[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 169 (Tuesday, September 1, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52645-52663]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-21596]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 20
[Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2014-0064: FF09M21200-156-FXMB1231099BPP0]
RIN 1018-BA67
Migratory Bird Hunting; Early Seasons and Bag and Possession
Limits for Certain Migratory Game Birds in the Contiguous United
States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This rule prescribes the hunting seasons, hours, areas, and
daily bag and possession limits of mourning, white-winged, and white-
tipped doves; band-tailed pigeons; rails; moorhens and gallinules;
woodcock; common snipe; sandhill cranes; sea ducks; early (September)
waterfowl seasons; migratory game birds in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico,
and the Virgin Islands; youth waterfowl day; and some extended falconry
seasons. Taking of migratory birds is prohibited unless specifically
provided for by annual regulations. This rule permits taking of
designated species during the 2015-16 season.
DATES: This rule is effective on September 1, 2015.
ADDRESSES: You may inspect comments received on the migratory bird
hunting regulations during normal business hours at the Service's
office at 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, Virginia. 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-HQ-
MB-2014-0064.
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 2015
On April 13, 2015, we published in the Federal Register (80 FR
19852) 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
2015-16 regulatory cycle relating to open public meetings and Federal
Register notifications were also identified in the April 13 proposed
rule. Further, we explained that all sections of subsequent documents
outlining hunting frameworks and guidelines were organized under
numbered headings. Subsequent documents will refer only to numbered
items requiring attention. Therefore, it is important to note that we
omit those items requiring no attention, and remaining numbered items
might be discontinuous or appear incomplete.
On June 11, 2015, we published in the Federal Register (80 FR
33223) a second document providing supplemental proposals for early-
and late-season migratory bird hunting regulations. The June 11
supplement also provided detailed information on the 2015-16 regulatory
schedule and announced the Service Regulations Committee (SRC) and
Flyway Council meetings.
On June 24-25, 2015, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council
Consultants at which participants reviewed information on the current
status of migratory shore and upland game birds and developed 2015-16
migratory game bird regulations recommendations for these species plus
regulations for migratory game birds in Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the
U.S. 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. We published the proposed
frameworks for early-season regulations in a July 21, 2015, Federal
Register (80 FR 43266) and final frameworks in an August 21, 2015,
Federal Register (80 FR 51090).
On July 29-30, 2015, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council
Consultants at which the participants reviewed the status of waterfowl
and developed recommendations for the 2015-16 regulations for these
species. Proposed hunting regulations were discussed for late seasons.
We published the proposed frameworks for late-season regulations
(primarily hunting seasons that start after October 1 and most
waterfowl seasons) in an August 25, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR
51658).
The final rule described here is the sixth in the series of
proposed, supplemental, and final rulemaking documents for migratory
game bird hunting regulations and deals specifically with amending
subpart K of 50 CFR part 20. It sets hunting seasons, hours, areas, and
limits for mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped doves; band-tailed
pigeons; rails; moorhens and gallinules; woodcock; common snipe;
sandhill cranes; sea ducks; early (September) waterfowl seasons;
migratory game birds in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin
Islands; youth waterfowl hunting day; and some extended falconry
seasons. This final rule is the culmination of the rulemaking process
for the migratory game bird early hunting seasons, which started with
the April 13 proposed rule. As discussed elsewhere in this document, we
supplemented that proposal on June 11 and July 21, and published final
early-season frameworks in an August 21, 2015, Federal Register that
provided the season selection criteria from which the States selected
these seasons. This final rule sets the migratory game bird early
hunting seasons based on that input from the States. We previously
addressed all comments pertaining to early season issues in that August
21 Federal Register.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
The programmatic document, ``Second Final Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual Regulations
Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (EIS 20130139),'' filed
with the Environmental Protection
[[Page 52646]]
Agency (EPA) on May 24, 2013, addresses NEPA compliance by the Service
for issuance of the annual framework regulations for hunting of
migratory game bird species. We published a notice of availability in
the Federal Register on May 31, 2013 (78 FR 32686), and our Record of
Decision on July 26, 2013 (78 FR 45376). We also address NEPA
compliance for waterfowl hunting frameworks through the annual
preparation of separate environmental assessments, the most recent
being ``Duck Hunting Regulations for 2015-16,'' with its corresponding
August 2015 finding of no significant impact. In addition, an August
1985 environmental assessment entitled ``Guidelines for Migratory Bird
Hunting Regulations on Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands'' is
available from the person indicated under the caption FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT.
Endangered Species Act Consideration
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), provides that, ``The Secretary shall review other
programs administered by him and utilize such programs in furtherance
of the purposes of this Act'' (and) shall ``insure that any action
authorized, funded, or carried out * * * is not likely to jeopardize
the continued existence of any endangered species or threatened species
or result in the destruction or adverse modification of [critical]
habitat. * * *.'' 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 regulations
reflect any such modifications. Our biological opinions resulting from
this section 7 consultation are public documents available at the
address indicated under ADDRESSES.
Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)
Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) will review all significant rules. OIRA has
reviewed this rule and has determined that this rule is significant
because it would have an annual effect of $100 million or more on the
economy. Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866
while calling for improvements in the nation's regulatory system to
promote predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best,
most innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory
ends. The executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory
approaches that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of
choice for the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible,
and consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes
further that regulations must be based on the best available science
and that the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and
an open exchange of ideas. We have developed this rule in a manner
consistent with these requirements.
An updated economic analysis was prepared for the 2013-14 season.
This analysis was based on data from the newly released 2011 National
Hunting and Fishing Survey, the most recent year for which data are
available (see discussion in Regulatory Flexibility Act section below).
This analysis estimated consumer surplus for three alternatives for
duck hunting (estimates for other species are not quantified due to
lack of data). The alternatives were: (1) Issue restrictive regulations
allowing fewer days than those issued during the 2012-13 season, (2)
issue moderate regulations allowing more days than those in alternative
1, and (3) issue liberal regulations identical to the regulations in
the 2012-13 season. For the 2013-14 season, we chose Alternative 3,
with an estimated consumer surplus across all flyways of $317.8-$416.8
million. For the 2015-16 season, we have also chosen alternative 3. We
also chose alternative 3 for the 2009-10, the 2010-11, the 2011-12, the
2012-13, and the 2014-15 seasons. The 2013-14 analysis is part of the
record for this rule and is available at http://www.regulations.gov at
Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2014-0064.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The annual migratory bird hunting regulations have a significant
economic impact on substantial numbers of small entities under the
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). We analyzed the
economic impacts of the annual hunting regulations on small business
entities in detail as part of the 1981 cost-benefit analysis. This
analysis was revised annually from 1990-95. In 1995, the Service issued
a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis), which was subsequently
updated in 1996, 1998, 2004, 2008, and 2013. The primary source of
information about hunter expenditures for migratory game bird hunting
is the National Hunting and Fishing Survey, which is conducted at 5-
year intervals. The 2013 Analysis was based on the 2011 National
Hunting and Fishing Survey and the U.S. Department of Commerce's County
Business Patterns, from which it was estimated that migratory bird
hunters would spend approximately $1.5 billion at small businesses in
2013. Copies of the Analysis are available at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2014-0064.
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
This rule is a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. For the reasons outlined above,
this rule will have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or
more. However, because this rule establishes hunting seasons, we are
not deferring the effective date under the exemption contained in 5
U.S.C. 808(1).
Paperwork Reduction Act
This final rule does not contain any new information collection
that requires approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not
required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.
OMB has reviewed and approved the information collection requirements
associated with migratory bird surveys and assigned the following OMB
control numbers:
1018-0019--North American Woodcock Singing Ground Survey
(expires 4/30/2015).
1018-0023--Migratory Bird Surveys (expires 6/30/2017).
Includes Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program, Migratory Bird
Hunter Surveys, Sandhill Crane Survey, and Parts Collection Survey.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
We have determined and certify, in compliance with the requirements
of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this
rulemaking will not impose a cost of $100 million or more in any given
year on local or State government or private entities. Therefore, this
rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act.
[[Page 52647]]
Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 12988
The Department, in promulgating this rule, has determined that this
rule will not unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the
requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988.
Takings Implication Assessment
In accordance with Executive Order 12630, this rule, authorized by
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703-711), does not have
significant takings implications and does not affect any
constitutionally protected property rights. This rule will not result
in the physical occupancy of property, the physical invasion of
property, or the regulatory taking of any property. In fact, this rule
allows hunters to exercise otherwise unavailable privileges and,
therefore, reduces restrictions on the use of private and public
property.
Energy Effects--Executive Order 13211
Executive Order 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of
Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. While this rule is a
significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866, it is not
expected to adversely affect energy supplies, distribution, or use.
Thus, this action is not a significant energy action and no Statement
of Energy Effects is required.
Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes
In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994,
``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal
Governments'' (59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175, and 512 DM 2, we
have evaluated possible effects on Federally-recognized Indian tribes
and have determined that there are no effects on Indian trust
resources. However, in the April 13 Federal Register, we solicited
proposals for special migratory bird hunting regulations for certain
Tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and
ceded lands for the 2015-16 migratory bird hunting season. The
resulting proposals were contained in a separate August 4, 2015,
proposed rule (80 FR 46218). By virtue of these actions, we have
consulted with Tribes.
