[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 184 (Friday, September 21, 2012)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 58627-58656] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2012-23074] [[Page 58627]] Vol. 77 Friday, No. 184 September 21, 2012 Part II Department of the Interior ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Fish and Wildlife Service ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 50 CFR Part 20 Migratory Bird Hunting; Late Seasons and Bag and Possession Limits for Certain Migratory Game Birds; Final Rule Federal Register / Vol. 77 , No. 184 / Friday, September 21, 2012 / Rules and Regulations [[Page 58628]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 20 [Docket No. FWS-R9-MB-2012-0005; FF09M21200-123-FXMB1231099BPP0L2] RIN 1018-AX97 Migratory Bird Hunting; Late Seasons and Bag and Possession Limits for Certain Migratory Game Birds AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This rule prescribes the hunting seasons, hours, areas, and daily bag and possession limits for general waterfowl seasons and those early seasons for which States previously deferred selection. Taking of migratory birds is prohibited unless specifically provided for by annual regulations. This rule permits the taking of designated species during the 2012-13 season. DATES: This rule is effective on September 22, 2012. ADDRESSES: You may inspect comments received on the migratory bird hunting regulations during normal business hours at the Service's office in room 4107, Arlington Square Building, 4501 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA. You may obtain copies of referenced reports from the street address above, or from the Division of Migratory Bird Management's Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/, or at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-R9-MB-2012-0005. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron W. Kokel, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (703) 358-1714. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulations Schedule for 2012 On April 17, 2012, we published in the Federal Register (77 FR 23094) 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 2012-13 regulatory cycle relating to open public meetings and Federal Register notifications were also identified in the April 17 proposed rule. Further, we explained that all sections of subsequent documents outlining hunting frameworks and guidelines were organized under numbered headings. On May 17, 2012, we published in the Federal Register (77 FR 29516) a second document providing supplemental proposals for early- and late- season migratory bird hunting regulations. The May 17 supplement also provided detailed information on the 2012-13 regulatory schedule and announced the Service Regulations Committee (SRC) and Flyway Council meetings. On June 12, 2012, we published in the Federal Register (77 FR 34931) a third document revising our previously announced dates of the June 2012 SRC meetings. On June 19 and 20, 2012, 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 2012-13 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 2012-13 regular waterfowl seasons. On July 20, 2012, we published in the Federal Register (77 FR 42920) a fourth document specifically dealing with the proposed frameworks for early-season regulations. On August 30, 2012, we published in the Federal Register (77 FR 53118) a final rule that contained final frameworks for early migratory bird hunting seasons from which wildlife conservation agency officials from the States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands selected early-season hunting dates, hours, areas, and limits. Subsequently, on August 31, 2012, we published a final rule in the Federal Register (77 FR 53752) amending subpart K of title 50 CFR part 20 to set hunting seasons, hours, areas, and limits for early seasons. On July 25-26, 2012, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council Consultants, at which the participants reviewed the status of waterfowl and developed recommendations for the 2012-13 regulations for these species. Proposed hunting regulations were discussed for late seasons. On August 17, 2012, we published in the Federal Register (77 FR 49868) the proposed frameworks for the 2012-13 late-season migratory bird hunting regulations. We published final late-season frameworks for migratory game bird hunting regulations, from which State wildlife conservation agency officials selected late-season hunting dates, hours, areas, and limits for 2012-13, in a September 20, 2012, Federal Register. The final rule described here is the final in the series of proposed, supplemental, and final rulemaking documents for migratory game bird hunting regulations for 2012-13 and deals specifically with amending subpart K of 50 CFR part 20. It sets hunting seasons, hours, areas, and limits for species subject to late-season regulations and those for early seasons that States previously deferred. National Environmental Policy Act (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 * * * .'' [[Page 58629]] Consequently, we conducted formal consultations to ensure that actions resulting from these regulations would not likely jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical habitat. Findings from these consultations are included in a biological opinion, which concluded that the regulations are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species. Additionally, these findings may have caused modification of some regulatory measures previously proposed, and the final frameworks reflect any such modifications. Our biological opinions resulting from this section 7 consultation are public documents available for public inspection at the address indicated under ADDRESSES. Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563) Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) will review all significant rules. OIRA has determined that this rule is significant because it will have an annual effect of $100 million or more on the economy. Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while calling for improvements in the nation's regulatory system to promote predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends. The executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further that regulations must be based on the best available science and that the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open exchange of ideas. We have developed this rule in a manner consistent with these requirements. An economic analysis was prepared for the 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. For the 2012-13 season, we are again selecting alternative 3. 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-2012-0005. 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-2012-0005. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act This rule is a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. For the reasons outlined above, this rule will have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. However, because this rule establishes hunting seasons, we are not deferring the effective date under the exemption contained in 5 U.S.C. 808(1). Paperwork Reduction Act 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 will not impose a cost of $100 million or more in any given year on local or State government or private entities. Therefore, this rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 12988 The Department, in promulgating this rule, has determined that this rule will not unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988. Takings Implication Assessment In accordance with Executive Order 12630, this rule, authorized by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, does not have significant takings implications and does not affect any constitutionally protected property rights. This rule will not result in the physical occupancy of property, the physical invasion of property, or the regulatory taking of any property. In fact, this rule allows hunters to exercise otherwise [[Page 58630]] unavailable privileges and, therefore, reduces restrictions on the use of private and public property. Energy Effects--Executive Order 13211 Executive Order 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. While this rule is a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866, it is not expected to adversely affect energy supplies, distribution, or use. Therefore, this action is not a significant energy action and no Statement of Energy Effects is required. Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, ``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal Governments'' (59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175, and 512 DM 2, we have evaluated possible effects on Federally recognized Indian tribes and have determined that there are no effects on Indian trust resources. However, in the April 17 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 2012-13 migratory bird hunting season. The resulting proposals were contained in a separate August 16, 2012, proposed rule (77 FR 49680). 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 find that ``good cause'' exists, within the terms of 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) of the Administrative Procedure Act, and therefore, under authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (July 3, 1918), as amended (16 U.S.C. 703-711), these regulations will take effect less than 30 days after publication. Accordingly, with each conservation agency having had an opportunity to participate in selecting the hunting seasons desired for its State or Territory on those species of migratory birds for which open seasons are now prescribed, and consideration having been given to all other relevant matters presented, certain sections of title 50, chapter I, subchapter B, part 20, subpart K, are hereby amended as set forth below. List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20 Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Transportation, Wildlife. Dated: September 11, 2012. Michael J. Bean, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. For the reasons set out in the preamble, title 50, chapter I, subchapter B, part 20, subpart K of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 20--[AMENDED] 0 1. The authority citation for part 20 continues to read as follows: Authority: Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 40 Stat. 755, 16 U.S.C. 703-712; Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, 16 U.S.C. 742a-j; Pub. L. 106-108, 113 Stat. 1491, Note Following 16 U.S.C. 703. Note: The following annual regulations provided for by Sec. Sec. 20.104, 20.105, 20.106, 20.107, and 20.109 of 50 CFR part 20 will not appear in the Code of Federal Regulations because of their seasonal nature. Check state regulations for additional restrictions and delineations of geographical areas. Special restrictions may apply on Federal and State public hunting areas and Federal Indian Reservations. 0 2. Section 20.104 is amended by adding the entries for the following States in alphabetical order to read as follows: Sec. 20.104 Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for rails, woodcock, and common snipe. Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows: Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except as otherwise restricted by State regulations. Area descriptions were published in the August 17, 2012 (77 FR 49868) and August 30, 2012 (77 FR 53118), Federal Registers. Note: The following seasons are in addition to the seasons published previously in the August 31, 2012, Federal Register (77 FR 53752). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sora & virginia Clapper & king rails rails Woodcock Common snipe ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Daily bag limit.............. 25 (1)........... 15 (2).......... 3............... 8. Possession limit............. 25 (1)........... 30 (2).......... 6............... 16. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ATLANTIC FLYWAY [[Page 58631]] * * * * * * * Massachusetts (5)............ Sept. 1-Nov. 9... Closed.......... Oct. 3-Oct. 27 & Sept. 1-Dec. 15. Oct. 29-Nov. 17. * * * * * * * MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY * * * * * * * Louisiana: West Zone................ Sept. 15-Sept. 30 Sept. 15-Sept. Dec. 18-Jan. 31. Nov. 3-Dec. 10 & Dec. 22- & Nov. 10-Jan. 2. 30 & Nov. 10- Feb. 28. Jan. 2. East Zone................ Sept. 15-Sept. 30 Sept. 15-Sept. Dec. 18-Jan. 31. Nov. 3-Dec. 3 & Dec. 15- & Nov. 10-Jan. 2. 30 & Nov. 10- Feb. 28. Jan. 2. Coastal Zone............. Sept. 15-Sept. 30 Sept. 15-Sept. Dec. 18-Jan. 31. Nov. 3-Dec. 3 & Dec. 15- & Nov. 10-Jan. 2. 30 & Nov. 10- Feb. 28. Jan. 2. * * * * * * * Tennessee: Reelfoot Zone............ Nov. 10-Nov. 11 & Closed.......... Oct. 27-Dec. 10. Nov. 10-Nov. 11 & Dec. 1- Dec. 1-Jan. 27. Jan. 27. State Zone............... Nov. 24-Nov. 25 & Closed.......... Oct. 27-Dec. 10. Nov. 24-Nov. 25 & Dec. 1- Dec. 1-Jan. 27. Jan. 27. Wisconsin: North Zone............... Sept. 22-Nov. 4 & Closed.......... Sept. 22-Nov. 5. Sept. 22-Nov. 4 & Nov. 10- Nov. 10-Nov. 25. Nov. 25. South Zone............... Sept. 29-Oct. 7 & Closed.......... Sept. 22-Nov. 5. Sept. 29-Oct. 7 & Oct. 13- Oct. 13-Dec. 2. Dec. 2 Miss. River Zone......... Sept. 22-Sept. 30 Closed.......... Sept. 22-Nov. 5. Sept. 22-Sept. 30 & Oct. & Oct. 13-Dec. 2. 13-Dec. 2 PACIFIC FLYWAY Arizona (18): North Zone............... Closed........... Closed.......... Closed.......... Oct. 5-Jan. 13. South Zone............... Closed........... Closed.......... Closed.......... Oct. 19-Jan. 27. * * * * * * * Idaho: Zone 1................... Closed........... Closed.......... Closed.......... Oct. 6-Jan. 18. Zone 2................... Closed........... Closed.......... Closed.......... Oct. 13-Jan. 25. Zone 3................... Closed........... Closed.......... Closed.......... Oct. 13-Jan. 25. * * * * * * * Nevada: Northeast Zone........... Closed........... Closed.......... Closed.......... Sept. 22-Oct. 31 & Nov. 3- Jan. 6. Northwest Zone........... Closed........... Closed.......... Closed.......... Oct. 13-Oct. 31 & Nov. 3- Jan. 27. South Zone (19).......... Closed........... Closed.......... Closed.......... Oct. 13-Oct. 31 & Nov. 3- Jan. 27. * * * * * * * Oregon: Zone 1................... Closed........... Closed.......... Closed.......... Nov. 3-Feb. 17. Zone 2................... Closed........... Closed.......... Closed.......... Oct. 6-Nov. 25 & Nov. 28- Jan. 20. * * * * * * * Washington: East Zone................ Closed........... Closed.......... Closed.......... Oct. 13-Oct. 17 & Oct. 20- Jan. 27. West Zone................ Closed........... Closed.......... Closed.......... Oct. 13-Oct. 17 & Oct. 20- Jan. 27. * * * * * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) The bag and possession limits for sora and Virginia rails apply singly or in the aggregate of these species. (2) All bag and possession limits for clapper and king rails apply singly or in the aggregate of the two species and, unless otherwise specified, the limits are in addition to the limits on sora and Virginia rails in all States. In Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey, the limits for clapper and king rails are 10 daily and 20 in possession. See also footnote (6) below. * * * * * * * (5) In Massachusetts, the sora rail limits are 5 daily and 5 in possession; the Virginia rail limits are 10 daily and 10 in possession. * * * * * * * (18) In Arizona, Ashurst Lake in Unit 5B is closed to common snipe hunting. (19) In Nevada, the snipe season for the Clarke County portion of the South Zone is only open November 3 to January 27. [[Page 58632]] 0 3. In Sec. 20.105, paragraphs (a), (b), and (f) are amended by adding the entries for the following States in alphabetical order and paragraph (e) is revised to read as follows: Sec. 20.105 Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for waterfowl, coots, and gallinules. Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows: Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except as otherwise restricted by State regulations. Area descriptions were published in the August 17, 2012 (77 FR 49868) and August 30, 2012 (77 FR 53118), Federal Registers. (a) Common Moorhens and Purple Gallinules. (Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways) Note: The following seasons are in addition to the seasons published previously in the August 31, 2012, Federal Register (77 FR 53752). The zones named in this paragraph are the same as those used for setting duck seasons. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limits Season dates ------------------------------- Bag Possession ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ATLANTIC FLYWAY * * * * * * * Georgia....................................... Nov. 17-Nov. 25 &............... 15 30 Dec. 8-Jan. 27.................. 15 30 * * * * * * * Virginia...................................... Oct. 4-Oct. 8 &................. 15 30 Nov. 17-Dec. 1 &................ 15 30 Dec. 8-Jan. 26.................. 15 30 West Virginia................................. Oct. 1-Oct. 13 &................ 15 30 Dec. 17-Jan. 26................. 15 30 MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY * * * * * * * Louisiana..................................... Sept. 15-Sept. 30 &............. 15 30 Nov. 10-Jan. 2.................. 15 30 Michigan: North Zone................................ Sept. 22-Nov. 16 &.............. 1 2 Nov. 22-Nov. 25................. 1 2 Middle Zone............................... Sept. 29-Nov. 25 &.............. 1 2 Dec. 15-Dec. 16................. 1 2 South Zone................................ Oct. 6-Nov. 30 &................ 1 2 Dec. 29-Jan. 1.................. 1 2 Minnesota (3): North Zone................................ Sept. 22-Nov. 20................ 15 30 Central Zone.............................. Sept. 22-Sept 30 &.............. 15 30 Oct. 6-Nov. 25.................. 15 30 South Zone................................ Sept. 22-Sept 30 &.............. 15 30 Oct. 13-Dec. 2.................. 15 30 * * * * * * * Tennessee: Reelfoot Zone............................. Nov. 10-Nov. 11 &............... 15 30 Dec. 1-Jan. 27.................. 15 30 State Zone................................ Nov. 24-Nov. 25 &............... 15 30 Dec. 1-Jan. 27.................. 15 30 Wisconsin: North Zone................................ Sept. 22-Nov. 4 &............... 15 30 Nov. 10-Nov. 25................. 15 30 South Zone................................ Sept. 29-Oct. 7 &............... 15 30 Oct. 13-Dec. 2.................. 15 30 Mississippi River Zone.................... Sept. 22-Sept. 30 &............. 15 30 Oct. 13-Dec. 2.................. 15 30 * * * * * * * PACIFIC FLYWAY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- All States.................................... Seasons are in aggregate with coots and listed in paragraph (e). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * * * * * * * (3) In Minnesota, the daily bag limit is 15 and the possession limit is 30 coots and moorhens in the aggregate. (b) Sea Ducks (scoter, eider, and long-tailed ducks in Atlantic Flyway). Note: The following seasons are in addition to the seasons published previously in the August 31, 2012, Federal Register (77 FR 53752). Within the special sea duck areas, the daily bag limit is 7 scoter, eider, and long-tailed ducks of which no more than 4 may be scoters. Possession limits are twice the daily bag limit. These limits may be in addition to regular duck bag [[Page 58633]] limits only during the regular duck season in the special sea duck hunting areas. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limits Season dates ------------------------------- Bag Possession ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * * * * * * * Georgia Nov. 17-Nov. 25 &............... 7 14 Dec. 8-Jan. 27.................. 7 14 * * * * * * * Maryland...................................... Oct. 1-Jan. 31.................. 5 10 Massachusetts (4) Oct. 8-Jan. 31.................. 7 14 * * * * * * * North Carolina Oct. 1-Jan. 31.................. 7 14 * * * * * * * South Carolina Oct. 13-Jan. 27................. 7 14 Virginia Oct. 4-Jan. 31.................. 7 14 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Note: Notwithstanding the provisions of this part 20, the shooting of crippled waterfowl from a motorboat under power will be permitted in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Delaware, Virginia, and Maryland in those areas described, delineated, and designated in their respective hunting regulations as special sea duck hunting areas. * * * * * * * (4) In Massachusetts, the daily bag limit may include no more than 4 eiders (only 1 of which may be a hen) and 4 long-tailed ducks. * * * * * * * (e) Waterfowl, Coots, and Pacific-Flyway Seasons for Common Moorhens and Purple Gallinules. Definitions The 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. The Mississippi Flyway: Includes Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. The Central Flyway: Includes Colorado (east of the Continental Divide), Kansas, Montana (Blaine, Carbon, Fergus, Judith Basin, Stillwater, Sweetgrass, Wheatland, and all counties east thereof), Nebraska, New Mexico (east of the Continental Divide except that the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation is in the Pacific Flyway), North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming (east of the Continental Divide). The Pacific Flyway: Includes the States of Arizona, California, Colorado (west of the Continental Divide), Idaho, Montana (including and to the west of Hill, Chouteau, Cascade, Meagher, and Park Counties), Nevada, New Mexico (the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation and west of the Continental Divide), Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming (west of the Continental Divide including the Great Divide Basin). Light Geese: Includes lesser snow (including blue) geese, greater snow geese, and Ross's geese. Dark Geese: Includes Canada geese, white-fronted geese, emperor geese, brant (except in California, Oregon, Washington, and the Atlantic Flyway), and all other geese except light geese. Atlantic Flyway Flyway-Wide Restrictions Duck Limits: The daily bag limit of 6 ducks may include no more than 4 mallards (2 hen mallards), 4 scaup, 1 black duck, 2 pintails, 1 canvasback, 1 mottled duck, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, and 1 fulvous tree duck. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Harlequin Ducks: All areas of the Flyway are closed to harlequin duck hunting. Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5 mergansers with 10 in possession and may include no more than 2 hooded mergansers daily and 4 in possession. In States that include mergansers in the duck bag limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, of which only 2 daily and 4 in possession may be hooded mergansers. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limits Season dates ------------------------------- Bag Possession ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connecticut: Ducks and Mergansers:..................... ................................ 6 12 North Zone............................ Oct. 13-Oct. 24 &............... .............. .............. Nov. 10-Jan. 7.................. .............. .............. South Zone............................ Oct. 13-Oct. 18 &............... .............. .............. Nov. 17-Jan. 19................. .............. .............. Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese: AFRP Unit............................. Oct. 13-Oct. 18 &............... 5 10 Nov. 15-Nov. 24 &............... 5 10 Dec. 1-Feb. 15.................. 5 10 NAP H-Unit............................ Oct. 10-Oct. 24 &............... 2 4 Nov. 22-Jan. 15................. 2 4 [[Page 58634]] AP Unit............................... Oct. 19-Oct. 24 &............... 3 6 Nov. 17-Jan. 8.................. 3 6 Special Season........................ Jan. 16-Feb. 9.................. 5 10 Light Geese: North Zone............................ Oct. 2-Jan. 16 &................ 25 .............. Feb. 22-Mar. 9.................. 25 .............. South Zone............................ Oct. 2-Dec. 1 &................. 25 .............. Jan. 7-Mar. 9................... 25 .............. Brant: North Zone............................ Nov. 10-Jan. 7.................. 2 4 South Zone............................ Nov. 23-Jan. 19................. 2 4 Delaware: Ducks..................................... Oct. 26-Nov. 7 &................ 6 12 Nov. 19-Nov. 29 &............... 6 12 Dec. 13-Jan. 26................. 6 12 Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese.............................. Nov. 19-Nov. 29 &............... 2 4 Dec. 13-Jan. 26................. 2 4 Light Geese (1)........................... Oct. 1-Jan. 26.................. 25 .............. Brant..................................... Dec. 1-Jan. 26.................. 2 4 Florida: Ducks..................................... Nov. 17-Nov. 25 &............... 6 12 Dec. 8-Jan. 27.................. 6 12 Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese.............................. Nov. 17-Nov. 25 &............... 5 10 Dec. 1-Jan. 30.................. 5 10 Light Geese............................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 .............. Georgia: Ducks..................................... Nov. 17-Nov. 25 &............... 6 12 Dec. 8-Jan. 27.................. 6 12 Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese.............................. Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Light Geese............................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Brant..................................... Closed.......................... .............. .............. Maine: Ducks (2):................................ ................................ 6 12 North Zone............................ Sept. 24-Dec. 1................. .............. .............. South Zone............................ Oct. 1-Oct. 13 &................ .............. .............. Oct. 29-Dec. 22................. .............. .............. Coastal Zone.......................... Oct. 1-Oct. 20 &................ .............. .............. Nov. 19-Jan. 5.................. .............. .............. Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Canada Geese: North Zone............................ Oct. 1-Dec. 8................... 2 4 South Zone............................ Same as for Ducks............... 2 4 Coastal Zone.......................... Same as for Ducks............... 2 4 Light Geese............................... Oct. 1-Jan. 31.................. 25 .............. Brant: North Zone............................ Oct. 1-Nov. 27.................. 2 4 South Zone............................ Oct. 1-Oct. 13 &................ 2 4 Oct. 29-Dec. 11................. 2 4 Coastal Zone.......................... Oct. 1-Oct. 20 &................ 2 4 Nov. 19-Dec. 25................. 2 4 Maryland: Ducks and Mergansers (3).................. Oct. 13-Oct. 20 &............... 6 12 Nov. 10-Nov. 23 &............... 6 12 Dec. 11-Jan. 26................. 6 12 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese: RP Zone............................... Nov. 17-Nov. 23 &............... 5 10 Dec. 11-Mar. 6.................. 5 10 AP Zone............................... Nov. 17-Nov. 23 &............... 2 4 Dec. 11-Jan. 30................. 2 4 Light Geese............................... Oct. 6-Nov. 23 &................ 25 .............. Dec. 11-Jan. 30 &............... 25 .............. Feb. 9 only..................... 25 .............. Brant..................................... Nov. 14-Nov. 23 &............... 2 4 Dec. 11-Jan. 26................. 2 4 [[Page 58635]] Massachusetts: Ducks (4)................................. ................................ 6 12 Western Zone.......................... Oct. 10-Nov. 24 &............... .............. .............. Dec. 10-Jan. 1.................. .............. .............. Central Zone.......................... Oct. 8-Nov. 24 &................ .............. .............. Dec. 17-Jan. 5.................. .............. .............. Coastal Zone.......................... Oct. 13-Oct. 20 &............... .............. .............. Nov. 21-Jan. 21................. .............. .............. Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese: NAP Zone: Central Zone...................... Oct. 8-Nov. 24 &................ 2 4 Dec. 17-Jan. 5.................. 2 4 (Special season).................. Jan. 17-Feb. 15................. 5 10 Coastal Zone...................... Oct. 13-Oct. 20 &............... 2 4 Nov. 21-Jan. 21................. 2 4 (Special season) (5).............. Jan. 22-Feb. 15................. 5 10 AP Zone............................... Oct. 10-Nov. 24 &............... 3 6 Dec. 10-Dec. 20................. 3 6 Light Geese: Western Zone.......................