2011 Federal Register, 76 FR 54052; Centralized Library: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Federal Register, Volume 76 Issue 168 (Tuesday, August 30, 2011)

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 168 (Tuesday, August 30, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54052-54070]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-21987]

[[Page 54051]]

Vol. 76

Tuesday,

No. 168

August 30, 2011

Part III

Department of the Interior

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Fish and Wildlife Service

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50 CFR Part 20

Migratory Bird Hunting; Final Frameworks for Early-Season Migratory
Bird Hunting Regulations; Final Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 76 , No. 168 / Tuesday, August 30, 2011 /
Rules and Regulations

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 20

[Docket No. FWS-R9-MB-2011-0014; 91200-1231-9BPP-L2]
RIN 1018-AX34

Migratory Bird Hunting; Final Frameworks for Early-Season
Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This rule prescribes final early-season frameworks from which
the States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands may select season
dates, limits, and other options for the 2011-12 migratory bird hunting
seasons. Early seasons are those that generally open prior to October
1, and include seasons in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin
Islands. The effect of this final rule is to facilitate the selection
of hunting seasons by the States and Territories to further the annual
establishment of the early-season migratory bird hunting regulations.

DATES: This rule takes effect on August 30, 2011.

ADDRESSES: States and Territories should send their season selections
to: Chief, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, ms MBSP-4107-ARLSQ, 1849 C Street, NW., Washington,
DC 20240. You may inspect comments during normal business hours at the
Service's office in room 4107, 4501 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington,
Virginia, or at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-R9-MB-
2011-0014.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron W. Kokel, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Department of the Interior, MS MBSP-4107-ARLSQ, 1849 C Street,
NW., Washington, DC 20240; (703) 358-1714.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulations Schedule for 2011

On April 8, 2011, we published in the Federal Register (76 FR
19876) a proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20. The proposal provided a
background and overview of the migratory bird hunting regulations
process, and addressed the establishment of seasons, limits, and other
regulations for hunting migratory game birds under Sec. Sec. 20.101
through 20.107, 20.109, and 20.110 of subpart K. Major steps in the
2011-12 regulatory cycle relating to open public meetings and Federal
Register notifications were also identified in the April 8 proposed
rule. Further, we explained that all sections of subsequent documents
outlining hunting frameworks and guidelines were organized under
numbered headings. Subsequent documents will refer only to numbered
items requiring attention. Therefore, it is important to note that we
omit those items requiring no attention, and remaining numbered items
might be discontinuous or appear incomplete.
On June 22, 2011, we published in the Federal Register (76 FR
36508) a second document providing supplemental proposals for early-
and late-season migratory bird hunting regulations. The June 22
supplement also provided information on the 2011-12 regulatory schedule
and announced the Service Regulations Committee (SRC) and summer Flyway
Council meetings.
On June 22 and 23, 2011, we held open meetings with the Flyway
Council Consultants where the participants reviewed information on the
current status of migratory shore and upland game birds and developed
recommendations for the 2011-12 regulations 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 2011-12 regular
waterfowl seasons.
On July 26, 2011, we published in the Federal Register (76 FR
44730) a third document specifically dealing with the proposed
frameworks for early-season regulations. We published the proposed
frameworks for late-season regulations (primarily hunting seasons that
start after October 1 and most waterfowl seasons not already
established) in an August 26, 2011, Federal Register.
This document is the fifth in a series of proposed, supplemental,
and final rulemaking documents. It establishes final frameworks from
which States may select season dates, shooting hours, and daily bag and
possession limits for the 2011-12 season. These selections will be
published in the Federal Register as amendments to Sec. Sec. 20.101
through 20.107, and Sec. 20.109 of title 50 CFR part 20.

Population Status and Harvest

Information on the status of waterfowl and information on the
status and harvest of migratory shore and upland game birds, including
detailed information on methodologies and results, is available at the
address indicated under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT or from our Web
site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewsPublicationsReports.html.

Review of Public Comments

The preliminary proposed rulemaking (April 8 Federal Register)
opened the public comment period for migratory game bird hunting
regulations and announced the proposed regulatory alternatives for the
2011-12 duck hunting season. Comments concerning early-season issues
and the proposed alternatives are summarized below and numbered in the
order used in the April 8 Federal Register document. Only the numbered
items pertaining to early-seasons issues and the proposed regulatory
alternatives for which we received written comments are included.
Consequently, the issues do not follow in consecutive numerical or
alphabetical order.
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.

General

Written Comments: An individual commenter protested the entire
migratory bird hunting regulations process, the killing of all
migratory birds, and the lack of accepting electronic public comments.
Service Response: Our long-term objectives continue to include
providing opportunities to harvest portions of certain migratory game
bird populations and to limit harvests to levels compatible with each
population's ability to maintain healthy, viable numbers. Having taken
into account the zones of temperature and the distribution, abundance,
economic value, breeding habits, and times and lines of flight of
migratory birds, we believe that the hunting seasons provided for
herein are compatible with the current status of migratory bird
populations and long-term population goals. Additionally, we are
obligated to, and do, give serious consideration to all information
received as public comment. While there are problems inherent with any
type of representative

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management of public-trust resources, we believe that the Flyway-
Council system of migratory bird management has been a longstanding
example of State-Federal cooperative management since its establishment
in 1952. However, as always, we continue to seek new ways to streamline
and improve the process.
Regarding the comment concerning our acceptance, or lack thereof,
of electronic public comments, we do accept electronic comments filed
through the official Federal eRulemaking portal (http://www.regulations.gov). Public comment methods are identified and listed
above under ADDRESSES.

1. Ducks

Categories used to discuss issues related to duck harvest
management are: (A) General Harvest Strategy; (B) Regulatory
Alternatives, including specification of framework dates, season
lengths, and bag limits; (C) Zones and Split Seasons; and (D) Special
Seasons/Species Management. The categories correspond to previously
published issues/discussions, and only those containing substantial
recommendations are discussed below.
D. Special Seasons/Species Management
i. Special Teal Seasons
Regarding the regulations for this year, utilizing the criteria
developed for the teal season harvest strategy, this year's estimate of
8.9 million blue-winged teal from the traditional survey area indicates
that a 16-day September teal season in the Atlantic, Central, and
Mississippi Flyways is appropriate for 2011.
ix. Youth Hunt
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended
that we remove the criteria for youth hunting days to be 2 consecutive
hunting days and allow the 2 days to be taken singularly or
consecutively outside any regular duck season on a weekend, holidays,
or other non-school days when youth hunters would have the maximum
opportunity to participate.
Service Response: We concur with the Atlantic Flyway Council's
recommendation to allow States to offer 2 youth hunt days in addition
to their regular seasons, with no requirement that the youth hunts be
held on consecutive hunting days. Our intent in first establishing this
special day of opportunity in 1996 (61 FR 49232, September 18, 1996)
was to introduce youth to the concepts of ethical utilization and
stewardship of waterfowl and other natural resources, to encourage
youngsters and adults to experience the outdoors together, and to
contribute to the long-term conservation of the migratory bird
resource. We stated then that we viewed the special youth hunting day
as a unique educational opportunity, above and beyond the regular
season, which helps ensure high-quality learning experiences for those
youth indicating an interest in hunting. We further believed that the
youth hunting day would help develop a conservation ethic in our youth
and was consistent with the Service's responsibility to foster an
appreciation for our nation's valuable wildlife resources. However,
there have been few attempts to determine whether youth hunts have
achieved their intended purpose. Thus, we request that when the Human
Dimensions Working Group is formed, that it be charged with assessing
the effectiveness of youth waterfowl hunts as a hunter recruitment
tool. Until such an assessment has been conducted, we will not consider
any further changes to the criteria for youth hunts.
x. Mallard Management Units
Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended
changes to the High Plains Mallard Management Unit boundary in Nebraska
and Kansas for simplification and clarification of regulations
enforcement.
Service Response: We do not support the modification of the
boundary of the High Plains Mallard Management Unit in Kansas and
Nebraska. While we appreciate the Council's desire for ways to improve
enforcement, we note that the boundaries in those two States have been
in place since the 1970s and are sufficiently clear for enforcement of
waterfowl hunting regulations. Further, we do not believe sufficient
biological information is available to warrant changes to the boundary
at the scales proposed. However, if the Flyway Council believes the
demographics of ducks have changed and may warrant a change in the
boundary, we suggest that an assessment of data should be conducted
that could inform a change at the Management Unit level.

4. Canada Geese

A. Special Seasons
Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended
that the 10-day experimental season extension (September 16-25) of the
special September Canada goose hunting season in Delaware become
operational.
The Central Flyway Council recommended that we increase the daily
bag limit framework from five to eight for North Dakota during the
special early Canada goose hunting season in September.
The Pacific Flyway Council recommended increasing the daily bag
limit in the Pacific Flyway portion of Colorado from three geese to
four geese, and increasing the possession limit from six to eight birds
during the special September season.
Service Response: We agree with the Atlantic Flyway Council's
recommendation that Delaware's September Canada goose season become
operational. As the Council notes in their recommendation, resident
Canada geese remain overabundant in many areas of the Flyway. The
current population exceeds approximately 1 million while the goal in
the Atlantic Flyway Resident Canada Goose Management Plan is 650,000
geese. Approval of this season would be consistent with the current
management plan. Specifically in Delaware, the resident Canada goose
population has continued to increase with a 2010 population index of
10,880 birds, well above the breeding population goal of 1,000 birds.
Further, results of the 3-year experimental extension (2008-10)
demonstrated that the harvest during this season is comprised of
predominately resident geese and meets the current criteria established
for Special Canada Goose Seasons. Band recovery data also indicated
that no direct recovery of Atlantic Population (AP)-banded geese
occurred during the entire 3-year experimental timeframe. We concur
that making the season operational would help maximize harvest of
resident Canada geese within Delaware, with minimal to no additional
impact to migrant geese, while also increasing hunting opportunities.
We also agree with the Central Flyway Council's request to increase
the Canada goose daily bag limit in North Dakota. Last year, we
increased the daily bag limit in South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and
Oklahoma during their special early Canada goose seasons (75 FR 52873,
August 30, 2010). The Special Early Canada Goose hunting season is
generally designed to reduce or control overabundant resident Canada
geese populations. Increasing the daily bag limit from 5 to 8 geese may
help North Dakota reduce or control existing high populations of
resident Canada geese, which are currently in excess of 325,000 geese
(May 2010 estimate) with a population objective of 60,000-100,000.

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Regarding the increase in the daily bag limit in Colorado, we
agree. As the Pacific Flyway Council notes in their recommendation, the
2010 Rocky Mountain Population (RMP) breeding population index (BPI)
was 143,842, a 15 percent increase from the 2009 index of 124,684, but
10 percent below the 3-year average BPI of 160,434. Further, while the
2011 RMP Midwinter Index (MWI) of 124,427 showed a 17 percent decrease
from the previous year's index of 149,831, and the 2011 RMP MWI was 7
percent below its running 3-year average of 133,312 geese, this total
is still well above the level in the management plan which allows for
harvest liberalization (80,000). Further, population index data and
estimated harvest effects support increasing the bag and possession
limits in Colorado. In the past 3 years, while counts from the spring
breeding survey have stayed relatively stable, post-hunting indices
collected as part of the mid-winter survey have increased. An increase
in the daily bag limit is expected to result in minimal increases in
Canada goose harvest rates.
B. Regular Seasons
Council Recommendations: The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended
that the framework opening date for all species of geese for the
regular goose seasons in Michigan and Wisconsin be September 16, 2011.
Service Response: We concur. Michigan, beginning in 1998, and
Wisconsin, beginning in 1989, have opened their regular Canada goose
seasons prior to the Flyway-wide framework opening date to address
resident goose management concerns in these States. As we have
previously stated (73 FR 50678, August 27, 2008), we agree with the
objective to increase harvest pressure on resident Canada geese in the
Mississippi Flyway and will continue to consider the opening dates in
both States as exceptions to the general Flyway opening date, to be
reconsidered annually. We note that the most recent resident Canada
goose estimate for the Mississippi Flyway was 1.61 million birds in
2010, which was 10 percent higher than the 2009 estimate, and well
above the Flyway's population goal of 1.18 to 1.40 million birds.

