[Federal Register: August 27, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 166)] [Proposed Rules] [Page 47047-47070] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr27au99-31] [[Page 47047]] _______________________________________________________________________ Part IV Department of the Interior _______________________________________________________________________ Fish and Wildlife Service _______________________________________________________________________ 50 CFR Part 20 Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Late-Season Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations; Proposed Rule [[Page 47048]] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 20 RIN 1018-AF24 Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Late-Season Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Proposed rule; Supplemental. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we) is proposing to establish the 1999-2000 late-season hunting regulations for certain migratory game birds. We annually prescribe frameworks, or outer limits, for dates and times when hunting may occur and the number of birds that may be taken and possessed in late seasons. These frameworks are necessary to allow State selections of seasons and limits and to allow recreational harvest at levels compatible with population and habitat conditions. DATES: To comment on the proposed late-season frameworks, you must do so by September 7, 1999. ADDRESSES: Send your comments on these proposals to the Chief, Office of Migratory Bird Management (MBMO), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, room 634-Arlington Square, Washington, DC 20240. All comments received, including names and addresses, will become part of the public record. You may inspect comments during normal business hours in room 634, Arlington Square Building, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jonathan Andrew, Chief, or Ron W. Kokel, Office of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (703) 358-1714. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulations Schedule for 1999 On May 3, 1999, we published in the Federal Register (64 FR 23742) a proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20. The proposal dealt with the establishment of seasons, limits, and other regulations for migratory game birds under Sec. 20.101 through 20.107, 20.109, and 20.110 of subpart K. On June 17, we published in the Federal Register (64 FR 32758) a second document providing supplemental proposals for early-and late-season migratory bird hunting regulations frameworks and the proposed regulatory alternatives for the 1999-2000 duck hunting season. The June 17 supplement also provided detailed information on the 1999- 2000 regulatory schedule and announced the Service Migratory Bird Regulations Committee and Flyway Council meetings. On June 22-23, we held meetings that reviewed information on the current status of migratory shore and upland game birds and developed 1999-2000 migratory game bird regulations recommendations for these species plus regulations for migratory game birds in Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; special September waterfowl seasons in designated States; special sea duck seasons in the Atlantic Flyway; and extended falconry seasons. In addition, we reviewed and discussed preliminary information on the status of waterfowl as it relates to the development and selection of the regulatory packages for the 1999-2000 regular waterfowl seasons. On July 22, we published in the Federal Register (64 FR 39460) a third document specifically dealing with the proposed frameworks for early-season regulations for the 1999-2000 duck hunting season. The July 22 supplement also established the final regulatory alternatives for the 1999-2000 duck hunting season. We will publish a rulemaking establishing final frameworks for early-season migratory bird hunting regulations for the 1999-2000 season in late August. On August 3-4, 1999, we held meetings, as announced in the May 3 and June 17 Federal Registers, to review the status of waterfowl. This document deals specifically with proposed frameworks for the late- season migratory bird hunting regulations. It will lead to final frameworks from which States may select season dates, shooting hours, areas, and limits. We have considered all pertinent comments received through August 6, 1999, in developing this document. In addition, new proposals for certain late-season regulations are provided for public comment. Comment periods are specified above under DATES. We will publish final regulatory frameworks for late-season migratory game bird hunting in the Federal Register on or about September 25, 1999. Population Status and Harvest The 1999 estimate for total ducks in the traditional survey area was 43.4 million birds, the largest population size estimated since operational surveys began in 1955. This is an increase (P<0.01) of 11% over that of 1998, and 32% higher (P<0.01) than the 1955-98 average. Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) abundance was 10.8 million, the second largest population size estimated. This is an increase of 12% (P=0.01) over last year and 47% (P<0.01) greater than the long-term average. Blue-winged teal (Anas discors) abundance was 7.1 million, an all time high, and 65% greater than the long-term average (P<0.01). Northern pintail (Anas acuta), scaup (Aythya marila and Aythya affinis), green- winged teal (Anas crecca), and northern shoveler (Anas clypeata) numbers increased from 1998 estimates, while gadwall (Anas strepera) decreased (P<0.04). Gadwall, green-winged teal, northern shoveler, redheads (Aythya americana), and canvasbacks (Aythya valisineria) were above their respective long-term averages (P<0.05), while pintails and scaup remained below their long-term averages (P<0.01). American wigeon (Anas americana) numbers were unchanged from last year or from long- term average. May habitat conditions in the traditional survey area were generally good to excellent, except for a few dry areas primarily in southern and central Alberta, Montana, and central Saskatchewan. The number of May ponds in the traditional survey area was 6.7 million, an increase of 46% over 1998 and 37% above the long-term average (P<0.01). In the eastern areas of Canada and the U.S. (strata 51-56 and 62), the total number of ducks (1.2 million) remained unchanged from last year and the 1995-98 average (P<0.10). Numbers of individual species in the east were similar to those of last year (P<0.10), except for goldeneye (Bucephala clangula and B. islandica), which were 196% greater than 1998 levels, and scaup, which were 93% below 1998 levels. Goldeneye were above their 1995-98 average, while blue-winged teal and scaup were below (P<0.03). Habitats in the east were somewhat drier than last year, and conditions were overall not as favorable for waterfowl production. The preliminary estimate of the total-duck fall-flight index is 105 million birds, compared to 84 million last year. The fall flight is predicted to include 13.6 million mallards, 16% greater (P<0.01) than the estimate of 11.8 million in 1998. Most goose and swan populations in North America remain numerically sound and the size of most fall flights will be similar to or increased from last year. Twelve of the 29 populations of geese and swans we report on appear to have increased since last year, 4 appear to have decreased, 9 appear to have changed little, and no comparisons were possible for the remaining 4. Some of the annual variation reflects differences in the timing of surveys; spring estimates of several Canada goose [[Page 47049]] populations that nest near Hudson Bay were probably biased low last year. Of the 25 populations for which data spanning the last 10 years were available, 14 have exhibited a significant increasing trend (5 of 7 of Anser populations, 1 of 2 swan populations, and 8 of 15 Branta populations), 1 showed evidence of significant decline (1 of 7 Anser populations), while 10 appeared stable (7 of 15 Branta populations, 1 of 7 Anser populations, 1 swan population). As in previous years, forecasts for production of young in 1999 varied regionally based largely on spring weather and habitat conditions. Generally, spring phenology was earlier than normal in northern Quebec, the Hudson Bay Lowlands, and the mid-central Arctic, and this should lead to greater- than-average production for geese nesting there. In the north-central and western Arctic, the high Arctic, and along the west coast of Alaska, seasons were moderately to severely delayed, and average to below-average production is expected for geese and swans nesting in those areas. For temperate-zone breeding geese, spring weather in British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest was cold and wet, with delayed snow melt, which will negatively impact production from those areas. Conditions in the eastern tier of the Pacific flyway are reported as average to below average, with generally average to good conditions for most of the Central Flyway. Habitat conditions for nesting geese were good to very good in south-central and eastern Canada and much of the contiguous U.S east of the Mississippi River. During the 1998-99 hunting season, duck stamp sales were 2% below sales in 1997 and hunter numbers remain well below the highs observed during the early 1970s. United States waterfowl hunters hunted about 4% fewer days and bagged about 4% more ducks, 9% more geese and 14% fewer coots than in 1997. The number of ducks harvested during the 1998-99 hunting season was similar to the numbers that were harvested during the early 1970s. The increased harvest during the last few years is a reflection the more liberal hunting seasons offered and the increased duck abundance resulting from the improved water availability and habitat conditions that occurred in the prairie-pothole area. Of the five species of ducks that are most important in the bag, in order of importance; the number of mallards harvested increased 2%; the number of green-winged teal increased 23%; the number of gadwall increased 16%; the number of wood ducks increased 11%; and the number of blue-winged teal was similar to the 1997-98 harvest. The overall harvest of geese last year increased 9% from that of 1997-98. Steady increases in goose harvests over the last decade largely reflect the increased numbers of resident or giant Canada geese, although increases in other populations of Canada geese and other goose species, including snow geese, have occurred. In the U.S., harvest of Canada geese increased 5%, snow geese increased 33%, blue geese increased 20%, Ross' geese increased 62%, white-fronted geese decreased 13% and brant decreased 17% from 1996-97. Review of Public Comments and Flyway Council Recommendations The preliminary proposed rulemaking, which appeared in the May 3 Federal Register, opened the public-comment period for late-season migratory game bird hunting regulations. Late-season comments are summarized below and numbered in the order used in the May 3 Federal Register. Only the numbered items pertaining to late season issues for which written comments were received are included. We received recommendations from all four Flyway Councils. Some recommendations supported continuation of last year's frameworks. Due to the comprehensive nature of the annual review of the frameworks performed by the Councils, support for continuation of last year's frameworks is assumed for items for which no recommendations were received. Council recommendations for changes in the frameworks are summarized below. We seek additional information and comments on the recommendations in this supplemental proposed rule. New proposals and modifications to previously described proposals are discussed below. Wherever possible, they are discussed under headings corresponding to the numbered items in the May 3, 1999, Federal Register. 1. Ducks The categories used to discuss issues related to duck harvest management are as follows: (A) General Harvest Strategy, (B) Framework Dates, (C) Season Length, (D) Closed Seasons, (E) Bag Limits, (F) Zones and Split Seasons, and (G) Special Seasons/Species Management. Only those categories containing substantial recommendations are included below. A. General Harvest Strategy Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council, the Upper- Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council, the Central Flyway Council, and the Pacific Flyway Council recommended adopting the ``liberal'' alternative for the 1999-2000 duck hunting season. The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended adoption of the ``liberal'' alternative, except that they recommend framework dates of the Saturday nearest October 1 to the Sunday nearest January 20 for all States. The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended adoption of the ``liberal'' alternative, except that they recommend a 60-day season for all States regardless of the framework closing date. Specific details are discussed in B. Framework Dates. Service Response: Since 1995, Adaptive Harvest Management (AHM) strategies have been based on the status of midcontinent mallards, which are defined as those breeding in the traditional survey area, and in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. An optimal regulatory choice is based on breeding population size and prairie water conditions, and on the weights assigned to four alternative models of population dynamics. The same regulatory alternative is applied in all four Flyways, although season lengths and bag limits are Flyway-specific. The 1999 harvest strategy for midcontinent mallards is based on: (1) An objective to maximize long-term harvest and achieve a population goal of 8.7 million; (2) regulatory alternatives that are unchanged from last year; and (3) model weights that are similar to last year. Based on a breeding population size of 11.8 million mallards in the mid- continent region (traditional survey areas and Lake States) and 3.9 million ponds in Prairie Canada, the optimal regulatory choice for midcontinent mallards in 1999 is the ``liberal'' alternative. Modifying the AHM protocol to account for mallards breeding eastward and westward of the midcontinent region is perhaps the most challenging technical issue facing duck harvest managers. Never before have we tried to consider the status of multiple mallard stocks in such a formal way, nor have we attempted to give all Flyways the ability to choose regulations that are tied to their particular derivation of mallards. Although progress has been significant, there are a number of outstanding technical issues. The [[Page 47050]] Service and AHM working group have assigned a high priority to addressing these issues, and hope to fully integrate eastern mallards and western mallards into the AHM process in 2000 and 2001, respectively. In the interim, we are exploring optimal harvest strategies targeted for eastern mallards. A harvest strategy has been derived based on: (1) An objective to maximize long-term harvest; (2) regulatory alternatives that are unchanged from last year; and (3) a ``working model'' of population dynamics. Based on a breeding population size of 1.1 million mallards and spring precipitation of 8.3 inches, the optimal regulatory choice for eastern mallards in 1999 is the ``liberal'' alternative. By next year, we hope to be able to prescribe Flyway-specific regulations for those cases where the optimal regulatory choice is different for midcontinent and eastern mallards. Therefore, we agree with the Flyway Councils and are proposing the ``liberal'' alternative for the 1999 duck hunting season. B. Framework Dates Council Recommendations: The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended adoption of the ``liberal'' alternative, except that they recommend framework dates of the Saturday nearest October 1 to the Sunday nearest January 20 for all States. The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended a 60-day season for all States regardless of their selected framework closing date. Service Response: Frameworks for the 1999-2000 duck hunting season were established in the July 22 Federal Register, with the finalization of the 1999-2000 regulatory alternatives. As we indicated in our July 22 response, we continued the use of the 1998-99 regulatory alternatives published in the August 5, 1998, Federal Register, for the 1999-2000 hunting season with one exception. For the States of Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, we offered the use of a 51-day season in the ``liberal'' alternative and a 38-day season in the ``moderate'' alternative with a January 31 framework closing date in both alternatives. Framework opening and closing dates for all other States are unchanged from those published in the August 5, 1998, Federal Register. For a complete discussion of this issue, you should refer to the July 22 Federal Register. F. Zones and Split Seasons Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended the Service allow ``3 zones with 2-way splits in each zones'' as an additional option beginning in 2001. Further, the Council recommended that zone-split guidelines be finalized by July 2000 so that States have adequate opportunity to select their desired approach. The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that the Service add ``3 zones with 2-way splits permitted in one or more zones'' as an additional option beginning in 2001. Further, because of the public input process many States undertake, the Committee recommended that States have up to one year to choose this option prior to the 2001 regular duck season regulations process. The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that the Service consider offering all States the option of choosing 3 zones with a split season in each zone in the year 2001. The Pacific Flyway Council recommended the Service engage the Flyway Councils in an evaluation of the guidelines for zoning and split seasons, prior to the 2001 ``open season'' on regulation changes. Service Response: We acknowledge the recommendations from the Councils pertaining to the guidelines for selecting zone and split options for duck hunting. Accordingly, we will work with all the Flyway Councils in the next year to review the existing guidelines, and plan to finalize these guidelines during next year's (2000-01) late-season regulations process. The final guidance will then be available for use by all States in the ensuing year as they solicit public input for zone and split configurations for use during 2001-05. G. Special Seasons/Species Management i. Black Ducks Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended that the individual Atlantic Flyway States continue to achieve a 42 percent reduction in their black duck harvest during the 1999-2000 season compared with the 1977-81 base-line harvest. Service Response: We agree with the Atlantic Flyway Council's recommendation and acknowledge the Council's concern for the population status of black ducks. Black duck populations remain below the North American Wildlife Management Plan goal and