[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 154 (Wednesday, August 11, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43834-43854]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-20192]


      

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Part III





Department of the Interior





_______________________________________________________________________



Fish and Wildlife Service



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50 CFR Parts 32 and 36



1999-2000 Refuge--Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing; Proposed Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 154 / Wednesday, August 11, 1999 / 
Proposed Rules  

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Parts 32 and 36

RIN 1018-AF52


1999-2000 Refuge--Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: We propose to add additional national wildlife refuges 
(refuges) to the list of areas open for hunting and/or sport fishing, 
along with pertinent refuge-specific regulations for such activities; 
and amend certain regulations on other refuges that pertain to 
migratory game bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, and 
sport fishing for the 1999-2000 season. These regulations would provide 
additional recreational opportunity consistent with the primary 
purposes of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

DATES: Submit comments on or before September 10, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments to Chief, Division of Refuges, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, 1849 C Street, NW, MS 670 ARLSQ, Washington, 
DC 20240. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for information on electronic 
submission.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Leslie A. Marler, (703) 358-2397; Fax 
(703) 358-2248.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Wildlife Refuge System Act of 
1966 closes national wildlife refuges to hunting and sport fishing 
until we open them by rulemaking. The Secretary of the Interior 
(Secretary) may open refuge areas to hunting and/or fishing upon a 
determination that such uses are compatible with the purposes of the 
refuge. The action also must be in accordance with provisions of all 
laws applicable to the areas, must be consistent with the principles of 
sound fish and wildlife management and administration, and otherwise 
must be in the public interest. This ensures that we maintain the 
biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of the 
National Wildlife Refuge System (System) for the benefit of present and 
future generations of Americans.
    We review refuge hunting and fishing programs annually to determine 
whether to add additional refuges or whether individual refuge 
regulations governing existing programs need modification, deletion or 
additions made to them. Changing environmental conditions, State and 
Federal regulations, and other factors affecting wildlife populations 
and habitat may warrant modifications ensuring continued compatibility 
of hunting and fishing programs and that these programs will not 
materially interfere with or detract from the fulfillment of the 
mission of the System or the purposes of the refuge.
    50 CFR part 32 contains provisions governing hunting and fishing on 
national wildlife refuges. We regulate hunting and fishing on refuges 
to:
     ensure compatibility;
     properly manage the fish and wildlife resource;
     protect other refuge values; and
     ensure refuge user safety.
    On many refuges, our general policy of adopting regulations 
identical to State hunting and fishing regulations is adequate in 
meeting these objectives. On other refuges, it is necessary to 
supplement State regulations with more restrictive Federal regulations 
to ensure that we meet our management responsibilities, as outlined 
under the section entitled ``Statutory Authority.'' We issue refuge-
specific hunting and fishing regulations when we open wildlife refuges 
to either migratory game bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game 
hunting, or sport fishing. These regulations list the wildlife species 
that you may hunt or those species subject to sport fishing, seasons, 
bag limits, methods of hunting or fishing, descriptions of open areas, 
and other provisions as appropriate. 50 CFR part 32 contains previously 
issued refuge-specific regulations for hunting and fishing. We are 
promulgating many of the amendments to these sections to standardize 
and clarify the existing language of these regulations.

Plain Language Mandate

    The vast majority of the proposed revisions in this proposed rule 
to the individual refuge units are to comply with a Presidential 
mandate to use plain language in regulations and do not modify the 
substance of the previous restrictions. These types of changes include 
using ``you'' to refer to the reader and ``we'' to refer to the Service 
and using the word ``allow'' instead of ``permit'' when we do not 
require the use of a permit for an activity. Only a handful of proposed 
refuge-specific regulations contain the substantive changes discussed 
below.

Use of Only Approved Nontoxic Shot

    Waterfowl and migratory birds can get lead poisoning by ingesting 
lead shot or sinkers when they feed. You can get scientific information 
on this by requesting the publication, ``Toxicity of Lead Shot to 
Wildlife,'' from us by calling 1-800-582-3421 or by accessing the 
bibliographic databases information directly on the Internet at: http:/
/www.fws.gov/fwrefser.html.
    In the November 21, 1986, Federal Register (51 FR 42107) we began 
the conversion to nontoxic shot nationwide for waterfowl hunting on 
refuges, which we implemented in the 1991-1992 hunting season. In the 
December 4, 1995, Federal Register (60 FR 62035), we issued final 
regulations adopting requirements to use nontoxic shot to hunt wildlife 
species other than waterfowl and coots on certain refuges beginning 
with the 1996-97 hunting season. Prior to that time we requested 
voluntary compliance. For Alaska we delayed implementation until the 
1997-98 season to allow coordination with the State and outlying 
villages. We also provided delays for Waterfowl Production Areas 
(WPAs), principally in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, 
Wisconsin, and Iowa until the 1998-99 season, with voluntary compliance 
requested in the meantime. We took these actions to allow adequate time 
for additional coordination and educational outreach with the affected 
States, hunting organizations, and the general public on the effects of 
toxic lead shot to waterfowl and other migratory birds. We requested 
voluntary hunter use of nontoxic shotshells until we adopted final 
rules. In the September 3, 1998, Federal Register (63 FR 46910) we 
identified the refuges subject to the rule.
    50 CFR part 32 prohibits the use or possession of toxic shotgun 
pellets by upland game hunters on WPAs and certain other areas (refuges 
or areas within refuges) of the System to the extent needed to protect 
against significant exposure to migratory birds. We delineated these 
areas on maps, leaflets and/or signs (available at each refuge 
headquarters or posted at each refuge) or as stated in refuge-specific 
regulations. Where we allow turkey and deer hunting, you may use slugs 
and shot containing lead to hunt these species unless prohibited by 
refuge-specific regulations.
    We specifically identify the shot allowed in areas of the System by 
reference to the shot identified in 50 CFR 20.21(j). We sometimes grant 
new shot types conditional approvals until we complete all necessary 
studies. These conditional approvals change yearly, and we add new shot 
types to our approved list as they meet our criteria. To avoid any 
confusion, we propose to amend Sec. 32.2 What are the general 
provisions regarding hunting on

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areas of the National Wildlife Refuge System? to state that you may use 
only ``approved'' nontoxic shot identified in 50 CFR 20.21(j) while 
hunting with shotguns or muzzleloaders on WPAs, or on certain other 
areas of the National Wildlife Refuge System. We also propose to amend 
affected refuges listed in Subpart B.--Refuge-Specific Regulations for 
Hunting and Fishing to reflect that hunters may possess and use only 
approved nontoxic shot while in the field.

Establishment of Lead-Free Fishing Areas

    On April 13, 1999, we published a notice of intent in the Federal 
Register (64 FR 17992) to establish ``Lead-Free Fishing Areas'' and the 
prohibition of the use of certain fishing sinkers and jigs made with 
lead on specific units of the System. We received 12 written and 2 
verbal comments on the notice: 6 support our proposal; 4 request 
coordination in implementing our proposal; 3 would like to review the 
evidence; and 1 disagreed with our scientific findings. On this basis, 
we feel we should proceed with this proposed action and will consider 
and address the substance of the comments prior to adopting any final 
rule.
    We now propose prohibiting the use of these sinkers and jigs made 
of lead or lead alloys in areas where mortality of common loons has 
occurred or where concerns exist because habitat use by loons and 
significant fishing activities overlap. Each refuge selected that meets 
these criteria will have a two-year phase-in period. This action will 
not close to sport fishing any of the refuge units, but only prohibit 
the use of lead fishing sinkers there.
    Researchers have well documented that lead is toxic to both humans 
and wildlife. In areas where recreational angling and loon populations 
co-occur, lead poisoning from swallowing lead sinkers and jigs accounts 
for 10-50% of recorded loon mortality (Pokras). This information was 
referenced in the April 13, 1999, notice.
    We propose the establishment of a ``Lead-Free Fishing Area'' in 
these refuges and WPAs:
     From the outlet of Skilak Lake downstream to the refuge 
boundary and the Dave Spenser Unit of the Kenai Refuge Wilderness Area, 
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
     J.N. ``Ding'' Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
     Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, Maine
     Carlton Pond Waterfowl Production Area (part of Sunkhaze 
National Wildlife Refuge), Maine
     Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Michigan
     One Waterfowl Production Area in the Fergus Falls Wetland 
Management District: Nicholson WPA, Minnesota
     Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota
     Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota
     Pablo National Wildlife Refuge, Montana
     Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Montana
     Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, Wisconsin
     5 Waterfowl Production Areas in the St. Croix Wetland 
Management District: Oakridge and Amschler WPAs (both in St. Croix 
County), Rose Lee WPA, Flatey WPA, and Bass Lake WPA (in Polk County), 
Wisconsin
     National Elk Refuge, Wyoming
    For the areas in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge listed in Alaska 
above, we will follow the procedures for establishing permanent 
restrictions in National Wildlife Refuges in Alaska outlined in 
Sec. 36.42 Public participation and closure procedures in implementing 
the two-year phase in. Listed above, we have identified other refuges 
in the lower 48 States that will have ``Lead-Free Fishing Areas.''
    We propose to phase-in ``Lead-Free Fishing Areas.'' During the 
first year of the phase-in, we will educate anglers about the benefits 
of nontoxic tackle for wildlife. After the two-year phase-in, we will 
require anglers to fish with lead-free sinkers and jigs in all 
designated ``Lead-Free Fishing Areas.''

Request for Comments

    If you wish to comment, you may do so by any one of several 
methods. You may mail comments to: Chief, Division of Refuges, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, 1849 C Street, NW., MS 670 ARLSQ, 
Washington, DC 20240. You may comment via the Internet to:

Refuge__Specific__C[email protected]. Please submit Internet comments as 
an ASCII file avoiding the use of special characters and any form of 
encryption. Please also include: ``Attn: 1018-AF52'' and your name and 
return address in your Internet message. If you do not receive a 
confirmation from the system that we have received your Internet 
message, contact us directly at (703) 358-2029. You may also fax 
comments to: Chief, Division of Refuges, (703) 358-2248. Finally, you 
may hand-deliver comments to the address mentioned above.
    Our practice is to make comments, including names and home 
addresses of respondents, available for public review during regular 
business hours. Individual respondents may request that we withhold 
their home address from the rulemaking record, which we will honor to 
the extent allowable by law. There also may be circumstances in which 
we would withhold from the rulemaking record a respondent's identity, 
as allowable by law. If you wish us to withhold your name and/or 
address, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your 
comment. However, we will not consider anonymous comments. We will make 
all submissions from organizations or businesses and from individuals 
identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations 
or businesses, available for public inspection in their entirety.
    Department of the Interior policy is, whenever practicable, to 
afford the public a meaningful opportunity to participate in the 
rulemaking process. We considered providing a 60-day rather than a 30-
day comment period. However, we determined that an additional 30-day 
delay in processing these refuge-specific hunting and fishing 
regulations would hinder the effective planning and administration of 
our hunting and fishing programs. That delay would jeopardize 
establishment of hunting and fishing programs this year, or shorten 
their duration. Many of these rules also relieve restrictions and allow 
the public to participate in recreational activities on a number of 
refuges. In addition, in order to continue to provide for previously 
authorized hunting opportunities while at the same time provide for 
adequate resource protection, we must be timely in providing 
modifications to certain hunting programs on some refuges. Finally, 
there already has been a public comment period on our notice of intent 
on the proposed establishment of ``Lead-Free Fishing Areas.''
    When finalized, we will incorporate this regulation into Title 50 
Code of Federal Regulations (50 CFR) parts 32 and 36. Part 32 contains 
general provisions and refuge-specific regulations for hunting and 
fishing on national wildlife refuges. Part 36 contains provisions 
specific to Alaska national wildlife refuges.

Clarity of this Regulation

    Executive Order 12866 requires each agency to write regulations 
that are easy to understand. We invite your 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

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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? 
(6) What else could we do to make the rule easier to understand?

