[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 159 (Thursday, August 15, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42506-42523]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-20848]



[[Page 42505]]


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Part VI





Department of the Interior





_______________________________________________________________________



Fish and Wildlife Service



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50 CFR Part 20



Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Late-Season Migratory 
Bird Hunting Regulations; Proposed Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 159 / Thursday, August 15, 1996 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 42506]]



DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 20

RIN 1018-AD69


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

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; supplemental.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter the Service) is 
proposing to establish the 1996-97 late-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 number of birds that may be taken and possessed in late 
seasons. These frameworks are necessary to allow State selections of 
seasons and limits and to allow recreational harvest at levels 
compatible with population and habitat conditions.

DATES: The comment period for proposed late-season frameworks will end 
on September 3, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Comments should 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. The public may 
inspect comments 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, (703) 358-
1714.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Regulations Schedule for 1996

    On March 22, 1996, the Service published in the Federal Register 
(61 FR 11992) a proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20. The proposal dealt 
with the establishment of seasons, limits, and other regulations for 
migratory game birds under Secs.  20.101 through 20.107, 20.109, and 
20.110 of subpart K. On June 13, 1996, the Service published in the 
Federal Register (61 FR 30114) a second document providing supplemental 
proposals for early- and late-season migratory bird hunting regulations 
frameworks. The June 13 supplement also provided detailed information 
on the 1996-97 regulatory schedule and announced the Service Migratory 
Bird Regulations Committee and Flyway Council meetings. On June 14, 
1996, the Service published in the Federal Register (61 FR 30490) a 
third document describing the Service's proposed 1996-97 regulatory 
alternatives for duck hunting and its intent to consider establishing a 
special youth waterfowl hunting day.
    On June 27, 1996, the Service held a public hearing in Washington, 
DC, as announced in the March 22 and June 14 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. On July 22, 1996, the Service published in the Federal 
Register (60 FR 37994) proposed early-season frameworks for the 1996-97 
season. The Service will publish a fifth document containing final 
frameworks for early seasons from which wildlife conservation agency 
officials from the States and Territories may select early-season 
hunting dates, hours, areas, and limits in late-August.
    On August 2, 1996, the Service held a public hearing in Washington, 
DC, as announced in the March 22, June 13, and July 22 Federal 
Registers, to review the status of waterfowl. Proposed hunting 
regulations for these late seasons and the Service's proposal to 
establish a youth waterfowl hunting day were discussed. The Service 
will publish a proposed rule specifically dealing with the proposed 
youth waterfowl hunting day in mid-August.
    This document deals specifically with proposed frameworks for the 
late-season migratory bird hunting regulations. It will lead to final 
frameworks from which States may select season dates, hours, areas, and 
limits. The Service has considered all pertinent comments received 
through August 2, 1996, in developing this document. In addition, new 
proposals for certain late-season regulations are provided for public 
comment. Comment periods are specified above under Dates. The Service 
will publish final regulatory frameworks for late-season migratory game 
bird hunting in the Federal Register on or about September 23, 1996.

Presentations at Public Hearing

    The Service presented a report on the status of waterfowl. This 
report is briefly reviewed below as a matter of public information, and 
is a summary of information contained in the ``Status of Waterfowl and 
Fall Flight Forecast'' report.
    Most goose and swan populations in North America remain numerically 
sound and the size of most fall flights will be similar to those of 
last year. Production of young in 1996 is expected to be about average 
for most populations. Generally, spring phenology was later than normal 
in most of the U.S. and Canada, but earlier than normal in coastal 
areas of Alaska. Habitat conditions for nesting geese were mostly good 
in northwestern and southern Canada and the northern U.S., but poor 
near James and Ungava bays.
    The 1996 estimate of total ducks in the traditional survey area was 
37.5 million, an increase of 5 percent from that in 1995 and 16 percent 
higher than the long-term average. The estimate for mallards was 7.9 
million, a value similar to that of last year. Blue-winged teal, and 
northern shovelers increased over 1995 estimates to record-high levels, 
but American wigeon decreased. The number of ponds in May was 18 
percent higher than that of last year, and was the second highest 
estimate recorded. In eastern areas of Canada and the U.S., surveys of 
strata 51-56 were conducted for the seventh consecutive year. In this 
area, the number of total ducks was similar to that of last year and to 
the 1990-95 average. Habitats throughout the eastern areas improved 
relative to last year, and most areas had abundant water. The 
preliminary estimate of the total-duck fall-flight index is 83 million 
birds, compared to 77 million last year. The fall flight will include 
approximately 11.4 million mallards, unchanged from the estimate of 
11.1 million in 1995.
    During the 1995-96 hunting season, the number of hunters and their 
days afield were similar to last season and there were substantial 
increases in duck harvests. However, the number of waterfowl hunters 
continues to remain far below levels observed in the 1970's. The sport 
harvest of ducks continues to rebound from the record low in 1988. The 
1995 estimate of ducks harvested in the U.S. was similar to the last 
period of liberal harvest regulations (1979-84). Goose harvest has 
increased about four-fold over the period of record (i.e., 1961-95). 
Harvest of 4 of the 5 most abundant species in the bag increased last 
season compared with the previous year (mallard +39 percent, Canada 
geese +3 percent, green-winged teal +53 percent, wood duck +17 percent, 
and gadwall +82 percent). Overall, duck and goose harvest increased 46 
percent and 6 percent, respectively. Harvest survey data suggest that 
the reproductive success of ducks in the midcontinent region was lower 
last year. Most goose species experienced increases in recruitment in 
1995 compared to 1994.


[[Page 42507]]



Review of Comments Received at Public Hearing

    Two individuals presented statements at the August 2, 1996, public 
hearing. These comments are summarized below.
    Mr. Joe Kramer, representing the Central Flyway Council, commented 
on 12 issues of importance to the Central Flyway. Mr. Kramer expressed 
his support for the concept of a youth waterfowl hunting day and 
suggested the Service work with the Flyway Councils to refine and 
improve this important effort. He urged the Service to continue and 
enhance current hunting programs on National Wildlife Refuges. He also 
recommended the Service work with State waterfowl management staff to 
implement strategies to increase snow goose harvest both on and off 
National Wildlife Refuges. Mr. Kramer supported a light goose closing 
framework date of March 10 for all areas in the Central Flyway, 
including Nebraska's Rainwater Basin Counties. He further indicated 
that the Council's recommendation included a closure of all Federal and 
State wildlife areas, which would alleviate concerns for migratory bird 
species.
    Mr. Kramer expressed support for continuation of the current 
Service aircraft program used to conduct migratory game bird survey 
program. He pointed out the critical need to continue the Migratory 
Shore and Upland Game Bird Research Program at the full funding level 
of $750,000. He also expressed the Council's support of the Adaptive 
Harvest Management (AHM) process, as indicated by Council adoption of 
the Service's duck regulations alternative. Mr. Kramer recommended 
development of a interim pintail harvest strategy until integration 
into the AHM process. He indicated that while the Council's recommended 
dark goose seasons are essentially unchanged this year, next year will 
likely prompt changes after management plan revisions during the 
upcoming year. He conveyed the Council's endorsement of all Central 
Flyway States to conduct special seasons to control local breeding 
populations of resident Canada geese. He also expressed the Council's 
willingness to work with representatives of the Mississippi and 
Atlantic Flyway Councils to cooperatively develop a comprehensive 
harvest strategy for blue-winged teal. Lastly, he stated that the 
Council will recommend minor administrative boundary changes for the 
High Plains Mallard Management Unit for next year.
    Mr. Bruce Barbour, representing the National Audubon Society, 
provided comments on 1996-97 migratory bird hunting regulation 
proposals. With respect to swans, he supported the regulation proposals 
for tundra swans and the efforts to restore breeding populations of 
trumpeter swans throughout their historic breeding range. He indicated 
that most Canada goose populations were doing well, but voiced concern 
for the dusky subspecies, the Southern James Bay Population, and the 
Atlantic population. He supported the Service's regulatory proposals 
for geese and for the Service's innovative efforts to control local 
breeding populations of resident Canada geese, as long as actions were 
done humanely and with as little waste as possible. He supported the 
proposal to reduce harvest rates on Atlantic brant. Mr. Barbour then 
discussed the status of light goose populations and highlighted 
concerns for the overpopulation of mid-continent and Atlantic 
population snow geese. He expressed support for the March 10 framework 
closing date and the Service's exception for the Nebraska Rainwater 
Basin.
    Mr. Barbour stated that beginning in 1993, wetland conditions for 
prairie nesting ducks had progressively improved and 1996 conditions 
were good to excellent across the entire Prairie Pothole Region and 
greatly improved conditions in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. 
Although most species are at or above record levels, he indicated 
continued concern for pintails, scaup and wigeon. He expressed National 
Audubon's support of the continued development of AHM approach to duck 
harvest management and the selection of the liberal package for all 
four flyways. He further encouraged cooperative efforts to modify 
regulatory packages for next year, but cautioned the Service to 
carefully consider the results of a recently completed North American 
Duck Hunter Survey in these deliberations. Specifically, he reminded 
the Service that the vast majority of hunters were satisfied with daily 
bag limits of 4, 5, or 6 and that hunters favored increased days of 
hunting opportunity over larger bag limits.
    Finally, he encouraged careful monitoring of participation in the 
USDA's Conservation Reserve Program. He noted increased conversion of 
acreage enrolled in the program back into grain production which was 
resulting in a significant loss of nesting habitat. He urged the 
Service to increase allocations of Migratory Bird Conservation Act and 
North American Wetland Conservation Act funds to the important Prairie 
Pothole Region. He also indicated his support for full implementation 
of the Harvest Information Program.

Flyway Council Recommendations and Written Comments

    The preliminary proposed rulemaking which appeared in the March 22 
Federal Register, opened the public-comment period for late-season 
migratory game bird hunting regulations. As of August 2, 1996, the 
Service had received 194 comments; 12 of these specifically addressed 
late-season issues. The Service also received recommendations from all 
four Flyway Councils. Late-season comments are summarized and discussed 
in the order used in the March 22 Federal Register. Only the numbered 
items pertaining to late seasons for which written comments were 
received are included. Flyway Council recommendations shown below 
include only those involving changes from the 1995-96 late-season 
frameworks. For those topics where a Council recommendation is not 
shown, the Council supported continuing the same frameworks as in 1995-
96.

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.

A. General Harvest Strategy

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council, the Upper-
Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council, the 
Central Flyway Council, and the Pacific Flyway Council recommended 
adopting the ``liberal'' alternative for the 1996-97 duck hunting 
season.
    The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway 
Council recommended some specific modifications to the ``liberal'' 
alternative. These modifications are detailed in B. Framework Dates, C. 
Season Length, and E. Bag Limits.
    Written Comments: Senator John Breaux of Louisiana asked for 
consideration of the Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the 
Mississippi Flyway Council's recommendation.
    Service Response: Beginning in 1995, the Service, Flyway Councils, 
and States introduced a new approach to the regulation of duck 
harvests, called Adaptive Harvest Management (AHM).

[[Page 42508]]

An integral part of this harvest-management approach is the cooperative 
establishment of a set of regulatory alternatives that includes 
specified season lengths and bag limits for restrictive, moderate, and 
liberal seasons. The alternatives established for this year's hunting 
season are similar to those of the 1995 season and are the result of 
extensive discussions with the Flyway Councils and States since last 
January, as well as involvement by the public during an open comment 
period.
    The estimate of total ducks this year is 16 percent higher than the 
long-term average and several species are at record levels. The outlook 
for production is excellent and the 1996 fall flight will be comparable 
to those observed during the 1970s. Based on favorable input, the 
Service seeks to continue use of the AHM approach initiated last year. 
The AHM strategy for 1996 prescribes the liberal regulatory alternative 
based on high mallard and pond numbers.
    The frameworks recommended by the Lower-Region Regulations 
Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council differed from those in the 
``liberal'' alternative established earlier this year. The Service's 
proposal is consistent with the ``liberal'' alternative outlined in the 
July 22 Federal Register and was supported by the other three Flyway 
Councils as well as the Mississippi Flyway Council's Upper-Region 
Regulations Committee.
    The Service recognizes the need to address the issue of harvest 
opportunity for species other than mallards that may be at or above 
objective population levels. Consequently, as part of the continuing 
development of AHM, the Service and Flyway Councils will soon begin a 
comprehensive review of regulatory alternatives, including all aspects 
of duck hunting regulations, in preparation for the 1997-98 hunting 
season.

B. Framework Dates

    Council Recommendations: The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of 
the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended fixed September 28 and 
January 23 framework dates.
    Written Comments: Senators Thad Cochran and Trent Lott of 
Mississippi recommended an experimental January 31 framework closing 
date for Mississippi.
    An individual from Texas recommended extended the season through 
the second week of February.

C. Season Length

    Council Recommendations: The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of 
the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended a 53-day season.

