[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 140 (Thursday, July 22, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 39460-39478]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-18672]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 20

RIN 1018-AF24


Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Early-Season 
Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations and Regulatory Alternatives for the 
1999-2000 Duck Hunting Season; Notice of Meeting

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; Supplemental.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we) 
is proposing to establish the 1999-2000 early-season hunting 
regulations for certain migratory game birds. We annually prescribe 
frameworks, or outer limits, for dates and times when hunting may occur 
and the maximum number of birds that may be taken and possessed in 
early seasons. Early seasons generally open prior to October 1, and 
include seasons in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. 
These frameworks are necessary to allow State selections of final 
seasons and limits and to allow recreational harvest at levels 
compatible with population status and habitat conditions. This 
supplement to the proposed rule also provides the regulatory 
alternatives for the 1999-2000 duck hunting season.

DATES: To comment on the proposed early-season frameworks, you must do 
so by August 2, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Send your comments on these proposals to the Chief, Office 
of Migratory Bird Management (MBMO), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
room 634-Arlington Square, Washington, DC 20240. All comments received, 
including names and addresses, will become part of the public record. 
You may inspect comments during normal business hours in room 634, 
Arlington Square Building, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jonathan Andrew, Chief, or Ron W. 
Kokel, Office of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, (703) 358-1714.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulations Schedule for 1999

    On May 3, 1999, we published in the Federal Register (64 FR 23742) 
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 Sec. 20.101

[[Page 39461]]

through 20.107, 20.109, and 20.110 of subpart K. On June 17, we 
published in the Federal Register (64 FR 32758) a second document 
providing supplemental proposals for early-and late-season migratory 
bird hunting regulations frameworks and the proposed regulatory 
alternatives for the 1999-2000 duck hunting season. The June 17 
supplement also provided detailed information on the 1999-2000 
regulatory schedule and announced the Service Migratory Bird 
Regulations Committee and Flyway Council meetings.
    This document is the third in a series of proposed, supplemental, 
and final rulemaking documents for migratory bird hunting regulations 
and deals specifically with proposed frameworks for early-season 
regulations and the final regulatory alternatives for the 1999-2000 
duck hunting season. It will lead to final frameworks from which States 
may select season dates, shooting hours, and daily bag and possession 
limits for the 1999-2000 season. We have considered all pertinent 
comments received through July 2, 1999, in developing this document. In 
addition, new proposals for certain early-season regulations are 
provided for public comment. Comment periods are specified above under 
DATES. We will publish final regulatory frameworks for early seasons in 
the Federal Register on or about August 20, 1999.

Service Migratory Bird Regulations Committee Meetings

    The June 22-23 meetings reviewed information on the current status 
of migratory shore and upland game birds and developed 1999-2000 
migratory game bird regulations recommendations for these species plus 
regulations for migratory game birds in Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the 
Virgin Islands; special September waterfowl seasons in designated 
States; special sea duck seasons in the Atlantic Flyway; and extended 
falconry seasons. In addition, we reviewed and discussed preliminary 
information on the status of waterfowl as it relates to the development 
and selection of the regulatory packages for the 1999-2000 regular 
waterfowl seasons. The previously announced August 3-4 meetings will 
review information on the current status of waterfowl and develop 1999-
2000 migratory game bird regulations recommendations for regular 
waterfowl seasons and other species and seasons not previously 
discussed at the early season meetings. In accordance with Departmental 
policy, these meetings are open to public observation and you may 
submit written comments to the Director on the matters discussed.

Population Status and Harvest

May Breeding Waterfowl and Habitat Survey

    In the Western or Traditional survey area, breeding habitat 
conditions were generally good to excellent, and overall better than 
conditions in 1998. An early warm spring and plenty of precipitation 
resulted in abundant ponds and excellent nesting cover in most of the 
Dakotas, northern Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories, and western 
Ontario. The exceptions to these good conditions were southern and 
central Alberta, central Saskatchewan, and western Montana, where a dry 
early spring limited nesting habitat; and Alaska, where spring was as 
much as 2 weeks late. The estimated number of May ponds in the 
traditional survey area (6.7  0.3 million) was 46% greater 
(P<0.01) than that of 1998, and 37% greater than the 1974-98 average 
(P<0.01). Overall, the traditional survey area was in good to excellent 
condition this spring and good to excellent waterfowl production is 
expected this year.
    An expanded area of Eastern habitat conditions was included this 
year in the East. Although these additional areas have been surveyed 
since 1996, information from them is included this year for the first 
time. Unlike the Western survey area, habitat conditions in the east 
were generally poorer this year than last year. Much of the eastern 
survey area was relatively dry, especially Maine, the Maritimes, 
southern Quebec, and southern Ontario. Conditions resulted in few 
temporary ponds and low water levels in permanent water bodies. The 
northern portions of the east were in good to excellent condition, but 
lack of brood rearing habitat is expected to also limit production from 
this area. Overall, the eastern survey area was in fair to good 
condition, with fair to good production expected this year.
    The 1999 total duck population estimate for the traditional survey 
area was 44.4  0.8 million birds, an increase (P<0.01) of 
14% over that of 1998, and 35% higher (P<0.01) than the 1955-98 
average. Mallard abundance was 11.3 
( 0.4) million, an increase of 17% (P<0.01) over last year 
and 53% (P<0.01) greater than the long term average. Blue-winged teal 
abundance was 7.2 ( 0.4) million, similar (P=0.10) to 1998, 
but 66% greater than the long term average (P<0.01). Northern pintail 
(3.1  0.2 million,  +21%),  scaup  (4.4  0.2 
million, +27%), green-winged teal (2.8  0.2 million, +36%), 
and northern shoveler (3.9  0.2 million, +22%) increased 
from 1998 estimates (P<0.04). Gadwall (3.2  0.2 million, 
+110%), green-winged teal (+61%), northern shoveler (+95%), redheads 
(1.0  0.1 million, +60%), and canvasbacks (0.7 
 0.1 million, +34%) were above their respective long term 
averages (P<0.03), while pintails (-30%) and scaup (-18%) were below 
their long term averages (P<0.01). In the eastern areas of Canada and 
the U.S., the total number of ducks (1.3  0.1 million) 
remained unchanged from last year and the 1995-98 average. Abundances 
of individual species in the east were similar (P0.11) to 
those of last year, except for increased estimates of goldeneye (+197%) 
(P<0.09). Goldeneye was above it's long term average (+288%), while 
blue-winged teal (-95%) and scaup (-90%) were below theirs (P<0.03).

Sandhill Cranes

    The Mid-Continent Population of Sandhill Cranes appears to have 
stabilized following dramatic increases in the early 1980's. The 
Central Platte River Valley 1999 preliminary spring index, uncorrected 
for visibility, was 222,500. The photo-corrected 3-year average for the 
1996-98 period was 477,911, which was 3% above the established 
population-objective range of 343,000-465,000 cranes. All Central 
Flyway States, except Nebraska, elected to allow crane hunting in 
portions of their respective States in 1998-99. About 8,700 hunters 
participated in these seasons, which was 8% higher than the previous 
year's seasons. About 21,849 cranes were harvested in 1998-99 in the 
Central Flyway, a 5% increase from the previous year's high estimate. 
Harvests from Pacific Flyway, Canada and Mexico are estimated to be 
about 13,700 for 1998-99 sport-hunting seasons. The total North 
American sport harvest, including crippling losses, was estimated to be 
about 41,414 for the Mid-Continent Population.
    The fall 1998 pre-migration survey estimate for the Rocky Mountain 
Population was 18,202, which is similar to the 1997 estimate. Limited 
special seasons were held during 1998 in portions of Arizona, Idaho, 
Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, resulting in an estimated 
harvest of 538 cranes.

Woodcock

    Wing-collection and Singing-ground surveys were conducted to assess 
the population status of the American woodcock (Scolopax minor). The 
1998 recruitment index for the Eastern Region (1.7 immatures per adult 
female)

[[Page 39462]]

equaled the long-term regional average; the recruitment index for the 
Central Region (1.6 immatures per adult female) was 6% below the long-
term regional average. The index of daily hunting success in the 
Eastern Region increased from 1.8 woodcock per successful hunt in 1997 
to 1.9 woodcock per successful hunt in 1998, but seasonal hunting 
success declined 4%, from 6.9 to 6.6 woodcock per successful hunter in 
1997 and 1998, respectively. In the Central Region, the daily success 
index in 1998 was unchanged from the 1997 index (2.1 woodcock per 
successful hunt) but the seasonal success index increased from 10.0 to 
11.0 (10%) woodcock per successful hunter. Singing-ground Survey data 
indicated that the number of displaying woodcock in the Eastern Region 
was unchanged (P>0.1) from 1998 levels. In the Central Region, there 
was a 13.4% decrease in the number of woodcock heard displaying 
(P<0.01) compared to 1998 levels. Trends from the Singing-ground Survey 
during 1989-99 were negative (-3.3 and -3.7% per year for the Eastern 
and Central regions, respectively; P<0.01). There were long-term (1968-
99) declines (P<0.01) of 2.4% per year in the Eastern Region and 1.6% 
per year in the Central Region.