while the decline seems to have halted, little increase is evident. Harvest estimates increased 16% in the U.S. (8% in the Atlantic and 36% in the Mississippi Flyways) during the 1998-99 hunting season and we reiterate our concern about the effects of longer duck seasons on black duck harvests and recommend that States maintain harvest restrictions achieved since the 1983 Environmental Assessment. Higher harvests and lower midwinter population estimates in the Mississippi Flyway in recent years are of particular concern. Although efforts are underway to develop an international harvest strategy, and possibly an AHM approach, interim harvest restriction alternatives should be considered where appropriate. Thus, we believe the harvest restrictions identified in the 1983 Environmental Assessment should be maintained until a revised harvest strategy is developed. ii. Canvasbacks Council Recommendations: The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council requested to know the population level at which an increase in the canvasback bag limit would be warranted. Service Response: The Service continues to support the canvasback harvest strategy adopted in 1994. This strategy allows a daily bag limit of 1 bird during any open season. Seasons with a daily bag limit greater than 1 would require revision of the strategy, and we believe that more experience with the present strategy is needed before revisions are considered. Current population and habitat status suggest that a daily bag limit of 1 canvasback during the 1999-2000 season will result in a harvest within levels allowed by the strategy. However, monitoring data collected during the last 5 years suggest that harvest models have consistently predicted levels of harvest lower than those observed. For the 1999-2000 season, the strategy still prescribes an open season, even when accounting for this additional harvest. However, we believe that, beginning in the 2000-01 season, the harvest models (some of which were based on data from <difference>30 years ago) should be replaced with these more contemporary data. We will present the proposed harvest levels at next winter's Flyway Technical Section meetings for review. iii. Pintails Council Recommendations: All four Flyway Councils recommended a daily bag limit of 1 pintail in the 1999-2000 hunting season as prescribed by the Interim Pintail Harvest Strategy. Service Response: We concur with the recommendations. Considering the current status of the population (3.1 [[Page 47051]] million breeding birds) and the expected recruitment rate (1.00), the strategy prescribes a bag limit of 1 pintail for all Flyways under the ``liberal'' alternative. iv. Scaup In the past year, we have continued to indicate our growing concern for the status and trends of North American scaup. We distributed a status report on scaup and provided some initial guidelines concerning a scaup harvest strategy to the Flyway Councils and others for consideration in the development of recommendations for the 1999-2000 hunting season. In response to this information, all four Flyways discussed the issue at their winter meetings. Following Council comments on the initial harvest guidelines (presented in the July 22 Federal Register), we revised the harvest guidelines and developed a draft harvest strategy that was distributed to the Councils for consideration at their summer meetings. Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended a daily bag limit of 3 scaup until a harvest strategy for lesser and greater scaup is adopted. The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended a daily bag limit of 3 scaup. The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended no scaup restriction in the overall daily bag limit. The Central Flyway Council recommended adoption of the draft harvest strategy with the exception of the prescription. The Council recommended a prescription for scaup bag limits based on the status of lesser scaup as follows: < 2.5 million, bag limit of 1; 2.5-3.5 million, bag limit of 2; 3.5-4.0 million, bag limit of 3; and > 4.0, the bag limit for scaup should equal the regular daily duck limit as determined by the AHM process. The Pacific Flyway Council recommended no internal bag restrictions on scaup in the Pacific Flyway for the 1999-2000 hunting season. Service Response: We remain concerned about the status of lesser scaup. Lesser scaup populations have declined 1% per year since 1995 and 3% per year during the last 10 years. Lesser scaup harvest has varied over the years in the U.S. with lows around 100,000 in 1990 but since has increased in recent years to over 500,000. These recent increases have occurred concurrent with liberalizations in season length and bag limits with the implementation of AHM. For the 1999-2000 season, we propose a bag limit of 3 scaup in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways, and 4 scaup in the Pacific Flyway. This action is only for one year. These bag limit reductions maintain the current differentials in the full duck bag limit that presently exist among Flyways. While we note a general feeling among the Flyway Councils that some reduction is appropriate, we acknowledge that this is not unanimous among Flyways. However, we believe that if a reduction in harvest is needed, all should participate. We will continue to work with the Flyway Councils to develop a harvest strategy to be formally adopted prior to next year's hunting season. 4. Canada Geese Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended that a limited hunting season for AP (Atlantic Population) Canada geese be permitted in 1999-2000 throughout AP harvest areas (those areas closed in 1998) in the Atlantic Flyway. For the Mid-Atlantic and New England AP Areas, the Council recommended a 15-day season with framework dates of November 1-January 20. The daily bag limit would be 1 Canada goose. For the Chesapeake Region AP Areas, the Council recommended a 6-day season with framework dates of November 15 to January 20. The daily bag limit would be 1 Canada goose. Additionally, in Delaware and Maryland the harvest would be limited to 2,100 and 12,200 birds, respectively, and all Canada geese must be tagged and the season limit will be the number of tags issued to each permittee. In Southern Region AP Areas, the Council recommended the season remain closed. In all open areas, the season could be split into two segments, but must run concurrent with duck seasons. The Atlantic Flyway Council also recommended modification of the frameworks for the regular season in Erie, Butler, and Mercer Counties, and designated portions of Crawford County, in Pennsylvania. The Council recommended changing the existing 70-day season with October 1 to January 31 frameworks to a 40-day season between November 15 and January 15, with a daily bag limit of 2 geese per day. The Council also recommended modification of the framework opening date in southwestern New York to November 1 and allowing Maryland to divide their regular resident Canada goose season into 3 segments on an experimental basis for the 1999-2000 season. The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended a number of changes in season lengths, bag limits, zones, and quotas for Canada geese in Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois, primarily to allow increased harvest of MVP Canada geese, and in Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri, primarily to allow increased harvest of EPP Canada geese. The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council also recommended several changes in season lengths, quotas, etc., primarily to allow increased harvest of MVP Canada geese. All of these changes are based on improved population status and current management plans. The Central Flyway Council made several recommendations on goose frameworks. In the East Tier, the Council recommended an increase in the Canada goose (or any other goose species except light geese and white-fronted geese) season from 93 days to 95 days with a daily bag limit of 3. Outside framework dates would be the Saturday nearest October 1 (Oct. 2, 1999) and the Sunday nearest February 15 (Feb. 13, 2000). In the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas, the Council recommended an additional season alternative of a 107-day season with a 1 Canada goose daily bag limit. The framework closing date for the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas would be February 21. In the West Tier, the Council recommended dark goose outside framework dates of the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 2, 1999) and the Sunday nearest February 15 (February 13, 1999), with daily bag and possession limits of 5 and 10, respectively. In the Western Goose Zone of Texas, the Council recommended a daily bag limit of 5 dark geese, to include no more than 2 white-fronted geese, with a framework closing date of February 21. The Pacific Flyway Council made several recommendations for dark geese (see also item 5. White-fronted Geese). The Council recommended the bag limit for dark geese be increased from 2 to 3 in the Rocky Mountain Population zones in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada (except Lincoln and Clark Counties), New Mexico, and Utah. The Pacific Flyway Council also recommended that Washington and Oregon be allowed to split the dark goose season in the Dusky quota zones into 3 segments. Additionally, they recommended that the Harney, Lake, Klamath, and Malheur goose zone in Oregon be re-defined to include only Lake County. The Council also [[Page 47052]] recommended that white-fronted and cackling Canada geese be allowed during the first 44 days in the Northeastern Zone of California. Finally, the Council recommended several boundary adjustments to the closure zones for dark geese in the Balance-of-the State Zone in California. Service Response: We support the Atlantic Flyway's request to reinstate the regular season on the Atlantic Population of Canada geese in the areas described. Numbers of breeding pairs in northern Quebec increased substantially this spring from last year's estimate, which suggests this population is showing signs of recovery. An increase in nesting densities was also encouraging, although predation will likely limit nest success to ``good'' in the Ungava Bay area and only fair along the Hudson Bay Coast. A slight increase in the fall flight is predicted. While we remain cautious about resuming a sport harvest, we recognize that the Action Plan criteria have been triggered. For the near future, we remain optimistic about the recovery of this population, particularly with average or better production since 1997, which should continue the expansion in the number of breeding pairs. Regarding the Central Flyway Council's recommendations, we support their request to increase the Canada goose (or any other goose species except light geese and white-fronted geese) season from 93 to 95 days with a daily bag limit of 3 for the entire East Tier. We also support the Council's recommendation for an additional season alternative of a 107-day season with a 1 Canada goose daily bag limit in the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas. Further, we support the Council's recommendation for outside framework dates and believe that all dark goose seasons in the East Tier should have consistent outside dates of the Saturday nearest October 1 (Oct. 2, 1999) and the Sunday nearest February 15 (Feb. 13, 2000). In the West Tier, we support the Council's recommendation for an increase in the aggregate dark goose bag and possession limits from 4 and 8 to 5 and 10, respectively. However, in the Western Goose Zone of Texas, we do not support an increase in the white-fronted goose daily bag restriction from 1 to 2. While we are aware that the whitefront harvest (5,000) in this zone is small, we are concerned about the status of white-fronted geese breeding in the Interior of Alaska, which migrate through this area. These birds clearly have lower survival rates than Mid-Continent white-fronted geese from other breeding areas, but indices of abundance and long-term trends are less certain. We also realize that harvest of these birds also occurs in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Mexico Highlands; however, we believe that the Management Plan serves as the appropriate mechanism to address cooperative harvest management strategies for these birds. In the Western Tier, we also do not support the recommended framework closing date of February 21, and believe that dark goose outside dates should be consistent with the East Tier. Thus, we propose framework dates of the Saturday nearest October 1 (Oct. 2, 1999) to the Sunday nearest February 15 (Feb. 13, 2000) for the entire Western Tier. Regarding the other recommendations from the Flyway Councils: we concur with the framework modifications in Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland; changes in season lengths, bag limits, zones, and quotas for Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri; bag limit, zone and boundary changes, and framework modifications in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Washington and Oregon. C. Special Late Seasons Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended an experimental late season between January 15 and February 15 for Erie, Butler, and Mercer Counties, and designated portions of Crawford County, in Pennsylvania. The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended the establishment of experimental late Canada goose seasons for Minnesota and Ohio. The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that the Service work closely with the Council's Technical Section in evaluating the cumulative effects that special seasons may have on non-target populations. Service Response: We concur with the recommended changes in the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways and will continue to work with the Mississippi Flyway Council's Technical Section to assess the cumulative effects of special seasons. 5. White-fronted Geese Council Recommendations: The Upper-and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that seasons for white-fronted geese increase from 70 days and 2 geese to 86 days and 2 geese or 107 days and 1 goose, with a framework closing date of February 15, consistent with the Mid-continent white-fronted goose plan. The Central Flyway Council recommendations regarding dark geese in the West Tier involve white-fronted geese (see item 4. Canada Geese). For the East Tier, the Council recommended a 95-day season with framework dates of the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 2, 1999) to January 31, with a daily bag limit of 2 whitefronts. In the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas, the Council recommended a 86-day season with a daily bag limit of 2 whitefronts or an alternative 107-day season with a daily bag limit of 2 whitefronts for 44 consecutive days and 1 for the remaining 63 days. The framework closing date would be February 21. The Pacific Flyway Council recommendations regarding dark geese also involve white-fronted geese (see item 4. Canada Geese). The Council recommended the bag limit for dark geese be increased from 2 to 3 in the Rocky Mountain Population zones in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada (except Lincoln and Clark Counties), New Mexico, and Utah. The Pacific Flyway Council also recommended that Washington and Oregon be allowed to split the dark goose season in the Dusky quota zones into 3 segments. Additionally, they recommended that the Harney, Lake, Klamath, and Malheur goose zone in Oregon be re-defined to include only Lake County. The Council also recommended that white- fronted and cackling Canada geese be allowed during the first 44 days in the Northeastern Zone of California. Finally, the Council recommended several boundary adjustments to the closure zones for dark geese in the Balance-of-the State Zone in California. Further, the Council supported the liberal whitefront frameworks proposed by the Mississippi and Central Flyway Councils. Service Response: As we noted above, the Central Flyway Council's recommendations for dark geese include whitefronts in the West Tier and are further addressed in item 4. Canada geese. For the East Tier, we do not support an increase in the season length and bag limit from 72 days and 2 birds, or 86 days and 1 bird, to 95 days and 2 birds with a framework closing date of January 31. For the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas, we also do not support a 107-day season alternative with a daily bag limit of 2 whitefronts for 44 consecutive days and 1 bird for the remaining 63 days with a framework closing date of February 21. We believe that the whitefront season length and daily bag limit should be 86 days and 2 birds or 107 days and 1 bird for both the Mississippi Flyway and the East Tier of the Central Flyway. We believe that equitable hunting opportunity between [[Page 47053]] the Mississippi Flyway and the East Tier of the Central Flyway is appropriate because Mid-Continent white-fronted geese are managed as one population. This equitable approach is consistent with the ``base regulations'' identified in the cooperative management plan. Finally, in the absence of any guidance for liberalizations, we believe that this level of liberalization should be viewed as the ``liberal alternative'' beyond the ``base regulations'' identified in the management plan for these harvest areas. Regarding framework closing dates, we do not support recommendations for a whitefront framework closing date of January 31 in the East Tier and a framework closing date of February 21 for the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas. We propose a dark goose framework closing date of the Sunday nearest February 15th for the entire East Tier. This date is consistent with the framework closing date for dark geese in the West Tier. We believe that the change in harvest related to this alignment of framework closing dates would be negligible, and consistent framework closing dates would facilitate the simplification of dark goose hunting regulations in the Central Flyway. We also acknowledge the completion of the Cooperative Management Plan for Mid-Continent White-fronted geese (1998). The Plan supports the combining of Eastern and Western Segments of Mid-Continent whitefronts into one population. However, we believe that a major shortcoming of the Plan surfaced this year relating to the guidance provided for the setting of hunting regulations. Although ``base regulations'' are clearly defined in the Plan, no guidance is provided for liberalizations or restrictions from base regulations. This year, the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended liberalizations different than those recommended by the Central Flyway Council, although the plan calls for the same ``base regulations.'' Further, the population objective (600,000) and associated thresholds identified in the Plan appear to have little relationship with recent population estimates derived from the fall population survey conducted since 1992. Additionally, we believe that cooperative management plans are an appropriate mechanism to address International issues related to special harvest considerations and information data needs, e.g. interior Alaska whitefronts. We are aware of the 5-year revision schedule for this plan and encourage the Central and Mississippi Flyways to work with the Pacific Flyway, Canada and Mexico to address these issues in the next plan update. We concur with the other Flyway Council recommendations. 