9. Sandhill Cranes

Council Recommendations: The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended
a 3-year experimental 30-day sandhill crane season for the Eastern
Population (EP) of sandhill cranes in Kentucky beginning in the 2011-12
season.
The Central and Pacific Flyway Councils recommend using the 2011
Rocky Mountain Population (RMP) sandhill crane harvest allocation of
1,771 birds as proposed in the allocation formula described in the
management plan for this population. The Councils also recommended the
establishment of two new hunting areas for RMP greater sandhill crane
hunting in Montana: the addition of Golden Valley County to an existing
RMP sandhill crane hunting unit, and the establishment of a new RMP
sandhill crane hunting unit in Broadwater County.
The Pacific Flyway Council recommended not allowing a limited hunt
for Lower Colorado River Valley Population (LCRVP) Sandhill Cranes in
Arizona during the 2011-12 hunting season. Survey results indicate the
3-year average population estimate is below the 2,500 birds required by
the EA and management plan to hunt this population.
Written Comments: The International Crane Foundation (ICF) and
several individuals commented that no population modeling had been done
for EP sandhill cranes and that the proposed harvest in Kentucky could
consume a substantial portion of the productivity of the EP breeding
crane population in the Upper Midwest. The ICF presented information on
crane reproductive rates from a small study area and cautioned that
productivity of EP sandhill cranes may be too low to support a
sustainable hunt. The ICF also believed that data on the origin of
birds that would be harvested in Kentucky were incomplete. The ICF also
provided several comments regarding the development of the EP crane
management plan and cautioned that the management plan could allow a 50
percent reduction of the EP crane population. They questioned the
appropriateness of the population goal in the management plan and
whether it would satisfy the desires of some States that want to expand
crane numbers. Several commenters also criticized the adequacy of the
annual survey used to monitor the EP sandhill cranes.
The ICF and the Kentucky Resources Council (KRC) commented that the
Kentucky proposal did not include details about the degree of public
participation that would be sought in the decision regarding if and how
to hunt cranes; that sufficient public input had not be solicited to
date; and that the Service should defer on the decision to hunt cranes.
In addition, several commenters were critical to the degree to which
the State of Kentucky provided for public input.
The KRC noted that the new Supplemental Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) for the migratory bird hunting program has not been
finalized, and that given the significant scientific uncertainties
associated with Kentucky's proposal, and the fact that there is a
distinct possibility the sandhill crane hunt might result in the taking
of endangered whooping cranes, an EIS should be developed to evaluate a
full range of reasonable management alternatives for EP sandhill
cranes. The KRC also urged us to include a wider range of management
alternatives in the Environmental Assessment including an alternative
that advocates a one-year experimental hunt and evaluation, and another
alternative to postpone the proposed Kentucky hunt until scientific
concerns are addressed.
Several other non-governmental organizations; 337 individuals from
Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana,
Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee,
Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin; and several petitions containing
signatures from over 3,000 people expressed both general and specific
concerns about the scientific uncertainty of the Kentucky proposal, the
EP Sandhill Crane Management Plan, and the potential taking of whooping
cranes. All expressed opposition to the establishment of a new sandhill
crane season in Kentucky.
Service Response: Last year, the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway
Councils adopted a management plan for EP cranes. This year, Kentucky
has submitted a crane hunt proposal to both Flyways that follows the
hunt plan guidelines and calls for a 30-day season with a maximum
harvest of 400 cranes. We support the Kentucky crane hunt proposal.
Total anticipated harvest and crippling loss would be less than 1
percent of the current 3-year average population index for EP cranes
(51,217 cranes), well below the level of harvest of other crane
populations (e.g., MCP harvest is 6.7 percent of the population size,
while RMP is 4.9 percent).
We prepared an environmental assessment (EA) on the hunting of EP
sandhill cranes as allowed under the management plan. Specifics of the
two alternatives we analyzed can be found on our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds, or at http://www.regulations.gov. Our EA
outlines two different approaches for assessing the ability of the EP
crane population to withstand the level of harvest contained in the EP
management plan: (1) The potential biological removal allowance method;
and (2) a simple population

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model using fall survey data and annual survival rates. The EA
concluded that the anticipated combined level of harvest and crippling
loss in Kentucky could be sustained by the proposed hunt. Furthermore,
population modeling indicated that any harvest below 2,000 birds would
still result in a growing population of EP cranes. At a harvest level
of 2,500 birds per year it would take over 30 years for the population
to decline to 30,000 cranes. Therefore, we do not believe the proposed
limited harvest will negatively impact population growth and that crane
numbers will continue to increase in many States. We further note that
the harvest of cranes in Kentucky will be controlled by a mandatory
tagging and phone reporting system, which will ensure that the harvest
objective of 400 birds is not exceeded, and that the season would be
closed early if the harvest objective is met before 30 days.
With regard to adding two additional management alternatives to the
EA, we note that experimental hunts for migratory bird populations are
typically three years in duration to allow adequate data collection for
assessment. Thus, the EP crane management plan also allows new
experimental hunts to be three years in duration. We believe that the
addition of a new alternative that would postpone the hunt until
scientific concerns are addressed is no different than the No Action
alternative analyzed in the EA. Our EA also addresses many of the
scientific concerns raised by commenters and we further note that
research continues to be conducted on EP cranes to improve management.
With regard to the adequacy of the Service's annual survey of EP
sandhill cranes, we note that the annual count is conducted within a
relatively narrow time frame to minimize potential double counting of
birds. Although the survey design does not allow estimation of a total
population size, the count represents a minimum population estimate and
the true population size is undoubtedly higher. The annual survey
continues to show a positive trend in the population; a result which is
corroborated by trends indicated by the Breeding Bird Survey and
Christmas Bird Count. Regarding the origin of cranes harvested in
Kentucky, we note that EP cranes are managed as one population and that
no monitoring at the sub-population level is required, or necessary, by
the EP management plan. Thus, we believe that we have fulfilled our
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.)
obligation with the preparation of an EA.
With regard to the potential taking of endangered whooping cranes,
we point out that whooping cranes that migrate through Kentucky are
part of the experimental nonessential population of whooping cranes
(NEP). In 2001, the Service announced its intent to reintroduce
whooping cranes (Grus americana) into historic habitat in the eastern
United States with the intent to establish a migratory flock that would
summer and breed in Wisconsin, and winter in west-central Florida (66
FR 14107, March 9, 2001). We designated this reintroduced population as
an NEP according to section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973
(Act; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), as amended. Mississippi and Atlantic
Flyway States within the NEP area maintain their management
prerogatives regarding the whooping crane (66 FR 33910, June 26, 2001).
They are not directed by the reintroduction program to take any
specific actions to provide any special protective measures, nor are
they prevented from imposing restrictions under State law, such as
protective designations, and area closures. However, the season dates
contained in the Kentucky proposal were chosen such that they would
begin approximately 3 weeks after whooping cranes have normally
migrated through the State, hereby reducing the likelihood that
sandhill crane hunters would encounter whooping cranes. Kentucky has
also opted to delay legal shooting hours until sunrise to ensure bird
identification under any weather conditions and Kentucky will require
all hunters to pass an online identification test prior to being issued
any permit to hunt sandhill cranes.
Lastly, comments regarding the adequacy of the public input process
provided by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
(KDFWR) to establish State hunting regulations and to comply with any
State-mandated administrative processes are not subject to our
oversight or instruction. We have no control or authority over how
KDFWR conducts their public participation process. We do, however, note
that all Kentucky citizens have had the opportunity to comment on our
proposed rule and draft EA on the EP sandhill crane harvest.
We also agree with the Central and Pacific Flyway Councils'
recommendations on the RMP sandhill crane harvest allocation of 1,771
birds for the 2011-12 season, as outlined in the RMP sandhill crane
management plan's harvest allocation formula. The objective for the RMP
sandhill crane is to manage for a stable population index of 17,000-
21,000 cranes determined by an average of the three most recent,
reliable September (fall pre-migration) surveys. Additionally, the RMP
sandhill crane management plan allows for the regulated harvest of
cranes when the population index exceeds 15,000 cranes. In 2010, 21,064
cranes were counted in the September survey and the most recent 3-year
average for the RMP sandhill crane fall index is 20,847 birds. Both of
the new hunt areas in Montana are allowed under the management plan.
Regarding the proposal to discontinue the limited hunt for LCRVP
cranes in Arizona this year, we agree. In 2007, the Pacific Flyway
Council recommended, and we approved, the establishment of a limited
hunt for the LCRVP sandhill cranes in Arizona (72 FR 49622, August 28,
2007). However, due to problems that year with the population inventory
on which the LCRVP hunt plan is based, the Arizona Game and Fish
Department chose to not conduct the hunt in 2007, and sought approval
from the Service again in 2008, to begin conducting the hunt. We
subsequently again approved the limited hunt (73 FR 50678, August 27,
2008). Then, due to complications encountered with the proposed
initiation of this new season occurring during litigation regarding
opening new hunting seasons on Federal National Wildlife Refuges, the
experimental limited hunt season was not opened in 2008. Thus, in 2009,
the State of Arizona requested that 2009-12 be designated as the new
experimental period and designated an area under State control where
the experimental hunt would be conducted. Last year, Arizona did
implement the planned limited hunt; however, no cranes were harvested.
This year, the LCRVP survey results indicate that the 3-year
average of LCRVP cranes is below the population objective of 2,500.
Thus, while we continue to support the 3-year experimental framework
for this hunt, conditional on successful monitoring being conducted as
called for in the Flyway hunt plan for this population, we concur with
the Pacific Flyway Council that the hunt should not be held this year.

14. Woodcock

Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended
adoption of the ``moderate'' season package of 45 days with a 3-bird
daily bag limit in the Eastern Management Region for the 2011-12 season
as outlined in the Interim American Woodcock Harvest Strategy
(available at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/

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NewsPublicationsReports.html). They also recommended that States
previously allowed to zone for woodcock be allowed to continue that
arrangement with the associated 20-percent penalty in season length
(i.e., 36 days in each of New Jersey's zones).
Service Response: We agree with the Council's recommendation. Last
year, following review and comment by the Flyway Councils and the
public, we adopted an interim harvest strategy for woodcock beginning
in the 2011-12 hunting season for a period of 5 years (2011-15) (75 FR
52873, August 30, 2010). Specifics of the interim harvest strategy can
be found at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewsPublicationsReports.html. This year, based on the status of
woodcock, the interim strategy calls for selection of the ``moderate''
season package in both the Eastern and Central Management Units.
As we stated last year, the interim harvest strategy provides a
transparent framework for making regulatory decisions for woodcock
season length and bag limits while we work to improve monitoring and
assessment protocols for this species.

16. Mourning Doves

Council Recommendations: The Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway
Councils recommended use of the ``moderate'' season framework for
States within the Eastern Management Unit population of mourning doves
resulting in a 70-day season and 15-bird daily bag limit. The daily bag
limit could be composed of mourning doves and white-winged doves,
singly or in combination.
The Mississippi and Central Flyway Councils recommend the use of
the standard (or ``moderate'') season package of a 15-bird daily bag
limit and a 70-day season for the 2011-12 mourning dove season in the
States within the Central Management Unit. The Central Flyway Council
also recommended that the opening date for the South Dove Zone in Texas
be the Friday before the third Saturday in September.
The Pacific Flyway Council recommended use of the ``moderate''
season framework for States in the Western Management Unit (WMU)
population of mourning doves, which represents no change from last
year's frameworks. The Council also recommended combining mourning and
white-winged dove season frameworks into a single framework, and
allowing an aggregate bag in all Pacific Flyway States in the WMU.
Service Response: In 2008, we accepted and endorsed the interim
harvest strategies for the Central, Eastern, and Western Management
Units (73 FR 50678, August 27, 2008). As we stated then, the interim
mourning dove harvest strategies are a step towards implementing the
Mourning Dove National Strategic Harvest Plan (Plan) that was approved
by all four Flyway Councils in 2003. The Plan represents a new, more
informed means of decision-making for dove harvest management besides
relying solely on traditional roadside counts of mourning doves as
indicators of population trend. However, recognizing that a more
comprehensive, national approach would take time to develop, we
requested the development of interim harvest strategies, by management
unit, until the elements of the Plan can be fully implemented. In 2009,
the interim harvest strategies were successfully employed and
implemented in all three Management Units (74 FR 36870, July 24, 2009).
This year, based on the interim harvest strategies and current
population status, we agree with the recommended selection of the
``moderate'' season frameworks for doves in the Eastern, Central, and
Western Management Units.
Regarding the Central Flyway Council's recommendation to move the
opening date for the South Dove Zone in Texas from the Saturday nearest
September 20 (but not earlier than September 17) to the Friday before
the third Saturday in September, we do not support the Council's
recommendation. We remain concerned about the potential impact on the
recruitment of late-nesting doves when opening hunting seasons earlier
than the State currently does. We believe that additional biological
information should be collected to assess potential biological impacts
before making additional changes to the opening date.
Lastly, we concur with the Pacific Flyway Council's recommendation
to combine mourning and white-winged dove season frameworks into a
single framework, and allow an aggregate bag in all Pacific Flyway
States in the WMU. We believe this change will simplify the frameworks
for use by the States when selecting seasons. Further, we have applied
this change to all dove frameworks in all management units (see the
Doves framework section of this final rule for further information).

