[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 186 (Monday, September 27, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52124-52146]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-24812]



[[Page 52123]]

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Part II

Department of the Interior
_______________________________________________________________________



Fish and Wildlife Service



_______________________________________________________________________



50 CFR Part 20



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

  Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 186 / Monday, September 27, 1999 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 52124]]



DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 20

RIN 1018-AF24


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

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This rule prescribes final late-season frameworks from which 
States may select season dates, limits, and other options for the 1999-
2000 migratory bird hunting seasons. These late seasons include most 
waterfowl seasons, the earliest of which generally commence on or about 
October 1, 1999. The effect of this final rule is to facilitate the 
selection of hunting seasons by the States to further the annual 
establishment of the late-season migratory bird hunting regulations. 
State selections will be published in the Federal Register as 
amendments to Secs. 20.101 through 20.107, and Sec. 20.109 of title 50 
CFR.

DATES: This rule takes effect on September 27, 1999.

ADDRESSES: States should send their season selections to: Chief, Office 
of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
Department of the Interior, ms 634-ARLSQ, 1849 C Street, NW., 
Washington, DC 20240. You may inspect comments during normal business 
hours in room 634, Arlington Square Building, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, 
Arlington, Virginia.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulations Schedule for 1999

    On May 3, 1999, we published in the Federal Register (64 FR 23742) 
a proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20. The proposal dealt with the 
establishment of seasons, limits, and other regulations for migratory 
game birds under Sec. 20.101 through 20.107, 20.109, and 20.110 of 
subpart K. On June 17, we published in the Federal Register (64 FR 
32758) a second document providing supplemental proposals for early- 
and late-season migratory bird hunting regulations frameworks and the 
proposed regulatory alternatives for the 1999-2000 duck hunting season. 
The June 17 supplement also provided detailed information on the 1999-
2000 regulatory schedule and announced the Service Migratory Bird 
Regulations Committee and Flyway Council meetings.
    On June 22-23, we held meetings that reviewed information on the 
current status of migratory shore and upland game birds and developed 
1999-2000 migratory game bird regulations recommendations for these 
species plus regulations for migratory game birds in Alaska, Puerto 
Rico, and the Virgin Islands; special September waterfowl seasons in 
designated States; special sea duck seasons in the Atlantic Flyway; and 
extended falconry seasons. In addition, we reviewed and discussed 
preliminary information on the status of waterfowl as it relates to the 
development and selection of the regulatory packages for the 1999-2000 
regular waterfowl seasons. On July 22, we published in the Federal 
Register (64 FR 39460) a third document specifically dealing with the 
proposed frameworks for early-season regulations for the 1999-2000 duck 
hunting season. The July 22 supplement also established the final 
regulatory alternatives for the 1999-2000 duck hunting season.
    On August 3-4, 1999, we held meetings, as announced in the May 3 
and June 17 Federal Registers, to review the status of waterfowl. On 
August 27, 1999, we published a fourth document (64 FR 47048) which 
dealt specifically with proposed frameworks for the 1999-2000 late-
season migratory bird hunting regulations. On August 27, 1999, we 
published a fifth document (64 FR 47072) containing final frameworks 
for early migratory bird hunting seasons from which wildlife 
conservation agency officials from the States, Puerto Rico, and the 
Virgin Islands selected early-season hunting dates, hours, areas, and 
limits for the 1999-2000 season. On August 31, 1999, we published in 
the Federal Register (64 FR 46336) a sixth document consisting of a 
final rule amending subpart K of title 50 CFR part 20 to set hunting 
seasons, hours, areas, and limits for early seasons. This document, 
which establishes final frameworks for late-season migratory bird 
hunting regulations for the 1999-2000 season, is the seventh in the 
series.
    Review of Flyway Council Recommendations, Public Comments, and the 
Service's Response. The preliminary proposed rulemaking, which appeared 
in the May 3 Federal Register, opened the public-comment period for 
late-season migratory game bird hunting regulations. The public comment 
period for late-season issues ended on September 7, 1999. We received 
recommendations from all four Flyway Councils. Written comments 
received through September 7, 1999, relating to the proposed late-
season frameworks are summarized and discussed in the order used in the 
May 3 Federal Register. Only the numbered items pertaining to late 
seasons for which written comments were received are included.
    We received recommendations from all four Flyway Councils. Some 
recommendations supported continuation of last year's frameworks. Due 
to the comprehensive nature of the annual review of the frameworks 
performed by the Councils, support for continuation of last year's 
frameworks is assumed for items for which no recommendations were 
received. Council recommendations for changes in the frameworks are 
summarized below.

General

    Written Comments: The Wildlife Management Institute supported the 
proposals for the 1999-2000 season.
    The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) expressed concern 
that the general public was not well represented in the regulations-
development process and requested establishment of a system directly 
involving the non-hunting public. In addition, they believed that all 
migratory bird seasons should be closed or severely restricted for 
those species either lacking reliable population data or which data 
indicates significant and sustained declines. HSUS recommended all 
seasons open at noon, mid-week, to reduce the large kills associated 
with the traditional Saturday openings and that hunting during the one-
half hour before sunrise be eliminated.
    Service Response: As we have stated previously, when the 
preliminary proposed rulemaking document was published in the Federal 
Register on May 6, 1999, we announced the comment periods for the 
early-season and late-season proposals and gave notice that the process 
of promulgating hunting regulations ``must, by its nature, operate 
under time constraints.'' Ample time must be given to gather and 
interpret survey data, consider recommendations and develop proposals, 
and to receive public comment. Scheduled dates are set to give the 
greatest possible opportunity for public input. We are obligated to, 
and do give serious consideration to all information received as public 
comment. We have long recognized the problems associated with the 
length of time necessary to establish the final frameworks, and in 
conjunction with States, Flyway Councils, and the public,

[[Page 52125]]

and continue to seek new ways to streamline and improve the process.
    As we stated in the August 27 Federal Register, our long-term 
objectives continue to include providing opportunities to harvest 
portions of certain migratory game bird populations and to limit 
harvests to levels compatible with each population's ability to 
maintain healthy, viable numbers. Annually, we evaluate the status of 
populations and consider the potential impacts of hunting. We believe 
that the hunting seasons provided herein are consistent with the 
current status of populations and long-term population goals and there 
is no evidence to suggest the frameworks provided are not appropriate.
    Regarding mid-week season openings, we have previously stated in 
the Federal Register (58 FR 50190) that a State may choose to delay its 
opening date to correspond with a particular day of the week or to 
close earlier to maximize the number of weekends that hunting is 
allowed.
    In regard to shooting hours, we have compiled information which 
demonstrates that shooting hours beginning one-half hour before sunrise 
do not contribute significantly to the harvest of nontarget species. 
Consistent with the Service's long-term strategy for shooting hours, 
published in the September 21, 1990, Federal Register (55 FR 38898), 
the frameworks herein provide for shooting hours of one-half hour 
before sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise specified.
    1. Ducks
    The categories used to discuss issues related to duck harvest 
management are as follows: (A) General Harvest Strategy, (B) Framework 
Dates, (C) Season Length, (D) Closed Seasons, (E) Bag Limits, (F) Zones 
and Split Seasons, and (G) Special Seasons/Species Management. Only 
those categories containing substantial recommendations are included 
below.

A. General Harvest Strategy

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council, the Upper-
Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council, the 
Central Flyway Council, and the Pacific Flyway Council recommended 
adopting the ``liberal'' alternative for the 1999-2000 duck hunting 
season.
    The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway 
Council recommended adoption of the ``liberal'' alternative, except 
that they recommend framework dates of the Saturday nearest October 1 
to the Sunday nearest January 20 for all States. The Lower-Region 
Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended 
adoption of the ``liberal'' alternative, except that they recommend a 
60-day season for all States regardless of the framework closing date. 
Specific details are discussed in B. Framework Dates.
    Written Comments: The Delta Waterfowl Foundation and the National 
Wildlife Federation supported the selection of the ``liberal'' 
alternative.
    An individual from Minnesota questioned the breeding population 
estimate and recommended the 45-day season alternative.
    Service Response: Since 1995, Adaptive Harvest Management (AHM) 
strategies have been based on the status of midcontinent mallards, 
which are defined as those breeding in the traditional survey area, and 
in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. An optimal regulatory choice is 
based on breeding population size and prairie water conditions, and on 
the weights assigned to four alternative models of population dynamics. 
The same regulatory alternative is applied in all four Flyways, 
although season lengths and bag limits are Flyway-specific. The 1999 
harvest strategy for midcontinent mallards is based on: (1) An 
objective to maximize long-term harvest and achieve a population goal 
of 8.7 million; (2) regulatory alternatives that are unchanged from 
last year; and (3) model weights that are similar to last year. Based 
on a breeding population size of 11.8 million mallards in the mid-
continent region (traditional survey areas and Lake States) and 3.9 
million ponds in Prairie Canada, the optimal regulatory choice for 
midcontinent mallards in 1999 is the ``liberal'' alternative.
    Modifying the AHM protocol to account for mallards breeding 
eastward and westward of the midcontinent region is perhaps the most 
challenging technical issue facing duck harvest managers. Never before 
have we tried to consider the status of multiple mallard stocks in such 
a formal way, nor have we attempted to give all Flyways the ability to 
choose regulations that are tied to their particular derivation of 
mallards. Although progress has been significant, there are a number of 
outstanding technical issues. The Service and AHM working group have 
assigned a high priority to addressing these issues, and hope to fully 
integrate eastern mallards and western mallards into the AHM process in 
2000 and 2001, respectively.
    In the interim, we are exploring optimal harvest strategies 
targeted for eastern mallards. A harvest strategy has been derived 
based on: (1) an objective to maximize long-term harvest; (2) 
regulatory alternatives that are unchanged from last year; and (3) a 
``working model'' of population dynamics. Based on a breeding 
population size of 1.1 million mallards and spring precipitation of 8.3 
inches, the optimal regulatory choice for eastern mallards in 1999 is 
the ``liberal'' alternative. By next year, we hope to be able to 
prescribe Flyway-specific regulations for those cases where the optimal 
regulatory choice is different for midcontinent and eastern mallards.
    Therefore, we agree with the Flyway Councils and are utilizing the 
``liberal'' alternative for the 1999 duck hunting season.

