[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 174 (Tuesday, September 9, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47372-47383]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-23730]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Parts 25 and 32

RIN 1018-AE18


1997-98 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This rule adds additional national wildlife refuges to the 
list of areas open for hunting and/or sport fishing, along with 
pertinent refuge-specific regulations for such activities; and amends 
certain regulations on other refuges that pertain to migratory game 
bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting and sport fishing.

DATES: This rule is effective September 9, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen R. Vehrs, (703) 358-2397.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Refuge hunting and fishing programs are 
reviewed annually to determine whether additional refuges should be 
added or whether individual refuge regulations governing existing 
programs should be modified, deleted or have additions made to them. 
Changing environmental conditions, State and Federal regulations, and 
other factors affecting wildlife populations and habitat may warrant 
modifications ensuring continued compatibility of hunting and fishing 
with the purposes for which individual refuges, and the National 
Wildlife Refuge System (System) were established.
    The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has determined uses in this 
final rule are compatible with the purposes for which these refuges 
were established. The Service further determined that this action is in 
accordance with the provisions of all applicable laws, is consistent 
with principles of sound fish and wildlife management, helps implement 
Executive Orders 12996 (Management and Public Use of the National 
Wildlife Refuge System) and 12962 (Recreational Fisheries) and is 
otherwise in the public interest by providing additional recreational 
opportunities at national wildlife refuges. Sufficient funds will be 
available within the refuge budgets to operate the hunting and sport 
fishing programs.
    The Service generally closes national wildlife refuges to hunting 
and sport fishing until opened by rulemaking. The Secretary of the 
Interior (Secretary) may open refuge areas to hunting and/or fishing 
upon a determination that such uses are compatible with the purpose(s) 
for which the refuge was established. The action also must be in 
accordance with provisions of all laws applicable to the areas, must be 
consistent with the principles of sound fish and wildlife management, 
and otherwise must be in the public interest.
    50 CFR parts 25 and 32 contain administrative provisions and other 
provisions governing hunting and fishing on national wildlife refuges. 
Hunting and fishing are regulated on refuges to:
     Ensure compatibility with refuge and System purposes;
     Properly manage the fish and wildlife resource;
     Protect other refuge values; and
     Ensure refuge user safety.
    On many refuges, the Service policy of adopting State hunting and 
fishing regulations is adequate in meeting these objectives. On other 
refuges, it is necessary to supplement State regulations with more 
restrictive Federal regulations to ensure that the Service meets its 
management responsibilities, as outlined under the section entitled 
``Statutory Authority.'' The Service issues refuge-specific hunting and 
fishing regulations when opening a national wildlife refuge to either 
migratory game bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting or 
sport fishing. These regulations list the wildlife species that may be 
hunted or are subject to sport fishing, seasons, bag limits, methods of 
hunting or fishing, descriptions of open areas, and other provisions as 
appropriate. Previously issued refuge-specific regulations for hunting 
and fishing are contained in 50 CFR part 32. Many of the amendments to 
these sections are

[[Page 47373]]

promulgated to standardize and clarify the existing language of these 
regulations.
    With the passage of Public Law 102-402, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal 
National Wildlife Refuge Act of 1992 (Act), the Service will establish 
a refuge over what was previously a Department of Defense (Army) 
military installation, but only following toxic substances cleanup.
    Public Law 102-402 specifies that the Service shall manage the area 
as if it were a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System during 
cleanup activities on the Rocky Mountain Arsenal (Arsenal). The Service 
amends these regulations to establish regulatory authority for these 
lands, before establishment as a refuge and inclusion in the System, in 
accordance with Public Law 102-402. These regulations will provide 
appropriate authority and jurisdiction to conduct necessary management 
actions, including law enforcement, at the Arsenal.
    In the July 21, 1997, issue of the Federal Register (62 FR 38959-
38969) the Service published a proposed rulemaking identifying the 
refuges, their proposed hunting and/or fishing programs and invited 
public comment. The Service received the following comments based on 
the proposed rule:
    The Animal Protection Institute, a national animal advocacy 
organization with more than 75,000 members, submitted the following 
comments: Refuges were established by Theodore Roosevelt in 1903 to 
protect wildlife and their habitats. As sanctuaries for rare, 
threatened and endangered species, the System provides some of the last 
undisturbed habitat for recovery of endangered species. Hunting is 
incompatible with these goals, as it is both disruptive and poses a 
danger to non-target wildlife. The System harbors 168 threatened or 
endangered species, although 60 percent of refuges support activities 
harmful to wildlife, according to surveys conducted by the Service and 
the General Accounting Office.
    The comments went on to state: The majority of people who visit 
refuges do so to observe wildlife and enjoy nature. According to the 
Service, of the 30 million people who visited refuges last year, 21 
million visited for wildlife observation and ``just to experience 
nature,'' while only 1.4 million visited to hunt. Clearly, non-
consumptive users of the System far outweigh consumptive users. Hunters 
already have access to millions of acres of public lands outside the 
refuges for their activities. Hikers, bird watchers, campers and 
photographers should not have to fear the dangers of a stray bullet as 
they enjoy our public lands or witness the maiming of the very wildlife 
they have come to see. The Service should manage the System to carry 
out its stated mission--to protect wildlife and wildlife habitat and to 
offer people an opportunity to enjoy nature and disallow hunting on all 
refuges as the practice runs contrary to these goals.
    The Service received over 2,300 signed resolutions and fourteen 
additional letters with similar concerns as those expressed by the 
Animal Protection Institute, and one individual letter in support of 
hunting on refuges.
    The Service reviewed the above comments regarding a proposed 
closure to hunting, trapping and/or fishing on refuges. Throughout its 
history, the System has experienced misconceptions about the purpose, 
mission, statutory authorities and appropriate public uses. The Service 
considers annually a wide range of alternatives at each refuge while 
trying to improve upon consumptive use programs with a minimum impact 
to bird watchers, photographers, sportsmen, and general refuge users.
    In accordance with Executive Order 12996 (Management and Public Use 
of the National Wildlife Refuge System), the conservation mission and 
first obligation of the System is to preserve a national network of 
lands and waters for the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, 
and plant resources of the United States for the benefit of present and 
future generations. However, the Service recognizes wildlife-dependent 
recreational activities, when compatible with the purposes for which a 
refuge was established, as priority general public uses within the 
System. In particular, the Service especially recognizes compatible 
hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, and environmental 
education and interpretation.
    Hunting and fishing on refuges is specifically authorized by the 
National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act and is an 
acceptable, traditional form of wildlife-dependent recreation that is 
used as a management tool to manipulate wildlife population levels. We 
conduct recreational hunting and fishing today within limits 
purposefully developed to ensure the long-term welfare and status of 
several animal populations. Harvests on refuges constitute a very small 
part of the overall harvest of animals in the United States. In the 
case of waterfowl, the annual refuge harvest is about 2-5 percent of 
the national total harvest. Sport harvest management has achieved a 
high degree of scientific rigor and people throughout the world regard 
the Refuge System as a leader in scientific harvest management.
    Refuges provide free or low cost hunting opportunity to hunters 
unable to afford the escalating costs to hunt on private lands. Hunters 
alone, have bought more than $400 million in Federal ``Duck Stamps'' 
since 1934, sufficient to purchase nearly one-third of all refuges 
outside Alaska--some 4 million acres. Refuges also serve as a focal 
point for sportsmen education and the development of ethical behavior.
    The Service also received a request on the behalf of The Fund for 
Animals to extend the comment period on the proposal to permit bison 
hunting on the National Elk Refuge. The Service has agreed to extend 
the comment period to September 19, 1997 on that particular issue and 
has deleted that amendment from these regulations.
    This rule is effective upon publication. The Service has determined 
that any further delay in implementing these refuge-specific hunting 
and sport fishing regulations would not be in the public interest in 
that it would hinder the effective planning and administration of the 
hunting and fishing programs. The Service received public comment on 
these proposals during the 30-day comment period. An additional 30 day 
delay would jeopardize holding the hunting and/or fishing programs this 
year, or shorten their duration and thereby lessen the management 
effectiveness of this regulation. Therefore, the Service finds good 
cause to make this rule effective upon publication (5 U.S.C. 
553(d)(3)).