E. Bag Limits

    Council Recommendations: The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of 
the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended a 6-duck daily bag limit 
including no more than 4 mallards (no more than 1 of which could be a 
hen), 4 mottled ducks, 4 scaup, 4 ringnecks, 4 goldeneyes, 4 
buffleheads, 2 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 1 pintail, and 1 
black duck.
    Written Comments: Senators Thad Cochran and Trent Lott of 
Mississippi recommended an experimental 6-bird daily bag limit for 
Mississippi.
    An individual from Texas recommended a 5-bird daily bag limit 
including at least 2 pintails and 2 redheads. Another individual from 
Texas recommended a 5-bird daily bag limit including 2 to 3 pintails.

F. Zones and Split Seasons

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
that the Service implement the proposed changes to guidelines for the 
use of zones and split seasons, and determine if States could be 
allowed to have 3 zones, with split seasons in each, where the numbers 
of hunters and ducks harvested in one or more zones would be very 
small.
    The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway 
Council recommended an additional option of 3 zones and 2-way splits be 
provided as a regular option to all States in 1997.
    Written Comments: An individual from Wyoming requested the 
Service's guidelines allow non-contiguous zones.

G. Special Seasons/Species Management

    i. Black Ducks
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
that the individual Atlantic Flyway States achieve a 40 percent 
reduction in their black duck harvest during the 1996-97 season 
compared with the 1977-81 base-line harvest.
    ii. Canvasbacks
    Council Recommendations: The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of 
the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended a daily bag limit of 2 
canvasbacks.
    Written Comments: An individual from Washington recommended a daily 
bag limit of 2 canvasbacks.

4. Canada Geese

    Council Recommendations: The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of 
the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended several changes in Canada 
goose quotas, season lengths, etc., based on population status and 
population management plans and programs.
    The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway 
Council recommended the Service allow 3-way splits for goose seasons. 
The Council further recommended that 3-way split seasons for Canada 
geese require both Council and Service approval and a 3-year evaluation 
by each participating State.
    The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway 
Council recommended a dark goose daily bag limit of 3 Canada geese, 2 
white-fronted geese, and 2 brant.
    The Central Flyway Council recommended a 4-bird dark goose 
aggregate bag limit in the west-tier States, except for the Western 
Goose Zone of Texas.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended a closing framework date in 
the NW Oregon Special Permit Zone of the Sunday closest to February 28. 
During the extended period, hunting would occur one day per week. The 
Council also recommended the morphological definition of a dusky Canada 
goose be defined as dark breasted (Munsell 10YR color value of 5 or 
less) with a culmen measurement of 40 to 50 millimeters.

C. Special Late Seasons

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
new experimental late seasons for resident geese in Maryland, Rhode 
Island, and Virginia, and additional days and area modifications for 
existing seasons in Georgia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, 
Pennsylvania, and South Carolina.
    The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway 
Council recommended the special late season in the Fergus Falls/
Alexandria Goose Zone of Minnesota be made operational.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended a daily bag and possession 
limit of 2 and 4 cackling Canada geese, respectively, in the SW 
Washington Special Goose Zone during the February 5 to March 10 late 
season.

6. Brant

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended a 
30-day Atlantic brant season with a 2-bird daily bag limit.


[[Page 42509]]



7. Snow and Ross's Geese

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended a 
March 10 framework closing date with a daily bag and possession limit 
of 8 and 24, respectively. The Council also recommended allowing the 
season to be split into three segments.
    The Upper-Region and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the 
Mississippi Flyway Council recommended a March 10 framework closing 
date with a daily bag and possession limit of 10 and 30, respectively.
    The Central Flyway Council recommended a March 10 framework closing 
date, except for Federal and State lands in the Rainwater Basin 
counties in Nebraska, with a daily bag and possession limit of 10 and 
40, respectively.
    Written Comments: An individual from Wyoming requested a March 10 
framework closing date. An individual from Nebraska recommended a March 
10 framework closing date and inclusion of the Rainwater Basin counties 
in the snow goose hunt area.
    Service Response: The Service concurs with the requests to extend 
the framework closing date for light geese to March 10 in the Atlantic, 
Mississippi, and Central Flyways, but believes that this extension 
should be limited to areas that do not pose a threat to the management 
and welfare of other migratory bird species during the spring migration 
and nesting period. In this regard, the Service has identified the 
Rainwater Basin Area of Nebraska and proposes to not extend the 
framework closing date in this 17 county area, including: Adams, 
Butler, Clay, Fillmore, Franklin, Gosper, Hall, Hamilton, Harland, 
Kearney, Nuckolls, Phelps, Polk, Saline, Seward, Thayer, and York 
counties. The Service further requests that states in the Central, 
Mississippi, and Atlantic Flyways work with Service staff to identify 
other important migratory bird staging areas where snow geese are co-
mingled with other species to the extent that sport-hunting activities 
may potentially cause significant disturbance to other species. Other 
areas that may pose a similar threat to other species will also be 
exempted from this framework closing date extension.

8. Swans

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
that 5600 tundra swan permits be issued for the 1996-97 season. The 
Council recommended that North Carolina receive 5000 permits and 
Virginia 600. The Council also recommended eliminating the requirement 
that tundra swan seasons must be held during snow goose seasons.
    Written Comments: The Humane Society of the United States requested 
that the Service close all swan hunting seasons, citing that tundra 
swan seasons were impeding, if not preventing, winter range expansion 
and recovery of trumpeter swans.

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 wants to obtain 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 of specific, reliable data on 
this year's status before mid-June for migratory shore and upland game 
birds and some waterfowl, and before late July for most waterfowl. 
Therefore, the Service believes that to allow comment periods past the 
dates specified is contrary to 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, Department of the Interior, 
ms 634--ARLSQ, 1849 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20240. The public may 
inspect comments during normal business hours at the Service's office 
in room 634, Arlington Square Building, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, 
Arlington, Virginia.
    The Service will consider all relevant comments received and will 
try to acknowledge received comments, but may not provide an individual 
response to each commenter.

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. The Service published a Notice 
of Availability in the June 16, 1988, Federal Register (53 FR 22582). 
The Service published its Record of Decision on August 18, 1988 (53 FR 
31341). However, this programmatic document does not prescribe year-
specific regulations; those are developed annually. The annual 
regulations and options are being considered in the Environmental 
Assessment, ``Waterfowl Hunting Regulations for 1996.'' Copies of these 
documents are available from the Service at the address indicated under 
the caption ADDRESSES.

Endangered Species Act Consideration

    As in the past, the Service will design hunting regulations to 
remove or alleviate chances of conflict between migratory game bird 
hunting seasons and the protection and conservation of endangered and 
threatened species. Consultations are presently under way to ensure 
that actions resulting from these regulatory proposals will not likely 
jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species 
or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical 
habitat. Findings from these consultations will be included in a 
biological opinion and may cause modification of some regulatory 
measures proposed in this document. The final frameworks will reflect 
any modifications. The Service's biological opinions resulting from its 
Section 7 consultation are public documents available for public 
inspection in the Service's Division of Endangered Species and MBMO, at 
the address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES.

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

    In the March 22, 1996, Federal Register, the Service reported 
measures it took to comply with requirements of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act and E.O.

[[Page 42510]]

12866. One measure was to prepare a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis 
(Analysis) in 1995 documenting the significant beneficial economic 
effect on a substantial number of small entities. The Analysis 
estimated that migratory bird hunters would spend between $258 and $586 
million at small businesses. Copies of the Analysis are available upon 
request from the Office of Migratory Bird Management. The Service is 
currently updating and expanding the 1995 Analysis. This rule was not 
subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget under E.O. 
12866.
    The Service examined these proposed regulations under the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995 and found no information collection requirements.

Unfunded Mandates

    The Service has determined and certifies in compliance with the 
requirements of the Unfunded Mandates Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that 
this rulemaking will not impose a cost of $100 million or more in any 
given year on local or State government or private entities.

Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 12988

    The Department, in promulgating this proposed rule, has determined 
that these regulations meet the applicable standards provided in 
Sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20

    Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Transportation, Wildlife.

PART 20--[AMENDED]

    The authority citation for Part 20 would be revised to read as 
follows:
    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 703-712, and 742 a-j.

    Dated: August 7, 1996
Donald J. Barry
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks

Proposed Regulations Frameworks for 1996-97 Late Hunting Seasons on 
Certain Migratory Game Birds

    Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and delegated 
authorities, the Department has approved frameworks for season lengths, 
shooting hours, bag and possession limits, and outside dates within 
which States may select seasons for hunting waterfowl and coots between 
the dates of September 1, 1996, and March 10, 1997.

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.
    Definitions: For the purpose of hunting regulations listed below, 
the collective terms ``dark'' and ``light'' geese include the following 
species:
    Dark geese - Canada geese, white-fronted geese, brant, and all 
other goose species except light geese.
    Light geese - snow (including blue) geese and Ross' geese.
    Area, Zone, and Unit Descriptions: Geographic descriptions related 
to late-season regulations are contained in a later portion of this 
document.
    Area-Specific Provisions: Frameworks for open seasons, season 
lengths, bag and possession limits, and other special provisions are 
listed below by flyway.

Atlantic Flyway

    The Atlantic Flyway includes Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, 
Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New 
York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, 
Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots

    Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 20.
    Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: 50 days and daily bag limit of 5 
ducks, including no more than 1 hen mallard, 1 black duck, 1 pintail, 1 
mottled duck, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 2 wood ducks, 2 redheads, and 1 
canvasback.
    Closures: The season on harlequin ducks is closed.
    Sea Ducks: In all areas outside of special sea duck areas, sea 
ducks are included in the regular duck daily bag and possession limits. 
However, during the regular duck season within the special sea duck 
areas, the sea duck daily bag and possession limits may be in addition 
to the regular duck daily bag and possession limits.
    Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit of mergansers is 5, only 1 of 
which may be a hooded merganser.
    Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.
    Lake Champlain Zone, New York: The waterfowl seasons, limits, and 
shooting hours shall be the same as those selected for the Lake 
Champlain Zone of Vermont.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, 
North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia may split 
their seasons into three segments; Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, 
New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and West 
Virginia may select hunting seasons by zones and may split their 
seasons into two segments in each zone.

Canada Geese

    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: The canada goose season 
is suspended throughout the Flyway except as noted below. Unless 
specified otherwise, seasons may be split into two segments.
    Connecticut: A special experimental season may be held in the South 
Zone between January 15 and February 15, with 5 geese per day.
    Georgia: In specific areas, a 70-day experimental season may be 
held between November 15 and February 15, with a limit of 5 Canada 
geese per day.
    Maryland: An experimental season may be held in designated areas of 
western Maryland from January 15 to February 15, with 5 geese per day.
    Massachusetts: In the Central Zone and a portion of the Coastal 
Zone, a season may be held from January 15 to February 15, with 5 geese 
per day.
    New Jersey: An expanded experimental season may be held in 
designated areas of Northeast, Northwest, and Southeast New Jersey from 
January 15 to February 15, with 5 geese per day.
    New York: An experimental season may be held between January 15 and 
February 15, with 5 geese daily in Westchester County and portions of 
Nassau, Orange, Putnam, and Rockland Counties.
    Pennsylvania: Erie, Mercer, and Butler Counties - 70 days between 
October 1 and January 31, with 1 goose per day through October 15; 2 
geese per day thereafter; 1 goose per day for the first 8 days after 
the opening.
    Crawford County - 35 days between October 1 and January 20; with 1 
goose per day.
    An expanded experimental season may be held in the Susquehanna/
Juniata Zones from January 15 to February 15 with 5 geese per day.
    Rhode Island: An experimental season may be held in a designated 
area from January 15 to February 15, with 5 geese per day,
    South Carolina: A 70-day special season may be held in the Central 
Piedmont, Western Piedmont, and Mountain Hunt Units during November 15 
to February 15, with a daily bag limit of 5 Canada geese per day.

[[Page 42511]]

    Virginia: An experimental season may be held from January 15 to 
February 15, with 5 geese per day, in all areas west of Interstate 95.
    West Virginia: 70 days between October 1 and January 20, with 3 
geese per day.

Light Geese

    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select a 107-
day season between October 1 and March 10, with 8 geese per day and 24 
in possession. States may split their seasons into three segments.

Brant

    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select a 30-
day season between October 1 and January 20, with 2 brant per day. 
States may split their seasons into two segments.

Mississippi Flyway

    The Mississippi Flyway includes Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, 
Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, 
Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots

    Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest October 1 (September 28 
) and the Sunday nearest January 20 (January 19).
    Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: 50 days with a daily bag limit of 
5 ducks, including no more than 4 mallards (no more than 1 of which may 
be a female), 3 mottled ducks, 1 black duck, 1 pintail, 2 wood ducks, 1 
canvasback, and 2 redheads.
    Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5, only 1 of which may be 
a hooded merganser.
    Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, 
Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, 
and Wisconsin may select hunting seasons by zones.
    In Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, 
Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, the season may be split 
into two segments in each zone.
    In Minnesota and Arkansas, the season may be split into three 
segments.
    Pymatuning Reservoir Area, Ohio: The seasons, limits, and shooting 
hours shall be the same as those selected in the adjacent portion of 
Pennsylvania (Northwest Zone).

