woodcock.
Reservation
Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 30, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: Three woodcock.
Mourning Doves
1854 and 1837 Ceded Territories
Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 30, 2015.
[[Page 52668]]
Daily Bag Limit: 30 mourning doves.
Reservation
Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 30, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 30 mourning doves.
General Conditions
1. While hunting waterfowl, a tribal member must carry on his/her
person a valid tribal waterfowl hunting permit.
2. Except as otherwise noted, tribal members will be required to
comply with tribal codes that will be no less restrictive than the
provisions of Chapter 10 of the Model Off-Reservation Code. These
regulations parallel Federal requirements in 50 CFR part 20 as to
hunting methods, transportation, sale, exportation, and other
conditions generally applicable to migratory bird hunting.
3. Band members in each zone will comply with State regulations
providing for closed and restricted waterfowl hunting areas.
4. There are no possession limits on any species, unless otherwise
noted above. For purposes of enforcing bag and possession limits, all
migratory birds in the possession or custody of band members on ceded
lands will be considered to have been taken on those lands unless
tagged by a tribal or State conservation warden as having been taken
on-reservation. All migratory birds that fall on reservation lands will
not count as part of any off-reservation bag or possession limit.
5. Shooting hours for migratory birds are one-half hour before
sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
(d) Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Suttons
Bay, Michigan (Tribal Members Only).
Ducks
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through January 15, 2016.
Daily Bag Limit: 25 ducks, which may include no more than 6
pintail, 4 canvasback, 6 black ducks, 1 hooded merganser, 6 wood ducks,
5 redheads, and 12 mallards (only 6 of which may be hens).
Canada and Snow Geese
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through January 31, 2016.
Daily Bag Limit: 10 geese.
Other Geese (White-Fronted Geese and Brant)
Season Dates: Open September 20 through December 30, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: Five geese.
Sora Rails, Common Snipe, and Woodcock
Season Dates: Open September 1 through November 14, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 10 rails, 10 snipe, and 5 woodcock.
Mourning Doves
Season Dates: Open September 1 through November 14, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 10 mourning doves.
Sandhill Crane
Season Dates: Open September 1 through November 14, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: Two sandhill crane, with a season limit of six.
General Conditions: A valid Grand Traverse Band Tribal license is
required and must be in possession before taking any wildlife. Shooting
hours for migratory birds are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half
hour after sunset. All other basic regulations contained in 50 CFR part
20 are valid. Other tribal regulations apply, and may be obtained at
the tribal office in Suttons Bay, Michigan.
(e) Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, Odanah,
Wisconsin (Tribal Members Only).
The 2015-16 waterfowl hunting season regulations apply to all
treaty areas (except where noted):
Ducks
Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end December 31, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 1837 and 1842 Ceded Territories: 50 ducks.
1836 Ceded Territory: 30 ducks.
Mergansers
Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end December 31, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 10 mergansers.
Geese
Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end December 31, 2015. In
addition, any portion of the ceded territory that is open to State-
licensed hunters for goose hunting after December 31 will also be open
concurrently for tribal members.
Daily Bag Limit: 20 geese in aggregate.
Other Migratory Birds
Coots and Common Moorhens (Common Gallinules):
Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end December 31, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 20 coots and common moorhens (common gallinules),
singly or in the aggregate.
Sora and Virginia Rails
Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end December 31, 2015.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 20 sora and Virginia rails, singly
or in the aggregate, 25.
Common Snipe
Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end December 31, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 16 common snipe.
Woodcock
Season Dates: Begin September 2 and end December 31, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 10 woodcock.
Mourning Doves: 1837 and 1842 Ceded Territories Only
Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end November 29, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 15 doves.
Sandhill Cranes: 1837 and 1842 Ceded Territories Only
Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end December 31, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: Two cranes.
Swans: 1837 and 1842 Ceded Territories Only
Season Dates: Begin November 1 and end December 31, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: Two swans.