Statutory Authority

    The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (NWRSAA) of 
1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 668dd), and the Refuge Recreation Act of 
1962 (16 U.S.C. 460k) govern the administration and public use of 
national wildlife refuges. Specifically, section 4(d)(1)(A) of the 
NWRSAA authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to permit the use of 
any area within the System for any purpose, including but not limited 
to, hunting, fishing and public recreation, accommodations and access, 
when he determines that uses are compatible with the major purpose(s) 
for which the area was established.
    The Refuge Recreation Act (RRA) authorizes the Secretary to 
administer areas within the System for public recreation as an 
appropriate incidental or secondary use only to the extent that it is 
practicable and not inconsistent with the primary purpose(s) for which 
the areas were established. The NWRSAA and the RRA also authorize the 
Secretary to issue regulations to

[[Page 47374]]

carry out the purposes of the Acts and regulate uses.
    The Service develops hunting and sport fishing plans for each 
existing refuge before opening it to hunting or fishing. In many cases, 
we develop refuge-specific regulations to ensure the compatibility of 
the programs with the purposes for which the refuge was established. 
Initial compliance with the NWRSAA and the RRA has been ensured for 
hunting and sport fishing on newly acquired refuges through an interim 
determination of compatibility made at the time of acquisition. This 
has ensured that the determinations required by these acts have been 
made before the addition of refuges to the lists of areas open to 
hunting and fishing in 50 CFR part 32. Continued compliance is ensured 
by the development of long-term hunting and sport fishing plans and by 
annual review of hunting and sport fishing programs and regulations.
    In preparation for these openings, the following documents are 
included in the refuge's ``openings package'' for Regional review and 
approval from the Washington Office: an interim hunting and fishing 
management plan; an environmental action memorandum and categorical 
exclusion certification; a Section 7 determination pursuant to the 
Endangered Species Act, that these openings will have no effect, or are 
not likely to have an adverse effect, on listed species or critical 
habitats; a letter of concurrence from the affected State; interim 
compatibility determination; and refuge-specific regulations to 
administer the hunting and/or fishing programs. Upon review of these 
documents, the Service, acting for the Secretary, has determined that 
the opening of these National Wildlife Refuges to hunting and fishing 
is compatible with the principles of sound fish and wildlife management 
and otherwise will be in the public interest.
    The following refuges establish new hunting and/or fishing 
openings: Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Colorado; Ten Thousand Islands 
National Wildlife Refuge, Florida; Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife 
Refuge, Louisiana; Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Nebraska; 
and Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, Texas. The remaining 
regulations represent revisions to existing refuge specific 
regulations.
    In accordance with the NWRSAA and the RRA, the Service has 
determined that these openings are compatible and consistent with the 
primary purposes for which the refuge was established. The Service also 
has determined that funds are available to administer the program.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    These regulations have been examined under the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995 and have been found to contain no information collection 
requirements.

Economic Effect

    Service review has revealed that this rulemaking will increase 
hunter and angler visitation to the surrounding area of the refuges 
before, during or after the recreational uses, compared to the refuge 
being closed to these recreational uses.
    These refuges generally are located away from large metropolitan 
areas. Businesses in the area of the refuges consist primarily of small 
family-owned stores, restaurants, gas stations and other small 
commercial enterprises. In addition, there are several small, 
commercial recreational fishing and hunting camps and marinas in the 
general areas. This final rule will have a positive effect on such 
entities; however, the amount of revenue generated is not large.
    Many area residents enjoy a rural lifestyle that includes frequent 
recreational use of the abundant natural resources of the area. A high 
percentage of the households enjoy hunting, fishing, and boating in 
area wetlands, rivers and lakes. Refuge lands generally were not 
available for general public use before government acquisition; 
however, they were fished and hunted upon by friends and relatives of 
the landowners, and some were under commercial hunting and fishing 
leases. Many nearby residents also participate in other forms of non-
consumptive outdoor recreation, such as biking, hiking, camping, 
birdwatching, canoeing, and other outdoor sports.
    Economic impacts of refuge fishing and hunting programs on local 
communities are calculated from average expenditures in the ``1996 
National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated 
Recreation''. In 1996, 39 million U.S. residents 16 years old and older 
hunted and/or fished. More specifically, 35.2 million fished and 14 
million hunted. Those who both fished and hunted account for the 10.2 
million overage. Nationwide expenditures by sportsmen totaled $72 
billion. Trip-related expenditures for food, lodging, and 
transportation were $14 billion or 19.4 percent of all fishing and 
hunting expenditures; equipment expenditures amounted to $44.2 billion, 
or 61.4 percent of the total; other expenditures such as those for 
magazines, membership dues, contributions, land leasing, ownership, 
licenses, stamps, tags, and permits accounted for $13.8 billion, or 
19.2 percent of all expenditures. Overall, anglers spent an average of 
$41 per day. For each day of hunting, migratory bird hunters spent an 
average of $33, upland game hunters an average of $20, and big game 
hunters averaged spending $40.
    At these 72 National Wildlife Refuges included in this final 
regulation, 776,000 anglers are estimated to spend $31.8 million 
annually in pursuit of their sport, while approximately 380,000 hunters 
will spend $12.5 million annually hunting on the refuges. While many of 
these anglers and hunters already make such expenditures before the 
refuge opening, some of these additional expenditures directly are due 
to the land now being open to the general public.
    This rulemaking will have a small but positive impact on local 
economies by increasing visitation and expenditures in the surrounding 
area of the refuges. The Service has determined that this rulemaking 
would not have a significant effect on a substantial number of small 
entities in the area, such as businesses, organizations and 
governmental jurisdictions, under the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 
1980 (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). This rulemaking was not subject to Office 
of Management and Budget review under Executive Order 12866.

