[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 132 (Tuesday, July 12, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-16812]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: July 12, 1994]


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Part II





Department of the Interior





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Fish and Wildlife Service



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50 CFR Part 20




Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Early-Season Migratory 
Bird Hunting Regulations; Proposed Rule
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 20

RIN 1018-AA24

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

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; Supplemental.

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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter the Service) is 
proposing to establish the 1994-95 early-season hunting regulations for 
certain migratory game birds. The Service annually prescribes 
frameworks, or outer limits, for dates and times when hunting may occur 
and the maximum number of birds that may be taken and possessed in 
early seasons. These frameworks are necessary to allow State selections 
of final seasons and limits and to allow recreational harvest at levels 
compatible with population status and habitat conditions.

DATES: The comment period for proposed early-season frameworks will end 
on July 21, 1994; and for late-season proposals on August 29, 1994. A 
public hearing on late-season regulations will be held on August 4, 
1994, starting at 9 a.m.

ADDRESSES: The August 4 public hearing will be held in the Auditorium 
of the Department of the Interior Building, 1849 C Street, NW., 
Washington, DC. Written comments on these proposals and notice of 
intention to participate in the late-season hearing should be sent in 
writing to the Chief, Office of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service, room 634--Arlington Square, Washington, DC 20240. 
Comments received will be available for public inspection during normal 
business hours in room 634, Arlington Square Building, 4401 N. Fairfax 
Drive, Arlington, Virginia.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul R. Schmidt, Chief, Office of 
Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, room 634--
Arlington Square, Washington, DC 20240, (703) 358-1714.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Regulations Schedule for 1994

    On April 7, 1994, the Service published for public comment in the 
Federal Register (59 FR 16762) a proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20, with 
comment periods ending as noted earlier. On June 8, 1994, the Service 
published for public comment a second document (59 FR 29700) which 
provided supplemental proposals for early- and late-season migratory 
bird hunting regulations frameworks.
    On June 23, 1994, a public hearing was held in Washington, DC, as 
announced in the April 7 and June 8 Federal Registers to review the 
status of migratory shore and upland game birds. Proposed hunting 
regulations were discussed for these species and for other early 
seasons.
    This document is the third in a series of proposed, supplemental, 
and final rulemaking documents for migratory bird hunting regulations 
and deals specifically with proposed frameworks for early-season 
regulations. It will lead to final frameworks from which States may 
select season dates, shooting hours, and daily bag and possession 
limits for the 1994-95 season. All pertinent comments received through 
June 23, 1994, have been considered in developing this document. In 
addition, new proposals for certain early-season regulations are 
provided for public comment. Comment periods are specified above under 
DATES. Final regulatory frameworks for early seasons are scheduled for 
publication in the Federal Register on or about August 16, 1994.
    This supplemental proposed rulemaking consolidates further changes 
in the original framework proposals published in the April 7 Federal 
Register. The regulations for early waterfowl hunting seasons proposed 
in this document are based on the most current information available 
about the status of waterfowl populations and habitat conditions on the 
breeding grounds.

Presentations at Public Hearing

    Four Service employees presented reports on the status of various 
migratory bird species for which early hunting seasons are being 
proposed. These reports are briefly reviewed as a matter of public 
information.
    Dr. John Bruggink, Woodcock Specialist, reported on the 1994 status 
of American woodcock. Age-ratio information from harvested woodcock 
indicated that the 1993 recruitment index (ratio of immatures to adult 
females) was 23.5 percent below the long-term average in the Eastern 
Region and 11.8 percent lower than the long-term average in the Central 
Region. Daily hunting success in the Eastern Region decreased from 2.0 
woodcock bagged per hunter in 1992 to 1.9 woodcock bagged per hunter in 
1993 (-5 percent). The seasonal-hunting-success index decreased from 
9.7 to 7.0 woodcock per hunter (-27.8 percent). In the Central Region, 
the daily-success index decreased from 2.4 birds per hunter in 1992 to 
2.3 birds per hunter in 1993 (-4.2 percent), and the seasonal success 
index decreased from 11.7 to 11.0 woodcock bagged per hunter (-6 
percent). Analysis of data from the Singing-ground Survey indicated 
that the number of woodcock declined between 1993 and 1994 in the 
Eastern and Central Regions. Ten-year (1985-94) trends from the 
Singing-ground Survey also indicated declining populations. Since 1968, 
breeding population indices declined 1.9 percent per year in the 
Eastern Region and 1.1 percent per year in the Central Region.
    Mr. David Dolton, Dove Specialist, presented the status of mourning 
doves in 1994. The report summarized call-count information gathered 
over the past 29 years. Trends were calculated for the most recent 10-
year interval and for the entire 29-year period. Between 1993 and 1994, 
the average number of doves heard per route did not significantly 
change in any of the 3 management units. No significant trend was found 
in doves heard in the Eastern or Central Units for either the 10- or 
29-year time frames. In the Western Unit, no trend was evident over the 
most recent 10 years, but there has been a significant decline over the 
past 29 years. Trends for doves seen at the unit level over the 10- and 
29-year periods agreed with trends for doves heard.
    Mr. Dolton also presented the status of western white-winged doves 
in Arizona. Whitewing populations declined rapidly in the 1970's, and 
have since remained relatively stable at a reduced level. In 1993, the 
Arizona whitewing harvest of 91,000 birds declined 3.7 percent from the 
harvest in 1992 and was 30 percent below the 1980-89 mean. The 1994 
whitewing call-count survey indicated an 18 percent decrease from 1993.
    Mr. Dolton then reported on the status of eastern white-winged 
doves and white-tipped doves in Texas. Results of the 1994 whitewing 
call-count survey indicated that 615,000 birds were nesting in the 
Lower Rio Grande Valley in Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy 
Counties. This estimate represents a 40 percent increase from 1993 and 
is 22 percent above the 33-year average of 501,000. In upper south 
Texas, more than 577,000 whitewings were nesting throughout a 19-county 
area. This is a 20 percent increase over last year's population and 
marks the sixth year of a population expansion in this portion of the 
State. West Texas supports a small population of whitewings. The 1994 
estimate of 17,000 birds was 10 percent below the 1993 estimate. For 
white-tipped doves, an average of 0.78 birds were heard per stop in 
both brush and citrus locations in 1994. This is 30 percent below the 
1993 level.
    Finally, Mr. Dolton presented population and harvest information 
for band-tailed pigeons. This species is managed as two separate 
populations: the Coastal Population (California, Nevada, Oregon, and 
Washington) and the Four-Corners or Interior Population (Arizona, 
Colorado, New Mexico and Utah). For the Coastal Population, the 
Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) indicated a significant decline between 1968 
and 1993. However, the population apparently has stabilized in the 9 
years from 1985 to 1993. Mineral-spring counts conducted in Oregon 
suggest that bandtails experienced a precipitous decline in 1973 and 
again in 1985. Since 1985, these counts indicate that the population 
has been increasing gradually, but it remains at a lower level than 
during the 1970's. The 1993 count decreased 1.6 percent from 1992. 
Washington's call-count survey yielded a 1993 index 44 percent above 
that of 1992, although this change was not statistically significant. 
Two indirect population estimates in 1992 suggested that the population 
ranged between 2.4 and 3.1 million birds. The estimated harvest in 1993 
was 6,000 birds in California and 3,200 in Oregon. Washington did not 
have a bandtail season in 1993.
    In the Four-Corners area, BBS data indicated a stable population 
between 1968 and 1993. The combined harvest for all four States in 1993 
was 828 birds. This was a decrease of 60 percent from more than 2,000 
bandtails harvested in 1992.
    Dr. Jim Dubovsky, Waterfowl Specialist, presented information on 
1994 habitat conditions for waterfowl and preliminary estimates of 
blue-winged teal abundance and harvests. A video was shown depicting 
wetland and upland conditions in the Dakotas and the Prairie Provinces 
of Canada. Generally, nesting conditions were favorable throughout most 
of the survey area, with abundant wetlands and improved upland cover. 
Biologists in several regions stated that conditions were the best they 
have observed since the 1970's. There were approximately 6 million 
ponds in Prairie Canada and the northcentral U.S. This estimate is 
significantly greater than the estimate for 1993 and the long-term 
average.
    The 1994 May breeding population survey yielded an estimate of 4.6 
million blue-winged teal, 45 percent higher than the 1993 estimate of 
3.2 million. The 1994 estimate was also 14 percent above the long-term 
average. The estimated harvest of blue-winged teal during the 1993 
September teal season was approximately 134,000 birds, 30 percent below 
the outcome of the 1992 teal season. The combined September and 
regular-season harvest of all teal was approximately 1.03 million, 42 
percent below the 1985-87 average. Harvest rates of blue-winged teal 
remained low during 1993-94 and were not different from those of last 
year or the 1985-87 period.
    Mr. David Sharp, Central Flyway Representative, reported on the 
status and harvests of sandhill cranes. The Mid-Continent Population 
appears to have stabilized following dramatic increases in the early 
1980's. The preliminary 1994 spring index for the Central Platte River 
Valley, uncorrected for visibility, was about 384,850. This index is 52 
percent larger than the 1993 index of 253,800. The photo-corrected 3-
year average for the 1991-93 period was 375,300, which is within the 
established population-objective range of 343,000-465,000 cranes. All 
Central Flyway States, except Nebraska, elected to allow crane hunting 
in portions of their respective States in 1993-94; about 19,000 permits 
were issued and approximately 7,200 permittees hunted one or more 
times. Compared to the previous year's seasons, the number of 
permittees increased about 10 percent and active hunters increased 35 
percent. About 19,000 cranes were harvested in 1993-94, a 53 percent 
increase from the 12,433 harvested in 1992-93. In Canada, the retrieved 
harvest fell (51%) from 5,600 in the 1992-93 seasons to 2,800 in the 
1993-94 seasons. Also, Mid-Continent cranes are hunted in Alaska and 
Mexico. Data for these areas are not yet available, but the combined 
harvest should not exceed 3,500 during the 1993-94 seasons. The total 
North American sport harvest was estimated to be about 30,200 cranes, 
which is near (-5%) the record high reported in the 1990-91 seasons 
(31,700), and only the second time the total has exceeded the 30,000 
level.
    Annual surveys of the Rocky Mountain Population, which migrates 
through the San Luis Valley of Colorado in March, suggest that the 
population has been relatively stable since 1984. The 1994 index of 
17,214 cranes (uncorrected for visibility bias) was near the 
established objective range of 18,000-22,000. Limited special seasons 
were held during 1993 in portions of Arizona, Montana, New Mexico, 
Utah, and Wyoming, and resulted in an estimated harvest of 704 cranes.