Federalism Effects
Due to the migratory nature of certain species of birds, the
Federal Government has been given responsibility over these species by
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually prescribe frameworks from
which the States make selections regarding the hunting of migratory
birds, and we employ guidelines to establish special regulations on
Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. This process preserves the
ability of the States and tribes to determine which seasons meet their
individual needs. Any State or Indian tribe may be more restrictive
than the Federal frameworks at any time. The frameworks are developed
in a cooperative process with the States and the Flyway Councils. This
process allows States to participate in the development of frameworks
from which they will make selections, thereby having an influence on
their own regulations. These rules do not have a substantial direct
effect on fiscal capacity, change the roles or responsibilities of
Federal or State governments, or intrude on State policy or
administration. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 13132,
these regulations do not have significant federalism effects and do not
have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a
federalism summary impact statement.
Review of Public Comments
The preliminary proposed rulemaking (April 13 Federal Register)
opened the public comment period for 2015-16 migratory game bird
hunting regulations. We previously addressed all comments pertaining to
early season issues in the August 21, 2015, Federal Register.
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: August 26, 2015.
Karen Hyun,
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. 742 a-j; Public
Law 106-108, 113 Stat. 1491, Note Following 16 U.S.C. 703.
Note: The following annual hunting regulations provided for by
Sec. Sec. 20.101 through 20.106 and 20.109 of 50 CFR 20 will not
appear in the Code of Federal Regulations because of their seasonal
nature.
0
2. Section 20.101 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 20.101 Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for Puerto Rico and
the Virgin Islands.
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.
CHECK COMMONWEALTH REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY
ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS.
(a) Puerto Rico.
[[Page 52648]]
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Limits
Season dates
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Bag Possession
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Doves
and Pigeons:
Zenaida, white[dash]winged, and Sept. 5-Nov.
2..................... 20 20
mourning doves (1).
Scaly[dash]naped pigeons............... Sept. 5-Nov.
2..................... 5 5
Ducks.................................. Nov. 14-Dec. 21
&.................. 6 12
Jan. 9-Jan.
25..................... 6 12
Common Moorhens........................ Nov. 14-Dec. 21
&.................. 6 12
Jan. 9-Jan.
25..................... 6 12
Common Snipe........................... Nov. 14-Dec. 21
&.................. 8 16
Jan. 9-Jan.
25..................... 8 16
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(1)
Not more than 10 Zenaida and 3 mourning doves in the aggregate.
Restrictions: In Puerto Rico, the season is closed on the ruddy
duck, white-cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous
whistling duck, masked duck, purple gallinule, American coot, Caribbean
coot, white-crowned pigeon, and plain pigeon.
Closed Areas: Closed areas are described in the August 21, 2015,
Federal Register (80 FR 51090).
(b) Virgin Islands.
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Limits
Season dates
-------------------------------
Bag Possession
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Zenaida
doves.............................. Sept. 1-Sept.
30................... 10 10
Ducks......................................
CLOSED............................. .............. ..............
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Restrictions: In the Virgin Islands, the seasons are closed for
ground or quail doves, pigeons, ruddy duck, white-cheeked pintail, West
Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck, masked duck, and purple
gallinule.
Closed Areas: Ruth Cay, just south of St. Croix, is closed to the
hunting of migratory game birds. All Offshore Cays under jurisdiction
of the Virgin Islands Government are closed to the hunting of migratory
game birds.
0
3. Section 20.102 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 20.102 Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for Alaska.
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. Area descriptions were published in the August 21, 2015,
Federal Register (80 FR 51090).
CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL
RESTRICTIONS.
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Area seasons Dates
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North Zone............................. Sept. 1-Dec. 16.
Gulf Coast Zone........................ Sept. 1-Dec. 16.
Southeast Zone......................... Sept. 16-Dec. 31.
Pribilof & Aleutian Islands Zone....... Oct. 8-Jan. 22.
Kodiak Zone............................ Oct. 8-Jan. 22.
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Daily bag and possession limits
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White
Area Canada
Fronted Light Geese
Sandhill
Ducks (1) Geese
Geese (6) Brant Emperor Geese Snipe
Cranes (7)
(2)(3)
(4)(5)
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North
Zone........................... 10-30 4-12 4-12
4-12 2-6 Closed................ 8-24
3-9
Gulf Coast Zone...................... 8-24 4-12
4-12 4-12 2-6 Closed................ 8-24
2-6
Southeast Zone....................... 7-21 4-12
4-12 4-12 2-6 Closed................ 8-24
2-6
Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zone... 7-21 4-12
4-12 4-12 2-6 Closed................ 8-24
2-6
Kodiak Zone.......................... 7-21 4-12
4-12 4-12 2-6 Closed................ 8-24
2-6
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(1)
The basic duck bag limits may include no more than 1 canvasback daily,
and may not include sea ducks. In addition to the basic duck limits, sea
duck
limits of 10 daily, singly or in the aggregate, including no more than
6 each of either harlequin or long-tailed ducks, are allowed. Sea ducks
include
scoters, common and king eiders, harlequin ducks, long-tailed ducks,
and common and red-breasted mergansers. The season for Steller's and
spectacled
eiders is closed.
(2) In Units 5 and 6, the taking of Canada geese is only permitted from
September 28 through December 16. In the Middleton Island portion of
Unit 6, the
taking of Canada geese is by special permit only. The maximum number
of Canada goose permits is 10 for the season. A mandatory goose
identification
class is required. Hunters must check in and out. The daily bag and
possession limit is 1. The season will close if incidental harvest
includes 5
dusky Canada geese. A dusky Canada goose is any dark-breasted Canada
goose (Munsell 10 YR color value five or less) with a bill length
between 40 and
50 millimeters.
(3) In Units 9, 10, 17, and 18, for Canada geese, the daily bag limit is
6 and the possession limit is 18.
(4) In Units 9, 10, and 17, for white-fronted geese, the daily bag limit
is 6 and the possession limit is 18.
(5) In Unit 18, for white-fronted geese, the daily bag limit is 10 and
the possession limit is 30.
(6) Light geese include snow geese and Ross' geese.
(7) In Unit 17 of the North Zone, for sandhill cranes, the daily bag
limit is 2 and the possession limit is 6.
[[Page 52649]]
Falconry: The total combined bag and possession limit for migratory
game birds taken with the use of a falcon under a falconry permit is 3
per day, 9 in possession, and may not exceed a more restrictive limit
for any species listed in this subsection.
Special Tundra Swan Season: In Units 17, 18, 22, and 23, there will
be a tundra swan season from September 1 through October 31 with a
season limit of 3 tundra swans per hunter. This season is by State
registration permit only; hunters will be issued 1 permit allowing the
take of up to 3 tundra swans. Hunters will be required to file a
harvest report with the State after the season is completed. Up to 500
permits may be issued in Unit 18; 300 permits each in Units 22 and 23;
and 200 permits in Unit 17.
0
4. Section 20.103 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 20.103 Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for doves and
pigeons.
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 noted. Area descriptions were published in
the August 21, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 51090).
CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL
RESTRICTIONS.
(a) Doves.
Note: Unless otherwise noted, the seasons listed below are for
mourning and white-winged doves. Daily bag and possession limits are in
the aggregate for the two species.
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Limits
Season dates -----------------
Bag Poss.
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EASTERN MANAGEMENT UNIT
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama.........................
North Zone......... 12 noon to sunset.. Sept. 12 only..... 15
15
1/2 hour before
Sept. 13-Nov. 15 & 15 45
sunrise to
sunset. Dec. 5-Dec. 29. 15 45
South Zone......... 12 noon to
sunset.. Sept. 19 only..... 15 15
1/2 hour before
Sept. 20-Sept. 27 15 45
sunrise to
sunset. & Oct. 10-Oct. 27 15 45
& Nov. 12-Jan. 15. 15 45
Delaware........................ ...................
................... Sept. 1-Sept. 26 & 15 45
Oct. 20-Oct. 31 & 15 45
Nov. 23-Jan. 13. 15 45
Florida......................... ................... 12 noon to
sunset.. Sept. 26-Oct. 26.. 15 45
1/2 hour before
Nov. 14-Dec. 7 & 15 45
sunrise to
sunset. Dec. 12-Jan. 15. 15 45
Georgia......................... ................... 12 noon to
sunset.. Sept. 5 only...... 15 15
1/2 hour before
Sept. 6-Sept. 20 & 15 45
sunrise to
sunset. Oct. 10-Nov. 1 & 15 45
Nov. 26-Jan. 15. 15 45
Illinois (1).................... ...................
................... Sept. 1-Nov. 14 & 15 45
Dec. 26-Jan. 9. 15 45
Indiana......................... ...................