Doves and Band-Tailed Pigeons

    Analyses of Mourning Dove Call-count Survey data indicated 
significant declines in doves heard over the most recent 10 years and 
the entire 34 years of the survey in all 3 management units. White-
winged doves in Arizona are maintaining a fairly stable population 
since the late 1970's. A low harvest is being maintained compared with 
birds taken several decades ago. In Texas, the phenomenon of the white-
winged dove range expansion continues. Birds are now seen in most large 
cities in north and central Texas. White-tipped doves in Texas are 
maintaining their population with a relatively low harvest level. For 
band-tailed pigeons, the Coastal population continues to show a 
significant decline as indicated by the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) for 
the 10 and 32-year periods. In contrast, mineral spring counts at 10 
selected sites in Oregon indicate an overall stable population in the 
state with an increasing trend since 1986. Call-count survey results in 
Washington show no significant trends in the bandtail population 
between 1975-98. Washington has not opted to select a hunting season 
for band-tail pigeons since 1991. The harvest of coastal pigeons is 
estimated to be less than 20,000 birds out of a population of about 3 
million. The Interior band-tailed pigeon population is stable with no 
trend indicated by the BBS over the short or long-term time periods. 
Harvest is less than 1,000 birds.

Review of Public Comments

    The preliminary proposed rulemaking, which appeared in the May 3 
Federal Register, opened the public comment period for migratory game 
bird hunting regulations. The supplemental proposed rule, which 
appeared in the June 17 Federal Register, defined the public comment 
period for the proposed regulatory alternatives for the 1999-2000 duck 
hunting season. The public comment period for the proposed regulatory 
alternatives ended July 2, 1999. Early-season comments and comments 
pertaining to the proposed alternatives are summarized below and 
numbered in the order used in the May 3 Federal Register. Only the 
numbered items pertaining to early seasons issues and the proposed 
regulatory alternatives for which written comments were received are 
included.
    We received recommendations from all four Flyway Councils. Some 
recommendations supported continuation of last year's frameworks. Due 
to the comprehensive nature of the annual review of the frameworks 
performed by the Councils, support for continuation of last year's 
frameworks is assumed for items for which no recommendations were 
received. Council recommendations for changes in the frameworks are 
summarized below.
    We seek additional information and comments on the recommendations 
in this supplemental proposed rule. New proposals and modifications to 
previously described proposals are discussed below. Wherever possible, 
they are discussed under headings corresponding to the numbered items 
in the May 3, 1999, Federal Register.

1. Ducks

    Categories used to discuss issues related to duck harvest 
management are: (A) Harvest Strategy Considerations, (B) Framework 
Dates, (C) Season Length, (D) Closed Seasons, (E) Bag Limits, (F) Zones 
and Split Seasons, and (G) Special Seasons/Species Management. The 
categories correspond to previous published issues/discussion and only 
those containing substantial recommendations are discussed below.

A. Harvest Strategy Considerations

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
continued use of the 1998-99 duck hunting packages for the 1999-2000 
season. They further recommended the Service not allow framework date 
extensions in any States during the 1999-2000 season.
    The Upper-Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council 
recommended the Service use the 1997-98 regulations packages for the 
1999-2000 duck season, including frameworks dates from the Saturday 
nearest October 1 to the Sunday nearest January 20. The Lower-Region 
Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended the 
Service continue use of the 1998-99 regulatory packages for the 1999-
2000 season and further recommended deletion of the ``very 
restrictive'' alternative and modification of the framework opening and 
closing dates to the Saturday nearest to September 23 to January 31 for 
all alternatives with no offsets.
    The Central Flyway Council recommended the Service continue use of 
the 1998-99 regulatory packages for the 1999-2000 season with several 
modifications. The Council recommended framework opening dates of the 
Saturday nearest to September 24 in the ``liberal'' and ``moderate'' 
regulatory alternatives with no offsets. The framework closing date 
would remain the Sunday nearest to January 20. Additionally, the 
Council recommended that no additional changes be allowed to the 
packages for a five-year period.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended framework dates of the 
Saturday nearest to September 23 to January 31 without offsets in the 
``liberal'' alternative and with offsets in the ``moderate'' 
alternative (as long as the offset does not exceed 7 days with a season 
of not less than 79 days in the Pacific Flyway). For the 
``restrictive'' and ``very restrictive'' alternatives, the Council 
recommended maintaining current framework dates. The Council also 
recommended maintaining the current mallard bag limits and preserving 
the traditional differences in harvest opportunity both within and 
between Flyways.
    Written Comments: The Alabama Division of Game and Fish believed 
the ``very restrictive'' alternative should be deleted.
    Service Response: For the 1999-2000 regular duck hunting season, we 
will use the four regulatory alternatives detailed in the accompanying 
table (see further discussion in B. Framework Dates). Alternatives are 
specified for each Flyway and are designated as ``VERY RES'' for the 
very restrictive, ``RES'' for the restrictive, ``MOD'' for the 
moderate, and ``LIB'' for the liberal alternative. We will propose a 
specific

[[Page 39463]]

regulatory alternative in early August when survey data on waterfowl 
population and habitat status are available in late July.

B. Framework Dates

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
that the Service not allow framework date extensions in any States 
during the 1999-2000 season.
    The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway 
Council recommended no change in the framework dates from the 1997-98 
regulatory alternatives. The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the 
Mississippi Flyway Council recommended modification of the framework 
opening and closing dates to the Saturday nearest to September 23 to 
January 31 for all regulatory alternatives with no offsets.
    The Central Flyway Council recommended a framework opening date of 
the Saturday nearest to September 24 in the ``liberal'' and 
``moderate'' regulatory alternatives with no offsets. The framework 
closing date would remain the Sunday nearest to January 20.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended framework dates of the 
Saturday nearest to September 23 to January 31 with no offsets in the 
``liberal'' alternative and with offsets in the ``moderate'' 
alternative (as long as the offset does not exceed 7 days with a season 
of not less than 79 days in the Pacific Flyway). For the 
``restrictive'' and ``very restrictive'' alternatives, the Council 
recommended maintaining current framework dates.
    Written Comments: The Alabama Division of Game and Fish believe 
that the January 31 framework extension should occur in all 
alternatives with no associated offset in season length.
    The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources continues to support 
the 1998-99 regulatory alternatives, as published in the August 5 
Federal Register. However, given the current situation facing the 
Service, they believe this year's proposal minimizes the damage caused 
by the frameworks issue and allows movement forward to more important 
waterfowl management issues. Furthermore, they are concerned about the 
changing distribution and continued shift in Flyway harvest over the 
past few years to the southern States and requested us to examine the 
contribution of the current ``liberal'' alternative to this harvest 
shift.
    The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks 
(Mississippi) supported frameworks dates of the Saturday closest to 
September 23 to January 31 in the ``liberal'', ``moderate'', and 
``restrictive'' alternatives. They further requested that all States 
taking the framework extension be allowed to offset potential harvest 
increases with appropriate season length reductions and believed that 
framework dates should not be used as a regulatory tool. In a separate 
letter, Mississippi questioned the proposed 9-day offset. More 
specifically, they believe that the offset should be proportional to 
the extension. Last season, the normal framework closing date for the 
rest of the Mississippi Flyway was January 17 (the Sunday closest to 
January 20), resulting in a realized 14-day extension to January 31 for 
Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. This season, the framework closing 
date for the rest of the Mississippi Flyway is January 23 (again, the 
Sunday closest to January 20), resulting in only a realized 8-day 
extension to January 31. Thus, Mississippi believes the offset for this 
season should be 5 days.
    The Missouri Department of Conservation supported the proposals for 
the 1999-2000 regulatory alternatives and agreed with maintaining the 
framework date specifications through the 2002-03 season. While 
Missouri continued to believe that the 1998-99 alternatives offered the 
most acceptable regulations package, they believed that the next best 
solution was the Service's proposal of framework extensions limited to 
Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. They believed that this 
alternative would have the least biological impact and the least effect 
on continuing AHM progress.
    The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks (South Dakota) 
generally agreed with the proposed regulatory alternatives, including 
bag limits and season lengths. However, they believed that there was 
room to provide increased hunting opportunity for northern production 
States by extending the framework opening date, with or without 
offsets, to the Saturday nearest to September 24 in the ``liberal'' and 
``moderate'' alternatives. South Dakota further believed that the 
impact of any framework extension would be minimal and that the effects 
of such an extension should be evaluated in an adaptive manner after 
the fact rather than assuming worst-case scenario impacts.
    The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency requested the Service allow 
additional time to review harvest data from last year and solicit 
public comments before committing to an additional 4-year January 31 
framework closing date alternative. They requested that this decision 
be part of the normal late-season selection process.
    The California Waterfowl Association recommended the Service offer 
Pacific Flyway States a January 31 framework closing date in both the 
``moderate'' and ``liberal'' alternatives. More specifically, they 
recommended frameworks of the Saturday nearest September 23 to January 
31 in the ``moderate'' and ``liberal'' alternatives, with associated 
offsets. They believe that continuing the use of the 1998-99 frameworks 
will effectively inhibit the gathering of data critical to developing a 
predictive AHM model for California and other Pacific Flyway States.
    The Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Mississippi 
Outfitters Association supported a January 31 framework closing date in 
the ``liberal'', ``moderate'', and ``restrictive'' alternatives.
    Individuals in Alabama and Tennessee supported a January 31 
framework closing date, while an individual in Minnesota supported a 
framework opening date of the Saturday nearest October 1. Another 
individual in Minnesota requested a later closing date for northern 
States citing concerns over global warming. An individual in Texas 
requested that seasons be shifted 2-3 weeks later to account for 
changes in waterfowl migration patterns.
    Service Response: As indicated in the June 17 Federal Register, 
there remains a diversity of opinions: (1) about the desirability of 
framework-date extensions at this time; (2) about the need for 
corresponding reductions in season length; (3) about whether extensions 
should be applied to opening dates, closing dates, or both; and (4) 
about the inclusion of framework-date extensions in some or all of the 
regulatory alternatives. In light of the lack of consensus among the 
Flyways and States, and because of a pressing need for stable 
regulatory alternatives, we are continuing the use of the 1998-99 
regulatory alternatives published in the August 5, 1998, Federal 
Register, for the 1999-2000 hunting season with one exception. For the 
States of Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, we will offer the use of 
a 51-day season in the ``liberal'' alternative and a 38-day season in 
the ``moderate'' alternative with a January 31 framework closing date 
in both alternatives. Of the six States that were offered the framework 
extension in the 1998-99 season, only these three States availed 
themselves of this option. We believe that a reduction in season length 
is needed to offset the expected increase in duck harvest (about 18% 
for mallards), and that 9