Geese

    Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into three segments. 
Three-way split seasons for Canada geese require Mississippi Flyway 
Council and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval, and a 3-year 
evaluation, by each participating state.
    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select 
seasons for geese not to exceed 70 days for dark geese between the 
Saturday nearest October 1 (September 28) and January 31, and 107 days 
for light geese between the Saturday nearest October 1 (September 28) 
and March 10. The daily bag limit is 10 light geese, 3 Canada geese, 2 
white-fronted geese, and 2 brant. The possession limit for light geese 
is 30. Specific regulations for Canada geese and exceptions to the 
above general provisions are shown below by State.
    Alabama: In the SJBP Goose Zone, the season for Canada geese may 
not exceed 35 days. Elsewhere, the season for Canada geese may extend 
for 70 days in the respective duck-hunting zones. The daily bag limit 
is 2 Canada geese.
    Arkansas: The season for Canada geese may extend for 23 days in the 
East Zone and 14 days in the West Zone. In both zones, the season may 
extend to February 15. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. In the 
remainder of the State, the season for Canada geese is closed.
    Illinois: The total harvest of Canada geese in the State will be 
limited to 94,900 birds. Limits are 2 Canada geese daily and 10 in 
possession.
    (a) North Zone - The season for Canada geese will close after 93 
days or when 11,000 birds have been harvested in the Northern Illinois 
Quota Zone, whichever occurs first.
    (b) Central Zone - The season for Canada geese will close after 93 
days or when 17,600 birds have been harvested in the Central Illinois 
Quota Zone, whichever occurs first.
    (c) South Zone - The harvest of Canada geese in the Southern 
Illinois and Rend Lake Quota Zones will be limited to 36,600 and 10,400 
birds, respectively. The season for Canada geese in each zone will 
close after 84 days or when the harvest limit has been reached, 
whichever occurs first. In the Southern Illinois Quota Zone, if any of 
the following conditions exist after December 20, the State, after 
consultation with the Service, will close the season by emergency order 
with 48 hours notice:
    1. 10 consecutive days of snow cover, 3 inches or more in depth.
    2. 10 consecutive days of daily high temperatures less than 20 
degrees F.
    3. Average body weights of adult female geese less than 3,200 grams 
as measured from a weekly sample of a minimum of 50 geese.
    4. Starvation or a major disease outbreak resulting in observed 
mortality exceeding 5,000 birds in 10 days, or a total mortality 
exceeding 10,000 birds.
    In the remainder of the South Goose Zone, the season may extend for 
84 days or until both the Southern Illinois and Rend Lake Quota Zones 
have been closed, whichever occurs first.
    Indiana: The total harvest of Canada geese in the State will be 
limited to 24,200 birds.
    (a) Posey County - The season for Canada geese will close after 65 
days or when 4,350 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. 
The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (b) Remainder of the State - The season for Canada geese may extend 
for 65 days in the respective duck-hunting zones, except in the SJBP 
Zone, where the season may not exceed 35 days. The daily bag limit is 2 
Canada geese.
    Iowa: The season may extend for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 2 
Canada geese.
    Kentucky:
    (a) Western Zone - The season for Canada geese may extend for 65 
days (80 days in Fulton County), and the harvest will be limited to 
21,000 birds. Of the 21,000-bird quota, 13,650 birds will be allocated 
to the Ballard Reporting Area and 3,990 birds will be allocated to the 
Henderson/Union Reporting Area. If the quota in either reporting area 
is reached prior to completion of the 65-day season, the season in that 
reporting area will be closed. If this occurs, the season in those 
counties and portions of counties outside of, but associated with, the 
respective subzone (listed in State regulations) may continue for an 
additional 7 days, not to exceed a total of 65 days (80 days in Fulton 
County). The season in Fulton County may extend to February 15. The 
daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (b) Pennyroyal/Coalfield Zone - The season may extend for 35 days. 
The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (c) Remainder of the State - The season may extend for 50 days. The 
daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    Louisiana: The season for Canada geese may extend for 9 days. 
During the season, the daily bag limit for Canada and white-fronted 
geese is 2, no more than 1 of which may be a Canada goose. Hunters 
participating in the Canada goose season must possess a special permit 
issued by the State.
    Michigan: The total harvest of Canada geese in the State will be 
limited to 53,300 birds.

[[Page 42512]]

    (a) North Zone - The framework opening date for all geese is 
September 28 and the season for Canada geese may extend for 20 days. 
The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (b) Middle Zone - The season for Canada geese may extend for 20 
days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (c) South Zone
    (1) Allegan County GMU - The season for Canada geese will close 
after 51 days or when 2,200 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs 
first. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (2) Muskegon Wastewater GMU - The season for Canada geese will 
close after 53 days or when 700 birds have been harvested, whichever 
occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (3) Saginaw County GMU - The season for Canada geese will close 
after 50 days or when 2,000 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs 
first. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (4) Tuscola/Huron GMU - The season for Canada geese will close 
after 50 days or when 750 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs 
first. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (5) Remainder of South Zone -
    (i) The season for Canada geese may extend for 30 days. The daily 
bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (d) Southern Michigan GMU - An experimental special Canada goose 
season may be held between January 4 and February 2. The daily bag 
limit is 2 Canada geese.
    Minnesota:
    (a) West Zone
    (1) West Central Zone - The season for Canada geese may extend for 
30 days. In the Lac Qui Parle Zone, the season will close after 30 days 
or when 16,000 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. 
Throughout the West Central Zone, the daily bag limit is 1 Canada 
goose.
    (2) Remainder of West Zone - The season for Canada geese may extend 
for 40 days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (b) Northwest Zone - The season for Canada geese may extend for 40 
days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (c) Remainder of the State - The season for Canada geese may extend 
for 70 days, except in the Twin Cities Metro Zone and Olmsted County, 
where the season may not exceed 80 days. The daily bag limit is 2 
Canada geese.
    (d) Fergus Falls/Alexandria Zone - A special Canada goose season of 
up to 10 days may be held in December. During the special season, the 
daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    Mississippi: The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days. 
The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese.
    Missouri:
    (a) Swan Lake Zone - The season for Canada geese will close after 
40 days or when 5,000 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs 
first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (b) Schell-Osage Zone - The season for Canada geese may extend for 
40 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (c) Remainder of the State - The season for Canada geese may extend 
for 70 days in the respective duck-hunting zones. The season may be 
split into 3 segments, provided that one segment of at least 9 days 
occurs prior to October 15. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    Ohio: The season may extend for 70 days in the respective duck-
hunting zones, with a daily bag limit of 2 Canada geese, except in the 
Lake Erie SJBP Zone, where the season may not exceed 30 days and the 
daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose. In the Pymatuming Reservoir Area, 
the seasons, limits, and shooting hours for all geese shall be the same 
as those selected in the adjacent portion of Pennsylvania.
    Tennessee:
    (a) Northwest Zone - The season for Canada geese will close after 
78 days or when 8,000 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs 
first. The season may extend to February 15. All geese harvested must 
be tagged. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (b) Southwest Zone - The season for Canada geese may extend for 63 
days, and the harvest will be limited to 700 birds. The daily bag limit 
is 2 Canada geese.
    (c) Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Zone - The season for Canada geese will 
close after 50 days or when 1,800 birds have been harvested, whichever 
occurs first. All geese harvested must be tagged. The daily bag limit 
is 2 Canada geese.
    (d) Remainder of the State - The season for Canada geese may extend 
for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    Wisconsin: The total harvest of Canada geese in the State will be 
limited to 69,600 birds.
    (a) Horicon Zone - The framework opening date for all geese is 
September 21. The harvest of Canada geese is limited to 36,600 birds. 
The season may not exceed 86 days. All Canada geese harvested must be 
tagged. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose and the season limit will 
be the number of tags issued to each permittee.
    (b) Collins Zone - The framework opening date for all geese is 
September 21. The harvest of Canada geese is limited to 1,100 birds. 
The season may not exceed 68 days. All Canada geese harvested must be 
tagged. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose and the season limit will 
be the number of tags issued to each permittee.
    (c) Exterior Zone - The framework opening date for all geese is 
September 28. The harvest of Canada geese is limited to 27,400 birds, 
with 500 birds allocated to the Mississippi River Subzone. The season 
may not exceed 79 days and the daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose. In 
that portion of the Exterior Zone outside the Mississippi River 
Subzone, the progress of the harvest must be monitored, and the season 
closed, if necessary, to ensure that the harvest does not exceed 26,900 
birds.
    Additional Limits: In addition to the harvest limits stated for the 
respective zones above, an additional 4,500 Canada geese may be taken 
in the Horicon Zone under special agricultural permits.
    Quota Zone Closures: When it has been determined that the quota of 
Canada geese allotted to the Northern Illinois, Central Illinois, 
Southern Illinois, and Rend Lake Quota Zones in Illinois, Posey County 
in Indiana, the Ballard and Henderson-Union Subzones in Kentucky, the 
Allegan County, Muskegon Wastewater, Saginaw County, and Tuscola/Huron 
Goose Management Units in Michigan, the Lac Qui Parle Zone in 
Minnesota, the Swan Lake Zone in Missouri, the Northwest and Kentucky/
Barkley Lakes Zones in Tennessee, and the Exterior Zone in Wisconsin 
will have been filled, the season for taking Canada geese in the 
respective zone (and associated area, if applicable) will be closed by 
either the Director upon giving public notice through local information 
media at least 48 hours in advance of the time and date of closing, or 
by the State through State regulations with such notice and time (not 
less than 48 hours) as they deem necessary.

Central Flyway

    The Central Flyway includes Colorado (east of the Continental 
Divide), Kansas, Montana (Counties of Blaine, Carbon, Fergus, Judith 
Basin, Stillwater, Sweetgrass, Wheatland, and all counties east 
thereof), Nebraska, New Mexico (east of the Continental Divide except 
the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation), North Dakota, Oklahoma, South 
Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming (east of the Continental Divide).

Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots

    Outside Dates: Between September 28 and January 19.
    Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits:
    (1) High Plains Mallard Management Unit (roughly defined as that 
portion of the Central Flyway which lies west of the 100th meridian): 
83 days and a daily bag limit of 5 ducks, including no more

[[Page 42513]]

than 1 female mallard, 1 mottled duck, 1 pintail, 1 canvasback, 2 
redheads, and 2 wood ducks. The last 23 days may start no earlier than 
the Saturday nearest December 10 (December 7).
    (2) Remainder of the Central Flyway: 60 days and a daily bag limit 
of 5 ducks, including no more than 1 female mallard, 1 mottled duck, 1 
pintail, 1 canvasback, 2 redheads, and 2 wood ducks.
    Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5 mergansers, only 1 of 
which may be a hooded merganser.
    Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Kansas (Low Plains portion), Montana, 
Nebraska (Low Plains portion), New Mexico, Oklahoma (Low Plains 
portion), South Dakota (Low Plains portion), Texas (Low Plains 
portion), and Wyoming may select hunting seasons by zones.
    In Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, 
South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming, the regular season may be split into 
two segments.
    In Colorado, the season may be split into three segments.

Geese

    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select 
seasons not to exceed 107 days; except for dark geese, which may not 
exceed 86 days in Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South 
Dakota, and the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas. For dark geese, outside 
dates for seasons may be selected between the Saturday nearest October 
1 (September 28) and January 31, except in the Western Goose Zone of 
Texas, where the closing date is the Sunday nearest February 15 
(February 16). For light geese, outside dates for seasons may be 
selected between the Saturday nearest October 1 (September 28) and 
March 10, except in the Nebraska Counties of Adams, Butler, Clay, 
Fillmore, Franklin, Gosper, Hall, Hamilton, Harland, Kearney, Nuckolls, 
Phelps, Polk, Saline, Seward, Thayer, and York where the closing date 
is the Sunday nearest February 15 (February 16). Seasons may be split 
into two segments. The daily bag and possession limits for light geese 
are 10 and 40, respectively.
    Dark goose daily bag limits in States and goose management zones 
within States, may be as follows:
    Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and South Dakota: 2 dark geese, 
including no more than 1 white-fronted goose.
    Colorado, Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming: 4 dark geese.
    North Dakota: 2 dark geese.
    Texas: For the Western Goose Zone, the daily bag limit is 5 dark 
geese, including no more than 1 white-fronted and 4 Canada geese.
    For the Eastern Goose Zone, the daily bag limit is 2 dark geese, 
including no more than 1 white-fronted goose.

Pacific Flyway

Ducks, Mergansers, Coots, and Common Moorhens

    Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: Concurrent 93 days and daily bag 
limit of 7 ducks, including no more than 1 female mallard, 2 pintails, 
2 redheads and 1 canvasback.
    The season on coots and common moorhens may be between the outside 
dates for the season on ducks, but not to exceed 93 days. In the 
Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit, the seasons may be an 
additional 7 days.
    Coot and Common Moorhen Limits: The daily bag and possession limits 
of coots and common moorhens are 25, singly or in the aggregate.
    Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest October 1 (September 
28) and the Sunday nearest January 20 (January 19).
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, 
Oregon, Utah, and Washington may select hunting seasons by zones.
    Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington 
may split their seasons into two segments.
    Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming may split their seasons 
into three segments.
    Colorado River Zone, California: Seasons and limits shall be the 
same as seasons and limits selected in the adjacent portion of Arizona 
(South Zone).

