[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 158 (Wednesday, August 17, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-20192]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: August 17, 1994]


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Part IX





Department of the Interior





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Fish and Wildlife Service



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50 CFR Part 20




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

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 20

RIN 1018-AA24

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

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This rule prescribes final early-season frameworks from which 
States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands may select season dates, 
limits, and other options for the 1994-95 migratory bird hunting 
season. These early seasons may open prior to October 1, 1994. The 
effect of this final rule is to facilitate the selection of hunting 
seasons by the States and Territories to further the annual 
establishment of the early-season migratory bird hunting regulations. 
These selections will be published in the Federal Register as 
amendments to Secs. 20.101 through 20.107, and Sec. 20.109 of title 50 
CFR part 20.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This rule takes effect on August 17, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Season selections from States and Territories are to be 
mailed to: Chief, Office of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, ms 634--ARLSQ, 1849 C 
Street, NW., Washington, DC 20240. Comments received are 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, Department 
of the Interior, ms 634--ARLSQ, NW., 1849 C Street, 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 July 21, 1994, for early-season proposals and 
August 29, 1994, for late-season proposals. 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 those species and for other early 
seasons.
    On July 12, 1994, the Service published in the Federal Register (59 
FR 35566) a third document in the series of proposed, supplemental, and 
final rulemaking documents which dealt specifically with proposed 
early-season frameworks for the 1994-95 season. This rulemaking is the 
fourth in the series, and establishes final frameworks for early-season 
migratory bird hunting regulations for the 1994-95 season.

Review of Public Comments and the Service's Response

    As of July 25, 1994, the Service had received 36 written comments; 
28 of these specifically addressed early-season issues. The Service 
also received recommendations from all four Flyway Councils. Early-
season comments are summarized and discussed in the order used in the 
April 7 Federal Register. Only the numbered items pertaining to early 
seasons for which comments were received are included.

General

    Written Comments: The Humane Society of the United States 
recommended that all seasons open at noon, mid-week, to reduce the 
large kills associated with the traditional Saturday openings. They 
recommend special seasons be discontinued for the same purpose. One 
individual from California suggested that the waterfowl bag limits and 
seasons should be established on a flyway basis. Two local sportsmen's 
organization from Massachusetts requested that shooting hours remain 
one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

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
    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.
    Service Response: Breeding population information for 1994 and 
harvest and band-recovery information from the 1993-94 waterfowl season 
indicate that a September teal season can be offered to nonproduction 
States of the Central and Mississippi Flyways in 1994.
    During their 1993-94 teal seasons, the States of Colorado, Kansas, 
New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas in the Central flyway and Alabama, 
Louisiana, and Mississippi in the Mississippi Flyway participated in a 
study that indicated that shooting hours beginning at one-half hour 
before sunrise during teal seasons have a negligible impact on 
nontarget duck species in those States. The Service believes the data 
are sufficient to address its concern about the potential harvest of 
nontarget species during the presunrise period, and will permit those 
States that participated in the study to have presunrise shooting hours 
during the 1994 teal season, without further evaluation. Other States 
that are permitted a teal season (Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, 
Missouri, and Ohio), but did not participate in the study, must begin 
shooting hours at sunrise.
    The Service recognizes the value of these September teal seasons in 
providing additional hunting opportunity but remains concerned about 
the potential impacts of these seasons on non-target species in certain 
areas. The Service strategy regarding use of teal seasons specifies 
that teal seasons can be offered only to nonproduction States of the 
Central and Mississippi Flyways. Because Michigan is considered a 
production State and was not part of the original, comprehensive 
evaluation, the Service does not support the requests for a teal 
season. Although the definitions of production and nonproduction States 
may need to be reviewed, the Service has stated in the August 23, 1993, 
Federal Register (58 FR 44577) that it prefers a Flyway-wide approach 
to assess whether expansion of teal seasons to areas beyond those 
currently allowed is permissible. The Michigan proposal does not meet 
this criterion. The Service also notes that such expansions would 
require a reevaluation of the entire teal season, including an analysis 
of information from areas currently permitted teal seasons as well as 
areas into which teal seasons might be expanded.
ii. September Duck Seasons
    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: Several individuals and petitions with 4,697 
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.
    Service Response: The Service previously determined in the 
``Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual 
Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (SEIS 88)'' 
that the extension of framework dates into September for Iowa's 
September duck season was a type of special season. The Service further 
acknowledges that the 1990 assessment of special September teal seasons 
included data from Iowa's September duck season segments during 1979-
87. As such, the effects of Iowa's special seasons were taken into 
account when determining the appropriateness of September teal seasons 
as a harvest-management tool. Iowa's data also suggested little impact 
on other duck species during this season. Therefore, the Service 
believes that Iowa's September duck season segment, as conducted during 
1979-87, is consistent with the Service's policy regarding the use of 
special seasons. Current status information for the blue-winged teal 
supports Iowa's request for a September duck season in 1994. The 
Service stated in SEIS 88 that special seasons should be re-evaluated 
periodically to assess potential changes in impacts to the waterfowl 
resource. The Service notes that more than a decade has passed since 
Iowa conducted its evaluation of this season and requests that Iowa 
collect information documenting the effect of this season on other duck 
species in Iowa.
    Regarding the requests for additional days of duck hunting in 
Wisconsin, an important consideration in the establishment of hunting 
regulations is the distinction between regular hunting seasons and 
special seasons. Regular seasons are developed by Flyway/management 
unit, and the same season length, bag limit, etc. are provided for all 
States in that Flyway/management unit. Special seasons, however, 
usually involve additional harvest opportunity and are focused on a 
single species or group of species. Because of this, the use of these 
seasons is limited to times and areas where the species or group is 
sufficiently isolated to minimize impacts on other species/groups. This 
limitation increases the likelihood that in some cases a special season 
or some compensating increase in other harvest opportunity cannot be 
available to all States. The September teal season is an example. 
Wisconsin is one of nine States in the Mississippi and Central Flyways 
that are not eligible for this special season.