Statutory Authority

    The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (NWRSAA) of 
1966 as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act 
of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), and the Refuge Recreation Act (RRA) of 
1962 (16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4), govern the administration and public use 
of national wildlife refuges.
    The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act (NWRSIA) of 
1997 is the latest amendment to the NWRSAA. It amends and builds upon 
the NWRSAA in a manner that provides an improved ``Organic Act'' for 
the Refuge System similar to those which exist for other public lands. 
It serves to ensure that we effectively manage the System as a national 
system of lands, waters and interests for the protection and 
conservation of our nation's wildlife resources. The NWRSAA states 
first and foremost that we focus the mission of the System on 
conservation of fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitat. 
This Act requires the Secretary, before initiating or permitting a new 
use of a refuge, or before expanding, renewing, or extending an 
existing use of a refuge, to determine that the use is a compatible use 
and not inconsistent with public safety.
    The RRA authorizes the Secretary to administer areas within the 
System for public recreation as an appropriate incidental or secondary 
use only to the extent that it is practicable and not inconsistent with 
the primary purpose(s) for which we established the areas. This Act 
requires that any recreational use of refuge lands be compatible with 
the primary purposes for which we established the refuge and not 
inconsistent with other previously-authorized operations.
    The NWRSAA and RRA also authorize the Secretary to issue 
regulations to carry out the purposes of the Acts and regulate uses.
    We develop hunting and sport fishing plans for each existing refuge 
prior to opening it to hunting or fishing. In many cases, we develop 
refuge-specific regulations to ensure the compatibility of the programs 
with the purposes for which we established the refuge. We've ensured 
initial compliance with the NWRSAA and the RRA for hunting and sport 
fishing on newly acquired refuges through an interim determination of 
compatibility made at the time of acquisition. This ensures that we 
make the determinations required by these acts prior to adding refuges 
to the lists of areas open to hunting and fishing in 50 CFR part 32. We 
ensure continued compliance by the development of long-term hunting and 
sport fishing plans and by annual review of hunting and sport fishing 
programs and regulations.
    In preparation for new openings, we include the following documents 
in the refuges' ``openings package'' for Regional review and approval 
from the Washington Office: an interim hunting and fishing management 
plan; a Section 7 determination pursuant to the Endangered Species Act 
that these openings will have no effect, or are not likely to have an 
adverse effect, on listed species or critical habitats; a letter of 
concurrence from the affected State; interim compatibility 
determination; and refuge-specific regulations to administer the 
hunting and/or fishing programs. Upon review of these documents, we 
have determined that the opening of these national wildlife refuges to 
hunting and fishing is compatible with the principles of sound fish and 
wildlife management and administration and otherwise will be in the 
public interest.
    We propose the following wildlife-dependent recreational activities 
for the first time:

Hunting of migratory game birds on:

     Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana.
     Currituck National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina.
     Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed 
Deer, Oregon.
     Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia.
Upland game hunting on:

     Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana.

Big game hunting on:

     Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.
     Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana.

Sport fishing on:

     Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.
     J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota.
     Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota.
     Stewart Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota.
     Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota.
     Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed 
Deer, Oregon.
     Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon.
     ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina.

    In accordance with NWRSAA and the RRA, we have determined that 
these openings are compatible and consistent with the primary purposes 
for which we established the refuge.

Need for This Regulation

    We propose to add additional refuges to the list of areas open for 
hunting and/or sport fishing, along with pertinent refuge-specific 
regulations for such activities. We propose to amend certain 
regulations on other refuges that pertain to migratory game bird 
hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting and sport fishing for 
the 1999-2000 season. On many refuges, our policy of adopting 
regulations identical to State regulations is adequate in meeting 
National Wildlife Refuge System objectives. On other refuges, it is 
necessary to supplement State regulations with more restrictive Federal 
regulations to ensure that we meet our management responsibilities, as 
outlined under the section entitled ``Statutory Authority'' in the 
rule. We issue refuge-specific regulations when opening a national 
wildlife refuge or modifying the various uses of a refuge, and for all 
hunting or sport fishing. These regulations list the prohibited uses, 
limited uses, and those activities that are available without 
restriction. They also list those wildlife species that you may hunt or 
fish for along with the respective seasons, bag limits, methods of 
hunting or fishing, descriptions of open areas, and other provisions as 
appropriate. We propose to promulgate many of the amendments here to 
provide greater restriction and clarify the existing regulation 
language, which should result in less violations of refuge regulations.

Why Alternative Approaches Are not Feasible

    Refuge officers process violation notices through the Federal 
District Court's Violation Notice procedures. U.S. Magistrates have 
required us to print refuge regulations in the Code of Federal 
Regulations before they will accept refuge violations into their 
courts. State courts do not prosecute Federal recreation regulations, 
and voluntary compliance with regulations has not been successful.

Regulatory Planning and Review

    This document is not a significant rule subject to Office of 
Management and Budget review under Executive

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Order 12866. See explanation under Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    a. This rule will not have an annual economic effect of $100 
million or adversely affect an economic sector, productivity, jobs, the 
environment or other units of government. A cost-benefit and economic 
analysis is not required. This proposed rule is administrative, legal, 
technical, and procedural in nature and makes minor modification to 
existing refuge public use programs. The rule will allow hunting on 
five refuges where we had prohibited hunting and allow fishing on eight 
refuges where we had prohibited that activity. We estimate that these 
changes will result in 11,900 additional visitor-hunting-days and 
165,300 visitor-fishing-days. The appropriate measure for the net 
benefits of these changes is the additional net economic value 
experienced by the participants. The 1996 National Survey of Fishing, 
Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation measured net economic 
values by activity and region. Applying these estimates to the number 
of additional activity-days permitted by this rule yields an estimate 
of the national benefits from increased hunting of $160,000 and from 
increased fishing of $2.6 million. These estimates are well below the 
threshold for a significant rule.
    The rule will also establish ``Lead-Free Fishing Areas'' at 13 
units. When fully implemented, we will not allow anglers in these areas 
to use lead sinkers and other lead equipment. According to the FY1997 
Refuge Management Information System, fewer than 40,000 fishing days 
occurred in the refuges proposed for this status. Although lead-free 
sinkers are less dense than lead ones, the difference in fishing with 
them is insignificant, and we anticipate no change in net economic 
values from the prohibition.
    The addition of the term ``approved'' to the nontoxic shot 
regulations is for clarification purposes, and we do not expect it to 
affect hunters' behavior. It has no economic effects.
    b. This rule will not create inconsistencies with other agencies' 
actions. We coordinate recreational use on national wildlife refuges 
with State governments as well as other Federal agencies having 
adjoining or over-lapping jurisdiction before proposing regulations. 
The proposed regulation is consistent with, and not less restrictive 
than, other agencies' rules.
    c. This rule will not materially affect entitlements, grants, user 
fees, loan programs, or the rights and obligations of their recipients. 
The provisions of this rule only apply to persons involved in wildlife-
dependent public use including regulated hunting and sport fishing on 
national wildlife refuges, which is a privilege and not a right. User 
fees will not change as a result of this rule.
    d. This rule will not raise novel legal or policy issues. This 
proposed rule continues the practice of requiring public use of refuges 
to be compatible with the primary purpose of the refuge.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Department of the Interior certifies that this rule will not 
have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small 
entities such as businesses, organizations and governmental 
jurisdictions in the area as defined under the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). A final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis is 
not attached, and a Small Entity Compliance Guide is not required.
    This rulemaking will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. Congress created the National 
Wildlife Refuge System to conserve fish, wildlife, and plants and their 
habitats. They facilitated this conservation mission by providing 
Americans opportunities to visit and participate in compatible 
wildlife-dependent recreation, including fishing, hunting, wildlife 
observation and photography, and environmental education and 
interpretation as priority public uses on national wildlife refuges and 
to better appreciate the value of, and need for, fish and wildlife 
conservation.
    For most units within the National Wildlife Refuge System, this 
rule is administrative, legal, technical, and procedural in nature and 
provides for minor changes to the methods of hunting and fishing 
permitted but does not stop the overall use permitted. For most units, 
this rule will not change the number of visitors using refuges or their 
spending and, therefore, will have no impact on the local economies in 
their vicinity.
    We propose to open five units to hunting for the first time and 
eight to fishing. Data from the 1996 National Survey of Fishing, 
Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation provides estimates of 
spending per day for each activity in each of our regions. Multiplying 
spending per activity day by the number of activity days expected at 
each unit yields an estimate of the total spending related to the 
regulation. As much of this spending would have occurred at other sites 
in the local region absent the regulation, this estimate does not 
represent increased economic activity but economic activity related to 
the new recreational opportunities. We estimate the additional hunting 
opportunities will result in 11,900 visitor-hunting-days on the newly 
opened units. This hunting will entail $302,000 in trip-related 
expenditures by hunters. We estimate the additional fishing 
opportunities will result in 165,300 visitor-fishing-days and $9.3 
million in spending. Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge and J. Clark 
Salyer National Wildlife Refuge account for 90,000 of the increased 
fishing days so we expect $5.4 million of the related spending in the 
Minot, North Dakota area. As small businesses are a significant portion 
of the sporting goods industry, much of this economic activity will 
flow to small entities. However, the rule will not have a significant 
economic effect on a substantial number of small entities as defined in 
the Act.
    The ``Lead-Free Fishing Areas'' aspect of the rule will affect 
fewer than 40,000 angler days at 13 units. Lead-free weights are 
somewhat more expensive than lead weights. The average U.S. angler 
spends about $11 per year on sinkers, swivels, and related line gear 
(not including lines, bait, and lures). This is less than three percent 
of the angler's annual equipment spending. If each fishing day 
represented a different angler, i.e., no repeat visits to the refuges, 
and all of the anglers spent twice as much on sinkers as in an average 
year, the increased spending would amount to approximately $435,000 
spread over eight states. Planned trade-in programs at the affected 
refuges will ameliorate even this small effect. This part of the rule 
will not have a significant economic effect.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act as discussed in the 
Regulatory Planning and Review section above. This rule:
    a. Does not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or 
more;
    b. Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for 
consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government 
agencies, or geographic regions; or
    c. Does not have significant adverse effects on competition, 
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of 
U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Since this rule applies to public use of federally-owned and 
managed

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refuges, it does not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or 
tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 million per 
year. The rule does not have a significant or unique effect on State, 
local, or tribal governments or the private sector. A statement 
containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act 
(2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not required.

Takings (Executive Order 12630)

    In accordance with Executive Order 12630, the rule does not have 
significant takings implications. This regulation will affect only 
visitors at national wildlife refuges and limit what they can do while 
they are on a refuge.

Federalism (Executive Order 12612)

    As discussed in the Regulatory Planning and Review and Unfunded 
Mandates Act sections above, this rule does not have sufficient 
federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism 
Assessment under Executive Order 12612.

Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)

    In accordance with Executive Order 12988, the Office of the 
Solicitor has determined that the rule does not unduly burden the 
judicial system and meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) 
of the Order. The regulation will clarify established regulations, and 
result in better understanding of the regulations by refuge visitors. 
They will be enforced through the use of U.S. District Court Violation 
Notice procedures. A refuge regulation violator can plead guilty and 
forfeit a set amount of fine established at the time of the violation 
by the refuge officer. The violator can complete this through the mail 
without a court appearance. A violator can also plead not guilty on the 
notice, and the Magistrates Court will set an appearance date and time 
and notify both the violator and officer to appear in Magistrates Court 
for a hearing and/or trial, in accordance with U.S. District Court 
Rules of Procedure.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This regulation does not contain any information collection 
requirements other than that already approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act. See 50 CFR 
25.23 for information concerning that approval.

Section 7 Consultation

    In preparation for new openings, we include Section 7 consultation 
documents in the refuge's ``openings package'' for Regional review and 
approval from the Washington Office. We reviewed the changes in hunting 
and fishing herein with regard to section 7 of the Endangered Species 
Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543) and find the actions are not likely 
to adversely affect the continued existence of any endangered species 
or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse 
modification of habitat of such species within the System since the 
rule is primarily administrative, legal, technical or procedural in 
nature and/or makes minor modifications to existing public use 
programs. We comply with section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 
1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543) when developing comprehensive conservation 
plans, refuge public use management plans, and prior to implementing 
any new or revised public recreation program on a refuge as identified 
in 50 CFR 26.32. We also make determinations required by the Endangered 
Species Act on a case-by-case basis before the addition of a refuge to 
the lists of areas open to hunting or fishing as contained in 50 CFR 
32.7.