Additional Restrictions: All harvested swans must be registered by
presenting the fully-feathered carcass to a tribal registration station
or GLIFWC warden. If the total number of trumpeter swans harvested
reaches 10, the swan season will close by emergency tribal rule.
General Conditions
A. All tribal members are required to obtain a valid tribal
waterfowl hunting permit.
B. Except as otherwise noted, tribal members are required to comply
with tribal codes that are no less restrictive than the model ceded
territory conservation codes approved by Federal courts in the Lac
Courte Oreilles v. State of Wisconsin (Voigt) and Mille Lacs Band v.
State of Minnesota cases. Chapter 10 in each of these model codes
regulates ceded territory migratory bird hunting. Both versions of
Chapter 10 parallel Federal requirements as to hunting methods,
transportation, sale, exportation, and other conditions generally
applicable to migratory bird hunting. They also automatically
incorporate by reference the Federal migratory bird regulations.
C. Particular regulations of note include:
1. Nontoxic shot is required for all waterfowl hunting by tribal
members.
2. Tribal members in each zone must comply with tribal regulations
providing for closed and restricted waterfowl hunting areas. These
[[Page 52669]]
regulations generally incorporate the same restrictions contained in
parallel State regulations.
3. There are no possession limits, with the exception of 2 swans
(in the aggregate) and 25 rails (in the aggregate). For purposes of
enforcing bag limits, all migratory birds in the possession and custody
of tribal members on ceded lands are considered to have been taken on
those lands unless tagged by a tribal or State conservation warden as
taken on reservation lands. All migratory birds that fall on
reservation lands do not count as part of any off-reservation bag or
possession limit.
4. The baiting restrictions included in the respective section
10.05(2)(h) of the model ceded territory conservation codes will be
amended to include language which parallels that in place for nontribal
members as published at 64 FR 29799, June 3, 1999.
5. There are no shell limit restrictions.
6. Hunting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes
after sunset.
(f) [Reserved]
(g) Kalispel Tribe, Kalispel Reservation, Usk, Washington (Tribal
Members and Nontribal Hunters)
Nontribal Hunters on Reservation
Geese
Season Dates: Open September 5 through September 13, 2015, for the
early season, and open October 3, 2015, through January 17, 2016, 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: Five Canada geese for the early
season, and three light geese and four dark geese for the late season.
The daily bag limit is two 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.
Ducks
Season Dates: Open September 18 through September 20, 2015, and
open September 25 through September 27, 2015, for the early season; and
open October 3, 2015, through January 17, 2016, for the late season.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more
than two female mallards, two pintail, one canvasback, three scaup, and
two redheads. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Tribal Hunters Within Kalispel Ceded Lands
Ducks
Season Dates: Open October 3, 2015, through January 31, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more
than two female mallards, two pintail, one canvasback, three scaup, and
two redheads. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Geese
Season Dates: Open September 5, 2015, through January 31, 2016.
Daily Bag Limit: Six light geese and four dark geese. The daily bag
limit is two brant and is in addition to dark goose limits.
General: Tribal members must possess a validated Migratory Bird
Hunting and Conservation Stamp and a tribal ceded lands permit.
(h) [Reserved]
(i) Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Cass Lake, Minnesota (Tribal Members
Only).
Ducks
Season Dates: Open September 15 through December 31, 2015.
Daily Bag Limits: 10 ducks, including no more than 5 pintail, 5
canvasback, and 5 black ducks.
Geese
Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 31, 2015.
Daily Bag Limits: 10 geese.
General: Possession limits are twice the daily bag limits. Shooting
hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
Nontoxic shot is required. Use of live decoys, bait, and commercial use
of migratory birds are prohibited. Waterfowl may not be pursued or
taken while using motorized craft.
(j) Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Manistee, Michigan (Tribal
Members Only).
1836 Ceded Territory and Tribal Reservation:
Ducks
Season Dates: Open September 12, 2015, through January 25, 2016.