3. Sea Ducks

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
that the 1994 sea duck season frameworks remain the same as the 1993-94 
frameworks.
    Written Comments: The Humane Society of the United States (Humane 
Society) opposed this season in the Atlantic Flyway because they 
believe crippling and wanton waste occur, information is insufficient 
to justify a season, and available data indicate possible declines for 
certain sea duck species. They believe that season length and bag 
limits in the Atlantic Flyway should be reduced substantially until 
more complete information on biology and population status is 
available. They repeat their concern regarding seasons and limits on 
sea ducks which are deemed too liberal, considering the quality and 
quantity of data on population status and trends, and recommend 
reductions in those regulations. The Humane Society notes that 
apparently the Pacific Flyway Council has not completed a comparable 
evaluation of its sea duck harvests and believes such seasons should be 
closed until necessary data are obtained. Two local organizations from 
Massachusetts requested a continuation of the 107-day sea duck season, 
with a 7-bird bag limit to include scoters.
    Service Response: The Service continues to be concerned about the 
status of sea ducks and the potential impact that increased hunting 
activity could have on these species. In recognition of the need for 
additional information on these species, the Service prepared a report 
(dated June, 1993) on sea duck and merganser hunting seasons, status, 
and harvests in Alaska and the Pacific Flyway coastal states. This 
document was prepared for use by the Service and the Pacific Flyway 
Council in evaluating the effects of seasons on these ducks. There is 
no special season on sea ducks in the Pacific Flyway; however, Alaska 
has a sea duck limit that is additional to the limit on other ducks. In 
the Atlantic Flyway, a report was recently completed (dated April, 
1994) and distributed, describing the status of sea ducks in that 
portion of the continent. Cooperative efforts are ongoing to summarize 
additional information on sea ducks, however the Service continues to 
emphasize the importance of completing the sea duck management plan. 
Furthermore, the Service considers improvements in survey capabilities 
for these species to be extremely important for future management 
actions. In 1993, the Service reduced bag limits on scoters from 7 to 4 
within an overall 7-bird sea duck limit. The Service will continue to 
monitor these species and notes that further harvest restrictions may 
be necessary.