18. Alaska

Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended
removal of Canada goose daily bag limit restrictions within the overall
dark goose daily bag limit in Units 9, 10, 17, and 18. In these Units,
the dark goose limits would be 6 geese per day, with 12 geese in
possession.
Written Comments: The North Slope Borough questioned the Service's
insistence on classifying Alaska's migratory bird hunting as either
spring and summer hunting (i.e., subsistence hunting) or fall and
winter hunting (i.e., sport hunting) and urged the Service to
accommodate subsistence hunters by modifying the regulations to
continue subsistence hunting (contained in 50 CFR part 92) after
September 1.
Service Response: We concur with the proposed removal of the Canada
goose daily bag limit restrictions within the overall dark goose daily
bag limit. We agree with the Council that cackling geese restrictions
on primary breeding and staging areas are not warranted given recent
reassessments of population data and the fact that Alaska's Units 9,
10, 17, and 18 have very little Canada goose sport harvest. We expect
the harvest increase in Alaska will be small.
Regarding the comments from the North Slope Borough, we acknowledge
the North Slope Borough's concerns, and will respond in more detail in
the forthcoming rule for ``Harvest Regulations for Migratory Birds in
Alaska During the 2012 Season.'' We also acknowledge that the response
to this comment will occur after the regulations for subpart D of 50
CFR part 92 are no longer effective for this year. We encourage the
North Slope Borough to contact us this fall when the Service proposes
new Alaska subsistence regulations for 2012 to possibly resolve the
issues they raise.

22. Falconry

Written Comments: An individual proposed adding a spring hunting
season for falconers, primarily in March. Another individual requested
that falconers be allowed the same daily bag limits as gun hunters.
Service Response: Currently, we allow falconry as a permitted means
of taking migratory game birds in any State meeting Federal falconry
standards in 50 CFR 21.29. Such States may select an extended season
for taking migratory game birds as long as the combined length of the
extended season, regular season, and any special or experimental
seasons does not exceed 107 days for any species or group of species in
a geographical area. In addition, all such seasons must fall between
September 1 and March 10, as stipulated in the Migratory Bird Treaty
(Treaty). We note that in those States that already

[[Page 54057]]

experience 107-day seasons (i.e., ducks in the Pacific Flyway), there
is no opportunity for extended falconry seasons. Further, given the
Treaty limitations, no hunting seasons (including falconry) may extend
past March 10.
Regarding the daily bag limit for falconers, while we understand
the concerns expressed, at this time we are not supporting any changes
to the daily bag limit. We note that falconers are generally afforded
much longer seasons than gun hunters for most species in most Flyways.
Further, to our knowledge, we have not received any requests from
either the Flyway Councils or States requesting such a change.

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). In addition, an August 1985 environmental
assessment entitled ``Guidelines for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations
on Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands'' is available from the
address indicated under the caption FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
In a notice published in the September 8, 2005, Federal Register
(70 FR 53376), we announced our intent to develop a new Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the migratory bird hunting
program. Public scoping meetings were held in the spring of 2006, as
detailed in a March 9, 2006, Federal Register (71 FR 12216). We
released the draft SEIS on July 9, 2010 (75 FR 39577). The draft SEIS
is available either by writing to the address indicated under FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT or by viewing our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds.

Endangered Species Act Consideration

Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, as amended (16 U.S.C.
1531-1543; 87 Stat. 884), provides that, ``The Secretary shall review
other programs administered by him and utilize such programs in
furtherance of the purposes of this Act'' (and) shall ``insure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out * * * is not likely to
jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered species or
threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification
of [critical] habitat. * * *.'' Consequently, we conducted formal
consultations to ensure that actions resulting from these regulations
would not likely jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or
threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification
of their critical habitat. Findings from these consultations are
included in a biological opinion, which concluded that the regulations
are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered
or threatened species. Additionally, these findings may have caused
modification of some regulatory measures previously proposed, and the
final frameworks reflect any such modifications. Our biological
opinions resulting from this section 7 consultation are public
documents available for public inspection at the address indicated
under ADDRESSES.

Executive Order 12866

The Office of Management and Budget has determined that this rule
is significant and has reviewed this rule under Executive Order 12866.
OMB bases its determination of regulatory significance upon the
following four criteria:
(a) Whether the rule will have an annual effect of $100 million or
more on the economy or adversely affect an economic sector,
productivity, jobs, the environment, or other units of the government.
(b) Whether the rule will create inconsistencies with other Federal
agencies' actions.
(c) Whether the rule will materially affect entitlements, grants,
user fees, loan programs, or the rights and obligations of their
recipients.
(d) Whether the rule raises novel legal or policy issues.
An economic analysis was prepared for the 2008-09 season. This
analysis was based on data from the 2006 National Hunting and Fishing
Survey, the most recent year for which data are available (see
discussion in Regulatory Flexibility Act section below). This analysis
estimated consumer surplus for three alternatives for duck hunting
(estimates for other species are not quantified due to lack of data).
The alternatives are (1) Issue restrictive regulations allowing fewer
days than those issued during the 2007-08 season, (2) Issue moderate
regulations allowing more days than those in alternative 1, and (3)
Issue liberal regulations identical to the regulations in the 2007-08
season. For the 2008-09 season, we chose alternative 3, with an
estimated consumer surplus across all flyways of $205-$270 million. We
also chose alternative 3 for the 2009-10 and the 2010-11 seasons. At
this time, we are proposing no changes to the season frameworks for the
2011-12 season, and as such, we will again consider these three
alternatives. However, final frameworks for waterfowl will be dependent
on population status information available later this year. For these
reasons, we have not conducted a new economic analysis, but the 2008-09
analysis is part of the record for this rule and is available at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewReportsPublications/SpecialTopics/SpecialTopics.html#HuntingRegs or at http://www.regulations.gov at
Docket No. FWS-R9-MB-2011-0014.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

The annual migratory bird hunting regulations have a significant
economic impact on substantial numbers of small entities under the
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). We analyzed the
economic impacts of the annual hunting regulations on small business
entities in detail as part of the 1981 cost-benefit analysis. This
analysis was revised annually from 1990-95. In 1995, the Service issued
a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis), which was subsequently
updated in 1996, 1998, 2004, and 2008. The primary source of
information about hunter expenditures for migratory game bird hunting
is the National Hunting and Fishing Survey, which is conducted at 5-
year intervals. The 2008 Analysis was based on the 2006 National
Hunting and Fishing Survey and the U.S. Department of Commerce's County
Business Patterns, from which it was estimated that migratory bird
hunters would spend approximately $1.2 billion at small businesses in
2008. Copies of the Analysis are available upon request from the
Division of Migratory Bird Management (see ADDRESSES) or from our Web
site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewReportsPublications/SpecialTopics/SpecialTopics.html#HuntingRegs or at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-R9-MB-2011-0014.

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 would have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or
more. However, because this rule would establish hunting seasons, we do
not

[[Page 54058]]

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 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). The various recordkeeping and reporting
requirements imposed under regulations established in 50 CFR part 20,
subpart K, are utilized in the formulation of migratory game bird
hunting regulations. Specifically, OMB has approved the information
collection requirements of our Migratory Bird Surveys and assigned
control number 1018-0023 (expires 4/30/2014). This information is used
to provide a sampling frame for voluntary national surveys to improve
our harvest estimates for all migratory game birds in order to better
manage these populations. OMB has also approved the information
collection requirements of the Alaska Subsistence Household Survey, an
associated voluntary annual household survey used to determine levels
of subsistence take in Alaska, and assigned control number 1018-0124
(expires 4/30/2013).
A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not
required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

We have determined and certify, in compliance with the requirements
of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this
rulemaking would not impose a cost of $100 million or more in any given
year on local or State government or private entities. Therefore, this
rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act.

Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 12988

The Department, in promulgating this rule, has determined that this
rule will not unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the
requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988.

Takings Implication Assessment

In accordance with Executive Order 12630, this rule, authorized by
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, does not have significant takings
implications and does not affect any constitutionally protected
property rights. This rule would not result in the physical occupancy
of property, the physical invasion of property, or the regulatory
taking of any property. In fact, these rules would allow hunters to
exercise otherwise unavailable privileges and, therefore, reduce
restrictions on the use of private and public property.

Energy Effects--Executive Order 13211

Executive Order 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of
Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. While this rule is a
significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866, it is not
expected to adversely affect energy supplies, distribution, or use.
Therefore, this action is not a significant energy action and no
Statement of Energy Effects is required.

Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994,
``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal
Governments'' (59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175, and 512 DM 2, we
have evaluated possible effects on Federally-recognized Indian tribes
and have determined that there are no effects on Indian trust
resources. However, in the April 8 Federal Register, we solicited
proposals for special migratory bird hunting regulations for certain
Tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and
ceded lands for the 2011-12 migratory bird hunting season. The
resulting proposals were contained in a separate August 8, 2011,
proposed rule (76 FR 48694). By virtue of these actions, we have
consulted with Tribes affected by this rule.

Federalism Effects

Due to the migratory nature of certain species of birds, the
Federal Government has been given responsibility over these species by
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually prescribe frameworks from
which the States make selections regarding the hunting of migratory
birds, and we employ guidelines to establish special regulations on
Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. This process preserves the
ability of the States and tribes to determine which seasons meet their
individual needs. Any State or Indian tribe may be more restrictive
than the Federal frameworks at any time. The frameworks are developed
in a cooperative process with the States and the Flyway Councils. This
process allows States to participate in the development of frameworks
from which they will make selections, thereby having an influence on
their own regulations. These rules do not have a substantial direct
effect on fiscal capacity, change the roles or responsibilities of
Federal or State governments, or intrude on State policy or
administration. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 13132,
these regulations do not have significant federalism effects and do not
have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a
Federalism summary impact statement.

Regulations Promulgation

The rulemaking process for migratory game bird hunting must, by its
nature, operate under severe time constraints. However, we intend that
the public be given the greatest possible opportunity to comment. Thus,
when the preliminary proposed rulemaking was published, we established
what we believed were the longest periods possible for public comment.
In doing this, we recognized that when the comment period closed, time
would be of the essence. That is, if there were a delay in the
effective date of these regulations after this final rulemaking, States
would have insufficient time to select season dates and limits; to
communicate those selections to us; and to establish and publicize the
necessary regulations and procedures to implement their decisions. We
therefore find that ``good cause'' exists, within the terms of 5 U.S.C.
553(d)(3) of the Administrative Procedure Act, and these frameworks
will, therefore, take effect immediately upon publication.
Therefore, under authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (July
3, 1918), as amended (16 U.S.C. 703-711), we prescribe final frameworks
setting forth the species to be hunted, the daily bag and possession
limits, the shooting hours, the season lengths, the earliest opening
and latest closing season dates, and hunting areas, from which State
conservation agency officials will select hunting season dates and
other options. Upon receipt of season selections from these officials,
we will publish a final rulemaking amending 50 CFR part 20 to reflect
seasons, limits, and shooting hours for the conterminous United States
for the 2011-12 season.

