The Service issued a final rule revising Federal baiting regulations on June 3, 1999. Changes promote the restoration and creation of habitat for migratory birds while providing increased opportunities for hunting waterfowl and other migratory game bird species.
The revised regulations also define key terms for hunters and landowners and clarify conditions under which migratory game birds may be legally hunted. The new rules will be in effect for the 1999-2000 hunting season.
"Hunters need to know the rules before they take to the fields and marshes this fall. These guidelines should help them enjoy the sport and obey the law," said Acting Service Director John Rogers.
The brochures discuss new definitions and requirements related to baiting; review penalties for hunting with bait and placing bait; examine a few potential problem areas; and provide a brief overview of other Federal rules that govern migratory game bird hunting. They also include excerpts from the new baiting regulations as well as contact information for Service law enforcement offices throughout the country.
Printed copies of the two new brochures will be available from the Service later this fall.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 93-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System comprised of more than 500 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands, and other special management areas. It also operates 66 national fish hatcheries, 64 fish and wildlife management assistance offices and 78 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces Federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Aid program that distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies.