[[Page 39464]]

days in the ``liberal'' alternative and 7 days in the ``moderate'' 
alternative are commensurate offsets for this region of the country. 
These season-length offsets are based on the average increase in 
harvest associated with extending the framework beyond the traditional 
date of the Sunday nearest January 20. Although we recognize that the 
length of the framework extension will vary with calender changes, it 
currently is technically impossible to reliably assess year-specific 
offsets of season-length. The framework-date extension is limited to 
the ``liberal'' and ``moderate'' regulatory alternatives to avoid the 
introduction of additional uncertainty about harvest impacts at other 
regulatory levels, and to avoid the potential for late-season 
physiological or behavioral impacts on ducks when population levels are 
insufficient to support more liberal seasons. Framework opening and 
closing dates for all other States would remain unchanged from those 
published in the August 5, 1998, Federal Register. Further, Alabama, 
Mississippi, and Tennessee should base their decision on the clear 
understanding that we intend to maintain these framework-date 
specifications through the 2002-03 hunting season, or until such time 
that the Flyway Councils can develop an approach that adequately 
addresses the concerns of the Service and a majority of States. Thus, 
Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee must decide on whether they want to 
enter into a 4-year commitment on frameworks. Following their decision 
this year, we do not intend to annually revisit this issue. This 
stability is necessary to assess the appropriateness of the offset for 
the extended framework closing date in the southern Mississippi Flyway, 
and to ensure that the AHM process can continue to increase our 
understanding of the effects of hunting on waterfowl populations. This 
understanding is essential to providing maximum levels of biologically 
sustainable hunting opportunity. Finally, in making this offer to 
Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, we believe that it is important to 
reiterate one of our guidelines from last year (63 FR 63580) that if a 
season closing date after the Sunday nearest January 20 is selected for 
any portion of the State, the season-length offset applies throughout 
the State.

F. Zones and Split Seasons

    Council Recommendations: The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of 
the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that the Service add ``3 
zones with 2-way splits permitted in one or more zones'' as an 
additional option beginning in 2001. Further, because of the public 
input process many States undertake, the Committee recommended that 
States have up to one year to choose this option prior to the 2001 
regular duck season regulations process. The Lower-Region Regulations 
Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that the 
Service consider offering all States the option of choosing 3 zones 
with a split season in each zone in the year 2001.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended the Service engage the 
Flyway Councils in an evaluation of the guidelines for zoning and split 
seasons, prior to the 2001 ``open season'' on regulation changes.
    Written Comments: The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries 
and Parks, the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the 
Mississippi Outfitters Association requested that all States 
participating in a framework extension be allowed 1 split.
    Service Response: We acknowledge the recommendations from the 
Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the Mississippi 
Flyway Council and the Pacific Flyway Council pertaining to revision of 
guidelines for selecting zone and split options for duck hunting. 
Accordingly, we will work with all the Flyway Councils in the next year 
to review the existing guidelines, and plan to finalize these 
guidelines during next year's (2000-01) late season regulations 
process. The final guidance will then be available for use by all 
States in the ensuing year as they solicit public input for zone and 
split configurations for use during 2001-05.
    Regarding the comments from Mississippi, we will continue to 
utilize the existing zone/split guidelines published in the July 22, 
1996, Federal Register (61 FR 37994) until the next open season in 
2001. These guidelines apply to all States, regardless of whether a 
State chooses to participate in an experimental framework extension.

G. Special Seasons/Species Management

i. Scaup
    In the past year, we have continued to indicate our growing concern 
for the status and trends of North American scaup. We have distributed 
a status report on scaup and provided some initial guidelines 
concerning a scaup harvest strategy to the Flyway Councils and others 
for consideration in the development of recommendations for the 1999-
2000 hunting season. In response to this information, all four Flyways 
discussed the issue at their winter meetings.
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
that the Service monitor and manage the harvest of greater and lesser 
scaup populations separately. They recommended that differences in 
harvest management, when required, be achieved through different daily 
bag limits applied on a regional basis. In the Atlantic Flyway, they 
recommended that in those regions harvesting primarily greater scaup, 
1999-2000 scaup harvest regulations be based on the status of greater 
scaup, while the remaining portions of the Flyway be based on the 
status of lesser scaup. They further recommended that population 
objectives and regulatory triggering levels be finalized this summer.
    The Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the 
Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that the scaup daily bag limit 
be reduced from 6 to 3 for 1999.
    The Central Flyway Council believes that the North American 
Waterfowl Management Plan's scaup population objective (6.3 million) is 
too high and that a more appropriate objective is 5.4 million (1955-
1998 average). This new objective would consist of 4.9 million lesser 
scaup and 462,000 greater scaup. The Council recommended a prescription 
for scaup bag limits based on the status of lesser scaup as follows: <2 
million, bag limit of 1; 2-4.2 million, bag limit of 2; and >4.2, the 
bag limit for scaup should equal the regular daily duck limit as 
determined by the AHM process.
    Service Response: We remain concerned about the long-term status 
and trends in North American scaup populations. Further, we appreciate 
the efforts of all four Flyway Councils to constructively address the 
issue of a harvest strategy for scaup and will continue to work with 
the Councils to finalize a harvest strategy for scaup for the 1999-2000 
season.
iv. September Teal/Wood Duck Seasons
    Council Recommendations: The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of 
the Mississippi Flyway Council requested that the Service clarify the 
linkage between the Flyway-wide wood duck harvest strategy, September 
teal seasons, and regional (reference area) September wood duck 
seasons. They further recommended the continuation of the experimental 
September teal/wood duck seasons in Kentucky and Tennessee in 1999 with 
no changes from the 1998 season.
    Service Response: In the July 17, 1998, Federal Register (63 FR 
38707) we

[[Page 39465]]

indicated that September wood duck seasons would be allowed to continue 
for a maximum of 3 years. Results from the Wood Duck Population 
Monitoring Initiative indicate that sufficient monitoring capabilities 
currently do not exist at the sub-Flyway level to support continuation 
of September wood duck seasons. Therefore, the seasons in Florida, 
Kentucky, and Tennessee will be discontinued after September 2000. 
Flyway harvest strategies that address regular-season wood duck 
regulations will then be implemented for the 2001-2002 season. We see 
no linkage between the Flyway-wide wood duck strategy, September teal 
seasons, and regional September wood duck seasons.
v. Youth Hunt
    Council Recommendations: The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of 
the Mississippi Flyway Council and the Central Flyway Council 
recommended expansion of the special youth waterfowl hunt to 2 days.
    Written Comments: The Alabama Division of Game and Fish recommended 
expansion of the special youth hunt to 2 consecutive days.
    Service Response: We appreciate the Flyway Councils' support of the 
youth waterfowl hunting day, but do not support the recommendation of 
the Mississippi Flyway Council's Lower-Region Regulations Committee and 
the Central Flyway Council to expand the youth hunt to two consecutive 
days. Our intent in establishing this special day of opportunity was to 
introduce youth to the concepts of ethical utilization and stewardship 
of waterfowl and other natural resources, encourage youngsters and 
adults to experience the outdoors together, and to contribute to the 
long-term conservation of the migratory bird resource. We view the 
special youth hunting day as a unique educational opportunity, above 
and beyond the regular season, which helps ensure high-quality learning 
experiences for those youth indicating interest in hunting. We believe 
that the youth hunting day will help develop a conservation ethic in 
our youth and is consistent with the Service's responsibility to foster 
an appreciation for our nation's valuable wildlife resources. We do not 
believe an extensive evaluation of the effects of youth hunting day is 
cost effective but believe waterfowl populations can support this 
limited additional opportunity. Increases in the duration of this 
unique opportunity would increase the pressure to conduct additional 
evaluations. With the above objectives and potential costs in mind, 
there is not a compelling reason to extend the opportunity beyond the 
1-day period.

4. Canada Geese

A. Special Seasons

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council made several 
recommendations concerning September goose seasons. They recommended 
the approval of operational status for a September 1 to 25 framework in 
Crawford County, Pennsylvania, and a September 1 to 30 framework in New 
Jersey. They further recommended the expansion of the September goose 
season framework closing date around Montezuma National Wildlife 
Refuge, New York from September 15 to 20.
    The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway 
Council recommended that Minnesota be allowed to have an experimental 
extension of their September special season from September 16 to 22, 
except in the Northwest Goose Zone, for the 1999-2001 hunting seasons. 
The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway 
Council urged the Service to use caution in changing or expanding 
special goose seasons.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended the addition of the Bridger 
Valley hunt unit to the existing September RMP Canada goose seasons in 
western Wyoming, with frameworks of September 1 to 7.
    Written Comments: The Alabama Division expressed appreciation for 
the caution demonstrated by the Service in changing or expanding 
special Canada goose seasons.
    The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau recommended lengthening hunting 
seasons for resident geese to provide relief from excessive crop 
damage. An individual in Pennsylvania also supported increasing hunting 
seasons to help farmers control excessive goose damage.
    Service Response: We concur with the recommendations regarding the 
change in status for the New Jersey and Pennsylvania special seasons. 
Additionally, we concur with the recommendations for experimental 
extensions of the special September Canada goose seasons in New York 
and Minnesota, with the provisions and evaluation outlined in their 
proposals. We also concur with the proposal to add the Bridger Valley 
Hunt Unit in Wyoming.