B. Framework Dates

    Council Recommendations: The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of 
the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended adoption of the ``liberal'' 
alternative, except that they recommend framework dates of the Saturday 
nearest October 1 to the Sunday nearest January 20 for all States. The 
Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council 
recommended a 60-day season for all States regardless of their selected 
framework closing date.
    Written Comments: The HSUS recommended that season openings be 
delayed by 2 weeks in all breeding areas in order to allow ducks time 
to leave natal marshes before being subjected to hunting.
    Service Response: Frameworks for the 1999-2000 duck hunting season 
were established in the July 22 Federal Register, with the finalization 
of the 1999-2000 regulatory alternatives. As we indicated in our July 
22 response, we continued the use of the 1998-99 regulatory 
alternatives published in the August 5, 1998, Federal Register, for the 
1999-2000 hunting season with one exception. For the States of Alabama, 
Mississippi, and Tennessee, we offered the use of a 51-day season in 
the ``liberal'' alternative and a 38-day season in the ``moderate'' 
alternative with a January 31 framework closing date in both 
alternatives. Framework opening and closing dates for all other States 
are unchanged from those published in the August 5, 1998, Federal 
Register. For a complete discussion of this issue, you should refer to 
the July 22 Federal Register.
    Regarding HSUS's comment on the framework opening date, the Service 
reiterates previous responses that the frameworks provided herein are 
appropriate and that there is no evidence to indicate that they have 
adversely impacted local populations.

[[Page 52126]]

F. Zones and Split Seasons

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
the Service allow ``3 zones with 2-way splits in each zones'' as an 
additional option beginning in 2001. Further, the Council recommended 
that zone-split guidelines be finalized by July 2000 so that States 
have adequate opportunity to select their desired approach.
    The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway 
Council recommended that the Service add ``3 zones with 2-way splits 
permitted in one or more zones'' as an additional option beginning in 
2001. Further, because of the public input process many States 
undertake, the Committee recommended that States have up to one year to 
choose this option prior to the 2001 regular duck season regulations 
process. The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi 
Flyway Council recommended that the Service consider offering all 
States the option of choosing 3 zones with a split season in each zone 
in the year 2001.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended the Service engage the 
Flyway Councils in an evaluation of the guidelines for zoning and split 
seasons, prior to the 2001 ``open season'' on regulation changes.
    Written Comments: The HSUS urged the Service to discontinue all 
split and special seasons and recommended that any State establishing 
such seasons reduce the total number of hunting days by a minimum of 10 
days.
    Service Response: We acknowledge the recommendations from the 
Councils pertaining to the guidelines for selecting zone and split 
options for duck hunting. Accordingly, we will work with all the Flyway 
Councils in the next year to review the existing guidelines, and plan 
to finalize these guidelines during next year's (2000-01) late-season 
regulations process. The final guidance will then be available for use 
by all States in the ensuing year as they solicit public input for zone 
and split configurations for use during 2001-05.
    In regard to the recommendation that split and special seasons be 
discontinued, we note that States always have the option of selecting a 
continuous season with no splits. Furthermore, we are not aware of any 
information suggesting that split and special seasons are causing 
detrimental impacts to populations.

G. Special Seasons/Species Management

i. Black Ducks
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
that the individual Atlantic Flyway States continue to achieve a 42 
percent reduction in their black duck harvest during the 1999-2000 
season compared with the 1977-81 base-line harvest.
    Written Comments: The HSUS recommended closing the season for black 
ducks until recovery of the population.
    Service Response: We agree with the Atlantic Flyway Council's 
recommendation and acknowledge the Council's concern for the population 
status of black ducks. Black duck populations remain below the North 
American Wildlife Management Plan goal and while the decline seems to 
have halted, little increase is evident. Harvest estimates increased 
16% in the U.S. (8% in the Atlantic and 36% in the Mississippi Flyways) 
during the 1998-99 hunting season and we reiterate our concern about 
the effects of longer duck seasons on black duck harvests and recommend 
that States maintain harvest restrictions achieved since the 1983 
Environmental Assessment. Higher harvests and lower midwinter 
population estimates in the Mississippi Flyway in recent years are of 
particular concern. Although efforts are underway to develop an 
international harvest strategy, and possibly an AHM approach, interim 
harvest restriction alternatives should be considered where 
appropriate. Thus, we believe the harvest restrictions identified in 
the 1983 Environmental Assessment should be maintained until a revised 
harvest strategy is developed.
ii. Canvasbacks
    Council Recommendations: The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of 
the Mississippi Flyway Council requested to know the population level 
at which an increase in the canvasback bag limit would be warranted.
    Service Response: We continue to support the canvasback harvest 
strategy adopted in 1994. This strategy allows a daily bag limit of 1 
bird during any open season. Seasons with a daily bag limit greater 
than 1 would require revision of the strategy, and we believe that more 
experience with the present strategy is needed before revisions are 
considered. Current population and habitat status suggest that a daily 
bag limit of 1 canvasback during the 1999-2000 season will result in a 
harvest within levels allowed by the strategy. However, monitoring data 
collected during the last 5 years suggest that harvest models have 
consistently predicted levels of harvest lower than those observed. For 
the 1999-2000 season, the strategy still prescribes an open season, 
even when accounting for this additional harvest. However, we believe 
that, beginning in the 2000-01 season, the harvest models (some of 
which were based on data from about 30 years ago) should be replaced 
with these more contemporary data. We will present the proposed harvest 
levels at next winter's Flyway Technical Section meetings for review.
iii. Pintails
    Council Recommendations: All four Flyway Councils recommended a 
daily bag limit of 1 pintail in the 1999-2000 hunting season as 
prescribed by the Interim Pintail Harvest Strategy.
    Written Comments: The Nevada Waterfowl Association requested the 
Service determine the sex ratio of the adult portion of the continental 
pintail population. They believed that there is an abnormally high 
percentage of males in the adult population and that these excess males 
could provide additional opportunity without impacting the overall 
population.
    Service Response: We concur with the Councils' recommendations. 
Considering the current status of the population (3.1 million breeding 
birds) and the expected recruitment rate (1.00), the strategy 
prescribes a bag limit of 1 pintail for all Flyways under the 
``liberal'' alternative.
iv. Scaup
    In the past year, we have continued to indicate our growing concern 
for the status and trends of North American scaup. We distributed a 
status report on scaup and provided some initial guidelines concerning 
a scaup harvest strategy to the Flyway Councils and others for 
consideration in the development of recommendations for the 1999-2000 
hunting season. In response to this information, all four Flyways 
discussed the issue at their winter meetings. Following Council 
comments on the initial harvest guidelines (presented in the July 22 
Federal Register), we revised the harvest guidelines and developed a 
draft harvest strategy that was distributed to the Councils for 
consideration at their summer meetings.
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended a 
daily bag limit of 3 scaup until adoption of a harvest strategy for 
lesser and greater scaup.
    The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway 
Council recommended a daily bag limit