Daily Bag Limits: 12 ducks, including no more than 6 mallards (2 of
which may be hens), 3 black ducks, 3 redheads, 3 wood ducks, 2 pintail,
1 hooded merganser, and 2 canvasback.
Canada Geese
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through February 8, 2016.
Daily Bag Limit: Five.
White-Fronted Geese, Brant, and Snow Geese
Season Dates: Open September 20 through November 30, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: Five.
Woodcock, Mourning Doves, Snipe, and Sora and Virginia Rails
Season Dates: Open September 1 through November 14, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 5 woodcock and 10 each of the other species.
General: Possession limits are twice the daily bag limits.
(k) The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Petoskey,
Michigan (Tribal Members Only).
Ducks
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through January 31, 2016.
Daily Bag Limits: 20 ducks, including no more than 5 hen mallards,
5 black ducks, 5 redheads, 5 wood ducks, 5 pintail, 5 scaup, and 5
canvasback.
Mergansers
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through January 31, 2016.
Daily Bag Limits: 10 mergansers, including no more than 5 hooded
mergansers.
Coots and Gallinules
Season Dates: Open September 15 through December 31, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 20.
Canada Geese
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through February 8, 2016.
Daily Bag Limit: 20 in the aggregate.
Sora and Virginia Rails
Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 31, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 20.
Snipe
Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 31, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 16.
Mourning Doves
Season Dates: Open September 1 through November 14, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 15.
Woodcock
Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 1, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 10.
Sandhill Cranes
Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 1, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: One.
General: Possession limits are twice the daily bag limits.
[[Page 52670]]
(l) Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Lower Brule Reservation, Lower Brule,
South Dakota (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters).
Tribal Members
Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through March 10, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Six ducks, including no more five
mallards (only two of which may be hens), three scaup, one mottled
duck, two redheads, three wood ducks, two 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
three times the daily bag limit.
Canada Geese
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through March 10, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 6 and 18, respectively.
White-Fronted Geese
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through March 10, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and six, respectively.
Light Geese
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through March 10, 2016.
Daily Bag Limit: 20.
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.
(m) [Reserved]
(n) Makah Indian Tribe, Neah Bay, Washington (Tribal Members).
Band-Tailed Pigeons
Season Dates: Open September 12 through October 25, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: Two band-tailed pigeons.
Ducks and Coots
Season Dates: Open September 26, 2015, through January 31, 2016.
Daily Bag Limit: Seven ducks including no more than five mallards
(only two of which can be a hen), one redhead, one pintail, three
scaup, and one canvasback. The seasons on wood duck and harlequin are
closed. The coot daily bag limit is 25.
Geese
Season Dates: Open September 26, 2015, through January 31, 2016.
Daily Bag Limit: Four, including no more than one brant. The
seasons on Aleutian and dusky Canada geese are closed.
General
All other Federal regulations contained in 50 CFR part 20 apply.
The following restrictions also apply:
1. As per Makah Ordinance 44, only shotguns may be used to hunt any
species of waterfowl. Additionally, shotguns must not be discharged
within 0.25 miles of an occupied area.
2. Hunters must be eligible, enrolled Makah tribal members and must
carry their Indian Treaty Fishing and Hunting Identification Card while
hunting. No tags or permits are required to hunt waterfowl.
3. The Cape Flattery area is open to waterfowl hunting, except in
designated wilderness areas, or within 1 mile of Cape Flattery Trail,
or in any area that is closed to hunting by another ordinance or
regulation.
4. The use of live decoys and/or baiting to pursue any species of
waterfowl is prohibited.
5. Steel or bismuth shot only for waterfowl is allowed; the use of
lead shot is prohibited.
6. The use of dogs is permitted to hunt waterfowl.
7. Shooting hours for all species of waterfowl are one-half hour
before sunrise to sunset.