Unfunded Mandates

    The Service has determined and certifies pursuant to 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 governments or private entities.

Civil Justice Reform

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

Environmental Considerations

    The Service ensures compliance with the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4332(C)) when developing hunting 
and sport fishing plans, and the determinations required by NEPA are 
made before the addition of refuges to the lists of areas open to 
hunting and fishing in 50 CFR part 32. The changes in hunting and 
fishing herein were reviewed with regard to Section 7 of the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543) and found to either have no 
affect on or are not likely to adversely affect listed species or 
critical habitat. The amendment of refuge-specific hunting

[[Page 47375]]

and fishing regulations are subject to a categorical exclusion from the 
NEPA process if they do not significantly alter the existing use of a 
particular national wildlife refuge. The Service exclusion found at 516 
DM 6, App. 1.4B(5) is employed here as these amendments are considered 
``[m]inor changes in the amounts or types of public use on FWS or 
State-managed lands, in accordance with regulations, management plans, 
and procedures.'' These refuge-specific hunting and fishing regulations 
simply qualify or otherwise define a hunting or fishing activity, for 
purposes of resource management. These documents are on file in Service 
offices and may be viewed by contacting the primary author noted below. 
Individual refuge headquarters also retain information regarding 
hunting and fishing permits and the conditions that apply to refuge 
hunts, sport fishing activities, and maps of their respective areas. 
You may also obtain information from the regional offices at the 
addresses listed below:
    Region 1--California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and 
Washington. Assistant Regional Director--Refuges and Wildlife, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, Eastside Federal Complex, Suite 1692, 911 
N.E. 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232-4181; Telephone (503) 231-
6214.
    Region 2--Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Assistant 
Regional Director--Refuges and Wildlife U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
Box 1306, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103; Telephone (505) 766-1829.
    Region 3--Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, 
Ohio and Wisconsin. Assistant Regional Director--Refuges and Wildlife, 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal Building, Fort Snelling, Twin 
Cities, Minnesota 55111; Telephone (612) 725-3507.
    Region 4--Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, 
Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Puerto Rico and 
the Virgin Islands. Assistant Regional Director--Refuges and Wildlife, 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Boulevard, Room 324, 
Atlanta, Georgia 30345; Telephone (404) 679-7152.
    Region 5--Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, 
Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, 
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia. 
Assistant Regional Director--Refuges and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, 300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley, Massachusetts 
01035-9589; Telephone (413) 253-8550.
    Region 6--Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South 
Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. Assistant Regional Director--Refuges and 
Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Box 25486, Denver Federal 
Center, Denver, Colorado 80225; Telephone (303) 236-8145.
    Region 7--Alaska. Assistant Regional Director--Refuges and 
Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 E. Tudor Rd., Anchorage, 
Alaska 99503; Telephone (907) 786-3545.
    Primary Author: Stephen R. Vehrs, Division of Refuges, U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service, Washington, DC 20240, is the primary author of 
this rulemaking document.

List of Subjects

50 CFR Part 25

    Administrative practice and procedure, Concessions, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Safety, Wildlife refuges.

50 CFR Part 32

    Fishing, Hunting, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Wildlife, Wildlife refuges.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Service amends Title 
50, Chapter I, subchapter C of the Code of Federal Regulations as 
follows:

PART 25--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for part 25 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k, 664, 668dd, and 715i, 
3901 et seq.; and Pub. L. 102-402, 106 Stat. 1961.

    2. Amend Sec. 25.11 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec. 25.11  Purpose of regulations.

    (a) The regulations in this subchapter govern general 
administration of units of the National Wildlife Refuge System, public 
notice of changes in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service policy regarding 
Refuge System units, issuance of permits required on Refuge System 
units and other administrative aspects involving the management of 
various units of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The regulations 
in this subchapter apply to areas of land and water held by the United 
States in fee title and to property interests in such land and water in 
less than fee, including but not limited to easements. For areas held 
in less than fee, the regulations in this subchapter apply only to the 
extent that the property interest held by the United States may be 
affected. The regulations in this subchapter also apply to and govern 
those areas of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal over which management 
responsibility has been transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service under the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Act of 1992 (Pub. L. 102-402, 
106 Stat. 1961), before their establishment as a refuge and inclusion 
in the National Wildlife Refuge System.
* * * * *

PART 32--[AMENDED]

    3. The authority citation for part 32 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k, 664, 668dd, and 715i.


Sec. 32.7  [Amended]

    4. Amend Sec. 32.7 by removing the listing of ``Kesterson National 
Wildlife Refuge'' from the State of California; by adding the 
alphabetical listings of ``Rocky Mountain Arsenal'' to the State of 
Colorado, ``Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge'' to the 
State of Florida, ``Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge'' to the 
State of Louisiana, ``Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge'' to the 
State of Nebraska, ``Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge'' to 
the State of Texas, ``Leopold Wetland Management District'' to the 
State of Wisconsin; and by revising the listing of ``Wauby National 
Wildlife Refuge'' under the State of South Dakota to read ``Waubay 
National Wildlife Refuge''.
    5. Amend Sec. 32.20 Alabama by revising paragraphs B. and D. of 
Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.20  Alabama.

* * * * *

Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt rabbit and squirrel on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: 
Permits are required.
* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish, frog and trap turtles on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to State fishing regulations and 
the following conditions:
    1. Fishing, frogging and turtle trapping open year-round in all 
waters contiguous with the Walter F. George Reservoir. Bank fishing 
permitted during daylight hours only.
    2. Fishing, including bow fishing, permitted in impounded refuge 
waters from March 1 through October 31, during daylight hours.

[[Page 47376]]

    3. Creel, possession, and size limit for Walter F. George Reservoir 
apply to all impounded refuge waters.
* * * * *
    6. Amend Sec. 32.22 Arizona by revising paragraphs A.4., A.6., A.9. 
and A.13., by removing paragraph B.3., redesignating paragraphs B.4., 
B.5. and B.6. as paragraphs B.3., B.4., B.5. respectively, and revising 
them, by revising paragraph D.1. and removing paragraph D.2. of Cibola 
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.22  Arizona.