B. Regular Seasons

    Council Recommendations: The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of 
the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that the 1999 regular goose 
season opening date be as early as September 18 in Michigan and 
Wisconsin.
    Service Response: We concur with the recommendations for a 
September 18 opening date in Wisconsin and the North Zone (Upper 
Peninsula) of Michigan. For the Lower Peninsula (Middle and South 
Zones) of Michigan, we concur with the recommendation for a September 
18 opening under the conditions for Canada geese identified in the 
following frameworks. Continuation of an opening date earlier than the 
Saturday nearest October 1 in the Lower Peninsula beyond the 1999-2000 
hunting season will be contingent upon the State's developing a 
proposal for evaluating the population composition of the Canada goose 
harvest during the earlier regular seasons in comparison to seasons 
with a traditional opening date. In addition to identifying the kinds 
of data to be collected and analyzed during the next few years, the 
proposal should include a summary of data collected during the earlier 
regular seasons in 1998-99 and 1999-2000. Michigan should submit the 
proposal to us and the Mississippi Flyway Council prior to the 
Council's March 2000 meeting.
    Regarding the Lower-Region Regulation Committee's concern for 
cumulative impacts of special-season harvests on migrant Canada goose 
populations of concern, we are aware of the Committee's concern and are 
monitoring the harvests occurring during these seasons.

9. Sandhill Cranes

    Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended 
removal of the ``float'' portion (10% of the total allowable harvest) 
of the Rocky Mountain Population (RMP) greater sandhill crane annual 
harvest allocation for the 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 seasons. The Council 
recommended removal of this harvest portion to allow a research study.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended several changes in sandhill 
crane seasons. For greater sandhill cranes, the Council recommended the 
establishment of a new experimental crane hunt in Box Elder County, 
Utah, between September 1 and September 30. For RMP cranes, the Council 
recommended that the frameworks be modified to include Bear Lake and 
Fremont Counties in Idaho, and that the current requirement for hunter 
check stations in these counties be waived. The Council further 
recommended that the annual check station requirement for the Arizona

[[Page 39466]]

RMP Greater Sandhill Crane hunt be modified to a required check station 
every 3 years.
    Service Response: We concur with the various proposals from the 
Central and Pacific Flyway Councils regrading RMP Cranes. We note that 
several of the proposals received from the Pacific Flyway Council were 
requests for exemptions from specific provisions of the management plan 
for this population. We believe the biological information was clearly 
in support of the recommended exemptions, however, it would also note 
that it is our strong preference to see the Councils address these 
types of issues through management plan revisions rather than through 
exemptions to procedures placed in Federal regulations. Therefore, we 
have approved these recommendations but require that the management 
plan for this population be revised to reflect these changes in 
procedures by July, 2001. Further, we request that the Pacific Flyway 
Council give consideration to changing management plans rather than 
requesting federal regulatory changes if similar situations should 
develop with this or other populations of migratory game birds in the 
future.

18. Alaska

    Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council made several 
recommendations concerning Alaska. For sea ducks, the Council 
recommended reducing the separate sea duck bag and possession limits 
from 
15/30 to 10/20 king and common eiders, scoters, and mergansers in the 
aggregate. Long-tailed ducks (oldsquaws) and harlequins would be 
included in general duck limits and seasons would remain closed for 
spectacled and Steller's eiders. For Canada geese, the Council 
recommended removal of Canada goose bag limit restrictions within dark 
goose bag limits (4/8) in Alaska Game Management Subunit 9E (Alaska 
Peninsula) and Unit 18 (Y-K Delta). Further, for tundra swans, the 
Council recommended that tundra swan permits issued for swan hunts in 
Alaska allow the take of up to 3 swans per permit, with no change in 
reporting requirements or other framework conditions.
    Written comments: A constituent from Alaska wrote regarding the 
need for greater reductions in sea duck harvest regulations than had 
been proposed by the Pacific Flyway Council.
    Service Response: We concur with the recommendations of the Pacific 
Flyway Council regarding Alaska's migratory game birds regulations for 
the 1999-2000 hunting season. We have carefully reviewed the 
recommendation regarding changes in sea duck regulations for Alaska 
from both the Council and from a concerned constituent from Alaska. The 
population status of sea ducks remains a concern to us. We believe that 
the changes proposed by the Council constitute a good first step in 
developing a more comprehensive strategy for the long-term harvest 
management of sea ducks in Alaska. We are convinced that the long-term 
solution will involve both sport and subsistence harvest as well as 
meeting many of the pressing information needs for this important group 
of waterfowl. We look forward to working with our partners in the newly 
formed Sea Duck Joint Venture to meet these challenges.
    Additionally, we note that the tundra swan permit request for 
Alaska is another instance where the Council is requesting an exemption 
from procedures outlined in approved management plans. While we 
recognize the special circumstances that have lead to this 
recommendation and have approved the change in procedures as 
recommended by the Council, we strongly prefer that future deviations 
from procedures in the management plan be addressed through management 
plan revisions rather than Federal regulation. Further, it is our 
belief that changes in total harvest allocation were not intended to 
result from the proposed changes in the permit procedure. Therefore, we 
have not changed the total swan harvest allocated to Alaska. We 
strongly recommend that the western tundra swan management and hunt 
plans be revised in a timely fashion and prior to any further requests 
for exceptions to the procedures outlined in the management and hunt 
plans. We suggest that July of 2001 would seem a reasonable target date 
for completion of such a revision and will work with the Council to 
achieve this goal.

Public Comment Invited

    We intend that adopted final rules be as responsive as possible to 
all concerned interests, and therefore desire to obtain the comments 
and suggestions of the public, other governmental agencies, non-
governmental organizations, and other private interests on these 
proposals. However, special circumstances are involved in the 
establishment of these regulations which limit the amount of time that 
we can allow for public comment. Specifically, two considerations 
compress the time in which the rulemaking process must operate: (1) the 
need to establish final rules at a point early enough in the summer to 
allow affected State agencies to appropriately adjust their licensing 
and regulatory mechanisms; and (2) the unavailability, before mid-June, 
of specific, reliable data on this year's status of some waterfowl and 
migratory shore and upland game bird populations. Therefore, we believe 
that to allow comment periods past the dates specified is contrary to 
the public interest.
    The Department of the Interior's policy is, whenever practicable, 
to afford the public an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking 
process. Accordingly, we invite interested persons to submit written 
comments, suggestions, or recommendations regarding the proposed 
regulations. Before promulgation of final migratory game bird hunting 
regulations, we will take into consideration all comments received. 
Such comments, and any additional information received, may lead to 
final regulations that differ from these proposals. We invite 
interested persons to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments to the address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES. 
You may inspect comments received on the proposed annual regulations 
during normal business hours at the Service's office in room 634, 4401 
North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia. For each series of proposed 
rulemakings, we will establish specific comment periods. We will 
consider, but possibly may not respond in detail to, each comment. As 
in the past, we will summarize all comments received during the comment 
period and respond to them after the closing date.

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 the Environmental Protection Agency on June 9, 1988. 
We published a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register on June 
16, 1988 (53 FR 22582). We published our Record of Decision on August 
18, 1988 (53 FR 31341). Copies are available from the address indicated 
under the caption ADDRESSES.

Endangered Species Act Consideration

    Prior to issuance of the 1999-2000 migratory game bird hunting 
regulations, we will consider provisions of the Endangered Species Act 
of 1973, as amended, (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543; hereinafter the Act) to 
ensure that hunting is not likely to jeopardize the

[[Page 39467]]

continued existence of any species designated as endangered or 
threatened or modify or destroy its critical habitat and that the 
proposed action is consistent with conservation programs for those 
species. Consultations under Section 7 of this Act may cause us to 
change proposals in this and future supplemental proposed rulemakings.

Executive Order (E.O.) 12866

    While this individual supplemental rule was not reviewed by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the migratory bird hunting 
regulations are economically significant and are annually reviewed by 
OMB under E.O. 12866. E.O. 12866 requires each agency to write 
regulations that are easy to understand. We invite comments on how to 
make this rule easier to understand, including answers to questions 
such as the following: (1) Are the requirements in the rule clearly 
stated? (2) Does the rule contain technical language or jargon that 
interferes with its clarity? (3) Does the format of the rule (grouping 
and order of sections, use of headings, paragraphing, etc.) aid or 
reduce its clarity? (4) Would the rule be easier to understand if it 
were divided into more (but shorter) sections? (5) Is the description 
of the rule in the ``Supplementary Information'' section of the 
preamble helpful in understanding the rule? What else could we do to 
make the rule easier to understand?

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    These regulations have a significant economic impact on substantial 
numbers of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 
U.S.C. 601 et seq.). We analyzed the economic impacts of the annual 
hunting regulations on small business entities in detail and issued a 
Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis) in 1998. The Analysis 
documented the significant beneficial economic effect on a substantial 
number of small entities. The primary source of information about 
hunter expenditures for migratory game bird hunting is the National 
Hunting and Fishing Survey, which is conducted at 5-year intervals. The 
Analysis was based on the 1996 National Hunting and Fishing Survey and 
the U.S. Department of Commerce's County Business Patterns from which 
it was estimated that migratory bird hunters would spend between $429 
and $1,084 million at small businesses in 1998. Copies of the Analysis 
are available upon request.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    This rule is a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business 
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. For the reasons outlined above, 
this rule has an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. 
However, because this rule establishes hunting seasons, we do not plan 
to defer the effective date under the exemption contained in 5 U.S.C. 
808(1) .