National Environmental Policy Act

    We analyzed this rule in accordance with the criteria of the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4332(C)) 
and 318 DM 2.2(g) and 6.3(D). This rule does not constitute a major 
Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human 
environment. An environmental impact statement/assessment is not 
required.
    A categorical exclusion from NEPA documentation covers this 
amendment of refuge-specific hunting and fishing regulations since it 
is technical and procedural in nature, and the environmental effects 
are too broad, speculative, or conjectural to lend themselves to 
meaningful analysis (516 DM 2, Appendix 1.10).
    Prior to the addition of a refuge to the list of areas open to 
hunting and fishing in 50 CFR part 32, we develop hunting and fishing 
plans for the affected refuges. We incorporate these proposed refuge 
hunting and fishing activities in the refuge Comprehensive Conservation 
Plans and/or step-down management plans, pursuant to our refuge 
planning guidance in 602 FW 1-3. We prepare these plans in compliance 
with section 102(2)(C) of NEPA, and the Council on Environmental 
Quality's regulations for implementing NEPA in 40 CFR parts 1500-1508. 
We invite the affected public to participate in the review, 
development, and implementation of these plans.
    We have also prepared several related environmental analyses, such 
as lead shot vs. nontoxic shot as it relates to waterfowl and other 
wildlife with the latest being an Environmental Assessment (EA) in May, 
1998.

Available Information for Specific Refuges

    Individual refuge headquarters retain information regarding public 
use programs and the conditions that apply to their specific programs, 
and maps of their respective areas. You may also obtain information 
from the regional offices at the addresses listed below:
    Region 1--California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and 
Washington. Assistant Regional Director-- Refuges and Wildlife, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, Eastside Federal Complex, Suite 1692, 911 
N.E. 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232-4181; Telephone (503) 231-
6214.
    Region 2--Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Assistant 
Regional Director--Refuges and Wildlife U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
Box 1306, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103; Telephone (505) 766-1829.
    Region 3--Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, 
Ohio and Wisconsin. Assistant Regional Director--Refuges and Wildlife, 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal Building, Fort Snelling, Twin 
Cities, Minnesota 55111; Telephone (612) 713-5300.
    Region 4--Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, 
Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Puerto Rico and 
the Virgin Islands. Assistant Regional Director--Refuges and Wildlife, 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Boulevard, Room 324, 
Atlanta, Georgia 30345; Telephone (404) 679-7152.
    Region 5--Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, 
Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, 
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia. 
Assistant Regional Director--Refuges and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, 300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley, Massachusetts 
01035-9589; Telephone (413) 253-8550.
    Region 6--Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South 
Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. Assistant Regional Director--Refuges and 
Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Box 25486, Denver Federal 
Center, Denver, Colorado 80225; Telephone (303) 236-8145.
    Region 7--Alaska. Assistant Regional Director--Refuges and 
Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 E.

[[Page 43839]]

Tudor Rd., Anchorage, Alaska 99503; Telephone (907) 786-3545.

References

    Pokras, MA., and R. Chafel. 1992. Lead toxicosis from ingested 
fishing sinkers in adult common loons (Gavia immer) in New England. 
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 23:92-97.

Primary Author

    Leslie A. Marler, Management Analyst, Division of Refuges, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, DC 20240, is the primary author 
of this proposed rulemaking document.

List of Subjects

50 CFR Part 32

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

50 CFR Part 36

    Alaska, Recreation and recreational areas, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Wildlife refuges.
    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, we propose to amend 
Title 50, Chapter I, subchapter C of the Code of Federal Regulations as 
follows:

PART 32--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for part 32 is revised to read as 
follows:

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

    2. We propose to amend Sec. 32.2 by revising the section heading 
and by revising paragraph (k) to read as follows:


Sec. 32.2  What are the general provisions regarding hunting on areas 
of the National Wildlife Refuge System?

* * * * *
    (k) You may only use or possess approved nontoxic shot, which we 
identify in 50 CFR 20.21(j), while hunting with shotguns or 
muzzleloaders on Waterfowl Production Areas, or on certain other areas 
of the National Wildlife Refuge System as delineated on maps, leaflets 
and/or signs, available at each refuge headquarters or posted at each 
refuge, or as stated in refuge specific regulations. Where we allow 
turkey and deer hunting, you may use slugs and shot containing lead to 
hunt these species unless prohibited by refuge-specific regulations.
    3. We propose to amend Sec. 32.7 by revising the section heading 
and by removing the listing of ``Cossatot National Wildlife Refuge'' 
and by alphabetically adding the listing ``Pond Creek National Wildlife 
Refuge'' in the State of Arkansas; by alphabetically adding the listing 
``Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge'' in the State of Georgia; by 
alphabetically adding the listing of ``Bayou Teche National Wildlife 
Refuge'' in the State of Louisiana; by alphabetically adding the 
listing of ``Currituck National Wildlife Refuge'' in the State of North 
Carolina; by alphabetically adding the listing of ``Stewart Lake 
National Wildlife Refuge'' in the State of North Dakota; by removing 
the listing of ``Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge'' and by 
alphabetically adding the listing ``Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the 
Columbian White-Tailed Deer'' in the State of Oregon; by alphabetically 
adding the listing ``Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge'' in the 
State of Virginia; and by alphabetically adding the listing ``St. Croix 
Wetland Management District'' in the State of Wisconsin. The revision 
reads as follows:


Sec. 32.7  What refuge units are open to hunting and/or fishing?

* * * * *
    4. We propose to amend Sec. 32.20 Alabama by revising Wheeler 
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.20  Alabama.

* * * * *

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, 
rabbit, racoon, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following condition: We require permits.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: 
We require permits.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:

    1. We do not allow bank fishing around the shoreline of the 
refuge headquarters.
    2. All other refuge waters are open to fishing year-round unless 
otherwise posted.
    3. We prohibit entry and use of airboats and hovercraft on all 
waters within the refuge boundaries.
    4. We prohibit entry and use of inboard waterthrust boats, such 
as but not limited to personal watercraft, watercycles, and 
waterbikes on all waters of the refuge except that portion of the 
Tennessee River and Flint Creek from its mouth to mile-marker three.
    5. Boats may not be left on the refuge overnight.

    5. We propose to amend Sec. 32.22 Arizona by revising Bill Williams 
River National Wildlife Refuge and Cibola National Wildlife Refuge; by 
revising paragraphs A.3. and B.4. of Havasu National Wildlife Refuge; 
and by revising paragraphs A.3. and B.2. of Imperial National Wildlife 
Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.22  Arizona.

* * * * *

Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of mourning 
and white-winged doves on designated areas of the refuge subject to 
the following condition: We allow only shotguns.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail and cottontail 
rabbit on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
    2. We allow only shotguns.
    3. We allow hunting of cottontail rabbits from September 1 to 
the close of the State quail season.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of desert big-horn sheep 
on designated areas of the refuge.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing in designated areas.
* * * * *

Cibola National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, coots, moorhens, common snipe, mourning and white-winged dove 
on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. We allow only shotguns.
    2. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
    3. You must pay a hunt fee in portions of the refuge. Consult 
refuge hunting leaflet for locations.
    4. We do not allow pit or permanent blinds.
    5. Hunting in Farm Unit 2 closes at 12:00 p.m. each day, and 
special regulations are in effect. Consult refuge hunting leaflet 
for regulations and location.
    6. We close Farm Unit 2 to all hunting except waterfowl hunting 
during the Arizona waterfowl season.
    7. You must remove all temporary blinds, boats, and decoys from 
the refuge following each day's hunt.
    8. We do not allow hunting within 50 yards (45 m) of any public 
road.
    9. The Hart Mine Marsh area is open to hunting from 10:00 a.m. 
to 3:00 p.m. daily during goose season.
    10. The area known as Pretty Water is open to waterfowl hunting 
from \1/2\ hour before sunrise to 3:00 p.m. MST during the Arizona 
and California waterfowl hunting seasons.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail and cottontail 
rabbit on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. We allow only shotguns and bows and arrows.
    2. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
    3. You may hunt cottontail rabbit from September 1 through the 
last day of the respective State's quail season.
    4. During the Arizona waterfowl season, you may not hunt quail 
and rabbit in Farm Unit 2.
    5. You may not hunt within 50 yards (45 m) of any public road.

[[Page 43840]]

    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of mule deer on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. During the Arizona waterfowl season, you may not hunt mule 
deer in Farm Unit 2.
    2. You may not hunt within 50 yards (45 m) of any public road.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing and frogging subject to 
the following condition:
    1. Cibola Lake is open to fishing and frogging from March 15 
through Labor Day.

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    3. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field..
* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * *
* * * * *
    4. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Imperial National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    3. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    2. We require approved nontoxic shot for hunting quail and 
cottontail rabbit.
* * * * *


Sec. 32.23  [Amended]

    6. We propose to amend Sec. 32.23 Arkansas by revising the name 
``Cossatot National Wildlife Refuge'' to read ``Pond Creek National 
Wildlife Refuge'' and by placing it in alphabetical order.
    7. We propose to amend Sec. 32.24 California by revising paragraph 
A.2. of Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge; by revising the 
introductory text of paragraphs A. and B., by revising paragraph A.1., 
by adding paragraph A.4., by redesignating paragraphs B.2. and B.3. as 
B.3. and B.4. and designating the undesignated paragraph following 
paragraph B.1. as B.2., by revising paragraphs B.2., and B.3., and 
adding paragraph B.5. of Colusa National Wildlife Refuge; by revising 
Delevan National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraph D. of Humboldt 
Bay National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraph B.2. of Kern 
National Wildlife Refuge; by revising Lower Klamath National Wildlife 
Refuge; by revising paragraph A. of Merced National Wildlife Refuge; by 
revising paragraph A.4. and paragraph B. of Modoc National Wildlife 
Refuge; by revising paragraphs A. and B. of Sacramento National 
Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraph A., by revising the introductory 
text of paragraph B. and paragraph B.1., by revising paragraph D. of 
San Luis National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs A. and B. of 
Sutter National Wildlife Refuge; and by revising paragraphs A. and B. 
of Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.24  California.

* * * * *

Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge

A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *

* * * * *
    2. Snipe hunters will possess and use only approved nontoxic 
shot while in the field.
* * * * *

Colusa National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, coots, moorhens, and snipe on designated areas of the refuges 
subject to the following conditions:
    1. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *
    4. No person will build or maintain fires, except in portable 
gas stoves.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
    2. We do not allow bicycles and other conveyances.
    3. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *
    5. No person will build or maintain fires, except in portable 
gas stoves.
* * * * *

Delevan National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, coots, moorhens, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    1. You must unload firearms while transporting them between 
parking areas and spaced blind areas.
    2. We do not allow snipe hunting in the spaced blind areas.
    3. We restrict hunters assigned to the spaced blind area to 
within 100 feet (30 m) of their assigned hunt site except for 
retrieving downed birds, placing decoys, or traveling to and from 
the area.
    4. Access to the hunt area is by foot traffic only. We do not 
allow bicycles and other conveyances.
    5. You may not possess more than 25 shells while in the field.
    6. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
    7. No person will build or maintain fires, except in portable 
gas stoves.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant only in the 
free roam areas on the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We do not allow pheasant hunting in the spaced blind area 
except during a special one-day only pheasant hunt on the first 
Monday after the opening of the State pheasant hunting season.
    2. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
    3. Access to the hunt area is by foot traffic only. We do not 
allow bicycles and other conveyances.
    4. You may not possess more than 25 shells while in the field.
    5. No person will build or maintain fires, except in portable 
gas stoves.
    C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing during daylight hours only 
from February 15 through October 1.
* * * * *

Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow fishing from the designated shoreline train along 
Hookton Slough during daylight hours only.
    2. We allow fishermen to only use pole and line or rod and reel 
from the Hookton Slough Shoreline trail fishing area.
    3. We do not allow either motorized boats or motors on the 
refuge dock on Humboldt Bay. We close the dock on Humboldt Bay to 
launching of all boats from November 1 through January 15.
* * * * *

Kern National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *

B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

    2. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, coots, moorhens and snipe on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    1. In the controlled waterfowl hunting area, we require entry 
permits for the first 2 days of the waterfowl season for all hunters 
16 years of age or older. An adult with a permit must accompany 
hunters under the age of 16 hunting in the controlled area. We 
require advance reservations for the first 2 days of the hunt.
    2. Shooting hours end at l:00 p.m. daily on the California 
portion of the refuge except that the refuge manager may designate 
up to six one-day special youth or disabled hunter hunts per season 
and up to three days per week of general waterfowl hunting starting 
December 1 after 1:00 p.m.
    3. You may carry only unloaded firearms on hunter access routes 
open to motor vehicles or when taking them through posted retrieving 
zones when traveling to and from the hunting areas.
    4. You may not set decoys in retrieving zones.
    5. We do not allow air-thrust and inboard waterthrust boats.