* * * * *

Cibola National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    4. Hunters must pay a hunt fee in a portion of the refuge. Consult 
refuge hunting leaflet for location.
* * * * *
    6. Hunting in a portion of farm unit 2 closes at 12 p.m. each day. 
Consult refuge hunting leaflet for location.
* * * * *
    9. Waterfowl hunting requires the use of decoys on farm unit 2. 
Daily removal of decoys from the refuge required.
* * * * *
    13. The Hart Mine Marsh Area opens to hunting only between 10 a.m. 
and 3 p.m. daily, during goose season.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
    3. Hunters may hunt cottontail rabbit from September 1 through the 
last day of the respective State's quail season.
    4. During the Arizona waterfowl season, hunters may not hunt quail 
and rabbit in Farm Unit 2 until 12 p.m. each day.
    5. Hunters may not hunt within 50 yards of any road or levee.
* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
    1. Anglers may fish and frog in Cibola Lake only from March 15 
through Labor Day.
* * * * *
    7. Amend Sec. 32.23 Arkansas by adding paragraph D.3. of Holla Bend 
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.23  Arkansas.

* * * * *

Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
    3. Anglers may bowfish only from August 1 through August 31 subject 
to State bowfishing regulations. Only bowfishing equipment permitted. 
Anglers may not use broad heads, field points, or metal arrows.
* * * * *
    8. Amend Sec. 32.24 California by removing Kesterson National 
Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs A.1., A.2., A.3., A.4., and by 
adding paragraphs A.6., A.7. and A.8. of San Luis National Wildlife 
Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.24  California.

* * * * *

San Luis National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
    1. Hunters may use only portable blinds and temporary blinds 
constructed of natural materials in the free-roam hunting area.
    2. Hunters must remove all portable blinds, decoys, and other 
personal equipment from the refuge following each day's hunt.
    3. Hunters may snipe hunt only within the free-roam portion of the 
San Luis unit's waterfowl hunting area. Snipe hunters may only possess 
and use nontoxic shot.
    4. In areas where the refuge limits hunter numbers through a daily 
permit process, hunters may not possess more than 25 shells while in 
the field.
* * * * *
    6. Hunters may not transport loaded firearms. This includes walking 
or bicycling between parking areas and spaced blind areas, or while 
traveling in a boat under power.
    7. Refuge restricts hunters, in the spaced blind area, to their 
original assigned blind except when they are placing decoys, traveling 
to and from the parking area, retrieving downed birds, or when shooting 
to retrieve crippled birds.
    8. Access to Salt Slough Unit free-roam hunting area is by boat 
only with a maximum speed limit of 5 mph. Prohibited boats include air-
thrust and/or inboard water-thrust types.
* * * * *
    9. Amend Sec. 32.25 Colorado by removing and reserving the text of 
paragraph D. of Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraph 
D of Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs A., B., 
C., and D. of Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge; by adding the 
alphabetical listing of Rocky Mountain Arsenal to read as follows:


Sec. 32.25  Colorado.

* * * * *

Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish in designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. Anglers may not fish between June 1 and July 31 each year.
    2. Anglers may fish only during daylight hours.

Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Hunters may hunt geese, ducks, 
coots, and mourning doves only in designated areas of the refuge.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt cottontail rabbits only in 
designated areas of the refuge.
    C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt mule deer and elk only in 
designated areas of the refuge.
    D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish only in designated areas of the 
refuge.
* * * * *

Rocky Mountain Arsenal

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
    B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish only in designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. Refuge fishing permit required.
    2. Fishing permitted only from sunrise to sunset from April 15 
through October 15 annually.
    3. Catch and release only fishing.
    4. Additional refuge regulations listed in refuge fishing 
regulations leaflet and fishing permits.
    10. Amend Sec. 32.28 Florida by revising paragraph D. of Cedar Keys 
National Wildlife; by revising paragraph D. of J.N. ``Ding'' Darling 
National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraph D. of Lower Suwannee 
National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraph A. of St. Marks 
National Wildlife Refuge; and by adding the alphabetical listing of Ten 
Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.28  Florida.

* * * * *

Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish in salt water year round in 
accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition:
    1. A 300 foot buffer zone beginning at mean high tide line and 
extending into the waters around Seahorse Key will be closed to all 
public entry from March 1 through June 30.
* * * * *

[[Page 47377]]

J. N. ``Ding'' Darling National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish and crab on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. Fishing permitted in refuge waters except in areas designated as 
``closed to public entry,'' and the Mangrove Head Pond, Tower Pond, and 
Tarpon Bay Slough at the Bailey Tract.
    2. Crabbing permitted in refuge waters except in areas designated 
as ``closed to public entry.''
    3. Anglers may not take horseshoe crabs, stone crabs, or spider 
crabs.
    4. Anglers may not take blue crabs for commercial purposes.
    5. Anglers may take blue crabs along the Wildlife Drive only with 
the use of dip nets. Anglers may not use lines, traps, or bait on or 
within 150 feet of the Wildlife Drive.
    6. Anglers may use baited lines and traps within refuge waters if 
such devises are continuously attended/monitored and removed at the end 
of each day. Attended/monitored means that all devices used in the 
capture of blue crabs must be within the immediate view of the sport 
crabber.
    7. Daily limit of blue crabs is 20 per person of which no more that 
10 shall be females.
* * * * *

Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish in accordance with State 
regulations subject to the following conditions:
    1. Anglers may take game and nongame fish only with pole and line 
or rod and reel.
    2. Anglers may not take turtles and frogs.
    3. Anglers may not use boats in refuge ponds. Boats may not be left 
on the refuge overnight.
* * * * *

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Hunters may hunt ducks and 
coots in designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
condition: Permits required.
* * * * *

Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Hunters may hunt ducks and 
coots in designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
condition: Permits required.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
    11. Amend Sec. 32.29 Georgia by revising paragraph D.1. of 
Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs D.1. 
and D.3. of Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge; and by revising 
paragraph C. of Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.29  Georgia.

* * * * *

Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
    1. Anglers may fish in freshwater year-round from sunrise to 
sunset, except during managed deer hunts.
* * * * *
    Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
    1. Anglers may fish in freshwater year-round from sunrise to 
sunset, except during managed deer hunts.
* * * * *
    3. Anglers may use the Barbour River public boat ramp as public 
access year-round from 4:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.(midnight), daily. 
However, anglers may not use the Barbour River public boat ramp as 
access from 12:00 p.m.(midnight) to 4:00 a.m., daily.
* * * * *

Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt white-tailed deer and turkey 
on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: 
Permits required.
* * * * *
    12. Amend Sec. 32.30 Hawaii by revising paragraph C. of Hakalau 
Forest National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.30  Hawaii.

* * * * *

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt feral pigs and feral cattle 
on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition:
    1. Hunters must have reservations or permits to access the refuge 
from Keanakolu Road.
* * * * *
    13. Amend Sec. 32.32 Illinois by revising paragraphs A. and B., by 
revising the introductory text of paragraph C.,by revising paragraph C. 
3, by adding paragraph C.5., by revising the introductory text of 
paragraph D. and paragraphs D.1., D.2., D.3., D.4. and D.5. of Crab 
Orchard National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs A.1., A.2., 
A.3. and the introductory text of paragraph B. of Cypress Creek 
National Wildlife Refuge; by adding paragraphs A.1., A.2., C.1., and 
D.4. of Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.32  Illinois.