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.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended that there be no change in 
frameworks in the experimental goose zone in Oregon or in the 
operational status in Washington. They also recommended no change in 
frameworks for Wyoming.
    Written Comments: The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 
expressed concern that all of their special September Canada goose zone 
would return to experimental status, rather than just the expanded 
portion. They also indicated that they wish to delay the zone expansion 
and later season dates until next year.
    Service Response: The Service agrees with the proposed changes to 
resident Canada goose seasons in Maryland, North Carolina, 
Pennsylvania, Virginia, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and 
Wisconsin and the new seasons in Tennessee and West Virginia. All of 
these proposed changes are considered experimental and subject to 
evaluation.
    The Service notes that all of the seasons proposed in the 
Mississippi Flyway, except those for Michigan, Minnesota and Tennessee, 
were not proposed as experimental. The Service remains committed to 
population-specific management of Canada geese. However, the Service 
believes that the contribution of different goose populations to the 
goose harvest during special seasons must be determined experimentally. 
For this reason, the Service has established criteria for special 
Canada goose seasons (58 FR 44578-44579), which clearly state the need 
for experimental evaluation of new seasons, including extensions of 
geographic areas or times. Therefore, the Service agrees to the changes 
proposed by the Mississippi Flyway Council, but on an experimental 
basis and provided an approved evaluation is conducted as specified in 
the existing criteria.

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 of Alaska, 
supported modest liberalizations of white-fronted goose seasons in 
Alaska and Washington. However, they did not support further 
liberalizations 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.
    Service Response: The Service concurs with the September 24 opening 
of regular Canada goose seasons in Wisconsin and in Michigan's Upper 
Peninsula. The Service routinely monitors Canada goose seasons for 
impacts on the Southern James Bay Population through its harvest 
surveys and reviews of State evaluation reports on special seasons.
    The population index for cackling Canada geese was 164,300 geese in 
1993, which was 10 percent above the 1992 index and the largest since 
this special survey was initiated in 1979. The Service supports the 
Pacific Flyway Council's recommendation for a resumption of the season 
on these geese and frameworks described herein reflect that change. 
Section 7 consultation is an integral part of the season-setting 
process.
    The population index for the Pacific Population of white-fronted 
geese was 295,000 in November 1993 and near the population objective of 
300,000. The Service concurs with the Association of Village Council 
Presidents for increased limits on white-fronted geese in western 
Alaska and frameworks, herein, reflect that change. A decision 
regarding frameworks affecting white-fronted goose harvests in 
Washington, Oregon, and California, however, will be deferred to the 
late-season process.

9. Sandhill Cranes

    Council Recommendations: The Central and Pacific Flyway Councils 
recommended no changes in the Federal frameworks for the hunting of 
sandhill 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) 
which 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. 
Although 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.
    Service Response: 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 certain 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. The Service supports continuation of last year's frameworks 
but remains extremely concerned about possible increases or shifts in 
harvest toward the Gulf Coast subpopulation, especially the greater-
sandhill-crane component. The Service considers a harvest threshold to 
be an integral component of the Cooperative Management Plan for the 
Mid-Continent Population and hopes that the newly-formed crane working 
group, appointed by the Central Flyway Council, will strongly 
reconsider the need for a harvest threshold in the development of a 
harvest strategy for this population.

11. Moorhens & Gallinules

    Written Comments: The Humane Society of the United States believes 
the bag limits for moorhens are extremely high.
    Service Response: The Service is not aware of any information 
indicating that the current bag limits have had any adverse impact on 
moorhen populations. Since these bag limits have been the same for a 
number of years, the Service believes they are appropriate.

12. Rails

    Written Comments: The Humane Society of the United States believes 
that bag limits for rails are extremely high and that they are not 
consistent with wise use and conservation of the resource.
    Service Response: Available information indicates that harvest 
pressure on rails is relatively light and there is no evidence to 
suggest that the frameworks provided herein are not appropriate.

13. Snipe

    Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommends no 
change in frameworks.
    Written Comments: The Humane Society of the United States believes 
the bag limits for common snipe are extremely high.
    Service Response: The Service believes that frameworks provided 
herein are appropriate, considering the relatively light harvest 
pressure on snipe.

14. Woodcock

    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.
    Service Response: 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 will 
work with the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway Councils to review the 
status of woodcock and cooperatively develop a harvest-management 
strategy. The Service believes that zoning has the potential to 
increase the harvest of woodcock. Therefore, the Service does not 
support a zoned woodcock season at a time when woodcock populations are 
declining and restrictive harvest regulations are being considered to 
bring harvest opportunities to levels commensurate with current 
populations.