8. Open hunting areas are: GMUs 601 (Hoko), a portion of the 602
(Dickey) encompassing the area north of a line between Norwegian
Memorial and east to Highway 101, and 603 (Pysht).
(o) Navajo Nation, Navajo Indian Reservation, Window Rock, Arizona
(Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters).
Band-Tailed Pigeons
Season Dates: Open September 1 through 30, 2015.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 5 and 10 pigeons, respectively.
Mourning Doves
Season Dates: Open September 1 through 30, 2015.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 20 doves, 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 19 through November 20, 2015, and open
November 30 through December 6, 2015.
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 1 through November 20, 2015, and open
November 30 through December 31, 2015.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 5 and 10 Canada geese,
respectively, from September 1 through November 20, 2015, and November
30 through 31, 2015. Hunters will be issued five tribal tags for geese
in order to monitor goose harvest. An additional five tags will be
issued each time birds are registered. A seasonal quota of 500 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 5 through November 1, 2015.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and four woodcock,
respectively.
Doves
Season Dates: Open September 5 through November 1, 2015.
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
[[Page 52671]]
shotgun capacity is not limited to three shells.
(q) Point No Point Treaty Council, Kingston, Washington (Tribal
Members Only).
Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe
Ducks
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through March 10, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more
than two hen mallards, one pintail, one canvasback, four scoters, and
two redheads. Possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Bag and
possession limits for harlequin ducks is one per season.
Geese
Season Dates: Open September 9, 2015, through March 10, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Four geese, and may include no
more than three light geese. The season on dusky Canada geese is
closed. Possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Brant
Season Dates: Open January 10 through January 25, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and four, respectively.
Coots
Season Dates: Open September 13, 2015, through February 1, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 7 and 14 coots, respectively.
Mourning Doves
Season Dates: Open September 13, 2015, through January 18, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 20 doves, respectively.
Snipe
Season Dates: Open September 13, 2015, through March 10, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 8 and 16 snipe, respectively.
Band-Tailed Pigeons
Season Dates: Open September 13, 2015, through January 18, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and four pigeons,
respectively.
Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe
Ducks
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through March 10, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more
than two hen mallards, one pintail, one canvasback, four scoters, and
two redheads. Possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Bag and
possession limits for harlequin ducks is one per season.
Geese
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through March 10, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Four geese, and may include no
more than three light geese. The season on dusky Canada geese is
closed. Possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Brant
Season Dates: Open November 9, 2015, through January 31, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and four, respectively.
Coots
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through March 10, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 7 and 14 coots, respectively.
Mourning Doves
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through January 31, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 20 doves, respectively.
Snipe
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through March 10, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 8 and 16 snipe, respectively.
Band-tailed Pigeons
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through March 10, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and four pigeons,
respectively.
General: Tribal members must possess a tribal hunting permit from
the Point No Point Tribal Council pursuant to tribal law. Hunting hours
are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Hunters must observe
all other basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR
part 20.
(r) The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan, Isabella
Reservation, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan (Tribal Members Only)
Mourning Doves
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through January 31, 2016.
Daily Bag Limit: 25 doves.
Ducks
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through January 31, 2016.
Daily Bag Limits: 20, including no more than 5 hen mallard, 5 wood
duck, 5 black duck, 5 pintail, 5 redhead, 5 scaup, and 5 canvasback.
Mergansers
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through January 31, 2016.
Daily Bag Limit: 10, including no more than 5 hooded mergansers.
Canada Geese
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through January 31, 2016.
Daily Bag Limit: 20 in the aggregate.
Coots and Gallinule
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through January 31, 2016.
Daily Bag Limit: 20 in the aggregate.
Woodcock
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through January 31, 2016.
Daily Bag Limits: 10.
Common Snipe
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through January 31, 2016.
Daily Bag Limits: 16.
Sora and Virginia Rails
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through January 31, 2016.
Daily Bag Limits: 20 in the aggregate.