[[Page 43841]]

    6. Snipe hunters will possess and use, while in the field, only 
approved nontoxic shot.
    7. You may only use non-motorized boats and boats with electric 
motors on units 4b and 4c from the start of the hunting season 
through November 30. You may use motorized boats on units 4b and 4c 
from December 1 through the end of hunting season.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
    2. You may carry only unloaded firearms on hunter access routes 
open to motor vehicles or when taking them through posted retrieving 
zones when traveling to and from the hunting areas.
    C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

Merced National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, coots, and moorhens on designated areas of the refuge subject 
to the following conditions and as we may otherwise post in the 
refuge regulations:
    1. You must unload firearms while transporting them between 
parking areas and blind sites.
    2. You may not possess or use more than 25 approved nontoxic 
shotgun shells when leaving their assigned parking lot.
    3. We restrict hunters assigned to the spaced blind unit to 
their assigned blind except for retrieving downed birds, placing 
decoys, or traveling to and from the parking area.
* * * * *

Modoc National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    4. Snipe hunters will possess and use only approved nontoxic 
shot while in the field.
* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We limit hunting to junior hunters possessing a valid Junior 
Hunting License and refuge permit.
    2. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, coots, moorhens, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    1. You must unload firearms while transporting them between 
parking areas and spaced blind areas.
    2. We do not allow snipe hunting in the spaced blind area.
    3. We restrict hunters assigned to the spaced blind unit to 
within 100 feet (30 m) of their assigned hunt site except for 
retrieving downed birds, placing decoys, or traveling to and from 
the parking area.
    4. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
    5. You may not possess more than 25 shells while in the field.
    6. Access to the hunt area is by foot traffic only. We do not 
allow bicycles and other conveyances.
    7. No person will build or maintain fires, except in portable 
gas stoves.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We do not allow pheasant hunting in the spaced blind area 
except during a special one-day only pheasant hunt on the first 
Monday after the opening of the State pheasant hunting season.
    2. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
    3. Access to the hunt area is by foot traffic only. We do not 
allow bicycles and other conveyances.
    4. You may not possess more than 25 shells while in the field.
    5. No person will build or maintain fires, except in portable 
gas stoves.
* * * * *

San Luis National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, coots, moorhens, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions and as we may otherwise post in 
the refuge regulations:
    1. In the free-roam hunting areas, you may use only portable 
blinds, temporary blinds constructed of natural materials, and on 
the San Luis Unit, existing concrete barrel blinds. We prohibit the 
cutting of woody vegetation.
    2. You must remove all portable blinds, decoys, and other 
personal equipment from the refuge following each day's hunt.
    3. You may snipe hunt only within the free-roam portion of the 
San Luis unit's waterfowl hunting areas. Snipe hunters may only 
possess and use approved nontoxic shot.
    4. You may possess not more than 25 approved nontoxic shotgun 
shells after leaving their assigned parking lot or boat launch.
    5. Vehicles may stop only at designated, assigned parking areas. 
We prohibit dropping of passengers or equipment or stopping between 
designated parking areas. You must return your permits to the check 
stations immediately upon completion of your hunt, and prior to 
using any tour routes or leaving the refuge vicinity.
    6. You may not transport loaded firearms while walking or 
bicycling between parking areas in spaced blind units, or while 
traveling in a boat under power.
    7. We restrict hunters in the spaced blind area, to their 
assigned blind except when they are placing decoys, traveling to and 
from the parking area, retrieving downed birds, or when shooting to 
retrieve cripples.
    8. Access to the Frietas Unit free-roam hunting area is by boat 
only with a maximum of 5 mph. Prohibited boats include air-thrust 
and/or inboard water-thrust types.
    9. We prohibit the use of motorized boats in the free roam units 
with the exception of the Frietas Unit.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasants on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions 
or as we otherwise may post in refuge regulations available at 
visitor information centers and refuge headquarters:
    1. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions and as we may otherwise 
post in the refuge regulations:
    1. We allow fishing from sunrise to sunset only, except on that 
portion of the San Joaquin River's south (left descending) bank 
within the West Bear Creek Unit designated as open for fishing 24 
hours per day, or as otherwise posted in refuge regulations.
    2. We allow the use of 1 pole and line or 1 rod and reel per 
person. Fishermen must attend at all times any pole and line or rod 
and reel they are using for fishing.
    3. We prohibit the use of any boat, float tube, or other 
floating aid/device.
* * * * *

Sutter National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, coots, moorhens and snipe on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    1. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
    2. You may not possess more than 25 shells while in the field.
    3. Access to the hunt area is by foot traffic only. We do not 
allow bicycles and other conveyances.
    4. No person will build or maintain fires, except in portable 
gas stoves.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
    2. Access is by foot traffic only. We do not allow bicycles and 
other conveyances.
    3. You may not possess more than 25 shells while in the field.
    4. No person will build or maintain fires, except in portable 
gas stoves.
* * * * *

Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, coots, moorhens, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    1. We require entry permits in the controlled waterfowl hunting 
area for the first 2 days of the waterfowl season for all hunters 16 
years of age or older. An adult with a permit must accompany hunters 
under the age of 16 hunting in the controlled area. We require 
advance reservation for the first 2 days of the hunt.
    2. Shooting hours end at 1:00 p.m. daily on the California 
portion of the refuge except

[[Page 43842]]

that the refuge manager may designate up to six one-day special 
youth or disabled hunter hunts per season and up to three days per 
week of general waterfowl hunting starting December 1 after 1:00 
p.m.
    3. We do not allow possession of any loaded firearms more than 
200 feet (60 m) from the established blind states. You select blind 
sites by lottery at the beginning of each hunt day. You may shoot 
only from within their assigned blind sites.
    4. You may carry only unloaded firearms on hunter access routes 
open to motor vehicles or when taking them through posted retrieving 
zones when traveling to and from the hunting areas.
    5. We do not allow you to set decoys in retrieving zones.
    6. We do not allow air-thrust and inboard waterthrust boats.
    7. Snipe hunters will possess and use, while in the field, only 
approved nontoxic shot.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
    2. You may carry only unloaded firearms on hunter access routes 
open to motor vehicles or when taking them through posted retrieving 
zones when traveling to and from the hunting areas.
* * * * *
    8. We propose to amend Sec. 32.25 Colorado by revising paragraph B. 
of Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.25  Colorado.

* * * * *

Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on 
designated areas of the refuge pursuant to State law and subject to 
the following condition: You will possess and use only approved 
nontoxic shot while in the field.
* * * * *
    9. We propose to amend Sec. 32.27 Delaware by revising paragraph B. 
of Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge; and by revising paragraph B.4. 
of Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.27  Delaware.

* * * * *

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow hunting only on the South Upland Hunting Area.
    2. We allow hunting from \1/2\ hour before sunrise to \1/2\ hour 
after sunset.
    3. We do not allow hunting from March 1 through August 31.
    4. Shotgun hunters will possess and use only approved nontoxic 
shot while in the field.
* * * * *

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    4. Shotgun hunters will possess and use only approved nontoxic 
shot while in the field.
* * * * *
    10. We propose to amend Sec. 32.28 Florida by revising 
Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge; by adding paragraph D.8. of J. 
N. ``Ding'' Darling National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs C. 
and D. of Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge; by revising 
paragraphs A., B., C., and D.9. and adding paragraph D.10. of St. Marks 
National Wildlife Refuge; and by revising paragraphs B., C., and D. of 
St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.28  Florida.

* * * * *

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of ducks 
and coots on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
condition: We require permits.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, 
rabbit and armadillo on designated areas of the refuge subject to 
the following condition: We require permits.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
feral hogs on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following condition: We require permits.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on the refuge year 
round. Creel limits/seasons are in accordance with State 
regulations.
* * * * *

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

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
    8. Effective with the 2001-2002 season, we will require anglers 
to use lead-free sinkers and jigs on all fresh water open to 
fishing.

Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
feral hogs on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following condition: We require permits.
    D. Sport Fishing. Sport fishing will be in accordance with State 
regulations and is subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow fishing only from sunrise to sunset.
    2. We do not allow use of airboats in the refuge.
    3. We do not allow commercial fishing or the taking of frogs or 
turtles.
    4. We do not allow the use of snatch hooks in the refuge 
impoundments.
* * * * *

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of ducks 
and coots in designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
condition: We require permits.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, 
and racoon on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following condition: We require permits.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, 
turkeys, and feral hogs on designated areas of the refuge subject to 
the following condition: We require permits.
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
    9. We prohibit crabbing in refuge pools and impoundments along 
Lighthouse Road.
    10. We do not allow launching of airboats or inboard waterthrust 
boats (personal watercraft) from refuge saltwater boat ramps at 
Wakulla Beach or the Lighthouse Road area.

St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, 
sambar deer, and feral hogs on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following condition: We require permits.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow fishing only from sunrise to sunset.
    2. We allow only non-motorized boats and boats with electric 
motors.
    3. We do not allow the use of live minnows as bait.
    4. We allow fishing in Lakes 1, 2, and Oyster Pond from April 1 
through September 30.
    5. We allow fishing in Lakes 3, 4, and 5 from May 15 through 
September 30.
* * * * *
    11. We propose to amend Sec. 32.29 Georgia by alphabetically adding 
Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs C. and D. 
of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs B. and 
C., revising the introductory text of paragraph D. and revising 
paragraph D.3. of Savannah National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.29  Georgia.

* * * * *

Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
    B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
feral hogs on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following condition: We require permits.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:

[[Page 43843]]

    1. We allow fishing from March 15 to October 15 except on the 
Ocmulgee River which is open to fishing year-around.
    2. We allow fishing only from sunrise to sunset.
    3. We allow fishing only with pole and line or rod and reel.
    4. We prohibit the taking of sturgeon, frogs, turtles, and 
mollusks.
    5. We allow only non-motorized boats or boats with electric 
motors on refuge waters except the Ocmulgee River.
    6. Fishermen may not leave boats or other personal equipment on 
the refuge overnight.
    7. The minimum size limit for largemouth bass is 14'' (35 cm)
* * * * *

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
feral hogs on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following condition: we require permits except for Cowhouse Island. 
We open Cowhouse Island to white-tailed deer and feral hog hunting 
per Dixon Memorial State Forest Regulations.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We do not allow the use of boats with motors larger than 10 
horsepower.
    2. We do not allow the use of live minnows as bait.
    3. We only allow the use of pole and line or rod and reel.
    4. The daily creel limit is 5 largemouth bass, 5 channel 
catfish, and 25 of any one, or combination, of bream or sunfish. We 
do not allow the possession of more than the daily creel limit.
    5. We do not allow the taking of largemouth bass smaller than 14 
inches (35 cm).
* * * * *

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrels and feral 
hogs on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
condition: We require permits.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, 
turkey, and feral hogs on designated areas of the refuge subject to 
the following condition: We require permits.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
    3. We allow fishing from sunrise to sunset.
* * * * *
    12. We propose to amend Sec. 32.30 Hawaii by revising by 
revising paragraph C.1. of Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge 
to read as follows:


Sec. 32.30  Hawaii.

* * * * *

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
    1. You must have reservations or permits to access the refuge.
* * * * *
    13. We propose to amend Sec. 32.31 Idaho by revising paragraph A.2. 
of Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs A. and B. 
of Camas National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs A.3. and B.4. 
of Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge; and by revising paragraph B.2. 
of Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.31  Idaho.

* * * * *

Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    2. Snipe hunters will possess and use only approved nontoxic 
shot while in the field.
* * * * *

Camas National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, coots, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to 
the following condition: Snipe hunters will possess and use only 
approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant and grouse 
on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
condition: Pheasant hunters will possess and use only approved 
nontoxic shot while in the field.
* * * * *

Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    3. Snipe hunters will possess and use only approved nontoxic 
shot while in the field.
* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    4. Pheasant, quail and partridge hunters will possess and use 
only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
* * * * *

Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    2. Pheasant hunters will possess and use only approved nontoxic 
shot while in the field.
* * * * *
    14. We propose to amend Sec. 32.32 Illinois by revising paragraphs 
A.3., A.4., B.3., C.2., C.3., C.4., D.1., and D.7. and removing 
paragraph D.8. of Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge; by revising 
paragraph B. and the introductory text of paragraph C. of Cypress Creek 
National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraph B.1. of Mark Twain 
National Wildlife Refuge; by revising A., revising the introductory 
text of paragraph B., revising paragraphs B.3., and B.4. adding 
paragraph B.5., revising the introductory text of paragraph C., 
revising paragraphs C.3., C.4., and C.5. and revising paragraph D. of 
Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.32  Illinois.