Geese

    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: Except as subsequently 
noted, 100-day seasons may be selected, with outside dates between the 
Saturday nearest October 1 (September 28), and the Sunday nearest 
January 20 (January 19), and the basic daily bag limits are 3 light 
geese and 4 dark geese, except in California, Oregon, and Washington, 
where the dark goose bag limit does not include brant.
    Brant Season - A 16-consecutive-day season may be selected in 
Oregon and Washington, and a 30-consecutive day season may be selected 
in California. In these States, the daily bag limit is 2 brant and is 
in addition to dark goose limits.
    Closures: There will be no open season on Aleutian Canada geese in 
the Pacific Flyway. The States of California, Oregon, and Washington 
must include a statement on the closure for that subspecies in their 
respective regulations leaflet. Emergency closures may be invoked for 
all Canada geese should Aleutian Canada goose distribution patterns or 
other circumstances justify such actions.
    Arizona: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 2 geese.
    California:
    Northeastern Zone - White-fronted geese and cackling Canada geese 
may be taken only during the first 23 days of the goose season. The 
daily bag limit is 3 geese and may include no more than 2 dark geese; 
including not more than 1 cackling Canada goose.
    Colorado River Zone - The seasons and limits must be the same as 
those selected in the adjacent portion of Arizona (South Zone).
    Southern Zone - The daily bag and possession limits for dark geese 
is 2 geese, including not more than 1 cackling Canada goose.
    Balance-of-the-State Zone - A 79-day season may be selected, except 
that white-fronted geese and cackling Canada geese may be taken during 
only the first 65 days of such season. Limits may not include more than 
3 geese per day and in possession, of which not more than 1 may be a 
dark goose. The dark goose limits may be expanded to 2, provided that 
they are Canada geese other than cackling Canada geese for which the 
daily limit is 1.
    Three areas in the Balance-of-the-State Zone are restricted in the 
hunting of certain geese:
    (1) In the Counties of Del Norte and Humboldt, there will be no 
open season for Canada geese.
    (2) In the Sacramento Valley Area, the season on white-fronted 
geese must end on or before December 14, and, except in the Western 
Canada Goose Hunt Area, there will be no open season for Canada geese.
    (3) In the San Joaquin Valley Area, the hunting season for Canada 
geese will close no later than November 23.
    Colorado: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 2 geese.
    Idaho:
    Northern Unit - The daily bag limit is 4 geese, including 4 dark 
geese, but not more than 3 light geese.
    Southwest Unit and Southeastern Unit - The daily bag limit on dark 
geese is 4.
    Montana:
    West of Divide Zone and East of Divide Zone - The daily bag limit 
on dark geese is 4.
    Nevada:
    Clark County Zone - The daily bag limit of dark geese is 2 geese.

[[Page 42514]]

    New Mexico: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 2 geese.
    Oregon: Except as subsequently noted, the dark goose limit is 4, 
including not more than 1 cackling Canada goose.
    Harney, Lake, Klamath, and Malheur Counties Zone - The season 
length may be 100 days. The dark goose limit is 4, including not more 
than 2 white-fronted geese and 1 cackling Canada goose.
    Western Zone - In the Special Canada Goose Management Area, except 
for designated areas, there shall be no open season on Canada geese. In 
the designated areas, individual quotas shall be established which 
collectively shall not exceed 132 dusky Canada geese. See section on 
quota zones. In those designated areas, the daily bag limit of dark 
geese is 3, including not more than 2 cackling Canada geese.
    Utah: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 2 geese.
    Washington: The daily bag limit is 4 geese, including 4 dark geese 
but not more than 3 light geese.
    West Zone - In the Lower Columbia River Special Goose Management 
Area, except for designated areas, there shall be no open season on 
Canada geese. In the designated areas, individual quotas shall be 
established which collectively shall not exceed 72 dusky Canada geese. 
See section on quota zones.
    Wyoming: The daily bag limit is 4 dark geese.
    Quota Zones: Seasons on Canada geese must end upon attainment of 
individual quotas of dusky Canada geese allotted to the designated 
areas of Oregon and Washington. The September Canada goose season, the 
regular goose season, any special late Canada goose season, and any 
extended falconry season, combined, must not exceed 107 days and the 
established quota of dusky Canada geese must not be exceeded. Hunting 
of Canada geese in those designated areas shall only be by hunters 
possessing a State-issued permit authorizing them to do so. In a 
Service-approved investigation, the State must obtain quantitative 
information on hunter compliance of those regulations aimed at reducing 
the take of dusky Canada geese and eliminating the take of Aleutian 
Canada geese. The daily bag limit of Canada geese may not include more 
than 2 cackling Canada goose.
    In the designated areas of the Washington Quota Zone, a special 
late Canada goose may be held between February 5 and March 10. The 
daily bag limit may not include Aleutian Canada geese. In the Special 
Canada Goose Management Area of Oregon, the framework closing date is 
extended to February 28th.

Swans

    In designated areas of Utah, Nevada, and the Pacific Flyway portion 
of Montana, an open season for taking a limited number of swans may be 
selected. Permits will be issued by States and will authorize each 
permittee to take no more than 1 swan per season. The season may open 
no earlier than the Saturday nearest October 1 (September 28). The 
States must implement a harvest-monitoring program to measure the 
species composition of the swan harvest. In Utah and Nevada, the 
harvest-monitoring program must require that all harvested swans or 
their specie-determinant parts be examined by either State or Federal 
biologists for the purpose of species classification. All States should 
use appropriate measures to maximize hunter compliance in providing 
bagged swans for examination or, in the case of Montana, reporting 
bill-measurement and color information. All States must provide to the 
Service by June 30, 1996, a report covering harvest, hunter 
participation, reporting compliance, and monitoring of swan populations 
in the designated hunt areas. These seasons will be subject to the 
following conditions:
    In Utah, no more than 2,750 permits may be issued. The season must 
end no later than the first Sunday in December (December 1) or upon 
attainment of 15 trumpeter swans in the harvest, whichever occurs 
earliest.
    In Nevada, no more than 650 permits may be issued. The season must 
end no later than the Sunday following January 1 (January 5) or upon 
attainment of 5 trumpeter swans in the harvest, whichever occurs 
earliest.
    In Montana, no more than 500 permits may be issued. The season must 
end no later than December 1.

Tundra Swans

    In Central Flyway portion of Montana, and in North Carolina, North 
Dakota, South Dakota, and Virginia, an open season for taking a limited 
number of tundra swans may be selected. Permits will be issued by the 
States and will authorize each permittee to take no more than 1 tundra 
swan per season. The States must obtain harvest and hunter 
participation data. These seasons will be subject to the following 
conditions:
    In the Atlantic Flyway
    --The season will be experimental.
    --The season may be 90 days, from October 1 to January 31.
    --In North Carolina, no more than 5,000 permits may be issued.
    --In Virginia, no more than 600 permits may be issued.
    In the Central Flyway
    --The season may be 107 days and must occur during the light goose 
season.
    --In the Central-Flyway portion of Montana, no more than 500 
permits may be issued.
    --In North Dakota, no more than 2,000 permits may be issued.
    --In South Dakota, no more than 1,500 permits may be issued.

Area, Unit and Zone Descriptions

Ducks (Including Mergansers) and Coots

Atlantic Flyway
    Connecticut
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of I-95.
    South Zone: Remainder of the State.
    Maine
    North Zone: That portion north of the line from the New Hampshire 
and Maine border in Newfield, proceed east along Maine State Highway 
110 to the intersection of Maine State Highway 11; then north and east 
along Route 11 to the intersection of U.S. Route 202 in Auburn; north 
and east on Route 202 to the intersection of Maine State Highway 9 
North in Augusta; north and east along Route 9 to the intersection of 
U.S. Highway 1 in Baileyville; follow Route 1 north and east to Calais 
and the United States and border.
    South Zone: Remainder of the State.
    Massachusetts
    Western Zone: That portion of the State west of a line extending 
south from the Vermont border on I-91 to MA 9, west on MA 9 to MA 10, 
south on MA 10 to U.S. 202, south on U.S. 202 to the Connecticut 
border.
    Central Zone: That portion of the State east of the Berkshire Zone 
and west of a line extending south from the New Hampshire border on I-
95 to U.S. 1, south on U.S. 1 to I-93, south on I-93 to MA 3, south on 
MA 3 to U.S. 6, west on U.S. 6 to MA 28, west on MA 28 to I-195, west 
to the Rhode Island border; except the waters, and the lands 150 yards 
inland from the high-water mark, of the Assonet River upstream to the 
MA 24 bridge, and the Taunton River upstream to the Center St.-Elm St. 
bridge shall be in the Coastal Zone.
    Coastal Zone: That portion of Massachusetts east and south of the 
Central Zone.
    New Hampshire
    Coastal Zone: That portion of the State east of a line extending 
west from Maine border in Rollinsford on NH 4 to the city of Dover, 
south to NH 108, south along NH 108 through Madbury, Durham, and 
Newmarket to NH 85 in Newfields, south to NH 101 in Exeter,

[[Page 42515]]

east to NH 51 (Exeter-Hampton Expressway), east to I-95 (New Hampshire 
Turnpike) in Hampton, and south along I-95 to the Massachusetts border.
    Inland Zone: That portion of the State north and west of the above 
boundary.
    New Jersey
    Coastal Zone: That portion of the State seaward of a line beginning 
at the New York border in Raritan Bay and extending west along the New 
York border to NJ 440 at Perth Amboy; west on NJ 440 to the Garden 
State Parkway; south on the Garden State Parkway to the shoreline at 
Cape May and continuing to the Delaware border in Delaware Bay.
    North Zone: That portion of the State west of the Coastal Zone and 
north of a line extending west from the Garden State Parkway on NJ 70 
to the New Jersey Turnpike, north on the turnpike to U.S. 206, north on 
U.S. 206 to U.S. 1 at Trenton, west on U.S. 1 to the Pennsylvania 
border in the Delaware River.
    South Zone: That portion of the State not within the North Zone or 
the Coastal Zone.
    New York
    Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and that 
area east and north of a line extending along NY 9B from the Canadian 
border to U.S. 9, south along U.S. 9 to NY 22 south of Keesville; south 
along NY 22 to the west shore of South Bay, along and around the 
shoreline of South Bay to NY 22 on the east shore of South Bay; 
southeast along NY 22 to U.S. 4, northeast along U.S. 4 to the Vermont 
border.
    Long Island Zone: That area consisting of Nassau County, Suffolk 
County, that area of Westchester County southeast of I-95, and their 
tidal waters.
    Western Zone: That area west of a line extending from Lake Ontario 
east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, and south along 
I-81 to the Pennsylvania border.
    Northeastern Zone: That area north of a line extending from Lake 
Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, south 
along I-81 to NY 49, east along NY 49 to NY 365, east along NY 365 to 
NY 28, east along NY 28 to NY 29, east along NY 29 to I-87, north along 
I-87 to U.S. 9 (at Exit 20), north along U.S. 9 to NY 149, east along 
NY 149 to U.S. 4, north along U.S. 4 to the Vermont border, exclusive 
of the Lake Champlain Zone.
    Southeastern Zone: The remaining portion of New York.
    Pennsylvania
    Lake Erie Zone: The Lake Erie waters of Pennsylvania and a 
shoreline margin along Lake Erie from New York on the east to Ohio on 
the west extending 150 yards inland, but including all of Presque Isle 
Peninsula.
    Northwest Zone: The area bounded on the north by the Lake Erie Zone 
and including all of Erie and Crawford Counties and those portions of 
Mercer and Venango Counties north of I-80.
    North Zone: That portion of the State east of the Northwest Zone 
and north of a line extending east on I-80 to U.S. 220, Route 220 to I-
180, I-180 to I-80, and I-80 to the Delaware River.
    South Zone: The remaining portion of Pennsylvania.
    Vermont
    Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and that 
area north and west of the line extending from the New York border 
along U.S. 4 to VT 22A at Fair Haven; VT 22A to U.S. 7 at Vergennes; 
U.S. 7 to the Canadian border.
    Interior Zone: The remaining portion of Vermont.
    West Virginia
    Zone 1 : That portion outside the boundaries in Zone 2.
    Zone 2 (Allegheny Mountain Upland): That area bounded by a line 
extending south along U.S. 220 through Keyser to U.S. 50; U.S. 50 to WV 
93; WV 93 south to WV 42; WV 42 south to Petersburg; WV 28 south to 
Minnehaha Springs; WV 39 west to U.S. 219; U.S. 219 south to I-64; I-64 
west to U.S. 60; U.S. 60 west to U.S. 19; U.S. 19 north to I-79, I-79 
north to U.S. 48; U.S. 48 east to the Maryland border; and along the 
border to the point of beginning.
Mississippi Flyway
    Alabama
    South Zone: Mobile and Baldwin Counties.
    North Zone: The remainder of Alabama.
    Illinois
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending 
east from the Iowa border along Illinois Highway 92 to Interstate 
Highway 280, east along I-280 to I-80, then east along I-80 to the 
Indiana border.
    Central Zone: That portion of the State between the North and South 
Zone boundaries.
    South Zone: That portion of the State south of a line extending 
east from the Missouri border along the Modoc Ferry route to Modoc 
Ferry Road, east along Modoc Ferry Road to Modoc Road, northeasterly 
along Modoc Road and St. Leo's Road to Illinois Highway 3, north along 
Illinois 3 to Illinois 159, north along Illinois 159 to Illinois 161, 
east along Illinois 161 to Illinois 4, north along Illinois 4 to 
Interstate Highway 70, east along I-70 to the Bond County line, north 
and east along the Bond County line to Fayette County, north and east 
along the Fayette County line to Effingham County, east and south along 
the Effingham County line to I-70, then east along I-70 to the Indiana 
border.
    Indiana
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending 
east from the Illinois border along State Road 18 to U.S. Highway 31, 
north along U.S. 31 to U.S. 24, east along U.S. 24 to Huntington, then 
southeast along U.S. 224 to the Ohio border.
    Ohio River Zone: That portion of the State south of a line 
extending east from the Illinois border along Interstate Highway 64 to 
New Albany, east along State Road 62 to State 56, east along State 56 
to Vevay, east and north on State 156 along the Ohio River to North 
Landing, north along State 56 to U.S. Highway 50, then northeast along 
U.S. 50 to the Ohio border.
    South Zone: That portion of the State between the North and Ohio 
River Zone boundaries.
    Southern Illinois Quota Zone: Alexander, Jackson, Union, and 
Williamson Counties.
    Rend Lake Quota Zone: Franklin and Jefferson Counties.
    Iowa
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending 
east from the Nebraska border along State Highway 175 to State 37, 
southeast along State 37 to U.S. Highway 59, south along U.S. 59 to 
Interstate Highway 80, then east along I-80 to the Illinois border.
    South Zone: The remainder of Iowa.
    Kentucky
    West Zone: That portion of the State west of a line extending north 
from the Tennessee border along Interstate Highway 65 to Bowling Green, 
northwest along the Green River Parkway to Owensboro, southwest along 
U.S. Bypass 60 to U.S. Highway 231, then north along U.S. 231 to the 
Indiana border.
    East Zone: The remainder of Kentucky.
    Louisiana
    West Zone: That portion of the State west of a line extending south 
from the Arkansas border along Louisiana Highway 3 to Bossier City, 
east along Interstate Highway 20 to Minden, south along Louisiana 7 to 
Ringgold, east along Louisiana 4 to Jonesboro, south along U.S. Highway 
167 to Lafayette, southeast along U.S. 90 to Houma, then south along 
the Houma Navigation Channel to the Gulf of Mexico through Cat Island 
Pass.
    East Zone: The remainder of Louisiana.
    Catahoula Lake Area: All of Catahoula Lake, including those 
portions known