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Central Zone.......................... Same as for Ducks &............. 15 30 Jan. 17-Feb. 15................. 15 30 Coastal Zone (5)...................... Same as for Ducks &............. 15 30 Jan. 22-Feb. 15................. 15 30 Brant: Western & Central Zone................ Closed.......................... .............. .............. Coastal Zone.......................... Nov. 17-Nov. 24 &............... 2 4 Dec. 13-Jan. 31................. 2 4 New Hampshire: Ducks..................................... ................................ 6 12 Northern Zone......................... Oct. 2-Nov. 30.................. .............. .............. Inland Zone........................... Oct. 2-Nov. 4 &................. .............. .............. Nov. 21-Dec. 16................. .............. .............. Coastal Zone.......................... Oct. 3-Oct. 14 &................ .............. .............. Nov. 21-Jan. 7.................. .............. .............. Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese: Northern Zone......................... Same as for Ducks............... 2 4 Inland Zone........................... Same as for Ducks............... 2 4 Coastal Zone.......................... Same as for Ducks............... 2 4 Light Geese: Northern Zone......................... Oct. 2-Dec. 16.................. 25 .............. Inland Zone........................... Oct. 2-Dec. 16.................. 25 .............. Coastal Zone.......................... Oct. 3-Jan. 7................... 25 .............. Brant: Northern Zone......................... Oct. 2-Nov. 20.................. 2 4 Inland Zone........................... Oct. 2-Nov. 20.................. 2 4 Coastal Zone.......................... Oct. 3-Nov. 21.................. 2 4 New Jersey: Ducks..................................... ................................ 6 12 North Zone............................ Oct. 13-Oct. 25 &............... .............. .............. Nov. 10-Jan. 5.................. .............. .............. South Zone............................ Oct. 20-Nov. 3 &................ .............. .............. Nov. 17-Jan. 10................. .............. .............. Coastal Zone.......................... Nov. 10-Nov. 17 &............... .............. .............. Nov. 22-Jan. 22................. .............. .............. Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada and White-fronted Geese: North Zone............................ Nov. 10-Nov. 24 &............... 3 6 Dec. 15-Jan. 26................. 3 6 South Zone............................ Nov. 17-Dec 1 &................. 3 6 Dec. 15-Jan. 26................. 3 6 Coastal Zone.......................... Nov. 22-Dec. 1 &................ 3 6 Dec. 6-Jan. 22.................. 3 6 (Special season)..................... Jan. 28-Feb. 15................. 5 10 Light Geese: North Zone............................ Oct. 17-Feb. 15................. 25 .............. South Zone............................ Oct. 17-Feb. 15................. 25 .............. [[Page 58636]] Coastal Zone.......................... Oct. 17-Feb. 15................. 25 .............. Brant: North Zone............................ Oct. 13-Oct. 25 &............... 2 4 Nov. 22-Jan. 5.................. 2 4 South Zone............................ Oct. 20-Nov. 3 &................ 2 4 Nov. 17-Dec. 29................. 2 4 Coastal Zone.......................... Nov. 10-Nov. 17 &............... 2 4 Nov. 22-Jan. 10................. 2 4 New York: Ducks and Mergansers:..................... ................................ 6 12 Long Island Zone...................... Nov. 23-Nov. 25 &............... .............. .............. Dec. 2-Jan. 27.................. .............. .............. Lake Champlain Zone................... Oct. 13-Oct. 17 &............... .............. .............. Oct. 27-Dec. 20................. .............. .............. Northeastern Zone..................... Oct. 6-Oct. 14 &................ .............. .............. Oct. 27-Dec. 16................. .............. .............. Southeastern Zone..................... Oct. 13-Oct. 21 &............... .............. .............. Nov. 10-Dec. 30................. .............. .............. Western Zone.......................... Oct. 27-Dec. 9 &................ .............. .............. Dec. 29-Jan. 13................. .............. .............. Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese: Western Long Island (AFRP)............ Nov. 23-Mar. 9.................. 8 16 Central Long Island (NAP-L)........... Nov. 23-Nov. 25 &............... 3 6 Dec. 2-Feb. 6................... 3 6 Eastern Long Island (NAP-H)........... Dec. 2-Jan. 30.................. 2 4 Lake Champlain (AP) Zone.............. Oct. 13-Dec. 1.................. 3 6 Northeast (AP) Zone................... Oct. 27-Dec. 15................. 3 6 East Central (AP) Zone................ Oct. 27-Nov. 16 &............... 3 6 Nov. 24-Dec. 22................. 3 6 Hudson Valley (AP) Zone............... Oct. 27-Nov. 16 &............... 3 6 Dec. 8-Jan. 5................... 3 6 West Central (AP) Zone................ Oct. 27-Nov. 27 &............... 3 6 Dec. 29-Jan. 15................. 3 6 South (AFRP).......................... Oct. 27-Dec. 11 &............... 5 10 Dec. 29-Jan. 15 &............... 5 10 Feb. 23-Mar. 10................. 5 10 (Special season)...................... Feb. 7-Feb. 14.................. 5 10 Light Geese (6): Long Island Zone...................... Nov. 23-Mar. 9.................. 25 .............. Lake Champlain Zone................... Oct. 1-Dec. 29.................. 25 .............. Northeastern Zone..................... Oct. 1-Jan. 15.................. 25 .............. Southeastern Zone..................... Oct. 1-Jan. 15.................. 25 .............. Western Zone.......................... Oct. 1-Jan. 15.................. 25 .............. Brant: Long Island Zone...................... Nov. 23-Nov. 25 &............... 2 4 Dec. 12-Jan. 27................. 2 4 Lake Champlain Zone................... Oct. 13-Dec. 1.................. 2 4 Northeastern Zone..................... Oct. 6-Nov. 24.................. 2 4 Southeastern Zone..................... Oct. 13-Dec. 1.................. 2 4 Western Zone.......................... Oct. 6-Nov. 24.................. 2 4 North Carolina: Ducks (7)................................. Oct. 3-Oct. 6 &................. 6 12 Nov. 10-Dec. 1 &................ 6 12 Dec. 15-Jan. 26................. 6 12 Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese: RP Hunt Zone.......................... Oct. 3-Oct. 13 &................ 5 10 Nov. 10-Dec. 1 &................ 5 10 Dec. 15-Feb. 9.................. 5 10 SJBP Hunt Zone........................ Oct. 3-Oct. 31 &................ 5 10 Nov. 10-Dec. 31................. 5 10 Northeast Hunt Zone (8)............... Jan. 19-Jan. 26................. 1 2 Light Geese (9)........................... Oct. 17-Oct. 20 &............... 25 .............. Nov. 10-Mar. 9.................. 25 .............. Brant..................................... Nov. 17-Dec. 1 &................ 2 4 Dec. 15-Jan. 26................. 2 4 Pennsylvania: Ducks..................................... ................................ 6 12 North Zone............................ Oct. 6-Oct. 20 &................ .............. .............. Nov. 13-Jan. 5.................. .............. .............. [[Page 58637]] South Zone............................ Oct. 13-Oct. 20 &............... .............. .............. Nov. 15-Jan. 15................. .............. .............. Northwest Zone........................ Oct. 6-Dec. 14.................. .............. .............. Lake Erie Zone........................ Oct. 22-Dec. 29................. .............. .............. Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese: Eastern (AP) Zone..................... Nov. 13-Nov. 24 &............... 3 6 Dec. 13-Jan. 26................. 3 6 SJBP Zone............................. Oct. 6-Nov. 24 &................ 3 6 Dec. 10-Jan. 18................. 3 6 Resident (RP) Zone.................... Oct. 27-Nov. 24 &............... 5 10 Dec. 11-Jan. 15 &............... 5 10 Feb. 1-Feb. 28.................. 5 10 Light Geese: Eastern (AP) Zone..................... Oct. 27-Jan. 26................. 25 .............. SJBP Zone............................. Oct. 27-Jan. 18................. 25 .............. Resident (RP) Zone.................... Oct. 27-Feb. 28................. 25 .............. Brant..................................... Oct. 6-Dec. 3................... 2 4 Rhode Island: Ducks..................................... Oct. 12-Oct. 15 &............... 6 12 Nov. 21-Nov. 25 &............... 6 12 Dec. 1-Jan. 20.................. 6 12 Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese.............................. Nov. 17-Nov. 25 &............... 2 4 Dec. 1-Jan. 20.................. 2 4 (Special season)...................... Jan. 25-Feb. 10................. 5 10 Light Geese............................... Oct. 6-Jan. 20.................. 15 .............. Brant..................................... Dec. 2-Jan. 20.................. 2 4 South Carolina: Ducks (10)(11)............................ Nov. 17-Nov. 24 &............... 6 12 Dec. 1 only &................... 6 12 Dec. 8-Jan. 27.................. 6 12 Mergansers (12)........................... Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada and White-fronted Geese (13)....... Nov. 17-Nov. 24 &............... 5 10 Dec. 1-Feb. 1 &................. 5 10 Feb. 4-Feb. 7................... 5 10 Light Geese............................... Same as for Ducks............... 25 .............. Brant..................................... Dec. 9-Jan. 27.................. 2 4 Vermont: Ducks..................................... ................................ 6 12 Lake Champlain Zone................... Oct. 13-Oct 17 &................ .............. .............. Oct. 27-Dec. 20................. .............. .............. Interior Zone......................... Oct. 13-Dec. 11................. .............. .............. Connecticut River Zone................ Oct. 2-Nov. 4 &................. .............. .............. Nov. 21-Dec. 16................. .............. .............. Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese: Lake Champlain Zone................... Oct. 13-Dec. 1.................. 3 6 Interior Zone......................... Oct. 13-Dec. 1.................. 3 6 Connecticut River Zone................ Oct. 2-Nov. 4 &................. 2 4 Nov. 21-Dec. 16................. 2 4 Light Geese: Lake Champlain Zone................... Oct. 1-Dec. 29.................. 25 .............. Interior Zone......................... Oct. 1-Dec. 29.................. 25 .............. Connecticut River Zone................ Oct. 2-Dec. 16.................. 25 .............. Brant: Lake Champlain Zone................... Oct. 13-Dec. 1.................. 2 4 Interior Zone......................... Oct. 13-Dec. 1.................. 2 4 Connecticut River Zone................ Oct. 2-Nov. 20.................. 2 4 Virginia: Ducks (14)................................ Oct. 4-Oct. 8 &................. 6 12 Nov. 17-Dec. 1 &................ 6 12 Dec. 8-Jan. 26.................. 6 12 Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese: Eastern (AP) Zone..................... Nov. 17-Dec. 1 &................ 2 4 Dec. 20-Jan. 31................. 2 4 [[Page 58638]] Western (SJBP) Zone................... Nov. 17-Dec. 1 &................ 3 6 Dec. 14-Jan. 14 &............... 3 6 (Special season)..................... Jan. 15-Feb. 15................. 5 10 Western (RP) Zone..................... Nov. 17-Dec. 1 &................ 5 10 Dec. 8-Feb. 23.................. 5 10 Light Geese............................... Oct. 4-Jan. 31.................. 25 .............. Brant..................................... Nov. 17-Nov. 24 &............... 2 4 Dec. 8-Jan. 26.................. 2 4 West Virginia: Ducks (15)................................ Oct. 1-Oct. 13 &................ 6 12 Nov. 5-Nov. 10 &................ 6 12 Dec. 17-Jan. 26................. 6 12 Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese.............................. Oct. 1-Oct. 27 &................ 5 10 Nov. 5-Nov. 10 &................ 5 10 Dec. 17-Jan. 31................. 5 10 Light Geese............................... Same as for Canada Geese........ 5 10 Brant..................................... Dec. 17-Jan. 26................. 2 4 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) In Delaware, the Bombay Hook NWR snow goose season is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only. (2) In Maine, the daily bag limit may include no more than 4 of any species, with no more than 8 of any one species in possession. The season for Barrow's goldeneye is closed. (3) In Maryland, the black duck season is closed October 13 through October 20. (4) In Massachusetts, the daily bag limit may include no more than 4 of any single species in addition to the flyway-wide bag restrictions. (5) In Massachusetts, the January 22 to February 15 portion of the season in the Coastal Zone is restricted to that portion of the Coastal Zone north of the Cape Cod Canal. (6) In New York, light geese may be taken with the aid of recorded or electrically amplified calls in any area or zone when all other waterfowl seasons are closed. (7) In North Carolina, the season is closed for black ducks October 3 through October 6 and November 10 through November 16. The daily bag limit for black and mottled ducks is combined with no more than 1 allowed in the daily bag. (8) In North Carolina, a permit is required to hunt Canada geese in the Northeast Hunt Zone. (9) In North Carolina, electronic calls and unplugged shotguns are allowed for light geese from February 11 through March 9. (10) In South Carolina, the daily bag limit of 6 may not exceed 1 black-bellied whistling duck, and 1 black duck or 1 mottled duck in the aggregate. (11) In South Carolina, on December 1, 2012, only youth less than 18 years of age may hunt, but they must be accompanied by an adult of at least 21 years of age who is fully licensed, including a Federal Waterfowl Stamp, State waterfowl stamp, and HIP permit. Youth who are 16 and 17 years of age, who hunt, must possess a Federal Waterfowl Stamp and HIP permit. (12) In South Carolina, the daily bag limit for mergansers may include no more than 1 hooded merganser. (13) In South Carolina, the daily bag limit may include no more than 2 white-fronted geese. (14) In Virginia, the season is closed for black ducks October 4 through October 8. (15) In West Virginia, the daily bag limit may include no more than 4 long-tailed ducks, and the season is closed for eiders, whistling ducks, and mottled ducks. Mississippi Flyway Flyway-Wide Restrictions Duck Limits: The daily bag limit of 6 ducks may include no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be females), 1 mottled duck, 1 black duck, 2 pintails, 1 canvasback, 2 redheads, 4 scaup, and 3 wood ducks. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Merganser Limits: The merganser limits include no more than 2 hooded mergansers daily and 4 in possession. In states that include mergansers in the duck bag limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, of which only 2 daily and 4 in possession may be hooded mergansers. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limits Season dates ------------------------------- Bag Possession ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alabama: Ducks: North Zone............................ Nov. 23-Nov. 24 & Dec. 1-Jan. 27 6 12 South Zone............................ Same as North Zone.............. .............. .............. Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Dark Geese: North Zone: SJBP Zone......................... Sept. 22-Oct. 9 &............... 3 6 Nov. 23-Nov. 24 &............... 3 6 Dec. 1-Jan. 27.................. 3 6 Rest of North Zone................ Same as SJBP Zone............... 3 6 South Zone............................ Same as Rest of North Zone...... 3 6 White-fronted Geese: North Zone: SJBP Zone......................... Nov. 23-Nov. 24 &............... 2 4 Dec. 1-Jan. 27.................. 2 4 [[Page 58639]] Rest of North Zone................ Same as SJBP Zone............... 2 4 South Zone............................ Same as Rest of North Zone...... 2 4 Light Geese: North Zone: SJBP Zone......................... Same as Rest of North Zone...... 5 10 Monroe and Escambia Counties...... Oct. 27-Nov. 11 &............... 5 10 Nov. 23-Nov. 24 &............... 5 10 Dec. 1-Jan. 27.................. 5 10 Rest of North Zone................ Same as for Dark Geese.......... 5 10 South Zone............................ Same as for Dark Geese.......... 5 10 Arkansas: Ducks..................................... Nov. 17-Nov. 25 &............... 6 12 Dec. 6-Dec. 23 &................ 6 12 Dec. 26-Jan. 27................. 6 12 Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese: Northwest Zone........................ Sept. 22-Oct. 1 &............... 2 4 Nov. 17-Jan. 27................. 2 4 Remainder of State.................... Nov. 17-Jan. 27................. 2 4 White-fronted Geese....................... Nov. 17-Jan. 27................. 2 4 Brant..................................... Closed.......................... Light Geese............................... Nov. 3-Jan. 27.................. 20 .............. Illinois: Ducks: North Zone............................ Oct. 20-Dec. 18................. 6 12 Central Zone.......................... Oct. 27-Dec. 25................. .............. .............. South Central Zone.................... Nov. 10-Jan. 8.................. .............. .............. South Zone............................ Nov. 22-Jan. 20................. .............. .............. Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese: North Zone............................ Oct. 20-Jan. 17................. 2 4 Central Zone.......................... Oct. 27-Nov. 12 &............... 2 4 Nov. 20-Jan. 31................. 2 4 South Central Zone.................... Nov. 10-Jan. 31................. 2 4 South Zone............................ Nov. 22-Jan. 31................. 2 4 White[dash]fronted Geese: North Zone............................ Nov. 5-Jan. 17.................. 2 4 Central Zone.......................... Nov. 19-Jan. 31................. 2 4 South Central Zone.................... Nov. 19-Jan. 31................. 2 4 South Zone............................ Nov. 22-Jan. 31................. 2 4 Light Geese: North Zone............................ Oct. 20-Jan. 17................. 20 .............. Central Zone.......................... Oct. 27-Jan. 31................. 20 .............. South Central Zone.................... Nov. 10-Jan. 31................. 20 .............. South Zone............................ Nov. 22-Jan. 31................. 20 .............. Brant..................................... Same as for Light Geese......... 1 2 Indiana: Ducks: North Zone............................ Oct. 20-Dec. 9 &................ 6 12 Dec. 22-Dec. 30................. .............. .............. Central Zone.......................... Nov. 3-Dec. 25 &................ .............. .............. Jan. 14-Jan. 20................. .............. .............. South Zone............................ Nov. 3-Nov. 4 &................. .............. .............. Nov. 24-Jan. 20................. .............. .............. Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese: North Zone............................ Oct. 20-Nov. 11 &............... 3 6 Nov. 22-Jan. 6 &................ 3 6 Jan. 19-Jan. 23................. 3 6 Central Zone.......................... Nov. 3-Dec. 25 &................ 3 6 Jan. 7-Jan. 27.................. 3 6 South Zone............................ Nov. 3-Nov. 11 &................ 3 6 Nov. 24-Jan. 27................. 3 6 Late Season Zone...................... Feb. 1-Feb. 15.................. 5 10 White[dash]fronted Geese: North Zone............................ Same as for Canada Geese........ 2 4 Central Zone.......................... Same as for Canada Geese........ 2 4 South Zone............................ Same as for Canada Geese........ 2 4 Brant: [[Page 58640]] North Zone............................ Same as for Canada Geese........ 1 2 Central Zone.......................... Same as for Canada Geese........ 1 2 South Zone............................ Same as for Canada Geese........ 1 2 Light Geese: North Zone............................ Oct. 20-Jan. 31................. 20 .............. Central Zone.......................... Same as North Zone.............. 20 .............. South Zone............................ Same as North Zone.............. 20 .............. Iowa: Ducks: North Zone............................ Sept. 22-Sept. 26 &............. 6 12 Oct. 13-Dec. 6.................. .............. .............. Missouri River Zone................... Sept. 22-Sept. 26 &............. .............. .............. Oct. 27-Dec 20.................. .............. .............. South Zone............................ Sept. 22-Sept. 26 &............. .............. .............. Oct. 20-Dec. 13................. .............. .............. Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese: North Zone............................ Sept. 29-Oct. 31 &.............. 2 4 Nov. 1-Jan. 4................... 3 6 Missouri River Zone................... Oct. 13-Oct. 31 &............... 2 4 Nov. 1-Jan. 18.................. 3 6 South Zone............................ Oct. 6-Oct. 31 &................ 2 4 Nov. 1-Jan. 11.................. 3 6 White-fronted Geese: North Zone............................ Sept. 29-Dec. 11................ 2 4 Missouri River Zone................... Oct. 13-Dec. 25................. 2 4 South Zone............................ Oct. 6-Dec. 18.................. 2 4 Brant: North Zone............................ Same as for Canada geese........ 1 2 Missouri River Zone................... Same as for Canada geese........ 1 2 South Zone............................ Same as for Canada geese........ 1 2 Light Geese: North Zone............................ Sept. 29-Jan. 13................ 20 .............. Missouri River Zone................... Oct. 13-Jan. 18................. 20 .............. South Zone............................ Oct. 6-Jan. 18.................. 20 .............. Kentucky: Ducks: West Zone............................. Nov. 22-Nov. 25 &............... 6 12 Dec. 3-Jan. 27.................. .............. .............. East Zone............................. Same as West Zone............... Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese.............................. Nov. 22-Jan. 31................. 2 4 White-fronted Geese....................... Nov. 22-Jan. 31................. 2 4 Brant..................................... Nov. 22-Jan. 31................. 1 2 Light Geese............................... Nov. 22-Jan. 31................. 20 .............. Louisiana: Ducks: West Zone............................. Nov. 10-Dec. 9 &................ 6 12 Dec. 22-Jan. 20................. .............. .............. East Zone (including Catahoula Lake).. Nov. 17-Dec. 2 &................ .............. .............. Dec. 15-Jan. 27................. Coastal Zone.......................... Nov. 10 Dec. 2 &................ .............. .............. Dec. 15-Jan. 20................. .............. .............. Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese (1): West Zone............................. Nov. 10-Dec. 9 &................ 3 6 Dec. 22-Jan. 31................. 3 6 East Zone............................. Nov. 3-Dec. 2 &................. 3 6 Dec. 15-Jan. 27................. 3 6 Coastal Zone.......................... Nov. 10-Dec. 2 &................ 3 6 Dec. 15-Jan. 31................. 3 6 White-fronted (1): West Zone............................. Nov. 10-Dec. 9 &................ 2 4 Dec. 22-Feb. 3.................. 2 4 East Zone............................. Nov. 3-Dec. 2 &................. 2 4 Dec. 15-Jan. 27................. 2 4 Coastal Zone.......................... Nov. 10-Dec. 2 &................ 2 4 Dec. 15-Feb. 3.................. 2 4 Brant..................................... Closed.......................... .............. .............. [[Page 58641]] Light Geese: West Zone............................. Same as for White-fronted....... 20 .............. East Zone............................. Same as for White-fronted....... 20 .............. Coastal Zone.......................... Same as for White-fronted....... 20 .............. Michigan: Ducks (2): North Zone............................ Sept. 22-Nov. 16 &.............. 6 12 Nov. 22-Nov. 25................. .............. .............. Middle Zone........................... Sept. 29-Nov. 25 &.............. .............. .............. Dec. 15-Dec. 16................. .............. .............. South Zone............................ Oct. 6-Nov. 30 &................ .............. .............. Dec. 29-Jan. 1.................. .............. .............. Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese: North Zone............................ Sept. 22-Dec. 22................ 2 4 Middle Zone........................... Sept. 29-Dec. 29................ 2 4 South Zone: Muskegon Wastewater GMU........... Oct. 9-Nov. 13 &................ 2 4 Dec. 1-Dec. 23.................. Allegan County GMU................ Oct. 6-Nov. 25 &................ 2 4 Dec. 8-Dec. 23 &................ 2 4 Dec. 29-Jan. 22................. 2 4 Saginaw County GMU................ Sept. 22-Sept. 25 &............. 2 4 Oct. 6-Jan. 1................... 2 4 Tuscola/Huron GMU................. Same as Saginaw County GMU...... 2 4 Remainder of South Zone........... Sept. 22-Sept. 23 &............. 2 4 Oct. 6-Nov. 30 &................ 2 4 Dec. 29-Jan. 1.................. 5 10 Southern MI Late Season (3)....... Jan. 12-Feb. 10................. 5 10 White-fronted Geese: North Zone............................ Sept. 22-Dec. 18................ 1 2 Middle Zone........................... Sept. 29-Dec. 25................ 1 2 South Zone............................ Oct. 6-Nov. 30 &................ 1 2 Dec. 29-Jan. 1 &................ 1 2 Jan. 12-Jan. 31................. 1 2 Light Geese: North Zone............................ Same as for Canada geese........ 20 .............. Middle Zone........................... Same as for Canada geese........ 20 .............. South Zone............................ Same as for Canada geese........ 20 .............. Brant: North Zone............................ Same as for White-fronted geese. 1 2 Middle Zone........................... Same as for White-fronted geese. 1 2 South Zone............................ Same as for White-fronted geese. 1 2 Minnesota: Ducks: North Zone............................ Sept. 22-Nov. 20................ 6 12 Central Zone.......................... Sept. 22-Sept. 30 &............. .............. .............. Oct. 6-Nov. 25.................. .............. .............. South Zone............................ Sept. 22-Sept. 30 &............. .............. .............. Oct. 13-Dec. 2.................. .............. .............. Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots (4)................................. Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Geese: North Zone............................ Sept. 22-Dec. 16................ .............. .............. Canada............................ ................................ 3 6 White-fronted and Brant........... ................................ 1 2 Light Geese....................... ................................ 20 .............. Central Zone.......................... Sept. 22-Sept. 30 &............. .............. .............. Oct. 6-Dec. 21.................. .............. .............. Canada............................ ................................ 3 6 White-fronted and Brant........... ................................ 1 2 Light Geese....................... ................................ 20 .............. South Zone............................ Sept. 22-Sept. 30 &............. .............. .............. Oct. 13-Dec. 28................. .............. .............. Canada............................ ................................ 3 6 White-fronted and Brant........... ................................ 1 2 Light Geese....................... ................................ 20 .............. Mississippi: Ducks..................................... Nov. 23-Nov. 25 &............... 6 12 Nov. 30-Dec. 2 &................ 6 12 Dec. 5-Jan. 27.................. 6 12 [[Page 58642]] Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese.............................. Nov. 15-Jan. 27................. 3 6 White-fronted............................. Nov. 15-Jan. 27................. 2 4 Brant..................................... Same as for Canada geese........ 1 2 Light Geese............................... Same as for Canada geese........ 