* * * * *

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    3. Goose hunters outside the controlled goose hunting area on 
Crab Orchard Lake must hunt from a blind that is on shore or 
anchored a minimum of 200 yards (180m) away from any shoreline. 
Waterfowl hunters may also hunt on the east shoreline in Grassy Bay.
    4. You may possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while 
hunting migratory game bird species.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    3. You may possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while 
hunting all permitted species except wild turkey. You may possess 
and use lead shot for hunting wild turkey.
    C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    2. We require hunters using the closed area to check in at the 
refuge visitor contact station prior to hunting and to comply with 
the special rules provided to them.
    3. You may not hunt deer with a firearm in the controlled goose 
hunting areas. You may hunt deer in the controlled goose hunting 
areas with archery equipment in accordance with State seasons and 
regulations.
    4. You must remove hunting stands at the end of each day's hunt.
* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
    1. Crab Orchard Lake--west of Wolf Creek Road--Anglers may fish 
from boats all year. Anglers must remove trot-lines/jugs from 
sunrise until sunset from Memorial Day through Labor Day; east of 
Wolf Creek Road, anglers may fish from boats March 15 through 
September 30. Anglers may fish all year at the Wolf Creek and Route 
148 causeway areas. Anglers must check and remove fish from all jugs 
and trot lines daily. It is illegal to use stakes to anchor any 
trot-lines; anglers must tag them with their name and address. 
Anglers may use all noncommercial fishing methods except they may 
not use any underwater breathing apparatus. Anglers may not use jugs 
or trot-lines with any floatation device that has previously 
contained any petroleum-based materials or toxic substances. Anglers 
must attach a buoyed device that is visible on the water's surface 
to all trot-lines.
* * * * *
    7. We restrict motorboats to slow speeds leaving no wakes in 
Cambria Neck, and within 150 feet (45m) of any shoreline, swimming 
area, marina entrance, boat ramp, or causeway tunnel on Crab 
Orchard, Little Grassy, or Devils Kitchen Lakes.

[[Page 43844]]

Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. You may hunt bob-white quail, rabbit, 
squirrel, raccoon, opossum, coyote, red fox, grey fox, and turkey 
(spring) on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with posted 
regulations and subject to the following conditions:
    1. If we provide hunter check-in/check-out post, you must 
present daily harvests.
    2. We do not allow hunting after sunset.
    3. You may only use or possess approved nontoxic shot while 
hunting for any permitted birds except wild turkey. You may use lead 
shot while hunting wild turkey.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on 
designated areas of the refuge in accordance with posted regulations 
and subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *

Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
    1. You must possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while 
hunting all permitted birds, except wild turkeys. You may possess 
and use lead shot for hunting wild turkey.
* * * * *

Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of 
migratory game birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to 
the following conditions:
    1. You may not hunt migratory birds on refuge-closed areas 
posted ``Area Closed,'' on the Goose Island ``No Hunting'' zone in 
Pool 8, on the Upper Halfway Creek March ``No Hunting'' zone in Pool 
7, or on the Frog Pond area ``No Hunting'' zone in Pool 13.
    2. We require permits for Potters Marsh in Pool 13 except during 
the early teal season.
    You may only use and possess approved nontoxic shot when hunting 
for any permitted migratory bird.
    4. On Pools 4 through 11 you must remove all decoys from the 
refuge at the end of each day's hunt.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
    3. You may not hunt at any time on the Goose Island ``No 
Hunting'' zone in Pool 8, on the Upper Halfway Creek Marsh ``No 
Hunting'' zone in Pool 7, or on the Frog Pond ``No Hunting'' zone in 
Pool 13.
    4. Shotgun hunters may only use or possess approved nontoxic 
shot when hunting for any permitted birds or other small game, 
except wild turkey. We still allow possession of lead shot for wild 
turkey hunting.
    5. You may use lights and dogs to hunt raccoons, and other 
specifically authorized small mammals, in accordance with State 
regulations. We allow such use of lights on the refuge at the point 
of kill only. We prohibit all other uses of lights for hunting on 
the refuge.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
    3. You may not hunt at any time on the Goose Island ``No 
Hunting'' zone in Pool 8, on the Upper Halfway Creek ``No Hunting'' 
zone in Pool 7, or on the Frog Pond ``No Hunting'' zone in Pool 13.
    4. We do not allow construction or use of permanent blinds, 
platforms, or ladders.
    5. You must remove all stands from the refuge at the end of each 
day's hunt.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We do not allow fishing on the Spring Lake Closed Area, 
Carroll County, Illinois from October 1 through the last day of the 
Illinois waterfowl season.
    2. We allow only hand-powered boats or boats with electric 
motors on Mertes' Slough in Buffalo County, Wisconsin.

    15. We propose to amend Sec. 32.34 Iowa by revising paragraph B. of 
Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.34  Iowa.

* * * * *

Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. You may hunt upland game in designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: You may only 
use or possess approved nontoxic shot while hunting upland game, 
except wild turkey. You may possess and use lead shot for wild 
turkey hunting.
* * * * *
    16. We propose to amend Sec. 32.35 Kansas by revising paragraph 
B.2. of Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraph A. 
of Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge; and by revising paragraph A. of 
Quivira National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.35  Kansas.

* * * * *

Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
    2. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot or 
rimfire firearms while in the field.
* * * * *

Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, coots, mourning doves and snipe on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following condition: Waterfowl and coot 
hunters will possess and use, while in the field, only approved 
nontoxic shot.
* * * * *

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, coots, rails (Virginia and Sora only), mourning doves, and 
common snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following condition: We require approved nontoxic shot when hunting 
any game on the refuge. We prohibit the possession of lead shot in 
the field.
* * * * *
    17. We propose to amend Sec. 32.36 Kentucky by revising paragraph 
B.4. of Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.36  Kentucky.

* * * * *

Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    4. You will possess and use, while in the field, only approved 
nontoxic shot.
* * * * *
    18. We propose to amend Sec. 32.37 Louisiana by alphabetically 
adding Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs B. 
and C., the introductory text of paragraph D., and revising paragraphs 
D.1. and D.2. of Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge; by revising 
D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraph D.2. and 
removing paragraphs D.3. and D.4. of Grand Cote National Wildlife 
Refuge; by revising Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge; by revising 
the introductory text of paragraph A., by revising paragraph A.1., and 
by revising paragraph D. of Sabine National Wildlife Refuge; and by 
revising Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.37  Louisiana.

* * * * *

Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of 
migratory birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
    1. We require permits.
    2. Any person entering, using, or occupying the refuge for 
hunting must abide by all terms and conditions in the refuge hunting 
brochure.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, 
raccoon, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge subject to 
the following conditions:
    1. We require permits.
    2. Any person entering, using, or occupying the refuge for 
hunting must abide by all terms and conditions in the refuge hunting 
brochure.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
feral hogs on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
    1. We require permits.
    2. Any person entering, using, or occupying the refuge for 
hunting must bide by all terms and conditions in the refuge hunting 
brochure.

[[Page 43845]]

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

Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of raccoon, squirrel, 
rabbit, and feral hogs on designated areas of the refuge subject to 
the following condition: We require permits.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
feral hogs on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following condition: We require permits.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow fishing from one hour before sunrise until one-half 
hour after sunset. We allow only pole and line or rod and reel 
fishing. We prohibit snagging.
    2. We allow boat launching on all refuge waters as designated in 
the refuge brochure. We allow only non-motorized boats or boats with 
motors of 10 horsepower or less. Boats may not be left on the refuge 
overnight.
* * * * *

D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of ducks, 
geese, coots, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge subject 
to the following condition: We require permits.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, 
rabbit, raccoon and opossum on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following condition: We require permits.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: 
We require permits.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. The ends of trotlines must consist of a length of cotton line 
that extends from the points of attachment into the water.
    2. We only allow cotton limb lines.
* * * * *

Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
    2. Any person entering, using, or occupying the refuge for 
fishing or crawfishing must abide by all terms and conditions in the 
refuge fishing brochure.
* * * * *

Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. You may hunt duck, coots, 
woodcock, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
    1. We require permits.
    2. Any person entering, using, or occupying the refuge for 
hunting must abide by all terms and conditions in the refuge hunting 
brochure.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, 
and raccoon on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
    1. We require permits.
    2. Any person entering, using, or occupying the refuge for 
hunting must abide by all terms and conditions in the refuge hunting 
brochure.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We require permits.
    2. Any person entering, using, or occupying the refuge for 
hunting must abide by all terms and conditions in the refuge hunting 
brochure.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing in designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We require permits.
    2. Any person entering, using, or occupying the refuge for 
fishing must abide by all terms and conditions in the refuge fishing 
brochure.
* * * * *

Sabine National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, and coots on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
    1. We require refuge hunting permits.
* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing, crabbing, and shrimp cast 
netting on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions: Any person entering, using or occupying the refuge must 
abide by all terms and conditions set forth in the refuge fishing 
brochure.
* * * * *

Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of ducks, 
geese, coots, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge subject 
to the following condition: We require permits.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, 
rabbit, raccoon, opossum, beaver, and coyotes on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following condition: We require permits.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
feral hogs on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following condition: We require permits.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. The ends of trotlines must consist of a length of cotton line 
that extends from the points of attachment into the water.
    2. We only allow cotton limb lines.

    19. We propose to amend Sec. 32.38 Maine by adding paragraph D.3. 
of Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraph B.3. and 
by adding paragraph C.5. of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge; and 
by revising paragraph B. and adding paragraph D.1. of Sunkhaze Meadows 
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.38  Maine.

* * * * *

Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
    3. Effective with the 2001-2002 season, we will require anglers 
to use lead-free sinkers and jigs on ``Lead-Free Fishing Areas'' on 
the entire refuge.

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    3. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
    C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    5. We allow only archery and shotgun hunting with appropriate 
buckshot or slug loads.
* * * * *

Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: 
Shotgun hunters will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot 
while in the field.
* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
    1. Effective with the 2001-2002 season, we will require anglers 
to use lead-free sinkers and jigs on ``Lead-Free Fishing Areas'' for 
the Carlton Pond Waterfowl Production Area.

    20. We propose to amend Sec. 32.39 Maryland by revising paragraph 
D. of Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge; and by revising paragraph 
B.6. of Patuxent Research Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.39  Maryland.

* * * * *

Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing and crabbing in designated 
areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject 
to the following conditions:
    1. We allow fishing and crabbing from Eastern Neck Island 
bridge.
    2. We allow fishing and crabbing from April 1-September 30 
during daylight hours only at the Ingleside Recreation Area.
    3. We allow fishing from the Boxes Point and Duck Inn Trails 
during daylight hours only.

Patuxent Research Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    6. Shotgun hunters will possess and use only approved nontoxic 
shot while in the field.
* * * * *
    21. We propose to amend Sec. 32.40 Massachusetts by revising 
paragraph

[[Page 43846]]

B.3. of Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.40  Massachusetts.

* * * * *

Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    3. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *
    22. We propose to amend Sec. 32.41 Michigan by adding paragraph 
D.3. of Seney National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.41  Michigan.

* * * * *

Seney National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
    3. Effective with the 2001-2002 season, we will require anglers 
to use lead-free sinkers and jigs on ``Lead-Free Fishing Areas'' on 
the entire refuge. Current State regulations for lead-free fishing 
areas remain in effect.
* * * * *
    23. We propose to amend Sec. 32.42 Minnesota by revising paragraph 
B.1. of Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge; by adding paragraph D.1. of 
Fergus Falls Wetland Management District; by revising paragraph B.2. of 
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs A.1. 
and B.1. and adding paragraph D.4. of Rice Lake National Wildlife 
Refuge; by revising paragraphs A.5. and B.1. of Sherburne National 
Wildlife Refuge; and by revising paragraph B.3., revising the 
introductory text of paragraph D., and adding paragraph D.5. of Tamarac 
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.42  Minnesota.