Paperwork Reduction Act

    We examined these regulations under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995. We utilize the various recordkeeping and reporting requirements 
imposed under regulations established in 50 CFR part 20, Subpart K, in 
the formulation of migratory game bird hunting regulations. 
Specifically, OMB has approved the information collection requirements 
of the Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program and assigned 
clearance number 1018-0015 (expires 9/30/2001). This information is 
used to provide a sampling frame for voluntary national surveys to 
improve our harvest estimates for all migratory game birds in order to 
better manage these populations. OMB has also approved the information 
collection requirements of the Sandhill Crane Harvest Questionnaire and 
assigned clearance number 1018-0023 (expires 9/30/2000). The 
information from this survey is used to estimate the magnitude, the 
geographical and temporal distribution of harvest, and the portion it 
constitutes of the total population. A Federal agency may not conduct 
or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of 
information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    We have determined and certify, 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 found in Sections 
3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988.

Takings Implication Assessment

    In accordance with Executive Order 12630, this proposed rule, 
authorized by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, does not have significant 
takings implications and does not affect any constitutionally protected 
property rights. This rule will not result in the physical occupancy of 
property, the physical invasion of property, or the regulatory taking 
of any property. In fact, these rules allow hunters to exercise 
otherwise unavailable privileges; and, therefore, reduce restrictions 
on the use of private and public property.

Federalism Effects

    Due to the migratory nature of certain species of birds, the 
Federal government has been given responsibility over these species by 
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually prescribe frameworks from 
which the States make selections and employ guidelines to establish 
special regulations on Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. 
This process preserves the ability of the States and Tribes to 
determine which seasons meet their individual needs. Any State or Tribe 
may be more restrictive than the Federal frameworks at any time. The 
frameworks are developed in a cooperative process with the States and 
the Flyway Councils. This allows States to participate in the 
development of frameworks from which they will make selections, thereby 
having an influence on their own regulations. These rules do not have a 
substantial direct effect on fiscal capacity, change the roles or 
responsibilities of Federal or State governments, or intrude on State 
policy or administration. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 
12612, these regulations do not have significant federalism effects and 
do not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20

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

    The rules that eventually will be promulgated for the 1999-2000 
hunting season are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703-711, 16 U.S.C. 712, 
and 16 U.S.C. 742a-j.

    Dated: July 13, 1999.
Donald J. Barry,
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
    Proposed Regulations Frameworks for 1999-2000 Early Hunting Seasons 
on Certain Migratory Game Birds
    Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and delegated 
authorities, the Department of the Interior approved the following 
proposed frameworks which prescribe season lengths, bag limits, 
shooting hours, and outside dates

[[Page 39468]]

within which States may select for certain migratory game birds between 
September 1, 1999, and March 10, 2000.

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.

Flyways and Management Units

Waterfowl Flyways

    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.
    Mississippi Flyway--includes Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, 
Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, 
Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
    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).
    Pacific Flyway--includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, 
Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and those portions of Colorado, 
Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming not included in the Central Flyway.

Management Units

Mourning Dove Management Units

    Eastern Management Unit--All States east of the Mississippi River, 
and Louisiana.
    Central Management Unit--Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, 
Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, 
Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.
    Western Management Unit--Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, 
Oregon, Utah, and Washington.

Woodcock Management Regions

    Eastern Management Region--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.
    Central Management Region--Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, 
Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, 
Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, 
Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
    Other geographic descriptions are contained in a later portion of 
this document.
    Compensatory Days in the Atlantic Flyway: In the Atlantic Flyway 
States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New 
Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, 
where Sunday hunting is prohibited statewide by State law, all Sundays 
are closed to all take of migratory waterfowl (including mergansers and 
coots).

Special September Teal Season

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and September 30, an open season 
on all species of teal may be selected by the following States in areas 
delineated by State regulations:
    Atlantic Flyway--Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, 
Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. All seasons 
are experimental.
    Mississippi Flyway--Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, 
Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee.
    Central Flyway--Colorado (part), Kansas, New Mexico (part), 
Oklahoma, and Texas.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 9 consecutive 
days in the Atlantic Flyway and 16 consecutive days in the Mississippi 
and Central Flyways. The daily bag limit is 4 teal.

Shooting Hours

    Atlantic Flyway--One-half hour before sunrise to sunset, if 
evaluated; otherwise sunrise to sunset.
    Mississippi and Central Flyways--One-half hour before sunrise to 
sunset, except in the States of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, 
and Ohio, where the hours are from sunrise to sunset.

Special September Duck Seasons

    Florida: A 5-consecutive-day season may be selected in September. 
The daily bag limit may not exceed 4 teal and wood ducks in the 
aggregate.
    Kentucky and Tennessee: In lieu of a special September teal season, 
a 5-consecutive-day season may be selected in September. The daily bag 
limit may not exceed 4 teal and wood ducks in the aggregate, of which 
no more than 2 may be wood ducks.
    Iowa: Iowa may hold up to 5 days of its regular duck hunting season 
in September. All ducks which are legal during the regular duck season 
may be taken during the September segment of the season. The September 
season segment may commence no earlier than the Saturday nearest 
September 20 (September 18). The daily bag and possession limits will 
be the same as those in effect last year, but are subject to change 
during the late-season regulations process. The remainder of the 
regular duck season may not begin before October 10.

Special Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day

    Outside Dates: States may select 1 day per duck-hunting zone, 
designated as ``Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day,'' in addition to their 
regular duck seasons. The day must be held outside any regular duck 
season on a weekend, holiday, or other non-school day when youth 
hunters would have the maximum opportunity to participate. The day may 
be held up to 14 days before or after any regular duck-season 
frameworks or within any split of a regular duck season, or within any 
other open season on migratory birds.
    Daily Bag Limits: The daily bag limit may include ducks, geese, 
mergansers, coots, moorhens, and gallinules and would be the same as 
that allowed in the regular season. Flyway species and area 
restrictions would remain in effect.
    Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
    Participation Restrictions: Youth hunters must be 15 years of age 
or younger. In addition, an adult at least 18 years of age must 
accompany the youth hunter into the field. This adult could not duck 
hunt but may participate in other seasons that are open on the special 
youth day.

Scoter, Eider, and Oldsquaw Ducks (Atlantic Flyway)

    Outside Dates: Between September 15 and January 20.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 107 days, with 
a daily bag limit of 7, singly or in the aggregate of the listed sea-
duck species, of which no more than 4 may be scoters.
    Daily Bag Limits During the Regular Duck Season: Within the special 
sea duck areas, during the regular duck season in the Atlantic Flyway, 
States may choose to allow the above sea duck limits in addition to the 
limits applying to other ducks during the regular duck season. In all 
other areas, sea ducks may be taken only during the regular open season 
for ducks and are part of the regular duck season daily bag (not to 
exceed 4 scoters) and possession limits.

[[Page 39469]]

    Areas: In all coastal waters and all waters of rivers and streams 
seaward from the first upstream bridge in Maine, New Hampshire, 
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York; in any waters 
of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters of any bay which are 
separated by at least 1 mile of open water from any shore, island, and 
emergent vegetation in New Jersey, South Carolina, and Georgia; and in 
any waters of the Atlantic Ocean and in any tidal waters of any bay 
which are separated by at least 800 yards of open water from any shore, 
island, and emergent vegetation in Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina 
and Virginia; and provided that any such areas have been described, 
delineated, and designated as special sea-duck hunting areas under the 
hunting regulations adopted by the respective States.

Special Early Canada Goose Seasons

Atlantic Flyway
General Seasons
    Canada goose seasons of up to 15 days during September 1-15 may be 
selected for the Montezuma Region of New York, the Lake Champlain 
Region of New York and Vermont, the Eastern Unit of Maryland, and 
Delaware. Seasons not to exceed 20 days during September 1-20 may be 
selected for the Northeast Hunt Unit of North Carolina. Seasons not to 
exceed 30 days during September 1-30 may be selected by New Jersey. 
Seasons may not exceed 25 days during September 1-25 in the remainder 
of the Flyway, except Georgia and Florida, where the season is closed. 
Areas open to the hunting of Canada geese must be described, 
delineated, and designated as such in each State's hunting regulations.
    Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 5 Canada geese.
Experimental Seasons
    Experimental Canada goose seasons of up to 20 days during September 
1-20 may be selected by New York (Montezuma Region). Experimental 
seasons of up to 30 days during September 1-30 may be selected by New 
York (Long Island Zone), North Carolina (except in the Northeast Hunt 
Unit), and South Carolina. Areas open to the hunting of Canada geese 
must be described, delineated, and designated as such in each State's 
hunting regulations.
    Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 5 Canada geese.

Mississippi Flyway

General Seasons
    Canada goose seasons of up to 15 days during September 1-15 may be 
selected, except in the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, where the season 
may not extend beyond September 10, and in the Michigan Counties of 
Huron, Saginaw and Tuscola, where no special season may be held. The 
daily bag limit may not exceed 5 Canada geese. Areas open to the 
hunting of Canada geese must be described, delineated, and designated 
as such in each State's hunting regulations.

Experimental Seasons

    An experimental Canada goose season of up to 7 consecutive days 
during September 16-22 may be selected by Minnesota, except in the 
Northwest Goose Zone. The daily bag limit may not exceed 5 Canada 
geese.

Central Flyway

General Seasons
    Canada goose seasons of up to 15 days during September 1-15 may be 
selected. The daily bag limit may not exceed 5 Canada geese. Areas open 
to the hunting of Canada geese must be described, delineated, and 
designated as such in each State's hunting regulations.