Sandhill Crane
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through January 31, 2016.
Daily Bag Limits: One.
General: Possession limits are twice the daily bag limits except
for rails, of which the possession limit equals the daily bag limit
(20). Tribal members must possess a tribal hunting permit from the
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe pursuant to tribal law. Shooting hours are one-
half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset. Hunters must
observe all other basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in
50 CFR part 20.
(s) Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Sault Ste. Marie,
Michigan (Tribal Members Only).
Mourning Doves
Season Dates: Open September 1 through November 14, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 10 doves.
Teal
Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 31, 2015.
Daily Bag Limits: 20 in the aggregate.
Ducks
Season Dates: Open September 15 through December 31, 2015.
Daily Bag Limits: 20, including no more than 10 mallards (only 5 of
which may be hens), 5 canvasback, 5 black duck, and 5 wood duck.
Mergansers
Season Dates: Open September 15 through December 31, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 10 in the aggregate.
Geese
Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 31, 2015.
[[Page 52672]]
Daily Bag Limit: 20 in the aggregate.
Coots and Gallinule
Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 31, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 20 in the aggregate.
Woodcock
Season Dates: Open September 2 through December 1, 2015.
Daily Bag Limits: 10.
Common Snipe
Season Dates: Open September 15 through December 31, 2015.
Daily Bag Limits: 16.
Sora and Virginia Rails
Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 31, 2015.
Daily Bag Limits: 20 in the aggregate.
General: Possession limits are twice the daily bag limits except
for rails, of which the possession limit equals the daily bag limit
(20). Tribal members must possess a tribal hunting permit from the
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe pursuant to tribal law. Shooting hours are one-
half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset. Hunters must
observe all other basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in
50 CFR part 20.
(t) [Reserved]
(u) Skokomish Tribe, Shelton, Washington (Tribal Members Only).
Ducks
Season Dates: Open September 16, 2015, through February 28, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more
than two hen mallards, one pintail, one canvasback, one harlequin per
season, and two redheads. Possession limit is twice the daily bag limit
(except for harlequin).
Geese
Season Dates: Open September 16, 2015, through February 28, 2016.
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, 2015, through February 15, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and four brant, respectively.
Coots
Season Dates: Open September 16, 2015, through February 28, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 and 50 coots, respectively.
Mourning Doves
Season Dates: Open September 16, 2015, through February 28, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 20 doves, respectively.
Snipe
Season Dates: Open September 16, 2015, through February 28, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 8 and 16 snipe, respectively.
Band-Tailed Pigeons
Season Dates: Open September 16, 2015, through February 28, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and four pigeons,
respectively.
General Conditions: All hunters authorized to hunt migratory birds
on the reservation must obtain a tribal hunting permit from the
respective Tribe. Hunters are also required to adhere to a number of
special regulations available at the tribal office. Hunters must
observe all other basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in
50 CFR part 20.
(v) Spokane Tribe of Indians, Spokane Indian Reservation and Ceded
Lands, Wellpinit, Washington (Tribal Members Only).
Ducks
Season Dates: Open September 2, 2015, through January 31, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more
than two hen mallards, two pintail, two canvasback, three scaup, and
two redheads. Possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Geese
Season Dates: Open September 2, 2015, through January 31, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Four dark geese and six light
geese. Possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
General Conditions: All tribal hunters must have a valid Tribal
identification card on his or her person while hunting. Shooting hours
are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset, and steel shot is required
for all migratory bird hunting. Hunters must observe all other basic
Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20.
(w) Squaxin Island Tribe, Squaxin Island Reservation, Shelton,
Washington (Tribal Members Only)
Ducks
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through January 15, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Five ducks, which may include only
one canvasback. The season on harlequin ducks is closed. Possession
limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Geese
Season Dates: Open September 15, 2015, through January 15, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Four geese, and may include no
more than two snow geese. The season on Aleutian and cackling Canada
geese is closed. Possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Brant
Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 31, 2015.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and four brant, respectively.