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 2011-12
hunting season are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703-712 and 16 U.S.C.
742a-j.

[[Page 54059]]

Dated: August 16, 2011.
Jane Lyder,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

Final Regulations Frameworks for 2011-12 Early Hunting Seasons on
Certain Migratory Game Birds

Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and delegated
authorities, the Department of the Interior approved the following
proposed frameworks, which prescribe season lengths, bag limits,
shooting hours, and outside dates within which States may select
hunting seasons for certain migratory game birds between September 1,
2011, and March 10, 2012.

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.
Permits: For some species of migratory birds, the Service
authorizes the use of permits to regulate harvest or monitor their take
by sport hunters, or both. In many cases (e.g., tundra swans, some
sandhill crane populations), the Service determines the amount of
harvest that may be taken during hunting seasons during its formal
regulations-setting process, and the States then issue permits to
hunters at levels predicted to result in the amount of take authorized
by the Service. Thus, although issued by States, the permits would not
be valid unless the Service approved such take in its regulations.
These Federally authorized, State-issued permits are issued to
individuals, and only the individual whose name and address appears on
the permit at the time of issuance is authorized to take migratory
birds at levels specified in the permit, in accordance with provisions
of both Federal and State regulations governing the hunting season. The
permit must be carried by the permittee when exercising its provisions
and must be presented to any law enforcement officer upon request. The
permit is not transferrable or assignable to another individual, and
may not be sold, bartered, traded, or otherwise provided to another
person. If the permit is altered or defaced in any way, the permit
becomes invalid.

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

Mourning Dove Management Units

Eastern Management Unit--All States east of the Mississippi River,
and Louisiana.
Central Management Unit--Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas,
Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota,
Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.
Western Management Unit--Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada,
Oregon, Utah, and Washington.

Woodcock Management Regions

Eastern Management Region--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.
Central Management Region--Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana,
Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi,
Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota,
Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Other geographic descriptions are contained in a later portion of
this document.

Definitions

Dark geese: Canada geese, white-fronted geese, brant (except in
Alaska, California, Oregon, Washington, and the Atlantic Flyway), and
all other goose species, except light geese.
Light geese: snow (including blue) geese and Ross's geese.

Waterfowl Seasons in the Atlantic Flyway

In the Atlantic Flyway States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine,
Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and
Virginia, where Sunday hunting is prohibited Statewide by State law,
all Sundays are closed to all take of migratory waterfowl (including
mergansers and coots).

Special September Teal Season

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and September 30, an open season
on all species of teal may be selected by the following States in areas
delineated by State regulations:
Atlantic Flyway--Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North
Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Mississippi Flyway--Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee.
Central Flyway--Colorado (part), Kansas, Nebraska (part), New
Mexico (part), Oklahoma, and Texas.
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 16 consecutive
hunting days in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways. The
daily bag limit is 4 teal.
Shooting Hours:
Atlantic Flyway--One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except in
Maryland, where the hours are from sunrise to sunset.
Mississippi and Central Flyways--One-half hour before sunrise to
sunset, except in the States of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri,
and Ohio, where the hours are from sunrise to sunset.

Special September Duck Seasons

Florida, Kentucky and Tennessee: In lieu of a special September
teal season, a 5-consecutive-day season may be selected in September.
The daily bag limit may not exceed 4 teal and wood ducks in the
aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be wood ducks.
Iowa: Iowa may hold up to 5 days of its regular duck hunting season
in September. All ducks that are legal during the regular duck season
may be taken during the September segment of the season. The September
season segment may commence no earlier than the Saturday nearest
September 20 (September 17). The daily bag and possession limits will
be the same as those in effect last year but are subject to change
during the late-season regulations process. The remainder of the
regular duck season may not begin before October 10.

[[Page 54060]]

Special Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days

Outside Dates: States may select 2 days per duck-hunting zone,
designated as ``Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days,'' in addition to their
regular duck seasons. The days must be held outside any regular duck
season on a weekend, holidays, or other non-school days when youth
hunters would have the maximum opportunity to participate. The days may
be held up to 14 days before or after any regular duck-season
frameworks or within any split of a regular duck season, or within any
other open season on migratory birds.
Daily Bag Limits: The daily bag limits may include ducks, geese,
mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinules and would be the same as
those allowed in the regular season. Flyway species and area
restrictions would remain in effect.
Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
Participation Restrictions: Youth hunters must be 15 years of age
or younger. In addition, an adult at least 18 years of age must
accompany the youth hunter into the field. This adult may not duck hunt
but may participate in other seasons that are open on the special youth
day.

Scoter, Eider, and Long-Tailed Ducks (Atlantic Flyway)

Outside Dates: Between September 15 and January 31.
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 107 days, with
a daily bag limit of 7, singly or in the aggregate, of the listed sea
duck species, of which no more than 4 may be scoters.
Daily Bag Limits During the Regular Duck Season: 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.
Areas: In all coastal waters and all waters of rivers and streams
seaward from the first upstream bridge in Maine, New Hampshire,
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York; in any waters
of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters of any bay which are
separated by at least 1 mile of open water from any shore, island, and
emergent vegetation in New Jersey, South Carolina, and Georgia; and in
any waters of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters of any bay
which are separated by at least 800 yards of open water from any shore,
island, and emergent vegetation in Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina,
and Virginia; and provided that any such areas have been described,
delineated, and designated as special sea duck hunting areas under the
hunting regulations adopted by the respective States.

Special Early Canada Goose Seasons

Atlantic Flyway

General Seasons
Canada goose seasons of up to 15 days during September 1-15 may be
selected for the Eastern Unit of Maryland. Seasons not to exceed 30
days during September 1-30 may be selected for Connecticut, Florida,
Georgia, New Jersey, New York (Long Island Zone only), North Carolina,
Rhode Island, and South Carolina. Seasons may not exceed 25 days during
September 1-25 in the remainder of the Flyway. Areas open to the
hunting of Canada geese must be described, delineated, and designated
as such in each State's hunting regulations.
Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 15 Canada geese.
Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except that
during any general season, shooting hours may extend to one-half hour
after sunset if all other waterfowl seasons are closed in the specific
applicable area.

Mississippi Flyway

General Seasons
Canada goose seasons of up to 15 days during September 1-15 may be
selected, except in the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, where the season
may not extend beyond September 10, and in Minnesota, where a season of
up to 22 days during September 1-22 may be selected. The daily bag
limit may not exceed 5 Canada geese. Areas open to the hunting of
Canada geese must be described, delineated, and designated as such in
each State's hunting regulations.
A Canada goose season of up to 10 consecutive days during September
1-10 may be selected by Michigan for Huron, Saginaw, and Tuscola
Counties, except that the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge,
Shiawassee River State Game Area Refuge, and the Fish Point Wildlife
Area Refuge will remain closed. The daily bag limit may not exceed 5
Canada geese.
Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except that
during September 1-15 shooting hours may extend to one-half hour after
sunset if all other waterfowl seasons are closed in the specific
applicable area.

Central Flyway

General Seasons
In Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas, Canada
goose seasons of up to 30 days during September 1-30 may be selected.
In Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming, Canada
goose seasons of up to 15 days during September 1-15 may be selected.
The daily bag limit may not exceed 5 Canada geese, except in Kansas,
Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Dakota, where the bag limit
may not exceed 8 Canada geese. Areas open to the hunting of Canada
geese must be described, delineated, and designated as such in each
State's hunting regulations.
Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except that
during September 1-15 shooting hours may extend to one-half hour after
sunset if all other waterfowl seasons are closed in the specific
applicable area.

Pacific Flyway

General Seasons
California may select a 9-day season in Humboldt County during the
period September 1-15. The daily bag limit is 2.
Colorado may select a 9-day season during the period of September
1-15. The daily bag limit is 4.
Oregon may select a special Canada goose season of up to 15 days
during the period September 1-15. In addition, in the NW Goose
Management Zone in Oregon, a 15-day season may be selected during the
period September 1-20. Daily bag limits may not exceed 5 Canada geese.
Idaho may select a 7-day season during the period September 1-15.
The daily bag limit is 2, and the possession limit is 4.
Washington may select a special Canada goose season of up to 15
days during the period September 1-15. Daily bag limits may not exceed
5 Canada geese.
Wyoming may select an 8-day season on Canada geese during the
period September 1-15. This season is subject to the following
conditions:
A. Where applicable, the season must be concurrent with the
September portion of the sandhill crane season.
B. A daily bag limit of 2, with season and possession limits of 4,
will apply to the special season.
Areas open to hunting of Canada geese in each State must be
described, delineated, and designated as such in each State's hunting
regulations.

[[Page 54061]]

Regular Goose Seasons

Regular goose seasons may open as early as September 16 in
Wisconsin and Michigan. Season lengths, bag and possession limits, and
other provisions will be established during the late-season regulations
process.

Sandhill Cranes

Regular Seasons in the Mississippi Flyway

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and February 28.
Hunting Seasons: A season not to exceed 37 consecutive days may be
selected in the designated portion of northwestern Minnesota (Northwest
Goose Zone).
Daily Bag Limit: 2 sandhill cranes.
Permits: Each person participating in the regular sandhill crane
season must have a valid Federal or State sandhill crane hunting
permit.

Experimental Seasons in the Mississippi Flyway

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 31.
Hunting Seasons: A season not to exceed 30 consecutive days may be
selected in Kentucky.
Daily Bag Limit: Not to exceed 2 daily and 4 per season.
Permits: Each person participating in the regular sandhill crane
season must have a valid Federal or State sandhill crane hunting
permit.
Other Provisions: Numbers of permits, open areas, season dates,
protection plans for other species, and other provisions of seasons
must be consistent with the management plan and approved by the
Mississippi Flyway Council.

Regular Seasons in the Central Flyway

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and February 28.
Hunting Seasons: Seasons not to exceed 37 consecutive days may be
selected in designated portions of North Dakota (Area 2) and Texas
(Area 2). Seasons not to exceed 58 consecutive days may be selected in
designated portions of the following States: Colorado, Kansas, Montana,
North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Seasons not to exceed 93
consecutive days may be selected in designated portions of the
following States: New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Daily Bag Limits: 3 sandhill cranes, except 2 sandhill cranes in
designated portions of North Dakota (Area 2) and Texas (Area 2).
Permits: Each person participating in the regular sandhill crane
season must have a valid Federal or State sandhill crane hunting
permit.

Special Seasons in the Central and Pacific Flyways

Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming
may select seasons for hunting sandhill cranes within the range of the
Rocky Mountain Population (RMP) subject to the following conditions:
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 31.
Hunting Seasons: The season in any State or zone may not exceed 30
consecutive days.
Bag limits: Not to exceed 3 daily and 9 per season.
Permits: Participants must have a valid permit, issued by the
appropriate State, in their possession while hunting.
Other Provisions: Numbers of permits, open areas, season dates,
protection plans for other species, and other provisions of seasons
must be consistent with the management plan and approved by the Central
and Pacific Flyway Councils, with the following exceptions:
A. In Utah, 100 percent of the harvest will be assigned to the RMP
quota;
B. In Arizona, monitoring the racial composition of the harvest
must be conducted at 3-year intervals;
C. In Idaho, 100 percent of the harvest will be assigned to the RMP
quota; and
D. In New Mexico, the season in the Estancia Valley is
experimental, with a requirement to monitor the level and racial
composition of the harvest; greater sandhill cranes in the harvest will
be assigned to the RMP quota.

Common Moorhens and Purple Gallinules

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and the last Sunday in January
(January 29) in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways. States
in the Pacific Flyway have been allowed to select their hunting seasons
between the outside dates for the season on ducks; therefore, they are
late season frameworks, and no frameworks are provided in this
document.
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Seasons may not exceed 70
days in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways. Seasons may be
split into 2 segments. The daily bag limit is 15 common moorhens and
purple gallinules, singly or in the aggregate of the two species.
Zoning: Seasons may be selected by zones established for duck
hunting.