................... Sept. 1-Oct. 18 & 15 45
Nov. 1-Nov. 8 & 15 45
Dec. 12-Jan. 10. 15 45
Kentucky........................ ................... 11 a.m. to
sunset.. Sept. 1 only...... 15 15
1/2 hour before
Sept. 2-Oct. 26 & 15 45
sunrise to
sunset. Nov. 26-Dec. 6 & 15 45
Dec. 19-Jan. 10. 15 45
Louisiana....................... North Zone......... 1/2 hour before
Sept. 5-Sept. 27 & 15 45
sunrise to
sunset. Oct. 10-Nov. 8 & 15 45
Dec. 10-Jan. 15. 15 45
South Zone......... 1/2 hour before
Sept. 5-Sept. 13 & 15 45
sunrise to
sunset. Oct. 10-Dec. 1 & 15 45
Dec. 19-Jan. 15. 15 45
Maryland........................ ................... 12 noon to
sunset.. Sept. 1-Oct. 10... 15 45
1/2 hour before
Oct. 31-Nov. 27 & 15 45
sunrise to
sunset. Dec. 25-Jan. 15. 15 45
Mississippi..................... North Zone.........
................... Sept. 4-Oct. 7 & 15 45
Oct. 10-Oct. 31 & 15 45
Dec. 13-Jan. 15. 15 45
South Zone.........
................... Sept. 4-Sept. 13 & 15 45
Oct. 10-Nov. 15 & 15 45
Dec. 4-Jan. 15. 15 45
North Carolina.................. ...................
................... Sept. 5-Oct. 10 & 15 45
Nov. 23-Jan. 15. 15 45
Ohio............................ ...................
................... Sept. 1-Nov. 8 & 15 45
Dec. 12-Jan. 1. 15 45
Pennsylvania.................... ................... 12 noon to
sunset.. Sept. 1-Sept. 25.. 15 45
1/2 hour before
Sept. 26-Oct. 10 & 15 45
sunrise to
sunset. Oct. 17-Nov. 28 & 15 45
Dec. 26-Jan. 1. 15 45
[[Page 52650]]
Rhode Island.................... ................... 12 noon to
sunset.. Sept. 12-Oct. 11.. 15 45
1/2 hour before
Oct. 17-Nov. 29 & 15 45
sunrise to
sunset. Dec. 12-Dec. 27. 15 45
South Carolina.................. ................... 12 noon to
sunset.. Sept. 5-Sept. 7... 15 45
1/2 hour before
Sept. 8-Oct. 17 & 15 45
sunrise to
sunset. Nov. 14-Nov. 28 & 15 45
Dec. 15-Jan. 15. 15 45
Tennessee....................... ................... 12 noon to
sunset.. Sept. 1 only...... 15 15
1/2 hour before
Sept. 2-Sept. 28 & 15 45
sunrise to
sunset. Oct. 10-Nov. 1 & 15 45
Nov. 28-Jan. 5. 15 45
Virginia........................ ................... 12 noon to
sunset.. Sept. 5-Sept. 11.. 15 45
1/2 hour before
Sept. 12-Nov. 1 & 15 45
sunrise to
sunset. Nov. 21-Nov. 29 & 15 45
Dec. 24-Jan. 15. 15 45
West Virginia................... ................... 12 noon to
sunset.. Sept. 1 only...... 15 15
1/2 hour before
Sept. 2-Oct. 17 & 15 45
sunrise to
sunset. Nov. 2-Nov. 21 & 15 45
Dec. 21-Jan. 12. 15 45
Wisconsin....................... ...................
................... Sept. 1-Nov. 29... 15 45
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CENTRAL MANAGEMENT UNIT
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arkansas........................
................... ................... Sept. 5-Oct. 24 &
15 45
Dec. 19-Jan. 7. 15 45
Colorado........................ ...................
................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... 15 45
Iowa............................ ...................
................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... 15 45
Kansas.......................... ...................
................... Sept. 1-Oct. 31 & 15 45
Nov. 7-Nov. 15. 15 45
Minnesota....................... ...................
................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... 15 45
Missouri........................ ...................
................... Sept. 1-Nov 9..... 15 45
Montana......................... ...................
................... Sept. 1-Oct. 30... 15 45
Nebraska........................ ...................
................... Sept. 1-Oct. 30... 15 45
New Mexico...................... North Zone.........
................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... 15 45
South Zone.........
................... Sept. 1-Oct. 13 & 15 45
Dec. 5-Dec. 31. 15 45
North Dakota.................... ...................
................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... 15 45
Oklahoma........................ ...................
................... Sept. 1-Oct. 31 & 15 45
Dec. 19-Dec. 27. 15 45
South Dakota.................... ...................
................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... 15 45
Texas (2)....................... North Zone.........
................... Sept. 1-Oct. 25 & 15 45
Dec. 18-Jan. 1. 15 45
Central Zone.......
................... Sept. 1-Oct. 25 & 15 45
Dec. 18-Jan. 1. 15 45
South Zone......... Special
Area....... Sept. 18-Oct. 21 & 15 45
Dec. 18-Jan. 18. 15 45
(Special
Season)... Sept. 5-Sept. 6 & 15 45
12 noon to
sunset.. Sept. 12-Sept. 13. 15 45
Remainder of the
................... Sept. 18-Oct. 21 & 15 45
South Zone.
Dec. 18-Jan. 22. 15 45
Wyoming......................... ...................
................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... 15 45
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WESTERN MANAGEMENT UNIT
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arizona
(3)..................... ................... ...................
Sept. 1-Sept. 15 & 15 45
Nov. 26-Jan. 9. 15 45
California (4).................. ...................
................... Sept. 1-Sept. 15 & 15 45
Nov. 14-Dec. 28. 15 45
Idaho........................... ...................
................... Sept. 1-Oct. 30... 15 45
Nevada.......................... ...................
................... Sept. 1-Oct. 30... 15 45
Oregon.......................... ...................
................... Sept. 1-Oct. 30... 15 45
Utah............................ ...................
................... Sept. 1-Oct. 30... 15 45
Washington...................... ...................
................... Sept. 1-Sept. 30.. 10 30
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER POPULATIONS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hawaii
(5)...................... ................... ...................
Nov. 7-Nov. 29 & 10 30
Dec. 5-Dec. 27 & 10 30
Jan. 1-Jan. 18. 10 30
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)
In Illinois, shooting hours are sunrise to sunset.
[[Page 52651]]
(2) In Texas, the daily bag limit is either 15 mourning, white-winged,
and white-tipped doves in the aggregate,
of which no more than 2 may be white-tipped doves with a maximum
70-day season. Possession limits are three
times the daily bag limit. During the special season in the Special
White-winged Dove Area of the South Zone,
the daily bag limit is 15 mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped
doves in the aggregate, of which no more
than 2 may be mourning doves and 2 may be white-tipped doves.
Possession limits are three times the daily bag
limit.
(3) In Arizona, during September 1 through 15, the daily bag limit is 15
mourning and white-winged doves in the
aggregate, of which no more than 10 may be white-wing doves. During
November 26 through January 9, the daily
bag limit is 15 mourning doves.
(4) In California, the daily bag limit is 15 mourning and white-winged
doves in the aggregate, of which no more
than 10 may be white-wing doves.
(5) In Hawaii, the season is only open on the island of Hawaii. The
daily bag limits are 10 mourning doves,
spotted doves and chestnut-bellied sandgrouse in the aggregate.
Shooting hours are from one-half hour before
sunrise through one-half hour after sunset. Hunting is permitted only
on weekends and State holidays.
(b) Band-tailed Pigeons.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limits
Season Dates
-------------------------------
Bag Possession
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arizona....................................
Sept. 4-Sept. 17................... 2 6
California:
North Zone............................. Sept. 19-Sept.
27.................. 2 6
South Zone............................. Dec. 19-Dec.
27.................... 2 6
Colorado................................... Sept. 1-Sept.
14................... 2 6
New Mexico:
North Zone............................. Sept. 1-Sept.
14................... 2 6
South Zone............................. Oct. 1-Oct.
14..................... 2 6
Oregon..................................... Sept. 15-Sept.
23.................. 2 6
Utah (1)................................... Sept. 1-Sept.
14................... 2 6
Washington................................. Sept. 15-Sept.
23.................. 2 6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)
In Utah, each band-tailed pigeon hunter must have a band-tailed pigeon
hunting permit issued by the State.
0
5. Section 20.104 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 20.104 Seasons, limits, and shooting hours for rails, woodcock,
and 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 noted. Area descriptions were published in
the August 21, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 51090).
CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL
RESTRICTIONS.
Note: States with deferred seasons will select those seasons at the
same time they select waterfowl seasons in August. Consult late-season
regulations for further information.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sora and Virginia Clapper and King
rails rails
Woodcock Snipe
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily
bag limit................. 25 (1) 15 (2)
3 8
Possession limit................ 75 (1) 45 (2)
9 24
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATLANTIC FLYWAY
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connecticut
(3)................. Sept. 1-Nov. 7.... Sept. 1-Nov. 7.... Oct.
23-Nov. 21 &. Oct. 23-Nov. 21 &
Nov. 23-Dec. 7.... Nov. 23-Dec. 7
Delaware........................ Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Sept. 1-Nov. 9....
Nov. 23-Dec. 5 &.. Sept. 22-Dec. 5 &
Dec. 12-Jan. 12... Dec. 12-Jan. 12
Florida......................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Sept. 1-Nov. 9....