Comments Received at Public Hearing

    Mr. Charles D. Kelley, representing the Southeastern Association of 
Fish and Wildlife Agencies, reiterated the request made by a majority 
of States in the Southeast to prohibit dove hunting over top-sown wheat 
and urged the Service to include this prohibition in its final revision 
of the Code of Federal Regulations (50 CFR). He also expressed 
opposition to the proposed inclusion of wounded birds in the daily bag 
limit.
    Mr. Ron Stromstad, representing the Central Flyway Council and the 
North Dakota Game and Fish Department, stated that he appreciated the 
work of the Service Regulations Committee in developing this year's 
annual hunting-season proposals. He indicated that the Central Flyway 
Council looked forward to working with the recently established Mid-
Continent Population Sandhill Crane Working Group to revise the harvest 
strategy for this population. He supported the Central Flyway Council's 
recommendations regarding the conduct of September teal seasons and 
emphasized that evaluation of any proposed changes to these seasons 
should be undertaken on a flyway basis. He supported the Texas request 
for dove hunting during 3 time periods in the Central and Southern 
Zones. He appreciated the proposed change in the aggregate bag limit 
for white-winged doves from 2 to 6 in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. He 
noted that over the past 3 years, whitewings have expanded their range 
and populations have grown significantly. In the Rio Grande Valley, 
numbers are now well above average. With regard to the proposed 
revision of 50 CFR, he encouraged the Service to proceed slowly in the 
development of the proposed rule and suggested that the Service 
continue to work closely with the States. He supported the 
recommendations from the other Flyway Councils, with the exception of 
the proposed changes in the woodcock season in Tennessee. He emphasized 
that the record should clearly indicate that the Conservation Reserve 
Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is 
providing secure nesting habitats for grassland-nesting migratory 
birds. Improved water conditions on the prairies, coupled with the 
millions of acres of secure nesting cover, will undoubtedly have a 
significant beneficial effect on this year's recruitment of nesting 
birds in the northcentral States.

Written Comments Received

    The preliminary proposed rulemaking, which appeared in the April 7 
Federal Register, opened the public comment period for migratory game 
bird hunting regulations. As of June 23, 1994, the Service had received 
22 comments; 6 of these specifically addressed early-season issues. 
These early-season comments are summarized below and numbered in the 
order used in the April 7 Federal Register. Only the numbered items 
pertaining to early seasons for which written comments were received 
are included. The Service received recommendations from all four Flyway 
Councils. Some recommendations supported continuation of last year's 
frameworks. Due to the comprehensive nature of the annual review of the 
frameworks performed by the Councils, support for continuation of last 
year's frameworks is also assumed for items for which no 
recommendations were received. Council recommendations for changes in 
the frameworks are summarized below.

General

    Written Comments: An individual from Minnesota expressed concern 
that the Service is de-emphasizing waterfowl in terms of habitat, 
predator control, enforcement of regulations, and support for the North 
American Waterfowl Management Plan. He noted that waterfowl hunters 
help pay for management programs through purchase of ``duck stamps,'' 
excise taxes, and donations to private conservation organizations.

1. Ducks

    The categories used to discuss issues related to duck harvest 
management are as follows: (A) General Harvest Strategy, (B) Framework 
Dates, (C) Season Length, (D) Closed Seasons, (E) Bag Limits, (F) Zones 
and Split Seasons, and (G) Special Seasons/Species Management. Only 
those categories containing substantial recommendations are included 
below.

G. Special Seasons/Species Management

i. September Teal Seasons

    In the April 9, 1993, Federal Register (58 FR 37830), the Service 
reiterated that, consistent with the strategy for the use of shooting 
hours developed by the Service in 1990, shooting hours will begin at 
sunrise unless States can demonstrate that the impact of presunrise 
shooting hours on nontarget duck species is negligible. States will be 
allowed to continue presunrise shooting hours during their September 
seasons under the condition that they conduct studies or provide 
information that demonstrates a negligible impact on nontarget duck 
species during the one-half hour period prior to sunrise. Three States 
in the Mississippi Flyway (Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana) and 
five in the Central Flyway (Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, and New 
Mexico) conducted hunter observations during the 1993 September teal 
season that demonstrated that the attempted harvest of non-target 
species was no different between pre- and post-sunrise periods.
    Council Recommendations:
    The Central Flyway Council recommended that September teal season 
shooting hours begin one-half hour before sunrise to sunset without 
further evaluation for all non-production Central Flyway States.
    The Central Flyway Council recommended that the Service review the 
guidelines for establishing a September teal season for any new 
requests for seasons.
    The Upper-Region and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the 
Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that Michigan be permitted to 
hold an experimental September teal season in southeastern portions of 
the State.
    The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway 
Council requested that September teal season shooting hours beginning 
one-half hour before sunrise be made operational and that no further 
evaluation of shooting hours be required.
    Written Comments: An individual representing a group of duck 
hunters from Wisconsin expressed concern that some States with a 
September teal season are allowed shooting hours that begin one-half 
hour before sunrise. He believes that hunters are unable to identify 
ducks and that most crippling loss occurs prior to sunrise.
    The Michigan Department of Natural Resources requested that 
Michigan be allowed to conduct a teal season in areas where teal 
concentrate. They proposed limiting the season to no more than 2,000 
hunters and believed that hunters' skills at identifying waterfowl are 
better now than they were during initial evaluations of teal seasons in 
the 1960's. Four individuals from Michigan supported the proposed 
September teal season for portions of Michigan.