20 .............. Missouri: Ducks and Mergansers: North Zone............................ Oct. 27-Dec. 25................. 6 12 Middle Zone........................... Nov. 3-Jan. 1................... .............. .............. South Zone............................ Nov. 22-Jan. 20................. .............. .............. Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese: North Zone............................ Oct. 6-Oct. 14 &................ 3 6 Nov. 22-Jan. 31................. 3 6 Middle Zone........................... Same as North Zone.............. 3 6 South Zone............................ Same as North Zone.............. 3 6 White-fronted Geese: North Zone............................ Nov. 22-Jan. 31................. 2 4 Middle Zone........................... Same as North Zone.............. 2 4 South Zone............................ Same as North Zone.............. 2 4 Brant: North Zone............................ Same as for Canada geese........ 1 2 Middle Zone........................... Same as for Canada geese........ 1 2 South Zone............................ Same as for Canada geese........ 1 2 Light Geese: North Zone............................ Oct. 27-Jan. 31................. 20 .............. Middle Zone........................... Same as North Zone.............. 20 .............. South Zone............................ Same as North Zone.............. 20 .............. Ohio: Ducks (2): Lake Erie Marsh Zone.................. Oct. 13-Oct. 28 &............... 6 12 Nov. 10-Dec. 23................. North Zone............................ Oct. 13-Oct. 28 &............... .............. .............. Nov. 24-Jan. 6.................. .............. .............. South Zone............................ Oct. 20-Oct. 28 &............... .............. .............. Dec. 8-Jan. 27.................. .............. .............. Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese: Lake Erie Goose Zone.................. Oct. 13-Oct. 28 &............... 3 6 Nov. 10-Jan. 10................. .............. .............. North Zone............................ Oct. 13-Oct. 28 &............... 3 6 Nov. 24-Jan. 6 &................ 3 6 Jan. 12-Jan. 29................. 3 6 South Zone............................ Oct. 20-Nov. 11 &............... 3 6 Dec. 8-Jan. 31.................. 3 6 White-fronted Geese....................... Same as for Canada geese........ 1 2 Brant..................................... Same as for Canada geese........ 1 2 Light Geese............................... Same as for Canada geese........ 10 20 Tennessee: Ducks: Reelfoot Zone......................... Nov. 10-Nov. 11 &............... 6 12 Dec. 1-Jan. 27.................. .............. .............. State Zone............................ Nov. 24-Nov. 25 &............... .............. .............. Dec. 1-Jan. 27.................. .............. .............. Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese: Northwest Zone........................ Oct. 13-Oct. 16 &............... 2 4 Nov. 10-Nov. 11 &............... 2 4 Dec. 1-Feb. 10.................. 2 4 Southwest Zone........................ Oct. 13-Oct. 30 &............... 2 4 Nov. 24-Nov. 25 &............... 2 4 Dec. 1-Jan. 27.................. 2 4 Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Zone........... Same as Southwest Zone.......... 2 4 Rest of State......................... Same as Southwest Zone.......... 2 4 White-fronted Geese....................... Dec. 1-Feb. 10.................. 2 4 Brant..................................... Nov. 23-Jan. 31................. 2 4 Light Geese............................... Nov. 24-Mar. 10................. 20 .............. Wisconsin: Ducks (2): [[Page 58643]] North Zone............................ Sept. 22-Nov. 4................. 6 12 Nov. 10-Nov. 25................. .............. .............. South Zone............................ Sept. 29-Oct. 7 &............... .............. .............. Oct. 13-Dec. 2.................. .............. .............. Mississippi River Zone................ Sept. 22-Sept. 30 &............. .............. .............. Oct. 13-Dec. 2.................. Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese: North Zone: Brown Co. Subzone--North.......... Sept. 16-Nov. 4 &............... 2 4 Nov. 10-Dec. 21................. 2 4 Same as Brown Co................ 2 4 Remainder of North Zone........... Subzone--North.................. 2 4 South Zone: Horicon Zone...................... Sept. 16-Dec. 16................ 2 4 Brown Co. Subzone--South.......... Sept. 16-Oct. 7 &............... 2 4 Oct. 13-Dec. 21................. 2 4 Mississippi River Subzone......... Sept. 22-Sept. 30 &............. 2 4 Oct. 13-Jan. 3.................. 2 4 Same as Brown Co................ .............. .............. Remainder of South Zone........... Subzone--South.................. 2 4 White-fronted Geese: North Zone: Brown Co. Subzone--North.......... Sept. 20-Nov. 4 &............... 2 4 Nov. 10-Dec. 21................. 2 4 Same as Brown Co................ .............. .............. Remainder of North Zone........... Subzone--North.................. 2 4 South Zone: Horicon Zone...................... Sept. 20-Dec. 16................ 1 2 Brown Co. Subzone--South.......... Sept. 20-Oct. 7 &............... 2 4 Oct. 13-Dec. 21................. 2 4 Mississippi River Subzone......... Sept. 26-Sept. 30 &............. 2 4 Oct. 13-Jan. 3.................. 2 4 Same as Brown Co................ .............. .............. Remainder of South Zone........... Subzone--South.................. 2 4 Brant..................................... Same as for Canada geese........ 2 4 Light Geese............................... Same as for Canada geese........ 20 .............. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) In Louisiana, during the Canada goose season, the daily bag limit is 3 dark geese (whitefronts and Canada geese) with no more than 2 white-fronted geese. Possession limits are twice the daily bag limits. (2) In Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin, the daily bag limit may include no more than one hen mallard. (3) In Michigan, the Southern Michigan Late Canada goose season excludes the Goose Management Units (GMUs). (4) In Minnesota, the daily bag limit is 15 and the possession limit is 30 coots and moorhens in the aggregate. Central Flyway Flyway-Wide Restrictions Duck Limits: The daily bag limit is 6 ducks, which may include no more than 5 mallards (2 female mallards), 1 mottled duck, 2 pintails, 1 canvasback, 2 redheads, and 3 wood ducks. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5 mergansers with 10 in possession and may include no more than 2 hooded mergansers daily and 4 in possession. In States that include mergansers in the duck bag limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, of which only 2 daily and 4 in possession may be hooded mergansers. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limits Season dates ------------------------------- Bag Possession ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Colorado: Ducks..................................... ................................ 6 12 Southeast Zone........................ Oct. 24-Jan. 27................. .............. .............. Northeast Zone........................ Oct. 6-Nov. 26 &................ .............. .............. Dec. 15-Jan. 27................. .............. .............. Mountain/Foothills Zone............... Sept. 29-Nov. 25 &.............. .............. .............. Dec. 21-Jan. 27................. .............. .............. Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Dark Geese: Northern Front Range Unit............. Sept. 29-Oct. 14 &.............. 4 8 Nov. 17-Feb. 10................. 4 8 South Park/San Luis Valley Unit....... Same as N. Front Range Unit..... 4 8 North Park Unit....................... Same as N. Front Range Unit..... 4 8 [[Page 58644]] Rest of State in Central Flyway....... Nov. 17-Feb. 10................. 4 8 Light Geese: Northern Front Range Unit............. Oct. 27-Feb. 10................. 20 .............. South Park/San Luis Valley Unit....... Same as N. Front Range Unit..... 20 .............. North Park Unit....................... Same as N. Front Range Unit..... 20 .............. Rest of State in Central Flyway....... Same as N. Front Range Unit..... 20 .............. Kansas: Ducks..................................... ................................ 6 12 High Plains........................... Oct. 6-Dec. 30 &................ .............. .............. Jan. 19-Jan. 27................. .............. .............. Low Plains: Early Zone........................ Oct. 6-Dec. 2 &................. .............. .............. Dec. 15-Dec. 30................. .............. .............. Late Zone......................... Oct. 27-Dec. 30 &............... .............. .............. Jan. 19-Jan. 27................. .............. .............. Southeast Zone.................... Nov. 15-Jan. 27................. .............. .............. Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese and Brant.................... Oct. 27-Nov. 4 &................ 3 6 Nov. 7-Feb. 10.................. 3 6 White-fronted Geese....................... Oct. 27-Dec. 30 &............... 2 4 Feb. 2-Feb. 10.................. 2 4 Light Geese............................... Oct. 27-Nov. 4 &................ 20 .............. Nov. 7-Feb. 10.................. 20 .............. Montana: Ducks and Mergansers...................... ................................ 6 12 Zone 1................................ Sept. 29-Jan. 3................. .............. .............. Zone 2................................ Same as Zone 1.................. .............. .............. Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Dark Geese................................ Sept. 29-Jan. 6 &............... 5 10 Jan. 9-Jan. 13.................. 5 10 Light Geese............................... Sept. 29-Jan. 6 &............... 20 40 Jan. 9-Jan. 13.................. 20 40 Nebraska: Ducks..................................... ................................ 6 12 Zone 1................................ Oct. 13-Dec. 25................. .............. .............. Zone 2: Low Plains........................ Oct. 6-Dec. 18.................. .............. .............. High Plains....................... Oct. 6-Dec. 18 &................ .............. .............. Jan. 2-Jan. 23.................. .............. .............. Zone 3: Low Plains........................ Oct. 20-Jan. 1.................. .............. .............. High Plains....................... Oct. 20-Jan. 1 &................ .............. .............. Jan. 2-Jan. 23.................. .............. .............. Zone 4................................ Oct. 6-Dec. 18.................. .............. .............. Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese: Niobrara Unit......................... Oct. 27-Feb. 8.................. 3 6 East Unit............................. Oct. 6-Oct. 14 &................ 3 6 Oct. 27-Jan. 30................. 3 6 North Central Unit.................... Oct. 6-Jan. 18.................. 3 6 Platte River Unit..................... Oct. 27-Feb 8................... 3 6 Panhandle Unit........................ Nov. 10-Feb. 8.................. 3 6 White-fronted Geese....................... Oct. 6-Dec. 14 &................ 2 4 Feb. 2-Feb. 3................... 1 2 Light Geese............................... Oct. 6-Jan. 4 &................. 20 .............. Jan. 26-Feb. 8.................. 20 .............. New Mexico: Ducks and Mergansers (1).................. ................................ 6 12 North Zone............................ Oct. 6-Jan. 9................... .............. .............. South Zone............................ Oct. 24-Jan. 27................. .............. .............. Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Dark Geese (2): Middle Rio Grande Valley Unit (2)..... Dec. 29-Jan. 20................. 2 2 Rest of State......................... Oct. 13-Jan. 27................. 4 8 Light Geese............................... Oct. 13-Jan. 27................. 20 .............. North Dakota: Ducks..................................... ................................ 6 12 High Plains........................... Sept. 22-Dec. 2 &............... .............. .............. Dec. 8-Dec. 30.................. .............. .............. Remainder of State.................... Sept. 22-Dec. 2................. .............. .............. [[Page 58645]] Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese (3): Missouri River Zone................... Sept. 22-Dec. 28................ 3 6 Rest of State......................... Sept. 22-Dec. 20................ 3 6 White-fronted Geese....................... Sept. 22-Dec. 2................. 2 4 Light Geese............................... Sept. 22-Dec. 30................ 20 .............. Oklahoma: Ducks..................................... ................................ 6 12 High Plains........................... Oct. 13-Jan. 9.................. .............. .............. Low Plains: Zone 1 Oct. 27-Nov. 25 &............... .............. .............. Dec. 8-Jan. 20.................. .............. .............. Zone 2:........................... Nov. 3-Nov. 25 &................ .............. .............. Dec. 8-Jan. 27.................. .............. .............. Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese.............................. Oct. 27-Nov. 25 &............... 3 6 Dec. 8-Feb. 10.................. 3 6 White-fronted Geese....................... Oct. 27-Nov. 25 &............... 1 2 Dec. 8-Feb. 3................... 1 2 Light Geese............................... Oct. 27-Nov. 25 &............... 20 .............. Dec. 8-Feb. 10.................. 20 .............. South Dakota: Ducks..................................... ................................ 6 12 High Plains........................... Oct. 13-Dec. 25 &............... .............. .............. Dec. 26-Jan. 17................. .............. .............. Low Plains: North Zone........................ Sept. 29-Dec. 11................ .............. .............. Middle Zone....................... Same as for North Zone.......... .............. .............. South Zone........................ Oct. 13-Dec. 25................. .............. .............. Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 White-fronted Geese....................... Sept. 29-Dec. 23................ 