[[Page 52127]]

of 3 scaup. The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi 
Flyway Council recommended no scaup restriction in the overall daily 
bag limit.
    The Central Flyway Council recommended adoption of the draft 
harvest strategy with the exception of the prescription. The Council 
recommended a prescription for scaup bag limits based on the status of 
lesser scaup as follows: < 2.5 million, bag limit of 1; 2.5-3.5 
million, bag limit of 2; 3.5-4.0 million, bag limit of 3; and > 4.0, 
the bag limit for scaup should equal the regular daily duck limit as 
determined by the AHM process.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended no internal bag restrictions 
on scaup in the Pacific Flyway for the 1999-2000 hunting season.
    Written Comments: The Nevada Waterfowl Association was concerned 
about a potential 2-bird daily bag limit restriction on scaup in the 
Pacific Flyway. They urged careful evaluation of the expected results 
before implementation of such a restriction.
    The HSUS recommended closing the season for scaup until recovery of 
the population.
    Service Response: We remain concerned about the status of lesser 
scaup. Lesser scaup populations have declined 1% per year since 1995 
and 3% per year during the last 10 years. Lesser scaup harvest has 
varied over the years in the U.S. with lows around 100,000 in 1990 but 
since has increased in recent years to over 500,000. These recent 
increases have occurred concurrent with liberalizations in season 
length and bag limits with the implementation of AHM.
    For the 1999-2000 season, we are establishing a a bag limit of 3 
scaup in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways, and 4 scaup in 
the Pacific Flyway. This action is only for one year. These bag limit 
reductions maintain the current differentials in the full duck bag 
limit that presently exist among Flyways. While we note a general 
feeling among the Flyway Councils that some reduction is appropriate, 
we acknowledge that this is not unanimous among Flyways. However, we 
believe that if a reduction in harvest is needed, all should 
participate. We will continue to work with the Flyway Councils to 
develop a harvest strategy to be formally adopted prior to next year's 
hunting season.
4. Canada Geese
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
that a limited hunting season for AP (Atlantic Population) Canada geese 
be permitted in 1999-2000 throughout AP harvest areas (those areas 
closed in 1998) in the Atlantic Flyway. For the Mid-Atlantic and New 
England AP Areas, the Council recommended a 15-day season with 
framework dates of November 1--January 20. The daily bag limit would be 
1 Canada goose. For the Chesapeake Region AP Areas, the Council 
recommended a 6-day season with framework dates of November 15 to 
January 20. The daily bag limit would be 1 Canada goose. Additionally, 
in Delaware and Maryland the harvest would be limited to 2,100 and 
12,200 birds, respectively, and all Canada geese must be tagged and the 
season limit will be the number of tags issued to each permittee. In 
Southern Region AP Areas, the Council recommended the season remain 
closed. In all open areas, the season could be split into two segments, 
but must run concurrent with duck seasons.
    The Atlantic Flyway Council also recommended modification of the 
frameworks for the regular season in Erie, Butler, and Mercer Counties, 
and designated portions of Crawford County, in Pennsylvania. The 
Council recommended changing the existing 70-day season with October 1 
to January 31 frameworks to a 40-day season between November 15 and 
January 15, with a daily bag limit of 2 geese per day. The Council also 
recommended modification of the framework opening date in southwestern 
New York to November 1 and allowing Maryland to divide their regular 
resident Canada goose season into 3 segments on an experimental basis 
for the 1999-2000 season.
    The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway 
Council recommended a number of changes in season lengths, bag limits, 
zones, and quotas for Canada geese in Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and 
Illinois, primarily to allow increased harvest of Mississippi Valley 
Population (MVP) Canada geese, and in Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri, 
primarily to allow increased harvest of Eastern Prairie Population 
(EPP) Canada geese. The Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the 
Mississippi Flyway Council also recommended several changes in season 
lengths, quotas, etc., primarily to allow increased harvest of MVP 
Canada geese. All of these changes are based on improved population 
status and current management plans.
    The Central Flyway Council made several recommendations. In the 
East Tier, the Council recommended an increase in the Canada goose (or 
any other goose species except light and white-fronted geese) season 
from 93 days to 95 days with a daily bag limit of 3. Outside framework 
dates would be the Saturday nearest October 1 (Oct. 2, 1999) and the 
Sunday nearest February 15 (Feb. 13, 2000). In the Eastern Goose Zone 
of Texas, the Council recommended an additional season alternative of 
107 days with a 1 Canada goose daily bag limit. The framework closing 
date under both alternatives would be February 21. In the West Tier, 
the Council recommended dark goose outside framework dates of the 
Saturday nearest October 1 (October 2, 1999) and the Sunday nearest 
February 15 (February 13, 1999), with daily bag and possession limits 
of 5 and 10, respectively. In the Western Goose Zone of Texas, the 
Council recommended a daily bag limit of 5 dark geese, to include no 
more than 2 white-fronted geese, with a framework closing date of 
February 21.
    The Pacific Flyway Council made several recommendations for dark 
geese (see also item 5. White-fronted Geese). The Council recommended 
the bag limit for dark geese be increased from 2 to 3 in the Rocky 
Mountain Population zones in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada 
(except Lincoln and Clark Counties) New Mexico, and Utah. The Pacific 
Flyway Council also recommended that Washington and Oregon be allowed 
to split the dark goose season in the Dusky quota zones into 3 
segments. Additionally, they recommended that the Harney, Lake, 
Klamath, and Malheur goose zone in Oregon be re-defined to include only 
Lake County. The Council also recommended that white-fronted and 
cackling Canada geese be allowed during the first 44 days in the 
Northeastern Zone of California. Finally, the Council recommended 
several boundary adjustments to the closure zones for dark geese in the 
Balance-of-the State Zone in California.
    Written Comments: An individual in Alabama requested a February 
framework closing date for geese.
    Service Response: We support the Atlantic Flyway's request to 
reinstate the regular season on the Atlantic Population of Canada geese 
in the areas described. Numbers of breeding pairs in northern Quebec 
increased substantially this spring from last year's estimate, which 
suggests this population is showing signs of recovery. An increase in 
nesting densities was also encouraging, although predation will likely 
limit nest success to ``good'' in the Ungava Bay area and only fair 
along the Hudson Bay Coast. A slight increase in the fall flight is 
predicted. While we remain cautious about resuming a sport

[[Page 52128]]

harvest, we recognize that the Action Plan criteria have been 
triggered. For the near future, we remain optimistic about the recovery 
of this population, particularly with average or better production 
since 1997, which should continue the expansion in the number of 
breeding pairs.
    Regarding the Central Flyway Council's recommendations, we support 
their request to increase the Canada goose (or any other goose species 
except light geese and white-fronted geese) season from 93 to 95 days 
with a daily bag limit of 3 for the entire East Tier. We also support 
the Council's recommendation for an additional season alternative of a 
107-day season with a 1 Canada goose daily bag limit in the Eastern 
Goose Zone of Texas. Further, we support the Council's recommendation 
for outside framework dates and believe that all dark goose seasons in 
the East Tier should have consistent outside dates of the Saturday 
nearest October 1 (Oct. 2, 1999) and the Sunday nearest February 15 
(Feb. 13, 2000). In the West Tier, we support the Council's 
recommendation for an increase in the aggregate dark goose bag and 
possession limits from 4 and 8 to 5 and 10, respectively. However, in 
the Western Goose Zone of Texas, we do not support an increase in the 
white-fronted goose daily bag restriction from 1 to 2. While we are 
aware that the whitefront harvest (about 5,000) in this zone is small, 
we are concerned about the status of white-fronted geese breeding in 
the Interior of Alaska, which migrate through this area. These birds 
clearly have lower survival rates than Mid-Continent white-fronted 
geese from other breeding areas, but indices of abundance and long-term 
trends are less certain. We also realize that harvest of these birds 
also occurs in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Mexico Highlands; 
however, we believe that the Management Plan serves as the appropriate 
mechanism to address cooperative harvest management strategies for 
these birds. We also do not support the recommended framework closing 
date of February 21 in the West Tier and believe that dark goose 
outside dates should be consistent with the East Tier. Thus, we are 
establishing framework dates of the Saturday nearest October 1 (Oct. 2, 
1999) to the Sunday nearest February 15 (Feb. 13, 2000) for the entire 
Western Tier.
    Regarding the other recommendations from the Flyway Councils: we 
concur with the framework modifications in Pennsylvania, New York, 
Maryland; changes in season lengths, bag limits, zones, and quotas for 
Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri; 
bag limit, zone boundary, and framework modifications in Arizona, 
California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Washington and Oregon.