ii. September Duck Seasons

    A cooperative Wood Duck Initiative undertaken by the Service and 
the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway Councils in 1991 is designed to 
improve banding programs and evaluate techniques for obtaining 
estimates of breeding population size and production. The Service does 
not propose to discontinue the September wood duck/teal seasons in 
Kentucky, Tennessee, and Florida or expand seasons elsewhere until this 
initiative has been completed. Furthermore, the Service requests an 
updated report on these seasons for Kentucky, Tennessee, and Florida, 
by February 1, 1995. These reports should contain wood duck recovery 
and survival rates, harvest, and the derivation of banded birds 
harvested during these seasons.
    The Service has published a strategy concerning shooting hours 
which indicates that during species-specific duck seasons, shooting 
hours will begin at sunrise unless States can demonstrate that the 
impact of presunrise shooting hours on nontarget duck species is 
negligible. The Service received information from Kentucky, Tennessee, 
and Florida regarding the effect of presunrise shooting hours. This 
information was deemed sufficient to demonstrate a negligible impact of 
presunrise shooting hours on nontarget duck species during seasons 
directed at both teal and wood ducks. Therefore, Florida, Kentucky, and 
Tennessee will be allowed to continue presunrise shooting hours during 
their September seasons without further evaluation.
    Council Recommendations: The Upper-Region and Lower-Region 
Regulations Committees of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended 
that Iowa be permitted to hold a portion of their regular duck season 
in September to increase harvest opportunity on blue-winged teal.
    Written Comments: One individual and a petition with 467 signatures 
requested nine additional days of duck hunting in Wisconsin. The 
request notes that the efforts of duck hunters, the Wisconsin 
Department of Natural Resources, Ducks Unlimited, and various 
sportsmen's organizations have resulted in record levels of duck 
production. The additional nine days of duck hunting would make 
Wisconsin's season equal in length to certain other States in the 
Mississippi Flyway that are permitted a September teal season.

3. Sea Ducks

    Since 1992, the Service has expressed its concern about the status 
of sea ducks and the potential impact that increased hunting activity 
could have on these species. In 1993, the Service reduced bag limits on 
scoters from 7 to 4 within an overall 7-bird sea duck limit. Although 
data needed to monitor these species remain less than satisfactory, the 
Service reiterates its request that the Flyway Councils continue to 
review the status of sea ducks and complete management plans. States 
are asked to participate in improving population surveys, harvest 
estimates, and production indices.

4. Canada Geese

A. Special Seasons

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
that West Virginia be permitted to initiate a 3-year experimental 
resident Canada goose season during September 1-15.
    The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended modifications to hunt zones 
for September seasons on resident Canada geese in Maryland, North 
Carolina, Pennsylvania (Northwestern and Southeastern Zones), and 
Virginia. These proposed changes would be experimental.
    The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway 
Council made the following recommendations pertaining to special Canada 
goose seasons:
    In Indiana, expand the September season hunting area to Statewide 
with a September 1-15 framework. The proposed changes would not be 
experimental.
    In Michigan, extend the seasons in the northern Lower Peninsula and 
Upper Peninsula for 2 additional years and expand the zone in the Upper 
Peninsula to approximately the eastern half of the Peninsula; change 
the season length in the southern part of the Lower Peninsula from 10 
to 15 days (September 1-15) for 3 years and include the southern 
portions of Tuscola and Huron Counties. The proposed changes would be 
experimental.
    In Minnesota, expand the Fergus Falls/Alexandria Zone and extend 
the framework for the 10-day season to September 1-16 for 3 years. The 
proposed changes would be experimental.
    In Ohio, expand the September-season hunting area to Statewide with 
a September 1-15 framework. The proposed changes would not be 
experimental.
    In Wisconsin, enlarge the size of the Southeastern Wisconsin Zone 
and continue as a special season with a September 1-13 framework. The 
proposed changes would not be experimental.
    The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway 
Council requested that the Service closely monitor all Canada goose 
seasons and fully analyze data from existing special or experimental 
seasons before expanding seasons that cumulatively might increase 
harvest of the Southern James Bay Population. Also, current special 
seasons should adhere to present criteria designed by the Service.
    The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway 
Council also requested that a 3-year experimental, 10-day September 
Canada goose season be permitted in the eastern portion of Tennessee.

B. Regular Seasons 

    Council Recommendations: The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of 
the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that the early-season 
frameworks provide for the opening of regular goose seasons in 
Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan as early as September 24.
    The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway 
Council requested that the Service closely monitor all Canada goose 
seasons and fully analyze data from existing special or experimental 
seasons before expanding seasons that cumulatively might increase 
harvest of the Southern James Bay Population of Canada geese.
    The Pacific Flyway Council seeks a limited resumption of cackling 
Canada goose hunting throughout their range and recommends that the 
Service provide an expedited review of their recommended changes in 
cackling Canada goose regulations for impacts on Aleutian Canada geese 
under the Section 7 consultation process.
    Written Comments: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources 
believes that regular goose seasons should be allowed to open as early 
as September 24 in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They noted that 
significant numbers of migrant geese begin arriving in the Upper 
Peninsula during September 20-24 in most years. They anticipate that 
harvest in this region would remain small compared to the rest of the 
State. They also believe that nearly all Canada geese harvested in this 
region are of the giant subspecies or the Mississippi Valley 
Population. Finally, they noted that allowing a September 24 opening 
would provide equitable hunting opportunity compared to other areas 
because most geese leave this region by early November.
    The Association of Village Council Presidents, representing Native 
American interests in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta area, supported modest 
liberalizations of white-fronted goose seasons in Alaska and 
Washington. However, they did not support further liberlizations in 
Oregon or California, noting that liberalizations occurred during each 
of the preceding years and that it was difficult to measure the effects 
of these incremental changes.

9. Sandhill Cranes

    In 1993, the Central and Pacific Flyways completed a revision of 
the Cooperative Management Plan for the Mid-Continent Population of 
sandhill cranes. This revision established a goal of a stable 
population at levels observed during the 1982-92 period and removed the 
harvest threshold (25,000) that had been in place since 1981. The 
Service believes that future management actions for Mid-Continent 
cranes should be based on the recognition of biologically discrete 
subpopulations, which would necessitate the development of data 
collection efforts at the subspecies level. In the April 9, 1993, 
Federal Register (59 FR 16765), the Service reiterated its concern that 
overall harvest levels should not be increased and that there should be 
no increase or shift in harvest toward the Gulf Coast Subpopulation or 
to the greater sandhill crane component.
    Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended no 
changes in the Federal frameworks for the hunting of Mid-Continent 
cranes during the 1994-95 seasons.
    Written Comments: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department responded 
to statements in the April 7, 1994, Federal Register (59 FR 16765) that 
indicated that there should be no increase or shift in crane harvest 
toward the Gulf Coast Subpopulation of Mid-Continent Sandhill Cranes 
and especially the greater sandhill crane component. They noted that 
the Central Flyway Council did not propose any framework changes for 
the 1994-95 seasons and asked for clarification of the reasons for this 
concern, especially since the population remains stable. In this 
regard, they suggested that the Service provide a harvest objective, 
rationale and method of evaluation of any harvest reduction proposed. 
Furthermore, the appropriate level of management should be clearly 
identified, i.e. population, subpopulation, or subspecies level. 
Biologists working in Texas support management at the population or 
subpopulation level. They indicated that zoning for the hunting of 
cranes could not be attempted until these issues had been resolved.