* * * * *

Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
    1. You may use or possess only approved nontoxic shot while 
hunting for partridge or ring-necked pheasant.
* * * * *

Fergus Falls Wetland Management District

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
    1. Effective with the 2001-2002 season, we will require anglers 
to use lead-free sinkers and jigs on ``Lead-Free Fishing Areas'' for 
Nicholson Waterfowl Production Area.

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    2. In the field, you may only use or possess approved nontoxic 
shot.
* * * * *

Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *

    1. Shotgun hunters may only use or possess approved nontoxic 
shot while hunting migratory game birds.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
    1. Shotgun hunters may only use or possess approved nontoxic 
shot while hunting upland game species.
* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
    4. Effective with the 2001-2002 season, we will require anglers 
to use lead-free sinkers and jigs on ``Lead-Free Fishing Areas'' on 
Mandy Lake and Twin Lakes.
* * * * *

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    5. Shotgun hunters may use or possess only approved nontoxic 
shot while hunting for migratory game birds.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
    1. Shotgun hunters may use or possess only approved nontoxic 
shot while hunting for all upland game species.
* * * * *

Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    3. Shotgun hunters may only use and possess approved nontoxic 
shot while hunting for all upland game species.
* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
    5. Effective with the 2001-2002 season, we will require anglers 
to use lead-free sinkers and jigs on ``Lead-Free Fishing Areas'' 
covering the entire refuge, including bank fishing on the Ottertail 
River. We will coordinate implementation with the White Earth Tribe.
* * * * *
    24. We propose to amend Sec. 32.43 Mississippi by revising Dahomey 
National Wildlife Refuge, St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge 
and Tallahatchie National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.43  Mississippi.

* * * * *

Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of mourning 
doves, migratory waterfowl, coots, snipe, and woodcock on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We require 
permits.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, 
rabbit, beaver, raccoon, coyotes, and opossum on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following condition: We require permits.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer, turkey, and feral 
hogs on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
condition: We require permits.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following condition: We require permits.
* * * * *

St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of ducks, 
geese, and coots on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following condition: We require permits.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, 
beaver, nutria, muskrat, feral hogs, raccoon, coyotes, and opossum 
on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions: We require permits.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
condition: We require permits.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions: We require permits.

Tallahatchie National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of mourning 
doves, migratory waterfowl, coots, snipe, and woodcock on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We require 
permits.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, 
rabbit, beaver, raccoon, coyotes, and opossum on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following condition: We require permits.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer, turkey, and feral 
hogs on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
condition: We require permits.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following condition: We require permits.
* * * * *
    25. We propose to amend Sec. 32.44 Missouri by revising paragraph 
A.2. of Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.44  Missouri.

* * * * *

Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *

* * * * *
    2. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *
    26. We propose to amend Sec. 32.45 Montana by revising paragraph B. 
of Black Coulee National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraph B.3. of 
Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraph B.1. of 
Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraph B. of Lake 
Mason National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraph D. of Pablo 
National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs A. and D. of Red Rock 
Lakes National Wildlife Refuge; by

[[Page 43847]]

revising paragraph A. of Swan River National Wildlife Refuge; and by 
revising paragraph B. of War Horse National Wildlife Refuge to read as 
follows:


Sec. 32.45  Montana.

* * * * *

Black Coulee National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: 
You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in the 
field.
* * * * *

Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting.  * * *

* * * * *
    3. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *

    1. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Lake Mason National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: 
You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in the 
field.
* * * * *

Pablo National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge pursuant to State and Tribal law.
    1. Effective with the 2001-2002 season, we will require anglers 
to use lead-free sinkers and jigs on ``Lead-Free Fishing Areas'' 
covering the entire refuge. We will coordinate implementation with 
the Tribe.

Red Rock Lake National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, and coots on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following condition: Waterfowl and coot hunters will possess and use 
only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow fishing from the third week of June through the end 
of the general State season.
    2. Effective with the 2001-2002 season, we will require anglers 
to use lead-free sinkers and jigs on ``Lead-Free Fishing Areas'' 
covering the entire refuge. Current State regulations for lead-free 
fishing areas remains in effect.

Swan River National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, and coots on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following condition: Waterfowl and coot hunters will possess and use 
only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
* * * * *

War Horse National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game birds on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: 
You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in the 
field.
* * * * *
    27. We propose to amend Sec. 32.47 Nevada by revising paragraphs A. 
and D. of Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs 
A.1., B., C., and D. of Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge to read as 
follows:


Sec. 32.47  Nevada.

* * * * *

Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, coots, moorhens, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge 
in accordance with State law and subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. We do not allow off-road vehicles on the refuge.
    2. We do not allow permanent and pit blinds. You must remove all 
blind materials and decoys at the end of each hunting day.
* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to State law and the following conditions:
    1. We allow fishing from one hour before sunrise until two hours 
after sunset.
    2. We only allow fishing on the dikes in the areas north of the 
Brown Dike and the east of the Collection Ditch with the exception 
that you may fish by wading and from personal flotation devices 
(float tubes) on Unit 21.
    3. We prohibit fishing from the bank on the South Marsh except 
at Brown Dike, the Main Boat Landing, and Narciss Boat Landing.
    4. Fishermen may use only artificial lures in the Collection 
Ditch and spring ponds adjoining the ditch.
    5. We do not allow boats on the refuge from January 1 through 
June 14.
    6. During the boating season, we only allow boats on the South 
Marsh. Beginning June 15 through July 31, we allow only motorless 
boats or boats with battery-powered electric motors. Beginning 
August 1 through December 31, we allow only motorless boats and 
boats propelled with motors with a total of 10 hp or less.
    7. Launch boats only from designated landings.
    8. Do not store boats of any kind on the refuge from January 1 
through May 31.
    9. We do not allow off-road vehicles on the refuge.

Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
    1. Waterfowl and coot hunters will possess and use only approved 
nontoxic shot while in the field.
* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, grouse, and 
partridge on designated areas of the refuge.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer, antelope, and 
bighorn sheep on designated areas of the refuge.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. Anglers may only bank fish, fish by wading, use boats with 
electric motors, float tubes and similar floatation devices in Big 
Springs Reservoir, Duferrena Ponds, and Catnip Reservoir. Anglers 
may not fish from other types of motorized boats.
    2. We allow only individuals 12 years of age or under, or 65 
years of age or older, or disabled individuals to fish in McGee 
Pond.
* * * * *
    28. We propose to revise Sec. 32.48 New Hampshire to read as 
follows:


Sec. 32.48  New Hampshire.

Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of 
migratory game birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to 
the following conditions:
    1. Waterfowl hunting will not require a permit. We will allow 
hunting only from the immediate shoreline of the Bay.
    2. We allow only portable blinds. You must remove all decoys, 
blinds, and boats after each day's hunt.
    3. Waterfowl hunters will access shorelines by boat only.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We require refuge permits for the deer hunt.
    2. We require big game hunters to wear in a conspicuous manner 
on the head, chest and back, a minimum of 400 square inches (3 m\2\) 
of solid-colored blaze orange clothing or material.
    3. We allow only shotguns and bows.
    D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

    29. We propose to amend Sec. 32.49 New Jersey by revising paragraph 
A.4. of Cape May National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraph A.7. 
of Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge; by revising the 
introductory text of paragraph C. and by removing paragraph C.2. of 
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraph A.5. of 
Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge; and by revising paragraph 
A.3. of Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.49  New Jersey.

* * * * *

[[Page 43848]]

Cape May National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    4. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    7. Shotgun hunters will possess and use only approved nontoxic 
shot while in the field.
* * * * *

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *

Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    5. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    3. Shotgun hunters may use or possess only approved nontoxic 
shot while hunting migratory game birds.
* * * * *
    30. We propose to amend Sec. 32.50 New Mexico by revising 
paragraphs A.2. and B.1. of Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge; by 
revising paragraphs A. and B.2. of Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife 
Refuge; and by revising paragraph A.2. of Las Vegas National Wildlife 
Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.50  New Mexico.

* * * * *

Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    2. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.only approved nontoxic shot.
* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
    1. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of mourning 
and white-winged doves on designated areas of the refuge subject to 
the following condition: You will possess and use only approved 
nontoxic shot while in the field.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    2. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    2. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *
    31. We propose to amend Sec. 32.51 New York by revising paragraphs 
A.4. and B.4. of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.51  New York.

* * * * *

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    4. Waterfowl hunters may not use or possess more than 20 shells 
per day.
* * * * *
    B. Hunting of Upland Game. * * *
* * * * *
    4. Shotgun hunters will possess and use only approved nontoxic 
shot while in the field.
* * * * *
    32. We propose to amend Sec. 32.52 North Carolina by revising 
paragraph A.1. of Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge; by 
alphabetically adding Currituck National Wildlife Refuge; by revising 
paragraph A., adding paragraph C.2. and revising paragraph D. of 
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs A., B., 
and C., of Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge; by revising 
paragraph A.2. of Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge; and by 
revising paragraph A.1. of Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge to read 
as follows:


Sec. 32.52  North Carolina.

* * * * *

Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
    1. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Currituck National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of swans, 
geese, ducks, and coots on designated areas of the refuge subject to 
the following conditions:
    1. We require permits.
    2. Hunting must be from assigned blind location.
    3. We allow hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the North 
Carolina waterfowl season.
    4. We allow hunting from \1/2\ hour before sunrise to 1:00 p.m.
    5. We allow access 1\1/2\ hours before legal shooting time and 
all parties must be off the refuge by 3:00 p.m.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
* * * * *

Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of swans, 
geese, ducks, and coots on designated areas of the refuge subject to 
the following conditions:
    1. We require permits.
    2. We allow taking of Canada geese only during the special 
September season for resident Canada geese.
    3. Any person entering, using, or occupying the refuge for 
hunting must abide by all the terms and conditions in the refuge 
hunting brochure.
* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. * * * 
* * * * *
    2. Any person entering, using, or occupying the refuge for 
hunting must abide by all the terms and conditions in the refuge 
hunting brochure.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing and crabbing on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow fishing and crabbing from March 1 through November 1 
from \1/2\ hour before sunrise to \1/2\ hour after sunset or as 
posted.
    2. We allow bank fishing and crabbing year-round along Highway 
94 Causeway and in the immediate vicinity of the Lake Landing water 
control structure, the Rose Bay water control structure, and the 
Outfall Canal water control structure. Other areas open to this 
activity are the Central Canal and East and West Main Canal as 
signed. We allow bank fishing and crabbing from \1/2\ hour before 
sunrise to \1/2\ hour after sunset except that the Highway 94 
Causeway is open to fishing and crabbing 24 hours per day.
    3. Fishermen may not dip herring (alewife).
    4. Fishermen must attend all fish lines and crabbing equipment. 
We restrict crabbing equipment to 5 handlines and/or hand-activated 
traps per person. The catch/possession limit is 12 blue crabs per 
day per person.
    5. We do not permit airboats, sailboats, wind surfers, and 
personal watercraft.
    6. We prohibit bank fishing along the entrance road from Highway 
94 to the Refuge Headquarters.
* * * * *

Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of ducks, 
snow geese, swans, doves, woodcock, rails and snipe on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow access 1\1/2\ hours before and after legal shooting 
time.
    2. You must unload and encase firearms while transporting them 
by vehicle or boat under power.
    3. We allow only portable blinds and temporary blinds 
constructed of natural materials. We require removal of portable 
blinds following each day's hunt.