Coots
Season Dates: Open September 1, 2015, through January 15, 2016.
Daily Bag Limits: 25 coots.
Snipe
Season Dates: Open September 15, 2015, and through January 15,
2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 8 and 16 snipe, respectively.
Band-Tailed Pigeons
Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 31, 2015.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 5 and 10 pigeons, respectively.
General Conditions: All tribal hunters must obtain a Tribal Hunting
Tag and Permit from the Tribe's Natural Resources Department and must
have the permit, along with the member's treaty enrollment card, on his
or her person while hunting. Shooting hours are one-half hour before
sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, and steel shot is required for
all migratory bird hunting. Other special regulations are available at
the tribal office in Shelton, Washington. Hunters must observe all
other basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part
20.
(x) [Reserved]
(y) [Reserved]
(z) The Tulalip Tribes of Washington, Tulalip Indian Reservation,
Marysville, Washington (Tribal Members Only).
Ducks and Mergansers
Season Dates: Open September 2, 2015, through February 29, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven ducks, including no more
than two hen mallards, two pintail, two canvasback, three scaup, and
two redheads. Possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Geese
Season Dates: Open September 2, 2015, through February 29, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Seven geese, including no more
than four cackling and dusky Canada geese.
[[Page 52673]]
Possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
Brant
Season Dates: Open September 2, 2015, through February 29, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Two and four brant, respectively.
Coots
Season Dates: Open September 2, 2015, through February 29, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 25 and 25 coots, respectively.
Snipe
Season Dates: Open September 2, 2015, through February 29, 2016.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 8 and 16 snipe, respectively.
General Conditions: All tribal hunters must have a valid Tribal
identification card on his or her person while hunting. All nontribal
hunters must obtain and possess while hunting a valid Tulalip Tribe
hunting permit and be accompanied by a Tulalip Tribal member. Shooting
hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset, and steel shot is
required for all migratory bird hunting. Hunters must observe all other
basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20.
(aa) Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Sedro Woolley, Washington (Tribal
Members Only).
Mourning Doves
Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 31, 2015.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 12 and 15 mourning doves,
respectively.
Tribal members must have the tribal identification and harvest
report card on their person to hunt. Tribal members hunting on the
Reservation will observe all basic Federal migratory bird hunting
regulations found in 50 CFR part 20, except shooting hours would be
fifteen minutes before official sunrise to 15 minutes after official
sunset.
(bb) [Reserved]
(cc) White Earth Band of Ojibwe, White Earth, Minnesota (Tribal
Members Only).
Ducks
Season Dates: Open September 12 through December 15, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit for Ducks: 10 ducks, including no more than 2
female mallards, 1 pintail, and 1 canvasback.
Mergansers
Season Dates: Open September 12 through December 15, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit for Mergansers: Five mergansers, including no more
than two hooded mergansers.
Geese
Season Dates: Open September 1 through December 15, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 12 geese through September 25, and 5 thereafter.
Coots
Season Dates: Open September 1 through November 30, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 20 coots.
Snipe
Season Dates: Open September 1 through November 30, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 10 snipe.
Mourning Dove
Season Dates: Open September 1 through November 30, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 25 mourning dove.
Woodcock
Season Dates: Open September 1 through November 30, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 10 woodcock.
Rail
Season Dates: Open September 1 through November 30, 2015.
Daily Bag Limit: 25 rail.
General Conditions: Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise
to one-half hour after sunset. Nontoxic shot is required. All other
basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations contained in 50 CFR
part 20 will be observed.
(dd) 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, 2015.
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, 2015.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: 10 and 20 doves, 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.
(ee) [Reserved]
Dated: August 26, 2015.
Karen Hyun,
Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and
Parks.
[FR Doc. 2015-21595 Filed 8-31-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P