14. Woodcock

    The Service is concerned about the gradual long-term declines in 
woodcock populations in both the Eastern and Central Management 
Regions. Although habitat changes appear to be the primary factor in 
the declines, adjustment of harvest opportunities may be appropriate in 
light of current population trends. The Service and Flyway Councils 
should review the status of woodcock and cooperatively develop a 
harvest-management strategy.
    Council Recommendations: The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of 
the Mississippi Flyway Council requested that Tennessee be allowed to 
divide the State into 2 zones (East and West) for woodcock hunting.

16. Mourning Doves

    Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended 
that Texas be allowed an increase in the number of segments from 2 to 3 
in 2 of the 3 mourning dove hunting zones now offered to Texas.

17. White-winged and White-tipped doves

    In the August 23, 1993, Federal Register (58 FR 44581), the Service 
stated that with continued improvement in the whitewing population in 
the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, serious consideration would be 
given to a request to increase the number of whitewings in the 
aggregate bag limit in the special white-winged dove area in 1994 from 
2 to 6 during the regular mourning dove season.
    Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended 
that the number of white-winged doves allowed in the 12-bird aggregate 
bag limit during the mourning dove season be increased from 2 to 6 in 
the Texas Counties of Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy.

18. Alaska

    The Service proposed in the April 9, 1993, Federal Register (58 FR 
19008-19012) to manage the harvest of canvasbacks based on a single, 
continental breeding population. The Service does not envision that 
full-season bag limits of 2 canvasbacks per day could be offered 
nationwide in the foreseeable future. Therefore, the Service proposes 
to reduce the bag limit in Alaska from 2 to 1 canvasback per day.
    Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended 
that Alaska be allowed no more than 1 Canada goose in the daily bag for 
Unit 9E and the western portions of Unit 18.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended that the Statewide closure 
on cackling Canada geese be removed.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended removal of restrictive bag 
limits for white-fronted geese in Units 1-9 and 14-18 in Alaska. The 
goose limit will be 6 daily and 12 in possession, of which no more than 
4 daily and 8 in possession could be any combination of Canada or 
white-fronted geese.
    Written Comments: The Association of Village Council Presidents, 
representing Native American interests in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta 
area, supported modest liberalizations of white-fronted goose seasons 
in Alaska and Washington.

Public Comment Invited

    Based on the results of migratory game bird studies now in progress 
and having due consideration for any data or views submitted by 
interested parties, the possible amendments resulting from this 
supplemental rulemaking will specify open seasons, shooting hours, and 
bag and possession limits for designated migratory game birds in the 
United States.
    The Service intends that adopted final rules be as responsive as 
possible to all concerned interests, and therefore solicits the 
comments and suggestions of the public, other concerned governmental 
agencies, and private interests on these proposals. Such comments, and 
any additional information received, may lead to final regulations that 
differ from these proposals.
    Special circumstances are involved in the establishment of these 
regulations which limit the amount of time that the Service can allow 
for public comment. Specifically, two considerations compress the time 
in which the rulemaking process must operate: (1) the need to establish 
final rules at a point early enough in the summer to allow affected 
State agencies to appropriately adjust their licensing and regulatory 
mechanisms; and (2) the unavailability before mid-June of specific, 
reliable data on this year's status of some waterfowl and migratory 
shore and upland game bird populations. Therefore, the Service believes 
that to allow comment periods past the dates specified is contrary to 
the public interest.

Comment Procedure

    It is the policy of the Department of the Interior, whenever 
practical, to afford the public an opportunity to participate in the 
rulemaking process. Accordingly, interested persons may participate by 
submitting written comments to the Chief, Office of Migratory Bird 
Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, room 634, Arlington Square, 
Washington, DC 20240. Comments received will be available for public 
inspection during normal business hours at the Service's office in room 
634, Arlington Square Building, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, 
Virginia. All relevant comments received during the comment period will 
be considered. The Service will attempt to acknowledge comments 
received, but substantive responses to individual comments may not be 
provided.

NEPA Consideration

    NEPA considerations are covered by the programmatic document, 
``Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual 
Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds'' (FSES 88-
14), filed with EPA on June 9, 1988. Notice of Availability was 
published in the Federal Register on June 16, 1988 (53 FR 22582). The 
Service's Record of Decision was published on August 18, 1988 (53 FR 
31341). Copies of these documents are available from the Service at the 
address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES.

Endangered Species Act Consideration

    The Division of Endangered Species is completing a biological 
opinion on the proposed action. As in the past, hunting regulations 
this year will be designed, among other things, to remove or alleviate 
chances of conflict between seasons for migratory game birds and the 
protection and conservation of endangered and threatened species. The 
Service's biological opinions resulting from consultations under 
Section 7 are considered public documents and are available for 
inspection in the Division of Endangered Species (room 432) and the 
Office of Migratory Bird Management (room 634), Arlington Square 
Building, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia.

Regulatory Flexibility Act; Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 and the 
Paperwork Reduction Act

    In the Federal Register dated April 7, 1994 (59 FR 16762), the 
Service reported measures it had undertaken to comply with requirements 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the Executive Order. These 
included preparing an Analysis of Regulatory Effects and an updated 
Final Regulatory Impact Analysis, under the Regulatory Flexibility Act 
(5 U.S.C. 601 et seq), and publication of a summary of the latter. This 
information is included in the present document by reference. This 
action was not subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget 
under E.O. 12866. This rule does not contain any information collection 
requiring approval by the Office of Management and Budget under 44 
U.S.C. 3504.

Authorship

    The primary author of this proposed rulemaking is Robert J. Blohm, 
Office of Migratory Bird Management.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20

    Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Transportation, Wildlife.
    The rules that eventually will be promulgated for the 1994-95 
hunting season are authorized under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (July 
3, 1918), as amended, (16 U.S.C. 703-711); the Fish and Wildlife 
Improvement Act (November 8, 1978), as amended, (16 U.S.C. 712); and 
the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (August 8, 1956), as amended, (16 
U.S.C. 742 a--d and e--j).

    Dated: June 30, 1994.
 George T. Frampton, Jr.,
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

Proposed Regulations Frameworks for 1994-95 Early Hunting Seasons 
on Certain Migratory Game Birds

    Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and delegated 
authorities, the Director approved the following proposed frameworks 
which prescribe season lengths, bag limits, shooting hours, and outside 
dates within which States may select seasons for certain migratory game 
birds between September 1, 1994, and March 10, 1995.

General

    Dates: All outside dates noted below are inclusive.
    Shooting and Hawking (taking by falconry) Hours: Unless otherwise 
specified, from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset daily.
    Possession Limits: Unless otherwise specified, possession limits 
are twice the daily bag limit.
    Area, Zone, and Unit Descriptions: Geographic descriptions that 
differ from those published in the August 23, 1993, Federal Register 
(58 FR 44576) are contained in a later portion of this document.

Special September Teal Season

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and September 30, an open season 
on all species of teal may be selected by Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado 
(Central Flyway portion only), Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, 
Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico (Central Flyway portion 
only), Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas in areas delineated by 
State regulations.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 9 consecutive 
days, with a daily bag limit of 4 teal.
    Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except in 
Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Ohio, where the hours are 
from sunrise to sunset.

Special September Duck Seasons

    Florida: An experimental 5-consecutive-day season may be selected 
in September. The daily bag limit may not exceed 4 teal and wood ducks 
in the aggregate.
    Kentucky and Tennessee: In lieu of a special September teal season, 
an experimental 5-consecutive-day season may be selected in September. 
The daily bag limit may not exceed 4 teal and wood ducks in the 
aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be wood ducks.
    Iowa: Iowa may hold up to 5 days of its regular duck hunting season 
in September. All ducks which are legal during the regular duck season 
may be taken during the September segment of the season. The September 
season segment may commence no earlier than the Saturday nearest 
September 20 (September 17, 1994), with daily bag and possession limits 
being the same as those in effect during the 1994 regular duck season. 
The remainder of the regular duck season may not begin before October 
15.