C. Special Late Seasons

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended an 
experimental late season between January 15 and February 15 for Erie, 
Butler, and Mercer Counties, and designated portions of Crawford 
County, in Pennsylvania.
    The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway 
Council recommended the establishment of experimental late Canada goose 
seasons for Minnesota and Ohio. The Lower-Region Regulations Committee 
of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that the Service work 
closely with the Council's Technical Section in evaluating the 
cumulative effects that special seasons may have on non-target 
populations.
    Written Comments: The HSUS opposed special late seasons targeting 
resident geese. They believe that such hunts fail to target the 
populations ostensibly responsible for conflicts with humans and as 
such are ineffective.
    Service Response: We concur with the recommended changes in the 
Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways and will continue to work with the 
Mississippi Flyway Council's Technical Section to assess the cumulative 
effects of special seasons.
    Regarding the HSUS's comment that such hunts fail to target 
specific populations, we recognize the problems caused by increasing 
populations of resident geese and the continuing concern for the status 
of certain migratory flocks. However, as we have stated previously, we 
remain committed to focusing these special seasons on locally-breeding 
and/or injurious Canada goose populations. The Service and the Flyway 
Councils have cooperatively reviewed and structured these special 
seasons to accomplish that objective while protecting migratory flocks. 
We do not wish to increase the composition of migrants in the harvest 
beyond that which is currently identified in the criteria for these 
seasons.
5. White-fronted Geese
    Council Recommendations: The Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations 
Committees of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that seasons 
for white-fronted geese increase from 70 days and 2 geese to 86 days 
and 2 geese or 107 days and 1 goose, with a framework closing date of 
February 15, consistent with the Mid-Continent white-fronted goose 
plan.
    The Central Flyway Council recommendations regarding dark geese in 
the West Tier involve white-fronted geese (see item 4. Canada Geese). 
For the East Tier, the Council recommended a 95-day season with 
framework dates of the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 2, 1999) to 
January 31, with a daily bag limit of 2 whitefronts. In the Eastern 
Goose Zone of Texas, the Council recommended a 86-day season with a 
daily bag limit of 2 whitefronts or an alternative 107-day season with 
a daily bag limit of 2 whitefronts for 44 consecutive days and 1 for 
the remaining 63 days. The framework closing date would be February 21.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommendations regarding dark geese 
also involve white-fronted geese (see item 4. Canada Geese). The 
Council recommended the bag limit for dark geese be increased from 2 to 
3 in the Rocky Mountain Population zones in Arizona, California, 
Colorado, Nevada (except Lincoln and Clark Counties) New Mexico, and 
Utah. The Pacific Flyway Council also recommended that Washington and 
Oregon be allowed to split the dark goose season in the Dusky quota 
zones into 3 segments. Additionally, they recommended that the Harney, 
Lake, Klamath, and Malheur goose zone in Oregon be re-defined to 
include only Lake County. The Council also recommended that white-
fronted and cackling Canada geese be allowed during the first 44 days 
in the Northeastern Zone of California. Finally, the Council 
recommended several boundary adjustments to the closure zones for dark 
geese in the Balance-of-the State Zone in California. Further, the 
Council supported the liberal whitefront frameworks proposed by the 
Mississippi and Central Flyway Councils.
    Service Response: As we noted above, the Central Flyway Council's 
recommendations for dark geese include whitefronts in the West Tier and 
are further addressed in item 4. Canada geese. For the East Tier, we do 
not support an increase in the season length and bag limit from 72 days 
and 2 birds, or 86 days and 1 bird, to 95 days and 2 birds with a 
framework closing date of January 31. For the Eastern Goose Zone of 
Texas, we also do not support a 107-day season alternative with a daily 
bag limit of 2 whitefronts for 44 consecutive days and 1 bird for the 
remaining 63 days with a framework closing date of February 21. We 
believe that the whitefront season length and daily bag limit should be 
86 days and 2 birds or 107 days and 1 bird for both the Mississippi 
Flyway and the East Tier of

[[Page 52129]]

the Central Flyway. We believe that equitable hunting opportunity 
between the Mississippi Flyway and the East Tier of the Central Flyway 
is appropriate because Mid-Continent white-fronted geese are managed as 
one population. This equitable approach is consistent with the ``base 
regulations'' identified in the cooperative management plan. Finally, 
in the absence of any guidance for liberalizations, we believe that 
this level of liberalization should be viewed as the ``liberal 
alternative'' beyond the ``base regulations'' identified in the 
management plan for these harvest areas.
    Regarding framework closing dates, we do not support 
recommendations for a whitefront framework closing date of January 31 
in the East Tier and a framework closing date of February 21 for the 
Eastern Goose Zone of Texas. We will utilize a dark goose framework 
closing date of the Sunday nearest February 15th for the entire East 
Tier. This date is consistent with the framework closing date for dark 
geese in the West Tier. We believe that the change in harvest related 
to this alignment of framework closing dates would be negligible, and 
consistent framework closing dates would facilitate the simplification 
of dark goose hunting regulations in the Central Flyway.
    We also acknowledge the completion of the Cooperative Management 
Plan for Mid-Continent White-fronted geese (1998). The Plan supports 
the combining of Eastern and Western Segments of Mid-Continent 
whitefronts into one population. However, we believe that a major 
shortcoming of the Plan surfaced this year relating to the guidance 
provided for the setting of hunting regulations. Although ``base 
regulations'' are clearly defined in the Plan, no guidance is provided 
for liberalizations or restrictions from base regulations. This year, 
the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended liberalizations different 
than those recommended by the Central Flyway Council, although the plan 
calls for the same ``base regulations.'' Further, the population 
objective (600,000) and associated thresholds identified in the Plan 
appear to have little relationship with recent population estimates 
derived from the fall population survey conducted since 1992. 
Additionally, we believe that cooperative management plans are an 
appropriate mechanism to address International issues related to 
special harvest considerations and information data needs, e.g. 
interior Alaska whitefronts. We are aware of the 5-year revision 
schedule for this plan and encourage the Central and Mississippi 
Flyways to work with the Pacific Flyway, Canada and Mexico to address 
these issues in the next plan update.
    We concur with the other Flyway Council recommendations.
6. Brant
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended an 
increase in the daily bag limit for brant from 2 to 4 birds.
    The Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the 
Mississippi Flyway Council recommended seasons for brant be modified to 
include an option of 107 days and 1 brant in addition to the current 70 
days and 2 brant. The Committees do not expect this additional option 
to increase brant harvest in the Flyway, but would allow states to set 
dark goose season dates to coincide.
    Written Comments: The Atlantic Flyway Council subsequently 
recommended the brant daily bag limit remain at 2 birds. Their revised 
recommendation was based on new information from the Arctic breeding 
grounds indicating a strong possibility of very limited brant 
production this year.
    Service Response: In the Atlantic Flyway, we concur with the change 
back to a 2-bird daily bag limit based on reports from the Baffin 
Island and surrounding areas that there was no appreciable production 
this year. Although an increase to a 4-bird daily bag would be 
consistent with the Atlantic Brant Hunt Plan based on the population 
status (171,628 in the mid-winter survey), we believe it prudent to 
conserve the breeding stock and not liberalize the bag limit during a 
year of poor production. In the Mississippi Flyway, we concur with the 
creation of a 107-day season option.
7. Snow and Ross' Geese
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
allowing the use of an unlimited number of splits in the snow goose 
season.
    The Central Flyway Council supported the late-winter light goose 
hunting season in the Rainwater Basin area of Nebraska per the plan 
agreed to by the Service and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
    Written Comments: The Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife and 
the Maryland Department of Natural Resources requested that the Service 
allow States in the Chesapeake Bay Region (including Delaware) the 
ability to split their snow goose season up to 47 times. They believed 
this would be the most effective method for discouraging snow geese 
from depredating wetlands and agricultural fields. Under this scenario, 
the season would not have to be closed for more than one day at a time. 
Alternately, they requested the use of zones and the ability to split 
their snow goose season up to 15 times. Under this scenario, the season 
would be closed for 3-day periods each week. Both alternatives would be 
considered experimental and would be evaluated by use of farm surveys, 
monthly aerial surveys, biweekly snow goose surveys, and harvest 
surveys.
    The HSUS believes that the proposed bag limits for snow geese in 
the Atlantic and Central Flyways are too high, devaluing the birds.
    Service Response: We are sympathetic towards the depredation issues 
brought forward by the Atlantic Flyway Council in Delaware and Maryland 
where too many greater snow geese are causing extensive agricultural 
damage and wetland degradation during closed segments of their hunting 
seasons. It remains to be seen whether an increase in the number of 
split seasons will resolve this problem, but to provide temporary 
relief, we agree to explore this option further pending an evaluation. 
We propose that Delaware and Maryland be guided by the existing 
restrictions on splits for geese (3-way split season) until the end of 
the regular duck season. After such time, they will be permitted to 
hunt on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, involving two 
splits per week until the framework closing date of March 10, 2000. 
This season would be experimental, limited to this year only, and 
requires an evaluation. We will reevaluate the effectiveness on this 
approach prior to next year. Both States should actively seek landowner 
support to reduce their crop damage problems by allowing hunter access 
on their fields to hunt snow geese.
    At this time, we do not support the recommendation for use of 
unlimited splits during snow goose seasons. In 1997, we allowed an 
increase from 2 to 3 season segments for geese in all four Flyways. 
This increase resulted in a more consistent use of split-season options 
among all Flyways. In addition, within any established season, a State 
may also designate certain days as non-hunt days, if that hunt strategy 
is desired. The use of zoning for light geese remains a management tool 
that is currently not contained by specific guidelines for use by a 
State. We believe that the current ability to divide a 107-day season 
into 3 segments with the

[[Page 52130]]

unlimited use of zones provides adequate flexibility for States to set 
seasons for light geese.
    Regarding the hunt strategy for the Rainwater Basin, we appreciate 
the Central Flyway Council's support of the late-winter light goose 
hunting strategy for the Rainwater Basin Area of Nebraska and propose 
to implement the strategy this year.
    Regarding snow goose bag limits, last year we changed the daily bag 
limit for light geese from 10 to 20 in the Atlantic Flyway and 
eliminated the possession limits in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and 
Central Flyways because it was no longer a useful management tool. At 
this time, we see no compelling evidence to change and will continue 
use of this framework for the 1999-2000 season.
8. Swans
    Written Comments: The HSUS requested that the Service close swan 
hunting seasons in Utah, Nevada, and the Pacific Flyway portion of 
Montana, citing that these seasons were threatened trumpeter swan 
recovery and winter range expansion.
    Service Response: We would refer the HSUS to our detailed response 
in the September 27, 1995, Federal Register (60 FR 50042) concerning 
the establishment of a general swan season. Enhancing Rocky Mounting 
Population trumpeter swan range expansion while retaining most aspects 
of tundra swan hunting were covered in detail in our 1995 Environmental 
Assessment ``Proposal to Establish General Swan Seasons in Parts of the 
Pacific Flyway for the 1995-99 Seasons'' (August 1995) which compares 
various alternative strategies for reconciling conflicting swan 
management strategies. Copies are available at the address indicated 
under the caption ADDRESSES.
10. Coots
    Written Comments: The HSUS believes that the bag limits for coots 
are too high, devaluing the birds.
    Service Response: Available information indicates that harvest 
pressure on coots is relatively light and there is no evidence to 
suggest the frameworks provided are not appropriate.
10. Moorhens and Gallinules
    Written Comments: The HSUS believes that the bag limits for 
moorhens are too high, devaluing the birds.
    Service Response: Available information indicates that harvest 
pressure on these birds is relatively light and there is no evidence to 
suggest the frameworks provided are not appropriate.