Dec. 18-Jan. 31... Nov. 1-Feb. 15
Georgia......................... Sept. 25-Nov. 15 & Sept. 25-Nov.
15 & Dec. 5-Jan. 18.... Nov. 15-Feb. 28
Nov. 21-Dec. 8.... Nov. 21-Dec. 8....
Maine (4)....................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............
Oct. 1-Nov. 14.... Sept. 1-Dec. 16
Maryland (5).................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Sept. 1-Nov. 9....
Oct. 30-Nov. 27 &. Sept. 30-Nov. 27 &
Jan. 15-Jan. 30... Dec. 14-Jan. 30
Massachusetts (6)............... Sept. 1-Nov. 7.... Closed............
Deferred.......... Sept. 1-Dec. 16
New Hampshire................... Closed............ Closed............
Oct. 1-Nov. 14.... Sept. 15-Nov. 14
New Jersey (7):
North Zone.................. Sept. 1-Nov. 7.... Sept. 1-Nov. 7....
Oct. 17-Nov. 21... Sept. 18-Jan. 2
South Zone.................. Sept. 1-Nov. 7.... Sept. 1-Nov. 7....
Nov. 7-Nov. 28 &.. Sept. 18-Jan. 2
Dec. 19-Jan. 1....
New York (8).................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............
Oct. 1-Nov. 14.... Sept. 1-Nov. 9
North Carolina.................. Sept. 1-Oct. 3 &.. Sept. 1-Oct. 3
&.. Dec. 17-Jan. 30... Nov. 13-Feb. 27
Oct. 23-Nov. 28... Oct. 23-Nov. 28...
Pennsylvania (9)................ Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............
Oct. 17-Nov. 28... Oct. 17-Nov. 28
Rhode Island (10)............... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Sept. 1-Nov. 9....
Oct. 17-Nov. 30... Sept. 1-Nov. 9
South Carolina.................. Sept. 26-Oct. 1 &. Sept. 26-Oct. 1
&. Dec. 18-Jan. 31... Nov. 14-Feb. 28
Oct. 25-Dec. 27... Oct. 25-Dec. 27...
Vermont......................... Closed............ Closed............
Oct. 1-Nov. 14.... Oct. 1-Nov. 14
Virginia........................ Sept. 8-Nov. 16... Sept. 8-Nov. 16...
Nov. 23-Dec. 5 &.. Oct. 9-Oct. 12 &
Dec. 15-Jan. 15... Oct. 21-Jan. 31
West Virginia (11).............. Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............
Oct. 17-Nov. 30... Sept. 1-Dec. 16
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page
52652]]
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama
(12).................... Sept. 5-Sept. 20 & Sept. 5-Sept. 20
& Dec. 18-Jan. 31... Nov. 14-Feb. 28
Nov. 28-Jan. 20... Nov. 28-Jan. 20.
Arkansas........................ Sept. 12-Nov. 20.. Closed............
Nov. 7-Dec. 21.... Nov. 1-Feb. 15
Illinois (13)................... Sept. 5-Nov. 13... Closed............
Oct. 17-Nov. 30... Sept. 5-Dec. 20
Indiana (14).................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............
Oct. 15-Nov. 28... Sept. 1-Dec. 16
Iowa (15)....................... Sept. 5-Nov. 13... Closed............
Oct. 3-Nov. 16.... Sept. 5-Nov. 30
Kentucky........................ Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............
Nov. 1-Dec. 15.... Sept. 16-Oct. 25 &
Nov. 26-Jan. 31
Louisiana (16).................. Sept. 12-Sept. 27. Sept. 12-Sept. 27.
Dec. 18-Jan. 31... Deferred
Michigan........................ Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............
Sept. 19-Nov. 2... Sept. 1-Nov. 9
Minnesota....................... Sept. 1-Nov. 2.... Closed............
Sept. 19-Nov. 2... Sept. 1-Nov. 2
Mississippi..................... Sept. 12-Nov. 20.. Sept. 12-Nov. 20..
Dec. 18-Jan. 31... Nov. 14-Feb. 28
Missouri........................ Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............
Oct. 15-Nov. 28... Sept. 1-Dec. 16
Ohio............................ Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............
Oct. 10-Nov. 23... Sept. 1-Nov. 29 &
Dec. 19-Jan. 4
Tennessee....................... Deferred.......... Closed............
Oct. 31-Dec. 14... Nov. 15-Feb. 29
Wisconsin....................... Deferred.......... Closed............
Sept. 19-Nov. 2... Deferred
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CENTRAL FLYWAY
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado........................
Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............ Closed............ Sept.
1-Dec. 16
Kansas.......................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............
Oct. 17-Nov. 30... Sept. 1-Dec. 16
Montana......................... Closed............ Closed............
Closed............ Sept. 1-Dec. 16
Nebraska (17)................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............
Sept. 19-Nov. 2... Sept. 1-Dec. 16
New Mexico (18)................. Sept. 12-Nov. 20.. Closed............
Closed............ Oct. 24-Feb. 7
North Dakota.................... Closed............ Closed............
Sept. 26-Nov. 9... Sept. 19-Dec. 6
Oklahoma........................ Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............
Nov. 1-Dec. 15.... Oct. 1-Jan. 15
South Dakota (19)............... Closed............ Closed............
Closed............ Sept. 1-Oct. 31
Texas........................... Sept. 12-Sept. 27 Sept. 12-Sept. 27
Dec. 18-Jan. 31... Oct. 31-Feb. 14
&. &.
Oct. 31-Dec. 23... Oct. 31-Dec. 23...
Wyoming......................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............
Closed............ Sept. 1-Dec. 16
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PACIFIC FLYWAY
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arizona.........................
Closed............ Closed............ Closed............ Deferred
California...................... Closed............ Closed............
Closed............ Oct. 24-Feb. 7
Colorado........................ Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............
Closed............ Sept. 1-Dec. 16
Idaho........................... Closed............ Closed............
Closed............ Deferred
Montana......................... Closed............ Closed............
Closed............ Sept. 1-Dec. 16
Nevada.......................... Closed............ Closed............
Closed............ Deferred
New Mexico...................... Sept. 12-Nov. 20.. Closed............
Closed............ Oct. 24-Feb. 7
Oregon:
Zone 1...................... Closed............ Closed............
Closed............ Nov. 7-Feb. 21
Zone 2...................... Closed............ Closed............
Closed............ Oct. 10-Dec. 6 &
Dec. 9-Jan. 24
Utah............................ Closed............ Closed............
Closed............ Deferred
Washington...................... Closed............ Closed............
Closed............ Deferred
Wyoming......................... Sept. 1-Nov. 9.... Closed............
Closed............ Sept. 1-Dec. 16
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)
The daily bag and possession limits for sora and Virginia rails apply
singly or in the aggregate of the two
species.
(2) All daily 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 30 in possession.
(3) In Connecticut, the daily bag and possession limits may not contain
more than 1 king rail.
(4) In Maine, the daily bag and possession limit for sora and Virginia
rails is 25.
(5) In Maryland, no more than 1 king rail may be taken per day.
(6) In Massachusetts, the sora rail limits are 5 daily and 15 in
possession; the Virginia rail limits are 10
daily and 30 in possession.
(7) In New Jersey, the season for king rail is closed by State
regulation.
(8) In New York, the rail daily bag and possession limits are 8 and 24,
respectively. Seasons for sora and
Virginia rails and snipe are closed on Long Island.
(9) In Pennsylvania, the daily bag and possession limits for sora and
Virginia rails, singly or in the
aggregate, are 3 and 9, respectively.
(10) In Rhode Island, the sora and Virginia rails limits are 3 daily and
9 in possession, singly or in the
aggregate; the clapper and king rail limits are 1 daily and 3 in
possession, singly or in the aggregate; the
snipe limits are 5 daily and 15 in possession.
(11) In West Virginia, the daily bag and possession limit for sora and
Virginia rails is 25; the possession
limit for snipe is 16.
(12) In Alabama, the daily bag and possession limit for all rails,
singly or in the aggregate, is 15.
(13) In Illinois, shooting hours are from sunrise to sunset.
(14) In Indiana, the season on Virginia rails is closed.
(15) In Iowa, the limits for sora and Virginia rails are 12 daily and 24
in possession.
(16) Additional days occurring after September 30 will be published with
the late season selections.
(17) In Nebraska, the rail limits are 10 daily and 30 in possession.
(18) In New Mexico, in the Central Flyway portion of the State, the rail
limits are 10 daily and 20 in
possession.
(19) In South Dakota, the snipe limits are 5 daily and 15 in possession.
0
6. Section 20.105 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:
[[Page 52653]]
Shooting and hawking hours are one-half hour before sunrise until
sunset, except as otherwise noted. Area descriptions were published in
the August 21, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 51090).
CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL
RESTRICTIONS.
Note: States with deferred seasons may select those seasons at the
same time they select waterfowl seasons in August. Consult late-seasons
regulations for further information.
(a) Common Moorhens and Purple Gallinules.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limits
Season dates
-------------------------------
Bag Possession
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATLANTIC FLYWAY
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delaware...................................
Sept. 1-Nov. 9..................... 15 45
Florida (1)................................ Sept.