Scoter, Eider, and Oldsquaw Ducks (Atlantic Flyway)

    Outside Dates: Between September 15 and January 20.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 107 days, with 
a daily bag limit of 7, singly or in the aggregate of the listed sea-
duck species, of which no more than 4 may be scoters.
    Daily Bag Limits During the Regular Duck Season: Within the special 
sea duck areas, during the regular duck season in the Atlantic Flyway, 
States may choose to allow the above sea duck limits in addition to the 
limits applying to other ducks during the regular duck season. In all 
other areas, sea ducks may be taken only during the regular open season 
for ducks and must be included in the regular duck season daily bag and 
possession limits.
    Areas: In all coastal waters and all waters of rivers and streams 
seaward from the first upstream bridge in Maine, New Hampshire, 
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York; in any waters 
of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters of any bay which are 
separated by at least 1 mile of open water from any shore, island, and 
emergent vegetation in New Jersey, South Carolina, and Georgia; and in 
any waters of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters of any bay 
which are separated by at least 800 yards of open water from any shore, 
island, and emergent vegetation in Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina 
and Virginia; and provided that any such areas have been described, 
delineated, and designated as special sea-duck hunting areas under the 
hunting regulations adopted by the respective States.

Special Early Canada Goose Seasons

Atlantic Flyway

    Hunting Seasons: Experimental Canada goose seasons may be selected 
by Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, 
Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Areas open to the hunting of 
Canada geese must be described, delineated, and designated as such in 
each State's hunting regulations.
    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and September 10, except that 
the closing date is September 15 in Maryland, Massachusetts, New 
Jersey, New York, southeastern Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West 
Virginia and September 30 in North Carolina.
    Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 5 Canada geese.

Mississippi Flyway

    Hunting Seasons: Experimental Canada goose seasons may be selected 
by Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and 
Wisconsin. Areas open to the hunting of Canada geese must be described, 
delineated, and designated as such in each State's hunting regulations.
    Outside Dates: September 1-10 in the North and Middle Zones in 
Michigan; September 1-13 in Wisconsin; September 1-15 in Indiana, Ohio, 
and the South Zone in Michigan; September 1-16 in Minnesota; September 
1-30 in Tennessee; and October 1-15 in Missouri.
    Season Length: Not to exceed 10 days except in Indiana, Ohio, and 
the South Zone in Michigan, where the season may extend for 15 days.
    Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 5 Canada geese.

Pacific Flyway

    Wyoming may select a September season on Canada geese subject to 
the following conditions:
    1. The season must be concurrent with the September portion of 
the sandhill crane season.
    2. Hunting will be by State permit.
    3. No more than 150 permits, in total, may be issued.
    4. Each permittee may take no more than 2 Canada geese per 
season.
    Oregon, in the Lower Columbia River Zone, may select a season on 
Canada geese subject to the following conditions:
    1. The season length is 12 days during September 1-12.
    2. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese.
    Oregon, in the Northwest Zone, may select an experimental season on 
Canada geese subject to the following conditions:
    1. The season length is 12 days during September 1-12.
    2. Hunting will be by State permit.
    3. Each permittee may take no more than 2 Canada geese per day.
    Washington may select a season on Canada geese, subject to the 
following conditions, in the Lower Columbia River Zone:
    1. The season length is 12 days during September 1-12.
    2. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese.

Regular Goose Seasons

    Regular goose seasons in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of 
Michigan may open as early as September 24. Season lengths and bag and 
possession limits will be established during the late-season 
regulations process.

Sandhill Cranes

Regular Seasons in the Central Flyway:

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

Special Seasons in the Central and Pacific Flyways:

    Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming 
may select seasons for hunting sandhill cranes within the range of the 
Rocky Mountain Population subject to the following conditions:
    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons: The season in any State or zone may not exceed 30 
days.
    Bag limits: Not to exceed 3 daily and 9 per season.
    Permits: Participants must have a valid permit, issued by the 
appropriate State, in their possession while hunting.
    Other provisions: Numbers of permits, open areas, season dates, 
protection plans for other species, and other provisions of seasons 
must be consistent with the management plan and approved by the Central 
and Pacific Flyway Councils. All hunts except those in Arizona, New 
Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming will be experimental.

Common Moorhens and Purple Gallinules

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 20 in the Atlantic, 
Mississippi, and Central Flyways. States in the Pacific Flyway have 
been allowed to select their hunting seasons between the outside dates 
for the season on ducks; therefore, they are late-season frameworks and 
no frameworks are provided in this document.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Seasons may not exceed 70 
days in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways. Seasons may be 
split into two segments. The daily bag limit is 15 common moorhens and 
purple gallinules, singly or in the aggregate of the two species.

Rails

    Outside Dates: States included herein may select seasons between 
September 1 and January 20 on clapper, king, sora, and Virginia rails.
    Hunting Seasons: The season may not exceed 70 days, and may be 
split into two segments.

Daily Bag Limits:

    Clapper and King Rails - In Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, 
Delaware, and Maryland, 10, singly or in the aggregate of the two 
species. In Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, 
South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, 15, singly or in the 
aggregate of the two species.
    Sora and Virginia Rails - In the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central 
Flyways and the Pacific-Flyway portions of Colorado, Montana, New 
Mexico, and Wyoming, 25 daily and 25 in possession, singly or in the 
aggregate of the two species. The season is closed in the remainder of 
the Pacific Flyway.

Common Snipe

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

American Woodcock

    Outside Dates: States in the Atlantic Flyway may select hunting 
seasons between October 1 and January 31. States in the Central and 
Mississippi Flyways may select hunting seasons between September 1 and 
January 31.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: In the Atlantic Flyway, 
seasons may not exceed 45 days, with a daily bag limit of 3; in the 
Central and Mississippi Flyways, seasons may not exceed 65 days, with a 
daily bag limit of 5. Seasons may be split into two segments.
    Zoning: New Jersey may select seasons in each of two zones. The 
season in each zone may not exceed 35 days.

Band-tailed Pigeons

    Pacific Coast States: California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada.
    Outside Dates: Between September 15 and January 1.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 9 consecutive 
days, with bag and possession limits of 2 and 2 band-tailed pigeons, 
respectively.
    Permit Requirement: The appropriate State agency must issue 
permits, and report on harvest and hunter participation to the Service 
by June 1 of the following year, or participate in the Migratory Bird 
Harvest Information Program.
    Zoning: California may select hunting seasons not to exceed 9 
consecutive days in each of two zones. The season in the North Zone 
must close by October 7.
    Four-Corners States: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah.
    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and November 30.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 30 consecutive 
days, with a daily bag limit of 5 band-tailed pigeons.
    Permit Requirement: The appropriate State agency must issue 
permits, and report on harvest and hunter participation to the Service 
by June 1 of the following year, or participate in the Migratory Bird 
Harvest Information Program.
    Zoning: New Mexico may select hunting seasons not to exceed 20 
consecutive days in each of two zones. The season in the South Zone may 
not open until October 1.

Mourning Doves

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

Eastern Management Unit (All States east of the Mississippi River, and 
Louisiana)

    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 70 days with a 
daily bag limit of 12, or not more than 60 days with a daily bag limit 
of 15.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: States may select hunting seasons in each 
of two zones. The season within each zone may be split into not more 
than three periods. The hunting seasons in the South Zones of Alabama, 
Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi may commence no earlier 
than September 20. Regulations for bag and possession limits, season 
length, and shooting hours must be uniform within specific hunting 
zones.

Central Management Unit (Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, 
Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South 
Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming)

    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 70 days with a 
daily bag limit of 12, or not more than 60 days with a daily bag limit 
of 15.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: States may select hunting seasons in each 
of two zones. The season within each zone may be split into not more 
than three periods. Texas may select hunting seasons for each of three 
zones subject to the following conditions:
    A. The hunting season may be split into not more than two periods, 
except in that portion of Texas in which the special white-winged dove 
season is allowed, where a limited mourning dove season may be held 
concurrently with that special season (see white-winged dove 
frameworks).
    B. A season may be selected for the North and Central Zones between 
September 1 and January 25; and for the South Zone between September 20 
and January 25.
    C. Each zone may have a daily bag limit of 12 doves (15 under the 
alternative) in the aggregate, no more than 6 of which may be white-
winged doves and no more than 2 of which may be white-tipped doves, 
except that during the special white-winged dove season, the daily bag 
limit may not exceed 10 white-winged, mourning, and white-tipped doves 
in the aggregate, of which no more than 5 may be mourning doves and 2 
may be white-tipped doves.
    D. Except as noted above, regulations for bag and possession 
limits, season length, and shooting hours must be uniform within each 
hunting zone.