6. Brant Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended an increase in the daily bag limit for brant from 2 to 4 birds. The Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended seasons for brant be modified to include an option of 107 days and 1 brant in addition to the current option of 70 days and 2 brant. The Committees do not expect this additional option to increase brant harvest in the Flyway, but would allow states to set dark goose season dates to coincide. Written Comments: The Atlantic Flyway Council subsequently recommended the brant daily bag limit remain at 2 birds. Their revised recommendation was based on new information from the Arctic breeding grounds indicating a strong possibility of very limited brant production this year. Service Response: We concur with the change back to a 2-bird daily bag limit based on reports from the Baffin Island and surrounding areas that there was no appreciable production this year. Although an increase to a 4-bird daily bag would be consistent with the Atlantic Brant Hunt Plan based on the population status (171,628 in the mid- winter survey), we believe it prudent to conserve the breeding stock and not liberalize the bag limit during a year of poor production. 7. Snow and Ross' Geese Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended allowing the use of an unlimited number of splits in the season. The Central Flyway Council supported the late-winter light goose hunting season in the Rainwater Basin area of Nebraska per the plan agreed to by the Service and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Written Comments: The Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources requested that the Service allow States in the Chesapeake Bay Region (including Delaware) the ability to split their snow goose season up to 47 times. They believed this would be the most effective method for discouraging snow geese from depredating wetlands and agricultural fields. Under this scenario, the season would not have to be closed for more than one day at a time. Alternately, they requested the use of zones and the ability to split their snow goose season up to 15 times. Under this scenario, the season would be closed for 3-day periods each week. Both alternatives would be considered experimental and would be evaluated by use of farm surveys, monthly aerial surveys, biweekly snow goose surveys, and harvest surveys. Service Response: We are sympathetic towards the depredation issues brought forward by the Atlantic Flyway Council in Delaware and Maryland where too many greater snow geese are causing extensive agricultural damage and wetland degradation during closed segments of their hunting seasons. It remains to be seen whether an increase in the number of split seasons will resolve this problem, but to provide temporary relief, we agree to explore this option further pending an evaluation. We propose that Delaware and Maryland be guided by the existing restrictions on splits for geese (3-way split season) until the end of the regular duck season. After such time, they will be permitted to hunt on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, involving two splits per week until the framework closing date of March 10, 2000. This season would be experimental, limited to this year only, and requires an evaluation. We will reevaluate the effectiveness on this approach prior to next year. Both States should actively seek landowner support to reduce their crop damage problems by allowing hunter access on their fields to hunt snow geese. At this time, we do not support the recommendation for use of unlimited splits during snow goose seasons. In 1997, we allowed an increase from 2 to 3 season segments for geese in all four Flyways. This increase resulted in a more consistent use of split-season options among all Flyways. In addition, within any established season, a State may also designate certain days as non-hunt days, if that hunt strategy is desired. The use of zoning for light geese remains a management tool that is currently not contained by specific guidelines for use by a State. We believe that the current ability to divide a 107-day season into 3 segments with the unlimited use of zones provides adequate flexibility for States to set seasons for light geese. Regarding the hunt strategy for the Rainwater Basin, we appreciate the Central Flyway Council's support of the late-winter light goose hunting strategy for the Rainwater Basin Area of Nebraska and propose to implement the strategy this year. [[Page 47054]] Public Comment Invited We intend that adopted final rules be as responsive as possible to all concerned interests, and therefore desire to obtain the comments and suggestions of the public, other governmental agencies, non- governmental organizations, and other private interests on these proposals. However, special circumstances are involved in the establishment of these regulations which limit the amount of time that we can allow for public comment. Specifically, two considerations compress the time in which the rulemaking process must operate: (1) The need to establish final rules at a point early enough in the summer to allow affected State agencies to appropriately adjust their licensing and regulatory mechanisms; and (2) the unavailability, before mid-June, of specific, reliable data on this year's status of some waterfowl and migratory shore and upland game bird populations. Therefore, we believe that to allow comment periods past the dates specified is contrary to the public interest. The Department of the Interior's policy is, whenever practicable, to afford the public an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking process. Accordingly, we invite interested persons to submit written comments, suggestions, or recommendations regarding the proposed regulations. Before promulgation of final migratory game bird hunting regulations, we will take into consideration all comments received. Such comments, and any additional information received, may lead to final regulations that differ from these proposals. We invite interested persons to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments to the address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES. You may inspect comments received on the proposed annual hunting regulations during normal business hours at the Service's office in room 634, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia. For each series of proposed rulemakings, we will establish specific comment periods. We will consider, but possibly may not respond in detail to, each comment. As in the past, we will summarize all comments received during the comment period and respond to them after the closing date in the final rule. NEPA Consideration NEPA considerations are covered by the programmatic document, ``Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (FSES 88- 14),'' filed with the Environmental Protection Agency on June 9, 1988. We published a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register on June 16, 1988 (53 FR 22582). We published our Record of Decision on August 18, 1988 (53 FR 31341). Copies are available from the address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES. Endangered Species Act Consideration Prior to issuance of the 1999-2000 migratory game bird hunting regulations, we will consider provisions of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543; hereinafter the Act) to ensure that hunting is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any species designated as endangered or threatened or modify or destroy its critical habitat and that the proposed action is consistent with conservation programs for those species. Consultations under Section 7 of this Act may cause us to change proposals in this and future supplemental proposed rulemakings. Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 While this individual supplemental rule was not reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the migratory bird hunting regulations are economically significant and are annually reviewed by OMB under E.O. 12866. Regulatory Flexibility Act These 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 and issued a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis) in 1998. The Analysis documented the significant beneficial economic effect on a substantial number of small entities. 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 Analysis was based on the 1996 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 between $429 and $1,084 million at small businesses in 1998. Copies of the Analysis are available upon request. 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 has an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. However, because this rule establishes hunting seasons, we do not plan to defer the effective date under the exemption contained in 5 U.S.C. 808(1). Paperwork Reduction Act We examined these regulations under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. We utilize the various recordkeeping and reporting requirements imposed under regulations established in 50 CFR part 20, Subpart K, in the formulation of migratory game bird hunting regulations. Specifically, OMB has approved the information collection requirements of the Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program and assigned clearance number 1018-0015 (expires 9/30/2001). This information is used to provide a sampling frame for voluntary national surveys to improve our harvest estimates for all migratory game birds in order to better manage these populations. A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act We have determined and certify, in compliance with the requirements of the Unfunded Mandates 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. Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 12988 The Department, in promulgating this proposed rule, has determined that these regulations meet the applicable standards found in Sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988. Takings Implication Assessment In accordance with Executive Order 12630, this proposed rule, authorized by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, does not have significant takings implications and does not affect any constitutionally protected property rights. This rule will not result in the physical occupancy of property, the physical invasion of property, or the regulatory taking of any property. In fact, these rules allow hunters to exercise otherwise unavailable privileges; and, therefore, [[Page 47055]] reduce restrictions on the use of private and public property. 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 and 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 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 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 12612, these regulations do not have significant federalism effects and do not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. 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) and 512 DM 2, we have evaluated possible effects on Federally recognized Indian tribes and have determined that there are no effects. List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20 Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Transportation, Wildlife. The rules that eventually will be promulgated for the 1999-2000 hunting season are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703-712 and 16 U.S.C. 742a-j. Dated: August 23, 1999. Donald J. Barry, Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. Proposed Regulations Frameworks for 1999-2000 Late Hunting Seasons on Certain Migratory Game Birds Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and delegated authorities, the Department has approved frameworks for season lengths, shooting hours, bag and possession limits, and outside dates within which States may select seasons for hunting waterfowl and coots between the dates of September 1, 1999, and March 10, 2000. General Dates: All outside dates noted below are inclusive. Shooting and Hawking (taking by falconry) Hours: Unless otherwise specified, from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset daily. Possession Limits: Unless otherwise specified, possession limits are twice the daily bag limit. Flyways and Management Units Waterfowl Flyways Atlantic Flyway--includes Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. Mississippi Flyway--includes Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Central Flyway--includes Colorado (east of the Continental Divide), Kansas, Montana (Counties of Blaine, Carbon, Fergus, Judith Basin, Stillwater, Sweetgrass, Wheatland, and all counties east thereof), Nebraska, New Mexico (east of the Continental Divide except the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation), North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming (east of the Continental Divide). Pacific Flyway--includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and those portions of Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming not included in the Central Flyway. Management Units High Plains Mallard Management Unit--roughly defined as that portion of the Central Flyway which lies west of the 100th meridian. Definitions: For the purpose of hunting regulations listed below, the collective terms ``dark'' and ``light'' geese include the following species: Dark geese--Canada geese, white-fronted geese, brant, and all other goose species except light geese. Light geese--snow (including blue) geese and Ross' geese. Area, Zone, and Unit Descriptions: Geographic descriptions related to late-season regulations are contained in a later portion of this document. Area-Specific Provisions: Frameworks for open seasons, season lengths, bag and possession limits, and other special provisions are listed below by Flyway. Compensatory Days in the Atlantic Flyway: In the Atlantic Flyway States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, where Sunday hunting is prohibited statewide by State law, all Sundays are closed to all take of migratory waterfowl (including mergansers and coots). Atlantic Flyway Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 20. Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: 60 days and daily bag limit of 6 ducks, including no more than 4 mallards (2 hens), 3 scaup, 1 black duck, 1 pintail, 1 mottled duck, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 2 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 1 canvasback, and 4 scoters. Closures: The season on harlequin ducks is closed. Sea Ducks: Within the special sea duck areas, during the regular duck season in the Atlantic Flyway, States may choose to allow the above sea duck limits in addition to the limits applying to other ducks during the regular duck season. In all other areas, sea ducks may be taken only during the regular open season for ducks and are part of the regular duck season daily bag (not to exceed 4 scoters) and possession limits. Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit of mergansers is 5, only 1 of which may be a hooded merganser. Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots. Lake Champlain Zone, New York: The waterfowl seasons, limits, and shooting hours shall be the same as those selected for the Lake Champlain Zone of Vermont. Zoning and Split Seasons: Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia may split their seasons into three segments; Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and West Virginia may select hunting seasons by zones and may split their seasons into two segments in each zone. Canada Geese Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: Specific regulations for Canada geese are shown below by State. Unless specified otherwise, seasons may be split into two segments. In areas within States where the framework closing date [[Page 47056]] for Atlantic Population (AP) goose seasons overlaps with special late season frameworks for resident geese, the framework closing date for AP goose season is January 14. Connecticut North Atlantic Population (NAP) Zone: A 40-day season may be held between October 1 and December 15 with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Atlantic Population (AP) Zone: A 15-day season may be held concurrent with the duck season between November 1 and January 20 with a 1-bird daily bag limit. South Zone: A special experimental season may be held in the between January 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. Delaware: A 6-day season may be held concurrent with the duck season between November 15 and January 20 with a 1-bird daily bag limit (tagging required to harvest). The harvest of Canada geese is limited to 2,100. Florida: A 70-day season may be held between November 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. Georgia: In specific areas, a 70-day season may be held between November 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. Maine: A 40-day season may be held Statewide between October 1 and December 15 with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Maryland Southern James Bay Population (SJBP) Zone: A 40-day season may be held between November 15 to January 14, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. The season may be split 3-ways. Additionally, an experimental season may be held from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. AP Zone: A 6-day season may be held concurrent with the duck season between November 15 and January 20 with a 1-bird daily bag limit (tagging required to harvest). The harvest of Canada geese is limited to 12,200. Massachusetts NAP Zone: A 40-day season may be held between October 1 to December 15 with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Additionally, a special season may be held from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. AP Zone: A 15-day season may be held concurrent with the duck season between November 1 and January 20 with a 1-bird daily bag limit. New Hampshire: A 40-day season may be held statewide between October 1 and December 15 with a 2-bird daily bag limit. New Jersey Statewide: A 15-day season may be held concurrent with the duck season between November 1 and January 20 with a 1-bird daily bag limit. Special Late Goose Season Area: An experimental season may be held in designated areas of North and South New Jersey from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. New York SJBP Zone: A 70-day season may be held between November 1 and January 30, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. NAP Zone: A 40-day season may be held between October 1 and December 31 with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Special