Rails

Outside Dates: States included herein may select seasons between
September 1 and the last Sunday in January (January 29) on clapper,
king, sora, and Virginia rails.
Hunting Seasons: Seasons may not exceed 70 days, and may be split
into 2 segments.
Daily Bag Limits: Clapper and King Rails--In Rhode Island,
Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland, 10, singly or in the
aggregate of the 2 species. In Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama,
Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, 15,
singly or in the aggregate of the two species.
Sora and Virginia Rails--In the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central
Flyways and the Pacific Flyway portions of Colorado, Montana, New
Mexico, and Wyoming, 25 daily and 25 in possession, singly or in the
aggregate of the two species. The season is closed in the remainder of
the Pacific Flyway.

Common Snipe

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and February 28, except in
Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia,
where the season must end no later than January 31.
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Seasons may not exceed 107
days and may be split into two segments. The daily bag limit is 8
snipe.
Zoning: Seasons may be selected by zones established for duck
hunting.

American Woodcock

Outside Dates: States in the Eastern Management Region may select
hunting seasons between October 1 and January 31. States in the Central
Management Region may select hunting seasons between the Saturday
nearest September 22 (September 24) and January 31.
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Seasons may not exceed 45
days in the Eastern Region and 45 days in the Central Region. The daily
bag limit is 3. Seasons may be split into two segments.
Zoning: New Jersey may select seasons in each of two zones. The
season in each zone may not exceed 36 days.

Band-Tailed Pigeons

Pacific Coast States (California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada)

Outside Dates: Between September 15 and January 1.
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 9 consecutive
days, with a daily bag limit of 2 band-tailed pigeons.
Zoning: California may select hunting seasons not to exceed 9
consecutive days in each of two zones. The season in the North Zone
must close by October 3.

[[Page 54062]]

Four-Corners States (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah)

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and November 30.
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 30 consecutive
days, with a daily bag limit of 5 band-tailed pigeons.
Zoning: New Mexico may select hunting seasons not to exceed 20
consecutive days in each of two zones. The season in the South Zone may
not open until October 1.

Doves

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15, except as
otherwise provided, States may select hunting seasons and daily bag
limits as follows:

Eastern Management Unit

Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 70 days, with a
daily bag limit of 15 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate.
Zoning and Split Seasons: States may select hunting seasons in each
of two zones. The season within each zone may be split into not more
than three periods. Regulations for bag and possession limits, season
length, and shooting hours must be uniform within specific hunting
zones.

Central Management Unit

For all States except Texas:
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 70 days, with a
daily bag limit of 15 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate.
Zoning and Split Seasons: States may select hunting seasons in each
of two zones. The season within each zone may be split into not more
than three periods.
Texas:
Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 70 days, with a
daily bag limit of 15 mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped doves in
the aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be white-tipped doves.
Zoning and Split Seasons: Texas may select hunting seasons for each
of three zones subject to the following conditions:
A. The hunting season may be split into not more than two periods,
except in that portion of Texas in which the special white-winged dove
season is allowed, where a limited mourning dove season may be held
concurrently with that special season (see Special White-winged Dove
Area).
B. A season may be selected for the North and Central Zones between
September 1 and January 25; and for the South Zone between the Friday
nearest September 20 (September 23), but not earlier than September 17,
and January 25.
C. Except as noted above, regulations for bag and possession
limits, season length, and shooting hours must be uniform within each
hunting zone.
Special White-winged Dove Area in Texas:
In addition, Texas may select a hunting season of not more than 4
days for the special white-winged dove area of the South Zone between
September 1 and September 19. The daily bag limit may not exceed 15
white-winged, mourning, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, of
which no more than 4 may be mourning doves and no more than 2 may be
white-tipped doves.

Western Management Unit

Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits:
Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington--Not more than 30
consecutive days, with a daily bag limit of 10 mourning and white-
winged doves in the aggregate.
Arizona and California--Not more than 60 days, which may be split
between two periods, September 1-15 and November 1-January 15. In
Arizona, during the first segment of the season, the daily bag limit is
10 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate. During the
remainder of the season, the daily bag limit is 10 mourning doves. In
California, the daily bag limit is 10 mourning and white-winged doves
in the aggregate.

Alaska

Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 26.
Hunting Seasons: Alaska may select 107 consecutive days for
waterfowl, sandhill cranes, and common snipe in each of 5 zones. The
season may be split without penalty in the Kodiak Zone. The seasons in
each zone must be concurrent.
Closures: The hunting season is closed on emperor geese, spectacled
eiders, and Steller's eiders.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits:
Ducks--Except as noted, a basic daily bag limit of 7 and a
possession limit of 21 ducks. Daily bag and possession limits in the
North Zone are 10 and 30, and in the Gulf Coast Zone, they are 8 and
24. The basic limits may include no more than 1 canvasback daily and 3
in possession and may not include sea ducks.
In addition to the basic duck limits, Alaska may select sea duck
limits of 10 daily, 20 in possession, singly or in the aggregate,
including no more than 6 each of either harlequin or long-tailed ducks.
Sea ducks include scoters, common and king eiders, harlequin ducks,
long-tailed ducks, and common and red-breasted mergansers.
Light Geese--A basic daily bag limit of 4 and a possession limit of
8.
Dark Geese--A basic daily bag limit of 4 and a possession limit of
8.
Dark-goose seasons are subject to the following exceptions:
A. In Units 5 and 6, the taking of Canada geese is permitted from
September 28 through December 16.
B. On Middleton Island in Unit 6, a special, permit-only Canada
goose season may be offered. A mandatory goose identification class is
required. Hunters must check in and check out. The bag limit is 1 daily
and 1 in possession. The season will close if incidental harvest
includes 5 dusky Canada geese. A dusky Canada goose is any dark-
breasted Canada goose (Munsell 10 YR color value five or less) with a
bill length between 40 and 50 millimeters.
C. In Units 6-B, 6-C, and on Hinchinbrook and Hawkins Islands in
Unit 6-D, a special, permit-only Canada goose season may be offered.
Hunters must have all harvested geese checked and classified to
subspecies. The daily bag limit is 4 daily and 8 in possession. The
Canada goose season will close in all of the permit areas if the total
dusky goose (as defined above) harvest reaches 40.
D. In Units 9, 10, 17, and 18, dark goose limits are 6 per day, 12
in possession.
Brant--A daily bag limit of 2 and a possession limit of 4.
Common snipe--A daily bag limit of 8.
Sandhill cranes--Bag and possession limits of 2 and 4,
respectively, in the Southeast, Gulf Coast, Kodiak, and Aleutian Zones,
and Unit 17 in the Northern Zone. In the remainder of the Northern Zone
(outside Unit 17), bag and possession limits of 3 and 6, respectively.
Tundra Swans--Open seasons for tundra swans may be selected subject
to the following conditions:
A. All seasons are by registration permit only.
B. All season framework dates are September 1--October 31.
C. In Game Management Unit (GMU) 17, no more than 200 permits may
be issued during this operational season. No more than 3 tundra swans
may be authorized per permit, with no more than 1 permit issued per
hunter per season.
D. In Game Management Unit (GMU) 18, no more than 500 permits may
be issued during the operational season. Up to 3 tundra swans may be
authorized

[[Page 54063]]

per permit. No more than 1 permit may be issued per hunter per season.
E. In GMU 22, no more than 300 permits may be issued during the
operational season. Each permittee may be authorized to take up to 3
tundra swans per permit. No more than 1 permit may be issued per hunter
per season.
F. In GMU 23, no more than 300 permits may be issued during the
operational season. No more than 3 tundra swans may be authorized per
permit, with no more than 1 permit issued per hunter per season.

Hawaii

Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 31.
Hunting Seasons: Not more than 65 days (75 under the alternative)
for mourning doves.
Bag Limits: Not to exceed 15 (12 under the alternative) mourning
doves.

Note: Mourning doves may be taken in Hawaii in accordance with
shooting hours and other regulations set by the State of Hawaii, and
subject to the applicable provisions of 50 CFR part 20.

Puerto Rico

Doves and Pigeons
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15.
Hunting Seasons: Not more than 60 days.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Not to exceed 20 Zenaida,
mourning, and white-winged doves in the aggregate, of which not more
than 10 may be Zenaida doves and 3 may be mourning doves. Not to exceed
5 scaly-naped pigeons.
Closed Seasons: The season is closed on the white-crowned pigeon
and the plain pigeon, which are protected by the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico.
Closed Areas: There is no open season on doves or pigeons in the
following areas: Municipality of Culebra, Desecheo Island, Mona Island,
El Verde Closure Area, and Cidra Municipality and adjacent areas.
Ducks, Coots, Moorhens, Gallinules, and Snipe
Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 31.
Hunting Seasons: Not more than 55 days may be selected for hunting
ducks, common moorhens, and common snipe. The season may be split into
two segments.
Daily Bag Limits:
Ducks--Not to exceed 6.
Common moorhens--Not to exceed 6.
Common snipe--Not to exceed 8.
Closed Seasons: The season is closed on the ruddy duck, white-
cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck,
and masked duck, which are protected by the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico. The season also is closed on the purple gallinule, American coot,
and Caribbean coot.
Closed Areas: There is no open season on ducks, common moorhens,
and common snipe in the Municipality of Culebra and on Desecheo Island.

Virgin Islands

Doves and Pigeons
Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15.
Hunting Seasons: Not more than 60 days for Zenaida doves.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Not to exceed 10 Zenaida doves.
Closed Seasons: No open season is prescribed for ground or quail
doves or pigeons.
Closed Areas: There is no open season for migratory game birds on
Ruth Cay (just south of St. Croix).
Local Names for Certain Birds: Zenaida dove, also known as mountain
dove; bridled quail-dove, also known as Barbary dove or partridge;
common ground-dove, also known as stone dove, tobacco dove, rola, or
tortolita; scaly-naped pigeon, also known as red-necked or scaled
pigeon.
Ducks
Outside Dates: Between December 1 and January 31.
Hunting Seasons: Not more than 55 consecutive days.
Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 6.
Closed Seasons: The season is closed on the ruddy duck, white-
cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck,
and masked duck.

Special Falconry Regulations

Falconry is a permitted means of taking migratory game birds in any
State meeting Federal falconry standards in 50 CFR 21.29. These States
may select an extended season for taking migratory game birds in
accordance with the following:
Extended Seasons: For all hunting methods combined, the combined
length of the extended season, regular season, and any special or
experimental seasons must not exceed 107 days for any species or group
of species in a geographical area. Each extended season may be divided
into a maximum of 3 segments.
Framework Dates: Seasons must fall between September 1 and March
10.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Falconry daily bag and possession
limits for all permitted migratory game birds must not exceed 3 and 6
birds, respectively, singly or in the aggregate, during extended
falconry seasons, any special or experimental seasons, and regular
hunting seasons in all States, including those that do not select an
extended falconry season.
Regular Seasons: General hunting regulations, including seasons and
hunting hours, apply to falconry in each State listed in 50 CFR 21.29.
Regular season bag and possession limits do not apply to falconry. The
falconry bag limit is not in addition to gun limits.

Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions

Doves

Alabama
South Zone--Baldwin, Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia,
Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Mobile Counties.
North Zone--Remainder of the State.
California
White-winged Dove Open Areas--Imperial, Riverside, and San
Bernardino Counties.
Florida
Northwest Zone--The Counties of Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin,
Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton,
Washington, Leon (except that portion north of U.S. 27 and east of
State Road 155), Jefferson (south of U.S. 27, west of State Road 59 and
north of U.S. 98), and Wakulla (except that portion south of U.S. 98
and east of the St. Marks River).
South Zone--Remainder of State.
Louisiana
North Zone--That portion of the State north of a line extending
east from the Texas border along State Highway 12 to U.S. Highway 190,
east along U.S. 190 to Interstate Highway 12, east along Interstate 12
to Interstate Highway 10, then east along Interstate Highway 10 to the
Mississippi border.
South Zone--The remainder of the State.
Mississippi
North Zone--That portion of the State north and west of a line
extending west from the Alabama State line along U.S. Highway 84 to its
junction with State Highway 35, then south along State Highway 35 to
the Louisiana State line.
South Zone--The remainder of Mississippi.
Texas
North Zone--That portion of the State north of a line beginning at
the

[[Page 54064]]

International Bridge south of Fort Hancock; north along FM 1088 to TX
20; west along TX 20 to TX 148; north along TX 148 to I-10 at Fort
Hancock; east along I-10 to I-20; northeast along I-20 to I-30 at Fort
Worth; northeast along I-30 to the Texas-Arkansas State line.
South Zone--That portion of the State south and west of a line
beginning at the International Bridge south of Del Rio, proceeding east
on U.S. 90 to State Loop 1604 west of San Antonio; then south, east,
and north along Loop 1604 to Interstate Highway 10 east of San Antonio;
then east on I-10 to Orange, Texas.
Special White-winged Dove Area in the South Zone--That portion of
the State south and west of a line beginning at the International
Bridge south of Del Rio, proceeding east on U.S. 90 to State Loop 1604
west of San Antonio, southeast on State Loop 1604 to Interstate Highway
35, southwest on Interstate Highway 35 to TX 44; east along TX 44 to TX
16 at Freer; south along TX 16 to FM 649 in Randado; south on FM 649 to
FM 2686; east on FM 2686 to FM 1017; southeast on FM 1017 to TX 186 at
Linn; east along TX 186 to the Mansfield Channel at Port Mansfield;
east along the Mansfield Channel to the Gulf of Mexico.
Area with additional restrictions--Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and
Willacy Counties.
Central Zone--That portion of the State lying between the North and
South Zones.