[[Page 43849]]

    4. We allow hunting during the State season.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, 
raccoon, opossum, rabbit, and fox on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    1. We require permits for any night hunting.
    2. We allow access 1\1/2\ hours before and after legal shooting 
time.
    3. You must unload and encase firearms while transporting them 
by a vehicle or boat under power.
    4. We allow hunting during State season except we will close 
opossum and raccoon hunting during the State bear season including 
five days before and after that season.
    5. You must wear 500 square inches (3.7 m\2\) of fluorescent 
orange material above the waist, visible from all directions.
    6. We prohibit possession of buckshot or slugs while hunting 
with dogs.
    7. You will use only shotguns and/or 22 caliber rim-fire rifles 
for upland game hunts.
    8. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field on designated areas of the refuge.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. You must wear 500 square inches (3.7 m\2\) of fluorescent 
orange material above the waist visible from all directions during 
the muzzle loading and gun seasons.
    2. We allow only shotguns, muzzle-loaders, and bow and arrow for 
big game hunts.
    3. You must unload and encase firearms while transporting them 
by a vehicle or boat under power.
    4. We allow access 1\1/2\ hours before and after legal shooting 
time.
    5. We allow hunting during the State season.
    6. We do not allow dogs.
    7. You must remove all stands from the refuge following each 
day's hunt. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent stands, 
blinds, platforms, or ladders.
    8. We allow archery hunting on the Pungo Unit during the regular 
State archery season and from November 1 through 30. State bag 
limits apply.
    9. We allow shotgun and muzzle-loaders on the Pungo Unit subject 
to the following conditions: We require permits and allow access one 
hour before and after legal shooting time.
* * * * *

Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    2. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
    1. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *
    33. We propose to amend Sec. 32.53 North Dakota by revising 
paragraph B.2. of Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge; by revising 
paragraphs B., C., and D. of Audubon National Wildlife Refuge; by 
revising paragraph B.1., by redesignating paragraphs B.2. and B.3. as 
paragraphs B.3. and B.4. and by adding a new paragraph B.2. of Des Lacs 
National Wildlife Refuge; by revising J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife 
Refuge; by revising paragraphs A.2. and B. of Lake Alice National 
Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraph D. of Lake Ilo National Wildlife 
Refuge; by revising paragraph C. of Lake Nettie National Wildlife 
Refuge; by revising paragraph B.1. of Lake Zahl National Wildlife 
Refuge; by revising paragraph B.1. of Long Lake National Wildlife 
Refuge; by revising paragraph B.3. of Lostwood National Wildlife 
Refuge; by alphabetically adding Stewart Lake National Wildlife Refuge; 
by revising paragraphs B., C., and D. of Tewaukon National Wildlife 
Refuge; and by revising paragraphs B., C., and D. of Upper Souris 
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.53  North Dakota.

* * * * *

Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting.* * * 
* * * * *
    2. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Audubon National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of ring-necked 
pheasant, gray partridge and sharp-tailed grouse on designated areas 
of the refuge subject to State regulations with refuge restrictions 
as posted.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed and mule 
deer on designated areas of the refuge subject to State regulations 
with refuge restrictions as posted.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow ice fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to State regulations with refuge restrictions as 
posted.
* * * * *

Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
    1. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
    2. You may use falconry for upland game hunting.
* * * * *

J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, and coots on designated areas of the refuge.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, partridge, 
grouse, turkey and fox on designated areas of the refuge subject to 
the following conditions:
    1. Fox hunting opens annually on the day following the close of 
the regular firearm deer season and closes on March 31.
    2. We close fox hunting from \1/2\ hour after sunset until \1/2\ 
hour before sunrise.
    3. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: 
We require permits.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge as per State law with certain restrictions as posted.

Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    2. Waterfowl and coot hunters will possess and use only approved 
nontoxic shot while in the field.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game and fox 
on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
condition: You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot 
while in the field.
* * * * *

Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to State regulations with refuge restrictions as 
posted.

Lake Nettie National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed and mule 
deer on designated areas of the refuge subject to State regulations 
with refuge restrictions as posted.
* * * * *

Lake Zahl National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
    1. You may possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
    1. You may only possess and use only approved nontoxic shot 
while in the field.
* * * * *

Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    3. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Stewart Lake National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
    B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on the designated area 
subject to all State regulations.

[[Page 43850]]

Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of ring-necked 
pheasants on designated areas of the refuge as per State law with 
certain restrictions as posted.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on 
designated areas of the refuge as per State law with certain 
restrictions as posted.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge as per State law with certain restrictions as posted.

Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game birds 
with approved nontoxic shot on designated areas of the refuge as per 
State law with certain restrictions as posted.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer on designated 
areas of the refuge as per State law with certain restrictions as 
posted.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge as per State law with certain restrictions as posted.

    34. We propose to amend Sec. 32.54 Ohio by revising Ottawa National 
Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.54  Ohio.

* * * * *

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese 
and ducks on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. We require permits.
    2. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We require permits.
    2. You must check in and out of the refuge each day that they 
hunt.
    3. You may not shoot from refuge roads.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow fishing during daylight hours only and during 
designated dates.
    2. We do not allow boats or flotation devices.

    35. We propose to amend Sec. 32.55 Oklahoma by revising paragraph 
B.3. of Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraph B.4. 
of Little River National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs A.1. 
and B.1. of Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge; by revising 
paragraphs A.2. and B.2. of Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge; by 
revising paragraph A.3. of Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge; and by 
revising paragraphs A., B.1., D.1. and D.3. of Washita National 
Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.55  Oklahoma.

* * * * *

Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    3. You may use only shotguns with #4 or smaller, approved 
nontoxic shot.
* * * * *

Little River National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    4. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
    1. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
    1. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    2. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    2. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    3. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Washita National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese 
and sandhill cranes on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions: We require permits and payment of a fee.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
    1. We only allow shotguns.
* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
    1. Anglers may fish from March 15 through October 14 in the 
Washita River and Foss Reservoir. Anglers may bank fish year round 
in the Washita River and Foss Reservoir from open areas.
* * * * *
    3. We do not allow boats and other flotation devices on refuge 
waters from October 15 through March 14.
* * * * *
    36. We propose to amend Sec. 32.56 Oregon by revising paragraph A. 
of Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge; by removing Baskett Slough 
National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs A.6. and B.3. of Cold 
Springs National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs A.2. and B.2. 
of Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge; by alphabetically adding Julia 
Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer; by revising 
paragraph A.2. of Klamath Forest National Wildlife Refuge; by revising 
paragraphs A. and D. of Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge; by 
revising paragraphs A.4. and B.2. of Lower Klamath National Wildlife 
Refuge; by revising paragraphs A.2. and B.3. of Malheur National 
Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs A.7. and B.3. of McKay Creek 
National Wildlife Refuge; by revising Umatilla National Wildlife 
Refuge; and by revising paragraph A.2. of Upper Klamath National 
Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.56  Oregon.

* * * * *

Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, coots, snipe, doves and pigeons on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following condition: Snipe hunters must 
possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
* * * * *

Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    6. Snipe hunters will possess and use only approved nontoxic 
shot while in the field.
* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    3. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    2. Snipe hunters will possess and use only approved nontoxic 
shot while in the field.
* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    2. Pheasant, quail, and partridge hunters will possess and use 
only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
* * * * *

Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, coots, and common snipe on the Wallace Island Unit subject to 
the following condition:
    1. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing along the shoreline of 
the Wallace Island Unit in accordance with State regulations.

[[Page 43851]]

Klamath Forest National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    2. Snipe hunters will possess and use only approved nontoxic 
shot while in the field.
* * * * *

Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, coots, and common snipe on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    1. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
    2. We do not allow hunting on all exposed lands on Miller Sands 
Island and its partially enclosed lagoon, as posted. We do not allow 
hunting inside the diked portion of Karlson Island, as posted.
* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing along the shoreline of 
the refuge islands in accordance with State regulations.

Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    4. Snipe hunters will possess and use only approved nontoxic 
shot while in the field.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    2. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    2. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    3. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field when hunting on designated areas east of Highway 205.
* * * * *

McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    7. Snipe hunters will possess and use only approved nontoxic 
shot while in the field.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    3. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, coots, and common snipe on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    1. The refuge is open from 4:00 a.m. to 1\1/2\ hours after 
sunset except for the Hunter Check Station parking lot at the 
McCormack Unit which is open each morning 2 hours prior to State 
shooting hours for waterfowl. We do not allow decoys, boats and 
other personal property on the refuge following each day's hunt.
    2. In the McCormack Unit, we allow hunting only on Wednesdays, 
Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, and New Year's Day.
    3. We require waterfowl hunting parties in the Boardman Unit to 
space themselves a minimum of 200 yards (180m) apart.
    4. You may not possess more than 25 shells while in the field.
    5. We require permits for hunting on the McCormack Unit.
    6. Snipe hunters will possess and use only approved nontoxic 
shot while in the field.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, chukar, 
Hungarian partridge, and quail on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    1. We do not allow hunting of upland game birds until noon of 
each hunt day.
    2. In the McCormack Unit, we allow hunting only on Wednesdays, 
Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, and New Years Day.
    3. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
    4. You may not possess more than 25 shells while in the field.
    5. We require permits for hunting on the McCormack Unit.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. Hunting is by permit only.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. The refuge is open from 5 a.m. to 1\1/2\ hours after sunset.
    2. We allow fishing on refuge impoundments and ponds from 
February 1 through September 30. We open other refuge waters 
(Columbia River and its backwaters) in accordance with State 
regulations.
    3. We allow only non-motorized boats and boats with electric 
motors on refuge impoundments and ponds.
    4. We only allow fishing with hook and line.

Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    2. Snipe hunters will possess and use only approved nontoxic 
shot while in the field.
* * * * *
    37. We propose to amend Sec. 32.57 Pennsylvania by revising 
paragraph B.4. of Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge to read 
as follows:


Sec. 32.57  Pennsylvania.

* * * * *

Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    4. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *
    38. We propose to amend Sec. 32.60 South Carolina by revising 
paragraphs C. and D. of ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge to read as 
follows:


Sec. 32.60  South Carolina.

* * * * *

ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: 
We require permits.
    D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may fish on the refuge in accordance 
with State law and as specifically designated in refuge 
publications.
* * * * *
    39. We propose to amend Sec. 32.61 South Dakota by revising 
paragraph B. of Pocasse National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.61  South Dakota.

* * * * *

Pocasse National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: 
You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in the 
field.
* * * * *
    40. We propose to amend Sec. 32.62 Tennessee by revising paragraphs 
B., C., and D. of Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge; by revising 
paragraph A.4. of Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge; and by revising 
Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.62  Tennessee.

* * * * *

Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrels on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: 
We require permits.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions: We require permits.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow fishing on refuge pools and reservoirs from March 15 
through October 31 from sunrise to sunset.
    2. We do not allow bow and arrows, trotlines, limblines, jugs, 
and slat baskets in refuge pools and reservoirs.
    3. We do not allow taking of frogs.
    4. The length limit for largemouth bass taken from Elk and South 
Cross Creeks reservoirs is less than 12 inches (30 cm) and more than 
15 inches (37.5 cm). Anglers must immediately release unharmed 
largemouth bass from 12 inches (30 cm) to 15 inches (37.5 cm). We 
prohibit possession of largemouth bass between 12 inches (30 cm) and 
15 inches (37.5 cm).

[[Page 43852]]

Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * *  *
* * * * *
    4. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrels and 
raccoon on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. We require permits.
    2. You must unload and encase or dismantle firearms transported 
in motor vehicles.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. We require permits.
    2. You must unload and encase or dismantle firearms transported 
in motor vehicles.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated portions of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We close impounded waters to fishing from November 1 through 
March 14.
    2. We close Swamp Creek, Britton Ford and Bennett's Creek 
embayments to fishing and boating from November 1 through March 14.
    3. Anglers must launch boats from designated access points only. 
We restrict boats to ``slow speed/minimum wake'' on all refuge 
impoundments open to fishing.
    4. Anglers may not leave boats on the refuge overnight.

    41. We propose to amend Sec. 32.63 Texas by revising paragraph B.3. 
of Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge; and by revising Hagerman 
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.63  Texas.

* * * * *

Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    3. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of mourning 
doves in the month of September on designated areas of the refuge, 
subject to the following conditions:
    1. We require you to check in and out of the hunt area.
    2. We allow only shotguns.
    3. You may possess no shot larger than No. 4 on the hunting 
area.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail in the month 
of February and squirrel and rabbit in the months of February and 
September on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. We require you to check in and out of the hunt area.
    2. We allow only shotguns.
    3. You may possess no shot larger than No. 4 on the hunting 
area.
    4. You must plug shotguns to hold no more than three shells 
during the September dove season.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
feral hogs on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
    1. You may archery hunt as listed in the refuge hunt information 
sheet. You must obtain a refuge permit and pay a hunt fee.
    2. We allow firearms hunting utilizing shotguns, 20 gauge or 
larger, loaded with rifled slug during a special youth hunt as 
listed in the refuge hunt information sheet. We require permits.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. Lake Texoma and connected streams are open to fishing year 
round.
    2. We allow fishing in ponds and stock tanks from April 1 
through September 30.
    3. Fishermen may string trotlines between anchored floats only. 
We do not allow lines attached to rubber bands, sticks, poles, trees 
or other fixed objects in refuge ponds or impoundments.
    4. We do not allow fishing from bridges or roadways.
    5. We do not allow boats and other flotation devices on the 
waters of Lake Texoma from October 1 through March 31, nor at any 
time on refuge ponds and impoundments.
* * * * *
    42. We propose to amend Sec. 32.64 Utah by revising paragraphs A.2. 
and B.1. of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge; and paragraph B. of Ouray 
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.64  Utah.