1-Nov.9...................... 15 45
Georgia....................................
Deferred........................... .............. ..............
New Jersey................................. Sept. 1-Nov.
7..................... 10 30
New York:
Long Island............................
Closed............................. .............. ..............
Remainder of State..................... Sept. 1-Nov.
9..................... 8 24
North Carolina............................. Sept. 1-Oct. 3
&................... 15 45
Oct. 23-Nov.
28.................... 15 45
Pennsylvania............................... Sept. 1-Nov.
9..................... 3 9
South Carolina............................. Sept. 26-Oct. 1
&.................. 15 45
Oct. 25-Dec.
27.................... 15 45
Virginia................................... Sept. 8-Nov.
16.................... 15 45
West Virginia..............................
Deferred........................... .............. ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama....................................
Sept. 5-Sept. 20 &................. 15
45
Nov. 28-Jan.
20.................... 15 45
Arkansas................................... Sept. 1-Nov.
9..................... 15 45
Kentucky................................... Sept. 1-Nov.
9..................... 3 9
Louisiana (2).............................. Sept. 12-Sept.
27.................. 15 45
Michigan................................... Sept. 1-Nov.
9..................... 1 3
Minnesota..................................
Deferred........................... .............. ..............
Mississippi................................ Sept. 12-Nov.
20................... 15 45
Ohio....................................... Sept. 1-Nov.
9..................... 15 45
Tennessee..................................
Deferred........................... .............. ..............
Wisconsin..................................
Deferred........................... .............. ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CENTRAL FLYWAY
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New
Mexico:
Zone 1................................. Sept. 26-Dec.
4.................... 1 3
Zone 2................................. Sept. 26-Dec.
4.................... 1 3
Oklahoma................................... Sept. 1-Nov.
9..................... 15 45
Texas...................................... Sept. 12-Sept. 27
&................ 15 45
Oct. 31-Dec.
23.................... 15 45
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PACIFIC FLYWAY
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All
States.................................
Deferred........................... .............. ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)
The season applies to common moorhens only.
(2) Additional days occurring after September 30 will be published with
the late season selections.
(b) Sea Ducks (scoter, eider, and long-tailed ducks in Atlantic
Flyway).
Within the special sea duck areas, the daily bag limit is 7 scoter,
eider, and long-tailed ducks, singly or in the aggregate, of which no
more than 4 may be scoters. Possession limits are three times the daily
bag limit. These limits may be in addition to regular duck bag limits
only during the regular duck season in the special sea duck hunting
areas.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limits
Season dates
-------------------------------
Bag Possession
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connecticut
(1)............................ Sept. 22-Jan. 20...................
5 15
Delaware................................... Sept. 29-Jan.
30................... 7 21
Georgia....................................
Deferred........................... .............. ..............
Maine (2).................................. Oct. 1-Jan.
30..................... 7 21
Maryland...................................
Deferred........................... .............. ..............
Massachusetts..............................
Deferred........................... .............. ..............
New Hampshire (3).......................... Oct. 1-Jan.
15..................... 7 21
New Jersey................................. Sept. 29-Jan.
30................... 7 21
[[Page 52654]]
New York...................................
Deferred........................... .............. ..............
North Carolina.............................
Deferred........................... .............. ..............
Rhode Island............................... Oct. 10-Jan.
24.................... 5 15
South Carolina.............................
Deferred........................... .............. ..............
Virginia...................................
Deferred........................... .............. ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note:
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Part 20, the shooting of
crippled waterfowl from a motorboat under
power will be permitted in Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maine,
Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New
Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and
Virginia in those areas described,
delineated, and designated in their respective hunting regulations as
special sea duck hunting areas.
(1) In Connecticut, the daily bag limit may include no more than 4
long-tailed ducks.
(2) In Maine, the daily bag limit for eiders is 4, and the possession
limit is 12.
(3) In New Hampshire, the daily bag limit may include no more than 4
eiders or 4 long-tailed ducks.
(c) Early (September) Duck Seasons.
Note: Unless otherwise specified, the seasons listed below are for
teal only.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limits
Season dates
-------------------------------
Bag Possession
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATLANTIC FLYWAY
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delaware
(1)............................... Sept. 11-Sept. 29..................
6 18
Florida (2)................................ Sept. 19-Sept.
27.................. 6 18
Georgia.................................... Sept. 12-Sept.
27.................. 6 18
Maryland (1)............................... Sept. 16-Sept.
30.................. 6 18
North Carolina (1)......................... Sept. 12-Sept.
30.................. 6 18
South Carolina (3)......................... Sept. 11-Sept.
26.................. 6 18
Virginia (1)............................... Sept. 17-Sept.
30.................. 6 18
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama....................................
Sept. 12-Sept. 27.................. 6 18
Arkansas (3)............................... Sept. 12-Sept.
27.................. 6 18
Illinois (3)............................... Sept. 5-Sept.
20................... 6 18
Indiana (3)................................ Sept. 5-Sept.
20................... 6 18
Iowa (3)................................... Sept. 5-Sept.
20................... 6 18
Kentucky (2)............................... Sept. 19-Sept.
27.................. 6 18
Louisiana.................................. Sept. 12-Sept.
27.................. 6 18
Michigan................................... Sept. 1-Sept.
7.................... 6 18
Mississippi................................ Sept. 12-Sept.
27.................. 6 18
Missouri (3)............................... Sept. 12-Sept.
27.................. 6 18
Ohio (3)................................... Sept. 5-Sept.
20................... 6 18
Tennessee (2).............................. Sept. 12-Sept.
20.................. 6 18
Wisconsin.................................. Sept.1-Sept.
7..................... 6 18
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CENTRAL FLYWAY
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado
(1)............................... Sept. 12-Sept. 20..................
6 18
Kansas:
Low Plains............................. Sept. 12-Sept.
27.................. 6 18
High Plains............................ Sept. 19-Sept.
27.................. 6 18
Nebraska: (1)
Low Plains............................. Sept. 5-Sept.
20................... 6 18
High Plains............................ Sept. 12-Sept.
20.................. 6 18
New Mexico................................. Sept. 12-Sept.
19.................. 6 18
Oklahoma................................... Sept. 12-Sept.
27.................. 6 18
Texas:
High Plains............................ Sept. 12-Sept.
27.................. 6 18
Rest of State.......................... Sept. 12-Sept.
27.................. 6 18
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)
Area restrictions. See State regulations.
(2) In Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee, the daily bag limit for the
first 5 days of the season is 6 wood ducks
and teal in the aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be wood ducks.
During the last 4 days of the season,
the daily bag limit is 6 teal only. The possession limit is twice the
daily bag limit.
(3) Shooting hours are from sunrise to sunset.
(d) Special Early Canada Goose Seasons.
[[Page 52655]]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limits
Season dates
-------------------------------
Bag Possession
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATLANTIC FLYWAY
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connecticut
(1):
North Zone............................. Sept. 1-Sept. 4
&.................. 15 45
Sept. 8-Sept.
30................... 15 45
South Zone............................. Sept. 15-Sept.
30.................. 15 45
Delaware................................... Sept. 1-Sept.
25................... 15 45
Florida.................................... Sept. 5-Sept.
27................... 5 15
Georgia.................................... Sept. 5-Sept.
27................... 5 15
Maine:
Northern Zone.......................... Sept. 1-Sept.
25................... 6 18
Southern Zone.......................... Sept. 1-Sept.
25................... 10 30
Coastal Zone........................... Sept. 1-Sept.
25................... 10 30
Maryland (1) (2):
Eastern Unit........................... Sept. 1-Sept.
15................... 8 24
Western Unit........................... Sept. 1-Sept.
25................... 8 24
Massachusetts:
Central Zone........................... Sept. 8-Sept.
25................... 7 21
Coastal Zone........................... Sept. 8-Sept.
25................... 7 21
1Western Zone.......................... Sept. 8-Sept.
25................... 7 21
New Hampshire:............................. Sept. 1-Sept.
25................... 5 15
New Jersey (1) (2) (3):.................... Sept. 1-Sept.
30................... 15 45
New York (4):
Lake Champlain Zone.................... Sept. 1-Sept.
25................... 8 24
Northeastern Zone...................... Sept. 1-Sept.
25................... 15 45
East Central Zone...................... Sept. 1-Sept.
25................... 15 45
Hudson Valley Zone..................... Sept. 1-Sept.
25................... 15 45
West Central Zone...................... Sept. 1-Sept.
25................... 15 45
South Zone............................. Sept. 1-Sept.
25................... 15 45
Western Long Island Zone...............
Closed.............................
Central Long Island Zone............... Sept. 8-Sept.
30................... 15 45
Eastern Long Island Zone............... Sept. 8-Sept.
30................... 15 45
North Carolina (5) (6):.................... Sept. 1-Sept.
30................... 15 45
Pennsylvania (7):
SJBP Zone (8).......................... Sept. 1-Sept.
25................... 3 9
Rest of State (9)...................... Sept. 1-Sept.
25................... 8 24
Rhode Island (1):.......................... Sept. 1-Sept.
30................... 15 45
South Carolina:
Early-Season Hunt Unit................. Sept. 1-Sept.