[[Page 42516]]

locally as Round Prairie, Catfish Prairie, and Frazier's Arm. See State 
regulations for additional information.
    Michigan
    North Zone: The Upper Peninsula.
    Middle Zone: That portion of the Lower Peninsula north of a line 
beginning at the Wisconsin border in Lake Michigan due west of the 
mouth of Stony Creek in Oceana County; then due east to, and easterly 
and southerly along the south shore of, Stony Creek to Webster Road, 
easterly and southerly along Webster Road to Stony Lake Road, easterly 
along Stony Lake and Garfield Roads to Michigan Highway 20, east along 
Michigan 20 to U.S. Highway 10 Business Route (BR) in the city of 
Midland, east along U.S. 10 BR to U.S. 10, east along U.S. 10 to 
Interstate Highway 75/U.S. Highway 23, north along I-75/U.S. 23 to the 
U.S. 23 exit at Standish, east along U.S. 23 to Shore Road in Arenac 
County, east along Shore Road to the tip of Point Lookout, then on a 
line directly east 10 miles into Saginaw Bay, and from that point on a 
line directly northeast to the Canada border.
    South Zone: The remainder of Michigan.
    Mississippi
    Zone 1: Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson Counties.
    Zone 2: The remainder of Mississippi.
    Missouri
    North Zone: That portion of Missouri north of a line running west 
from the Illinois border along Interstate Highway 70 to U.S. Highway 
54, south along U.S. 54 to U.S. 50, then west along U.S. 50 to the 
Kansas border.
    South Zone: That portion of Missouri south of a line running west 
from the Illinois border along Missouri Highway 34 to Interstate 
Highway 55; south along I-55 to U.S. Highway 62, west along U.S. 62 to 
Missouri 53, north along Missouri 53 to Missouri 51, north along 
Missouri 51 to U.S. 60, west along U.S. 60 to Missouri 21, north along 
Missouri 21 to Missouri 72, west along Missouri 72 to Missouri 32, west 
along Missouri 32 to U.S. 65, north along U.S. 65 to U.S. 54, west 
along U.S. 54 to Missouri 32, south along Missouri 32 to Missouri 97, 
south along Missouri 97 to Dade County NN, west along Dade County NN to 
Missouri 37, west along Missouri 37 to Jasper County N, west along 
Jasper County N to Jasper County M, west along Jasper County M to the 
Kansas border.
    Middle Zone: The remainder of Missouri.
    Ohio
    North Zone: The Counties of Darke, Miami, Clark, Champaign, Union, 
Delaware, Licking (excluding the Buckeye Lake Area), Muskingum, 
Guernsey, Harrison and Jefferson and all counties north thereof.
    Pymatuning Area: Pymatuning Reservoir and that part of Ohio bounded 
on the north by County Road 306 (known as Woodward Road), on the west 
by Pymatuning Lake Road, and on the south by U.S. Highway 322.
    Ohio River Zone: The Counties of Hamilton, Clermont, Brown, Adams, 
Scioto, Lawrence, Gallia and Meigs.
    South Zone: That portion of the State between the North and Ohio 
River Zone boundaries, including the Buckeye Lake Area in Licking 
County bounded on the west by State Highway 37, on the north by U.S. 
Highway 40, and on the east by State 13.
    Tennessee
    Reelfoot Zone: All or portions of Lake and Obion Counties.
    State Zone: The remainder of Tennessee.
    Wisconsin
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending 
east from the Minnesota border along State Highway 77 to State 27, 
south along State 27 and 77 to U.S. Highway 63, and continuing south 
along State 27 to Sawyer County Road B, south and east along County B 
to State 70, southwest along State 70 to State 27, south along State 27 
to State 64, west along State 64/27 and south along State 27 to U.S. 
12, south and east on State 27/U.S. 12 to U.S. 10, east on U.S. 10 to 
State 310, east along State 310 to State 42, north along State 42 to 
State 147, north along State 147 to State 163, north along State 163 to 
Kewaunee County Trunk A, north along County Trunk A to State 57, north 
along State 57 to the Kewaunee/Door County Line, west along the 
Kewaunee/Door County Line to the Door/Brown County Line, west along the 
Door/Brown County Line to the Door/Oconto/Brown County Line, northeast 
along the Door/Oconto County Line to the Marinette/Door County Line, 
northeast along the Marinette/Door County Line to the Michigan border.
    South Zone: The remainder of Wisconsin.
Central Flyway
    Kansas
    High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of U.S. 283.
    Low Plains Early Zone: That portion of the State east of the High 
Plains Zone and west of a line extending south from the Nebraska border 
along KS 28 to U.S. 36, east along U.S. 36 to KS 199, south along KS 
199 to Republic County Road 563, south along Republic Co. Rd. 563 to KS 
148, east along KS 148 to Republic Co. Rd. 138, south along Republic 
Co. Rd. 138 to Cloud Co. Rd. 765, south along Cloud Co. Rd. 765 to KS 
9, west along KS 9 to U.S. 24, west along U.S 24 to U.S. 281, north 
along U.S. 281 to U.S. 36, west along U.S. 36 to U.S. 183, south along 
U.S. 183 to U.S. 24, west along U.S. 24 to KS 18, southeast along KS 18 
to U.S, 183, south along U.S. 183 to KS 4, east along KS 4 to I-135, 
south along I-135 to KS 61, southwest along KS 61 to KS 96, northwest 
on KS 96 to U.S. 56, west along U.S. 56 to U.S. 281, south along U.S. 
281 to U.S. 54, then west along U.S. 54 to U.S. 283.
    Low Plains Late Zone: The remainder of Kansas.
    Montana (Central Flyway Portion)
    Zone 1: The Counties of Blaine, Carbon, Carter, Daniels, Dawson, 
Fallon, Fergus, Garfield, Golden Valley, Judith Basin, McCone, 
Musselshell, Petroleum, Phillips, Powder River, Richland, Roosevelt, 
Sheridan, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Valley, Wheatland, Wibaux, and 
Yellowstone.
    Zone 2: The remainder of Montana.
    Nebraska
    High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of Highways U.S. 
183 and U.S. 20 from the South Dakota border to Ainsworth, NE 7 and NE 
91 to Dunning, NE 2 to Merna, NE 93 to Arnold, NE 40 and NE 47 through 
Gothenburg to NE 23, NE 23 to Elwood, and U.S. 283 to the Kansas 
border.
    Low Plains Zone 1: That portion of the State east of the High 
Plains Zone and north and east of a line extending from the South 
Dakota border along NE 26E Spur to U.S. 20, west on U.S. 20 to NE 12, 
west on NE 12 to the Knox/Keya Pana Co. line, south along the county 
line to the Niobrara River and along the Niobrara River to U.S. 183 
(the High Plains Zone line). Where the Niobrara River forms the 
boundary, both banks will be in Zone 1.
    Low Plains Zone 2: That portion of the State east of the High 
Plains Zone and bounded by designated highways and political boundaries 
starting on U.S. 73 at the Kansas border, north to NE 67, north to U.S. 
75, north to NE 2, west to NE 43, north to U.S. 34, east to NE 63; 
north and west to U.S. 77; north to NE 92; west to U.S. 81; south to NE 
66; west to NE 14; south to U.S. 34; west to NE 2; south to I-80; west 
to Hamilton/Hall Co. line (Gunbarrel Rd.), south to Giltner Rd.; west 
to U.S. 34; west to U.S. 136; east on U.S. 135 to NE 10; south to the 
State line; west to U.S. 283; north to NE 23; west to NE 47; north to 
U.S. 30; east to NE 14; north to NE 52; northeasterly to NE 91; west to 
U.S. 281, north to NE 91 in Wheeler Co., west to U.S. 183; north to 
northerly boundary of Loup Co.; east along the north boundaries of 
Loup, Garfield, and Wheeler Co.; south along the east

[[Page 42517]]