* * * * *

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    2. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
    1. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Ouray National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: 
You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in the 
field.
* * * * *
    43. We propose to amend Sec. 32.65 Vermont by revising paragraph 
B.4. of Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.65  Vermont.

* * * * *

Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    4. Shotgun hunters will possess and use only approved nontoxic 
shot while in the field.
* * * * *
    44. We propose to amend Sec. 32.66 Virginia by revising 
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge; and by alphabetically adding 
Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.66  Virginia.

* * * * *

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of 
waterfowl and rails on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
    1. You must possess written permission to hunt in the non-guided 
public hunting areas.
    2. On Wildcat Marsh we reserve compartments 1-4 for guided 
hunting only with refuge-designated commercial guides.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed and sika 
deer in designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
condition: We require a refuge permit.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing, crabbing, and clamming on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow sport fishing, crabbing, and clamming in salt water 
areas and in that portion of Swan Cove adjacent to Beach Road. We 
close all other refuge ponds, impoundments and channels to these 
activities.
    2. Fishermen must attend traps and crab pots.
    3. Fishermen must obtain a permit to remain on the refuge after 
normal closing hours.
* * * * *

Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of 
waterfowl on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. We require permits.
    2. Waterfowl hunters will possess and use only approved nontoxic 
shot while in the field.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
* * * * *
    45. We propose to amend Sec. 32.67 Washington by revising Columbia 
National Wildlife Refuge, Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian 
White-Tailed Deer, and Willapa National Wildlife Refuge; by revising 
paragraph A. of Conboy Lake National

[[Page 43853]]

Wildlife Refuge; by removing paragraphs A.6. and B.6., by revising the 
introductory text of paragraph B., and by revising paragraphs A.3. and 
B.3. of McNary National Wildlife Refuge; by revising paragraphs A.5. 
and B.2. of Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge; and by revising 
paragraphs A.6. and B.4. of Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge to read 
as follows:


Sec. 32.67  Washington.

* * * * *

Columbia National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, coots, and common snipe on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    1. In Marsh Unit 1, we allow hunting only on Wednesdays, 
Saturdays, and Sundays.
    2. Snipe hunters will possess and use only approved nontoxic 
shot while in the field.
    3. In Marsh Unit 1, concurrent with the State's designated Youth 
Day prior to the opening of the waterfowl hunt, only youth aged 10-
17 and an accompanying adult aged 18 or over may hunt.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, quail, and 
partridge on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. We allow hunting of upland game birds only during State 
seasons that run concurrently with the State waterfowl season.
    2. We allow only shotguns and bows and arrows.
    3. Upland game bird hunters will possess and use only approved 
nontoxic shot while in the field.
    4. In Marsh Unit 1, concurrent with the State's designated Youth 
Day prior to the opening of the waterfowl hunt, only youth aged 10-
17 and an accompanying adult aged 18 or over may hunt.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We allow 
only shotgun and archery hunting.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow non-motorized boats and boats with electric motors 
on Upper and Lower Hampton, Hutchinson, Royal and Shiner Lakes.
    2. We allow motorized boats and non-motorized boats on all other 
refuge waters open to fishing.
    3. We prohibit the taking of bullfrogs.

Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of doves, 
geese, ducks, coots, and common snipe on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following condition: snipe hunters will 
possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
* * * * *

Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, coots, and common snipe on the Hunting Island Unit subject to 
the following condition:
    1. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow bank fishing from the Mainland Unit 
shoreline adjoining the Elochoman and Columbia Rivers as well as 
Steamboat and Brooks Sloughs, in accordance with State fishing 
regulations. We also allow bank fishing in the pond adjacent to the 
diking district pumping station by Brooks Slough. We close all other 
interior water of the Mainland Unit to fishing.
* * * * *

McNary National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    3. Snipe hunters will possess and use only approved nontoxic 
shot while in the field.
* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, quail, 
chukar, and Hungarian partridge on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
    3. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    5. Snipe hunters will possess and use only approved nontoxic 
shot while in the field.
* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    2. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *

Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    6. Snipe hunters will possess and use only approved nontoxic 
shot while in the field.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    4. Upland game bird hunters will possess and use only approved 
nontoxic shot while in the field.
* * * * *

Willapa National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, and coots on designated areas of Riekkola and Lewis Units, in 
accordance with State hunting regulations and subject to the 
following conditions:
    1. At Riekkola Unit, prior to entering the hunt area, we require 
you to obtain a permit, pay a recreation user fee, and obtain a 
blind assignment.
    2. At Riekkola Unit you may take ducks and coots only 
coincidental to hunting geese. We do not allow exclusive hunting of 
ducks in Riekkola Unit.
    3. We allow hunting in the Riekkola Unit only from established 
blinds on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
    4. At the Riekkola Unit you will possess and use no more than 24 
shells per day while in the field.
    5. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shotgun 
shells.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of blue and ruffed 
grouse on Long Island, subject to the following conditions:
    1. We require you to obtain and carry a refuge permit and report 
game taken, as specified with the permit.
    2. We allow only archery hunting.
    3. We do not allow firearms on Long Island at any time.
    4. We do not allow dogs on Long Island.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting for deer, elk, and bear on 
Long Island, subject to the following conditions:
    1. We require you to obtain and carry a refuge permit and report 
game taken, as specified with the permit.
    2. We allow only archery hunting.
    3. We do not allow firearms on Long Island at any time.
    4. We do not allow dogs on Long Island.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing along the shoreline of the 
refuge in accordance with State regulations.

    46. We propose to amend Sec. 32.68 West Virginia by revising 
paragraph B.2. of Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge and paragraph 
B.4. of Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.68  West Virginia.

* * * * *

Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    2. Shotgun hunters may use or possess only approved nontoxic 
shot while hunting on the refuge.
* * * * *

Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    4. You will possess and use only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
* * * * *
    47. We propose to amend Sec. 32.69 Wisconsin by revising paragraph 
C. of Fox River National Wildlife Refuge; by revising Horicon National 
Wildlife Refuge and Necedah National Wildlife Refuge; and by 
alphabetically adding St. Croix Wetland Management District to read as 
follows:


Sec. 32.69  Wisconsin.

* * * * *

Fox River National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

[[Page 43854]]

    1. We require permits.
    2. We do not allow the construction or use of blinds, platforms, 
or ladders.
    3. We allow hunting only during the State firearms season and 
during a designated time period of the archery season.
* * * * *

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of ducks 
and coots on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. We require permits.
    2. We allow only participants in the Young Wildfowlers and 
Special Programs to hunt.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of ring-necked 
pheasant, gray partridge, squirrel, and cottontail rabbit on 
designated areas of the refuge from the opening of the respective 
State seasons through the State deer firearms season, and subject to 
the following conditions:
    1. Shotgun hunters may use or possess only approved nontoxic 
shot while hunting upland game species.
    2. Hunting in the youth/novice pheasant hunt area (Area F) is 
for youth who are 12 through 15 years of age, and by permit.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow hunting only during the early archery and State 
firearms season.
    2. We do not allow the construction and use of permanent blinds, 
platforms or ladders.
    3. You must remove all stands from the refuge following each 
day's hunt.
    4. Hunting in the area surrounding the office/visitor center 
(Area E) is by permit only.
    5. Hunting in the auto tour/hiking trail complex (Area D) is 
open only during the State firearms deer season.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow fishing from April 15 through September 15.
    2. We allow only bank fishing.
* * * * *

Necedah National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of 
migratory game birds only on designated areas of the refuge.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of wild turkey, ruffed 
grouse, gray squirrel, fox squirrel, cottontail rabbit, snowshoe 
hare, and racoon only on designated areas of the refuge subject to 
the following conditions:
    1. You may only possess unloaded guns in the retrieval zone of 
Refuge Area 7 during the State waterfowl hunting season, except 
while hunting deer during the gun deer season.
    2. During the spring turkey hunting season only, persons 
possessing a valid State spring turkey permit may enter and hunt 
wild turkeys in all open refuge areas.
    3. Refuge Area 3 is open to hunting after the State deer gun 
season through the end of the respective State seasons or until 
February 28, whichever occurs first.
    4. You may use dogs only when hunting small game and waterfowl.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We prohibit the possession of a loaded rifle or shotgun with 
50 feet (15m) of the centerline of all paved or graveled roads and 
designated trails, or discharging these weapons from, across, down, 
or alongside these roads and trails within the refuge.
    2. We do not allow the construction of permanent blinds, 
platforms or ladders.
    3. You may use portable elevated devices but must lower them to 
ground level at the close of shooting hours each day. You must 
remove all blinds, stands, platforms and ladders from the refuge at 
the end of the hunting season.
    4. Refuge Areas 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are open to deer hunting.
    5. Refuge Area 3 is open to deer hunting during the State gun, 
muzzleloader, and late archery seasons. Unarmed deer hunters may 
enter Area 3 to scout beginning the Saturday prior to the gun deer 
season.
    6. We do not allow target or practice shooting.
    7. We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, tacks, or 
other types of markers.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing in designated waters of the 
refuge at designated times subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow use of non-motorized boats in Sprague-Goose Pools 
only when these pools are open to fishing. We allow motorized boats 
in Suk Cerney Pool.
    2. Effective with the 2001-2002 season, we will require anglers 
to use lead-free sinkers and jigs on ``Lead-Free Fishing Areas'' on 
the entire refuge.

St. Croix Wetland Management District

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of 
migratory game birds throughout the district except that you may not 
hunt on designated portions of the St. Croix Prairie Waterfowl 
Production Area in St. Croix County or on the Oakridge Waterfowl 
Production Area in St. Croix County.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game 
throughout the district except that you may not hunt on designated 
portions of the St. Croix Prairie Waterfowl Production Area in St. 
Croix County or on the Oakridge Waterfowl Production Area in St. 
Croix County.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of big game throughout the 
district except that you may not hunt on designated portions of the 
St. Croix Prairie Waterfowl Production Area in St. Croix County.
    D. Sport Fishing. Effective with the 2001-2002 season, we will 
require anglers to use lead-free sinkers and jigs on ``Lead-Free 
Fishing Areas'' covering the following five Waterfowl Production 
Areas: Oakridge WPA and Amschler WAP (both in St. Croix County), 
Rose Lee WPA, Flatey WPA, and Bass Lake WPA (in Polk County).
* * * * *
    48. We propose to amend Sec. 32.70 Wyoming by adding paragraph D.1. 
of National Elk Refuge; by revising paragraph B. of Pathfinder National 
Wildlife Refuge and by revising paragraph B. of Seedskadee National 
Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.70  Wyoming.

* * * * *

National Elk Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
    1. Effective with the 2001-2002 season, we will require anglers 
to use lead-free sinkers and jigs on ``Lead-Free Fishing Areas'' 
covering the entire refuge. Current State regulations for lead-free 
fishing areas remain in effect.

Pathfinder National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of sage grouse and 
cottontail rabbit on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following condition: You will possess and use only approved nontoxic 
shot while in the field.
* * * * *

Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of sage grouse and 
cottontail rabbit on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following condition: You will possess and use only approved nontoxic 
shot while in the field.
* * * * *

PART 36--[AMENDED]

    49. The authority citation for part 36 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460(k) et seq., 668dd-668ee, 
742(a) et seq., 3101 et seq.; and 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.

    50. We propose to revise Sec. 36.39(i)(6) to read as follows:


Sec. 36.39  Public use.

* * * * *
    (i) * * *
    (6) What are the restrictions concerning fishing on Kenai 
National Wildlife Refuge?
    (i) We prohibit fishing June 1 to August 15 on the south bank of 
the Kenai River from the Kenai-Russian River Ferry dock to a point 
100 feet (30 m) downstream.
    (ii) Effective with the 2001-2002 season, we will require 
anglers to use lead-free sinkers and jigs on ``Lead-Free Fishing 
Areas'' on the section of the Kenai River from the outlet of Skilak 
Lake downstream to the refuge boundary and the Dave Spenser Unit of 
the Kenai Refuge Wilderness Area.
* * * * *

    Dated: July 29, 1999.
Stephen C. Saunders,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 99-20192 Filed 8-10-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P