* * * * *

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    A. Hunting of Migratory Birds. Hunters may hunt waterfowl on 
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with posted regulations 
and subject to the following conditions.
    1. Hunters may hunt waterfowl, by daily permit drawing, on the 
controlled areas of Grassy Point, Carterville, and Greenbriar land 
areas, plus Orchard, Sawmill, Turkey, and Grassy islands, from one-half 
hour before sunrise to posted closing times each day during the goose 
season. Hunters may hunt waterfowl in these areas, including the lake 
shoreline, only from existing refuge blinds during the goose season.
    2. Waterfowl hunters outside the controlled goose hunting areas may 
use only portable or temporary blinds. Blinds must be a minimum of 200 
yards apart and removed or dismantled at the end of each day's hunt.
    3. Goose hunters outside the controlled goose hunting area on Crab 
Orchard Lake must hunt from a blind that is on shore or anchored a 
minimum of 200 yards away from any shoreline.
    4. Hunters may possess and use only nontoxic shot while hunting 
migratory game bird species.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt upland game on designated 
areas of the refuge in accordance with posted regulations and subject 
to the following conditions:
    1. Upland game hunting prohibited in the controlled goose hunting 
areas during the goose hunting season, except furbearer hunting 
permitted from sunset to sunrise.
    2. Hunters may not use rifles or handguns with ammunition larger 
than .22 caliber rim fire, except they may use black powder firearms up 
to and including .40 caliber.
    3. Hunters may possess and use only nontoxic shot while hunting all 
permitted species except wild turkey. Hunters may possess and use lead 
shot for hunting wild turkey.

[[Page 47378]]

    C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt white-tailed deer on 
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with posted regulations 
and subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
    3. Hunters may not hunt deer in the controlled goose hunting areas 
during the goose hunting season.
* * * * *
    5. Permitted hunters may use center fire ammunition for handgun 
deer hunting during the handgun deer season.
    D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish on designated areas of the 
refuge in accordance with posted regulations and subject to the 
following conditions:
    1. Crab Orchard Lake--west of Wolf Creek Road--Anglers may fish 
from boats all year. Anglers must remove trot-lines/jugs from sunrise 
until sunset from Memorial Day through Labor Day; east of Wolf Creek 
Road, and anglers may fish from boats March 15 through September 30. 
Anglers may fish all year at the Wolf Creek and Route 148 causeway 
areas. Anglers must check and remove fish from all jugs and trot lines 
daily. It is illegal to use stakes to anchor any trot-lines; they must 
be tagged with angler's name and address. Anglers may use all 
noncommercial fishing methods except they may not use underwater 
breathing apparatus. Anglers may not use jugs or trot-lines with any 
flotation device that has previously contained any petroleum-based 
materials or toxic substances. Anglers must attach a buoyed device that 
is visible on the water's surface to all trot-lines.
    2. A-41, Bluegill, Blue Heron, Managers, Honkers, and Visitors 
Ponds: Anglers may fish only from sunrise to sunset March 15 through 
September 30. Anglers may not use boats or flotation devices.
    3. Anglers may not submerge any pole or similar object to take or 
locate any fish.
    4. Organizers of all fishing events must possess a refuge-issued 
permit.
    5. Anglers may not fish within 250 yards of an occupied waterfowl 
hunting blind.
* * * * *

Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
    1. Site specific regulations apply to dove hunting on sunflower 
fields.
    2. Duck hunters may not hunt on the Bellrose Waterfowl Reserve.
    3. Only goose hunters allowed in Bellrose Waterfowl Reserve 
following the closure of the regular duck hunting season. Special site 
regulations apply.
* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt bob-white quail, rabbit, 
squirrel, raccoon, opossum, coyote, red fox, grey fox and turkey 
(spring) on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
* * * * *

Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * *  *
    1. Only temporary structures or blinds constructed of native 
materials are permitted.
    2. Hunters must remove boats, decoys, and portable blinds at the 
end of each day's hunt.
* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
    1. Hunters must remove hunting stands at the end of each day's 
hunt.
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
    4. Anglers may not sportfish in areas open to hunting during 
hunting seasons.
* * * * *
    14. Amend Sec. 32.35 Kansas by removing paragraph C.2., and by 
revising paragraph D. of Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge; by 
revising paragraph D., of Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge; and by 
revising paragraph D., of Quivira National Wildlife Refuge to read as 
follows:
* * * * *


Sec. 32.35  Kansas.

* * * * *

Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may sportfish on designated portions of 
the refuge subject to State regulations and any refuge specific 
regulations as listed in the refuge brochure.

Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may sportfish on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. Anglers may fish in accordance with the Kirwin National Wildlife 
Refuge Visitor's Map and Guide.
    2. Anglers may not use motorized vehicles on the ice.

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may sportfish on designated portions of 
the refuge subject to State regulations and any refuge specific 
regulations as listed in the refuge brochure.
    15. Amend Sec. 32.37 Louisiana by adding the alphabetical listing 
of Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraph 
D.3., of Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs A., 
B., and C. of D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge; and by revising the 
introductory text of paragraphs A., B., and C. of Upper Ouachita 
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.37  Louisiana.

* * * * *

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
    B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. Anglers may fish from sunrise to sunset.
    2. Anglers may not leave boats or other personal equipment on the 
refuge overnight. Anglers may launch boats only at designated sites. 
Anglers may not use boat motors greater that 50 horsepower.
    3. Anglers may not use trotlines, limb lines, yo-yos, traps or 
nets.
    4. Anglers may not take frogs, turtles and mollusks.
* * * * *

Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
    3. Cowpen Bayou and the HWY 28 borrow pits open to fishing all 
year.
* * * * *

D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Hunters may hunt ducks, coots, 
and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
condition: Permits required.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt quail, squirrel, rabbit, 
raccoon and opossum on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following condition: Permits required.
    C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt white-tailed deer on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: 
Permits required.
* * * * *

Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Hunters may hunt ducks, coots, 
and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
condition: Permits required.
* * * * *

[[Page 47379]]

    B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt quail, squirrel, rabbit, 
raccoon and opossum on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following condition: Permits required.
* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt white-tailed deer on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: 
Permits required.
* * * * *
    16. Amend Sec. 32.42 Minnesota by revising paragraphs A., B., and 
adding paragraph C.4. of Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge; by 
revising paragraphs A., B., C., and D. of Morris Wetland Management 
District; by removing paragraph C.3. and redesignating paragraphs C.4. 
and C.5. as paragraphs C.3. and C.4., respectively, and revising them 
of Rydell National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.42  Minnesota.