Wheeler Co. line to NE 70; east on NE 70 from Wheeler Co. to NE 14; 
south to NE 39; southeast to NE 22; east to U.S. 81; southeast to U.S. 
30; east along U.S. 30 to U.S. 75, along U.S. 75 to the Washington/Burt 
Co.line; then along the county line to the Iowa border.
    Low Plains Zone 3: The area east of the High Plains Zone, excluding 
Low Plains Zone 1, north of Low Plains Zone 2.
    Low Plains Zone 4: The area east of the High Plains Zone and south 
of Zone 2.
    New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion)
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of I-40 and U.S. 54.
    South Zone: The remainder of New Mexico.
    North Dakota
    High Plains Unit: That portion of the State west of a line from the 
South Dakota border along U.S. 83 and I-94 to ND 41, north to ND 53, 
west to U.S. 83, north to ND 23, west to ND 8, north to U.S. 2, west to 
U.S. 85, north to the Canadian border.
    Low Plains: The remainder of North Dakota.
    Oklahoma
    High Plains Zone: The Counties of Beaver, Cimarron, and Texas.
    Low Plains Zone 1: That portion of the State east of the High 
Plains Zone and north of a line extending east from the Texas border 
along OK 33 to OK 47, east along OK 47 to U.S. 183, south along U.S. 
183 to I-40, east along I-40 to U.S. 177, north along U.S. 177 to OK 
33, west along OK 33 to I-35, north along I-35 to U.S. 60, west along 
U.S. 60 to U.S. 64, west along U.S. 64 to OK 132, then north along OK 
132 to the Kansas border.
    Low Plains Zone 2: The remainder of Oklahoma.
    South Dakota
    High Plains Unit: That portion of the State west of a line 
beginning at the North Dakota border and extending south along U.S. 83 
to U.S. 14, east along U.S. 14 to Blunt-Canning Rd. in Blunt, south 
along Blunt-Canning Rd. to SD 34, south across a line over the Missouri 
River to the northwestern corner of the Lower Brule Indian Reservation, 
south along the Reservation Boundary to Lyman Co. Rd., south along 
Lyman Co. Rd. to I-90 at Presho, east on I-90 to U.S. 183, then south 
along U.S. 183 to Nebraska border.
    North Zone: That portion of northeastern South Dakota east of the 
High Plains Unit and north of a line extending east along US 212 to SD 
15, then north along SD 15 to Big Stone Lake at the Minnesota border.
    South Zone: That portion of Gregory County east of SD 47, Charles 
Mix Co. south of SD 44 to the Douglas Co. line, south on SD 50 to 
Geddes, east on the Geddes Hwy. to U.S. 281, south on U.S. 281 and U.S. 
18 to SD 50, south and east on SD 50 to Bon Homme Co. line, the 
counties of Bon Homme, Yankton, and Clay south of SD 50, and Union Co. 
south and west of SD 50 and I-29.
    Middle Zone: The remainder of South Dakota.
    Texas
    High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of a line 
extending south from the Oklahoma border along U.S. 183 to Vernon, 
south along U.S. 283 to Albany, south along TX 6 to TX 351 to Abilene, 
south along U.S. 277 to Del Rio, then south along the Del Rio 
International Toll Bridge access road to the Mexico border.
    North Zone: That portion of north Texas east of the High Plains 
Zone and north of a line extending east from Del Rio along U.S. 90 to 
San Antonio, east along I-10 to TX 77, north along TX 77 to Brenham, 
east along TX 105 to I-10 at Beamount, then east along I-10 to the 
Louisiana border.
    Wyoming (Central Flyway portion)
    Zone 1: The Counties of Converse, Goshen, Hot Springs, Natrona, 
Platte, Washakie, and that portion of Park south of T58N and not within 
the boundary of the Shoshone National Forest.
    Zone 2: The remainder of Wyoming.
    South Zone: The remainder of Texas.
Pacific Flyway
    Arizona--Game Management Units (GMU) as follows:
    South Zone: Those portions of GMUs 6 and 8 in Yavapai County, and 
GMUs 11 and 12B-45.
    North Zone: GMUs 1-5, those portions of GMUs 6 and 8 within 
Coconino County, and GMUs 7, 9, 10, 12A, and 13A.
    California
    Northeastern Zone: That portion of the State east and north of a 
line beginning at the Oregon border; south and west along the Klamath 
River to the mouth of Shovel Creek; south along Shovel Creek to Forest 
Service Road 46N10; south and east along FS 46N10 to FS 45N22; west and 
south along FS 45N22 to U.S. 97 at Grass Lake Summit; south and west 
along U.S. 97 to I-5 at the town of Weed; south along I-5 to CA 89; 
east and south along CA 89 to the junction with CA 49; east and north 
on CA 49 to CA 70; east on CA 70 to U.S. 395; south and east on U.S. 
395 to the Nevada border.
    Colorado River Zone: Those portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, 
and Imperial Counties east of a line extending from the Nevada border 
south along U.S. 95 to Vidal Junction; south on a road known as 
``Aqueduct Road'' in San Bernardino County through the town of Rice to 
the San Bernardino-Riverside County line; south on a road known in 
Riverside County as the ``Desert Center to Rice Road'' to the town of 
Desert Center; east 31 miles on I-10 to the Wiley Well Road; south on 
this road to Wiley Well; southeast along the Army-Milpitas Road to the 
Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south on the Blythe-Brawley 
paved road to the Ogilby and Tumco Mine Road; south on this road to 
U.S. 80; east seven miles on U.S. 80 to the Andrade-Algodones Road; 
south on this paved road to the Mexican border at Algodones, Mexico.
    Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding 
the Colorado River Zone) south and east of a line extending from the 
Pacific Ocean east along the Santa Maria River to CA 166 near the City 
of Santa Maria; east on CA 166 to CA 99; south on CA 99 to the crest of 
the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest 
of the Tehachapi Mountains to CA 178 at Walker Pass; east on CA 178 to 
U.S. 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on U.S. 395 to CA 58; east on 
CA 58 to I-15; east on I-15 to CA 127; north on CA 127 to the Nevada 
border.
    Southern San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone: All of Kings and Tulare 
Counties and that portion of Kern County north of the Southern Zone.
    Balance-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of California not included 
in the Northeastern, Southern, and Colorado River Zones, and the 
Southern San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone.
    Idaho
    Zone 1: Includes all lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian 
Reservation, including private inholdings; Bannock County; Bingham 
County, except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; 
and Power County east of ID 37 and ID 39.
    Zone 2: Includes the following counties or portions of counties: 
Adams; Bear Lake; Benewah; Bingham within the Blackfoot Reservoir 
drainage; those portions of Blaine west of ID 75, south and east of 
U.S. 93, and between ID 75 and U.S. 93 north of U.S. 20 outside the 
Silver Creek drainage; Bonner; Bonneville; Boundary; Butte; Camas; 
Caribou except the Fort Hall Indian Reservation; Cassia within the 
Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; Clark; Clearwater; Custer; Elmore 
within the Camas Creek drainage; Franklin; Fremont; Idaho; Jefferson; 
Kootenai; Latah; Lemhi; Lewis; Madison; Nez Perce; Oneida; Power within 
the

[[Page 42518]]

Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; Shoshone; Teton; and Valley 
Counties.
    Zone 3: Ada, those portions of Blaine between ID 75 and U.S. 93 
south of U.S. 20 and that additional area between ID 75 and U.S. 93 
north of U.S. 20 within the Silver Creek drainage; Boise; Canyon; 
Cassia except that portion within the Minidoka National Wildlife 
Refuge; Elmore except the Camas Creek drainage; Gem; Gooding; Jerome; 
Lincoln; Minidoka; Owyhee; Payette; Power west of ID 37 and ID 39 
except that portion within the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; Twin 
Falls; and Washington Counties.
    Nevada
    Clark County Zone: All of Clark and Lincoln Counties.
    Remainder-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of Nevada.
    Oregon
    Zone 1: Statewide, except Deschutes, Klamath, and Lake Counties.
    Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit: Gilliam, Morrow, and 
Umatilla Counties.
    Zone 2: Deschutes, Klamath, and Lake Counties.
    Utah
    Zone 1: All of Box Elder, Cache, Daggett, Davis, Duchesne, Morgan, 
Rich, Salt Lake, Summit, Unitah, Utah, Wasatch, and Weber Counties and 
that part of Toole County north of I-80.
    Zone 2: The remainder of Utah.
    Washington
    East Zone: All areas east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of 
the Big White Salmon River in Klickitat County.
    Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit: Same as East Zone.
    West Zone: All areas to the west of the East Zone.

Geese

Atlantic Flyway
    Connecticut
    Same zones as for ducks.
    Georgia
    Special Area for Canada Geese: Statewide.
    Maryland
    Special Area for Canada Geese: Allegheny, Carroll, Frederick, 
Garrett, Washington counties and the portion of Montgomery county south 
of Interstate 270 and west of Interstate 495 to the Potomac River.
    Massachusetts
    Special Area for Canada Geese: Central Zone (same as for ducks) and 
that portion of the Coastal Zone that lies north of route 139 from 
Green Harbor.
    New Hampshire
    Same zones as for ducks.
    New Jersey
    Special Area for Canada Geese
    Northeast - that portion of the State 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 Route 287; then west along Route 287 to its intersection with 
Route 206 in Bedminster (Exit 18); then north along Route 206 to its 
intersection with the Pennsylvania State boundary; then north along the 
Pennsylvania boundary in the Delaware River to its intersection with 
the New York State boundary.
    Northwest - that portion of the State within a continuous line that 
runs east from the Pennsylvania State boundary at the toll bridge in 
Columbia to Route 94; then north along Route 94 to Route 206; then 
north along Route 206 to the Pennsylvania State boundary in the 
Delaware River to the beginning point. Hereafter this proposed 
expansion of the hunt area will be referenced to as the northwestern 
area.
    Southeast - that portion of the State within a continuous line that 
runs west from the Atlantic Ocean at Ship Bottom along Route 72 to the 
Garden State Parkway; then south along the Garden State Parkway to 
Route 9; then south along Route 9 to Route 542; then west along Route 
542 to the Mullica River (at Pleasant Mills); then north (upstream) 
along the Mullica River to Route 206; then south along Route 206 to 
Route 536; then west along Route 536 to Williamstown; then west along 
654 (Hurffville-Cross Keys Road) to Sewell Road; then west along Sewell 
Road to Salina Road; then west along Salina Road to Route 55; then 
south along Route 55 to Route 553 (Buck Road); then south along Route 
553 to Route 40; then east along Route 40 to route 557 (Tuckahoe Road); 
then south along Route 557 to Route 671 (Union Road); then east along 
Route 671 to Route 552 (Mays Landing-Millville Road); then east along 
Route 552 to Route 557; then south along Route 557 to Route 666 (Cape 
May Avenue); then south along Route 666 to Route 49; then south along 
Route 49 to Route 50; then east along Route 50 to Route 9; then south 
along Route 9 to Route 625 (Sea Isle City Boulevard); then east along 
Route 625 to the Atlantic Ocean; then north to the beginning point.
    New York
    Special Area for Canada Geese: Westchester County and portions of 
Nassau, Orange, Putnam and Rockland Counties--See State regulations for 
detailed description.
    Pennsylvania
    Erie, Mercer, and Butler Counties: All of Erie, Mercer, and Butler 
Counties.
    Special Area for Canada Geese: Statewide except for the counties of 
Erie, Mercer, Butler, Crawford, and the area east of Interstate 83 from 
the Maryland State line to the intersection of U.S. Route 30 to the 
intersection of state Route 441, east of SR 441 to intersection of 
Interstate 283, east of I-283 to I-83, east of I-83 to intersection of 
I-81, east of I-81 to intersection of I-80, and south of I-80 to the 
New Jersey State line.
    Rhode Island
    Special Area for Canada Geese: Kent and Providence Counties and 
portions of the towns of Exeter and North Kingston within Washington 
County (see State regulations for detailed descriptions).
    South Carolina
    Canada Goose Area: The Central Piedmont, Western Piedmont, and 
Mountain Hunt Units. These designated areas include: Counties of 
Abbeville, Anderson, Berkeley (south of Highway 45 and east of State 
Road 831), Cherokee, Chester, Dorchester, Edgefield, Fairfield, 
Greenville, Greenwood, Kershaw, Lancaster, Laurens, Lee, Lexington, 
McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangebird (south of Highway 6), Pickens, 
Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Sumten, Union, and York.
    Virginia
    Back Bay Area--Defined for white geese as the waters of Back Bay 
and its tributaries and the marshes adjacent thereto, and on the land 
and marshes between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean from Sandbridge to 
the North Carolina line, and on and along the shore of North Landing 
River and the marshes adjacent thereto, and on and along the shores of 
Binson Inlet Lake (formerly known as Lake Tecumseh) and Red Wing Lake 
and the marshes adjacent thereto.
    West Virginia
    Same zones as for ducks.
Mississippi Flyway
    Alabama
    Same zones as for ducks, but in addition:
    SJBP Zone: That portion of Morgan County east of U.S. Highway 31, 
north of State Highway 36, and west of U.S. 231; that portion of 
Limestone County south of U.S. 72; and that portion of Madison County 
south of Swancott Road and west of Triana Road.
    Arkansas
    East Zone: Arkansas, Ashley, Chicot, Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, 
Cross, Desha, Drew, Greene, Independence, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, 
Lee, Lincoln, Lonoke, Mississippi, Monroe,

[[Page 42519]]