1 2 Canada Geese: Unit 1................................ Oct. 1-Dec. 16.................. 3 6 Unit 2................................ Nov. 3-Feb. 15.................. 3 6 Unit 3................................ Oct. 13-Dec. 16 &............... 3 6 Jan. 12-Jan. 20................. 3 6 Light Geese............................... Sept. 29-Dec. 23................ 20 .............. Texas: Ducks (4)................................. ................................ 6 12 High Plains........................... Oct. 27-Oct. 28 &............... .............. .............. Nov. 2-Jan. 27.................. .............. .............. Low Plains: North Zone........................ Nov. 3-Nov. 25 &................ .............. .............. Dec. 8-Jan. 27.................. .............. .............. South Zone........................ Same as North Zone.............. .............. .............. Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Canada Geese and Brant: East Tier: South Zone........................ Nov. 3-Jan. 27.................. 3 6 North Zone........................ Same as South Zone.............. 3 6 West Tier (5)......................... Nov. 3-Feb. 3................... 5 10 White-fronted Geese: East Tier: South Zone........................ Nov. 5-Jan. 13.................. 2 4 North Zone........................ Same as South Zone.............. 2 4 West Tier (5)......................... Same as for Canada geese........ 1 2 Light Geese: East Tier: South Zone........................ Nov. 3-Jan. 27.................. 20 .............. North Zone........................ Same as South Zone.............. .............. .............. West Tier............................. Same as for Canada geese........ .............. .............. Wyoming: Ducks (6)................................. ................................ 6 12 Zone C1............................... Oct. 6-Oct. 21 &................ .............. .............. Nov. 3-Jan. 22.................. .............. .............. Zone C2............................... Sept. 22-Nov. 25 &.............. .............. .............. Dec. 8-Jan. 8................... .............. .............. Zone C3............................... Same as Zone C2................. .............. .............. [[Page 58646]] Mergansers................................ Same as for Ducks............... 5 10 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 15 30 Dark Geese: Zone C1: Goshen/Platte Co. (7)............. Oct. 6-Oct. 21 &................ 2 4 Nov. 21-Feb. 17................. 4 8 Rest of Zone C1................... Oct. 6-Oct. 21 &................ 5 10 Nov. 3-Dec. 2 &................. 5 10 Dec. 8-Feb. 4................... 5 10 Zone C2............................... Sept. 22-Nov. 25 &.............. 5 10 Dec. 8-Jan. 16.................. 5 10 Zone C3............................... Same as Zone C2................. 5 10 Light Geese............................... Oct. 6-Dec. 30 &................ 10 40 Jan. 30-Feb. 17................. 10 40 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) In New Mexico, Mexican-like ducks are included in the aggregate with mallards. (2) In New Mexico, the season for dark geese is closed in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Sierra, and Valencia Counties. In the Middle Rio Grande Valley Unit, a limited season is established. See State regulations for additional information. (3) In North Dakota, see State regulations for additional shooting hour restrictions. (4) In Texas, the daily bag limit is 6 ducks, which may include no more than 5 mallards (only 2 of which may be hens), 2 redheads, 3 wood ducks, 1 canvasback, 2 pintails, and 1 dusky duck (mottled duck, black duck and their hybrids, or Mexican-like duck). The season for dusky ducks is closed the first 5 days of the season in all zones. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. (5) In Texas, in the West Tier the daily bag limit for dark geese is in the aggregate and may include no more than 1 white-fronted goose. (6) In Wyoming, the daily bag limit may include no more than 1 hen mallard. (7) See State regulations for additional restrictions. Pacific Flyway Flyway-Wide Restrictions Duck and Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit of 7 ducks (including mergansers) may include no more than 2 female mallards, 2 pintails, 2 redheads, and 1 canvasback. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. Coot and Common Moorhen Limits: Daily bag and possession limits are in the aggregate for the two species. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limits Season dates ------------------------------- Bag Possession ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arizona: Ducks (1)................................. ................................ 7 14 North Zone............................ Oct.5-Jan. 13................... .............. .............. South Zone............................ Oct. 19-Jan. 27................. .............. .............. Coots and moorhens........................ Same as for Ducks............... 25 25 Dark Geese: North Zone............................ Oct. 5-Jan. 13.................. 3 6 South Zone............................ Oct. 19-Jan. 27................. 3 6 Light Geese: North Zone............................ Oct. 5-Jan. 13.................. 4 8 South Zone............................ Oct. 19-Jan. 27................. 4 8 California: Ducks..................................... ................................ 7 14 Northeastern Zone..................... Oct. 6-Jan. 18.................. .............. .............. Colorado River Zone................... Oct. 19-Jan. 27................. .............. .............. Southern Zone......................... Oct. 20-Jan. 27................. .............. .............. Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone...... Oct. 6-Oct. 14 &................ .............. .............. Oct. 27-Jan. 27................. .............. .............. Balance-of-State Zone................. Oct. 20-Jan. 27................. .............. .............. Coots and moorhens........................ Same as for Ducks............... 25 25 Dark Geese: Northeastern Zone..................... Oct. 6-Jan. 13.................. 6 12 Small Canada Geese (2)............ ................................ 6 12 Large Canada Geese (3)............ ................................ 2 4 White-fronted Geese............... ................................ 6 12 Colorado River Zone................... Oct. 19-Jan. 27................. 3 6 Southern Zone......................... Oct. 20-Jan. 27................. 3 6 Balance-of-State Zone:................ ................................ 8 16 Small Canada geese (2)............ Oct. 20-Jan. 27................. 6 12 Large Canada geese (3)............ Oct. 6-Oct. 10 &................ 6 12 Oct. 20-Jan. 27................. 6 12 White-fronted Geese: Sacramento Valley............. Oct. 20-Dec. 21................. 2 4 Rest of Zone.................. Oct. 20-Jan. 27 &............... 6 12 Feb. 16-Feb. 20................. 6 12 Del Norte & Humboldt Counties:........ ................................ 6 12 [[Page 58647]] Small Canada geese (2)............ Oct. 31-Jan. 27 &............... 6 12 Feb. 23-Mar. 10................. 6 12 Large Canada geese (3)............ Oct. 31-Jan. 27................. 1 2 White-fronted Geese............... Oct. 20-Jan. 27................. 6 12 Light Geese: Northeastern Zone..................... Oct. 6-Jan. 13.................. 6 12 Colorado River Zone................... Oct. 19-Jan. 27................. 6 12 Southern Zone: Imperial Valley................... Nov. 3-Jan. 27 &................ 6 12 Feb. 9-Feb. 24.................. 6 12 Rest of Zone...................... Oct. 20-Jan. 27................. 6 12 Balance-of-State Zone................. Oct. 20-Jan. 27 &............... 6 12 Feb. 16-Feb. 20................. 6 12 Del Norte & Humboldt Counties......... Oct. 20-Jan. 27................. 6 12 Brant: North Zone............................ Nov. 7-Dec. 6................... 2 4 South Zone............................ Nov. 10-Dec. 9.................. 2 4 Colorado: Ducks..................................... Sept. 22-Oct. 10 &.............. 7 14 Nov. 3-Jan. 27.................. .............. .............. Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 25 25 Dark Geese................................ Sept. 22-Oct. 1 &............... 4 8 Nov. 3-Jan. 27.................. 4 8 Light Geese............................... Same as for Dark Geese.......... 10 20 Idaho: Ducks..................................... ................................ 7 14 Zone 1................................ Oct. 6-Jan. 18.................. .............. .............. Zone 2................................ Oct. 13-Jan. 25................. .............. .............. Zone 3................................ Oct. 13-Jan. 25................. .............. .............. Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 25 25 Dark Geese: Zone 1................................ Oct. 6-Jan. 18.................. 4 8 Zone 2................................ Oct. 13-Jan. 25................. 4 8 Zone 3................................ Same as Zone 2.................. 3 6 Light Geese: Zone 1 (4)............................ Oct. 6-Jan. 18.................. 10 20 Zone 2................................ Oct. 19-Jan. 18 &............... 10 20 Feb. 16-Mar. 10................. 10 20 Zone 3................................ Nov. 5-Jan. 25 &................ 10 20 Feb. 16-Mar. 10................. 10 20 Zone 4................................ Oct. 13-Jan. 25................. 10 20 Montana: Ducks..................................... Sept. 29-Jan. 11................ 7 14 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 25 25 Dark Geese (5)............................ Sept. 29-Jan. 11................ 4 8 Light Geese............................... Sept. 29-Jan. 11................ 10 20 Nevada: Ducks:.................................... ................................ 7 14 Northeast Zone........................ Sept. 22-Oct. 31 &.............. Nov. 3-Jan. 6................... .............. .............. Northwest Zone........................ Oct. 13-Oct. 31 &............... .............. .............. Nov. 3-Jan. 27.................. .............. .............. South Zone (6)........................ Same as Northwest Zone.......... .............. .............. Coots and moorhens........................ Same as for Ducks............... 25 25 Dark Geese: Northeast Zone........................ Same as for Ducks............... 3 6 Northwest Zone........................ Same as for Ducks............... 3 6 South Zone (6)........................ Same as for Ducks............... 3 6 Light Geese (7): Northeast Zone........................ Nov. 3-Jan. 6 &................. 10 20 Feb. 10-Feb. 28................. 10 20 Northwest Zone........................ Nov. 3-Jan. 27 &................ 10 20 Feb. 10-Feb. 28................. 10 20 South Zone (6)........................ Nov. 3-Jan. 27.................. 10 20 New Mexico: Ducks..................................... Oct. 15-Jan. 27................. 7 14 Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 25 25 Moorhens and gallinules................... Same as for Ducks............... 25 25 Dark Geese: North Zone............................ Sept. 22-Oct. 7 &............... 3 6 Oct. 29-Jan. 27................. 3 6 South Zone............................ Oct. 13-Jan. 27................. 2 4 [[Page 58648]] Light Geese: North Zone............................ Same as for Dark Geese.......... 10 20 South Zone............................ Same as for Dark Geese.......... 10 20 Oregon: Ducks..................................... ................................ 7 14 Zone 1: Columbia Basin Unit:.............. Oct. 13-Oct. 21 &............... .............. .............. Oct. 24-Jan. 27................. .............. .............. Rest of Zone 1.................... Same as Columbia Basin Unit..... .............. .............. Zone 2................................ Oct. 6-Nov. 25 &................ .............. .............. Nov. 28-Jan. 20................. .............. .............. Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 25 25 Geese: Northwest General Goose Zone: Dark Geese........................ Nov. 3-Nov. 11 &................ 4 8 Nov. 24-Jan. 13 &............... 4 8 Feb. 2-Mar. 10.................. 4 8 Small Canada Geese (2)........ ................................ 3 6 Light Geese....................... Same as for Dark Geese.......... 6 12 Northwest Special Permit Zone (8): Dark Geese........................ Nov. 3-Nov. 11 &................ 4 8 Nov. 24-Jan. 13 &............... 4 8 Feb. 2-Mar. 10.................. 4 8 ------------------------------- Dusky Canada geese............ ................................ 1 per season ------------------------------- Small Canada geese (2)........ ................................ 3 6 Light Geese....................... Same as for Dark Geese.......... 4 8 Southwest General Zone: Dark Geese........................ Oct. 13-Nov. 30 &............... 4 8 Dec. 8-Jan. 27.................. 4 8 Light Geese....................... Same as for Dark Geese.......... 6 12 South Coast Zone: Dark Geese........................ Sept. 29-Nov. 25 &.............. 4 8 Dec. 15-Jan. 14 &............... 4 8 Feb. 23-Mar. 10................. 4 8 Light Geese....................... Same as for Dark Geese.......... 6 12 Harney and Lake County Zone: Dark Geese:....................... Oct. 6-Nov. 25 &................ 4 8 Dec. 10-Jan. 27................. 4 8 White-fronted geese: Lake County.................. ................................ 1 2 Rest of Zone................. ................................ 4 8 Light Geese....................... Same as for Dark Geese.......... 6 12 Malheur County Zone (9): Dark Geese........................ Oct. 6-Nov. 25 &................ 4 8 Dec. 10-Jan. 27................. 4 8 Light Geese....................... Oct. 6-Nov. 25 &................ 10 20 Dec. 28-Jan. 27 &............... 10 20 Feb. 16-Mar. 10................. 10 20 Klamath County Zone: Dark Geese:....................... Oct. 6-Nov. 25 &................ 4 8 Dec. 21-Jan. 27 &............... 4 8 White-fronted geese (Special Feb. 23-Mar. 10................. 4 8 season). Light Geese....................... Oct. 6-Nov. 25 &................ 6 12 Dec. 21-Jan. 27 &............... 6 12 Feb. 23-Mar. 10................. 6 12 Eastern Zone: Dark Geese........................ Oct. 13-Oct. 21 &............... 