NEPA Consideration

    NEPA considerations are covered by the programmatic document, 
``Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual 
Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (FSES 88-
14),'' filed with the Environmental Protection Agency on June 9, 1988. 
We published a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register on June 
16, 1988 (53 FR 22582). We published our Record of Decision on August 
18, 1988 (53 FR 31341). Copies are available from the address indicated 
under the caption ADDRESSES.

Endangered Species Act Considerations

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

Executive Order (E.O.) 12866

    This rule is economically significant and was reviewed by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under E.O. 12866.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

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

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

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

Paperwork Reduction Act

    We examined these regulations under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995. We utilize the various recordkeeping and reporting requirements 
imposed under regulations established in 50 CFR Part 20, Subpart K, in 
the formulation of migratory game bird hunting regulations. 
Specifically, OMB has approved the information collection requirements 
of the Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program and assigned 
clearance number 1018-0015 (expires 09/30/2001). This information is 
used to provide a sampling frame for voluntary national surveys to 
improve our harvest estimates for all migratory game birds in order to 
better manage these populations.
    A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays 
a currently valid OMB control number.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

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

Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 12988

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

Takings Implication Assessment

    In accordance with Executive Order 12630, these rules, authorized 
by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, do not have significant takings 
implications and do not affect any constitutionally protected

[[Page 52131]]

property rights. These rules will not result in the physical occupancy 
of property, the physical invasion of property, or the regulatory 
taking of any property. In fact, these rules allow hunters to exercise 
privileges that would be otherwise unavailable; and, therefore, reduce 
restrictions on the use of private and public property.

Federalism Effects

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

Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

    In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, 
``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American tribal 
Governments'' (59 FR 22951) and 512 DM 2, we have evaluated possible 
effects on Federally recognized Indian tribes and have determined that 
there are no effects.

Regulations Promulgation

    The rulemaking process for migratory game bird hunting must, by its 
nature, operate under severe time constraints. However, we intend that 
the public be given the greatest possible opportunity to comment on the 
regulations. Thus, when the preliminary proposed rulemaking was 
published, we established what we believed were the longest periods 
possible for public comment. In doing this, we recognized that when the 
comment period closed, time would be of the essence. That is, if there 
were a delay in the effective date of these regulations after this 
final rulemaking, the States would have insufficient time to select 
season dates and limits; to communicate those selections to us; and to 
establish and publicize the necessary regulations and procedures to 
implement their decisions. We therefore find that ``good cause'' 
exists, within the terms of 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) of the Administrative 
Procedure Act, and these frameworks will, therefore, take effect 
immediately upon publication.
    Therefore, under authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (July 
3, 1918), as amended, (16 U.S.C. 703-711), we prescribe final 
frameworks setting forth the species to be hunted, the daily bag and 
possession limits, the shooting hours, the season lengths, the earliest 
opening and latest closing season dates, and hunting areas, from which 
State conservation agency officials will select hunting season dates 
and other options. Upon receipt of season and option selections from 
these officials, we will publish in the Federal Register a final 
rulemaking amending 50 CFR part 20 to reflect seasons, limits, and 
shooting hours for the conterminous United States for the 1999-2000 
season.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20

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

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

    Dated: September 15, 1999.
Donald J. Barry,
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

Final Regulations Frameworks for 1999-2000 Late Hunting Seasons on 
Certain Migratory Game Birds

    Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and delegated 
authorities, the Department has approved frameworks for season lengths, 
shooting hours, bag and possession limits, and outside dates within 
which States may select seasons for hunting waterfowl and coots between 
the dates of September 1, 1999, and March 10, 2000.

General

    Dates: All outside dates noted below are inclusive.
    Shooting and Hawking (taking by falconry) Hours: Unless otherwise 
specified, from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset daily.
    Possession Limits: Unless otherwise specified, possession limits 
are twice the daily bag limit.

Flyways and Management Units

    Waterfowl Flyways
    Atlantic Flyway--includes Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, 
Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, 
North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, 
Virginia, and West Virginia.
    Mississippi Flyway--includes Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, 
Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, 
Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
    Central Flyway--includes Colorado (east of the Continental Divide), 
Kansas, Montana (Counties of Blaine, Carbon, Fergus, Judith Basin, 
Stillwater, Sweetgrass, Wheatland, and all counties east thereof), 
Nebraska, New Mexico (east of the Continental Divide except the 
Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation), North Dakota, Oklahoma, South 
Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming (east of the Continental Divide).
    Pacific Flyway--includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, 
Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and those portions of Colorado, 
Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming not included in the Central Flyway.
    Management Units: High Plains Mallard Management Unit--roughly 
defined as that portion of the Central Flyway which lies west of the 
100th meridian.
    Definitions: For the purpose of hunting regulations listed below, 
the collective terms ``dark'' and ``light'' geese include the following 
species:
    Dark geese--Canada geese, white-fronted geese, brant, and all other 
goose species except light geese.
    Light geese--snow (including blue) geese and Ross' geese.
    Area, Zone, and Unit Descriptions: Geographic descriptions related 
to late-season regulations are contained in a later portion of this 
document.
    Area-Specific Provisions: Frameworks for open seasons, season 
lengths, bag and possession limits, and other special provisions are 
listed below by Flyway.
    Compensatory Days in the Atlantic Flyway: In the Atlantic Flyway 
States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New 
Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, 
where Sunday hunting is prohibited statewide by State law, all Sundays 
are closed to all take of migratory waterfowl (including mergansers and 
coots).

[[Page 52132]]

Atlantic Flyway

Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots

    Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 20.
    Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: 60 days and daily bag limit of 6 
ducks, including no more than 4 mallards (2 hens), 3 scaup, 1 black 
duck, 1 pintail, 1 mottled duck, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 2 wood 
ducks, 2 redheads, 1 canvasback, and 4 scoters.
    Closures: The season on harlequin ducks is closed.
    Sea Ducks: Within the special sea duck areas, during the regular 
duck season in the Atlantic Flyway, States may choose to allow the 
above sea duck limits in addition to the limits applying to other ducks 
during the regular duck season. In all other areas, sea ducks may be 
taken only during the regular open season for ducks and are part of the 
regular duck season daily bag (not to exceed 4 scoters) and possession 
limits.
    Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit of mergansers is 5, only 1 of 
which may be a hooded merganser.
    Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.
    Lake Champlain Zone, New York: The waterfowl seasons, limits, and 
shooting hours shall be the same as those selected for the Lake 
Champlain Zone of Vermont.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, 
North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia may split 
their seasons into three segments; Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, 
New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and West 
Virginia may select hunting seasons by zones and may split their 
seasons into two segments in each zone.