Pacific Flyway

General Seasons
    Wyoming may select an 8-day season on Canada geese between 
September 1-15. This season is subject to the following conditions:
    1. Where applicable, the season must be concurrent with the 
September portion of the sandhill crane season.
    2. All participants must have a valid State permit for the special 
season.
    3. A daily bag limit of 2, with season and possession limits of 4 
will apply to the special season.
    Oregon may select a special Canada goose season of up to 15 days 
during the period September 1-15. In addition, in the NW goose 
management zone, a 15-day season may be selected during the period 
September 1-20. Any portion of the season selected between September 16 
and 20 will be considered experimental. Daily bag limits may not exceed 
5 Canada geese. In the NW goose zone, at a minimum, Oregon must provide 
an annual evaluation of the number of dusky Canada geese present in the 
hunt zone during the period September 16-20 and agree to adjust seasons 
as necessary to avoid any potential harvest of dusky Canada geese.
    Washington may select a special Canada goose season of up to 15 
days during the period September 1-15. Daily bag limits may not exceed 
3 Canada geese.
    Idaho may select a 15-day season in the special East Canada Goose 
Zone, as described in State regulations, during the period September 1-
15. All participants must have a valid State permit and the total 
number of permits issued is not to exceed 110 for this zone. The daily 
bag limit is 2.
    Idaho may select a 7-day Canada Goose Season during the period 
September 1-15 in Nez Perce County, with a bag limit of 4.
    California may select a 9-day season in Humboldt County during the 
period September 1-15. The daily bag limit is 2.
    Areas open to hunting of Canada geese in each State must be 
described, delineated, and designated as such in each State's hunting 
regulations.

Regular Goose Seasons

    Regular goose seasons may open as early as September 18 in 
Wisconsin and Michigan. In Wisconsin, and in Michigan for all geese 
except Canada geese, season lengths and bag and possession limits will 
be the same as those in effect last year, but are subject to change 
during the late-season regulations process. In the Middle and South 
Zones of Michigan, for Canada goose seasons opening September 18, the 
season may not exceed 23 days. The daily bag limit will be 2 Canada 
geese, except that in the South Zone, during that portion of the season 
that overlaps the duck season, the daily bag limit will be one Canada 
goose. Provision for seasons opening October 2 or later will be 
contained in the late-season frameworks.

Sandhill Cranes

Regular Seasons in the Central Flyway

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and February 28.
    Hunting Seasons: Seasons not to exceed 58 consecutive days may be 
selected in designated portions of the following States: Colorado, 
Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Seasons not 
to exceed 93 consecutive days may be selected in designated portions of 
the following States: New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
    Daily Bag Limits: 3 sandhill cranes.
    Permits: Each person participating in the regular sandhill crane 
seasons must have a valid Federal sandhill crane hunting permit and/or, 
in those States where a Federal sandhill crane permit is not issued, a 
State-issued Harvest Information Survey Program (HIP) certification for 
game bird hunting, in their possession while hunting.

Special Seasons in the Central and Pacific Flyways

    Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming 
may

[[Page 39470]]

select seasons for hunting sandhill cranes within the range of the 
Rocky Mountain Population subject to the following conditions:
    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons: The season in any State or zone may not exceed 30 
days.
    Bag limits: Not to exceed 3 daily and 9 per season.
    Permits: Participants must have a valid permit, issued by the 
appropriate State, in their possession while hunting.
    Other provisions: Numbers of permits, open areas, season dates, 
protection plans for other species, and other provisions of seasons 
must be consistent with the management plan and approved by the Central 
and Pacific Flyway Councils with the following exceptions:
    (1) In Utah, the requirement for monitoring the racial composition 
of the harvest in the experimental season is waived and 100% of the 
harvest will be assigned to the RMP quota;
    (2) In Arizona, the annual requirement for monitoring the racial 
composition of the harvest is changed to once every 3 years; and
    (3) In Idaho, seasons are experimental and the requirement for 
monitoring the racial composition of the harvest is waived, 100% of the 
harvest will be assigned to the RMP quota.

Common Moorhens and Purple Gallinules

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 20 in the Atlantic 
Flyway, and between September 1 and the Sunday nearest January 20 
(January 23) in the Mississippi and Central Flyways. States in the 
Pacific Flyway have been allowed to select their hunting seasons 
between the outside dates for the season on ducks; therefore, they are 
late-season frameworks and no frameworks are provided in this document.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Seasons may not exceed 70 
days in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways. Seasons may be 
split into 2 segments. The daily bag limit is 15 common moorhens and 
purple gallinules, singly or in the aggregate of the two species.

Rails

    Outside Dates: States included herein may select seasons between 
September 1 and January 20 on clapper, king, sora, and Virginia rails.
    Hunting Seasons: The season may not exceed 70 days, and may be 
split into 2 segments.

Daily Bag Limits

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

Common Snipe

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

American Woodcock

    Outside Dates: States in the Eastern Management Region may select 
hunting seasons between October 6 and January 31. States in the Central 
Management Region may select hunting seasons between the Saturday 
nearest September 22 (September 25) and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Seasons may not exceed 30 
days in the Atlantic Flyway and 45 days in the Central and Mississippi 
Flyways. The daily bag limit is 3. Seasons may be split into two 
segments.
    Zoning: New Jersey may select seasons in each of two zones. The 
season in each zone may not exceed 24 days.

Band-Tailed Pigeons

    Pacific Coast States (California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada)
    Outside Dates: Between September 15 and January 1.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 9 consecutive 
days, with bag and possession limits of 2 and 2 band-tailed pigeons, 
respectively.
    Zoning: California may select hunting seasons not to exceed 9 
consecutive days in each of two zones. The season in the North Zone 
must close by October 4.

Four-Corners States (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah)

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and November 30.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 30 consecutive 
days, with a daily bag limit of 5 band-tailed pigeons.
    Zoning: New Mexico may select hunting seasons not to exceed 20 
consecutive days in each of two zones. The season in the South Zone may 
not open until October 1.

Mourning Doves

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

Eastern Management Unit

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

Central Management Unit

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

[[Page 39471]]

    D. Except as noted above, regulations for bag and possession 
limits, season length, and shooting hours must be uniform within each 
hunting zone.

Western Management Unit

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

White-Winged and White-Tipped Doves

Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits

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

Alaska

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 26.
    Hunting Seasons: Alaska may select 107 consecutive days for 
waterfowl, sandhill cranes, and common snipe in each of five zones. The 
season may be split without penalty in the Kodiak Zone. The seasons in 
each zone must be concurrent.
    Closures: The season is closed on Canada geese from Unimak Pass 
westward in the Aleutian Island chain. The hunting season is closed on 
Aleutian Canada geese, emperor geese, spectacled eiders, and Steller's 
eiders.

Daily Bag and Possession Limits

    Ducks--Except as noted, a basic daily bag limit of 7 and a 
possession limit of 21 ducks. Daily bag and possession limits in the 
North Zone are 10 and 30, and in the Gulf Coast Zone they are 8 and 24, 
respectively. The basic limits may include no more than 1 canvasback 
daily and 3 in possession.
    In addition to the basic duck limits, there is a sea duck daily bag 
limit of 10, with a possession limit of 20, scoter, common and king 
eiders, and common and red-breasted mergansers, singly or in the 
aggregate. Alaska may choose to allow these sea duck limits in addition 
to regular duck bag limits. However, the total daily bag limit for any 
duck species may not exceed 10.
    Light Geese--A basic daily bag limit of 3 and a possession limit of 
6.
    Dark Geese--A basic daily bag limit of 4 and a possession limit of 
8.
    Dark-goose seasons are subject to the following exceptions:
    1. In Units 5 and 6, the taking of Canada geese is permitted from 
September 28 through December 16. A special, permit only Canada goose 
season may be offered on Middleton Island. No more than 10 permits can 
be issued. A mandatory goose identification class is required . Hunters 
must check-in and check-out. Bag limit of 1 daily and 1 in possession. 
Season to close if incidental harvest includes 5 dusky Canada geese. A 
dusky Canada goose is any dark-breasted Canada goose (Munsell 10 YR 
color value five or less) with a bill length between 40 and 50 
millimeters.
    2. In Unit 10 (except Unimak Island), the taking of Canada geese is 
prohibited.
    3. In Unit 9(D) and the Unimak Island portion of Unit 10, the 
limits for dark geese are 6 daily and 12 in possession.
    Brant--A daily bag limit of 2.
    Common snipe--A daily bag limit of 8.
    Sandhill cranes--A daily bag limit of 3.
    Tundra Swans--Open seasons for tundra swans may be selected subject 
to the following conditions:
    1. All seasons are by registration permit only.
    2. All season framework dates are September 1-October 31.
    3. In GMU 18, no more than 500 swans may be harvested during the 
operational season. Up to 3 tundra swans may be authorized per permit. 
No more than 1 permit may be issued per hunter per season.
    4. In GMU 22, no more than 300 swans may be harvested during the 
operational season. Each permittee may be authorized to take up to 3 
tundra swan per permit. No more than 1 permit may be issued per hunter 
per season.
    5. In GMU 23, no more than 300 swans may be harvested during the 
experimental season. No more than 3 tundra swans may be authorized per 
permit with no more than 1 permit issued per hunter per season. The 
experimental season evaluation must adhere to the guidelines for 
experimental seasons as described in the Pacific Flyway Management Plan 
for the Western Population of (Tundra) Swans.

Hawaii

    Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons: Not more than 65 days (75 under the alternative) 
for mourning doves.
    Bag Limits: Not to exceed 15 (12 under the alternative) mourning 
doves.