Late Goose Season Area: An experimental season may be held between January 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit in designated areas of Chemung, Tioga, Broome, Sullivan, Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, Orange, Dutchess, Putnam, and Rockland Counties. AP Zone: A 15-day season may be held concurrent with the duck season between November 1 and January 20 with a 1-bird daily bag limit. North Carolina: A 46-day season may be held between October 1 and November 15, with a 2-bird daily bag limit Statewide, except for the Northeast Hunt Unit and Northampton County. Pennsylvania SJBP Zone: A 40-day season may be held between November 15 to January 14, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. AP Zone: A 15-day season may be held concurrent with the duck season between November 1 and January 20 with a 1-bird daily bag limit. Special Late Goose Season Area: An experimental season may be held from January 15 to February 15 with a 5-bird daily bag limit. Pymatuning Zone: A 35-day season may be held between October 1 and January 20, with a 1-bird daily bag limit. Rhode Island: A 40-day season may be held between October 1 and December 15 with a 2-bird daily bag limit. An experimental season may be held in a designated area from January 15 to February 15, with a 5- bird daily bag limit. South Carolina: In designated areas, a 70-day season may be held during November 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. Vermont: A 15-day season may be held concurrent with the duck season between November 1 and January 20 with a 1-bird daily bag limit. Virginia SJBP Zone: A 40-day season may be held between November 15 to January 14, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Additionally, an experimental season may be held between January 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. AP Zone: A 6-day season may be held concurrent with the duck season between November 15 and January 20 with a 1-bird daily bag limit. Back Bay Area: Season is closed. West Virginia: A 70-day season may be held between October 1 and January 31, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. Light Geese Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select a 107- day season between October 1 and March 10, with a 15-bird daily bag limit and no possession limit. States may split their seasons into three segments, except in Delaware and Maryland, where following the completion of their duck season, and until March 10, they may split the remaining portion of the season to hunt on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only. Brant Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select a 50- day season between October 1 and January 20, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. States may split their seasons into two segments. Mississippi Flyway Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 2) and the Sunday nearest January 20 (January 23). Seasons in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee may extend to January 31. Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: 60 days with a daily bag limit of 6 ducks, including no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be females), 3 mottled ducks, 3 scaup, 1 black duck, 1 pintail, 2 wood ducks, 1 canvasback, and 2 redheads. In the States of Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, if a season extending beyond the Sunday nearest January 20 (January 23) is selected in any portion of the State, the season length will be 51 days throughout the State. Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5, only 1 of which may be a hooded merganser. Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots. Zoning and Split Seasons: Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and [[Page 47057]] Wisconsin may select hunting seasons by zones. In Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, the season may be split into two segments in each zone. In Minnesota and Arkansas, the season may be split into three segments. Geese Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into three segments. Three-way split seasons for Canada geese require Mississippi Flyway Council and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval, and a 3-year evaluation, by each participating State. Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select seasons for light geese not to exceed 107 days with 20 geese daily between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 2) and March 10; for white-fronted geese not to exceed 86 days with 2 geese daily or 107 days with 1 goose daily between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 2) and the Sunday nearest February 15 (February 13); and for brant not to exceed 70 days with 2 brant daily or 107 days with 1 brant daily between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 2) and January 31. There is no possession limit for light geese. Specific regulations for Canada geese and exceptions to the above general provisions are shown below by State. Except as noted below, the outside dates for Canada geese are the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 2) and January 31. Alabama: In the Southern James Bay Population (SJBP) Goose Zone, the season for Canada geese may not exceed 35 days. Elsewhere, the season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days in the respective duck- hunting zones. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. Arkansas: The season for Canada geese may extend for 23 days in the East Zone and 16 days in the West Zone. In both zones, the season may extend to February 15. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. In the remainder of the State, the season for Canada geese is closed. Illinois: The total harvest of Canada geese in the State will be limited to 119,600 birds. The possession limit is 10 Canada geese. (a) North Zone--The season for Canada geese will close after 92 days or when 16,700 birds have been harvested in the Northern Illinois Quota Zone, whichever occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese during the first 74 days and 3 Canada geese thereafter. (b) Central Zone--The season for Canada geese will close after 92 days or when 22,100 birds have been harvested in the Central Illinois Quota Zone, whichever occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese during the first 78 days and 3 Canada geese thereafter. (c) South Zone--The harvest of Canada geese in the Southern Illinois and Rend Lake Quota Zones will be limited to 36,100 and 6,600 birds, respectively. The season for Canada geese in each zone will close after 67 days or when the harvest limit has been reached, whichever occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. In the Southern Illinois Quota Zone, if any of the following conditions exist after December 20, the State, after consultation with the Service, will close the season by emergency order with 48 hours notice: (1) Average body weights of adult female geese less than 3,200 grams as measured from a weekly sample of a minimum of 50 geese. (2) Starvation or a major disease outbreak resulting in observed mortality exceeding 5,000 birds in 10 days, or a total mortality exceeding 10,000 birds. In the remainder of the South Zone, the season may extend for 67 days or until both the Southern Illinois and Rend Lake Quota Zones have been closed, whichever occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. Indiana: The total harvest of Canada geese in the State will be limited to 25,675 birds. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. (a) Posey County--The season for Canada geese will close after 66 days or when the Canada goose harvest at the Hovey Lake Fish and Wildlife Area exceeds 950 birds, whichever occurs first. (b) Remainder of the State--The season for Canada geese may extend for 56 days, except in the SJBP Zone, where the season may not exceed 35 days. Iowa: The season may extend for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. Kentucky (a) Western Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 59 days (74 days in Fulton County), and the harvest will be limited to 22,900 birds. Of the 22,900-bird quota, 14,885 birds will be allocated to the Ballard Reporting Area and 4,350 birds will be allocated to the Henderson/Union Reporting Area. If the quota in either reporting area is reached prior to completion of the 59-day season, the season in that reporting area will be closed. If the quotas in both the Ballard and Henderson/Union reporting areas are reached prior to completion of the 59-day season, the season in the counties and portions of counties that comprise the Western Goose Zone (listed in State regulations) may continue for an additional 7 days, not to exceed a total of 59 days (74 days in Fulton County). The season in Fulton County may extend to February 15. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. (b) Pennyroyal/Coalfield Zone--The season may extend for 35 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. (c) Remainder of the State--The season may extend for 50 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. Louisiana: The season for Canada geese may extend for 9 days. During the season, the daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose and 2 white- fronted geese with an 86-day white-fronted goose season or 1 white- fronted goose with a 107-day season. Hunters participating in the Canada goose season must possess a special permit issued by the State. Michigan: The total harvest of Canada geese in the State will be limited to 56,800 birds. The framework opening date for all geese is September 19. (a) North and Middle Zones--The season for Canada geese may extend for 15 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. (b) South Zone: (1) Allegan County GMU--The season for Canada geese will close after 21 days or when 880 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose. (2) Muskegon Wastewater GMU--The season for Canada geese will close after 22 days or when 280 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. (3) Saginaw County GMU--The season for Canada geese will close after 50 days or when 2,000 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose. (4) Tuscola/Huron GMU--The season for Canada geese will close after 50 days or when 750 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose. (5) Remainder of South Zone--The season for Canada geese will open September 19 and may extend for 15 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. (d) Southern Michigan GMU--A special Canada goose season may be held between January 8 and February 6. The daily bag limit is 5 Canada geese. (e) Central Michigan GMU--An experimental special Canada goose season may be held between January 8 and February 6. The daily bag limit is 5 Canada geese. Minnesota (a) West Zone: (1) West Central Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 30 days. In [[Page 47058]] the Lac Qui Parle Zone, the season will close after 30 days or when 16,000 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. Throughout the West Central Zone, the daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose. (2) Remainder of West Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 40 days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose. (b) Northwest Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 40 days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose. (c) Remainder of the State--The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. (d) Special Late Canada Goose Season--An experimental Special Canada goose season of up to 10 days may be held in December, except in the West Central and Lac qui Parle Goose zones. During the special season, the daily bag limit is 5 Canada geese, except in the Southeast Goose Zone, where the daily bag limit is 2. Mississippi: The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese. Missouri (a) Swan Lake Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days, with no more than 30 days occurring after November 30. The season may be split into 3 segments. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. (b) Southeast Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days. The season may be split into 3 segments, provided that at least 1 segment occurs prior to December 1. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese through October 31, and 2 Canada geese thereafter. (c) Remainder of the State-- (1) North Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days, with no more than 30 days occurring after November 30. The season may be split into 3 segments, provided that 1 segment of at least 9 days occurs prior to October 15. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese through October 31, and 2 Canada geese thereafter. (2) Middle Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days, with no more than 30 days occurring after November 30. The season may be split into 3 segments, provided that 1 segment of at least 9 days occurs prior to October 15. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese through October 31, and 2 Canada geese thereafter. (3) South Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days. The season may be split into 3 segments, provided that at least 1 segment occurs prior to December 1. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese through October 31, and 2 Canada geese thereafter. Ohio: The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days in the respective duck-hunting zones, with a daily bag limit of 2 Canada geese, except in the Lake Erie SJBP Zone, where the season may not exceed 30 days and the daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose. A special experimental Canada goose season of up to 22 days, beginning the first Saturday after January 10, may be held in selected areas of the State. During the special season, the daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. Tennessee (a) Northwest Zone--The season for Canada geese will close after 74 days or when 8,500 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. The season may extend to February 15. A 6,000-bird harvest quota will be monitored in the Reelfoot Quota Zone. The remaining 2,500 quota will be assigned to the area outside the Reelfoot Zone. If the quota in the Reelfoot Quota Zone is reached prior to completion of the 74-day season, the season in the entire Northwest Zone will close. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. (b) Southwest Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 59 days, and the harvest will be limited to 1,000 birds. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. (c) Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Zone--The season for Canada geese will close after 50 days or when 1,800 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. All geese harvested must be tagged. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. In lieu of the quota and tagging requirement above, the State may select either a 50-day season with a 1-bird daily bag limit or a 35-day season with a 2-bird daily bag limit for this Zone. (d) Remainder of the State--The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. Wisconsin: The total harvest of Canada geese in the State will be limited to 79,800 birds. (a) Horicon Zone--The framework opening date for all geese is September 18. The harvest of Canada geese is limited to 39,500 birds. The season may not exceed 95 days. All Canada geese harvested must be tagged. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese and the season limit will be the number of tags issued to each permittee. (b) Collins Zone--The framework opening date for all geese is September 18. The harvest of Canada geese is limited to 1,300 birds. The season may not exceed 68 days. All Canada geese harvested must be tagged. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese and the season limit will be the number of tags issued to each permittee. (c) Exterior Zone--The framework opening date for all geese is September 25. The harvest of Canada geese is limited to 34,500 birds, with 500 birds allocated to the Mississippi River Subzone. The season may not exceed 94 days, except in the Mississippi River Subzone, where the season may not exceed 80 days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose. In that portion of the Exterior Zone outside the Mississippi River Subzone, the progress of the harvest must be monitored, and the season closed, if necessary, to ensure that the harvest does not exceed 34,000 birds. Additional Limits: In addition to the harvest limits stated for the respective zones above, an additional 4,500 Canada geese may be taken in the Horicon Zone under special agricultural permits. Quota Zone Closures: When it has been determined that the quota of Canada geese allotted to the Northern Illinois, Central Illinois, Southern Illinois, and Rend Lake Quota Zones in Illinois, Posey County in Indiana, the Ballard and Henderson-Union Subzones in Kentucky, the Allegan County, Muskegon Wastewater, Saginaw County, and Tuscola/Huron Goose Management Units in Michigan, the Lac Qui Parle Zone in Minnesota, the Northwest and Kentucky/Barkley Lakes (if applicable) Zones in Tennessee, and the Exterior Zone in Wisconsin will have been filled, the season for taking Canada geese in the respective zone (and associated area, if applicable) will be closed by either the Director upon giving public notice through local information media at least 48 hours in advance of the time and date of closing, or by the State through State regulations with such notice and time (not less than 48 hours) as they deem necessary. Central Flyway Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots Outside Dates: Between October 2 and January 23. Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits (1) High Plains Mallard Management Unit (roughly defined as that portion of the Central Flyway which lies west of the 100th meridian): 97 days and a daily bag limit of 6 ducks, including no more than 5 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be hens) 1 mottled duck, 1 canvasback, 1 pintail, 2 redheads, 3 scaup, and 2 wood ducks. The last 23 days may start no earlier than the Saturday nearest December 10 (December 11). [[Page 47059]] (2) Remainder of the Central Flyway: 74 days and a daily bag limit of 6 ducks, including no more than 5 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be hens), 1 mottled duck, 1 canvasback, 1 pintail, 2 redheads, 3 scaup, and 2 wood ducks. Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5 mergansers, only 1 of which may be a hooded merganser. Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots. Zoning and Split Seasons: Kansas (Low Plains portion), Montana, Nebraska (Low Plains portion), New Mexico, Oklahoma (Low Plains portion), South Dakota (Low Plains portion), Texas (Low Plains portion), and Wyoming may select hunting seasons by zones. In Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming, the regular season may be split into two segments. In Colorado, the season may be split into three segments. Geese Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into three segments. Three-way split seasons for Canada geese require Central Flyway Council and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval, and a 3-year evaluation by each participating State. Outside Dates: For dark geese, seasons may be selected between the outside dates of the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 2) and the Sunday nearest February 15 (February 13). For light geese, outside dates for seasons may be selected between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 2) and March 10. In the Rainwater Basin Light Goose Area (East and West) of Nebraska, temporal and spatial restrictions consistent with the experimental late-winter snow goose hunting strategy endorsed by the Central Flyway Council in July 1999, are required. Season Lengths and Limits Light Geese: States may select a light goose season not to exceed 107 days. The daily bag limit for light geese is 20 with no possession limit. Dark Geese: In Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas, States may select a season for Canada geese (or any other dark goose species except white-fronted geese) not to exceed 95 days with a daily bag limit of 3. Additionally, in the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas, an alternative season of 107 days with a daily bag limit of 1 Canada goose may be selected. For white- fronted geese, these States may select either a season of 86 days with a bag limit of 2 or a 107-day season with a bag limit of 1. In South Dakota, for Canada geese in the Power Plant Area of Dark Goose Unit 1, the daily bag limit is 3 until November 30 and 2 thereafter. In Colorado, Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming, States may select seasons not to exceed 107 days. The daily bag limit for dark geese is 5 in the aggregate. In the Western Goose Zone of Texas, the season may not exceed 107 days. The daily bag limit for Canada geese (or any other dark goose species except white-fronted geese) is 5. The daily bag limit for white-fronted geese is 1. Pacific Flyway Ducks, Mergansers, Coots, and Common Moorhens Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: Concurrent 107 days and daily bag limit of 7 ducks and mergansers, including no more than 2 female mallards, 1 pintail, 4 scaup, 2 redheads and 1 canvasback. The season on coots and common moorhens may be between the outside dates for the season on ducks, but not to exceed 107 days. Coot and Common Moorhen Limits: The daily bag and possession limits of coots and common moorhens are 25, singly or in the aggregate. Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 2) and the Sunday nearest January 20 (January 23). Zoning and Split Seasons: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington may select hunting seasons by zones. Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington may split their seasons into two segments. Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming may split their seasons into three segments. Colorado River Zone, California: Seasons and limits shall be the same as seasons and limits selected in the adjacent portion of Arizona (South Zone). Geese Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: Except as subsequently noted, 100-day seasons may be selected, with outside dates between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 2), and the Sunday nearest January 20 (January 23), and the basic daily bag limits are 3 light geese and 4 dark geese, except in California, Oregon, and Washington, where the dark goose bag limit does not include brant. Split Seasons: Unless otherwise specified, seasons for geese may be split into up to 3 segments. Three-way split seasons for Canada geese and white-fronted geese require Pacific Flyway Council and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval and a 3-year evaluation by each participating State. Brant Season--A 16-consecutive-day season may be selected in Oregon and Washington, and a 30-consecutive-day season may be selected in California. In these States, the daily bag limit is 2 brant and is in addition to dark goose limits. Closures: There will be no open season on Aleutian Canada geese in the Pacific Flyway. The States of California, Oregon, and Washington must include a statement on the closure for that subspecies in their respective regulations leaflet. Emergency closures may be invoked for all Canada geese should Aleutian Canada goose distribution patterns or other circumstances justify such actions. Arizona: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3. California Northeastern Zone--White-fronted geese and cackling Canada geese may be taken only during the first 44 days of the goose season. The daily bag limit is 3 geese and may include no more than 2 dark geese; including not more than 1 cackling Canada goose. Colorado River Zone--The seasons and limits must be the same as those selected in the adjacent portion of Arizona (South Zone). Southern Zone--The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3 geese, including not more than 1 cackling Canada goose. Balance-of-the-State Zone--A 79-day season may be selected. Limits may not include more than 3 geese per day and 6 in possession, of which not more than 2 daily and 4 in possession may be white-fronted geese and not more than 1 daily or 2 in possession may be cackling Canada geese. Three areas in the Balance-of-the-State Zone are restricted in the hunting of certain geese: (1) In the Counties of Del Norte and Humboldt, there will be no open season for Canada geese, except for the Special September Canada goose hunt in Humboldt County. (2) In the Sacramento Valley Special Management Area (West), the season on white-fronted geese must end on or before December 14, and, except in the Sacramento Valley Special Management Area (East), there will be no open season for Canada geese. (3) In the San Joaquin Valley Special Management Area, there will be no open season for Canada geese. Colorado: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3 geese. [[Page 47060]] Idaho Northern Unit--The daily bag limit is 4 geese, including 4 dark geese, but not more than 3 light geese. Southwest Unit and Southeastern Unit--The daily bag limit on dark geese is 4. Montana: West of Divide Zone and East of Divide Zone--The daily bag limit of dark geese is 4. Nevada: Lincoln and Clark County Zone--The daily bag limit of dark geese is 2. New Mexico: The daily bag limit of dark geese is 3. Oregon: Except as subsequently noted, the dark goose daily bag limit is 4, including not more than 1 cackling Canada goose. Lake County Zone--The season length may be 100 days. The dark goose limit is 4, including not more than 2 white-fronted geese and 1 cackling Canada goose. Western Zone--In the Special Canada Goose Management Area, except for designated areas, there shall be no open season on Canada geese. In the designated areas, individual quotas shall be established which collectively shall not exceed 165 dusky Canada geese. See section on quota zones. In those designated areas, the daily bag limit of dark geese is 4 and may include 4 cackling Canada geese. Utah: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3 geese. Washington: The daily bag limit is 4 geese, including 4 dark geese but not more than 3 light geese. West Zone--In the Lower Columbia River Special Goose Management Area, except for designated areas, there shall be no open season on Canada geese. In the designated areas, individual quotas shall be established which collectively shall not exceed 85 dusky Canada geese. See section on quota zones. In this area, the daily bag limit of dark geese is 4 and may include 4 cackling Canada geese. Wyoming: The daily bag limit is 4 dark geese. Quota Zones: Seasons on dark geese must end upon attainment of individual quotas of dusky Canada geese allotted to the designated areas of Oregon and Washington. The September Canada goose season, the regular goose season, any special late dark goose season, and any extended falconry season, combined, must not exceed 107 days and the established quota of dusky Canada geese must not be exceeded. Hunting of dark geese in those designated areas shall only be by hunters possessing a State-issued permit authorizing them to do so. In a Service-approved investigation, the State must obtain quantitative information on hunter compliance of those regulations aimed at reducing the take of dusky Canada geese and eliminating the take of Aleutian Canada geese. In the designated areas of the Washington Quota Zone, a special late dark goose season may be held between January 22 and March 10. The daily bag limit may not include Aleutian Canada geese. In the Special Canada Goose Management Area of Oregon, the framework closing date is extended to the Sunday closest to March 1 (Feb. 28). In the Special Canada Goose Management Area of Oregon, the framework closing date is extended to the Sunday closest to March 1 (Feb. 28). Regular dark goose seasons may be split into 3 segments within the Oregon and Washington quota zones. The 3-way split seasons are considered experimental for the next 3 years. An evaluation of the 3-way split seasons is required and must be submitted by July, 2002. Swans In designated areas of Utah, Nevada, and the Pacific Flyway portion of Montana, an open season for taking a limited number of swans may be selected. Permits will be issued by States and will authorize each permittee to take no more than 1 swan per season. The season may open no earlier than the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 2). The States must implement a harvest-monitoring program to measure the species composition of the swan harvest. In Utah and Nevada, the harvest- monitoring program must require that all harvested swans or their species-determinant parts be examined by either State or Federal biologists for the purpose of species classification. All States should use appropriate measures to maximize hunter compliance in providing bagged swans for examination or, in the case of Montana, reporting bill-measurement and color information. All States must provide to the Service by June 30, 1998, a report covering harvest, hunter participation, reporting compliance, and monitoring of swan populations in the designated hunt areas. These seasons will be subject to the following conditions: In Utah, no more than 2,750 permits may be issued. The season must end no later than the first Sunday in December (December 6) or upon attainment of 15 trumpeter swans in the harvest, whichever occurs earliest. In Nevada, no more than 650 permits may be issued. The season must end no later than the Sunday following January 1 (January 3) or upon attainment of 5 trumpeter swans in the harvest, whichever occurs earliest. In Montana, no more than 500 permits may be issued. The season must end no later than December 1. Tundra Swans In Central Flyway portion of Montana, and in North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota (east of the Missouri River), and Virginia, an open season for taking a limited number of tundra swans may be selected. Permits will be issued by the States and will authorize each permittee to take no more than 1 tundra swan per season. The States must obtain harvest and hunter participation data. These seasons will be subject to the following conditions: In the Atlantic Flyway --The season will be experimental --The season may be 90 days, from October 1 to January 31 --In North Carolina, no more than 5,000 permits may be issued --In Virginia, no more than 600 permits may be issued In the Central Flyway --The season may be 107 days and must occur during the light goose season --In the Central Flyway portion of Montana, no more than 500 permits may be issued --In North Dakota, no more than 2,000 permits may be issued --In South Dakota, no more than 1,500 permits may be issued Area, Unit and Zone Descriptions Ducks (Including Mergansers) and Coots Atlantic Flyway Connecticut North Zone: That portion of the State north of I-95. South Zone: Remainder of the State. Maine North Zone: That portion north of the line extending east along Maine State Highway 110 from the New Hampshire and Maine border to the intersection of Maine State Highway 11 in Newfield; then north and east along Route 11 to the intersection of U.S. Route 202 in Auburn; then north and east on Route 202 to the intersection of Interstate Highway 95 in Augusta; then north and east along I-95 to Route 15 in Bangor; then east along Route 15 to Route 9; then east along Route 9 to Stony Brook in Baileyville; then east along Stony Brook to the United States border. South Zone: Remainder of the State. Massachusetts Western Zone: That portion of the State west of a line extending south from the Vermont border on I-91 to MA [[Page 47061]] 9, west on MA 9 to MA 10, south on MA 10 to U.S. 202, south on U.S. 202 to the Connecticut border. Central Zone: That portion of the State east of the Berkshire Zone and west of a line extending south from the New Hampshire border on I- 95 to U.S. 1, south on U.S. 1 to I-93, south on I-93 to MA 3, south on MA 3 to U.S. 6, west on U.S. 6 to MA 28, west on MA 28 to I-195, west to the Rhode Island border; except the waters, and the lands 150 yards inland from the high-water mark, of the Assonet River upstream to the MA 24 bridge, and the Taunton River upstream to the Center St.-Elm St. bridge shall be in the Coastal Zone. Coastal Zone: That portion of Massachusetts east and south of the Central Zone. New Hampshire Coastal Zone: That portion of the State east of a line extending west from Maine border in Rollinsford on NH 4 to the city of Dover, south to NH 108, south along NH 108 through Madbury, Durham, and Newmarket to NH 85 in Newfields, south to NH 101 in Exeter, east to NH 51 (Exeter-Hampton Expressway), east to I-95 (New Hampshire Turnpike) in Hampton, and south along I-95 to the Massachusetts border. Inland Zone: That portion of the State north and west of the above boundary. New Jersey Coastal Zone: That portion of the State seaward of a line beginning at the New York border in Raritan Bay and extending west along the New York border to NJ 440 at Perth Amboy; west on NJ 440 to the Garden State Parkway; south on the Garden State Parkway to the shoreline at Cape May and continuing to the Delaware border in Delaware Bay. North Zone: That portion of the State west of the Coastal Zone and north of a line extending west from the Garden State Parkway on NJ 70 to the New Jersey Turnpike, north on the turnpike to U.S. 206, north on U.S. 206 to U.S. 1 at Trenton, west on U.S. 1 to the Pennsylvania border in the Delaware River. South Zone: That portion of the State not within the North Zone or the Coastal Zone. New York Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and that area east and north of a line extending along NY 9B from the Canadian border to U.S. 9, south along U.S. 9 to NY 22 south of Keesville; south along NY 22 to the west shore of South Bay, along and around the shoreline of South Bay to NY 22 on the east shore of South Bay; southeast along NY 22 to U.S. 4, northeast along U.S. 4 to the Vermont border. Long Island Zone: That area consisting of Nassau County, Suffolk County, that area of Westchester County southeast of I-95, and their tidal waters. Western Zone: That area west of a line extending from Lake Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, and south along I-81 to the Pennsylvania border. Northeastern Zone: That area north of a line extending from Lake Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, south along I-81 to NY 49, east along NY 49 to NY 365, east along NY 365 to NY 28, east along NY 28 to NY 29, east along NY 29 to I-87, north along I-87 to U.S. 9 (at Exit 20), north along U.S. 9 to NY 149, east along NY 149 to U.S. 4, north along U.S. 4 to the Vermont border, exclusive of the Lake Champlain Zone. Southeastern Zone: The remaining portion of New York. Pennsylvania Lake Erie Zone: The Lake Erie waters of Pennsylvania and a shoreline margin along Lake Erie from New York on the east to Ohio on the west extending 150 yards inland, but including all of Presque Isle Peninsula. Northwest Zone: The area bounded on the north by the Lake Erie Zone and including all of Erie and Crawford Counties and those portions of Mercer and Venango Counties north of I-80. North Zone: That portion of the State east of the Northwest Zone and north of a line extending east on I-80 to U.S. 220, Route 220 to I- 180, I-180 to I-80, and I-80 to the Delaware River. South Zone: The remaining portion of Pennsylvania. Vermont Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and that area north and west of the line extending from the New York border along U.S. 4 to VT 22A at Fair Haven; VT 22A to U.S. 7 at Vergennes; U.S. 7 to the Canadian border. Interior Zone: The remaining portion of Vermont. West Virginia Zone 1: That portion outside the boundaries in Zone 2. Zone 2 (Allegheny Mountain Upland): That area bounded by a line extending south along U.S. 220 through Keyser to U.S. 50; U.S. 50 to WV 93; WV 93 south to WV 42; WV 42 south to Petersburg; WV 28 south to Minnehaha Springs; WV 39 west to U.S. 219; U.S. 219 south to I-64; I-64 west to U.S. 60; U.S. 60 west to U.S. 19; U.S. 19 north to I-79, I-79 north to U.S. 48; U.S. 48 east to the Maryland border; and along the border to the point of beginning. Mississippi Flyway Alabama South Zone: Mobile and Baldwin Counties. North Zone: The remainder of Alabama. Illinois North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending east from the Iowa border along Illinois Highway 92 to Interstate Highway 280, east along I-280 to I-80, then east along I-80 to the Indiana border. Central Zone: That portion of the State south of the North Zone to a line extending east from the Missouri border along the Modoc Ferry route to Modoc Ferry Road, east along Modoc Ferry Road to Modoc Road, northeasterly along Modoc Road and St. Leo's Road to Illinois Highway 3, north along Illinois 3 to Illinois 159, north along Illinois 159 to Illinois 161, east along Illinois 161 to Illinois 4, north along Illinois 4 to Interstate Highway 70, east along I-70 to the Bond County line, north and east along the Bond County line to Fayette County, north and east along the Fayette County line to Effingham County, east and south along the Effingham County line to I-70, then east along I-70 to the Indiana border. South Zone: The remainder of Illinois. Indiana North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending east from the Illinois border along State Road 18 to U.S. Highway 31, north along U.S. 31 to U.S. 24, east along U.S. 24 to Huntington, then southeast along U.S. 224 to the Ohio border. Ohio River Zone: That portion of the State south of a line extending east from the Illinois border along Interstate Highway 64 to New Albany, east along State Road 62 to State 56, east along State 56 to Vevay, east and north on State 156 along the Ohio River to North Landing, north along State 56 to U.S. Highway 50, then northeast along U.S. 50 to the Ohio border. South Zone: That portion of the State between the North and Ohio River Zone boundaries. Iowa North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending east from the Nebraska border along State Highway 175 to State 37, southeast along State 37 to U.S. Highway 59, south along U.S. 59 [[Page 47062]] to Interstate Highway 80, then east along I-80 to the Illinois border. South Zone: The remainder of Iowa. Kentucky West Zone: All counties west of and including Butler, Daviess, Ohio, Simpson, and Warren Counties. East Zone: The remainder of Kentucky. Louisiana West Zone: That portion of the State west of a line extending south from the Arkansas border along Louisiana Highway 3 to Bossier City, east along Interstate Highway 20 to Minden, south along Louisiana 7 to Ringgold, east along Louisiana 4 to Jonesboro, south along U.S. Highway 167 to Lafayette, southeast along U.S. 90 to Houma, then south along the Houma Navigation Channel to the Gulf of Mexico through Cat Island Pass. East Zone: The remainder of Louisiana. Catahoula Lake Area: All of Catahoula Lake, including those portions known locally as Round Prairie, Catfish Prairie, and Frazier's Arm. See State regulations for additional information. Michigan North Zone: The Upper Peninsula. Middle Zone: That portion of the Lower Peninsula north of a line beginning at the Wisconsin border in Lake Michigan due west of the mouth of Stony Creek in Oceana County; then due east to, and easterly and southerly along the south shore of, Stony Creek to Scenic Drive, easterly and southerly along Scenic Drive to Stony Lake Road, easterly along Stony Lake and Garfield Roads to Michigan Highway 20, east along Michigan 20 to U.S. Highway 10 Business Route (BR) in the city of Midland, east along U.S. 10 BR to U.S. 10, east along U.S. 10 to Interstate Highway 75/U.S. Highway 23, north along I-75/U.S. 23 to the U.S. 23 exit at Standish, east along U.S. 23 to Shore Road in Arenac County, east along Shore Road to the tip of Point Lookout, then on a line directly east 10 miles into Saginaw Bay, and from that point on a line directly northeast to the Canada border. South Zone: The remainder of Michigan. Mississippi Zone 1: Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson Counties. Zone 2: The remainder of Mississippi. Missouri North Zone: That portion of Missouri north of a line running west from the Illinois border along Interstate Highway 70 to U.S. Highway 54, south along U.S. 54 to U.S. 50, then west along U.S. 50 to the Kansas border. South Zone: That portion of Missouri south of a line running west from the Illinois border along Missouri Highway 34 to Interstate Highway 55; south along I-55 to U.S. Highway 62, west along U.S. 62 to Missouri 53, north along Missouri 53 to Missouri 51, north along Missouri 51 to U.S. 60, west along U.S. 60 to Missouri 21, north along Missouri 21 to Missouri 72, west along Missouri 72 to Missouri 32, west along Missouri 32 to U.S. 65, north along U.S. 65 to U.S. 54, west along U.S. 54 to Missouri 32, south along Missouri 32 to Missouri 97, south along Missouri 97 to Dade County NN, west along Dade County NN to Missouri 37, west along Missouri 37 to Jasper County N, west along Jasper County N to Jasper County M, west along Jasper County M to the Kansas border. Middle Zone: The remainder of Missouri. Ohio North Zone: The Counties of Darke, Miami, Clark, Champaign, Union, Delaware, Licking (excluding the Buckeye Lake Area), Muskingum, Guernsey, Harrison and Jefferson and all counties north thereof. Ohio River Zone: The Counties of Hamilton, Clermont, Brown, Adams, Scioto, Lawrence, Gallia and Meigs. South Zone: That portion of the State between the North and Ohio River Zone boundaries, including the Buckeye Lake Area in Licking County bounded on the west by State Highway 37, on the north by U.S. Highway 40, and on the east by State 13. Tennessee Reelfoot Zone: All or portions of Lake and Obion Counties. State Zone: The remainder of Tennessee. Wisconsin North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending east from the Minnesota border along State Highway 77 to State 27, south along State 27 and 77 to U.S. Highway 63, and continuing south along State 27 to Sawyer County Road B, south and east along County B to State 70, southwest along State 70 to State 27, south along State 27 to State 64, west along State 64/27 and south along State 27 to U.S. 12, south and east on State 27/U.S. 12 to U.S. 10, east on U.S. 10 to State 310, east along State 310 to State 42, north along State 42 to State 147, north along State 147 to State 163, north along State 163 to Kewaunee County Trunk A, north along County Trunk A to State 57, north along State 57 to the Kewaunee/Door County Line, west along the Kewaunee/Door County Line to the Door/Brown County Line, west along the Door/Brown County Line to the Door/Oconto/Brown County Line, northeast along the Door/Oconto County Line to the Marinette/Door County Line, northeast along the Marinette/Door County Line to the Michigan border. South Zone: The remainder of Wisconsin. Central Flyway Kansas High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of U.S. 283. Low Plains Early Zone: That portion of the State east of the High Plains Zone and west of a line extending south from the Nebraska border along KS 28 to U.S. 36, east along U.S. 36 to KS 199, south along KS 199 to Republic County Road 563, south along Republic County Road 563 to KS 148, east along KS 148 to Republic County Road 138, south along Republic County Road 138 to Cloud County Road 765, south along Cloud County Road 765 to KS 9, west along KS 9 to U.S. 24, west along U.S 24 to U.S. 281, north along U.S. 281 to U.S. 36, west along U.S. 36 to U.S. 183, south along U.S. 183 to U.S. 24, west along U.S. 24 to KS 18, southeast along KS 18 to U.S. 183, south along U.S. 183 to KS 4, east along KS 4 to I-135, south along I-135 to KS 61, southwest along KS 61 to KS 96, northwest on KS 96 to U.S. 56, west along U.S. 56 to U.S. 281, south along U.S. 281 to U.S. 54, then west along U.S. 54 to U.S. 283. Low Plains Late Zone: The remainder of Kansas. Montana (Central Flyway Portion) Zone 1: The Counties of Blaine, Carbon, Carter, Daniels, Dawson, Fallon, Fergus, Garfield, Golden Valley, Judith Basin, McCone, Musselshell, Petroleum, Phillips, Powder River, Richland, Roosevelt, Sheridan, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Valley, Wheatland, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. Zone 2: The remainder of Montana. Nebraska High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of highways U.S. 183 and U.S. 20 from the South Dakota border to Ainsworth, NE 7 and NE 91 to Dunning, NE 2 to Merna, NE 92 to Arnold, NE 40 and NE 47 through Gothenburg to NE 23, NE 23 to Elwood, and U.S. 283 to the Kansas border. Low Plains Zone 1: That portion of the State east of the High Plains Zone and north and east of a line extending from the South Dakota border along NE [[Page 47063]] 26E Spur to U.S. 20, west on U.S. 20 to NE 12, west on NE 12 to the Knox/Keya Paha County line, south along the county line to the Niobrara River and along the Niobrara River to U.S. 183 (the High Plains Zone line). Where the Niobrara River forms the boundary, both banks will be in Zone 1. Low Plains Zone 2: That portion of the State east of the High Plains Zone and bounded by designated highways and political boundaries starting on U.S. 73 at the Kansas border, north to NE 67, north to U.S. 75, north to NE 2, west to NE 43, north to U.S. 34, east to NE 63, north and west to U.S. 77, north to NE 92, west to U.S. 81, south to NE 66, west to NE 14, south to U.S. 34, west to NE 2, south to I-80, west to Hamilton/Hall County line (Gunbarrel Road), south to Giltner Road; west to U.S. 34, west to U.S. 136, east on U.S. 136 to NE 10, south to the State line, west to U.S. 283, north to NE 23, west to NE 47, north to U.S. 30, east to NE 14, north to NE 52, northwesterly to NE 91, west to U.S. 281, north to NE 91 in Wheeler County, west to U.S. 183, north to northerly boundary of Loup County, east along the north boundaries of Loup, Garfield, and Wheeler County, south along the east Wheeler County line to NE 70, east on NE 70 from Wheeler County to NE 14, south to NE 39, southeast to NE 22, east to U.S. 81, southeast to U.S. 30, east along U.S. 30 to U.S. 75, north along U.S. 75 to the Washington/ Burt County line; then east along the county line to the Iowa border. Low Plains Zone 3: The area east of the High Plains Zone, excluding Low Plains Zone 1, north of Low Plains Zone 2. Low Plains Zone 4: The area east of the High Plains Zone and south of Zone 2. New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion) North Zone: That portion of the State north of I-40 and U.S. 54. South Zone: The remainder of New Mexico. North Dakota High Plains Unit: That portion of the State south and west of a line from the South Dakota border along U.S. 83 and I-94 to ND 41, north to U.S. 2, west to the Williams/Divide County line, then north along the County line to the Canadian border. Low Plains: The remainder of North Dakota. Oklahoma High Plains Zone: The Counties of Beaver, Cimarron, and Texas. Low Plains Zone 1: That portion of the State east of the High Plains Zone and north of a line extending east from the Texas border along OK 33 to OK 47, east along OK 47 to U.S. 183, south along U.S. 183 to I-40, east along I-40 to U.S. 177, north along U.S. 177 to OK 33, west along OK 33 to I-35, north along I-35 to U.S. 60, west along U.S. 60 to U.S. 64, west along U.S. 64 to OK 132, then north along OK 132 to the Kansas border. Low Plains Zone 2: The remainder of Oklahoma. South Dakota High Plains Unit: That portion of the State west of a line beginning at the North Dakota border and extending south along U.S. 83 to U.S. 14, east along U.S. 14 to Blunt-Canning Road in Blunt, south along Blunt-Canning Road to SD 34, east to SD 47, south to I-90, east to SD 47, south to SD 49, south to Colome and then continuing south on U.S. 183 to the Nebraska border. North Zone: That portion of northeastern South Dakota east of the High Plains Unit and north of a line extending east along US 212 to SD 15, then north along SD 15 to Big Stone Lake at the Minnesota border. South Zone: That portion of Gregory County east of SD 47, Charles Mix County south of SD 44 to the Douglas County line, south on SD 50 to Geddes, east on the Geddes Hwy. to U.S. 281, south on U.S. 281 and U.S. 18 to SD 50, south and east on SD 50 to Bon Homme County line, the Counties of Bon Homme, Yankton, and Clay south of SD 50, and Union County south and west of SD 50 and I-29. Middle Zone: The remainder of South Dakota. Texas High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of a line extending south from the Oklahoma border along U.S. 183 to Vernon, south along U.S. 283 to Albany, south along TX 6 to TX 351 to Abilene, south along U.S. 277 to Del Rio, then south along the Del Rio International Toll Bridge access road to the Mexico border. Low Plains North Zone: That portion of northeastern Texas east of the High Plains Zone and north of a line beginning at the International Toll Bridge south of Del Rio, then extending east on U.S. 90 to San Antonio, then continuing east on I-10 to the Louisiana border at Orange, Texas. Low Plains South Zone: The remainder of Texas. Wyoming (Central Flyway Portion) Zone 1: The Counties of Converse, Goshen, Hot Springs, Natrona, Platte, Washakie, and that portion of Park County south of T58N and not within the boundary of the Shoshone National Forest. Zone 2: The remainder of Wyoming. Pacific Flyway Arizona--Game Management Units (GMU) as Follows South Zone: Those portions of GMUs 6 and 8 in Yavapai County, and GMUs 10 and 12B-45. North Zone: GMUs 1-5, those portions of GMUs 6 and 8 within Coconino County, and GMUs 7, 9, 12A. California Northeastern Zone: That portion of the State east and north of a line beginning at the Oregon border; south and west along the Klamath River to the mouth of Shovel Creek; south along Shovel Creek to Forest Service Road 46N10; south and east along FS 46N10 to FS 45N22; west and south along FS 45N22 to U.S. 97 at Grass Lake Summit; south and west along U.S. 97 to I-5 at the town of Weed; south along I-5 to CA 89; east and south along CA 89 to the junction with CA 49; east and north on CA 49 to CA 70; east on CA 70 to U.S. 395; south and east on U.S. 395 to the Nevada border. Colorado River Zone: Those portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, and Imperial Counties east of a line extending from the Nevada border south along U.S. 95 to Vidal Junction; south on a road known as ``Aqueduct Road'' in San Bernardino County through the town of Rice to the San Bernardino-Riverside County line; south on a road known in Riverside County as the ``Desert Center to Rice Road'' to the town of Desert Center; east 31 miles on I-10 to the Wiley Well Road; south on this road to Wiley Well; southeast along the Army-Milpitas Road to the Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south on the Blythe-Brawley paved road to the Ogilby and Tumco Mine Road; south on this road to U.S. 80; east seven miles on U.S. 80 to the Andrade-Algodones Road; south on this paved road to the Mexican border at Algodones, Mexico. Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding the Colorado River Zone) south and east of a line extending from the Pacific Ocean east along the Santa Maria River to CA 166 near the City of Santa Maria; east on CA 166 to CA 99; south on CA 99 to the crest of the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest of the Tehachapi Mountains to CA 178 at Walker Pass; east on CA 178 to U.S. 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on U.S. 395 to CA 58; east on CA 58 to I-15; east on I-15 to CA 127; north on CA 127 to the Nevada border. [[Page 47064]] Southern San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone: All of Kings and Tulare Counties and that portion of Kern County north of the Southern Zone. Balance-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of California not included in the Northeastern, Southern, and Colorado River Zones, and the Southern San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone. Idaho Zone 1: Includes all lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, including private inholdings; Bannock County; Bingham County, except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; and Power County east of ID 37 and ID 39. Zone 2: Includes the following Counties or portions of Counties: Adams; Bear Lake; Benewah; Bingham within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; those portions of Blaine west of ID 75, south and east of U.S. 93, and between ID 75 and U.S. 93 north of U.S. 20 outside the Silver Creek drainage; Bonner; Bonneville; Boundary; Butte; Camas; Caribou except the Fort Hall Indian Reservation; Cassia within the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; Clark; Clearwater; Custer; Elmore within the Camas Creek drainage; Franklin; Fremont; Idaho; Jefferson; Kootenai; Latah; Lemhi; Lewis; Madison; Nez Perce; Oneida; Power within the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; Shoshone; Teton; and Valley Counties. Zone 3: Includes the following Counties or portions of Counties: Ada; Blaine between ID 75 and U.S. 93 south of U.S. 20 and that additional area between ID 75 and U.S. 93 north of U.S. 20 within the Silver Creek drainage; Boise; Canyon; Cassia except within the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; Elmore except the Camas Creek drainage; Gem; Gooding; Jerome; Lincoln; Minidoka; Owyhee; Payette; Power west of ID 37 and ID 39 except that portion within the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; Twin Falls; and Washington Counties. Nevada Lincoln and Clark County Zone: All of Clark and Lincoln Counties. Remainder-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of Nevada. Oregon Zone 1: Clatsop, Tillamook, Lincoln, Lane, Douglas, Coos, Curry, Josephine, Jackson, Linn, Benton, Polk, Marion, Yamhill, Washington, Columbia, Multnomah, Clackamas, Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Morrow and Umatilla Counties. Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit: Gilliam, Morrow, and Umatilla Counties. Zone 2: The remainder of the State. Utah Zone 1: All of Box Elder, Cache, Daggett, Davis, Duchesne, Morgan, Rich, Salt Lake, Summit, Unitah, Utah, Wasatch, and Weber Counties and that part of Toole County north of I-80. Zone 2: The remainder of Utah. Washington East Zone: All areas east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of the Big White Salmon River in Klickitat County. Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit: Same as East Zone. West Zone: All areas to the west of the East Zone. Geese Atlantic Flyway Connecticut NAP Zone: Statewide, except for Hartford and Litchfield Counties west of the Connecticut River. AP Zone: Remainder of the State. South Zone: Same as for ducks. North Zone: Same as for ducks. Maryland SJBP Zone: Allegheny, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Washington counties and the portion of Montgomery County south of Interstate 270 and west of Interstate 495 to the Potomac River. AP Zone: Remainder of the State. Massachusetts NAP Zone: Central Zone (same as for ducks) and that portion of the Coastal Zone that lies north of route 139 from Green Harbor. AP Zone: Remainder of the State. New Hampshire Same zones as for ducks. New Jersey North--that portion of the State within a continuous line that runs east along the New York State boundary line to the Hudson River; then south along the New York State boundary to its intersection with Route 440 at Perth Amboy; then west on Route 440 to its intersection with Route 287; then west along Route 287 to its intersection with Route 206 in Bedminster (Exit 18); then north along Route 206 to its intersection with Route 94: then west along Route 94 to the tollbridge in Columbia; then north along the Pennsylvania State boundary in the Delaware River to the beginning point. South--that portion of the State within a continuous line that runs west from the Atlantic Ocean at Ship Bottom along Route 72 to the Garden State Parkway; then south along the Garden State Parkway to Route 9; then south along Route 9 to Route 542; then west along Route 542 to the Mullica River (at Pleasant Mills); then north (upstream) along the Mullica River to Route 206; then south along Route 206 to Route 536; then west along Route 536 to Route 322; then west along Route 322 to Route 55; then south along Route 55 to Route 553 (Buck Road); then south along Route 553 to Route 40; then east along Route 40 to Route 55; then south along Route 55 to Route 552 (Sherman Avenue); then west along Route 552 to Carmel Road; then south along Carmel Road to Route 49; then south along Route 49 to Route 50; then east along Route 50 to Route 9; then south along Route 9 to Route 625 (Sea Isle City Boulevard); then east along Route 625 to the Atlantic Ocean; then north to the beginning point. New York Special Late Season Area for Canada Geese: that area of Chemung County lying east of a continuous line extending south along State Route 13 from the Schuyler County line to State Route 17 and then south along Route 17 to the New York-Pennsylvania boundary; all of Tioga and Broome Counties; that area of Delaware, Sullivan, and Orange Counties lying southwest of a continuous line extending east along State Route 17 from the Broome County line to U.S. Route 209 at Wurtsboro and then south along Route 209 to the New York-Pennsylvania boundary at Port Jervis, excluding areas on or within 50 yards of the Delaware River between the confluence of the West Branch and East Branch below Hancock and the mouth of the Shingle Kill (3 miles upstream from Port Jervis); that area of Orange, Rockland, Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester Counties lying southeast of a continuous line extending north along Route 17 from the New York-New Jersey boundary at Suffern to Interstate Route 87, then north along Route 87 to Interstate Route 84, then east along Route 84 to the northern boundary of Putnam County, then east along that boundary to the New York-Connecticut boundary; that area of Nassau and Suffolk Counties lying north of State Route 25A and west of a continuous line extending northward from State Route 25A along Randall Road (near Shoreham) to North Country Road, then east to Sound Road and then north to Long Island Sound and then due north to the New York-Connecticut boundary. Long Island (NAP) Zone: Same as Long Island Duck Zone. [[Page 47065]] Southwest (SJBP) Zone: all of Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautaugua Counties; that area of Erie, Wyoming and Niagara Counties lying south and west of a continuous line extending from the Rainbow Bridge below Niagara Falls, north along the Robert Moses Parkway to US Route 62A, then east along Route 62A to US Route 62, then southeast along US Route 62 to Interstate Route 290, then south along Route 290 to Exit 50 of the NYS Thruway, then east along I-90 to State Route 98, then south along State Route 98 to the Cattaraugus County line; and that area of Steuben and Chemung Counties lying south of State Route 17. AP Zone: Remainder of the State. North Carolina Regular Season for Canada Geese: Statewide, except for Northampton County and the Northeast Hunt Unit--Counties of Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington. Pennsylvania SJBP Zone: Area from the New York State line west of U.S. Route 220 to intersection of I-180, west of I-180 to intersection of SR 147, west of SR 147 to intersection of U.S. Route 322, west of U.S. Route 322 to intersection of I-81, west of I-81 to intersection of I-83, west of I- 83 to I-283, west of I-283 to SR 441, west of SR 441 to U.S. Route 30, west of U.S. Route 30 to I-83, west of I-83 to Maryland State line, except for the Pymatuning Zone. Pymatuning Zone: Area south of SR 198 from the Ohio State line to the intersection of SR 18, to the intersection of US Route 322/SR 18, to the intersection of SR 3013, then south to the Crawford/Mercer County line. Special Late Season Area for Canada Geese: Same as SJBP Zone and the area from New York State line east of U.S. Route 220 to intersection of I-180, east of I-180 to intersection of SR 147, east of SR 147 to intersection of U.S. Route 322, east of Route 322 to intersection of I-81, north of I-81 to intersection of I-80, north of I-80 to New Jersey State line. AP Zone: Remainder of the State. Rhode Island Special Area for Canada Geese: Kent and Providence Counties and portions of the towns of Exeter and North Kingston within Washington County (see State regulations for detailed descriptions). South Carolina Canada Goose Area: Statewide except for Clarendon County and that portion of Lake Marion in Orangeburg County and Berkeley County. Vermont Same zones as for ducks. Virginia SJBP Zone and Special Late Season Area for Canada Geese: All areas west of I-95. Back Bay Area: The waters of Back Bay and its tributaries and the marshes adjacent thereto, and on the land and marshes between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean from Sandbridge to the North Carolina line, and on and along the shore of North Landing River and the marshes adjacent thereto, and on and along the shores of Binson Inlet Lake (formerly known as Lake Tecumseh) and Red Wing Lake and the marshes adjacent thereto. AP Zone: Remainder of the State. West Virginia Same zones as for ducks. Mississippi Flyway Alabama Same zones as for ducks, but in addition: SJBP Zone: That portion of Morgan County east of U.S. Highway 31, north of State Highway 36, and west of U.S. 231; that portion of Limestone County south of U.S. 72; and that portion of Madison County south of Swancott Road and west of Triana Road. Arkansas East Zone: Arkansas, Ashley, Chicot, Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Desha, Drew, Greene, Independence, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lee, Lincoln, Lonoke, Mississippi, Monroe, Phillips, Poinsett, Prairie, Pulaski, Randolph, St. Francis, White, and Woodruff Counties. West Zone: Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Cleburne, Conway, Crawford, Faulkner, Franklin, Fulton, Izard, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Newton, Pope, Searcy, Sharp, Stone, Van Buren, and Washington Counties, and those portions of Logan, Perry, Sebastian, and Yell Counties lying north of a line extending east from the Oklahoma border along State Highway 10 to Perry, south on State 9 to State 60, then east on State 60 to the Faulkner County line. Illinois Same zones as for ducks, but in addition: North Zone: Northern Illinois Quota Zone: The Counties of McHenry, Lake, Kane, DuPage, and those portions of LaSalle and Will Counties north of Interstate Highway 80. Central Zone: Central Illinois Quota Zone: The Counties of Grundy, Woodford, Peoria, Knox, Fulton, Tazewell, Mason, Cass, Morgan, Pike, Calhoun, and Jersey, and those portions of LaSalle and Will Counties south of Interstate Highway 80. South Zone: Southern Illinois Quota Zone: Alexander, Jackson, Union, and Williamson Counties. Rend Lake Quota Zone: Franklin and Jefferson Counties. Indiana Same zones as for ducks, but in addition: SJBP Zone: Jasper, LaGrange, LaPorte, Starke, and Steuben Counties, and that portion of the Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area in Pulaski County. Iowa Same zones as for ducks. Kentucky Western Zone: That portion of the State west of a line beginning at the Tennessee border at Fulton and extending north along the Purchase Parkway to Interstate Highway 24, east along I-24 to U.S. Highway 641, north along U.S. 641 to U.S. 60, northeast along U.S. 60 to the Henderson County line, then south, east, and northerly along the Henderson County line to the Indiana border. Ballard Reporting Area: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the northwest city limits of Wickliffe in Ballard County and extending westward to the middle of the Mississippi River, north along the Mississippi River and along the low-water mark of the Ohio River on the Illinois shore to the Ballard-McCracken County line, south along the county line to Kentucky Highway 358, south along Kentucky 358 to U.S. Highway 60 at LaCenter; then southwest along U.S. 60 to the northeast city limits of Wickliffe. Henderson-Union Reporting Area: Henderson County and that portion of Union County within the Western Zone. Pennyroyal/Coalfield Zone: Butler, Daviess, Ohio, Simpson, and Warren Counties and all counties lying west to the boundary of the Western Goose Zone. Michigan Same zones as for ducks, but in addition: South Zone Tuscola/Huron Goose Management Unit (GMU): Those portions of Tuscola and Huron Counties bounded on the south by Michigan Highway 138 and Bay City Road, on the east by Colwood and Bay Port Roads, on the north by [[Page 47066]] Kilmanagh Road and a line extending directly west off the end of Kilmanagh Road into Saginaw Bay to the west boundary, and on the west by the Tuscola-Bay County line and a line extending directly north off the end of the Tuscola-Bay County line into Saginaw Bay to the north boundary. Allegan County GMU: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the junction of 136th Avenue and Interstate Highway 196 in Lake Town Township and extending easterly along 136th Avenue to Michigan Highway 40, southerly along Michigan 40 through the city of Allegan to 108th Avenue in Trowbridge Township, westerly along 108th Avenue to 46th Street, northerly \1/2\ mile along 46th Street to 109th Avenue, westerly along 109th Avenue to I-196 in Casco Township, then northerly along I-196 to the point of beginning. Saginaw County GMU: That portion of Saginaw County bounded by Michigan Highway 46 on the north; Michigan 52 on the west; Michigan 57 on the south; and Michigan 13 on the east. Muskegon Wastewater GMU: That portion of Muskegon County within the boundaries of the Muskegon County wastewater system, east of the Muskegon State Game Area, in sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 29, 30, and 32, T10N R14W, and sections 1, 2, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 24, and 25, T10N R15W, as posted. Special Canada Goose Seasons: Southern Michigan GMU: That portion of the State, including the Great Lakes and interconnecting waterways and excluding the Allegan County GMU, south of a line beginning at the Ontario border at the Bluewater Bridge in the city of Port Huron and extending westerly and southerly along Interstate Highway 94 to I-69, westerly along I-69 to Michigan Highway 21, westerly along Michigan 21 to I-96, northerly along I-96 to I-196, westerly along I-196 to Lake Michigan Drive (M-45) in Grand Rapids, westerly along Lake Michigan Drive to the Lake Michigan shore, then directly west from the end of Lake Michigan Drive to the Wisconsin border. Central Michigan GMU: That portion of the South Zone north of the Southern Michigan GMU, excluding the Tuscola/Huron GMU, Saginaw County GMU, and Muskegon Wastewater GMU. Minnesota West Zone: That portion of the state encompassed by a line beginning at the junction of State Trunk Highway (STH) 60 and the Iowa border, then north and east along STH 60 to U.S. Highway 71, north along U.S. 71 to Interstate Highway 94, then north and west along I-94 to the North Dakota border. West Central Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the intersection of State Trunk Highway (STH) 29 and U.S. Highway 212 and extending west along U.S. 212 to U.S. 59, south along U.S. 59 to STH 67, west along STH 67 to U.S. 75, north along U.S. 75 to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 30 in Lac qui Parle County, west along CSAH 30 to County Road 70 in Lac qui Parle County, west along County 70 to the western boundary of the State, north along the western boundary of the State to a point due south of the intersection of STH 7 and CSAH 7 in Big Stone County, and continuing due north to said intersection, then north along CSAH 7 to CSAH 6 in Big Stone County, east along CSAH 6 to CSAH 21 in Big Stone County, south along CSAH 21 to CSAH 10 in Big Stone County, east along CSAH 10 to CSAH 22 in Swift County, east along CSAH 22 to CSAH 5 in Swift County, south along CSAH 5 to U.S. 12, east along U.S. 12 to CSAH 17 in Swift County, south along CSAH 17 to CSAH 9 in Chippewa County, south along CSAH 9 to STH 40, east along STH 40 to STH 29, then south along STH 29 to the point of beginning. Lac qui Parle Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the intersection of U.S. Highway 212 and County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 27 in Lac qui Parle County and extending north along CSAH 27 to CSAH 20 in Lac qui Parle County, west along CSAH 20 to State Trunk Highway (STH) 40, north along STH 40 to STH 119, north along STH 119 to CSAH 34 in Lac qui Parle County, west along CSAH 34 to CSAH 19 in Lac qui Parle County, north and west along CSAH 19 to CSAH 38 in Lac qui Parle County, west along CSAH 38 to U.S. 75, north along U.S. 75 to STH 7, east along STH 7 to CSAH 6 in Swift County, east along CSAH 6 to County Road 65 in Swift County, south along County 65 to County 34 in Chippewa County, south along County 34 to CSAH 12 in Chippewa County, east along CSAH 12 to CSAH 9 in Chippewa County, south along CSAH 9 to STH 7, southeast along STH 7 to Montevideo and along the municipal boundary of Montevideo to U.S. 212; then west along U.S. 212 to the point of beginning. Northwest Zone: That portion of the state encompassed by a line extending east from the North Dakota border along U.S. Highway 2 to State Trunk Highway (STH) 32, north along STH 32 to STH 92, east along STH 92 to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 2 in Polk County, north along CSAH 2 to CSAH 27 in Pennington County, north along CSAH 27 to STH 1, east along STH 1 to CSAH 28 in Pennington County, north along CSAH 28 to CSAH 54 in Marshall County, north along CSAH 54 to CSAH 9 in Roseau County, north along CSAH 9 to STH 11, west along STH 11 to STH 310, and north along STH 310 to the Manitoba border. Northeast Zone--That portion of the state encompassed by the following boundary: Beginning on State Trunk Highway (STH) 72 at the northern boundary of the state, thence along STH 72 to the Tamarac River in Beltrami County, thence along the southerly shore of the Tamarac River to Upper Red Lake, thence along the easterly and southerly shores of Upper Red Lake to the easterly boundary of the Red Lake Indian Reservation, thence along the easterly boundary of said Reservation to STH 1, thence along STH 1 to STH 72, thence along STH 72 to U.S. Highway 71, thence along U.S. 71 to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 39 in Beltrami County, thence along CSAH 39 to CSAH 20, thence along CSAH 20 to CSAH 53, thence along CSAH 53 to CSAH 12, thence along CSAH 12 to CSAH 51, thence along CSAH 51 to CSAH 8, thence along CSAH 8 to CSAH 25, thence along CSAH 25 to CSAH 4, thence along CSAH 4 to CSAH 46, thence along CSAH 46 to U.S. Highway 2, thence along U.S. 2 to CSAH 45, thence along CSAH 45 to CSAH 9, thence along CSAH 9 to CSAH 69, thence along CSAH 69 to CSAH 5, thence along CSAH 5 to CSAH 39, thence along CSAH 39 to County Road (CR) 94, thence along CR 94 to CSAH 31, thence along CSAH 31 to STH 200, thence along STH 200 to STH 371, thence along STH 371 to STH 84, thence along STH 84 to CSAH 2, thence along CSAH 2 to CSAH 1, thence along CSAH 1 to STH 6, thence along STH 6 to STH 18, thence along STH 18 to U.S. Highway 169, thence due east to the west shore of Mille Lacs Lake, thence along the westerly and southerly shores of said lake to a point due north of the junction of U.S. 169 and STH 27, thence due south to said junction, thence along U.S. 169 to STH 23, thence along STH 23 to STH 65, thence along STH 65 to STH 70, thence along STH 70 to the east boundary of the state, thence along the easterly and northerly boundaries of the state to the point of beginning. Special Canada Goose Seasons: Fergus Falls/Alexandria Zone: That portion of the state encompassed by a line beginning at the intersection of State Trunk Highway (STH) 55 and STH 28 and extending east along STH 28 to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 33 in Pope County, north along CSAH 33 to CSAH 3 in Douglas County, north along CSAH 3 to CSAH 69 in Otter Tail [[Page 47067]] County, north along CSAH 69 to CSAH 46 in Otter Tail County, east along CSAH 46 to the eastern boundary of Otter Tail County, north along the east boundary of Otter Tail County to CSAH 40 in Otter Tail County, west along CSAH 40 to CSAH 75 in Otter Tail County, north along CSAH 75 to STH 210, west along STH 210 to STH 108, north along STH 108 to CSAH 1 in Otter Tail County, west along CSAH 1 to CSAH 14 in Otter Tail County, north along CSAH 14 to CSAH 44 in Otter Tail County, west along CSAH 44 to CSAH 35 in Otter Tail County, north along CSAH 35 to STH 108, west along STH 108 to CSAH 19 in Wilkin County, south along CSAH 19 to STH 55, then southeast along STH 55 to the point of beginning. Southeast Zone: That portion of the state encompassed by a line extending north from the Iowa border along U.S. Highway 63 to State Trunk Highway [STH] 30, west on STH 30 to County State Aid Highway [CSAH] 13 in Dodge County, north on CSAH 13 to STH 57, north on STH 57 to U.S. Highway 52, north on U.S. Highway 52 to Cannon Falls, north on U.S. Highway 52 to the south boundary of the Twin Cities Metro Goose Zone, east on the south boundary of the Twin Cities Metro Goose Zone to the Wisconsin border. Missouri Same zones as for ducks but in addition: North Zone Swan Lake Zone: That area bounded by U.S. Highway 36 on the north, Missouri Highway 5 on the east, Missouri 240 and U.S. 65 on the south, and U.S. 65 on the west. Middle Zone Southeast Zone: That portion of the State encompassed by a line beginning at the intersection of Missouri Highway (MO) 34 and Interstate 55 and extending south along I-55 to U.S. Highway 62, west along U.S. 62 to MO 53, north along MO 53 to MO 51, north along MO 51 to U.S. 60, west along U.S. 60 to MO 21, north along MO 21 to MO 72, east along MO 72 to MO 34, then east along MO 34 to I-55. Ohio Same zones as for ducks but in addition: North Zone Lake Erie SJBP Zone: That portion of the state encompassed by a line beginning in Lucas county at the Michigan state line on I-75, and extending south along I-75 to I-280, south along I-280 to I-80, east along I-80 to the Pennsylvania state line in Trumbull county, north along the Pennsylvania state line to SR 6 in Ashtabula county, west along SR 6 to the Lake/Cuyahoga county line, north along the Lake/ Cuyahoga county line to the shore of Lake Erie. Tennessee Southwest Zone: That portion of the State south of State Highways 20 and 104, and west of U.S. Highways 45 and 45W. Northwest Zone: Lake, Obion and Weakley Counties and those portions of Gibson and Dyer Counties not included in the Southwest Tennessee Zone. Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Zone: That portion of the State bounded on the west by the eastern boundaries of the Northwest and Southwest Zones and on the east by State Highway 13 from the Alabama border to Clarksville and U.S. Highway 79 from Clarksville to the Kentucky border. Wisconsin Horicon Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the intersection of State Highway 21 and the Fox River in Winnebago County and extending westerly along State 21 to the west boundary of Winnebago County, southerly along the west boundary of Winnebago County to the north boundary of Green Lake County, westerly along the north boundaries of Green Lake and Marquette Counties to State 22, southerly along State 22 to State 33, westerly along State 33 to U.S. Highway 16, westerly along U.S. 16 to Weyh Road, southerly along Weyh Road to County Highway O, southerly along County O to the west boundary of Section 31, southerly along the west boundary of Section 31 to the Sauk/Columbia County boundary, southerly along the Sauk/Columbia County boundary to State 33, easterly along State 33 to Interstate Highway 90/ 94, southerly along I-90/94 to State 60, easterly along State 60 to State 83, northerly along State 83 to State 175, northerly along State 175 to State 33, easterly along State 33 to U.S. Highway 45, northerly along U.S. 45 to the east shore of the Fond Du Lac River, northerly along the east shore of the Fond Du Lac River to Lake Winnebago, northerly along the western shoreline of Lake Winnebago to the Fox River, then westerly along the Fox River to State 21. Collins Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the intersection of Hilltop Road and Collins Marsh Road in Manitowoc County and extending westerly along Hilltop Road to Humpty Dumpty Road, southerly along Humpty Dumpty Road to Poplar Grove Road, easterly and southerly along Poplar Grove Road to County Highway JJ, southeasterly along County JJ to Collins Road, southerly along Collins Road to the Manitowoc River, southeasterly along the Manitowoc River to Quarry Road, northerly along Quarry Road to Einberger Road, northerly along Einberger Road to Moschel Road, westerly along Moschel Road to Collins Marsh Road, northerly along Collins Marsh Road to Hilltop Road. Exterior Zone: That portion of the State not included in the Horicon or Collins Zones. Mississippi River Subzone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the intersection of the Burlington Northern Railway and the Illinois border in Grant County and extending northerly along the Burlington Northern Railway to the city limit of Prescott in Pierce County, then west along the Prescott city limit to the Minnesota border. Rock Prairie Subzone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the intersection of the Illinois border and Interstate Highway 90 and extending north along I-90 to County Highway A, east along County A to U.S. Highway 12, southeast along U.S. 12 to State Highway 50, west along State 50 to State 120, then south along 120 to the Illinois border. Brown County Subzone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the intersection of the Fox River with Green Bay in Brown County and extending southerly along the Fox River to State Highway 29, northwesterly along State 29 to the Brown County line, south, east, and north along the Brown County line to Green Bay, due west to the midpoint of the Green Bay Ship Channel, then southwesterly along the Green Bay Ship Channel to the Fox River. Central Flyway Colorado (Central Flyway Portion) Northern Front Range Area: All lands in Adams, Boulder, Clear Creek, Denver, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld Counties west of I- 25 from the Wyoming border south to I-70; west on I-70 to the Continental Divide; north along the Continental Divide to the Jackson- Larimer County Line to the Wyoming border. South Park/San Luis Valley Area: Alamosa, Chaffee, Conejos, Costilla, Custer, Fremont, Lake, Park, Teller, and Rio Grande Counties and those portions of Hinsdale, Mineral, and Saguache Counties east of the Continental Divide. North Park Area: Jackson County. [[Page 47068]] Arkansas Valley Area: Baca, Bent, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero, and Prowers Counties. Pueblo County Area: Pueblo County. Remainder: Remainder of the Central Flyway portion of Colorado. Eastern Colorado Late Light Goose Area: that portion of the State east of Interstate Highway 25. Kansas Light Geese Unit 1: That portion of Kansas east of a line beginning at the intersection of the Nebraska border and KS 99, extending south along KS 99 to I-70 to U.S. 75, south on U.S. 75 to U.S. 54, west on U.S. 54 to KS 99, and then south on KS 99 to the Oklahoma border. Unit 2: The remainder of Kansas, laying west of Unit 1. Dark Geese Marais des Cygnes Valley Unit: The area is bounded by the Missouri border to KS 68, KS 68 to U.S. 169, U.S. 169 to KS 7, KS 7 to KS 31, KS 31 to U.S. 69, U.S. 69 to KS 239, KS 239 to the Missouri border. South Flint Hills Unit: The area is bounded by highways U.S. 50 to KS 57, KS 57 to U.S. 75, U.S. 75 to KS 39, KS 39 to KS 96, KS 96 to U.S. 77, U.S. 77 to U.S. 50. Flint Hills Unit: That part of Kansas bounded by a line from the junction of I-35 and K-57, then south and east on K-57 to its junction US-75, then south on US-75 to its junction with K-39, then south and west on K-39 to its junction with K-96, then west on K-96 to its junction with US-77, then north on US-77 to its junction with I-70, then east on I-70 to its junction with US-75, then south on US-75 to its junction with I-35, then west on I-35 to its junction with K-57, except federal and state sanctuaries. Montana (Central Flyway Portion) Sheridan County: Includes all of Sheridan County. Remainder: Includes the remainder of the Central Flyway portion of Montana. Nebraska Dark Geese North Unit: Keya Paha County east of U.S. 183 and all of Boyd County, including the boundary waters of the Niobrara River, all of Knox County and that portion of Cedar County west of U.S. 81. Southcentral Unit: That area south and west of U.S. 281 at the Kansas/Nebraska border, north to Giltner Road (near Doniphan), east to NE 14, north to NE 91, west to U.S. 183, south to NE 92, west to NE 61, north to U.S. 2, west to the intersection of Garden, Grant, and Sheridan counties, then west along the northern border of Garden, Morrill, and Scotts Bluff counties to the Wyoming border. Northcentral Unit: That area north of the Southcentral Unit and west of U.S. 183. East Unit: The remainder of Nebraska. Light Geese Rainwater Basin Light Goose Area (West): The area bounded by the junction of U.S. 283 and U.S. 30 at Lexington, east on U.S. 30 to U.S. 281, south on U.S. 281 to NE 4, west on NE 4 to U.S. 34, continue west on U.S. 34 to U.S. 283, then north on U.S. 283 to the beginning. Rainwater Basin Light Goose Area (East): The area bounded by the junction of U.S. 281 and US 30 at Grand Island, north and east on U.S. 30 to NE 92, east on NE 92 to NE 15, south on NE 15 to NE 4, west on NE 4 to U.S. 281, north on U.S. 281 to the beginning. Remainder of State: The remainder portion of Nebraska. New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion) Dark Geese Middle Rio Grande Valley Unit: Sierra, Socorro, and Valencia counties. Remainder: The remainder of the Central Flyway portion of New Mexico. North Dakota Dark Geese Missouri River Zone: That area encompassed by a line extending from the South Dakota border north on U.S. 83 and I-94 to ND 41, north to ND 53, west to U.S. 83, north to ND 23, west to ND 37, south to ND 1804, south approximately 9 miles to Elbowoods Bay on Lake Sakakawea, south and west across the lake to ND 8, south to ND 200, east to ND 31, south to ND 25, south to I-94, east to ND 6, south to the South Dakota border, and east to the point of origin. Statewide: All of North Dakota. South Dakota Dark Geese Unit 1: Statewide except for Units 2 and 3. Power Plant Area: That portion of Grant County east of SD 15 and north of SD 20. Unit 2: Brule, Buffalo, Campbell, Dewey, Hughes, Hyde, Lyman, Potter, Stanley, Sully, and Walworth Counties and that portion of Corson County east of State Highway 65. Unit 3: Charles Mix and Gregory Counties. Texas West Unit: That portion of the State laying west of a line from the international toll bridge at Laredo; north along I-35 and I-35W to Fort Worth; northwest along U.S. 81 and U.S. 287 to Bowie; and north along U.S. 81 to the Oklahoma border. East Unit: Remainder of State. Wyoming (Central Flyway Portion) Area 1: Converse, Hot Springs, Natrona, and Washakie Counties, and that portion of Park County south of T58N. Area 2: Platte County. Area 3: Albany, Big Horn, Campbell, Crook, Fremont, Johnson, Laramie, Niobrara, Sheridan, and Weston Counties and those portions of Carbon County east of the Continental Divide and Park County north of T58N. Area 4: Goshen County. Pacific Flyway Arizona GMU 22 and 23: Game Management Units 22 and 23. Remainder of State: The remainder of Arizona. California Northeastern Zone: That portion of the State east and north of a line beginning at the Oregon border; south and west along the Klamath River to the mouth of Shovel Creek; south along Shovel Creek to Forest Service Road 46N10; south and east along FS 46N10 to FS 45N22; west and south along FS 45N22 to U.S. 97 at Grass Lake Summit; south and west along U.S. 97 to I-5 at the town of Weed; south along I-5 to CA 89; east and south along CA 89 to the junction with CA 49; east and north on CA 49 to CA 70; east on CA 70 to U.S. 395; south and east on U.S. 395 to the Nevada border. Colorado River Zone: Those portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, and Imperial Counties east of a line extending from the Nevada border south along U.S. 95 to Vidal Junction; south on a road known as ``Aqueduct Road'' in San Bernardino County through the town of Rice to the San Bernardino-Riverside County line; south on a road known in Riverside County as the ``Desert Center to Rice Road'' to the town of Desert Center; east 31 miles on I-10 to the Wiley Well Road; south on this road to Wiley Well; southeast along the Army-Milpitas Road to the Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south on the Blythe-Brawley paved road to the Ogilby and Tumco Mine Road; south on this road to U.S. 80; east seven miles on U.S. 80 to the Andrade-Algodones Road; [[Page 47069]] south on this paved road to the Mexican border at Algodones, Mexico. Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding the Colorado River Zone) south and east of a line extending from the Pacific Ocean east along the Santa Maria River to CA 166 near the City of Santa Maria; east on CA 166 to CA 99; south on CA 99 to the crest of the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest of the Tehachapi Mountains to CA 178 at Walker Pass; east on CA 178 to U.S. 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on U.S. 395 to CA 58; east on CA 58 to I-15; east on I-15 to CA 127; north on CA 127 to the Nevada border. Balance-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of California not included in the Northeastern, Southern, and the Colorado River Zones. Del Norte and Humboldt Area: The Counties of Del Norte and Humboldt. Sacramento Valley Special Management Area (East): That area bounded by a line beginning at the junction of the Gridley-Colusa Highway and the Cherokee Canal; west on the Gridley-Colusa Highway to Gould Road; west on Gould Road and due west 0.75 miles directly to Highway 45; south on Highway 45 to Highway 20; east on Highway 20 to West Butte Road; north on West Butte Road to Pass Road; west on Pass Road to West Butte Road; north on West Butte Road to North Butte Road; west on North Butte Road and due west 0.5 miles directly to the Cherokee Canal; north on the Cherokee Canal to the point of beginning. Sacramento Valley Special Management Area (West): That area bounded by a line beginning at Willows south on I-5 to Hahn Road; easterly on Hahn Road and the Grimes-Arbuckle Road to Grimes; northerly on CA 45 to the junction with CA 162; northerly on CA 45/162 to Glenn; and westerly on CA 162 to the point of beginning in Willows. San Joaquin Valley Special Management Area: That area bounded by a line beginning at the intersection of Highway 5 and Highway 120; south on Highway 5 to Highway 33; southeast on Highway 33 to Crows Landing Road; north on Crows Landing Road to Highway 99; north on Highway 99 to Highway 120; west on Highway 120 to the point of beginning. Western Canada Goose Hunt Area: That portion of the above described Sacramento Valley Area lying east of a line formed by Butte Creek from the Gridley-Colusa Highway south to the Cherokee Canal; easterly along the Cherokee Canal and North Butte Road to West Butte Road; southerly on West Butte Road to Pass Road; easterly on Pass Road to West Butte Road; southerly on West Butte Road to CA 20; and westerly along CA 20 to the Sacramento River. Colorado (Pacific Flyway Portion) West Central Area: Archuleta, Delta, Dolores, Gunnison, LaPlata, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, San Juan, and San Miguel Counties and those portions of Hinsdale, Mineral and Saguache Counties west of the Continental Divide. State Area: The remainder of the Pacific-Flyway Portion of Colorado. Idaho Zone 1: Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Clearwater, Idaho, Kootenai, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, and Shoshone Counties. Zone 2: The Counties of Ada; Adams; Boise; Canyon; those portions of Elmore north and east of I-84, and south and west of I-84, west of ID 51, except the Camas Creek drainage; Gem; Owyhee west of ID 51; Payette; Valley; and Washington. Zone 3: The Counties of Blaine; Camas; Cassia; those portions of Elmore south of I-84 east of ID 51, and within the Camas Creek drainage; Gooding; Jerome; Lincoln; Minidoka; Owyhee east of ID 51; Power within the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; and Twin Falls. Zone 4: The Counties of Bear Lake; Bingham within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; Bonneville, Butte; Caribou except the Fort Hall Indian Reservation; Clark; Custer; Franklin; Fremont; Jefferson; Lemhi; Madison; Oneida; Power west of ID 37 and ID 39 except the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; and Teton. Zone 5: All lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, including private inholdings; Bannock County; Bingham County, except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; and Power County east of ID 37 and ID 39. In addition, goose frameworks are set by the following geographical areas: Northern Unit: Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Clearwater, Idaho, Kootenai, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, and Shoshone Counties. Southwestern Unit: That area west of the line formed by U.S. 93 north from the Nevada border to Shoshone, northerly on ID 75 (formerly U.S. 93) to Challis, northerly on U.S. 93 to the Montana border (except the Northern Unit and except Custer and Lemhi Counties). Southeastern Unit: That area east of the line formed by U.S. 93 north from the Nevada border to Shoshone, northerly on ID 75 (formerly U.S. 93) to Challis, northerly on U.S. 93 to the Montana border, including all of Custer and Lemhi Counties. Montana (Pacific Flyway Portion) East of the Divide Zone: The Pacific Flyway portion of the State located east of the Continental Divide. West of the Divide Zone: The remainder of the Pacific Flyway portion of Montana. Nevada Lincoln Clark County Zone: All of Lincoln and Clark Counties. Remainder-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of Nevada. New Mexico (Pacific Flyway Portion) North Zone: The Pacific Flyway portion of New Mexico located north of I-40. South Zone: The Pacific Flyway portion of New Mexico located south of I-40. Oregon Southwest Zone: Douglas, Coos, Curry, Josephine and Jackson Counties. Northwest Special Permit Zone: That portion of western Oregon west and north of a line running south from the Columbia River in Portland along I-5 to OR 22 at Salem; then east on OR 22 to the Stayton Cutoff; then south on the Stayton Cutoff to Stayton and due south to the Santiam River; then west along the north shore of the Santiam River to I-5; then south on I-5 to OR 126 at Eugene; then west on OR 126 to Greenhill Road; then south on Greenhill Road to Crow Road; then west on Crow Road to Territorial Hwy; then west on Territorial Hwy to OR 126; then west on OR 126 to OR 36; then north on OR 36 to Forest Road 5070 at Brickerville; then west and south on Forest Road 5070 to OR 126; then west on OR 126 to the Pacific Coast. Northwest Zone: Those portions of Clackamas, Lane, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, and Washington Counties outside of the Northwest Special Permit Zone. Closed Zone: Those portions of Coos, Curry, Douglas and Lane Counties west of US 101. Eastern Zone: Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Morrow, Umatilla, Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Wheeler, Grant, Baker, Union, and Wallowa Counties. Lake County Zone: All of Lake County. Utah Washington County Zone: All of Washington County. [[Page 47070]] Remainder-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of Utah. Washington Eastern Washington: All areas east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of the Big White Salmon River in Klickitat County. Area 1: Lincoln, Spokane, and Walla Walla Counties; that part of Grant County east of a line beginning at the Douglas-Lincoln County line on WA 174, southwest on WA 174 to WA 155, south on WA 155 to US 2, southwest on US 2 to Pinto Ridge Road, south on Pinto Ridge Road to WA 28, east on WA 28 to the Stratford Road, south on the Stratford Road to WA 17, south on WA 17 to the Grant-Adams County line; those parts of Adams County east of State Highway 17; those parts of Franklin County east and south of a line beginning at the Adams-Franklin County line on WA 17, south on WA 17 to US 395, south on US 395 to I-182, west of I- 182 to the Franklin-Benton County line; those parts of Benton County south of I-182 and I-82; and those parts of Klickitat County east of U.S. Highway 97. Area 2: All of Okanongan, Douglas, and Kittitas Counties and those parts of Grant, Adams, Franklin, and Benton Counties not included in Eastern Washington Goose Management Area 1. Area 3: All other parts of eastern Washington not included in Eastern Washington Goose Management Areas 1 and 2. Western Washington: All areas west of the East Zone. Area 1: Skagit, Island, and Snohomish Counties. Area 2: Clark County, except portions south of the Washougal River, Cowlitz, Pacific, and Wahkiakum Counties, and that portion of Grays Harbor County south of U.S. highway 12 and east of U.S. highway 101. Area 3: All parts of western Washington not included in Western Washington Goose Management Areas 1 and 2. Lower Columbia River Early-Season Canada Goose Zone: Beginning at the Washington-Oregon border on the I-5 Bridge near Vancouver, Washington; north on I-5 to Kelso; west on Highway 4 from Kelso to Highway 401; south and west on Highway 401 to Highway 101 at the Astoria-Megler Bridge; west on Highway 101 to Gray Drive in the City of Ilwaco; west on Gray Drive to Canby Road; southwest on Canby Road to the North Jetty; southwest on the North Jetty to its end; southeast to the Washington-Oregon border; upstream along the Washington-Oregon border to the point of origin. Wyoming (Pacific Flyway Portion): See State Regulations. Bear River Area: That portion of Lincoln County described in State regulations. Salt River Area: That portion of Lincoln County described in State regulations. Eden-Farson Area: Those portions of Sweetwater and Sublette Counties described in State regulations. Swans Central Flyway South Dakota: Aurora, Beadle, Brookings, Brown, Brule, Buffalo, Campbell, Clark, Codington, Davison, Deuel, Day, Edmunds, Faulk, Grant, Hamlin, Hand, Hanson, Hughes, Hyde, Jerauld, Kingsbury, Lake, Marshall, McCook, McPherson, Miner, Minnehaha, Moody, Potter, Roberts, Sanborn, Spink, Sully, and Walworth Counties. Pacific Flyway Montana (Pacific Flyway Portion) Open Area: Cascade, Chouteau, Hill, Liberty, and Toole Counties and those portions of Pondera and Teton Counties lying east of U.S. 287-89. Nevada Open Area: Churchill, Lyon, and Pershing Counties. Utah Open Area: Those portions of Box, Elder, Weber, Davis, Salt Lake, and Toole Counties lying south of State Hwy 30, I-80/84, west of I-15, and north of I-80. [FR Doc. 99-22364 Filed 8-26-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P