Canada Geese

    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: Specific regulations for 
Canada geese are shown below by State. Unless specified otherwise, 
seasons may be split into two segments. In areas within States where 
the framework closing date for Atlantic Population (AP) goose seasons 
overlaps with special late season frameworks for resident geese, the 
framework closing date for AP goose season is January 14.
    Connecticut:
    North Atlantic Population (NAP) Zone: A 40-day season may be held 
between October 1 and December 15 with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    Atlantic Population (AP) Zone: A 15-day season may be held 
concurrent with the duck season between November 1 and January 20 with 
a 1-bird daily bag limit.
    South Zone: A special experimental season may be held in the 
between January 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    Delaware: A 6-day season may be held concurrent with the duck 
season between November 15 and January 20 with a 1-bird daily bag limit 
(tagging required to harvest). The harvest of Canada geese is limited 
to 2,100.
    Florida: A 70-day season may be held between November 15 to 
February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    Georgia: In specific areas, a 70-day season may be held between 
November 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    Maine: A 40-day season may be held Statewide between October 1 and 
December 15 with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    Maryland:
    Southern James Bay Population (SJBP) Zone: A 40-day season may be 
held between November 15 to January 14, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. 
The season may be split 3-ways. Additionally, an experimental season 
may be held from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag 
limit.
    AP Zone: A 6-day season may be held concurrent with the duck season 
between November 15 and January 20 with a 1-bird daily bag limit 
(tagging required to harvest). The harvest of Canada geese is limited 
to 12,200.
    Massachusetts:
    NAP Zone: A 40-day season may be held between October 1 to December 
15 with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Additionally, a special season may be 
held from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    AP Zone: A 15-day season may be held concurrent with the duck 
season between November 1 and January 20 with a 1-bird daily bag limit.
    New Hampshire: A 40-day season may be held statewide between 
October 1 and December 15 with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    New Jersey:
    Statewide: A 15-day season may be held concurrent with the duck 
season between November 1 and January 20 with a 1-bird daily bag limit.
    Special Late Goose Season Area: An experimental season may be held 
in designated areas of North and South New Jersey from January 15 to 
February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    New York:
    SJBP Zone: A 70-day season may be held between November 1 and 
January 30, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    NAP Zone: A 40-day season may be held between October 1 and 
December 31 with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    Special Late Goose Season Area: An experimental season may be held 
between January 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit in 
designated areas of Chemung, Delaware, Tioga, Broome, Sullivan, 
Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, Orange, Dutchess, Putnam, and Rockland 
Counties.
    AP Zone: A 15-day season may be held concurrent with the duck 
season between November 1 and January 20 with a 1-bird daily bag limit.
    North Carolina: A 46-day season may be held between October 1 and 
November 15, with a 2-bird daily bag limit Statewide, except for the 
Northeast Hunt Unit and Northampton County.
    Pennsylvania:
    SJBP Zone: A 40-day season may be held between November 15 to 
January 14, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    AP Zone: A 15-day season may be held concurrent with the duck 
season between November 1 and January 20 with a 1-bird daily bag limit.
    Special Late Goose Season Area: An experimental season may be held 
from January 15 to February 15 with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    Pymatuning Zone: A 35-day season may be held between October 1 and 
January 20, with a 1-bird daily bag limit.
    Rhode Island: A 40-day season may be held between October 1 and 
December 15 with a 2-bird daily bag limit. An experimental season may 
be held in a designated area from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-
bird daily bag limit.
    South Carolina: In designated areas, a 70-day season may be held 
during November 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    Vermont: A 15-day season may be held concurrent with the duck 
season between November 1 and January 20 with a 1-bird daily bag limit.
    Virginia:
    SJBP Zone: A 40-day season may be held between November 15 to 
January 14, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Additionally, an 
experimental season may be held between January 15 to February 15, with 
a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    AP Zone: A 6-day season may be held concurrent with the duck season 
between November 15 and January 20 with a 1-bird daily bag limit.
    Back Bay Area: Season is closed.
    West Virginia: A 70-day season may be held between October 1 and 
January 31, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.

Light Geese

    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select a 107-
day season between October 1 and March 10, with a 15-bird daily bag 
limit and no

[[Page 52133]]

possession limit. States may split their seasons into three segments, 
except in Delaware and Maryland, where following the completion of 
their duck season, and until March 10, they may split the remaining 
portion of the season to hunt on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and 
Saturdays only.

Brant

    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select a 50-
day season between October 1 and January 20, with a 2-bird daily bag 
limit. States may split their seasons into two segments.

Mississippi Flyway

Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots

    Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 2) 
and the Sunday nearest January 20 (January 23). Seasons in Alabama, 
Mississippi, and Tennessee may extend to January 31.
    Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: 60 days with a daily bag limit of 
6 ducks, including no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which may 
be females), 3 mottled ducks, 3 scaup, 1 black duck, 1 pintail, 2 wood 
ducks, 1 canvasback, and 2 redheads. In the States of Alabama, 
Mississippi, and Tennessee, if a season extending beyond the Sunday 
nearest January 20 (January 23) is selected in any portion of the 
State, the season length will be 51 days throughout the State.
    Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5, only 1 of which may be 
a hooded merganser.
    Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, 
Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, 
and Wisconsin may select hunting seasons by zones.
    In Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, 
Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, the season may be split 
into two segments in each zone.
    In Minnesota and Arkansas, the season may be split into three 
segments.

Geese

    Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into three segments. 
Three-way split seasons for Canada geese require Mississippi Flyway 
Council and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval, and a 3-year 
evaluation, by each participating State.
    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select 
seasons for light geese not to exceed 107 days with 20 geese daily 
between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 2) and March 10; for 
white-fronted geese not to exceed 86 days with 2 geese daily or 107 
days with 1 goose daily between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 
2) and the Sunday nearest February 15 (February 13); and for brant not 
to exceed 70 days with 2 brant daily or 107 days with 1 brant daily 
between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 2) and January 31. 
There is no possession limit for light geese. Specific regulations for 
Canada geese and exceptions to the above general provisions are shown 
below by State. Except as noted below, the outside dates for Canada 
geese are the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 2) and January 31.
    Alabama: In the Southern James Bay Population (SJBP) Goose Zone, 
the season for Canada geese may not exceed 35 days. Elsewhere, the 
season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days in the respective duck-
hunting zones. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    Arkansas: The season for Canada geese may extend for 23 days in the 
East Zone and 16 days in the West Zone. In both zones, the season may 
extend to February 15. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. In the 
remainder of the State, the season for Canada geese is closed.
    Illinois: The total harvest of Canada geese in the State will be 
limited to 119,600 birds. The possession limit is 10 Canada geese.
    (a) North Zone--The season for Canada geese will close after 91 
days or when 16,700 birds have been harvested in the Northern Illinois 
Quota Zone, whichever occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada 
geese during the first 73 days and 3 Canada geese thereafter.
    (b) Central Zone--The season for Canada geese will close after 91 
days or when 22,100 birds have been harvested in the Central Illinois 
Quota Zone, whichever occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada 
geese during the first 77 days and 3 Canada geese thereafter.
    (c) South Zone--The harvest of Canada geese in the Southern 
Illinois and Rend Lake Quota Zones will be limited to 36,100 and 6,600 
birds, respectively. The season for Canada geese in each zone will 
close after 67 days or when the harvest limit has been reached, 
whichever occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. In the 
Southern Illinois Quota Zone, if any of the following conditions exist 
after December 20, the State, after consultation with the Service, will 
close the season by emergency order with 48 hours notice:
    (1) Average body weights of adult female geese less than 3,200 
grams as measured from a weekly sample of a minimum of 50 geese.
    (2) Starvation or a major disease outbreak resulting in observed 
mortality exceeding 5,000 birds in 10 days, or a total mortality 
exceeding 10,000 birds.
    In the remainder of the South Zone, the season may extend for 67 
days or until both the Southern Illinois and Rend Lake Quota Zones have 
been closed, whichever occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada 
geese.
    Indiana: The total harvest of Canada geese in the State will be 
limited to 25,675 birds. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (a) Posey County--The season for Canada geese will close after 66 
days or when the Canada goose harvest at the Hovey Lake Fish and 
Wildlife Area exceeds 950 birds, whichever occurs first.
    (b) Remainder of the State--The season for Canada geese may extend 
for 56 days, except in the SJBP Zone, where the season may not exceed 
35 days.
    Iowa: The season may extend for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 2 
Canada geese.
    Kentucky:
    (a) Western Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 59 
days (74 days in Fulton County), and the harvest will be limited to 
22,900 birds. Of the 22,900-bird quota, 14,885 birds will be allocated 
to the Ballard Reporting Area and 4,350 birds will be allocated to the 
Henderson/Union Reporting Area. If the quota in either reporting area 
is reached prior to completion of the 59-day season, the season in that 
reporting area will be closed. If the quotas in both the Ballard and 
Henderson/Union reporting areas are reached prior to completion of the 
59-day season, the season in the counties and portions of counties that 
comprise the Western Goose Zone (listed in State regulations) may 
continue for an additional 7 days, not to exceed a total of 59 days (74 
days in Fulton County). The season in Fulton County may extend to 
February 15. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (b) Pennyroyal/Coalfield Zone--The season may extend for 35 days. 
The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (c) Remainder of the State--The season may extend for 50 days. The 
daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    Louisiana: The season for Canada geese may extend for 9 days. 
During the season, the daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose and 2 white-
fronted geese with an 86-day white-fronted goose season or 1 white-
fronted goose with a 107-day season. Hunters participating in the 
Canada goose season must possess a special permit issued by the State.