* * * * *

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Hunters may hunt geese, ducks, 
and coots on designated areas of the refuge. Permits are required for 
special hunts.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt upland game, except for 
furbearers and crows, on designated areas of the refuge consistent with 
state regulations, subject to the following conditions:
    1. Hunters may only use shotguns and bows and arrows in designated 
areas.
    2. Hunters may only use or possess non-toxic shot.
    C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    4. Hunters may not use or possess single shot projectiles (shotgun 
slugs, or bullets) on the Soberg Waterfowl Production Area.
* * * * *

Morris Wetland Management District

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Hunting of migratory game birds 
is permitted throughout the district subject to the following 
condition:
    1. Hunters may not hunt on designated portions of the Edwards-Long 
Lake Waterfowl Production Area in Stevens County.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. Upland game hunting is permitted throughout 
the district subject to the following condition:
    1. Hunters may not hunt on designated portions of the Edwards-Long 
Lake Waterfowl Production Area in Stevens County.
    C. Big Game Hunting. Big game hunting is permitted throughout the 
district subject to the following condition:
    1. Hunters may not hunt on designated portions of the Edwards-Long 
Lake Waterfowl Production Area in Stevens County.
    D. Sport Fishing. Sport fishing is permitted throughout the 
district subject to the following condition:
    1. Anglers may not fish on designated portions of the Edwards-Long 
Lake Waterfowl Production Area in Stevens County.
* * * * *

Rydell National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    3. Hunters may not construct or use permanent blinds, permanent 
platforms, or permanent ladders. Hunters may use portable stands, but 
must remove them from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt.
    4. Hunters who harvest deer in the Special Permit Area must take 
their deer to the refuge check station.
* * * * *
    17. Amend Sec. 32.43 Mississippi by revising paragraphs A., B., C., 
and D., of Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraph A. 
of St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs 
A., B., and C. of Tallahatchie National Wildlife Refuge; and by 
revising paragraph A. of Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge to read as 
follows:


Sec. 32.43  Mississippi.

* * * * *

Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Hunters may hunt waterfowl, 
coots, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following condition: Permits required.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt quail, squirrel, rabbit, 
beaver, raccoon and opossum on designated areas of the refuge subject 
to the following condition: Permits required.
    C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt white-tailed deer and turkey 
on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: 
Permits required.
    D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following condition: Permits required.
* * * * *

St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Hunters may hunt ducks, geese 
and coots on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
condition: Permits required.
* * * * *

Tallahatchie National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Hunters may hunt mourning 
doves, migratory waterfowl, coots, snipe and woodcock on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: Permits 
required.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt quail, squirrel, rabbit, 
beaver, raccoon and opossum on designated areas of the refuge subject 
to the following condition: Permits required.
    C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt deer and turkey on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: Permits 
required.
* * * * *

Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Hunters may hunt mourning doves 
and waterfowl on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following condition: Permits required.
* * * * *
    18. Amend Sec. 32.45 Montana by revising paragraphs A., B., and D., 
of Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraph 
B. of Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge; by removing and reserving the 
text of paragraphs A., B., and C. of Halfbreed Lake National Wildlife 
Refuge; by revising paragraph C. of Lake Mason National Wildlife 
Refuge; by revising paragraph D. of Swan River National Wildlife 
Refuge; by revising paragraph B. of UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge; 
and by revising paragraph D. of War Horse National Wildlife Refuge to 
read as follows:


Sec. 32.45  Montana.

* * * * *

Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Refuge open to hunting of 
migratory game birds in accordance with state law.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunting of upland game birds, turkey and 
coyote is permitted on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following condition:
    1. Coyote hunting allowed from the first day of antelope rifle 
season through March 1 annually.
* * * * *

[[Page 47380]]

    D. Sport fishing. Refuge open to sport fishing in accordance with 
state law, and as specifically designated in refuge publications.
* * * * *

Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt upland game birds on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. Hunters shall possess and use, while in the field, only nontoxic 
shot.
* * * * *

Halfbreed Lake National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
    B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
* * * * *

Lake Mason National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. Refuge open to big game hunting in accordance 
with state law.
* * * * *

Swan River National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. Refuge open to sport fishing in accordance with 
state law, and as specifically designated in refuge publications.

UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. Refuge is open to upland game hunting in 
accordance with state laws, regulations and subject to the following 
condition:
    1. Coyote hunting allowed from the first day of antelope rifle 
season through March 1 annually.
* * * * *

War Horse National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. Refuge open to sport fishing in accordance with 
state law, and as specifically designated in refuge publications.
    19. Amend Sec. 32.46 Nebraska by revising paragraph C. of Crescent 
Lake National Wildlife Refuge; by adding alphabetically Fort Niobrara 
National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraph D. of Valentine 
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.46  Nebraska.

* * * * *

Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt white-tailed deer and mule 
deer on designated areas of the refuge pursuant to State law.
* * * * *

Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
    B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish on designated portions of the 
refuge subject to state regulations and any specific regulations as 
listed in refuge publications.

Valentine National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish on designated portions of the 
refuge subject to state regulations and any specific regulations as 
listed in refuge publications.
    20. Amend Sec. 32.47 Nevada by revising paragraphs D.1. D.2., and 
removing paragraph D.3., of Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge to read as 
follows:
* * * * *


Sec. 32.47  Nevada.

* * * * *

Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
    1. Anglers may only bank fish, fish by wading, use nonmotorized 
boats, float tubes and similar floatation devices in Big Springs 
Reservoir, Dufurrena Ponds, and Catnip Reservoir. Anglers may not fish 
from motorized boats.
    2. Only individuals 12 years of age or under, or 65 years of age or 
older, or individuals who are disabled are permitted to fish in McGee 
Pond.
* * * * *
    21. Amend Sec. 32.49 New Jersey by revising paragraphs A., C., and 
D. of Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.49  New Jersey.

* * * * *

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Hunters may hunt migratory game 
birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. Hunters must be in possession of signed refuge hunting permits 
at all times while hunting on the refuge.
    2. Refuge hunting regulations, as listed in the hunting leaflet for 
Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge, will be in effect.
    3. Shotgun hunters may use or possess only nontoxic shot while 
hunting migratory game birds.
* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt white-tailed deer and wild 
turkeys on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. Hunters must sign and be in possession of refuge hunting permits 
at all times while hunting on the refuge.
    2. Refuge hunting regulations, as listed in the hunting leaflet for 
Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge, will be in effect.
    D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may sportfish on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. Anglers may fish from canoes or cartop boats on the Wallkill 
River.
    2. Anglers must park in designated parking areas if accessing the 
Wallkill River through refuge land.
    3. Anglers may not take frogs and/or turtles.
    4. Anglers may fish from sunrise to sunset.
    22. Amend Sec. 32.55 Oklahoma by revising paragraph B. of Deep Fork 
National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs A., B., and C. of 
Little River National Wildlife Refuge; by removing paragraph B.3. of 
Optima National Wildlife Refuge; by revising the introductory text of 
paragraph B., by adding paragraph B.4., by removing paragraphs C.3.and 
C.4., and redesignating paragraph C.5. as paragraph C.3. of Tishomingo 
National Wildlife Refuge; by removing paragraph B.2., by revising 
paragraphs D.1., D.2., by removing paragraph D.4., and redesignating 
paragraph D.5. as paragraph D.4. of Washita National Wildlife Refuge; 
and by removing paragraph D.4., and redesignating paragraphs D.5. and 
D.6. as paragraphs D.4. and D.5. of Wichita Mountains National Wildlife 
Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.55  Oklahoma.