Western Management Unit (Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, 
Utah, and Washington)

    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits:
    Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington - Not more than 30 
consecutive days with a daily bag limit of 10 mourning doves (in 
Nevada, the daily bag limit may not exceed 10 mourning and white-winged 
doves in the aggregate).
    Arizona and California - Not more than 60 days which may be split 
between two periods, September 1-15 and November 1-January 15. In 
Arizona, during the first segment of the season, the daily bag limit is 
10 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate, of which no more 
than 6 may be white-winged doves. During the remainder of the season, 
the daily bag limit is restricted to 10 mourning doves. In California, 
the daily bag limit may not exceed 10 mourning and white-winged doves 
in the aggregate.

White-winged and White-tipped Doves

    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits:
    Except as shown below, seasons in Arizona, California, Florida, 
Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas must be concurrent with mourning dove 
seasons.
    Arizona may select a hunting season of not more than 30 consecutive 
days, running concurrently with the first segment of the mourning dove 
season. The daily bag limit may not exceed 10 mourning and white-winged 
doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 6 may be white-winged 
doves.
    In Florida, the daily bag limit may not exceed 12 mourning and 
white-winged doves (15 under the alternative) in the aggregate, of 
which no more than 4 may be white-winged doves.
    In the Nevada Counties of Clark and Nye, and in the California 
Counties of Imperial, Riverside, and San Bernardino, the daily bag 
limit may not exceed 10 mourning and white-winged doves in the 
aggregate.
    In New Mexico, the daily bag limit may not exceed 12 mourning and 
white-winged doves (15 under the alternative) in the aggregate.
    In Texas, the daily bag limit may not exceed 12 mourning, white-
winged, and white-tipped doves (15 under the alternative) in the 
aggregate, of which not more than 6 may be white-winged doves and not 
more than 2 may be white-tipped doves.
    In addition, Texas may also select a hunting season of not more 
than 4 days for the special white-winged dove area of the South Zone 
between September 1 and September 19. The daily bag limit may not 
exceed 10 white-winged,mourning, and white-tipped doves in the 
aggregate, of which no more than 5 may be mourning doves and 2 may be 
white-tipped doves.

Alaska

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 26.
    Hunting Seasons: Alaska may select 107 consecutive days for 
waterfowl, sandhill cranes, and common snipe in each of five zones. The 
season may be split without penalty in the Kodiak Zone. The seasons in 
each zone must be concurrent.
    Closures: The season is closed on Canada geese from Unimak Pass 
westward in the Aleutian Island chain. The hunting season is closed on 
Aleutian Canada geese, emperor geese, spectacled eiders, and Steller's 
eiders.
    Daily Bag and Possession limits: 
    Ducks--Except as noted, a basic daily bag limit of 5 and a 
possession limit of 15 ducks. Daily bag and possession limits in the 
North Zone are 8 and 24, and in the Gulf Coast Zone they are 6 and 18, 
respectively. The basic limits may include no more than 2 pintails 
daily and 6 in possession, and 1 canvasback daily and 3 in possession.
    In addition to the basic limit, there is a daily bag limit of 15 
and a possession limit of 30 scoter, common and king eiders, oldsquaw, 
harlequin, and common and red-breasted mergansers, singly or in the 
aggregate of these species.
    Geese--A basic daily bag limit of 6, of which not more than 4 may 
be greater white-fronted or Canada geese, singly or in the aggregate of 
these species, except that the daily bag limit on Canada geese in Game 
Management Units 9E and 18 is 1.
    Brant--A daily bag limit of 2.
    Common snipe--A daily bag limit of 8.
    Sandhill cranes--A daily bag limit of 3.
    Tundra swans--Open seasons for tundra swans may be selected subject 
to the following conditions:
    1. No more than 300 permits may be issued in GMU 22, authorizing 
each permittee to take 1 tundra swan per season.
    2. No more than 500 permits may be issued during the 
experimental season in GMU 18. No more than 1 tundra swan may be 
taken per permit.
    3. The seasons must be concurrent with other migratory bird 
seasons.
    4. The appropriate State agency must issue permits, obtain 
harvest and hunter-participation data, and report the results of 
this hunt to the Service by June 1 of the following year.

Hawaii

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15.
    Hunting Seasons: Not more than 60 days (70 under the alternative) 
for mourning doves.
    Bag Limits: Not to exceed 15 (12 under the alternative) mourning 
doves.
    Note: Mourning doves may be taken in Hawaii in accordance with 
shooting hours and other regulations set by the State of Hawaii, and 
subject to the applicable provisions of 50 CFR part 20.

Puerto Rico

Doves and Pigeons:

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15.
    Hunting Seasons: Not more than 60 days.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Not to exceed 10 Zenaida, 
mourning, and white-winged doves in the aggregate. Not to exceed 5 
scaly-naped pigeons.
    Closed Areas: There is no open season on doves or pigeons in the 
following areas: Municipality of Culebra, Desecheo Island, Mona Island, 
El Verde Closure Area, and Cidra Municipality and adjacent areas.

Ducks, Coots, Moorhens, Gallinules, and Snipe:

    Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons: Not more than 55 days may be selected for hunting 
ducks, common moorhens, and common snipe. The season may be split into 
two segments.
    Daily Bag Limits:
    Ducks--Not to exceed 3.
    Common moorhens--Not to exceed 6.
    Common snipe--Not to exceed 6.
    Closed Seasons: The season is closed on the ruddy duck, white-
cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck, 
and masked duck, which are protected by the Commonwealth of Puerto 
Rico. The season also is closed on the purple gallinule, American coot, 
and Caribbean coot.
    Closed Areas: There is no open season on ducks, common moorhens, 
and common snipe in the Municipality of Culebra and on Desecheo Island.

Virgin Islands

Doves and Pigeons:

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 15.
    Hunting Seasons: Not more than 60 days for Zenaida doves.
    Daily Bag and Possession Limits: Not to exceed 10 Zenaida doves.
    Closed Seasons: No open season is prescribed for ground or quail 
doves, or pigeons in the Virgin Islands.
    Closed Areas: There is no open season for migratory game birds on 
Ruth Cay (just south of St. Croix).
    Local Names for Certain Birds: Zenaida dove, also known as mountain 
dove; bridled quail-dove, also known as Barbary dove or partridge; 
Common ground-dove, also known as stone dove, tobacco dove, rola, or 
tortolita; scaly-naped pigeon, also known as red-necked or scaled 
pigeon.

Ducks:

    Outside Dates: Between December 1 and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons: Not more than 55 consecutive days.
    Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 3 ducks.
    Closed Seasons: The season is closed on the ruddy duck, white-
cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck, 
and masked duck.

Special Falconry Regulations

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

Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions

    Central Flyway portion of the following States consists of:
    Colorado: That area lying east of the Continental Divide.
    Montana: That area lying east of Hill, Chouteau, Cascade, Meagher, 
and Park Counties.
    New Mexico: That area lying east of the Continental Divide but 
outside the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation.
    Wyoming: That area lying east of the Continental Divide.
    The remaining portions of these States are in the Pacific Flyway.