Phillips, Poinsett, Prairie, Pulaski, Randolph, St. Francis, White, and 
Woodruff Counties.
    West Zone: Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Cleburne, Conway, 
Crawford, Faulkner, Franklin, Fulton, Izard, Johnson, Madison, Marion, 
Newton, Pope, Searcy, Sharp, Stone, Van Buren, and Washington Counties, 
and those portions of Logan, Perry, Sebastian, and Yell Counties lying 
north of a line extending east from the Oklahoma border along State 
Highway 10 to Perry, south on State 9 to State 60, then east on State 
60 to the Faulkner County line.
    Illinois
    Same zones as for ducks, but in addition:
    North Zone:
    Northern Illinois Quota Zone: The Counties of McHenry, Lake, Kane, 
DuPage, and those portions of LaSalle and Will Counties north of 
Interstate Highway 80.
    Central Zone:
    Central Illinois Quota Zone: The Counties of Grundy, Woodford, 
Peoria, Knox, Fulton, Tazewell, Mason, Cass, Morgan, Pike, Calhoun, and 
Jersey, and those portions of LaSalle and Will Counties south of 
Interstate Highway 80.
    South Zone:
    Southern Illinois Quota Zone: Alexander, Jackson, Union, and 
Williamson Counties.
    Rend Lake Quota Zone: Franklin and Jefferson Counties.
    Indiana
    Same zones as for ducks, but in addition:
    SJBP Zone: Jasper, LaGrange, Lake, LaPorte, Newton, Porter, 
Pulaski, Starke, and Steuben Counties.
    Iowa
    Same zones as for ducks.
    Kentucky
    Western Zone: That portion of the state west of a line beginning at 
the Tennessee border at Fulton and extending north along the Purchase 
Parkway to Interstate Highway 24, east along I-24 to U.S. Highway 641, 
north along U.S. 641 to U.S. 60, northeast along U.S. 60 to the 
Henderson County line, then south, east, and northerly along the 
Henderson County line to the Indiana border.
    Ballard Reporting Area: That area encompassed by a line beginning 
at the northwest city limits of Wickliffe in Ballard County and 
extending westward to the middle of the Mississippi River, north along 
the Mississippi River and along the low-water mark of the Ohio River on 
the Illinois shore to the Ballard-McCracken County line, south along 
the county line to Kentucky Highway 358, south along Kentucky 358 to 
U.S. Highway 60 at LaCenter; then southwest along U.S. 60 to the 
northeast city limits of Wickliffe.
    Henderson-Union Reporting Area: Henderson County and that portion 
of Union County within the Western Zone.
    Pennyroyal/Coalfield Zone: That portion of the state between the 
Western Zone and a line described as follows: From the Indiana border 
south along U.S. Highway 231 to the Green River Parkway, southeast 
along the Green River Parkway to Interstate Highway 65, then south 
along I-65 to the Tennessee border.
    Michigan
    Same zones as for ducks, but in addition:
    South Zone
    Tuscola/Huron Goose Management Unit (GMU): Those portions of 
Tuscola and Huron Counties bounded on the south by Michigan Highway 138 
and Bay City Road, on the east by Colwood and Bayport Roads, on the 
north by Kilmanagh Road and a line extending directly west off the end 
of Kilmanagh Road into Saginaw Bay to the west boundary, and on the 
west by the Tuscola-Bay County line and a line extending directly north 
off the end of the Tuscola-Bay County line into Saginaw Bay to the 
north boundary.
    Allegan County GMU: That area encompassed by a line beginning at 
the junction of 136th Avenue and Interstate Highway 196 in Lake Town 
Township and extending easterly along 136th Avenue to Michigan Highway 
40, southerly along Michigan 40 through the city of Allegan to 108th 
Avenue in Trowbridge Township, westerly along 108th Avenue to 46th 
Street, northerly 1/2 mile along 46th Street to 109th Avenue, westerly 
along 109th Avenue to I-196 in Casco Township, then northerly along I-
196 to the point of beginning.
    Saginaw County GMU: That portion of Saginaw County bounded by 
Michigan Highway 46 on the north; Michigan 52 on the west; Michigan 57 
on the south; and Michigan 13 on the east.
    Muskegon Wastewater GMU: That portion of Muskegon County within the 
boundaries of the Muskegon County wastewater system, east of the 
Muskegon State Game Area, in sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 29, 
30, and 32, T10N R14W, and sections 1, 2, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 24, and 
25, T10N R15W, as posted.
    Special Canada Goose Seasons:
    Southern Michigan GMU: That portion of the State, including the 
Great Lakes and interconnecting waterways and excluding the Allegan 
County GMU, south of a line beginning at the Ontario border at the 
Bluewater Bridge in the city of Port Huron and extending westerly and 
southerly along Interstate Highway 94 to I-69, westerly along I-69 to 
Michigan Highway 21, westerly along Michigan 21 to I-96, northerly 
along I-96 to I-196, westerly along I-196 to Lake Michigan Drive (M-45) 
in Grand Rapids, westerly along Lake Michigan Drive to the Lake 
Michigan shore, then directly west from the end of Lake Michigan Drive 
to the Wisconsin border.
    Minnesota
    West Zone: That portion of the state encompassed by a line 
beginning at the junction of State Trunk Highway (STH) 60 and the Iowa 
border, then north and east along STH 60 to U.S. Highway 71, north 
along U.S. 71 to Interstate Highway 94, then north and west along I-94 
to the North Dakota border.
    West Central Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the 
intersection of State Trunk Highway (STH) 29 and U.S. Highway 212 and 
extending west along U.S. 212 to U.S. 59, south along U.S. 59 to STH 
67, west along STH 67 to U.S. 75, north along U.S. 75 to County State 
Aid Highway (CSAH) 30 in Lac qui Parle County, west along CSAH 30 to 
County Road 70 in Lac qui Parle County, west along County 70 to the 
western boundary of the State, north along the western boundary of the 
State to a point due south of the intersection of STH 7 and CSAH 7 in 
Big Stone County, and continuing due north to said intersection, then 
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. 12, east 
along U.S. 12 to CSAH 17 in Swift County, south along CSAH 17 to CSAH 9 
in Chippewa County, south along CSAH 9 to STH 40, east along STH 40 to 
STH 29, then south along STH 29 to the point of beginning.
    Lac qui Parle Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at 
the intersection of U.S. Highway 212 and County State Aid Highway 
(CSAH) 27 in Lac qui Parle County and extending north along CSAH 27 to 
CSAH 20 in Lac qui Parle County, west along CSAH 20 to State Trunk 
Highway (STH) 40, north along STH 40 to STH 119, north along STH 119 to 
CSAH 34 in Lac qui Parle County, west along CSAH 34 to CSAH 19 in Lac 
qui Parle County, north and west along CSAH 19 to CSAH 38 in Lac qui 
Parle County, west along CSAH 38 to U.S. 75, north along U.S. 75 to STH 
7, east along STH 7 to CSAH 6 in Swift County, east along CSAH 6 to 
County Road 65 in Swift County, south along County 65 to County 34 in 
Chippewa

[[Page 42520]]

County, south along County 34 to CSAH 12 in Chippewa County, east along 
CSAH 12 to CSAH 9 in Chippewa County, south along CSAH 9 to STH 7, 
southeast along STH 7 to Montevideo and along the municipal boundary of 
Montevideo to U.S. 212; then west along U.S. 212 to the point of 
beginning.
    Northwest Zone: That portion of the state encompassed by a line 
extending east from the North Dakota border along U.S. Highway 2 to 
State Trunk Highway (STH) 32, north along STH 32 to STH 92, east along 
STH 92 to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 2 in Polk County, north along 
CSAH 2 to CSAH 27 in Pennington County, north along CSAH 27 to STH 1, 
east along STH 1 to CSAH 28 in Pennington County, north along CSAH 28 
to CSAH 54 in Marshall County, north along CSAH 54 to CSAH 9 in Roseau 
County, north along CSAH 9 to STH 11, west along STH 11 to STH 310, and 
north along STH 310 to the Manitoba border.
    Special Canada Goose Seasons:
    Fergus Falls/Alexandria Zone: That area encompassed by a line 
beginning at the intersection of State Trunk Highway (STH) 55 and STH 
28 and extending east along STH 28 to County State Aid Highway (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 eastern 
boundary of Otter Tail County, north along the east boundary 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 southeast 
along STH 55 to the point of beginning.
    Missouri
    Same zones as for ducks but in addition:
    North Zone
    Swan Lake Zone: That area bounded by U.S. Highway 36 on the north, 
Missouri Highway 5 on the east, Missouri 240 and U.S. 65 on the south, 
and U.S. 65 on the west.
    Middle Zone
    Schell-Osage Zone: That portion of the State encompassed by a line 
extending east from the Kansas border along U.S. Highway 54 to Missouri 
Highway 13, north along Missouri 13 to Missouri 7, west along Missouri 
7 to U.S. 71, north along U.S. 71 to Missouri 2, then west along 
Missouri 2 to the Kansas border.
    Ohio
    Same zones as for ducks but in addition:
    North Zone
    Pymatuning Area: Pymatuning Reservoir and that part of Ohio bounded 
on the north by County Road 306 (known as Woodward Road), on the west 
by Pymatuning Lake Road, and on the south by U.S. Highway 322.
    Lake Erie SJBP Zone: That portion of the state encompassed by a 
line extending south from the Michigan border along Interstate Highway 
75 to I-280, south along I-280 to I-80, and east along I-80 to the 
Pennsylvania border.
    Tennessee
    Southwest Zone: That portion of the State south of State Highways 
20 and 104, and west of U.S. Highways 45 and 45W.
    Northwest Zone: Lake, Obion and Weakley Counties and those portions 
of Gibson and Dyer Counties not included in the Southwest Tennessee 
Zone.
    Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Zone: That portion of the State bounded on 
the west by the eastern boundaries of the Northwest and Southwest Zones 
and on the east by State Highway 13 from the Alabama border to 
Clarksville and U.S. Highway 79 from Clarksville to the Kentucky 
border.
    Wisconsin
    Horicon Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the 
intersection of State Highway 21 and the Fox River in Winnebago County 
and extending westerly along State 21 to the west boundary of Winnebago 
County, southerly along the west boundary of Winnebago County to the 
north boundary of Green Lake County, westerly along the north 
boundaries of Green Lake and Marquette Counties to State 22, southerly 
along State 22 to State 33, westerly along State 33 to U.S. Highway 16, 
westerly along U.S. 16 to Weyh Road, southerly along Weyh Road to 
County Highway O, southerly along County O to the west boundary of 
Section 31, southerly along the west boundary of Section 31 to the 
Sauk/Columbia County boundary, southerly along the Sauk/Columbia County 
boundary to State 33, easterly along State 33 to Interstate Highway 90/
94, southerly along I-90/94 to State 60, easterly along State 60 to 
State 83, northerly along State 83 to State 175, northerly along State 
175 to State 33, easterly along State 33 to U.S. Highway 45, northerly 
along U.S. 45 to the east shore of the Fond Du Lac River, northerly 
along the east shore of the Fond Du Lac River to Lake Winnebago, 
northerly along the western shoreline of Lake Winnebago to the Fox 
River, then westerly along the Fox River to State 21.
    Collins Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the 
intersection of Hilltop Road and Collins Marsh Road in Manitowoc County 
and extending westerly along Hilltop Road to Humpty Dumpty Road, 
southerly along Humpty Dumpty Road to Poplar Grove Road, easterly and 
southerly along Poplar Grove Road to County Highway JJ, southeasterly 
along County JJ to Collins Road, southerly along Collins Road to the 
Manitowoc River, southeasterly along the Manitowoc River to Quarry 
Road, northerly along Quarry Road to Einberger Road, northerly along 
Einberger Road to Moschel Road, westerly along Moschel Road to Collins 
Marsh Road, northerly along Collins Marsh Road to Hilltop Road.
    Exterior Zone: That portion of the State not included in the 
Horicon or Collins Zones.
    Mississippi River Subzone: That area encompassed by a line 
beginning at the intersection of the Burlington Northern Railway and 
the Illinois border in Grant County and extending northerly along the 
Burlington Northern Railway to the city limit of Prescott in Pierce 
County, then west along the Prescott city limit to the Minnesota 
border.
    Rock Prairie Subzone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at 
the intersection of the Illinois border and Interstate Highway 90 and 
extending north along I-90 to County Highway A, east along County A to 
U.S. Highway 12, southeast along U.S. 12 to State Highway 50, west 
along State 50 to State 120, then south along 120 to the Illinois 
border.
Central Flyway
    Colorado (Central Flyway Portion)
    Northern Front Range Area: All lands in Adams, Boulder, Clear 
Creek, Denver, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld Counties west of I-
25 from the Wyoming border south to I-70; west on I-70 to the 
Continental Divide; north along the Continental Divide to the Jackson-
Larimer County Line to the Wyoming border.
    South Park Area: Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, Lake, Park, and Teller 
Counties.
    San Luis Valley Area: Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, and Rio Grande 
Counties and the portion of Saguache County east of the Continental 
Divide.
    North Park Area: Jackson County.
    Arkansas Valley Area: Baca, Bent, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero, and 
Prowers Counties.