30................... 15 45
Vermont:
Lake Champlain Zone.................... Sept. 1-Sept.
25................... 8 24
Interior Vermont Zone.................. Sept. 1-Sept.
25................... 8 24
Connecticut River Zone (10)............ Sept. 1-Sept.
25................... 5 15
Virginia (11).............................. Sept. 1-Sept.
25................... 10 30
West Virginia.............................. Sept. 1-Sept.
12................... 5 15
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama....................................
Sept. 1-Sept. 15................... 5 15
Arkansas:
Northwest Zone......................... Sept. 1-Sept.
15................... 5 15
Rest of State.......................... Sept. 1-Sept.
15................... 5 15
Illinois:
North Zone............................. Sept. 1-Sept.
15................... 5 15
Central Zone........................... Sept. 1-Sept.
15................... 5 15
South Central Zone..................... Sept. 1-Sept.
15................... 2 6
South Zone............................. Sept. 1-Sept.
15................... 2 6
Indiana.................................... Sept. 1-Sept.
15................... 5 15
Iowa:
South Goose Zone:
Des Moines Goose Zone.............. Sept. 5-Sept.
13................... 5 15
Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Goose Zone.. Sept. 5-Sept.
13................... 5 15
Remainder of South Zone............
Closed.............................
North Goose Zone:
Cedar Falls/Waterloo Zone.......... Sept. 5-Sept.
13................... 5 15
Remainder of North Zone............ Closed.
Kentucky (12).............................. Sept. 1-Sept.
15................... 5 15
Michigan:
North Zone............................. Sept. 1-Sept.
10................... 5 15
Middle Zone............................ Sept. 1-Sept.
15................... 5 15
South Zone:
Huron, Saginaw, and Tuscola Sept. 1-Sept.
10................... 5 15
Counties.
[[Page 52656]]
Rest of South Zone................. Sept. 1-Sept.
15................... 5 15
Minnesota:
Northwest Zone......................... Sept. 5-Sept.
22................... 5 15
Intensive Harvest Zone................. Sept. 5-Sept.
22................... 10 30
Remainder of State..................... Sept. 5-Sept.
22................... 5 15
Mississippi................................ Sept. 1-Sept.
15................... 5 15
Ohio....................................... Sept. 1-Sept.
15................... 5 15
Tennessee.................................. Sept. 1-Sept.
15................... 5 15
Wisconsin.................................. Sept. 1-Sept.
15................... 5 15
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CENTRAL FLYWAY
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North
Dakota:
Missouri River Zone.................... Sept. 1-Sept.
7.................... 15 45
Remainder of State..................... Sept. 1-Sept.
15................... 15 45
Oklahoma................................... Sept. 12-Sept.
21.................. 8 24
South Dakota (12).......................... Sept. 1-Sept.
30................... 15 45
Texas:
East Zone.............................. Sept. 12-Sept.
27.................. 5 15
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PACIFIC FLYWAY
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado...................................
Sept. 1-Sept. 9.................... 4 12
Idaho:
Zone 4................................. Sept. 1-Sept.
15................... 5 15
Oregon:
Northwest Permit Zone.................. Sept. 12-Sept.
20.................. 5 15
Southwest Zone......................... Sept. 12-Sept.
15.................. 5 15
Eastern Zone........................... Sept. 12-Sept.
15.................. 5 15
Klamath County Zone.................... Sept. 12-Sept.
15.................. 5 15
Harney and Lake County Zone............ Sept. 12-Sept.
15.................. 5 15
Malheur County Zone.................... Sept. 12-Sept.
15.................. 5 15
Washington:
Management Area 2B..................... Sept. 1-Sept.
15................... 15 45
Management Areas 1 & 3................. Sept. 10-Sept.
15.................. 5 15
Management Area 4 & 5.................. Sept. 13-Sept.
14.................. 3 9
Management Area 2A..................... Sept. 10-Sept.
15.................. 3 9
Wyoming:
Teton County Zone...................... Sept. 1-Sept.
8.................... 3 9
Balance of State Zone.................. Sept. 1-Sept.
8.................... 2 6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)
Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after
sunset.
(2) The use of shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shotshells is
allowed.
(3) The use of electronic calls is allowed.
(4) In New York, in all areas except the Northeastern and Southeastern
Goose Hunting Area, shooting hours are
one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, the use of
shotguns capable of holding more than 3
shotshells is allowed, and the use of electronic calls is allowed. In
the Northeastern and Southeastern Goose
Hunting Areas, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to
one-half hour after sunset, shotguns capable
of holding more than 3 shotshells are allowed, and electronic calls
are allowed only from September 1 to
September 18 and September 21 to September 25. On September 19 and
September 20, shooting hours are one-half
hour before sunrise to sunset, shotguns must be capable of holding no
more than 3 shotshells, and electronic
calls are not allowed.
(5) In North Carolina, the use of unplugged guns and electronic calls is
allowed in that area west of U.S.
Highway 17 only.
(6) In North Carolina, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise
to one-half hour after sunset in that
area west of U.S. Highway 17 only.
(7) In Pennsylvania, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to
one-half hour after sunset from
September 1 to September 18, September 20 to September 25. On
September 19, shooting hours are one-half hour
before sunrise to sunset.
(8) In Pennsylvania, in the area south of SR 198 from the Ohio State
line to intersection of SR 18, SR 18 south
to SR 618, SR 618 south to U.S. Route 6, U.S. Route 6 east to U.S.
Route 322/SR 18, U.S. Route 322/SR 18 west
to intersection of SR 3013, SR 3013 south to the Crawford/Mercer
County line, not including the Pymatuning
State Park Reservoir and an area to extend 100 yards inland from the
shoreline of the reservoir, excluding the
area east of SR 3011 (Hartstown Road), the daily bag limit is one
goose with a possession limit of 3 geese.
The season is closed on State Game Lands 214. However, during the
youth waterfowl hunting day on September 19,
regular season regulations apply.
(9) In Pennsylvania, in the area of Lancaster and Lebanon Counties north
of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, east of
SR 501 to SR 419, south of SR 419 to the Lebanon-Berks County line,
west of the Lebanon-Berks County line and
the Lancaster-Berks County line to SR 1053, west of SR 1053 to the
Pennsylvania Turnpike I-76, the daily bag
limit is 1 goose with a possession limit of 3 geese. On State Game
Lands No. 46 (Middle Creek Wildlife
Management Area), the season is closed. However, during the youth
waterfowl hunting day on September 19,
regular season regulations apply.
(10) In Vermont, the season in the Connecticut River Zone is the same as
the New Hampshire Inland Zone season,
set by New Hampshire.
(11) In Virginia, shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to
one-half hour after sunset from September 1
to September 16, and one-half hour before sunrise to sunset from
September 17 to September 25 in the area east
of I-95 where the September teal season is open. Shooting hours are
one-half hour before sunrise to one-half
hour after sunset from September 1 to September 20, and one-half hour
before sunrise to sunset from September
21 to September 25 in the area west of I-95.
(12) See State regulations for additional information and restrictions.
(e) Regular Goose Seasons.
Note: Bag and possession limits will conform to those set for the
regular season. Additional season dates occurring after September 30
will be published with the late season selections.
[[Page 52657]]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limits
Season dates
-------------------------------
Bag Possession
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michigan:
Canada Geese:
North Zone............................ Sept. 11-Dec.
11................ 2 6
Middle Zone........................... Sept. 19-Dec.
19................ 2 6
South Zone:
Muskegon GMU......................
Deferred........................ .............. ..............
Allegan Co. GMU...................
Deferred........................ .............. ..............
Saginaw Co. GMU................... Sept. 19-Sept.
27............... 2 6
Tuscola/Huron Co. GMU............. Sept. 19-Sept.
27............... 2 6
Remainder of Zone................. Sept. 19-Sept.
27............... 2 6
White-fronted Geese:
North Zone............................ Sept. 11-Sept.
26............... 1 3
Middle Zone........................... Sept. 19-Sept.
26............... 1 3
South Zone:
Muskegon GMU......................
Deferred........................ .............. ..............
Allegan Co. GMU...................
Deferred........................ .............. ..............
Saginaw Co. GMU................... Sept. 19-Sept.
27............... 1 3
Tuscola/Huron Co. GMU............. Sept. 19-Sept.
27............... 1 3
Remainder of Zone................. Sept. 19-Sept.
27............... 1 3
Light Geese:
North Zone............................ Sept. 11-Dec.
11................ 20 60
Middle Zone........................... Sept. 19-Dec.
19................ 20 60
South Zone:
Muskegon GMU......................
Deferred........................ .............. ..............
Allegan Co. GMU...................
Deferred........................ .............. ..............
Saginaw Co. GMU................... Sept. 19-Sept.
27............... 20 60
Tuscola/Huron Co. GMU............. Sept. 19-Sept.
27............... 20 60
Remainder of Zone.................
Deferred........................ .............. ..............
Brant:
North Zone............................ Same as for Light
Geese......... 1 3
Middle Zone........................... Same as for Light
Geese......... 1 3
South Zone............................ Same as for Light
Geese......... 1 3
Wisconsin:
Canada Geese:
North Zone............................ Sept. 16-Sept.