* * * * *

Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt rabbits and squirrels on 
portions of the refuge in accordance with state hunting regulations 
subject to the following exceptions and conditions:
    1. Hunters may hunt squirrels on portions of Deep Fork National 
Wildlife Refuge during the state season except it is closed during the 
first half of archery deer season.

[[Page 47381]]

    2. Hunters may hunt rabbits on portions of Deep Fork National 
Wildlife Refuge during the state season except it is closed from the 
beginning of the archery deer season until after rifle deer season.
    3. Hunters may only use shotguns with non-toxic shot.
    4. The refuge leaflet designates all hunting and parking areas.
* * * * *

Little River National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Hunters may hunt waterfowl 
(ducks) on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. Prohibited off-road vehicle use.
    2. Hunters may not build permanent blinds.
    3. Hunters may hunt only from one-half hour before sunrise until 
noon each day.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt squirrel, rabbit, turkey 
and raccoon on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. Turkey hunters must obtain permits and pay fees.
    2. Prohibited off-road vehicle use.
    3. Hunters may hunt raccoons only during designated refuge seasons.
    4. Shotgun hunters may not possess or use lead shot.
    C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt deer on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. Hunters must obtain permits and pay fees.
    2. Prohibited off-road vehicle use.
* * * * *

Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt quail, squirrel, turkey 
and rabbits on the Tishomingo Wildlife Management Unit of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
    4. Turkey hunters may only hunt during the statewide spring shotgun 
season and during the fall archery season.
* * * * *

Washita National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
    1. Anglers may fish and frog only from March 15 through October 14 
on the Washita River and Foss Reservoir. Anglers may bank fish from the 
Lakeview Recreation Area to the Pitts Creek Recreation Area all year.
    2. Access to fishing and frogging is permitted only from the 
McClure, Riverside, Turkey Flat, Owl Cove, Pitts Creek and Lakeview 
Recreation Areas and by boat from Foss Reservoir.
* * * * *
    23. Amend Sec. 32.56 Oregon by adding paragraph A.6. of Cold 
Springs National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs A.2., B.1., 
B.2., B.3., and D.1. of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge; by adding 
paragraph A.7. of McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge; by adding 
paragraph A.6. and revising paragraph C. of Umatilla National Wildlife 
Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.56  Oregon.

* * * * *

Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    6. Snipe hunters shall possess and use, while in the field, only 
nontoxic shot.
* * * * *

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    2. Hunters shall possess and use, while in the field, only nontoxic 
shot.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
    1. Hunters may hunt pheasant, quail, partridge, and rabbit from the 
third Saturday in November to the end of the pheasant season in 
designated areas of the Blitzen Valley east of Highway 205, and on 
designated areas open to waterfowl hunting.
    2. Hunters may hunt all upland game species during authorized State 
seasons on the refuge area west of Highway 205 and south of Foster Flat 
Road.
    3. Hunters shall possess and use, while in the field, only nontoxic 
shot when hunting on designated areas east of Highway 205.
* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
    1. Anglers may fish year-round in the Blitzen River, East Canal, 
and Mud Creek upstream from and including Bridge Creek. Anglers may 
fish in Krumbo Reservoir during the State season from the fourth 
Saturday in April to the end of October.
* * * * *

McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    7. Snipe hunters shall possess and use, while in the field, only 
nontoxic shot.
* * * * *

Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    6. Snipe hunters shall possess and use, while in the field, only 
nontoxic shot.
* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt deer on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following condition:
    1. Hunting by permit only.
* * * * *
    24. Amend Sec. 32.57 Pennsylvania by adding paragraph A.3., by 
revising the introductory text of paragraph B., by revising paragraphs 
B.3.and B.5., and by revising paragraphs C.1., C.2., and C.3. of Erie 
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.57  Pennsylvania.

* * * * *

Erie National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    3. No dog training.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt grouse, squirrel, rabbit, 
woodchuck, pheasant, quail, raccoon, fox, skunk, opossum and coyote on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
    3. Upland game hunters must wear on head, chest and back, a minimum 
of 400 square inches of blaze orange material.
* * * * *
    5. Dog trainers must obtain permits.
    C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
    1. Hunters may hunt only from September 1 through February 28 
except for spring turkey season.
    2. Hunters must remove blinds, platforms, scaffolds, and/or tree 
stands from the refuge daily.
    3. All deer hunters must wear on head, chest and back, a minimum of 
400 square inches of blaze orange material during antlered, anterless 
and muzzleloader seasons.
* * * * *
    25. Amend Sec. 32.61 South Dakota by revising paragraph D. of 
Waubay National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.61  South Dakota.

* * * * *

Waubay National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish on the refuge in accordance with 
state law,

[[Page 47382]]

and as specifically designated in refuge publications.
    26. Amend Sec. 32.62 Tennessee by revising paragraphs A., and D.2., 
and adding paragraph D.3. of Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge; by 
revising paragraphs A. and D. of Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge 
to read as follows:


Sec. 32.62  Tennessee.

* * * * *

Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Hunters may hunt ducks, coots, 
mourning doves, woodcock, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following condition: Permits required.
* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing.* * *
* * * * *
    2. Anglers may fish only from sunrise to sunset.
    3. Anglers may not frog or turtle on the refuge.
* * * * *

Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Hunters may hunt ducks, coots, 
mourning doves, woodcock, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following condition: Permits required.
* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish on designated areas of the 
refuge and Sunk Lake Public Use Natural Area subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. Only with pole and line or rod and reel.
    2. Only from sunrise to sunset.
    3. Anglers may not frog or turtle.
    4. Anglers may not fish in the sanctuary areas or Sunk Lake Public 
Use Natural Area from November 15 through March 15 annually.
* * * * *
    27. Amend Sec. 32.63 Texas by revising paragraphs A.1., A.2., A.4., 
removing paragraph A.6 and redesignating paragraph A.7. as paragraph 
A.6. of Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge; by adding alphabetically the 
listing of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge; by revising 
paragraphs B.2., B.3, and C. of Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge; by 
revising paragraphs A.1., A.2., A.6. and adding paragraph A.7. of 
McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge; and by revising paragraphs 
A.1.,A.2., A.5., and adding paragraph A.6. of Texas Point National 
Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.63  Texas.