[[Page 42521]]

    Remainder: Remainder of the Central-Flyway portion of Colorado.
    Kansas
    Light Geese
    Unit 1: That portion of Kansas east of KS 99.
    Unit 2: The remainder of Kansas.
    Dark Geese
    Marais des Cygne Valley Unit: The area is bounded by the Missouri 
border to KS 68, KS 68 to U.S-169, U.S. 169 to KS 7, KS 7 to KS 31, KS 
31 to U.S. 69, U.S. 69 to KS 239, KS 239 to the Missouri border.
    South Flint Hills Unit: The area is bounded by Highways U.S. 50 to 
KS 57, KS 57 to U.S. 75, U.S. 75 to KS 39, KS 39 to KS 96, KS 96 to 
U.S. 77, U.S. 77 to U.S. 50.
    Central Flint Hills Unit: That area southwest of Topeka bounded by 
Highways U.S. 75 to I-35, I-35 to U.S. 50, U.S. 50 to U.S. 77, U.S. 77 
to I-70, I-70 to U.S. 75.
    Southeast Unit: That area of southeast Kansas bounded by the 
Missouri border to U.S. 160, U.S. 160 to U.S. 69, U.S. 69 to KS 39, KS 
39 to U.S. 169, U.S. 169 to the Oklahoma border, and the Oklahoma 
border to the Missouri border.
    Montana (Central Flyway Portion)
    Sheridan County: Includes all of Sheridan County.
    Remainder: Includes the remainder of the Central-Flyway portion of 
Montana.
    Nebraska
    Dark Geese
    North Unit: Keya Paha County east of U.S. 183 and all of Boyd 
County, including the boundary waters of the Niobrara River, all of 
Knox County and that portion of Cedar County west of U.S. 81.
    East Unit: The area east of a line beginning at U.S. 183 at the 
northern State line; south to NE 2; east to U.S. 281; south to the 
southern State line, excluding the North Unit.
    West Unit: All of Nebraska west of the East Unit.
    Light Geese
    North Unit: The area north of the waters of the North Platte River 
from the Wyoming line to the confluence of the South Platte River near 
North Platte, then eastward along the Platte River to the Iowa border.
    South Unit: The area south of the North Unit, excluding the 
Rainwater Basin Counties of Adams, Butler, Clay, Fillmore, Franklin, 
Gosper, Hall, Hamilton, Harland, Kearney, Nuckolls, Phelps, Polk, 
Saline, Seward, Thayer, and York Counties.
    New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion)
    Light Geese
    Middle Rio Grande Valley Unit: The Central-Flyway portions of 
Socorro and Valencia Counties.
    Remainder: The remainder of the Central-Flyway portion of New 
Mexico.
    North Dakota
    Dark Geese
    Missouri River Zone: That area encompassed by a line extending from 
the South Dakota border north on U.S. 83 and I-94 to ND 41, north to ND 
53, west to U.S. 83, north to ND 23, west to ND 37, south to ND 1804, 
south approximately 9 miles to Elbowoods Bay on Lake Sakakawea, south 
and west across the lake to ND 8, south to ND 200, east to ND 31, south 
to ND 25, south to I-94, east to ND 6, south to the South Dakota 
border, and east to the point of origin.
    Statewide: All of North Dakota.
    Texas
    West Unit: That portion of the State lying west of a line from the 
international toll bridge at Laredo; north along I-35 and I-35W to Fort 
Worth; northwest along US 81 and US 287 to Bowie; and north along US 81 
to the Oklahoma border.
    East Unit: Remainder of State.
    Wyoming (Central Flyway Portion)
    Area 1: Albany, Campbell, Converse, Crook, Johnson, Laramie, 
Natrona, Niobrara, Sheridan, and Weston Counties, and Carbon County 
east of the Continental Divide.
    Area 2: Platte County.
    Area 3: Big Horn, Fremont, Hot Springs, Park, and Washakie 
Counties.
    Area 4: Goshen County.
Pacific Flyway
    Arizona
    GMU 22 and 23: Game Management Units 22 and 23.
    Remainder of State: The remainder of Arizona.
    California
    Northeastern Zone: That portion of the State east and north of a 
line beginning at the Oregon border; south and west along the Klamath 
River to the mouth of Shovel Creek; south along Shovel Creek to Forest 
Service Road 46N10; south and east along FS 46N10 to FS 45N22; west and 
south along FS 45N22 to U.S. 97 at Grass Lake Summit; south and west 
along U.S. 97 to I-5 at the town of Weed; south along I-5 to CA 89; 
east and south along CA 89 to the junction with CA 49; east and north 
on CA 49 to CA 70; east on CA 70 to U.S. 395; south and east on U.S. 
395 to the Nevada border.
    Colorado River Zone: Those portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, 
and Imperial Counties east of a line extending from the Nevada border 
south along U.S. 95 to Vidal Junction; south on a road known as 
``Aqueduct Road'' in San Bernardino County through the town of Rice to 
the San Bernardino-Riverside County line; south on a road known in 
Riverside County as the ``Desert Center to Rice Road'' to the town of 
Desert Center; east 31 miles on I-10 to the Wiley Well Road; south on 
this road to Wiley Well; southeast along the Army-Milpitas Road to the 
Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south on the Blythe-Brawley 
paved road to the Ogilby and Tumco Mine Road; south on this road to 
U.S. 80; east seven miles on U.S. 80 to the Andrade-Algodones Road; 
south on this paved road to the Mexican border at Algodones, Mexico.
    Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding 
the Colorado River Zone) south and east of a line extending from the 
Pacific Ocean east along the Santa Maria River to CA 166 near the City 
of Santa Maria; east on CA 166 to CA 99; south on CA 99 to the crest of 
the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest 
of the Tehachapi Mountains to CA 178 at Walker Pass; east on CA 178 to 
U.S. 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on U.S. 395 to CA 58; east on 
CA 58 to I-15; east on I-15 to CA 127; north on CA 127 to the Nevada 
border.
    Balance-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of California not included 
in the Northeastern, Southern, and the Colorado River Zones.
    Del Norte and Humboldt Area: The Counties of Del Norte and 
Humboldt.
    Sacramento Valley Area: That area bounded by a line beginning at 
Willows in Glenn County proceeding south on I-5 to Hahn Road north of 
Arbuckle in Colusa County; easterly on Hahn Road and the Grimes 
Arbuckle Road to Grimes on the Sacramento River; southerly on the 
Sacramento River to the Tisdale Bypass to O'Banion Road; easterly on 
O'Banion Road to CA 99; northerly on CA 99 to the Gridley-Colusa 
Highway in Gridley in Butte County; westerly on the Gridley-Colusa 
Highway to the River Road; northerly on the River Road to the Princeton 
Ferry; westerly across the Sacramento River to CA 45; northerly on CA 
45 to CA 162; northerly on CA 45-162 to Glenn; westerly on CA 162 to 
the point of beginning in Willows.
    Western Canada Goose Hunt Area: That portion of the above described 
Sacramento Valley Area lying east of a line formed by Butte Creek from 
the Gridley-Colusa Highway south to the Cherokee Canal; easterly along 
the Cherokee Canal and North Butte Road to West Butte Road; southerly 
on West Butte Road to Pass Road; easterly on Pass Road to West Butte 
Road; southerly on West Butte Road to CA 20; and westerly along CA 20 
to the Sacramento River.

[[Page 42522]]

    San Joaquin Valley Area: That area bounded by a line beginning at 
Modesto in Stanislaus County proceeding west on CA 132 to I-5; 
southerly on I-5 to CA 152 in Merced County; easterly on CA 152 to CA 
165; northerly on CA 165 to CA 99 at Merced; northerly and westerly on 
CA 99 to the point of beginning.
    Colorado (Pacific Flyway Portion)
    Browns Park Area: The Browns Park portion of Moffatt County.
    Delta/Montrose Area: All of Delta and Montrose Counties.
    Gunnison/Saguache Area: Gunnison County and that portion of 
Saguache County west of the Continental Divide.
    Dolores/Montezuma Area: All of Dolores and Montezuma Counties.
    State Area: The remainder of the Pacific-Flyway Portion of 
Colorado.
    Idaho
    Zone 1: Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Clearwater, Idaho, Kootenai, 
Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, and Shoshone Counties.
    Zone 2: The Counties of Ada; Adams; Boise; Canyon; those portions 
of Elmore north and east of I-84, and south and west of I-84, west of 
ID 51, except the Camas Creek drainage; Gem; Owyhee west of ID 51; 
Payette; Valley; and Washington.
    Zone 3: The Counties of Blaine; Camas; Cassia; those portions of 
Elmore south of I-84 east of ID 51, and within the Camas Creek 
drainage; Gooding; Jerome; Lincoln; Minidoka; Owyhee east of ID 51; 
Power within the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; and Twin Falls.
    Zone 4: The Counties of Bear Lake; Bingham within the Blackfoot 
Reservoir drainage; Bonneville, Butte; Caribou except the Fort Hall 
Indian Reservation; Clark; Custer; Franklin; Fremont; Jefferson; Lemhi; 
Madison; Oneida; Power west of ID 37 and ID 39 except the Minidoka 
National Wildlife Refuge; and Teton.
    Zone 5: All lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian 
Reservation, including private inholdings; Bannock County; Bingham 
County, except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; 
and Power County east of ID 37 and ID 39.
    In addition, goose frameworks are set by the following geographical 
areas:
    Northern Unit: Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Clearwater, Idaho, 
Kootenai, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, and Shoshone Counties.
    Southwestern Unit: That area west of the line formed by U.S. 93 
north from the Nevada border to Shoshone, northerly on ID 75 (formerly 
U.S. 93) to Challis, northerly on U.S. 93 to the Montana border (except 
the Northern Unit and except Custer and Lemhi Counties).
    Southeastern Unit: That area east of the line formed by U.S. 93 
north from the Nevada border to Shoshone, northerly on ID 75 (formerly 
U.S. 93) to Challis, northerly on U.S. 93 to the Montana border, 
including all of Custer and Lemhi Counties.
    Montana (Pacific Flyway Portion)
    East of the Divide Zone: The Pacific-Flyway portion of the State 
located east of the Continental Divide.
    West of the Divide Zone: The remainder of the Pacific-Flyway 
portion of Montana.
    Nevada
    Clark County Zone: Clark County.
    Remainder-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of Nevada.
    New Mexico (Pacific Flyway Portion)
    North Zone: The Pacific-Flyway portion of New Mexico located north 
of I-40.
    South Zone: The Pacific-Flyway portion of New Mexico located south 
of I-40.
    Oregon
    Western Oregon: All counties west of the summit of the Cascades, 
excluding Klamath and Hood River Counties.
    Northwest Oregon General Zone: Those portions of Multnomah, 
Clackamas, Marion, Linn, and Lane Counties outside the Northwest Oregon 
Special Permit Zone; except that, that portion of Lane County west of 
Highway 101 is closed to all Canada goose hunting.
    Northwest Oregon Special Permit Zone: That portion of western 
Oregon west and north of a line starting at the Columbia River at 
Portland, south on I-5 to OR 22 at Salem, east on OR 22 to the Stayton 
Cutoff, south on the Stayton Cutoff to Stayton and straight south to 
the Santiam River, west (downstream) along the north shore of the 
Santiam River to I-5, south on I-5 to OR 126 at Eugene, west on OR 126 
to Greenhill Rd, south on Greenhill Rd to Crow Rd, west on Crow Rd to 
Territorial Hwy, north on Territorial Hwy to OR 126, west on OR 126 to 
OR 36, north on OR 36 to Forest Road 5070 at Brickerville, west and 
south on Forest Road 5070 to OR 126, west on OR 126 to the Pacific 
Coast.
    Northwest Oregon Early-Season Canada Goose Zone: All of Benton, 
Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk, 
Multnomah, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill Counties.
    Southwest Oregon General Zone: Coos, Curry, Douglas, Joephine, and 
Jackson Counties, except that those portions of Coos, Curr, and Douglas 
Counties west of US 101 are closed to all Canada goose hunting.
    Eastern Oregon: All counties east of the summit of the Cascades, 
including all of Klamath and Hood River Counties.
    Harney, Klamath, Lake and Malheur Counties Zone: All of Harney, 
Klamath, Lake, and Malheur Counties.
    Remainder of Eastern Oregon Counties Zone: Eastern Oregon, 
excluding Harney, Klamath, Lake and Malheur Counties.
    Utah
    Washington County Zone: All of Washington County.
    Remainder-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of Utah.
    Washington
    Eastern Washington: All areas east of the Pacific Crest Trail and 
east of the Big White Salmon River in Klickitat County.
    Area 1: Lincoln, Spokane, and Walla Walla Counties; that part of 
Grant County east of a line beginning at the Douglas-Lincoln County 
Line on WA 174, southwest on WA 174 to WA 155, south on WA 155 to US 2, 
southwest on US 2 to Pinto Ridge Rd, south on Pinto Ridge Rd to WA 28, 
east on WA 28 to the Stratford Rd, south on the Stratford Rd to WA 17, 
south on WA 17 to the Grant-Adams county line; those parts of Adams 
County east of State Highway 17; those parts of Franklin County east 
and south of a line beginning at the Adams-Franklin County line on WA 
17, south on WA 17 to US 395, south on US 395 to I-182, west o I-182 to 
the Franklin-Benton county line; those parts of Benton County south of 
I-182 and I-82; and those parts of Klickitat County east of U.S. 
Highway 97.
    Area 2: All of Okanongan, Douglas, and Kittitas counties and those 
parts of Grant, Adams, Franklin, and Benton counties not included in 
Eastern Washington Goose Management Area 1.
    Area 3: All other parts of eastern Washington not included in 
Eastern Washington Goose Management Areas 1 and 2.
    Western Washington: All areas west of the East Zone.
    Area 1: Skagit, Island, and Snohomish Counties.
    Area 2: Clark, Cowlitz, Pacific, and Wahkiakum Counties.
    Area 3: All parts of western Washington not included in Western 
Washington Goose Management Areas 1 and 2.
    Lower Columbia River Early-Season Canada Goose 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

[[Page 42523]]

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 (Pacific Flyway Portion): See State Regulations.
    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.

Swans

Central Flyway
    South Dakota: Brown, Campbell, Clark, Codington, Deuel, Day, 
Edmunds, Faulk, Grant, Hamlin, Marshall, McPherson, Potter, Roberts, 
Spink, and Walworth.
Pacific Flyway
    Montana (Pacific Flyway Portion)
    Open Area: Cascade, Chouteau, Hill, Liberty, and Toole Counties and 
those portions of Pondera and Teton Counties lying east of U.S. 287-89.
    Nevada
    Open Area: Churchill, Lyon, and Pershing Counties.
    Utah
    Open Area: Those portions of Box, Elder, Weber, Davis, Salt Lake, 
and Toole Counties lying south of State Hwy 30, I-80/84, west of I-15, 
and north of I-80.
[FR Doc. 96-20848 Filed 8-14-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-F