15. Band-Tailed Pigeon

    Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended no 
change in the band-tailed pigeon frameworks for the Pacific Coast and 
Four Corners populations.
    Service Response: The Service supports the continuation of seasons 
on both the Coastal and Interior Populations. Regarding the Coastal 
Population, the Service has reviewed recent population status and 
harvest information provided by the States. This information indicates 
that the Coastal Population probably numbers between 2 and 3 million 
birds and that the 1993 harvest did not exceed 16,000 band-tails. 
However, the Service remains concerned about the long-term decline of 
this population and continues to support restrictive harvest 
regulations. Again this year, all States having band-tailed pigeon 
hunting seasons must require band-tailed pigeon hunters to obtain 
mandatory State permits (or participate in the nationwide Migratory 
Bird Harvest Information Program) to provide a sampling frame for 
obtaining more precise estimates of band-tailed pigeon harvest. Those 
States not participating in the Migratory Bird Harvest Information 
Program will be required to conduct a harvest survey and provide the 
results to the Service by June 1, 1995.

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.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended that there be no change in 
the frameworks for mourning doves.
    Service Response: The Service denies the request pertaining to 
Texas. In the August 23, 1993, Federal Register (58 FR 44581), the 
Service noted that the proliferation of zones and split seasons is 
contrary to the preferred alternative in the ``1988 Supplemental 
Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual Regulations 
Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (FSES 88-14).'' In 
regard to Texas, the Service noted that no other States are allowed to 
select both 3 zones and 3 splits for any species; in fact, no State 
other than Texas is allowed to select 3 zones for doves. The Service 
also expressed concern about the ability to detect and measure possible 
changes in harvest that may result from those additional splits.
    Additionally, the Service is concerned about changes in the 
schedule for inclusion of States in the Harvest Information Program. It 
emphasizes the need for full implementation of this program to gain 
accurate harvest estimates for mourning doves and other migratory game 
birds. This information is needed to evaluate changes in hunting 
seasons such as the proposed change in Service policy governing zones 
and splits in Texas.

17. White-winged and White-tipped doves

    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.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended no change in the frameworks.
    Service Response: The Service approves the request to increase the 
bag limit in Texas. The whitewing population in the four-county area of 
South Texas has improved dramatically from past years and has 
apparently recovered from significant population decreases due to 
habitat degradation caused by drought and freezing temperatures.

18. Alaska

    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 Council also 
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 would 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.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended no change in frameworks for 
tundra swans.
    Written Comments: The Association of Village Council Presidents, 
representing Native American interests in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta 
area of Alaska, supported modest liberalizations of white-fronted goose 
seasons in Alaska and Washington.
    The Humane Society of the United States recommends that the opening 
date for all seasons in Alaska be delayed by two weeks so that young 
birds are able to leave natal marshes before being subjected to hunting 
pressure.
    Service Response: The Service concurs with the Pacific Flyway 
Council's recommendations for one Canada goose in the daily limit in 
those areas in western Alaska previously closed to protect cackling 
Canada geese and agrees with eliminating the state-wide closure on 
cackling Canada geese. The frameworks herein reflect those changes.
    The Service supports the Association for Village Council 
Presidents' recommendation for increased limits on white-fronted geese 
in portions of western Alaska; and frameworks herein reflect that 
change. A decision regarding seasons in Washington will be deferred 
until the late-season process. It is important to note that in Alaska, 
hunting pressure on migratory birds is comparatively light. Many 
northern species will have migrated from the State before seasons open 
there in September and there is no evidence to indicate that regulated 
hunting has adversely impacted local populations.

22. Falconry

    Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommends no 
change in frameworks.
    Written Comments: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 
supported the Service policy regarding exceptions to the 3-split limit.
    Service Response: The Service appreciates the support for the 
frameworks contained in this document.

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

    In August 1994, the Division of Endangered Species concluded that 
the proposed action is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence 
of listed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification 
of their critical habitats. Hunting regulations are 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 and their habitats. The Service's 
biological opinions resulting from its consultation under section 7 are 
considered public documents and are available for inspection in the 
Division of Endangered Species and the Office of Migratory Bird 
Management.

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 of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq) and 
Executive Order 12866. These included preparing an Analysis of 
Regulatory Effects, preparing a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis under 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act, and publishing a summary of the latter. 
This rule was not subject to review by the Office of Management and 
Budget under Executive Order 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 is Robert J. Blohm, Office of Migratory Bird 
Management.