4 8 Oct. 29-Jan. 27................. 4 8 Light Geese....................... Same as for Dark Geese.......... 6 12 Tillamook County (8): Dark Geese........................ Nov. 3-Nov. 11 &................ 4 8 Nov. 24-Jan. 13 &............... 4 8 Feb. 2-Mar. 10.................. 4 8 ------------------------------- Dusky Canada Geese............ ................................ 1 per season ------------------------------- Small Canada Geese (2)........ ................................ 3 6 Light Geese....................... Same as for Dark Geese.......... 4 8 Brant..................................... Nov. 19-Dec. 4.................. 2 4 [[Page 58649]] Utah (10): Ducks..................................... ................................ 7 14 Zone 1................................ Oct. 6-Jan. 19.................. .............. .............. Zone 2................................ Same as Zone 1.................. .............. .............. Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 25 25 Geese: Light: North Goose Zone...................... Oct. 27-Jan. 19 &............... 10 20 Feb. 18-Mar. 10................. 10 20 Rest of State......................... Oct. 16-Jan. 19 &............... 10 20 Mar. 1-Mar. 10.................. 10 20 Dark: North Goose Zone...................... Oct. 6-Jan. 19.................. 3 6 Rest of State......................... Oct. 6-Oct. 18 &................ 3 6 Oct. 27-Jan. 27................. 3 6 Washington: Ducks..................................... ................................ 7 14 East Zone............................. Oct. 13-Oct 17 &................ .............. .............. Oct. 20-Jan. 27................. .............. .............. West Zone (11)........................ Same as East Zone............... .............. .............. Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 25 25 Geese: Management Area 1 (12)................ ................................ 4 8 Light Geese....................... Oct 13-Jan. 27.................. .............. .............. Dark Geese........................ Oct 13-Oct. 25 &................ .............. .............. Nov. 3-Jan. 27.................. .............. .............. Management Area 2A (13):.......... Nov. 10-Nov. 21 &............... 4 8 Nov. 24-Nov. 25 &............... 4 8 Dec. 5-Jan. 27.................. 4 8 ------------------------------- Dusky Canada geese............ ................................ 1 per season ------------------------------- Late-Season Canada Geese: Feb. 2-Mar. 6................... 4 8 ------------------------------- Dusky Canada geese............ ................................ 1 per season ------------------------------- Management Area 2B (13):.......... Oct. 13-Oct. 24 &............... 4 8 Nov. 3-Jan. 19.................. 4 8 ------------------------------- Dusky Canada geese............ ................................ 1 per season ------------------------------- Management Areas 3 (12)........... Oct. 13-Oct. 25 &............... 4 8 Nov. 3-Jan. 27.................. 4 8 Management Area 4 (12)............ Oct. 13-Oct. 14 &............... 4 8 Oct. 17 &....................... 4 8 Oct. 20-Jan. 27................. 4 8 Management Area 5 (12)............ Oct. 13-Oct. 15 &............... 4 8 Oct. 20-Jan. 27................. 4 8 Brant (14): Skagit County......................... Jan. 12-Jan. 27................. 2 4 Pacific County........................ Jan. 5-Jan. 20.................. 2 4 Wyoming: Ducks..................................... ................................ 7 14 Snake River Zone...................... Sept. 22-Jan. 4................. .............. .............. Balance of State Zone................. Same as Snake River Zone........ .............. .............. Coots..................................... Same as for Ducks............... 25 25 Dark Geese................................ Sept. 22-Dec. 27................ 3 6 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) In Arizona, the daily limit may include no more than either 2 hen mallards or 2 Mexican-like ducks, or 1 of each; and not more than 4 hen mallards and Mexican-like ducks, in the aggregate, may be in possession. (2) In California and Oregon, small Canada geese are Cackling and Aleutian Canada geese. (3) In California, large Canada geese are Western and Lesser Canada geese. (4) In Idaho, the season on light geese is closed in Fremont and Teton Counties. (5) In Montana, check State regulations for special seasons/exceptions in Freezeout Lake WMA; Canyon Ferry; Flathead; Deer Lodge County; and Missoula County. (6) In Nevada, in the South Zone, the open season for all ducks, coots, moorhens, dark geese, and light geese in the Clark County portion of the South Zone are only open November 3 to January 27. (7) In Nevada, there is no open season on light geese in Ruby Valley within Elko and White Pine Counties. In addition, the season is closed in Kirch WMA, Mason Valley WMA, and Scripps WMA/Washoe State Park from February 10 to February 28. (8) In Oregon, the Northwest Special Permit Zone is closed to all goose hunting, except for designated areas. See State regulations for specific boundary descriptions, times, days, and other conditions of the special permit season. (9) In Oregon, in the Malhuer County Zone, the daily bag limit for light geese is 10 and all hunt days after the last Sunday in January must be concurrent with Idaho's Zone 2. (10) In Utah, the shooting hours are 7:30 a.m. to sunset on October 1 in Cache, Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, and Box Elder Counties. [[Page 58650]] (11) In Washington, the daily bag limit in the West Zone may include no more than 2 scoters, 2 long-tailed ducks, and 2 goldeneyes, with the possession limit twice the daily bag limit. The daily bag and possession limit, and the season limit, for harlequins is 1. (12) In Washington, in State Goose Area 4, hunting is allowed only on Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays, and certain holidays. In State Goose Areas 1, 3, and 5, hunting is allowed everyday. See State regulations for details, including shooting hours. (13) In Washington, see State regulations for specific dates and conditions of permit hunts and closures for Canada geese. (14) In Washington, brant may be hunted in Skagit and Pacific Counties only; see State regulations for specific dates. (f) Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days. The following seasons are open only to youth hunters. Youth hunters must be accompanied into the field by an adult at least 18 years of age. This adult cannot duck hunt but may participate in other open seasons. Definition Youth Hunters: Includes youths 15 years of age or younger. Note: The following seasons are in addition to the seasons published previously in the August 31, 2012, Federal Register (77 FR 53752). Bag and possession limits will conform to those set for the regular season. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Season dates ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ATLANTIC FLYWAY Connecticut............................. Ducks, geese, mergansers, and Oct. 6 & Nov. 3. coots. * * * * * * * Florida................................. Ducks, mergansers, coots, Feb. 2 & 3. moorhens, and geese. * * * * * * * Maryland (1)(8)......................... Ducks, coots, snow geese, Nov. 3 & Feb. 9. Canada geese, sea ducks, and brant. Massachusetts........................... Ducks, mergansers, coots, and Sept. 29 & Oct. 6. geese. New Jersey.............................. Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinules: North Zone.......................... ............................... Oct. 6 & Nov. 3. South Zone.......................... ............................... Oct. 13 & Nov. 10. Coastal Zone........................ ............................... Oct. 27 & Nov. 3. * * * * * * * North Carolina.......................... Ducks, mergansers, Canada geese Feb. 2 & 9. (9), tundra swans (10), and coots. * * * * * * * South Carolina.......................... Ducks, geese, mergansers, and Feb. 2 & 3. coots. * * * * * * * Virginia................................ Ducks, mergansers, coots, Oct. 20 & Feb. 2. moorhens, gallinules, tundra swans (10), and Canada geese (11). * * * * * * * MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY * *` * * * * * Arkansas................................ Ducks, geese, mergansers, Feb. 2 & 3. coots, moorhens, and gallinules. Illinois................................ Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots: North Zone.......................... ............................... Oct. 13 & 14. Central Zone........................ ............................... Oct. 20 & 21. South Central Zone.................. ............................... Nov. 3 & 4. South Zone.......................... ............................... Nov. 10 & 11. Indiana................................. Ducks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, gallinules, and geese: North Zone.......................... ............................... Oct. 13 & 14. Central Zone........................ ............................... Oct. 27 & 28. South Zone.......................... ............................... Oct. 27 & 28. Iowa.................................... Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots: North Zone.......................... ............................... Oct. 6 & 7. Missouri River Zone................. ............................... Oct. 20 & 21. South Zone.......................... ............................... Oct. 13 & 14. Kentucky................................ Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinules: West Zone........................... ............................... Feb. 2 & 3. East Zone........................... ............................... Nov. 3 & 4. Louisiana............................... Ducks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, gallinules, and geese: West Zone........................... ............................... Nov. 3 & 4. East Zone........................... ............................... Nov. 10 & 11. Coastal Zone........................ ............................... Nov. 3 & 4. * * * * * * * Mississippi............................. Ducks, mergansers, coots, Feb. 2 & 3. moorhens, gallinules, and geese. [[Page 58651]] Missouri................................ Ducks, coots, mergansers, moorhens, gallinules, and geese: North Zone.......................... ............................... Oct. 20 & 21. Middle Zone......................... ............................... Oct. 27 & 28. South Zone.......................... ............................... Nov. 17 & 18. Ohio.................................... Ducks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, gallinules, and geese: Lake Erie Marsh..................... ............................... Sept. 29 & 30. North Zone.......................... ............................... Sept. 29 & 30. South Zone.......................... ............................... Nov. 23 & 24. Tennessee............................... Ducks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, gallinules, and geese: Reelfoot Zone....................... ............................... Feb. 2 & 9. Remainder of State.................. ............................... Feb. 2 & 9. * * * * * * * CENTRAL FLYWAY * * * * * * * Kansas (4).............................. Ducks, dark geese, mergansers, and coots: High Plains......................... ............................... Sept. 29 & 30. Low Plains: Early Zone...................... ............................... Sept. 29 & 30. Late Zone....................... ............................... Oct. 20 & 21. Southeast Zone.................. ............................... Nov. 3 & 4. * * * * * * * Nebraska................................ Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots: Zone 1.............................. ............................... Oct. 6 & 7. Zone 2.............................. ............................... Sept. 29 & 30. Zone 3.............................. ............................... Oct. 13 & 14. Zone 4.............................. ............................... Sept. 29 & 30. Oklahoma................................ Ducks, mergansers, coots, and geese: High Plains......................... ............................... Oct. 6 & 7. Low Plains: Zone 1.......................... ............................... Oct. 13 & 14. Zone 2.......................... ............................... Oct. 27 & 28. * * * * * * * Texas................................... Ducks, geese, mergansers, moorhens, gallinules, and coots: High Plains......................... ............................... Oct. 20 & 21. Low Plains: North Zone.......................... ............................... Oct. 27 & 28. South Zone.......................... ............................... Oct. 27 & 28. * * * * * * * PACIFIC FLYWAY Arizona................................. Ducks, geese, brant, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinules. North Zone.......................... ............................... Sept. 29 & 30. South Zone.......................... ............................... Feb. 2 & 3. California.............................. Ducks, geese, brant, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinules: Northeastern Zone................... ............................... Sept. 22 & 23. Colorado River Zone................. ............................... Feb. 2 & 3. Southern Zone....................... ............................... Feb. 2 & 3. Southern San Joaquin Valley......... ............................... Feb. 2 & 3. Balance-of-State Zone............... ............................... Feb. 2 & 3. * * * * * * * Nevada.................................. Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinules: Northeast Zone...................... ............................... Sept. 15 & Jan. 12. Northwest Zone...................... ............................... Sept. 29 & Feb. 9. South Zone.......................... ............................... Feb. 9 & 10. * * * * * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) In Maryland, youth hunter(s) must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old and who possesses a current Maryland hunting license or is exempt from the hunting license requirement. The adult accompanying the youth hunter(s) may not possess a hunting weapon and may not participate in other seasons that are open on the youth days. * * * * * * * (4) In Kansas, the adult accompanying the youth must possess any licenses and/or stamps required by law for that individual to hunt waterfowl. [[Page 58652]] * * * * * * * (8) In Maryland, the bag limit for Canada geese is 2 in the AP Zone and 5 in the RP Zone. (9) In North Carolina, the daily bag limit in the Northeast Hunt Zone may not include dark geese except by permit. (10) In North Carolina and Virginia, the daily bag limit may not include tundra swans except by permit. (11) In Virginia, the daily bag limit for Canada geese is 2. 