[[Page 52134]]

    Michigan: The total harvest of Canada geese in the State will be 
limited to 56,800 birds. The framework opening date for all geese is 
September 19.
    (a) North and Middle zones--The season for Canada geese may extend 
for 15 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (b) South Zone:
    (1) Allegan County GMU--The season for Canada geese will close 
after 21 days or when 880 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs 
first. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (2) Muskegon Wastewater GMU--The season for Canada geese will close 
after 22 days or when 280 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs 
first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (3) Saginaw County GMU--The season for Canada geese will close 
after 50 days or when 2,000 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs 
first. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (4) Tuscola/Huron GMU--The season for Canada geese will close after 
50 days or when 750 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. 
The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (5) Remainder of South Zone--The season for Canada geese will open 
September 19 and may extend for 15 days. The daily bag limit is 2 
Canada geese.
    (d) Southern Michigan GMU--A special Canada goose season may be 
held between January 8 and February 6. The daily bag limit is 5 Canada 
geese.
    (e) Central Michigan GMU--An experimental special Canada goose 
season may be held between January 8 and February 6. The daily bag 
limit is 5 Canada geese.
    Minnesota:
    (a) West Zone.
    (1) West Central Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 
30 days. In the Lac Qui Parle Zone, the season will close after 30 days 
or when 16,000 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. 
Throughout the West Central Zone, the daily bag limit is 1 Canada 
goose.
    (2) Remainder of West Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend 
for 40 days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (b) Northwest Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 40 
days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (c) Remainder of the State--The season for Canada geese may extend 
for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (d) Special Late Canada Goose Season--An experimental Special 
Canada goose season of up to 10 days may be held in December, except in 
the West Central and Lac qui Parle Goose zones. During the special 
season, the daily bag limit is 5 Canada geese, except in the Southeast 
Goose Zone, where the daily bag limit is 2.
    Mississippi: The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days. 
The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese.
    Missouri:
    (a) Swan Lake Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 
days, with no more than 30 days occurring after November 30. The season 
may be split into 3 segments. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (b) Southeast Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 
days. The season may be split into 3 segments, provided that at least 1 
segment occurs prior to December 1. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada 
geese through October 31, and 2 Canada geese thereafter.
    (c) Remainder of the state--
    (1) North Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days, 
with no more than 30 days occurring after November 30. The season may 
be split into 3 segments, provided that 1 segment of at least 9 days 
occurs prior to October 15. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese 
through October 31, and 2 Canada geese thereafter.
    (2) Middle Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 
days, with no more than 30 days occurring after November 30. The season 
may be split into 3 segments, provided that 1 segment of at least 9 
days occurs prior to October 15. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese 
through October 31, and 2 Canada geese thereafter.
    (3) South Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days. 
The season may be split into 3 segments, provided that at least 1 
segment occurs prior to December 1. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada 
geese through October 31, and 2 Canada geese thereafter.
    Ohio: The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days in the 
respective duck-hunting zones, with a daily bag limit of 2 Canada 
geese, except in the Lake Erie SJBP Zone, where the season may not 
exceed 30 days and the daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose. A special 
experimental Canada goose season of up to 22 days, beginning the first 
Saturday after January 10, may be held in selected areas of the State. 
During the special season, the daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    Tennessee:
    (a) Northwest Zone--The season for Canada geese will close after 74 
days or when 8,500 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. 
The season may extend to February 15. A 6,000-bird harvest quota will 
be monitored in the Reelfoot Quota Zone. The remaining 2,500 quota will 
be assigned to the area outside the Reelfoot Zone. If the quota in the 
Reelfoot Quota Zone is reached prior to completion of the 74-day 
season, the season in the entire Northwest Zone will close. The daily 
bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (b) Southwest Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 59 
days, and the harvest will be limited to 1,000 birds. The daily bag 
limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (c) Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Zone--The season for Canada geese will 
close after 50 days or when 1,800 birds have been harvested, whichever 
occurs first. All geese harvested must be tagged. The daily bag limit 
is 2 Canada geese. In lieu of the quota and tagging requirement above, 
the State may select either a 50-day season with a 1-bird daily bag 
limit or a 35-day season with a 2-bird daily bag limit for this Zone.
    (d) Remainder of the State--The season for Canada geese may extend 
for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    Wisconsin: The total harvest of Canada geese in the State will be 
limited to 79,800 birds. (a) Horicon Zone--The framework opening date 
for all geese is September 18. The harvest of Canada geese is limited 
to 39,500 birds. The season may not exceed 95 days. All Canada geese 
harvested must be tagged. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese and the 
season limit will be the number of tags issued to each permittee.
    (b) Collins Zone--The framework opening date for all geese is 
September 18. The harvest of Canada geese is limited to 1,300 birds. 
The season may not exceed 68 days. All Canada geese harvested must be 
tagged. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese and the season limit will 
be the number of tags issued to each permittee.
    (c) Exterior Zone--The framework opening date for all geese is 
September 25. The harvest of Canada geese is limited to 34,500 birds, 
with 500 birds allocated to the Mississippi River Subzone. The season 
may not exceed 94 days, except in the Mississippi River Subzone, where 
the season may not exceed 80 days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada 
goose. In that portion of the Exterior Zone outside the Mississippi 
River Subzone, the progress of the harvest must be monitored, and the 
season closed, if necessary, to ensure that the harvest does not exceed 
34,000 birds.
    Additional Limits: In addition to the harvest limits stated for the 
respective zones above, an additional 4,500 Canada geese may be taken 
in the Horicon Zone under special agricultural permits.

[[Page 52135]]

    Quota Zone Closures: When it has been determined that the quota of 
Canada geese allotted to the Northern Illinois, Central Illinois, 
Southern Illinois, and Rend Lake Quota Zones in Illinois, Posey County 
in Indiana, the Ballard and Henderson-Union Subzones in Kentucky, the 
Allegan County, Muskegon Wastewater, Saginaw County, and Tuscola/Huron 
Goose Management Units in Michigan, the Lac Qui Parle Zone in 
Minnesota, the Northwest and Kentucky/Barkley Lakes (if applicable) 
Zones in Tennessee, and the Exterior Zone in Wisconsin will have been 
filled, the season for taking Canada geese in the respective zone (and 
associated area, if applicable) will be closed by either the Director 
upon giving public notice through local information media at least 48 
hours in advance of the time and date of closing, or by the State 
through State regulations with such notice and time (not less than 48 
hours) as they deem necessary.

Central Flyway

Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots

    Outside Dates: Between October 2 and January 23.
    Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: (1) High Plains Mallard Management 
Unit (roughly defined as that portion of the Central Flyway which lies 
west of the 100th meridian): 97 days and a daily bag limit of 6 ducks, 
including no more than 5 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be hens) 
1 mottled duck, 1 canvasback, 1 pintail, 2 redheads, 3 scaup, and 2 
wood ducks. The last 23 days may start no earlier than the Saturday 
nearest December 10 (December 11).
    (2) Remainder of the Central Flyway: 74 days and a daily bag limit 
of 6 ducks, including no more than 5 mallards (no more than 2 of which 
may be hens), 1 mottled duck, 1 canvasback, 1 pintail, 2 redheads, 3 
scaup, and 2 wood ducks.
    Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5 mergansers, only 1 of 
which may be a hooded merganser.
    Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Kansas (Low Plains portion), Montana, 
Nebraska (Low Plains portion), New Mexico, Oklahoma (Low Plains 
portion), South Dakota (Low Plains portion), Texas (Low Plains 
portion), and Wyoming may select hunting seasons by zones.
    In Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, 
South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming, the regular season may be split into 
two segments.
    In Colorado, the season may be split into three segments.

Geese

    Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into three segments. 
Three-way split seasons for Canada geese require Central Flyway Council 
and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval, and a 3-year evaluation by 
each participating State.
    Outside Dates: For dark geese, seasons may be selected between the 
outside dates of the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 2) and the 
Sunday nearest February 15 (February 13). For light geese, outside 
dates for seasons may be selected between the Saturday nearest October 
1 (October 2) and March 10. In the Rainwater Basin Light Goose Area 
(East and West) of Nebraska, temporal and spatial restrictions 
consistent with the experimental late-winter snow goose hunting 
strategy endorsed by the Central Flyway Council in July 1999, are 
required.
    Season Lengths and Limits:
    Light Geese: States may select a light goose season not to exceed 
107 days. The daily bag limit for light geese is 20 with no possession 
limit.
    Dark Geese: In Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South 
Dakota, and the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas, States may select a season 
for Canada geese (or any other dark goose species except white-fronted 
geese) not to exceed 95 days with a daily bag limit of 3. Additionally, 
in the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas, an alternative season of 107 days 
with a daily bag limit of 1 Canada goose may be selected. For white-
fronted geese, these States may select either a season of 86 days with 
a bag limit of 2 or a 107-day season with a bag limit of 1.
    In South Dakota, for Canada geese in the Big Stone Power Plant Area 
of Dark Goose Unit 1, the daily bag limit is 3 until November 30 and 2 
thereafter.
    In Colorado, Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming, States may select 
seasons not to exceed 107 days. The daily bag limit for dark geese is 5 
in the aggregate.
    In the Western Goose Zone of Texas, the season may not exceed 107 
days. The daily bag limit for Canada geese (or any other dark goose 
species except white-fronted geese) is 5. The daily bag limit for 
white-fronted geese is 1.

Pacific Flyway

Ducks, Mergansers, Coots, and Common Moorhens

    Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: Concurrent 107 days and daily bag 
limit of 7 ducks and mergansers, including no more than 2 female 
mallards, 1 pintail, 4 scaup, 2 redheads and 1 canvasback.
    The season on coots and common moorhens may be between the outside 
dates for the season on ducks, but not to exceed 107 days.
    Coot and Common Moorhen Limits: The daily bag and possession limits 
of coots and common moorhens are 25, singly or in the aggregate.
    Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 2) 
and the Sunday nearest January 20 (January 23).
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, 
Oregon, Utah, and Washington may select hunting seasons by zones.
    Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington 
may split their seasons into two segments.
    Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming may split their seasons 
into three segments.
    Colorado River Zone, California: Seasons and limits shall be the 
same as seasons and limits selected in the adjacent portion of Arizona 
(South Zone).