30............... 2 6
South Zone............................ Sept. 16-Sept.
30............... 2 6
Mississippi River Zone................
Deferred........................ .............. ..............
-------------------------------
Horicon Zone.......................... Sept. 16-Sept.
30............... Tag System
-------------------------------
White-fronted Geese:
North Zone............................ Sept. 16-Sept.
30............... 1 3
South Zone............................ Sept. 16-Sept.
30............... 1 3
Mississippi River Zone................
Deferred........................ .............. ..............
Horicon Zone.......................... Sept. 16-Sept.
30............... 1 3
Light Geese............................... Same as for Canada
Geese........ 20 ..............
Brant..................................... Same as for Canada
Geese........ 1 3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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.
Definitions
Youth Hunters: Includes youths 15 years of age or younger.
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 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).
Note: In States where zones are not identified, seasons are
statewide. Bag and possession limits will conform to those set for the
regular season unless there is a special season already open (e.g.,
September Canada goose season),
[[Page 52658]]
in which case, that season's daily bag limit will prevail.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Season dates
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATLANTIC FLYWAY
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connecticut.............................. Deferred.
Delaware:
Ducks, geese, brant, mergansers, and Oct. 17 & Feb. 6.
coots.
Florida.................................. Deferred.
Georgia:
Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, Nov. 14 & 15.
moorhens, and gallinules.
Maine:
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots:
North Zone....................... Sept. 19 & Dec. 12.
South Zone....................... Sept. 26 & Oct. 24.
Coastal Zone..................... Sept. 26 & Nov. 7.
Maryland (1)............................. Deferred.
Massachusetts............................ Deferred.
New Hampshire:
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots:. Sept. 26 & 27.
New Jersey............................... Deferred.
New York (2):
Ducks, mergansers, coots, brant, and
Canada geese:
Long Island Zone................. Nov. 14 & 15.
Lake Champlain Zone.............. Sept. 26 & 27.
Northeastern Zone................ Sept. 19 & 20.
Southeastern Zone................ Sept. 19 & 20.
Western Zone..................... Oct. 3 & 4.
North Carolina........................... Deferred.
Pennsylvania:
Ducks, mergansers, Canada geese, Sept. 19.
coots, and moorhens.
Rhode Island:
Ducks, mergansers, geese, and coots.. Oct. 24 & 25.
South Carolina........................... Deferred.
Vermont:
Ducks, geese, mergansers and coots... Sept. 26 & 27.
Virginia................................. Deferred.
West Virginia (3):
Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and Sept. 19 & Nov. 7.
gallinules.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama:
Ducks, mergansers, coots, geese, Nov. 21 & Feb. 6.
moorhens, and gallinules.
Arkansas................................. Deferred.
Illinois................................. Deferred.
Indiana.................................. Deferred.
Iowa..................................... Deferred.
Kentucky:
Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots,
moorhens, and gallinules:
West Zone........................ Feb. 6 & 7.
East Zone........................ Nov. 7 & 8.
Louisiana................................ Deferred.
Michigan:
Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, Sept. 12 & 13.
moorhens, and gallinules.
Minnesota:
Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, Sept. 12.
moorhens, and gallinules.
Mississippi.............................. Deferred.
Missouri................................. Deferred.
Ohio..................................... Deferred.
Tennessee................................ Deferred.
Wisconsin:
Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, Sept. 19 & 20.
moorhens, and gallinules.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CENTRAL FLYWAY
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado:
Ducks, dark geese, mergansers, and
coots:
Mountain/Foothills Zone.......... Sept. 26 & 27.
Northeast Zone................... Oct. 3 & 4.
Southeast Zone................... Oct. 17 & 18.
Kansas (4)............................... Deferred.
Montana:
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots.. Sept. 26 & 27.
[[Page 52659]]
Nebraska (5):
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots.. Deferred.
New Mexico:
Ducks, mergansers, coots, and
moorhens:
North Zone....................... Sept. 26 & 27.
South Zone....................... Oct. 10 & 11.
North Dakota:
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots.. Sept. 19 & 20.
Oklahoma................................. Deferred.
South Dakota:
Ducks, Canada geese, mergansers, and Sept. 19 & 20.
coots.
Texas.................................... Deferred.
Wyoming:
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots:
Zone C1.......................... Sept. 26 & 27.
Zone C2.......................... Sept. 19 & 20.
Zone C3.......................... Sept. 19 & 20.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PACIFIC FLYWAY
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arizona.................................. Deferred.
California:
Ducks, geese, brant, mergansers,
coots, and moorhens:
Northeastern Zone................ Sept. 26 & 27.
Colorado River Zone.............. Jan. 30 & 31.
Southern Zone.................... Feb. 6 & 7.
Southern San Joaquin Valley Zone. Feb. 6 & 7.
Balance of State Zone............ Feb. 6 & 7.
Colorado:
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots.. Oct. 17 & 18.
Idaho:
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots..
Zone 1........................... Sept. 26 & 27.
Zones 2 & 3...................... Deferred.
Montana:
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots. Sept. 26 & 27.
Nevada:
Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, and
moorhens:
Northeast Zone................... Sept. 12 & 13.
South Zone....................... Deferred.
New Mexico:
Ducks, mergansers, coots, and Oct. 3 & 4.
moorhens.
Oregon:
Ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots.. Sept. 26 & 27.
Utah:
Ducks, dark geese, mergansers, and Sept. 19.
coots.
Washington (6):
Ducks, Canada geese, mergansers, and Sept. 19 & 20.
coots.
Wyoming:
Ducks, dark geese, mergansers, and Sept. 19 & 20.
coots.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) In Maryland, the accompanying adult must be at least 21 years of age
and possess a valid Maryland hunting license (or be exempt from the
license requirement). This accompanying adult may not shoot or possess
a firearm.
(2) In New York, the daily bag limit for Canada geese is 3.
(3) In West Virginia, the accompanying adult must be at least 18 years
of age.
(4) In Kansas, the adult accompanying the youth must possess any
licenses and/or stamps required by law for that individual to hunt
waterfowl.
(5) In Nebraska, see State regulations for additional information on the
daily bag limit.
(6) In Washington, the Canada goose season is closed in Goose Areas 2A
and 2B.
0
7. Section 20.106 is revised 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 noted. Area descriptions were published in
the August 21, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 51090).
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
[[Page 52660]]
the permit is altered or defaced in any way, the permit becomes
invalid.
CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL
RESTRICTIONS.
Note: States with deferred seasons may select those seasons at the
same time they select waterfowl seasons in August. Consult late-season
regulations for further information.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limits
Season Dates
-------------------------------
Bag Possession
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kentucky
(1).................................. Dec. 12-Jan. 10.................
2 2
Minnesota: (1)
NW Goose Zone............................. Sept. 12-Oct.
18................ 1 3
Tennessee (1).................................
Deferred........................ .............. ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CENTRAL FLYWAY
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado
(1).................................. Oct. 3-Nov. 29..................
3 9
Kansas (1)(2)(3).............................. Nov. 11-Jan.
7.................. 3 9
Montana:
Regular Season Area (1)................... Oct. 3-Nov.
29.................. 3 9 per season
-------------------------------
Special Season Area (4)................... Sept. 12-Oct.
4................. 2 per season
-------------------------------
New Mexico:
Regular Season Area (1)................... Oct. 31-Jan.
31................. 3 6
-------------------------------
Middle Rio Grande Valley Area (4)(5)...... Oct. 24-Oct. 25
&...............
Nov. 14-Nov. 15
&............... 2 per season
Nov. 7
&........................ 2 per season
Nov. 28-Nov. 29
&............... 2 per season
Jan. 9-Jan.
10.................. 2 per season
Southwest Area (4)........................ Oct. 24-Nov. 1
&................ 2 per season
Jan. 2-Jan.
3................... 2 per season
-------------------------------
Estancia Valley (4)....................... Oct. 24-Nov.
1.................. 3 6
North Dakota: (1)
Area 1.................................... Sept. 19-Nov.
15................ 3 9
Area 2.................................... Sept. 19-Nov.
15................ 2 6
Oklahoma (1)..................................
Deferred........................ .............. ..............
South Dakota (1).............................. Sept. 26-Nov.
22................ 3 9
Texas (1).....................................
Deferred........................ .............. ..............
Wyoming:
Regular Season (Area 7) (1)............... Sept. 19-Nov.
15................ 3 9
-------------------------------
Riverton-Boysen Unit (Area 4) (4)......... Sept. 19-Oct.
11................ 1 per season
Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park, and Washakie Sept. 19-Oct.
11................ 1 per season
Counties (Area 6) (4).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PACIFIC FLYWAY
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arizona:
(4)..................................
Special Season Area....................... Nov. 13-Nov. 15
&............... 3 per season
Nov. 17-Nov. 19
&............... 3 per season
Nov. 21-Nov. 23
&............... 3 per season
Nov. 25-Nov. 27
&............... 3 per season
Nov. 29-Dec. 1
&................ 3 per season
Dec. 4-Dec.
6................... 3 per season
Idaho: (4)
Areas 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5..................... Sept. 1-Sept.