Regulations Promulgation

    The rulemaking process for migratory bird hunting regulations must, 
by its nature, operate under severe time constraints. However, the 
Service is of the view that every attempt should be made to give the 
public the greatest possible opportunity to comment on the regulations. 
Thus, when the proposed early-season rulemaking was published on July 
13, the Service established what it believed was the longest period 
possible for public comment. In doing this, the Service recognized 
that, at the close of the comment period, time would be of the essence. 
That is, if there were a delay in the effective date of these 
regulations after this final rulemaking, the Service is of the opinion 
that the States would have insufficient time to select season dates and 
limits; to communicate those selections to the Service; and to 
establish and publicize the necessary regulations and procedures that 
implement their decisions.
    Therefore, the Service, under authority of the Migratory Bird 
Treaty Act (July 3, 1918), as amended, (16 U.S.C. 703-712), prescribes 
final frameworks setting forth the species to be hunted, the daily bag 
and possession limits, the shooting hours, the season lengths, the 
earliest opening and latest closing season dates, and hunting areas, 
from which State and Territory conservation agency officials may select 
hunting season dates and other options. Upon receipt of season and 
option selections from these officials, the Service will publish in the 
Federal Register a final rulemaking amending 50 CFR part 20 to reflect 
seasons, limits, and shooting hours for the contiguous United States, 
Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, for the 1993-94 
season.
    The Service therefore finds that ``good cause'' exists, within the 
terms of 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) of the Administrative Procedure Act, and 
these frameworks will, therefore, take effect immediately upon 
publication.

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 1993-94 
hunting season are authorized under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (July 
3, 1918), as amended, (16 U.S.C. 703-712); the Fish and Wildlife 
Improvement Act (November 8, 1978), as amended, (16 U.S.C. 742); and 
the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (August 8, 1956), as amended, (16 
U.S.C. 742 a--j).

    Dated: August 8, 1994
George. T. Frampton, Jr.
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks

Final 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: Canada goose seasons may be selected by Indiana, 
Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Seasons 
in all States except Wisconsin are experimental. 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 Wisconsin and in the Upper 
Peninsula and Northern Lower Peninsula Zones in Michigan; 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
    Northern Zone--That portion of the State lying north of a line 
running west to east along U.S. Highway 280 from Columbus to Wilcox 
County, thence southward along the western border of Wilcox County; 
thence east along the southern border of Wilcox County to the Ocmulgee 
River, thence north along the Ocmulgee River to Highway 280, thence 
east along Highway 280 to the Little Ocmulgee River; thence southward 
along the Little Ocmulgee River to the Ocmulgee River; thence 
southwesterly along the Ocmulgee River to the western border of the 
Jeff Davis County; thence south along the western border of Jeff Davis 
County; thence east along the southern border of Jeff Davis and Appling 
Counties; thence north along the eastern border of Appling County, to 
the Altamaha River; thence east to the eastern border of Tattnall 
County; thence north along the eastern border of Tattnall County; 
thence north along the western border of Evans to Candler County; 
thence west along the southern border of Candler County to the Ohoopee 
River; thence north along the western border of Candler County to 
Bulloch County; thence north along the western border of Bulloch County 
to U.S. Highway 301; thence northeast along U.S. Highway 301 to the 
South Carolina line.
    South Zone--Remainder of the State.
    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
    South Zone--The Counties of Forrest, George, Greene, hancock, 
Harrison, Jackson, Lamar, Marion, Pearl River, Perry, Pike, Stone, and 
Walthall.
    North 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--The special early Canada goose 
resident season may be held in all areas of the State, except the 
Counties of Bertie, Beaufort, Camden, Chovan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, 
Hartford, Hyde, Northampton (East of I-95), Pamlico, Pasquotank, 
Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington.
    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, Culpeper, 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.