    Note: Mourning doves may be taken in Hawaii in accordance with 
shooting hours and other regulations set by the State of Hawaii, and 
subject to the applicable provisions of 50 CFR part 20.

Puerto Rico

Doves and Pigeons

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

[[Page 39472]]

Closure Area, and Cidra Municipality and adjacent areas.
Ducks, Coots, Moorhens, Gallinules, and Snipe
    Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons: Not more than 55 days may be selected for hunting 
ducks, common moorhens, and common snipe. The season may be split into 
two segments.

Daily Bag Limits

    Ducks--Not to exceed 6.
    Common moorhens--Not to exceed 6.
    Common snipe--Not to exceed 8.
    Closed Seasons: The season is closed on the ruddy duck, white-
cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck, 
and masked duck, which are protected by the Commonwealth of Puerto 
Rico. The season also is closed on the purple gallinule, American coot, 
and Caribbean coot.
    Closed Areas: There is no open season on ducks, common moorhens, 
and common snipe in the Municipality of Culebra and on Desecheo Island.

Virgin Islands

Doves and Pigeons

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

Ducks

    Outside Dates: Between December 1 and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons: Not more than 55 consecutive days.
    Daily Bag Limits: Not to exceed 6.
    Closed Seasons: The season is closed on the ruddy duck, white-
cheeked pintail, West Indian whistling duck, fulvous whistling duck, 
and masked duck.

Special Falconry Regulations

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

Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions

Mourning and White-Winged Doves

Alabama

    South Zone--Baldwin, Barbour, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Dale, 
Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Mobile Counties.
    North Zone--Remainder of the State.

California

    White-winged Dove Open Areas--Imperial, Riverside, and San 
Bernardino Counties.

Florida

    Northwest Zone--The Counties of Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, 
Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, 
Washington, Leon (except that portion north of U.S. 27 and east of 
State Road 155), Jefferson (south of U.S. 27, west of State Road 59 and 
north of U.S. 98), and Wakulla (except that portion south of U.S. 98 
and east of the St. Marks River).
    South Zone--Remainder of State.

Georgia

    Northern Zone--That portion of the State lying north of a line 
running west to east along U.S. Highway 280 from Columbus to Wilcox 
County, thence southward along the western border of Wilcox County; 
thence east along the southern border of Wilcox County to the Ocmulgee 
River, thence north along the Ocmulgee River to Highway 280, thence 
east along Highway 280 to the Little Ocmulgee River; thence southward 
along the Little Ocmulgee River to the Ocmulgee River; thence 
southwesterly along the Ocmulgee River to the western border of the 
Jeff Davis County; thence south along the western border of Jeff Davis 
County; thence east along the southern border of Jeff Davis and Appling 
Counties; thence north along the eastern border of Appling County, to 
the Altamaha River; thence east to the eastern border of Tattnall 
County; thence north along the eastern border of Tattnall County; 
thence north along the western border of Evans to Candler County; 
thence west along the southern border of Candler County to the Ohoopee 
River; thence north along the western border of Candler County to 
Bulloch County; thence north along the western border of Bulloch County 
to U.S. Highway 301; thence northeast along U.S. Highway 301 to the 
South Carolina line.
    South Zone--Remainder of the State.

Louisiana

    North Zone--That portion of the State north of Interstate Highway 
10 from the Texas State line to Baton Rouge, Interstate Highway 12 from 
Baton Rouge to Slidell and Interstate Highway 10 from Slidell to the 
Mississippi State line.
    South Zone--The remainder of the State.

Mississippi

    South Zone--The Counties of Forrest, George, Greene, Hancock, 
Harrison, Jackson, Lamar, Marion, Pearl River, Perry, Pike, Stone, and 
Walthall.
    North Zone--The remainder of the State.

Nevada

    White-winged Dove Open Areas--Clark and Nye Counties.

Texas

    North Zone--That portion of the State north of a line beginning at 
the International Bridge south of Fort Hancock; north along FM 1088 to 
TX 20; west along TX 20 to TX 148; north along TX 148 to I-10 at Fort 
Hancock; east along I-10 to I-20; northeast along I-20 to I-30 at Fort 
Worth; northeast along I-30 to the Texas-Arkansas State line.
    South Zone--That portion of the State south and west of a line 
beginning at the International Bridge south of Del Rio, proceeding east 
on U.S. 90 to San Antonio; then east on I-10 to Orange, Texas.

[[Page 39473]]

    Special White-winged Dove Area in the South Zone--That portion of 
the State south and west of a line beginning at the International 
Bridge south of Del Rio, proceeding east on U.S. 90 to Uvalde; south on 
U.S. 83 to TX 44; east along TX 44 to TX 16 at Freer; south along TX 16 
to TX 285 at Hebbronville; east along TX 285 to FM 1017; southwest 
along FM 1017 to TX 186 at Linn; east along TX 186 to the Mansfield 
Channel at Port Mansfield; east along the Mansfield Channel to the Gulf 
of Mexico.
    Area with additional restrictions--Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and 
Willacy Counties.
    Central Zone--That portion of the State lying between the North and 
South Zones.

Band-Tailed Pigeons

California

    North Zone--Alpine, Butte, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lassen, 
Mendocino, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity 
Counties.
    South Zone--The remainder of the State.

New Mexico

    North Zone--North of a line following U.S. 60 from the Arizona 
State line east to I-25 at Socorro and then south along I-25 from 
Socorro to the Texas State line.
    South Zone--Remainder of the State.

Washington

    Western Washington--The State of Washington excluding those 
portions lying east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of the Big 
White Salmon River in Klickitat County.

Woodcock

New Jersey

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

Special September Canada Goose Seasons

Atlantic Flyway

Connecticut

    North Zone--That portion of the State north of I-95.

Maryland

    Eastern Unit--Anne Arundel, Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Charles, 
Dorchester, Harford, Kent, Queen Annes, St. Marys, Somerset, Talbot, 
Wicomico, and Worcester Counties, and those portions of Baltimore, 
Howard, and Prince George's Counties east of I-95.
    Western Unit--Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Montgomery, 
and Washington Counties, and those portions of Baltimore, Howard, and 
Prince George's Counties east of I-95.

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 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, except for the Montezuma Zone.
    Montezuma Zone--Those portions of Cayuga, Seneca, Ontario, Wayne, 
and Oswego Counties north of U.S. Route 20, east of NYS Route 14, south 
of NYS Route 104, and west of NYS Route 34.
    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.

North Carolina

    Northeast Hunt Unit--Counties of Bertie, Camden, Chovan, Currituck, 
Dare, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington.

South Carolina

    Early-season Hunt Unit--Clarendon County and those portions of 
Orangeburg County north of SC Highway 6 and Berkeley County north of SC 
Highway 45 from the Orangeburg County line to the junction of SC 
Highway 45 and State Road S-8-31 and west of the Santee Dam.

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.

Mississippi Flyway

Illinois

    Northeast Canada Goose Zone--Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, 
Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties.
    North Zone: That portion of the State outside the Northeast Canada 
Goose Zone and 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 outside the Northeast 
Canada Goose Zone and south of the North Zone to 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.
    South Zone: The remainder of Illinois.

[[Page 39474]]

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.

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 Scenic Drive, 
easterly and southerly along Scenic Drive 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.

Minnesota

    Twin Cities Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone.
    A. All of Hennepin and Ramsey Counties.
    B. In Anoka County, all of Columbus Township lying south of County 
State Aid Highway (CSAH) 18, Anoka County; all of the cities of Ramsey, 
Andover, Anoka, Coon Rapids, Spring Lake Park, Fridley, Hilltop, 
Columbia Heights, Blaine, Lexington, Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, and 
Centerville; and all of the city of Ham Lake except that portion lying 
north of CSAH 18 and east of U.S. Highway 65.
    C. That part of Carver County lying north and east of the following 
described line: Beginning at the northeast corner of San Francisco 
Township; thence west along the north boundary of San Francisco 
Township to the east boundary of Dahlgren Township; thence north along 
the east boundary of Dahlgren Township to U.S. Highway 212; thence west 
along U.S. Highway 212 to State Trunk Highway (STH) 284; thence north 
on STH 284 to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 10; thence north and west 
on CSAH 10 to CSAH 30; thence north and west on CSAH 30 to STH 25; 
thence east and north on STH 25 to CSAH 10; thence north on CSAH 10 to 
the Carver County line.
    D. In Scott County, all of the cities or Shakopee, Savage, Prior 
Lake, and Jordan, and all of the Townships of Jackson, Louisville, St. 
Lawrence, Sand Creek, Spring Lake, and Credit River.
    E. In Dakota County, all of the cities of Burnsville, Eagan, 
Mendota Heights, Mendota, Sunfish Lake, Inver Grove Heights, Apple 
Valley, Lakeville, Rosemount, Farmington, Hastings, Lilydale, West St. 
Paul, and South St. Paul, and all of the Township of Nininger.
    F. That portion of Washington County lying south of the following 
described line: Beginning at County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 2 on the 
west boundary of the county; thence east on CSAH 2 to U.S. Highway 61; 
thence south on U.S. Highway 61 to State Trunk Highway (STH) 97; thence 
east on STH 97 to the intersection of STH 97 and STH 95; thence due 
east to the east boundary of the State.
    Northwest Goose Zone (included for reference only, not a special 
September Goose Season 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.
    Two Goose Zone--That portion of the state lying east of Interstate 
Highway 35 and south of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone.
    Five Goose Zone--That portion of the state not included in the Twin 
Cities Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone, the Northwest Goose Zone, or the 
Two Goose Zone.