Band-Tailed Pigeons

California
North Zone--Alpine, Butte, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lassen,
Mendocino, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity
Counties.
South Zone--The remainder of the State.
New Mexico
North Zone--North of a line following U.S. 60 from the Arizona
State line east to I-25 at Socorro and then south along I-25 from
Socorro to the Texas State line.
South Zone--The remainder of the State.
Washington
Western Washington--The State of Washington excluding those
portions lying east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of the Big
White Salmon River in Klickitat County.

Woodcock

New Jersey
North Zone--That portion of the State north of NJ 70.
South Zone--The remainder of the State.

Special September Canada Goose Seasons

Atlantic Flyway

Connecticut
North Zone--That portion of the State north of I-95.
South Zone--The remainder of the State.
Maryland
Eastern Unit--Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Harford, Kent,
Queen Anne's, St. Mary's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester
Counties; and that part of Anne Arundel County east of Interstate 895,
Interstate 97 and Route 3; that part of Prince George's County east of
Route 3 and Route 301; and that part of Charles County east of Route
301 to the Virginia State line.
Western Unit--Allegany, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett,
Howard, Montgomery, and Washington Counties and that part of Anne
Arundel County west of Interstate 895, Interstate 97 and Route 3; that
part of Prince George's County west of Route 3 and Route 301; and that
part of Charles County west of Route 301 to the Virginia State line.
Massachusetts
Western Zone--That portion of the State west of a line extending
south from the Vermont border on I-91 to MA 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 will be in the Coastal Zone.
Coastal Zone--That portion of Massachusetts east and south of the
Central 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.
Eastern Long Island Goose Area (North Atlantic Population (NAP)
High Harvest Area)--That area of Suffolk County lying east of a
continuous line extending due south from the New York-Connecticut
boundary to the northernmost end of Roanoke Avenue in the Town of
Riverhead; then south on Roanoke Avenue (which becomes County Route 73)
to State Route 25; then west on Route 25 to Peconic Avenue; then south
on Peconic Avenue to County Route (CR) 104 (Riverleigh Avenue); then
south on CR 104 to CR 31 (Old Riverhead Road); then south on CR 31 to
Oak Street; then south on Oak Street to Potunk Lane; then west on
Stevens Lane; then south on Jessup Avenue (in Westhampton Beach) to
Dune Road (CR 89); then due south to international waters.
Western Long Island Goose Area (Resident Population (RP) Area)--
That area of Westchester County and its tidal waters southeast of
Interstate Route 95 and that area of Nassau and Suffolk Counties lying
west of a continuous line extending due south from the New York-
Connecticut boundary to the northernmost end of the Sunken Meadow State
Parkway; then south on the Sunken Meadow Parkway to the Sagtikos State
Parkway; then south on the Sagtikos Parkway to the Robert Moses State
Parkway; then south on the Robert Moses Parkway to its southernmost
end; then due south to international waters.
Central Long Island Goose Area (NAP Low Harvest Area)--That area of
Suffolk County lying between the Western and Eastern Long Island Goose
Areas, as defined above.
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.
North Carolina
Northeast Hunt Unit--Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Hyde,
Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and

[[Page 54065]]

Washington Counties; that portion of Bertie County north and east of a
line formed by NC 45 at the Washington County line to US 17 in Midway,
US 17 in Midway to US 13 in Windsor to the Hertford County line; and
that portion of Northampton County that is north of US 158 and east of
NC 35.
Pennsylvania
Southern James Bay Population (SJBP) Zone--The area north of I-80
and west of I-79, including in the city of Erie west of Bay Front
Parkway to and including the Lake Erie Duck Zone (Lake Erie, Presque
Isle, and the area within 150 yards of the Lake Erie Shoreline).
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--That portion of Vermont west of the Lake Champlain
Zone and eastward of a line extending from the Massachusetts border at
Interstate 91; north along Interstate 91 to US 2; east along US 2 to VT
102; north along VT 102 to VT 253; north along VT 253 to the Canadian
border.
Connecticut River Zone--The remaining portion of Vermont east of
the Interior Zone.

Mississippi Flyway

Arkansas

Early Canada Goose Area--Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Clark,
Conway, Crawford, Faulkner, Franklin, Garland, Hempstead, Hot Springs,
Howard, Johnson, Lafayette, Little River, Logan, Madison, Marion,
Miller, Montgomery, Newton, Perry, Pike, Polk, Pope, Pulaski, Saline,
Searcy, Sebastian, Sevier, Scott, Van Buren, Washington, and Yell
Counties.

Illinois

Northeast Canada Goose Zone--Cook, Du Page, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee,
Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties.
North Zone--That portion of the State outside the Northeast Canada
Goose Zone and north of a line extending west from the Indiana border
along Peotone-Beecher Road to Illinois Route 50, south along Illinois
Route 50 to Wilmington-Peotone Road, west along Wilmington-Peotone Road
to Illinois Route 53, north along Illinois Route 53 to New River Road,
northwest along New River Road to Interstate Highway 55, south along I-
55 to Pine Bluff-Lorenzo Road, west along Pine Bluff-Lorenzo Road to
Illinois Route 47, north along Illinois Route 47 to I-80, west along I-
80 to I-39, south along I-39 to Illinois Route 18, west along Illinois
Route 18 to Illinois Route 29, south along Illinois Route 29 to
Illinois Route 17, west along Illinois Route 17 to the Mississippi
River, and due south across the Mississippi River to the Iowa border.
Central Zone--That portion of the State outside the Northeast
Canada Goose Zone and south of the North Zone to a line extending west
from the Indiana border along Interstate Highway 70 to Illinois Route
4, south along Illinois Route 4 to Illinois Route 161, west along
Illinois Route 161 to Illinois Route 158, south and west along Illinois
Route 158 to Illinois Route 159, south along Illinois Route 159 to
Illinois Route 156, west along Illinois Route 156 to A Road, north and
west on A Road to Levee Road, north on Levee Road to the south shore of
New Fountain Creek, west along the south shore of New Fountain Creek to
the Mississippi River, and due west across the Mississippi River to the
Missouri border.
South Zone--The remainder of Illinois.

Iowa

North Zone--That portion of the State north of U.S. Highway 20.
South Zone--The remainder of Iowa.
Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Goose Zone--Includes portions of Linn and
Johnson Counties bounded as follows: Beginning at the intersection of
the west border of Linn County and Linn County Road E2W; then south and
east along County Road E2W to Highway 920; then north along Highway 920
to County Road E16; then east along County Road E16 to County Road W58;
then south along County Road W58 to County Road E34; then east along
County Road E34 to Highway 13; then south along Highway 13 to Highway
30; then east along Highway 30 to Highway 1; then south along Highway 1
to Morse Road in Johnson County; then east along Morse Road to Wapsi
Avenue; then south along Wapsi Avenue to Lower West Branch Road; then
west along Lower West Branch Road to Taft Avenue; then south along Taft
Avenue to County Road F62; then west along County Road F62 to Kansas
Avenue; then north along Kansas Avenue to Black Diamond Road; then west
on Black Diamond Road to Jasper Avenue; then north along Jasper Avenue
to Rohert Road; then west along Rohert Road to Ivy Avenue; then north
along Ivy Avenue to 340th Street; then west along 340th Street to Half
Moon Avenue; then north along Half Moon Avenue to Highway 6; then west
along Highway 6 to Echo Avenue; then north along Echo Avenue to 250th
Street; then east on 250th Street to Green Castle Avenue; then north
along Green Castle Avenue to County Road F12; then west along County
Road F12 to County Road W30; then north along County Road W30 to
Highway 151; then north along the Linn-Benton County line to the point
of beginning.
Des Moines Goose Zone--Includes those portions of Polk, Warren,
Madison and Dallas Counties bounded as follows: Beginning at the
intersection of Northwest 158th Avenue and County Road R38 in Polk
County; then south along R38 to Northwest 142nd Avenue; then east along
Northwest 142nd Avenue to Northeast 126th Avenue; then east along
Northeast 126th Avenue to Northeast 46th Street; then south along
Northeast 46th Street to Highway 931; then east along Highway 931 to
Northeast 80th Street; then south along Northeast 80th Street to
Southeast 6th Avenue; then west along Southeast 6th Avenue to Highway
65; then south and west along Highway 65 to Highway 69 in Warren
County; then south along Highway 69 to County Road G24; then west along
County Road G24 to Highway 28; then southwest along Highway 28 to 43rd
Avenue; then north along 43rd Avenue to Ford Street; then west along
Ford Street to Filmore Street; then west along Filmore Street to 10th
Avenue; then south along 10th Avenue to 155th Street in Madison County;
then west along 155th Street to Cumming Road; then north along Cumming
Road to Badger Creek Avenue; then north along Badger Creek Avenue to
County Road F90 in Dallas County; then east along County Road F90 to
County Road R22; then north along County Road R22 to Highway 44; then
east along Highway 44 to County Road R30; then north along County Road
R30 to County Road F31; then east along County Road F31 to Highway 17;
then north along Highway 17 to Highway 415 in Polk County; then east
along Highway 415 to Northwest 158th Avenue; then east along Northwest
158th Avenue to the point of beginning.
Cedar Falls/Waterloo Goose Zone--Includes those portions of Black
Hawk County bounded as follows: Beginning at the intersection of County
Roads C66 and V49 in Black Hawk County, then south along County Road
V49 to County Road D38, then west along County Road D38 to State
Highway 21, then south along State Highway 21 to County Road D35, then
west along County Road D35 to Grundy Road, then north along Grundy Road
to County Road D19, then west along County Road D19 to Butler Road,
then north along Butler Road to

[[Page 54066]]

County Road C57, then north and east along County Road C57 to U.S.
Highway 63, then south along U.S. Highway 63 to County Road C66, then
east along County Road C66 to the point of beginning.

