[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 193 (Tuesday, October 6, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 53635]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-26827]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 20

RIN 1018-AD74


Extension of Comment Period: Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations 
Regarding Baiting and Baited Areas

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period.

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SUMMARY: The Service is extending the comment period on the Federal 
Register proposed rule published March 25, 1998 (63 FR 14415) and 
extended on May 22, 1998 (63 FR 28343) that invites public comments on 
proposed changes to the migratory bird hunting regulations regarding 
baiting and baited areas.

DATES: The deadline for postmark on comments will be extended from 
October 1, 1998, to October 22, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Comments regarding this proposed rulemaking should be 
addressed to: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Post Office Box 3247, 
Arlington, Virginia 22203-3247, or sent via electronic mail to: 
[email protected]. Comments may be hand-delivered to 4401 North Fairfax 
Drive, Suite 500, Arlington, Virginia 22203. The public may inspect 
comments upon appointment during normal business hours at 4401 North 
Fairfax Drive, Suite 500, Arlington, Virginia 22203.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Adams, Chief, Office of Law 
Enforcement, telephone 703/358-1949.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has authority (16 
U.S.C. 712 and 16 U.S.C. 742a-j) to regulate activities involving the 
hunting and other taking of migratory game birds. The Service has 
promulgated regulations (50 CFR part 20) for the hunting of migratory 
game birds that includes sections for Methods of Take and Definitions 
of Terms.
    In a Federal Register notice dated March 25, 1998, the Service 
proposed new regulatory language for: accidental scattering of 
agricultural crops or natural vegetation incidental to hunting, normal 
agricultural and soil stabilization practices, baited areas, baiting, 
manipulation, natural vegetation, and top-sowing of seeds. Proposed 
changes also included new guidance with respect to hunting over natural 
vegetation that has been manipulated. However, no change was proposed 
regarding application of strict liability to the migratory game bird 
baiting regulations.
    At the request of a number of organizations, in a Federal Register 
notice dated May 22, 1998, the Service extended the comment period to 
October 1, 1998. In response to requests to again extend the comment 
period, and to invite careful consideration by all parties and 
facilitate substantive public review, the Service is extending the 
comment period through October 31, 1998.

    Dated: October 1, 1998.
Jamie R. Clark,
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 98-26827 Filed 10-2-98; 11:48 am]
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