Tennessee

    Middle Tennessee Zone--Those portions of Houston, Humphreys, 
Montgomery, Perry, and Wayne Counties east of State Highway 13; and 
Bedford, Cannon, Cheatham, Coffee, Davidson, Dickson, Franklin, Giles, 
Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Macon, Marshall, Maury, Moore, 
Robertson, Rutherford, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson 
Counties.
    East Tennessee Zone--Anderson, Bledsoe, Bradley, Blount, Campbell, 
Carter, Claiborne, Clay, Cocke, Cumberland, Dekalb, Fentress, Grainger, 
Greene, Grundy, Hamblen, Hamilton, Hancock, Hawkins, Jackson, 
Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Loudon, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, 
Morgan, Overton, Pickett, Polk, Putnam, Rhea, Roane, Scott, Sequatchie, 
Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, Union, Van Buren, Warren, Washington, and 
White Counties.

Wisconsin

    Early-Season Subzone A--That portion of the State encompassed by a 
line beginning at the Lake Michigan shore in Sheboygan, then west along 
State Highway 23 to State 67, southerly along State 67 to County 
Highway E in Sheboygan County, southerly along County E to State 28, 
south and west along State 28 to U.S. Highway 41, southerly along U.S. 
41 to State 33, westerly along State 33 to County Highway U in 
Washington County, southerly along County U to County N, southeasterly 
along County N to State 60, westerly along State 60 to County Highway P 
in Dodge County, southerly along County P to County O, westerly along 
County O to State 109, south and west along State 109 to State 26, 
southerly along State 26 to U.S. 12, southerly along U.S. 12 to State 
89, southerly along State 89 to U.S. 14, southerly along U.S. 14 to the 
Illinois border, east along the Illinois border to the Michigan border 
in Lake Michigan, north along the Michigan border in Lake Michigan to a 
point directly east of State 23 in Sheboygan, then west along that line 
to the point of beginning on the Lake Michigan shore in Sheboygan.
    Early-Season Subzone B--That portion of the State between Early-
Season Subzone A and a line beginning at the intersection of U.S. 
Highway 141 and the Michigan border near Niagara, then south along U.S. 
141 to State Highway 22, west and southwest along State 22 to U.S. 45, 
south along U.S. 45 to State 22, west and south along State 22 to State 
110, south along State 110 to U.S. 10, south along U.S. 10 to State 49, 
south along State 49 to State 23, west along State 23 to State 73, 
south along State 73 to State 60, west along State 60 to State 23, 
south along State 23 to State 11, east along State 11 to State 78, then 
south along State 78 to the Illinois border.

[[Page 39475]]

Central Flyway

Kansas

    September Canada Goose Unit--That part of Kansas bounded by a line 
from the Kansas-Missouri state line west on KS-68 to its junction with 
KS-33, then north on KS-33 to its junction with US-56, then west on US-
56 to its junction with KS-31, then west-northwest on KS-31 to its 
junction with KS-99, then north on KS-99 to its junction with US-24, 
then east on US-24 to its junction with KS-63, then north on KS-63 to 
its junction with KS-16, then east on KS-16 to its junction with KS-
116, then east on KS-116 to its junction with US-59, then northeast on 
US-59 to its junction with the Kansas-Missouri line, then south on the 
Kansas-Missouri line to its junction with KS-68.

South Dakota

    September Canada Goose Unit--Brookings, Clark, Codington, Day, 
Deuel, Grant, Hamlin, Kingsbury, Lake, McCook, Moody Counties, and 
Miner County east of SD 25, and that portion of Minnehaha County north 
and west of a line beginning at the junction of County 130 (Renner 
Road) and the Minnesota border, then west on County 130 to I-29 and 
along I-29 to the Lincoln County line.

Pacific Flyway

Idaho

    East Zone--Bonneville, Caribou, Fremont and Teton Counties.

Oregon

    Northwest Zone--Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Lane, 
Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk, Multnomah, Tillamook, Washington, and 
Yamhill Counties.
    Southwest Zone--Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, and 
Klamath Counties.
    East Zone--Baker, Gilliam, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, 
Union and Wasco Counties.

Washington

    Southwest Zone--Clark, Cowlitz, Pacific, and Wahkiakum Counties.
    East Zone--Asotin, Benton, Columbia, Garfield, Klickitat, and 
Whitman Counties.

Wyoming

    Bear River Area--That portion of Lincoln County described in State 
regulations.
    Salt River Area--That portion of Lincoln County described in State 
regulations.
    Farson-Edon Area--Those portions of Sweetwater and Sublette 
Counties described in State regulations.
    Teton Area--Those portions of Teton County described in State 
regulations.
    Bridger Valley Area--The area described as the Bridger Valley Hunt 
Unit in State regulations.

Ducks

Atlantic Flyway

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.

Mississippi Flyway

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.

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.

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 County Road 563 
to KS 148, east along KS 148 to Republic County Road 138, south along 
Republic County Road 138 to Cloud County Road 765, south along Cloud 
County Road 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.

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.

Pacific Flyway

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

[[Page 39476]]

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.

Canada Geese

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 Scenic Drive, 
easterly and southerly along Scenic Drive 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.

Sandhill Cranes

Central Flyway

Colorado

    Regular-Season Open Area--The Central Flyway portion of the State 
except the San Luis Valley (Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Hinsdale, 
Mineral, Rio Grande and Saguache Counties east of the Continental 
Divide) and North Park (Jackson County).

Kansas

    Regular Season Open Area--That portion of the State west of a line 
beginning at the Oklahoma border, north on I-35 to Wichita, north on I-
135 to Salina, and north on U.S. 81 to the Nebraska border.

New Mexico

    Regular-Season Open Area--Chaves, Curry, De Baca, Eddy, Lea, Quay, 
and Roosevelt Counties.
    Middle Rio Grande Valley Area--The Central Flyway portion of New 
Mexico in Socorro and Valencia Counties.
    Southwest Zone--Sierra, Luna, and Dona Ana Counties.

Oklahoma

    Regular-Season Open Area--That portion of the State west of I-35.

Texas

    Regular-Season Open Area--That portion of the State west of a line 
from the International Toll Bridge at Brownsville along U.S. 77 to 
Victoria; U.S. 87 to Placedo; Farm Road 616 to Blessing; State 35 to 
Alvin; State 6 to U.S. 290; U.S. 290 to Austin; I-35 to the Texas-
Oklahoma border.

North Dakota

    Regular-Season Open Area--That portion of the State west of U.S. 
281.

South Dakota

    Regular-Season Open Area--That portion of the State west of U.S. 
281.

Montana

    Regular-Season Open Area--The Central Flyway portion of the State 
except that area south of I-90 and west of the Bighorn River.

Wyoming

    Regular-Season Open Area--Campbell, Converse, Crook, Goshen, 
Laramie, Niobrara, Platte, and Weston Counties.
    Riverton-Boysen Unit--Portions of Fremont County.
    Park and Bighorn County Unit--Portions of Park and Bighorn 
Counties.

Pacific Flyway

Arizona

    Special-Season Area--Game Management Units 30A, 30B, 31, and 32.

Montana

    Special-Season Area--See State regulations.

Utah

    Special-Season Area--Rich, Cache, and Box Elder Counties.

Wyoming

    Bear River Area--That portion of Lincoln County described in State 
regulations.
    Salt River Area--That portion of Lincoln County described in State 
regulations.
    Eden-Farson Area--Those portions of Sweetwater and Sublette 
Counties described in State regulations.

All Migratory Game Birds in Alaska

    North Zone--State Game Management Units 11-13 and 17-26.
    Gulf Coast Zone--State Game Management Units 5-7, 9, 14-16, and 
10--Unimak Island only.
    Southeast Zone--State Game Management Units 1-4.
    Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zone--State Game Management Unit 10--
except Unimak Island.
    Kodiak Zone--State Game Management Unit 8.

All Migratory Birds in the Virgin Islands

    Ruth Cay Closure Area--The island of Ruth Cay, just south of St. 
Croix.

All Migratory Birds in Puerto Rico

    Municipality of Culebra Closure Area--All of the municipality of 
Culebra.
    Desecheo Island Closure Area--All of Desecheo Island.
    Mona Island Closure Area--All of Mona Island.
    El Verde Closure Area--Those areas of the municipalities of Rio 
Grande and Loiza delineated as follows: (1) All lands between Routes 
956 on the west and 186 on the east, from Route 3 on the north to the 
juncture of Routes 956 and 186 (Km 13.2) in the south; (2) all lands 
between Routes 186 and 966 from the juncture of 186 and 966 on the 
north, to the Caribbean National Forest Boundary on the south; (3) all 
lands lying west of Route 186 for one kilometer from the juncture of 
Routes 186 and 956 south to

[[Page 39477]]

Km 6 on Route 186; (4) all lands within Km 14 and Km 6 on the west and 
the Caribbean National Forest Boundary on the east; and (5) all lands 
within the Caribbean National Forest Boundary whether private or 
public.
    Cidra Municipality and adjacent areas--All of Cidra Municipality 
and portions of Aguas, Buenas, Caguas, Cayer, and Comerio 
Municipalities as encompassed within the following boundary: beginning 
on Highway 172 as it leaves the municipality of Cidra on the west edge, 
north to Highway 156, east on Highway 156 to Highway 1, south on 
Highway 1 to Highway 765, south on Highway 765 to Highway 763, south on 
Highway 763 to the Rio Guavate, west along Rio Guavate to Highway 1, 
southwest on Highway 1 to Highway 14, west on Highway 14 to Highway 
729, north on Highway 729 to Cidra Municipality boundary to the point 
of beginning.
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

[[Page 39478]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22JY99.003



[FR Doc. 99-18672 Filed 7-21-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-C