Minnesota

Twin Cities Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone--
A. All of Hennepin and Ramsey Counties.
B. In Anoka County, all of Columbus Township lying south of County
State Aid Highway (CSAH) 18, Anoka County; all of the cities of Ramsey,
Andover, Anoka, Coon Rapids, Spring Lake Park, Fridley, Hilltop,
Columbia Heights, Blaine, Lexington, Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, and
Centerville; and all of the city of Ham Lake except that portion lying
north of CSAH 18 and east of U.S. Highway 65.
C. That part of Carver County lying north and east of the following
described line: Beginning at the northeast corner of San Francisco
Township; then west along the north boundary of San Francisco Township
to the east boundary of Dahlgren Township; then north along the east
boundary of Dahlgren Township to U.S. Highway 212; then west along U.S.
Highway 212 to State Trunk Highway (STH) 284; then north on STH 284 to
County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 10; then north and west on CSAH 10 to
CSAH 30; then north and west on CSAH 30 to STH 25; then east and north
on STH 25 to CSAH 10; then north on CSAH 10 to the Carver County line.
D. In Scott County, all of the cities of Shakopee, Savage, Prior
Lake, and Jordan, and all of the Townships of Jackson, Louisville, St.
Lawrence, Sand Creek, Spring Lake, and Credit River.
E. In Dakota County, all of the cities of Burnsville, Eagan,
Mendota Heights, Mendota, Sunfish Lake, Inver Grove Heights, Apple
Valley, Lakeville, Rosemount, Farmington, Hastings, Lilydale, West St.
Paul, and South St. Paul, and all of the Township of Nininger.
F. That portion of Washington County lying south of the following
described line: Beginning at County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 2 on the
west boundary of the county; then east on CSAH 2 to U.S. Highway 61;
then south on U.S. Highway 61 to State Trunk Highway (STH) 97; then
east on STH 97 to the intersection of STH 97 and STH 95; then due east
to the east boundary of the State.
Northwest Goose 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.
Southeast Goose Zone--That part of the State within the following
described boundaries: beginning at the intersection of U.S. Highway 52
and the south boundary of the Twin Cities Metro Canada Goose Zone; then
along the U.S. Highway 52 to State Trunk Highway (STH) 57; then along
STH 57 to the municipal boundary of Kasson; then along the municipal
boundary of Kasson County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 13, Dodge County;
then along CSAH 13 to STH 30; then along STH 30 to U.S. Highway 63;
then along U.S. Highway 63 to the south boundary of the State; then
along the south and east boundaries of the State to the south boundary
of the Twin Cities Metro Canada Goose Zone; then along said boundary to
the point of beginning.
Five Goose Zone--That portion of the State not included in the Twin
Cities Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone, the Northwest Goose Zone, or the
Southeast Goose Zone.
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 I-94, then north and west along I-94 to the North
Dakota border.

Tennessee

Middle Tennessee Zone--Those portions of Houston, Humphreys,
Montgomery, Perry, and Wayne Counties east of State Highway 13; and
Bedford, Cannon, Cheatham, Coffee, Davidson, Dickson, Franklin, Giles,
Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Macon, Marshall, Maury, Moore,
Robertson, Rutherford, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson
Counties.
East Tennessee Zone--Anderson, Bledsoe, Bradley, Blount, Campbell,
Carter, Claiborne, Clay, Cocke, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Grainger,
Greene, Grundy, Hamblen, Hamilton, Hancock, Hawkins, Jackson,
Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Loudon, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe,
Morgan, Overton, Pickett, Polk, Putnam, Rhea, Roane, Scott, Sequatchie,
Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, Union, Van Buren, Warren, Washington, and
White Counties.

Wisconsin

Early-Season Subzone A--That portion of the State encompassed by a
line beginning at the intersection of U.S. Highway 141 and the Michigan
border near Niagara, then south along U.S. 141 to State Highway 22,
west and southwest along State 22 to U.S. 45, south along U.S. 45 to
State 22, west and south along State 22 to State 110, south along State
110 to U.S. 10, south along U.S. 10 to State 49, south along State 49
to State 23, west along State 23 to State 73, south along State 73 to
State 60, west along State 60 to State 23, south along State 23 to
State 11, east along State 11 to State 78, then south along State 78 to
the Illinois border.
Early-Season Subzone B--The remainder of the State.

Central Flyway

Nebraska
September Canada Goose Unit--That part of Nebraska bounded by a
line from the Nebraska-Iowa State line west on U.S. Highway 30 to US
Highway 81, then south on US Highway 81 to NE Highway 64, then east on
NE Highway 64 to NE Highway 15, then south on NE Highway 15 to NE
Highway 41, then east on NE Highway 41 to NE Highway 50, then north on
NE Highway 50 to NE Highway 2, then east on NE Highway 2 to the
Nebraska-Iowa State line.
North Dakota
Missouri River Canada Goose Zone--The area within and bounded by a
line starting where ND Hwy 6 crosses the South Dakota border; then
north on ND Hwy 6 to I-94; then west on I-94 to ND Hwy 49; then north
on ND Hwy 49 to ND Hwy 200; then north on Mercer County Rd. 21 to the
section line between sections 8 and 9 (T146N-R87W); then north on that
section line to the southern shoreline to Lake Sakakawea; then east
along the southern shoreline (including Mallard Island) of Lake
Sakakawea to US Hwy 83; then south on US Hwy 83 to ND Hwy 200; then
east on ND Hwy 200 to ND Hwy 41; then south on ND Hwy 41 to US Hwy 83;
then south on US Hwy 83 to I-94; then east on I-94 to US Hwy 83; then
south on US Hwy 83 to the South Dakota border; then west along the
South Dakota border to ND Hwy 6.
Rest of State: Remainder of North Dakota.
South Dakota
Special Early Canada Goose Unit--Entire State of South Dakota
except the

[[Page 54067]]

Counties of Bennett, Gregory, Hughes, Lyman, Perkins, and Stanley; that
portion of Potter County west of US Highway 83; that portion of Bon
Homme, Brule, Buffalo, Charles Mix, and Hyde County south and west of a
line beginning at the Hughes-Hyde County line of SD Highway 34, east to
Lees Boulevard, southeast to SD 34, east 7 miles to 350th Avenue, south
to I-90, south and east on SD Highway 50 to Geddes, east on 285th
Street to US Highway 281, south on US Highway 281 to SD 50, east and
south on SD 50 to the Bon Homme-Yankton County boundary; that portion
of Fall River County east of SD Highway 71 and US Highway 385; that
portion of Custer County east of SD Highway 79 and south of French
Creek; that portion of Dewey County south of BIA Road 8, BIA Road 9,
and the section of US 212 east of BIA Road 8 junction.

Pacific Flyway

Idaho
East Zone--Bonneville, Caribou, Fremont, and Teton Counties.
Oregon
Northwest Zone--Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Lane,
Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk, Multnomah, Tillamook, Washington, and
Yamhill Counties.
Southwest Zone--Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, and
Klamath Counties.
East Zone--Baker, Gilliam, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla,
Union, and Wasco Counties.
Washington
Area 1--Skagit, Island, and Snohomish Counties.
Area 2A (SW Quota Zone)--Clark County, except portions south of the
Washougal River; Cowlitz County; and Wahkiakum County.
Area 2B (SW Quota Zone)--Pacific County.
Area 3--All areas west of the Pacific Crest Trail and west of the
Big White Salmon River that are not included in Areas 1, 2A, and 2B.
Area 4--Adams, Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Kittitas,
Lincoln, Okanogan, Spokane, and Walla Walla Counties.
Area 5--All areas east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of the
Big White Salmon River that are not included in Area 4.

Ducks

Atlantic Flyway

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.
Maryland
Special Teal Season Area--Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester,
Harford, Kent, Queen Anne's, St. Mary's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico,
and Worcester Counties; that part of Anne Arundel County east of
Interstate 895, Interstate 97, and Route 3; that part of Prince Georges
County east of Route 3 and Route 301; and that part of Charles County
east of Route 301 to the Virginia State Line.

Mississippi Flyway

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 Highway
37, southeast along State Highway 37 to State Highway 183, northeast
along State Highway 183 to State Highway 141, east along State Highway
141 to U.S. Highway 30, then east along U.S. Highway 30 to the Illinois
border.
South Zone--The remainder of Iowa.

Central Flyway

Colorado
Special Teal Season Area--Lake and Chaffee Counties and that
portion of the State east of Interstate Highway 25.
Kansas
High Plains Zone--That portion of the State west of U.S. 283.
Low Plains Early Zone--That area of Kansas east of U.S. 283, and
generally west of a line beginning at the Junction of the Nebraska
State line and KS 28; south on KS 28 to U.S. 36; east on U.S. 36 to KS
199; south on KS 199 to Republic Co. Road 563; south on Republic Co.
Road 563 to KS 148; east on KS 148 to Republic Co. Road 138; south on
Republic Co. Road 138 to Cloud Co. Road 765; south on Cloud Co. Road
765 to KS 9; west on KS 9 to U.S. 24; west on U.S. 24 to U.S. 281;
north on U.S. 281 to U.S. 36; west on U.S. 36 to U.S. 183; south on
U.S. 183 to U.S. 24; west on U.S. 24 to KS 18; southeast on KS 18 to
U.S. 183; south on U.S. 183 to KS 4; east on KS 4 to I-135; south on I-
135 to KS 61; southwest on KS 61 to KS 96; northwest on KS 96 to U.S.
56; west on U.S. 56 to U.S. 281; south on U.S. 281 to U.S. 54; west on
U.S. 54 to U.S. 183; north on U.S. 183 to U.S. 56; and southwest on
U.S. 56 to U.S. 283.
Low Plains Late Zone--The remainder of Kansas.
Nebraska
Special Teal Season Area--That portion of the State south of a line
beginning at the Wyoming State line; east along U.S. 26 to Nebraska
Highway L62A east to U.S. 385; south to U.S. 26; east to NE 92; east
along NE. 92 to NE. 61; south along NE. 61 to U.S. 30; east along U.S.
30 to the Iowa border.
High Plains--That portion of Nebraska lying west of a line
beginning at the South Dakota-Nebraska border on U.S. Hwy. 183; south
on U.S. Hwy. 183 to U.S. Hwy. 20; west on U.S. Hwy. 20 to NE. Hwy. 7;
south on NE. Hwy. 7 to NE Hwy. 91; southwest on NE. Hwy. 91 to NE. Hwy.
2; southeast on NE. Hwy. 2 to NE. Hwy. 92; west on NE. Hwy. 92 to NE
Hwy. 40; south on NE. Hwy. 40

[[Page 54068]]

to NE. Hwy. 47; south on NE. Hwy. 47 to NE. Hwy. 23; east on NE. Hwy.
23 to U.S. Hwy. 283; and south on U.S. Hwy. 283 to the Kansas-Nebraska
border.
Low Plains Zone 1--That portion of Dixon County west of NE. Hwy.
26E Spur and north of NE. Hwy. 12; those portions of Cedar and Knox
Counties north of NE. Hwy. 12; that portion of Keya Paha County east of
U.S. Hwy. 183; and all of Boyd County. Both banks of the Niobrara River
in Keya Paha and Boyd counties east of U.S. 183 shall be included in
Zone 1.
Low Plains Zone 2--Area bounded by designated Federal and State
highways and political boundaries beginning at the Kansas-Nebraska
border on U.S. Hwy. 75 to U.S. Hwy. 136; east to the intersection of
U.S. Hwy. 136 and the Steamboat Trace (Trace); north along the Trace to
the intersection with Federal Levee R-562; north along Federal Levee R-
562 to the intersection with the Trace; north along the Trace/
Burlington Northern Railroad right-of-way to NE Hwy. 2; west to U.S.
Hwy. 75; north to NE. Hwy. 2; west to NE Hwy. 43; north to U.S. Hwy.
34; east to NE. Hwy. 63; north and west to U.S. Hwy. 77; north to NE.
Hwy. 92; west to County Road X; south to County Road 21 (Seward County
Line); west to NE. Hwy. 15; north to County Road 34; west to County
Road J; south to NE Hwy. 92; west to U.S. 81; south to NE. 66; west to
County Road C; north to NE. Hwy. 92; west to U.S. Hwy. 30; west to NE.
Hwy. 14; south to County Road 22 (Hamilton County); west to County Road
M; south to County Road 21; west to County Road K; south U.S. Hwy. 34;
west to NE. Hwy. 2; south to U.S. Hwy. I-80; west to Gunbarrel Road
(Hall/Hamilton county line); south to Giltner Road; west to U.S. Hwy.
281; south to U.S. Hwy. 34; west to NE. Hwy. 10; north to County Road
``R'' (Kearney County) and County Road 742 (Phelps County);
west to County Road 438 (Gosper County line); south along
County Road 438 (Gosper County line) to County Road
726 (Furnas County line); east to County Road 438
(Harlan County line); south to U.S. Hwy. 34; south and west to U.S.
Hwy. 136; east to U.S. Hwy. 183; north to NE. Hwy. 4; east to NE. Hwy.
10; south to U.S. Hwy 136; east to NE. Hwy. 14; south to the Kansas-
Nebraska border; west to U.S. Hwy. 283; north to NE. Hwy. 23; west to
NE. Hwy. 47; north to U.S. Hwy. 30; east to County Road 13; north to
County Road O; east to NE. Hwy. 14; north to NE. Hwy. 52; west and
north to NE. Hwy. 91; west to U.S. Hwy. 281; south to NE. Hwy. 22; west
to NE. Hwy. 11; northwest to NE. Hwy. 91; west to U.S. Hwy. 183; south
to Round Valley Road; west to Sargent River Road; west to Sargent Road;
west to Milburn Road; north to Blaine County Line; east to Loup County
Line; north to NE. Hwy. 91; west to North Loup Spur Road; north to
North Loup Road; east to Pleasant Valley/Worth Road; east to Loup
County Line; north to Loup-Brown county line; east along northern
boundaries of Loup, Garfield and Wheeler counties; south on the
Wheeler-Antelope county line to NE. Hwy. 70; east to NE. Hwy. 14; south
to NE. Hwy. 39; southeast to NE. Hwy. 22; east to U.S. Hwy. 81;
southeast to U.S. Hwy. 30; east to U.S. Hwy. 75; north to the
Washington County line; east to the Iowa-Nebraska border; south along
the Iowa-Nebraska border; to the beginning at U.S. Hwy. 75 and the
Kansas-Nebraska 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.