Mourning and White-winged Doves

    Alabama:
    South Zone - Baldwin, Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia, 
Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Mobile Counties.
    North Zone - Remainder of the State.
    California:
    White-winged Dove Open Areas - Imperial, Riverside, and San 
Bernardino Counties.
    Florida:
    Northwest Zone - The Counties of Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, 
Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, 
Washington, Leon (except that portion north of U.S. 27 and east of 
State Road 155), Jefferson (south of U.S. 27, west of State Road 59 and 
north of U.S. 98), and Wakulla (except that portion south of U.S. 98 
and east of the St. Marks River).
    South Zone - Remainder of State.
    Georgia:
    Zone 1 - That portion of the State lying north of U.S. 280 or east 
of I-75.
    Zone 2 - That portion of the State lying south of U.S. 280 and west 
of I-75.
    Louisiana:
    North Zone - That portion of the State north of Interstate Highway 
10 from the Texas State line to Baton Rouge, Interstate Highway 12 from 
Baton Rouge to Slidell and Interstate Highway 10 from Slidell to the 
Mississippi State line.
    South Zone - The remainder of the State.
    Mississippi:
    North Zone - That portion of the State lying north of U.S. Highway 
84.
    South Zone - The remainder of the State.
    Nevada:
    White-winged Dove Open Areas - Clark and Nye Counties.
    Texas:
    North Zone - That portion of the State north of a line beginning at 
the International Bridge south of Fort Hancock; north along FM 1088 to 
TX 20; west along TX 20 to TX 148; north along TX 148 to I-10 at Fort 
Hancock; east along I-10 to I-20; northeast along I-20 to I-30 at Fort 
Worth; northeast along I-30 to the Texas-Arkansas State line.
    South Zone - That portion of the State south and west of a line 
beginning at the International Bridge south of Del Rio, proceeding east 
on U.S. 90 to San Antonio; then east on I-10 to Orange, Texas.
    Special White-winged Dove Area in the South Zone - That portion of 
the State south and west of a line beginning at the International 
Bridge south of Del Rio, proceeding east on U.S. 90 to Uvalde; south on 
U.S. 83 to TX 44; east along TX 44 to TX 16 at Freer; south along TX 16 
to TX 285 at Hebbronville; east along TX 285 to FM 1017; southwest 
along FM 1017 to TX 186 at Linn; east along TX 186 to the Mansfield 
Channel at Port Mansfield; east along the Mansfield Channel to the Gulf 
of Mexico.
    Area with additional restrictions - Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and 
Willacy Counties.
    Central Zone - That portion of the State lying between the North 
and South Zones.

Band-tailed Pigeons

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

Woodcock

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

Special September Goose Seasons

Atlantic Flyway

    Maryland
    Open Area - Counties of Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, 
Charles, Carroll, Dorchester, Frederick, Garret, Harford, Howard, 
Montgomery, Prince George's, St. Mary's, Somerset, Washington, 
Wicomico, and Worcester.
    Massachusetts
    Western Zone - That portion of the State west of a line extending 
from the Vermont line at I-91, south to Route 9, west on Route 9 to 
Route 10, south on Route 10 to Route 202, south on Route 202 to the 
Connecticut line.
    New Jersey
    Open Area - That portion of New Jersey within a continuous line 
that runs east along the New York State boundary line to the Hudson 
River; then south along the New York State boundary to its intersection 
with Route 440 at Perth Amboy; then west on Route 440 to its 
intersection with the Garden State Parkway; then south on the Parkway 
to its intersection with Route 70; then west on Route 70 to its 
intersection with Route 206; then south on Route 206 to its 
intersection with Route 54; then south on Route 54 to its intersection 
with Route 40; then west on Route 40 to its intersection with the New 
Jersey Turnpike; then south on the Turnpike to the Delaware State 
boundary line; then north on the Delaware State boundary line to its 
intersection with the Pennsylvania State boundary; then north on the 
Pennsylvania boundary in the Delaware River to its intersection with 
the New York State boundary.
    New York
    Northern Area - All or portions of St. Lawrence County; see State 
hunting regulations for area descriptions.
    Western Area - Counties of Erie, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Niagara, 
Orleans, and Genesee, and portions of Wyoming, Livingston, Allegany and 
Steuben Counties.
    Southeastern Area - All of Rockland, Westchester, Orange, Putnam, 
Dutchess, Columbia, and Rensselaer Counties, and portions of Sullivan, 
Delaware, Ulster, Greene, Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga, Warren, and 
Washington Counties.
    North Carolina
    Early-season Canada Goose Area - That portion of the State west and 
east of I-95; see State hunting regulations for area descriptions.
    Pennsylvania
    Northwestern Early-Season Goose Area - Counties of Allegheny, 
Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Crawford, Erie, Greene, Fayette, 
Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Somerset, Venango, Washington, and 
Westmoreland.
    Southeastern Early-Season Goose Area - Counties of Berks, Bucks, 
Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Pike and 
Wayne.
    Virginia
    Open Area - Counties of Accomack, Albemarle, Alleghany, Amelia, 
Amherst, Appomattox, Augusta, Bath, Bedford, Buckingham, Caroline, 
Charles City, Chesterfield, Clarke, Culpepper, Cumberland, Fairfax, 
Fauquier, Frederick, Fluvanna, Goochland, Greene, Hanover, Henrico, 
Highland, Isle of Wight, James City, King William, Loudoun, Louisa, 
Madison, Nelson, New Kent, Northampton, Orange, Page, Powhatan, Prince 
George, Prince William, Rappahannock, Rockbridge, Rockingham, 
Shenandoah, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Surry, Warren and York.
    West Virginia - Statewide.

Mississippi Flyway

    Indiana - Change from one zone to Statewide.
    Michigan
    Upper Peninsula - That portion of the Upper Peninsula outside the 
AuTrain Basin Waterfowl Project in Alger County (described below) and 
east of a line described as follows: Beginning at the point where the 
meridian line 87 deg.30' intersects the United States-Canada border, 
then south along the 87 deg.30' meridian line to the 47 deg.00' 
parallel, west along the 47 deg.00' parallel to a point directly north 
of County Road 550 in the village of Big Bay in Marquette County, 
southerly along this line and County 550 through Big Bay to County 510, 
southerly along County 510 to Michigan Highway 28/U.S. Highway 41, 
westerly along M-28/U.S. 41 to M-35, southerly along M-35 to the Delta 
County line, westerly and southerly along the Delta County line to the 
Lake Michigan shoreline, then southeasterly along the Central-Eastern 
time zone boundary to the Wisconsin border in Green Bay. The AuTrain 
Basin Waterfowl Project is bounded on the north by M-94, on the south 
by Trout Lake Road, on the east by County 509 (Rapid River Truck 
Trail), and on the west by M-67.
    Northern Lower Peninsula - Bay, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, 
Newaygo, and Oceana Counties and all counties north thereof.
    Southern Lower Peninsula - The remainder of the Lower Peninsula, 
excluding Huron, Saginaw, and Tuscola Counties.
    Minnesota
    Fergus Falls/Benson Zone - That area encompassed by a line 
beginning on State Trunk Highway (STH) 55 at the Minnesota border, then 
south along the Minnesota border to a point due south of the 
intersection of STH 7 and County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 7 in Big 
Stone County, north to the STH 7/CSAH 7 intersection and continuing 
north along CSAH 7 to CSAH 6 in Big Stone County, east along CSAH 6 to 
CSAH 21 in Big Stone County, south along CSAH 21 to CSAH 10 in Big 
Stone County, east along CSAH 10 to CSAH 22 in Swift County, east along 
CSAH 22 to CSAH 5 in Swift County, south along CSAH 5 to U.S. Highway 
12, east along U.S. 12 to CSAH 17 in Swift County, south along CSAH 17 
to the Swift County border, east along the south border of Swift County 
and north along the east border of Swift County to the south border of 
Pope County, east along the south border of Pope County and north along 
the east border of Pope County to STH 28, west along STH 28 to CSAH 33 
in Pope County, north along CSAH 33 to CSAH 3 in Douglas County, north 
along CSAH 3 to CSAH 69 in Otter Tail County, north along CSAH 69 to 
CSAH 46 in Otter Tail County, east along CSAH 46 to the east border of 
Otter Tail County, north along the east border of Otter Tail County to 
CSAH 40 in Otter Tail County, west along CSAH 40 to CSAH 75 in Otter 
Tail County, north along CSAH 75 to STH 210, west along STH 210 to STH 
108, north along STH 108 to CSAH 1 in Otter Tail County, west along 
CSAH 1 to CSAH 14 in Otter Tail County, north along CSAH 14 to CSAH 44 
in Otter Tail County, west along CSAH 44 to CSAH 35 in Otter Tail 
County, north along CSAH 35 to STH 108, west along STH 108 to CSAH 19 
in Wilkin County, south along CSAH 19 to STH 55, then west along STH 55 
to the point of beginning.
    Ohio - Change from two zones to statewide.
    Tennessee
    Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Roane, 
and Union Counties and those portions of Meigs and Rhea Counties north 
of Highway 68.
    Wisconsin
    Early-Season Subzone - That area encompassed by a line beginning at 
the Illinois border on the Lake Michigan shore, then east to the 
Michigan border in Lake Michigan, north along the Michigan border in 
Lake Michigan to a point due east of Wisconsin State Highway 23, then 
due west to the Lake Michigan shore in Sheboygan and continuing west 
along State 23 to State 67, then southerly along State 67 to Sheboygan 
County Highway E, then southerly along County E to State 28, then south 
and west along State 28 to U.S. Highway 41, then southerly along U.S. 
41 to State 33, then westerly along State 33 to State 26, then 
southerly along State 26 to U.S. 12, then southerly along U.S. 12 to 
State 89, then southerly along State 89 to U.S. 14, then southerly 
along U.S. 14 to the Illinois border.