Mississippi Flyway

    Michigan
    Upper Peninsula Zone--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 87'30' intersects the United States-Canada border, 
then south along the 87'30' meridian line to the 47'00' parallel, west 
along the 47'00' 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 Zone--Bay, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, 
Newaygo, and Oceana Counties and all counties north thereof.
    Southern Lower Peninsula Zone--The remainder of the Lower 
Peninsula, excluding Huron, Saginaw, and Tuscola Counties.
    Minnesota
    Twin Cities Metro Zone--All of Hennepin and Ramsey Counties.
    In Anoka County; the municipalities of Andover, Anoka, Blaine, 
Centerville, Circle Pines, Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, Fridley, 
Hilltop, Lexington, Lino Lakes, Ramsey, and Spring Lake Park; that 
portion of Columbus Township lying south of County State Aid Highway 
(CSAH) 18; and all of the municipality of Ham Lake except that portion 
described as follows:
    Beginning at the intersection of CSAH 18 and U.S. Highway 65, then 
east along CSAH 18 to the eastern boundary of Ham Lake, north along the 
eastern boundary of Ham Lake to the north boundary of Ham Lake, west 
along the north boundary of Ham Lake to U.S. 65, and south along U.S. 
65 to the point of beginning.
    In Carver County; the municipalities of Carver, Chanhassen, Chaska, 
and Victoria; the Townships of Chaska and Laketown; and those portions 
of the municipalities of Cologne, Mayer, Waconia, and Watertown and the 
Townships of Benton, Dahlgren, Waconia, and Watertown lying north and 
east of the following described line:
    Beginning on U.S. 212 at the southwest corner of the municipality 
of Chaska, then west along U.S. 212 to State Trunk Highway (STH) 284, 
north along STH 284 to CSAH 10, north and west along CSAH 10 to CSAH 
30, north and west along CSAH 30 to STH 25, west and north along STH 25 
to CSAH 10, north along CSAH 10 to the Carver County line, and east 
along the Carver County line to the Hennepin County line.
    In Dakota County; the municipalities of Apple Valley, Burnsville, 
Eagan, Farmington, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Lilydale, 
Mendota, Mendota Heights, Rosemont, South St. Paul, Sunfish Lake, and 
West St. Paul; and the Township of Nininger.
    In Scott County; the municipalities of Jordan, Prior Lake, Savage 
and Shakopee; and the Townships of Credit River, Jackson, Louisville, 
St. Lawrence, Sand Creek, and Spring Lake.
    In Washington County; the municipalities of Afton, Bayport, 
Birchwood, Cottage Grove, Dellwood, Forest Lake, Hastings, Hugo, Lake 
Elmo, Lakeland, Lakeland Shores, Landfall, Mahtomedi, Marine, Newport, 
Oakdale, Oak Park Heights, Pine Springs, St. Croix Beach, St. Mary's 
Point, St. Paul Park, Stillwater, White Bear Lake, Willernie, and 
Woodbury; the Townships of Baytown, Denmark, Grant, Gray Cloud Island, 
May, Stillwater, and West Lakeland; that portion of Forest Lake 
Township lying south of STH 97 and CSAH 2; and those portions of New 
Scandia Township lying south of STH 97 and a line due east from the 
intersection of STH 97 and STH 95 to the eastern border of the State.
    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.
    Southwest Canada Goose Zone--All of Blue Earth, Cottonwood, 
Faribault, Jackson, LeSueur, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, McLeod, Murray, 
Nicollet, Nobles, Sibley, Waseca, and Watonwan Counties; that portion 
of Brown County lying south and west of the following described line: 
beginning at the junction of U.S. Highway 14, and the east of Brown 
County line; thence west on U.S. Highway 14 to Cobden; thence due west 
one mile on U.S. Highway 14 and the township road to the Brown County 
line; thence due west 12 miles along the county line to the west Brown 
County line; that portion of Renville County east of State Trunk 
Highway 4 (STH); that portion of Meeker County south of U.S. Highway 
12; in Scott County, the Townships of Belle Plaine, Blakeley, and 
Helena, including the municipalities located therein; and that portion 
of Carver County lying west, of the following described line: beginning 
at the northeast corner of San Francisco Township, thence west along 
the San Francisco Township line to the east boundary of Dahlgren 
Township, thence north on the Dahlgren Township line to U.S. Highway 
212, thence west on U.S. Highway 212 to STH 284, thence north on STH 
284 to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 10, thence north and west on 
CSAH 10 to CSAH 30, thence north and west on CSAH 30 the STH 25, thence 
east and north on STH 25 to CSAH 10, thence north on CSAH 10 to the 
Carver County line.
    Missouri
    Central Missouri Zone--Boone County and that portion of Callaway 
County west of U.S. Highway 54.
    Tennessee
    East Tennessee Zone--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 
Lake Michigan in Port Washington and extending west along State Highway 
33 to State 175, south along State 175 to State 83, south along State 
83 to State 36, southwest along State 36 to State 120, south along 
State 120 to U.S. Highway 12, then southeast along U.S. 12 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.
    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. 94-20192 Filed 8-16-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-F