Pacific Flyway

California
Northeastern Zone--In that portion of California lying east and
north of a line beginning at the intersection of Interstate 5 with the
California-Oregon line; south along Interstate 5 to its junction with
Walters Lane south of the town of Yreka; west along Walters Lane to its
junction with Easy Street; south along Easy Street to the junction with
Old Highway 99; south along Old Highway 99 to the point of intersection
with Interstate 5 north of the town of Weed; south along Interstate 5
to its junction with Highway 89; east and south along Highway 89 to
Main Street Greenville; north and east to its junction with North
Valley Road; south to its junction of Diamond Mountain Road; north and
east to its junction with North Arm Road; south and west to the
junction of North Valley Road; south to the junction with Arlington
Road (A22); west to the junction of Highway 89; south and west to the
junction of Highway 70; east on Highway 70 to Highway 395; south and
east on Highway 395 to the point of intersection with the California-
Nevada State line; north along the California-Nevada State line to the
junction of the California-Nevada-Oregon State lines west along the
California-Oregon State line to the point of origin.
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 7 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.
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.

Canada Geese

Michigan
Mississippi Valley Population (MVP)-Upper Peninsula Zone--The MVP-
Upper Peninsula Zone consists of the entire Upper Peninsula of
Michigan.
MVP-Lower Peninsula Zone--The MVP-Lower Peninsula Zone consists of
the area within the Lower Peninsula of Michigan that is north and west
of the point beginning at the southwest corner of Branch County, north
continuing along the western border of Branch and Calhoun Counties to
the northwest corner of Calhoun County, then east to the southwest
corner of Eaton County, then north to the southern border of Ionia
County, then east to the southwest

[[Page 54069]]

corner of Clinton County, then north along the western border of
Clinton County continuing north along the county border of Gratiot and
Montcalm Counties to the southern border of Isabella county, then east
to the southwest corner of Midland County, then north along the west
Midland County border to Highway M-20, then easterly to U.S. Highway
10, then easterly to I-75/U.S. 23, then northerly along I-75/U.S. 23
and easterly on U.S. 23 to the centerline of the Au Gres River, then
southerly along the centerline of the Au Gres River to Saginaw Bay,
then on a line directly east 10 miles into Saginaw Bay, and from that
point on a line directly northeast to the Canadian border.
SJBP Zone--The rest of the State, that area south and east of the
boundary described above.

Sandhill Cranes

Mississippi Flyway

Minnesota
Northwest Goose 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.

Central Flyway

Colorado--The Central Flyway portion of the State except the San
Luis Valley (Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Hinsdale, Mineral, Rio Grande,
and Saguache Counties east of the Continental Divide) and North Park
(Jackson County).
Kansas--That portion of the State west of a line beginning at the
Oklahoma border, north on I-35 to Wichita, north on I-135 to Salina,
and north on U.S. 81 to the Nebraska border.
Montana--The Central Flyway portion of the State except for that
area south and west of Interstate 90, which is closed to sandhill crane
hunting.
New Mexico
Regular-Season Open Area--Chaves, Curry, De Baca, Eddy, Lea, Quay,
and Roosevelt Counties.
Middle Rio Grande Valley Area--The Central Flyway portion of New
Mexico in Socorro and Valencia Counties.
Estancia Valley Area--Those portions of Santa Fe, Torrance and
Bernallilo Counties within an area bounded on the west by New Mexico
Highway 55 beginning at Mountainair north to NM 337, north to NM 14,
north to I-25; on the north by I-25 east to U.S. 285; on the east by
U.S. 285 south to U.S. 60; and on the south by U.S. 60 from U.S. 285
west to NM 55 in Mountainair.
Southwest Zone--Area bounded on the south by the New Mexico/Mexico
border; on the west by the New Mexico/Arizona border north to
Interstate 10; on the north by Interstate 10 east to U.S. 180, north to
N.M. 26, east to N.M. 27, north to N.M. 152, and east to Interstate 25;
on the east by Interstate 25 south to Interstate 10, west to the Luna
county line, and south to the New Mexico/Mexico border.
North Dakota
Area 1--That portion of the State west of U.S. 281.
Area 2--That portion of the State east of U.S. 281.
Oklahoma--That portion of the State west of I-35.
South Dakota--That portion of the State west of U.S. 281.
Texas
Zone A--That portion of Texas lying west of a line beginning at the
international toll bridge at Laredo, then northeast along U.S. Highway
81 to its junction with Interstate Highway 35 in Laredo, then north
along Interstate Highway 35 to its junction with Interstate Highway 10
in San Antonio, then northwest along Interstate Highway 10 to its
junction with U.S. Highway 83 at Junction, then north along U.S.
Highway 83 to its junction with U.S. Highway 62, 16 miles north of
Childress, then east along U.S. Highway 62 to the Texas-Oklahoma State
line.
Zone B--That portion of Texas lying within boundaries beginning at
the junction of U.S. Highway 81 and the Texas-Oklahoma State line, then
southeast along U.S. Highway 81 to its junction with U.S. Highway 287
in Montague County, then southeast along U.S. Highway 287 to its
junction with Interstate Highway 35W in Fort Worth, then southwest
along Interstate Highway 35 to its junction with Interstate Highway 10
in San Antonio, then northwest along Interstate Highway 10 to its
junction with U.S. Highway 83 in the town of Junction, then north along
U.S. Highway 83 to its junction with U.S. Highway 62, 16 miles north of
Childress, then east along U.S. Highway 62 to the Texas-Oklahoma State
line, then south along the Texas-Oklahoma State line to the south bank
of the Red River, then eastward along the vegetation line on the south
bank of the Red River to U.S. Highway 81.
Zone C--The remainder of the State, except for the closed areas.
Closed areas--(A) That portion of the State lying east and north of
a line beginning at the junction of U.S. Highway 81 and the Texas-
Oklahoma State line, then southeast along U.S. Highway 81 to its
junction with U.S. Highway 287 in Montague County, then southeast along
U.S. Highway 287 to its junction with Interstate Highway 35W in Fort
Worth, then southwest along Interstate Highway 35 to its junction with
U.S. Highway 290 East in Austin, then east along U.S. Highway 290 to
its junction with Interstate Loop 610 in Harris County, then south and
east along Interstate Loop 610 to its junction with Interstate Highway
45 in Houston, then south on Interstate Highway 45 to State Highway
342, then to the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, and then north and east
along the shore of the Gulf of Mexico to the Texas-Louisiana State
line.
(B) That portion of the State lying within the boundaries of a line
beginning at the Kleberg-Nueces County line and the shore of the Gulf
of Mexico, then west along the County line to Park Road 22 in Nueces
County, then north and west along Park Road 22 to its junction with
State Highway 358 in Corpus Christi, then west and north along State
Highway 358 to its junction with State Highway 286, then north along
State Highway 286 to its junction with Interstate Highway 37, then east
along Interstate Highway 37 to its junction with U.S. Highway 181, then
north and west along U.S. Highway 181 to its junction with U.S. Highway
77 in Sinton, then north and east along U.S. Highway 77 to its junction
with U.S. Highway 87 in Victoria, then south and east along U.S.
Highway 87 to its junction with State Highway 35 at Port Lavaca, then
north and east along State Highway 35 to the south end of the Lavaca
Bay Causeway, then south and east along the shore of Lavaca Bay to its
junction with the Port Lavaca Ship Channel, then south and east along
the Lavaca Bay Ship Channel to the Gulf of Mexico, and then south and
west along the shore of the Gulf of Mexico to the Kleberg-Nueces County
line.
Wyoming
Regular Season Open Area--Campbell, Converse, Crook, Goshen,
Laramie, Niobrara, Platte, and Weston

[[Page 54070]]

Counties, and portions of Johnson and Sheridan Counties.
Riverton-Boysen Unit--Portions of Fremont County.
Park and Big Horn County Unit--All of Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park
and Washakie Counties.

Pacific Flyway

Arizona
Special Season Area--Game Management Units 30A, 30B, 31, and 32.
Montana
Special Season Area--See State regulations.
Utah
Special Season Area--Rich, Cache, and Unitah Counties and that
portion of Box Elder County beginning on the Utah-Idaho State line at
the Box Elder-Cache County line; west on the State line to the
Pocatello Valley County Road; south on the Pocatello Valley County Road
to I-15; southeast on I-15 to SR-83; south on SR-83 to Lamp Junction;
west and south on the Promontory Point County Road to the tip of
Promontory Point; south from Promontory Point to the Box Elder-Weber
County line; east on the Box Elder-Weber County line to the Box Elder-
Cache County line; north on the Box Elder-Cache County line to the
Utah-Idaho State line.
Wyoming
Bear River Area--That portion of Lincoln County described in State
regulations.
Salt River Area--That portion of Lincoln County described in State
regulations.
Farson-Eden Area--Those portions of Sweetwater and Sublette
Counties described in State regulations.
Uinta County Area--That portion of Uinta County described in State
regulations.
All Migratory Game Birds in Alaska
North Zone--State Game Management Units 11-13 and 17-26.
Gulf Coast Zone--State Game Management Units 5-7, 9, 14-16, and 10
(Unimak Island only).
Southeast Zone--State Game Management Units 1-4.
Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zone--State Game Management Unit 10
(except Unimak Island).
Kodiak Zone--State Game Management Unit 8.
All Migratory Game Birds in the Virgin Islands
Ruth Cay Closure Area--The island of Ruth Cay, just south of St.
Croix.
All Migratory Game Birds in Puerto Rico
Municipality of Culebra Closure Area--All of the municipality of
Culebra.
Desecheo Island Closure Area--All of Desecheo Island.
Mona Island Closure Area--All of Mona Island.
El Verde Closure Area--Those areas of the municipalities of Rio
Grande and Loiza delineated as follows: (1) All lands between Routes
956 on the west and 186 on the east, from Route 3 on the north to the
juncture of Routes 956 and 186 (Km 13.2) in the south; (2) all lands
between Routes 186 and 966 from the juncture of 186 and 966 on the
north, to the Caribbean National Forest Boundary on the south; (3) all
lands lying west of Route 186 for 1 kilometer from the juncture of
Routes 186 and 956 south to Km 6 on Route 186; (4) all lands within Km
14 and Km 6 on the west and the Caribbean National Forest Boundary on
the east; and (5) all lands within the Caribbean National Forest
Boundary whether private or public.
Cidra Municipality and adjacent areas--All of Cidra Municipality
and portions of Aguas Buenas, Caguas, Cayey, and Comerio Municipalities
as encompassed within the following boundary: beginning on Highway 172
as it leaves the municipality of Cidra on the west edge, north to
Highway 156, east on Highway 156 to Highway 1, south on Highway 1 to
Highway 765, south on Highway 765 to Highway 763, south on Highway 763
to the Rio Guavate, west along Rio Guavate to Highway 1, southwest on
Highway 1 to Highway 14, west on Highway 14 to Highway 729, north on
Highway 729 to Cidra Municipality boundary to the point of the
beginning.

[FR Doc. 2011-21987 Filed 8-29-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P