* * * * *

Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
    1. Permits and payment of a fee required to hunt on portions of the 
refuge.
    2. Hunters may hunt only on designated days of the week and on 
designated areas during the general waterfowl hunting season. Hunters 
may hunt on designated areas during all days of the September teal 
season. Notice of hunting days and maps depicting areas open to hunting 
are issued annually in the refuge hunting brochure.
* * * * *
    4. Hunters must use and be in possession of Federally-approved non-
toxic shot only.
* * * * *

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
    B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt turkey on designated areas 
of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. Hunting will take place in December and/or January.
    2. Hunters must check in and out of a hunt area.
    3. Hunters may use only bows and arrows or shotguns and rifles.
    4. Hunters shall be at least 12 years of age. Hunters between the 
ages of 12 and 17 (inclusive) must hunt under the supervision of an 
adult 21 years of age or older.
    5. Bag limit must be in accordance with annual state regulations.
    6. Hunters must visibly wear 400 square inches of hunter orange 
above the waist. Wearing a hunter orange hat or cap mandatory.
    7. Hunters must obtain a refuge permit and pay a hunt fee.
    C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt white-tailed deer and feral 
hogs on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. Hunting will take place in December and/or January.
    2. Hunters must check in and out of a hunt area.
    3. Hunters may use only bows and arrows, or shotguns and rifles.
    4. Hunters shall be at least 12 years of age. Hunters between the 
ages of 12 and 17 (inclusive) must hunt under the supervision of an 
adult 21 years of age or older.
    5. Bag limit must be in accordance with annual state regulations.
    6. Hunters must visibly wear 400 square inches of hunter orange 
above the waist. Wearing a hunter orange hat or cap mandatory.
    7. Hunters must obtain a refuge permit and pay a hunt fee.
    D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
* * * * *

Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    2. Only shotguns permitted.
    3. No shot larger than No. 4 shot may be brought onto the area.
* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt white-tailed deer and feral 
hogs on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. Hunters may archery hunt as listed in the refuge hunt 
information sheet. Hunters must obtain a refuge permit and pay a hunt 
fee.
    2. Firearms hunting utilizing shotguns, 20 gauge or larger, loaded 
with rifled slug, permitted during a special youth hunt as listed in 
the refuge hunt information sheet. Permits required.
* * * * *

McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
    1. Hunters must obtain a refuge permit and pay a hunt fee to hunt 
on portions of the refuge.
    2. Hunters may hunt only on designated days of the week and on 
designated areas during the general waterfowl hunting season. Hunters 
may hunt on designated areas during all days of the September teal 
season. Notice of hunting days and maps depicting areas open to hunting 
issued annually in the refuge hunting brochure.
* * * * *
    6. Hunters must use and be in possession of Federally-approved non-
toxic shot only.
    7. Hunters may use airboats in accordance with guidelines issued in 
the refuge hunting brochure.
* * * * *

Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
    1. Hunters may hunt only on designated days of the week and on 
designated areas during the general waterfowl hunting season and the 
September teal season. Notice of hunting days and maps depicting areas 
open to hunting are issued annually in the refuge hunting brochure.
    2. Hunting permitted until noon.
* * * * *

[[Page 47383]]

    5. Hunters must use and be in possession of Federally-approved non-
toxic shot only.
    6. Hunters may use airboats in accordance with guidelines issued in 
the refuge hunting brochure.
* * * * *
    28. Amend Sec. 32.64 Utah by revising paragraph D. of Ouray 
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.64  Utah.

* * * * *

Ouray National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. The refuge is open to sport fishing in accordance 
with state law, and as specifically designated in refuge publications.
    29. Amend Sec. 32.66 Virginia by revising paragraph C.6. and adding 
paragraph C.7. of Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge to read 
as follows:


Sec. 32.66  Virginia.

* * * * *

Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    6. Hunters may not possess a loaded firearm (ammunition in the 
chamber, magazine, or clip), or loaded bow on or within 50 feet of a 
refuge road, including roads closed to vehicles.
    7. Hunters may not shoot onto or across a refuge road, including 
roads closed to vehicles.
* * * * *
    30. Amend Sec. 32.67 Washington by revising paragraphs A.1., A.3. 
A.4., A.5., A.6. and removing paragraph A.7. of McNary National 
Wildlife Refuge; and by adding paragraph A.5., and revising paragraph 
B.1. of Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge; by adding paragraph A.6., 
by removing and reserving the text of paragraph C. of Umatilla National 
Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.67  Washington.

* * * * *

McNary National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
    1. Hunting is by permit only on the McNary Division.
* * * * *
    3. Snipe hunters shall possess and use, while in the field, only 
nontoxic shot.
    4. Hunters may not possess more than 25 shells while in the field.
    5. On the first Saturday in December, only youth aged 10-17 and an 
accompanying adult aged 18 or over may hunt.
    6. The furthest downstream island (Columbia River mile 341-343) in 
the Hanford Islands Division closed to hunting.
* * * * *

Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    5. Snipe hunters will possess and use, while in the field, only 
nontoxic shot.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
    1. Hunters may not hunt upland game birds until noon of each hunt 
day.
* * * * *

Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    6. Snipe hunters shall possess and use, while in the field, only 
nontoxic shot.
* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
* * * * *
    31. Amend Sec. 32.69 Wisconsin by adding the alphabetical listing 
of Leopold Wetland Management District to read as follows:


Sec. 32.69  Wisconsin.

* * * * *

Leopold Wetland Management District

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Hunters may hunt migratory game 
birds throughout the District except that hunters may not hunt on 
designated portions of the Blue-wing Waterfowl Production Area in 
Ozaukee County or the Wilcox Waterfowl Production Area in Waushara 
County.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt upland game throughout the 
district except that hunters may not hunt on designated portions of the 
Blue-wing Waterfowl Production Area in Ozaukee County or the Wilcox 
Waterfowl Production Area in Waushara County.
    C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt big game throughout the 
District except that hunters may not hunt on designated portions of the 
Blue-wing Waterfowl Production Area in Ozaukee County or the Wilcox 
Waterfowl Production Area in Waushara County.
    D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
* * * * *
    32. Amend Sec. 32.70 Wyoming by revising paragraph D. of National 
Elk Refuge; and by revising paragraphs A., C., and D. of Seedskadee 
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.70  Wyoming.

* * * * *

National Elk Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may sport fish on the refuge in 
accordance with state law, as specifically designated in refuge 
publications.
* * * * *

Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. Hunters may hunt migratory game 
birds only on designated areas of the refuge.
* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt pronghorn antelope, mule deer 
and moose only on designated areas of the refuge.
    D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may sportfish on the refuge only in 
accordance with State law, and as specifically designated in refuge 
publications.

    Dated: August 29, 1997.
Donald Barry,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 97-23730 Filed 9-8-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-U