Pacific Flyway

    Oregon
    Lower Columbia River Zone - Those portions of Clatsop, Columbia, 
and Multnomah Counties within the following boundary: beginning at 
Portland, Oregon, at the south end of the Interstate 5 Bridge; south on 
I-5 to Highway 30; west on Highway 30 to the town of Svensen; south 
from Svensen to Youngs River Falls; due west from Youngs River Falls to 
the Pacific Ocean coastline; north along the coastline to a point where 
Clatsop Spit and the South Jetty meet; due north to the Oregon-
Washington border; east and south along the Oregon-Washington border to 
the I-5 Bridge; south on the I-5 Bridge to the point of beginning.
    Northwest Oregon Zone - All of Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, 
Columbia, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk, Multnomah, Tillamook, 
Washington, and Yamhill Counties; except for the Lower Columbia River 
Zone.
    Utah
    Early-season Canada Goose Area - Cache County
    Washington
    Lower Columbia River Zone - Beginning at the Washington-Oregon 
border on the I-5 Bridge near Vancouver, Washington; north on I-5 to 
Kelso; west on Highway 4 from Kelso to Highway 401; south and west on 
Highway 401 to Highway 101 at the Astoria-Megler Bridge; west on 
Highway 101 to Gray Drive in the City of Ilwaco; west on Gray Drive to 
Canby Road; southwest on Canby Road to the North Jetty; southwest on 
the North Jetty to its end; southeast to the Washington-Oregon border; 
upstream along the Washington-Oregon border to the point of origin.
    Wyoming
    Bear River Area - That portion of Lincoln County described in State 
regulations.
    Salt River Area - That portion of Lincoln County described in State 
regulations.
    Eden-Farson Area - Those portions of Sweetwater and Sublette 
Counties described in State regulations.

Sandhill Cranes

Central Flyway

    Colorado
    Regular-Season Open Area - The Central Flyway portion of the State 
except the San Luis Valley (Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Hinsdale, 
Mineral, Rio Grande and Saguache Counties east of the Continental 
Divide) and North Park (Jackson County).
    Kansas
    Regular Season Open Area - That portion of the State west of a line 
beginning at the Oklahoma border, north on I-35 to Wichita, north on I-
135 to Salina, and north on U.S. 81 to the Nebraska border.
    New Mexico
    Regular-Season Open Area - Chaves, Curry, De Baca, Eddy, Lea, Quay, 
and Roosevelt Counties.
    Middle Rio Grande Valley Area - The Central Flyway portion of New 
Mexico in Socorro and Valencia Counties.
    Southwest Zone - Sierra, Luna, and Dona Ana Counties.
    Oklahoma
    Regular-Season Open Area - That portion of the State west of I-35.
    Texas
    Regular-Season Open Area - That portion of the State west of a line 
from the International Toll Bridge at Brownsville along U.S. 77 to 
Victoria; U.S. 87 to Placedo; Farm Road 616 to Blessing; State 35 to 
Alvin; State 6 to U.S. 290; U.S. 290 to Austin; I-35 to the Texas-
Oklahoma border.
    North Dakota
    Regular-Season Open Area - That portion of the State west of U.S. 
281.
    South Dakota
    Regular-Season Open Area - That portion of the State west of U.S. 
281.
    Montana
    Regular-Season Open Area - The Central Flyway portion of the State 
except that area south of I-90 and west of the Bighorn River.
    Wyoming
    Regular-Season Open Area - Campbell, Converse, Crook, Goshen, 
Laramie, Niobrara, Platte, and Weston Counties.
    Riverton-Boysen Unit - Portions of Fremont County.

Pacific Flyway

    Arizona
    Special-Season Area - Game Management Units 30A, 30B, 31, and 32.
    Montana
    Special-Season Area - See State regulations.
    Utah
    Special-Season Area - Rich and Cache Counties.
    Wyoming
    Bear River Area - That portion of Lincoln County described in State 
regulations.
    Salt River Area - That portion of Lincoln County described in State 
regulations.
    Eden-Farson Area - Those portions of Sweetwater and Sublette 
Counties described in State regulations.
    All Migratory Game Birds in Alaska
    North Zone - State Game Management Units 11-13 and 17-26.
    Gulf Coast Zone - State Game Management Units 5-7, 9, 14-16, and 10 
- Unimak Island only.
    Southeast Zone - State Game Management Units 1-4.
    Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zone - State Game Management Unit 10 
- except Unimak Island.
    Kodiak Zone - State Game Management Unit 8.
    All Migratory Birds in the Virgin Islands
    Ruth Cay Closure Area - The island of Ruth Cay, just south of St. 
Croix.
    All Migratory Birds in Puerto Rico
    Municipality of Culebra Closure Area - All of the Municipality of 
Culebra.
    Desecheo Island Closure Area - All of Desecheo Island.
    Mona Island Closure Area - All of Mona Island.
    El Verde Closure Area - Those areas of the municipalities of Rio 
Grande and Loiza delineated as follows: (1) All lands between Routes 
956 on the west and 186 on the east, from Route 3 on the north to the 
juncture of Routes 956 and 186 (Km 13.2) in the south; (2) all lands 
between Routes 186 and 966 from the juncture of 186 and 966 on the 
north, to the Caribbean National Forest Boundary on the south; (3) all 
lands lying west of Route 186 for one kilometer from the juncture of 
Routes 186 and 956 south to Km 6 on Route 186; (4) all lands within Km 
14 and Km 6 on the west and the Caribbean National Forest Boundary on 
the east; and (5) all lands within the Caribbean National Forest 
Boundary whether private or public.
    Cidra Municipality and adjacent areas - All of Cidra Municipality 
and portions of Aguas, Buenas, Caguas, Cayer, and Comerio 
Municipalities as encompassed within the following boundary: beginning 
on Highway 172 as it leaves the Municipality of Cidra on the west edge, 
north to Highway 156, east on Highway 156 to Highway 1, south on 
Highway 1 to Highway 765, south on Highway 765 to Highway 763, south on 
Highway 763 to the Rio Guavate, west along Rio Guavate to Highway 1, 
southwest on Highway 1 to Highway 14, west on Highway 14 to Highway 
729, north on Highway 729 to Cidra Municipality boundary to the point 
of beginning.
[FR Doc. 94-16812 Filed 7-11-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-F