15................ 2 per season
-------------------------------
Montana: (4)(6)
Zone 1.................................... Sept. 12-Oct.
4................. 1 1
Zone 2.................................... Sept. 12-Oct.
4................. 2 2
Zone 3.................................... Sept. 12-Oct.
4................. 2 2
Zone 4.................................... Sept. 12-Oct.
4................. 1 1
-------------------------------
Utah: (4)
Rich County............................... Sept. 5-Sept.
13................ 1 per season
Cache County.............................. Sept. 5-Sept.
13................ 1 per season
East Box Elder County..................... Sept. 5-Sept.
13................ 1 per season
Uintah County............................. Sept. 19-Oct.
18................ 1 per season
Wyoming: (4)
Area 1.................................... Sept. 1-Sept.
8................. 1 per season
Area 2.................................... Sept. 1-Sept.
8................. 1 per season
[[Page 52661]]
Area 3.................................... Sept. 1-Sept.
8................. 1 per season
Area 5.................................... Sept. 1-Sept.
8................. 1 per season
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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.
(2) In Kansas, shooting hours are from sunrise until sunset.
(3) In Kansas, each person desiring to hunt sandhill cranes is required
to pass an annual, online sandhill crane
identification examination.
(4) Hunting is by State permit only. See State regulations for further
information.
(5) In New Mexico, in the Middle Rio Grande Valley Area (Bernardo WMA
and Casa Colorado WMA), the season is only
open for youth hunters on November 7. See State regulations for
further details.
(6) In Montana, the possession limit is 2 per season.
0
8. Section 20.109 is revised 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 noted. Area descriptions were published in the August 21,
2015, Federal Register (80 FR 51090). For those extended seasons for
ducks, mergansers, and coots, area descriptions were published in an
August 25, 2015, Federal Register (80 FR 51658) and will be published
again in a late-September 2015, Federal Register.
CHECK STATE REGULATIONS FOR AREA DESCRIPTIONS AND ANY ADDITIONAL
RESTRICTIONS.
Daily bag limit........................... 3 migratory birds, singly or
in the aggregate.
Possession limit.......................... 9 migratory birds, singly or
in the aggregate.
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.
Only extended falconry seasons are shown below. Many States permit
falconry during the gun seasons. Please consult State regulations for
details.
For ducks, mergansers, coots, geese, and some moorhen seasons;
additional season days occurring after September 30 will be published
with the late-season selections. Some States have deferred selections.
Consult late-season regulations for further information.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Extended falconry dates
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATLANTIC FLYWAY
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delaware:
Doves................................. Jan. 14-Jan. 30.
Rails................................. Nov. 10-Dec. 16.
Woodcock.............................. Oct. 21-Oct. 24 & Jan.
13-
Mar. 10.
Florida:
Doves................................. Jan. 16-Feb. 1.
Rails................................. Nov. 10-Dec. 16.
Woodcock.............................. Nov. 24-Dec. 17 & Feb.
1-
Mar. 9.
Common moorhens....................... Nov. 10-Dec. 14.
Georgia:
Ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, Nov. 30-Dec. 7.
moorhens, gallinules, and sea ducks.
Maryland:
Doves................................. Jan. 16-Feb. 1.
Rails................................. Nov. 10-Dec. 16.
Woodcock.............................. Oct. 1-Oct. 29 & Feb.
7-Mar.
10.
North Carolina:
Doves................................. Oct. 15-Oct. 31.
Rails, moorhens, and gallinules....... Dec. 5-Jan. 9.
Woodcock.............................. Nov. 7-Dec. 5 & Feb.
1-Feb.
27.
Pennsylvania:
Doves................................. Oct. 12-Oct. 16 & Nov.
30-
Dec. 11.
Rails................................. Nov. 10-Dec. 16.
Woodcock and snipe.................... Sept. 1-Oct. 16 & Nov.
30-
Dec. 17.
Moorhens and gallinules............... Nov. 10-Dec. 16.
Virginia:
Doves................................. Dec. 23 & Jan. 16-Jan.
31.
Woodcock.............................. Oct. 17-Nov. 22 & Dec.
6-
Dec. 14 & Jan. 16-Jan.
31.
Rails, moorhens, and gallinules....... Nov. 17-Dec. 23.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Illinois:
Doves................................. Nov. 15-Dec. 1.
Rails................................. Sept. 1-Sept. 4 & Nov.
14-
Dec. 16.
Woodcock.............................. Sept. 1-Oct. 16 & Dec.
1-
Dec. 16.
[[Page 52662]]
Ducks, mergansers, and coots.......... Feb. 10-Mar. 10.
Indiana:
Doves................................. Oct. 19-Oct. 31 & Jan.
11-
Jan. 17.
Woodcock.............................. Sept. 20-Oct. 14 & Nov.
29-
Jan. 4.
Ducks, mergansers, and coots (1)
North Zone........................ Sept. 27-Sept. 30.
Louisiana:
Doves................................. Sept. 13-Sept. 29.
Woodcock.............................. Oct. 28-Dec. 17 & Feb.
1-
Feb. 11.
Minnesota:
Woodcock.............................. Sept. 1-Sept. 18 & Nov.
3-
Dec. 16.
Rails and snipe....................... Nov. 3-Dec. 16.
Doves................................. Nov. 10-Dec. 16.
Missouri:
Doves................................. Nov. 10-Dec. 16.
Ducks, mergansers, and coots.......... Sept. 12-Sept. 27.
Tennessee:
Doves................................. Sept. 29-Oct. 9 & Nov.
2-
Nov. 7.
Ducks (1)............................. Sept. 15-Oct. 20.
Wisconsin:
Rails, snipe, moorhens, and gallinules Sept. 1-Sept. 25.
(1).
Woodcock.............................. Sept. 1-Sept. 18.
Ducks, mergansers, and coots.......... Sept. 19-Sept. 20.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CENTRAL FLYWAY
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Montana: (2)
Ducks, mergansers, and coots (1)...... Sept. 23-Sept. 30.
Nebraska:
Ducks, mergansers, and coots:
Zone 1............................ Sept. 5-Sept. 20.
Zone 2:
Low Plains.................... Sept.-Sept. 20.
High Plains................... Sept. 12-Sept. 20.
Zone 3:
Low Plains.................... Sept. 5-Sept. 20.
High Plains................... Sept. 12-Sept. 20.
Zone 4............................ Sept. 5-Sept. 20.
New Mexico:
Doves:
North Zone........................ Nov. 10-Nov. 12 & Nov.
28-
Dec. 31.
South Zone........................ Oct. 14-Nov. 12 & Nov.
28-
Dec. 4.
Ducks and coots....................... Sept. 12-Sept. 19.
Sandhill cranes:
Regular Season Area............... Oct. 17-Oct. 30.
Estancia Valley Area (3).......... Nov. 2-Dec. 22.
Common moorhens....................... Dec. 5-Jan. 10.
Sora and Virginia rails............... Nov. 21-Dec. 27.
North Dakota:
Ducks, mergansers, coots, and snipe... Sept. 7-Sept. 11 & Sept.
14-
Sept. 18.
South Dakota:
Ducks, mergansers, and coots (1)
High Plains....................... Oct. 2-Oct. 9.
Low Plains:
North Zone.................... Sept. 1-Sept. 25.
Middle Zone................... Sept. 1-Sept. 25.
South Zone.................... Sept. 15-Oct. 9.
Texas:
Doves................................. Nov. 7-Dec. 13.
Rails, gallinules, and woodcock....... Feb. 1-Feb. 14.
Wyoming:
Rails................................. Nov. 10-Dec. 16.
Ducks, mergansers, and coots
Zone C1........................... Sept. 26-Sept. 27 & Oct.
22-
Oct. 29.
Zone C2 & C3...................... Sept. 19-Sept. 25 &
Dec. 7-
Dec. 9.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PACIFIC FLYWAY
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arizona:
Doves................................. Sept. 16-Nov. 1.
New Mexico:
Doves:
North Zone........................ Nov. 10-Nov. 12 & Nov.
28-
Dec. 31.
South Zone........................ Oct. 14-Nov. 12 & Nov.
28-
Dec. 4.
[[Page 52663]]
Oregon:
Doves:................................ Oct. 31-Dec. 16.
Band-tailed pigeons (4)............... Sept. 1-Sept. 14 & Sept.
24-
Dec. 16.
Utah:
Doves................................. Nov. 1-Dec. 16.
Band-tailed pigeons................... Oct. 1-Dec. 16.
Washington:
Doves................................. Oct. 31-Dec. 16.
Wyoming:
Sora and Virginia rails............... Nov. 10-Dec. 16.
Ducks, mergansers, and coots (1)...... Sept. 19-Sept. 20.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Additional days occurring after September 30 will be published with
the late-season selections.
(2) In Montana, the bag limit is 2 and the possession limit is 6.
(3) In New Mexico, the bag limit for sandhill cranes in the Estancia
Valley Area is 2 per day and the possession limit is 2 per season.
(4) In Oregon, no more than 1 pigeon daily in bag or possession.
[FR Doc. 2015-21596 Filed 8-31-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P