0 4. Section 20.106 is amended by adding the entries for the following States in alphabetical order to read as follows: Sec. 20.106 Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for sandhill cranes. Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits on the species designated in this section are as follows: Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except as otherwise restricted by State regulations. Area descriptions were published in the August 30, 2012, Federal Register (77 FR 53118). 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 sandhill cranes at the level allowed by 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 transferable 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. Note: The following seasons are in addition to the seasons published previously in the August 31, 2012, Federal Register (77 FR 53752). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limits Season dates ------------------------------- Bag Possession ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY Kentucky (1)(6)............................... Dec. 15-Jan. 13................. 2 2 * * * * * * * CENTRAL FLYWAY * * * * * * * Oklahoma (1).................................. Oct. 20-Jan. 20................. 3 6 * * * * * * * Texas (1): Zone A.................................... Nov. 3-Feb. 3................... 3 6 Zone B.................................... Nov. 23-Feb. 3.................. 3 6 Zone C.................................... Dec. 22-Jan. 27................. 2 4 * * * * * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Each person participating in the regular sandhill crane seasons must have a valid sandhill crane hunting permit and/or a State-issued Harvest Information Survey Program (HIP) certification for game bird hunting in their possession while hunting. * * * * * * * (6) In Kentucky, the season limit is 2 cranes. If the harvest objective of 400 cranes is obtained before the season ending date, the season will close. 0 5. Section 20.107 is revised to read as follows: Sec. 20.107 Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for swans. Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), shooting and hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits on the species designated in this section are as follows: Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except as otherwise restricted by State regulations. Hunting is by State permit only. 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 sandhill cranes at the level allowed by 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 transferable 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. Note: Successful permittees must immediately validate their harvest by that method required in State regulations. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Season dates Limits ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ATLANTIC FLYWAY North Carolina.......................... Nov. 10-Jan. 31................ 1 tundra swan per season. Virginia................................ Dec. 1-Jan 31.................. 1 tundra swan per season. CENTRAL FLYWAY (1) [[Page 58653]] Montana................................. Sept. 29-Jan. 3................ 1 tundra swan per season. North Dakota............................ Sept. 29-Dec. 30............... 1 tundra swan per season. South Dakota............................ Oct. 1-Dec. 23................. 1 tundra swan per permit. PACIFIC FLYWAY (1)(2) Montana (3)............................. Oct. 13-Dec. 1................. 1 swan per season. Nevada (4)(5)........................... Oct. 13-Jan. 6................. 2 swans per season. Utah (5)(6)............................. Oct. 6-Dec. 9.................. 1 swan per season. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) See State regulations for description of area open to swan hunting. (2) Any species of swan may be taken. (3) In Montana, all harvested swans must be reported by way of a bill measurement card within 3 days of harvest. (4) All harvested swans and tags must be checked or registered within 5 days of harvest. (5) Harvests of trumpeter swans are limited to 5 in Nevada and 10 in Utah. When it has been determined that the quota of trumpeter swans allotted to Nevada and Utah will have been filled, the season for taking of any swan species in the respective State will be closed by either the Director upon giving public notice through local information media at least 48 hours in advance of the time and date of closing, or by the State through State regulations with such notice and time (not less than 48 hours) as they deem necessary. (6) In Utah, all harvested swans and tags must be checked or registered within 3 days of harvest. 0 6. Section 20.109 is amended by adding the entries for the following States in alphabetical order to read as follows: Sec. 20.109 Extended seasons, limits, and hours for taking migratory game birds by falconry. Subject to the applicable provisions of the preceding sections of this part, areas open to hunting, respective open seasons (dates inclusive), hawking hours, and daily bag and possession limits for the species designated in this section are prescribed as follows: Hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset except as otherwise restricted by State regulations. Area descriptions were published in the August 17, 2012 (77 FR 49868) and August 30, 2012 (77 FR 53118) Federal Registers. Limits: The daily bag limit may include no more than 3 migratory game birds, singly or in the aggregate. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. These limits apply to falconry during both regular hunting seasons and extended falconry seasons--unless further restricted by State regulations. The falconry bag and possession limits are not in addition to regular season limits. Unless otherwise specified, extended falconry for ducks does not include sea ducks within the special sea duck areas. Although many States permit falconry during the gun seasons, only extended falconry seasons are shown below. Please consult State regulations for details. Note: The following seasons are in addition to the seasons published previously in the August 31, 2012, Federal Register (77 FR 53752). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Extended falconry dates ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ATLANTIC FLYWAY Delaware * * * * * * * Ducks, mergansers, and coots.... .................. Jan. 28-Mar. 1. Brant........................... .................. Jan. 28-Mar. 1. Florida * * * * * * * Ducks, mergansers, light geese, .................. Oct. 30-Nov. 12 & and coots. Feb. 4-Mar. 1. Georgia Ducks, mergansers, gallinules, .................. Nov. 26-Dec. 7 & coots, and sea ducks. Jan. 28-Feb. 1. Maine Ducks, mergansers, and coots (4) North Zone........ Dec. 12-Feb. 1. South & Coastal Jan. 8-Feb. 28. Zones. Maryland * * * * * * * Ducks........................... .................. Feb. 11-Mar. 9. Brant........................... .................. Jan. 28-Mar. 9. Light Geese..................... .................. Feb. 16-Mar. 9. Massachusetts Ducks, mergansers, sea ducks, .................. Feb. 2-Feb. 9. and coots. New Hampshire Ducks, mergansers, and coots.... Northern Zone..... Dec. 1-Jan. 14. Inland Zone....... Nov. 5-Nov. 20 & Dec. 17-Jan. 14. Coastal Zone...... Jan. 25-Mar. 10. New Jersey Woodcock........................ North Zone........ Oct. 1-Oct. 19 & Nov. 25-Jan. 15. South Zone........ Oct. 1-Nov. 9 & Dec. 2-Dec. 18 & Jan. 2-Jan. 15. [[Page 58654]] Ducks, mergansers, coots, and North Zone........ Jan. 6-Feb. 12. brant. South Zone........ Jan. 11-Feb. 17. Coastal Zone...... Feb. 4-Mar. 9. New York Ducks, mergansers and coots..... Long Island Zone.. Nov. 1-Nov. 22 & Nov. 26-Dec. 1 & Jan. 28-Feb. 13. Northeastern Zone. Oct. 1-Oct. 5 & Oct. 15-Oct. 26 & Dec. 17-Jan. 13. Southeastern Zone. Oct. 1-Oct. 12 & Oct. 22-Nov. 9 & Dec. 31-Jan. 13. Western Zone...... Oct. 1-Oct. 26 & Dec. 10-Dec. 28. North Carolina * * * * * * * Ducks, mergansers and coots..... .................. Oct. 22-Nov. 3 & Jan. 28-Feb. 16. Pennsylvania * * * * * * * Ducks, mergansers, and coots.... North Zone........ Oct. 22-Nov. 12 & Jan. 7-Jan. 12 & Feb. 21-Mar. 9. South Zone........ Oct. 22-Nov. 13 & Feb. 16-Mar. 9. Northwest Zone.... Dec. 15-Jan. 12 & Feb. 22-Mar. 9. Lake Erie Zone.... Jan. 24-Mar. 9. Canada Geese.................... SJBP Zone......... Mar. 6-Mar. 9. AP Zone........... Feb. 6-Mar. 9. RP Zone........... Mar. 8-Mar. 9. South Carolina Ducks, mergansers, and coots.... .................. Nov. 1-Nov. 16 & Nov. 25-Nov. 30 & Jan. 28-Feb. 2. Virginia * * * * * * * Moorhens and gallinules......... .................. Dec. 3-Dec. 7 & Jan. 28-Feb. 28. Ducks, mergansers, and coots.... .................. Dec. 3-Dec. 7 & Jan. 28-Feb. 28. Canada Geese.................... Eastern (AP) Zone. Dec. 8-Dec. 19 & Feb. 1-Feb. 28. Western (SJBP) Dec. 8-Dec. 13 & Zone. Feb. 16-Feb. 28. Brant........................... .................. Oct. 4-Nov. 16 & Nov. 26-Dec. 7 & Jan. 28-Jan. 31. MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY Arkansas Ducks, mergansers, and coots.... .................. Feb. 1-Feb. 15. Illinois * * * * * * * Ducks, mergansers, and coots.... .................. Feb. 10-Mar. 10. Indiana * * * * * * * Ducks, mergansers, and coots.... North Zone........ Sept. 27-Sept. 30 & Feb. 14-Mar. 10. Central Zone...... Oct. 27-Nov. 2 & Feb. 17-Mar. 10. South Zone........ Oct. 27-Nov. 2 & Feb. 17-Mar. 10. Iowa Ducks, mergansers, and coots.... North Zone........ Dec. 15-Jan. 28. Missouri River Dec. 21-Feb. 3. Zone. South Zone........ Dec. 15-Jan. 28. White-fronted Geese............. North Goose Zone.. Dec. 12-Jan. 13. Missouri River Dec. 26-Jan. 18. Zone. South Goose Zone.. Dec. 19-Jan. 18. Kentucky Ducks, mergansers, and coots.... .................. Nov. 5-Nov. 21 & Nov. 26-Dec. 2 & Jan. 28-Jan. 31. Geese........................... .................. Nov. 5-Nov. 21. Louisiana * * * * * * * Rails and moorhens.............. .................. Nov. 3-Nov. 9 & Jan. 3-Feb. 1. Ducks........................... West Zone......... Nov. 3-Nov. 9 & Dec. 10-Dec. 21 & Jan. 21-Feb. 1. [[Page 58655]] East Zone......... Nov. 3-Nov. 16 & Dec. 3-Dec. 14 & Jan. 28-Feb. 1. Coastal Zone...... Nov. 3-Nov. 9 & Dec. 3-Dec. 14 & Jan. 21-Feb. 1. Michigan Ducks, mergansers, coots, and .................. Jan. 2-Feb. 5 & moorhens. Mar. 1-Mar. 10. Minnesota * * * * * * * Ducks, mergansers, coots, .................. Dec. 15-Jan. 29. moorhens, and gallinules. Mississippi Mourning Doves.................. .................. Nov. 17-Nov. 25 & Jan. 14-Feb. 8. Ducks, mergansers and coots..... .................. Feb. 8-Mar. 8. Missouri * * * * * * * Ducks, mergansers, and coots.... .................. Sept. 8-Sept. 23 & Feb. 10-Mar. 10. Ohio Ducks, mergansers, and coots.... .................. Sept. 1-Sept. 16 & Feb. 8-Mar. 10. Geese........................... .................. Sept. 1-Sept. 16 & Feb. 8-Mar. 10. Tennessee * * * * * * * Ducks, mergansers, and coots.... .................. Sept. 13-Oct. 18 & Nov. 15-Nov. 18. Wisconsin Rails, snipe, moorhens, and North Duck Zone... Sept. 1-Sept. 21 & gallinules. Nov. 5-Nov. 9 & Nov. 26-Dec. 16. South Duck Zone... Sept. 1-Sept. 21 & Oct. 8-Oct. 12 & Dec. 3-Dec. 16. Mississippi River Sept. 1-Sept. 21 & Zone. Oct. 1-Oct. 12 & Dec. 3-Dec. 16. Woodcock........................ .................. Sept. 1-Sept. 21 & Nov. 6-Dec. 16. Ducks, mergansers, and coots.... .................. Sept. 15-Sept. 16 & Jan. 11-Feb. 24. CENTRAL FLYWAY Kansas Ducks, mergansers, and coots.... Low Plains........ Feb. 25-Mar. 10. * * * * * * * Nebraska Ducks, mergansers, and coots.... Zone 1............ Sept. 8-Sept. 23 & Oct. 6-Oct. 7 & Jan. 25-Feb. 8. Zone 2: Low Plains..... Sept. 8-Sept. 23 & Sept. 29-Sept. 30 & Jan. 25-Feb. 8. High Plains.... Sept. 8-Sept. 16 & Sept. 29-Sept. 30. Zone 3: Low Plains..... Sept. 8-Sept. 23 & Oct. 13-Oct. 14 & Jan. 25-Feb. 8. High Plains.... Sept. 8-Sept. 16 & Oct. 13-Oct. 14. Zone 4............ Sept. 8-Sept. 23 & Sept. 29-Sept. 30 & Jan. 25-Feb. 8. Oklahoma Ducks, mergansers, and coots.... Low Plains........ Feb. 11-Feb. 25. South Dakota Ducks, mergansers, and coots.... High Plains....... Sept. 1-Sept. 8. Low Plains: North Zone..... Sept. 1-Sept. 14 & Sept. 17-Sept. 21 & Dec. 12-Dec. 23. Middle Zone.... Sept. 1-Sept. 14 & Sept. 15-Sept. 19 & Dec. 12-Dec. 23. South Zone..... Sept. 1-Sept. 14 & Sept. 17-Oct. 3. Texas [[Page 58656]] * * * * * * * Ducks, mergansers, and coots.... Low Plains........ Jan. 28-Feb. 11. Wyoming * * * * * * * Ducks, mergansers, and coots.... Zone C1........... Sept. 29-Oct. 5 & Oct. 22-Oct. 24. Zone C2 & C3...... Sept. 15-Sept. 16 & Nov. 26-Dec. 3. PACIFIC FLYWAY Arizona * * * * * * * Ducks and mergansers............ North Zone........ Oct. 1-Oct. 4. South Zone........ Jan. 28-Jan. 31. California Ducks, mergansers, and coots.... Colorado River Jan. 28-Jan. 31. Zone. Southern Zone..... Jan. 28-Jan. 31. Southern San Jan. 28-Jan. 31. Joaquin Zone. Canada Geese and White-fronted Northeastern Zone. Jan. 14-Jan. 18. Geese. Colorado River Same as for Ducks. Zone. Southern Zone (5). Same as for Ducks. Balance-of-State Same as for Ducks. Zone (6). Brant........................... Northern Zone..... Oct. 20-Nov. 6 & Dec. 7-Feb. 1. Southern Zone..... Oct. 20-Nov. 9 & Dec. 10-Feb. 1. Light Geese..................... Northeastern Zone. Jan. 14-Jan. 18. Colorado River Same as for Ducks. Zone. Southern Zone (5). Same as for Ducks. Balance-of-State Same as for Ducks. Zone (6). * * * * * * * ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * * * (4) In Maine, the daily bag and possession limits for black ducks are 1 and 2, respectively. (5) In California, the falconry season for geese is concurrent with the regular season for white geese in the Imperial County special management area. (6) In California, the falconry season for geese is concurrent with the regular season for small Canada geese in Del Norte and Humbolt counties. [FR Doc. 2012-23074 Filed 9-20-12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P