Geese

    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: Except as subsequently 
noted, 100-day seasons may be selected, with outside dates between the 
Saturday nearest October 1 (October 2), and the Sunday nearest January 
20 (January 23), and the basic daily bag limits are 3 light geese and 4 
dark geese, except in California, Oregon, and Washington, where the 
dark goose bag limit does not include brant.
    Split Seasons: Unless otherwise specified, seasons for geese may be 
split into up to 3 segments. Three-way split seasons for Canada geese 
and white-fronted geese require Pacific Flyway Council and U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service approval and a 3-year evaluation by each 
participating State.
    Brant Season--A 16-consecutive-day season may be selected in Oregon 
and Washington, and a 30-consecutive-day season may be selected in 
California. In these States, the daily bag limit is 2 brant and is in 
addition to dark goose limits.
    Closures: There will be no open season on Aleutian Canada geese in 
the Pacific Flyway. The States of California, Oregon, and Washington 
must include a statement on the closure for that subspecies in their 
respective regulations leaflet. Emergency closures may be invoked for 
all Canada geese should Aleutian Canada goose distribution patterns or 
other circumstances justify such actions.
    Arizona: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3.
    California:
    Northeastern Zone--White-fronted geese and cackling Canada geese 
may be taken only during the first 44 days of the

[[Page 52136]]

goose season. The daily bag limit is 3 geese and may include no more 
than 2 dark geese; including not more than 1 cackling Canada goose.
    Colorado River Zone--The seasons and limits must be the same as 
those selected in the adjacent portion of Arizona (South Zone).
    Southern Zone--The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3 geese, 
including not more than 1 cackling Canada goose.
    Balance-of-the-State Zone--A 79-day season may be selected. Limits 
may not include more than 3 geese per day and 6 in possession, of which 
not more than 2 daily and 4 in possession may be white-fronted geese 
and not more than 1 daily or 2 in possession may be cackling Canada 
geese. Three areas in the Balance-of-the-State Zone are restricted in 
the hunting of certain geese:
    (1) In the Counties of Del Norte and Humboldt, there will be no 
open season for Canada geese, except for the Special September Canada 
goose hunt in Humboldt County.
    (2) In the Sacramento Valley Special Management Area (West), the 
season on white-fronted geese must end on or before December 14, and, 
in the Sacramento Valley Special Management Area (East), there will be 
no open season for Canada geese.
    (3) In the San Joaquin Valley Special Management Area, there will 
be no open season for Canada geese.
    Colorado: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3 geese.
    Idaho:
    Northern Unit--The daily bag limit is 4 geese, including 4 dark 
geese, but not more than 3 light geese.
    Southwest Unit and Southeastern Unit--The daily bag limit on dark 
geese is 4.
    Montana:
    West of Divide Zone and East of Divide Zone--The daily bag limit of 
dark geese is 4.
    Nevada:
    Lincoln and Clark County Zone--The daily bag limit of dark geese is 
2.
    New Mexico: The daily bag limit of dark geese is 3.
    Oregon: Except as subsequently noted, the dark goose daily bag 
limit is 4, including not more than 1 cackling Canada goose.
    Lake County Zone--The season length may be 100 days. The dark goose 
limit is 4, including not more than 2 white-fronted geese and 1 
cackling Canada goose.
    Western Zone--In the Special Canada Goose Management Area, except 
for designated areas, there shall be no open season on Canada geese. In 
the designated areas, individual quotas shall be established which 
collectively shall not exceed 165 dusky Canada geese. See section on 
quota zones. In those designated areas, the daily bag limit of dark 
geese is 4 and may include 4 cackling Canada geese.
    Utah: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3 geese.
    Washington: The daily bag limit is 4 geese, including 4 dark geese 
but not more than 3 light geese.
    West Zone--In the Lower Columbia River Special Goose Management 
Area, except for designated areas, there shall be no open season on 
Canada geese. In the designated areas, individual quotas shall be 
established which collectively shall not exceed 85 dusky Canada geese. 
See section on quota zones. In this area, the daily bag limit of dark 
geese is 4 and may include 4 cackling Canada geese.
    Wyoming: The daily bag limit is 4 dark geese.
    Quota Zones: Seasons on dark geese must end upon attainment of 
individual quotas of dusky Canada geese allotted to the designated 
areas of Oregon and Washington. The September Canada goose season, the 
regular goose season, any special late dark goose season, and any 
extended falconry season, combined, must not exceed 107 days and the 
established quota of dusky Canada geese must not be exceeded. Hunting 
of dark geese in those designated areas shall only be by hunters 
possessing a State-issued permit authorizing them to do so. In a 
Service-approved investigation, the State must obtain quantitative 
information on hunter compliance of those regulations aimed at reducing 
the take of dusky Canada geese and eliminating the take of Aleutian 
Canada geese. In the designated areas of the Washington Quota Zone, a 
special late dark goose season may be held between January 22 and March 
10. The daily bag limit may not include Aleutian Canada geese. In the 
Special Canada Goose Management Area of Oregon, the framework closing 
date is extended to the Sunday closest to March 1 (Feb. 28). In the 
Special Canada Goose Management Area of Oregon, the framework closing 
date is extended to the Sunday closest to March 1 (Feb. 28). Regular 
dark goose seasons may be split into 3 segments within the Oregon and 
Washington quota zones. The 3-way split seasons are considered 
experimental for the next 3 years. An evaluation of the 3-way split 
seasons is required and must be submitted by July, 2002.

Swans

    In designated areas of Utah, Nevada, and the Pacific Flyway portion 
of Montana, an open season for taking a limited number of swans may be 
selected. Permits will be issued by States and will authorize each 
permittee to take no more than 1 swan per season. The season may open 
no earlier than the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 2). The States 
must implement a harvest-monitoring program to measure the species 
composition of the swan harvest. In Utah and Nevada, the harvest-
monitoring program must require that all harvested swans or their 
species-determinant parts be examined by either State or Federal 
biologists for the purpose of species classification. All States should 
use appropriate measures to maximize hunter compliance in providing 
bagged swans for examination or, in the case of Montana, reporting 
bill-measurement and color information. All States must provide to the 
Service by June 30, 1998, a report covering harvest, hunter 
participation, reporting compliance, and monitoring of swan populations 
in the designated hunt areas. These seasons will be subject to the 
following conditions:
    In Utah, no more than 2,750 permits may be issued. The season must 
end no later than the first Sunday in December (December 6) or upon 
attainment of 15 trumpeter swans in the harvest, whichever occurs 
earliest.
    In Nevada, no more than 650 permits may be issued. The season must 
end no later than the Sunday following January 1 (January 2) or upon 
attainment of 5 trumpeter swans in the harvest, whichever occurs 
earliest.
    In Montana, no more than 500 permits may be issued. The season must 
end no later than December 1.

Tundra Swans

    In Central Flyway portion of Montana, and in North Carolina, North 
Dakota, South Dakota (east of the Missouri River), and Virginia, an 
open season for taking a limited number of tundra swans may be 
selected. Permits will be issued by the States and will authorize each 
permittee to take no more than 1 tundra swan per season. The States 
must obtain harvest and hunter participation data. These seasons will 
be subject to the following conditions:

In the Atlantic Flyway

--The season will be experimental.
--The season may be 90 days, from October 1 to January 31.
--In North Carolina, no more than 5,000 permits may be issued.
--In Virginia, no more than 600 permits may be issued.

In the Central Flyway

--The season may be 107 days and must occur during the light goose 
season.

[[Page 52137]]

--In the Central Flyway portion of Montana, no more than 500 permits 
may be issued.
--In North Dakota, no more than 2,000 permits may be issued.
--In South Dakota, no more than 1,500 permits may be issued.

Area, Unit and Zone Descriptions

Ducks (Including Mergansers) and Coots

Atlantic Flyway

Connecticut
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of I-95.
    South Zone: Remainder of the State.
Maine
    North Zone: That portion north of the line extending east along 
Maine State Highway 110 from the New Hampshire and Maine border to the 
intersection of Maine State Highway 11 in Newfield; then north and east 
along Route 11 to the intersection of U.S. Route 202 in Auburn; then 
north and east on Route 202 to the intersection of Interstate Highway 
95 in Augusta; then north and east along I-95 to Route 15 in Bangor; 
then east along Route 15 to Route 9; then east along Route 9 to Stony 
Brook in Baileyville; then east along Stony Brook to the United States 
border.
    South Zone: Remainder of the State.
Massachusetts
    Western Zone: That portion of the State west of a line extending 
south from the Vermont border on I-91 to MA 9, west on MA 9 to MA 10, 
south on MA 10 to U.S. 202, south on U.S. 202 to the Connecticut 
border.
    Central Zone: That portion of the State east of the Berkshire Zone 
and west of a line extending south from the New Hampshire border on I-
95 to U.S. 1, south on U.S. 1 to I-93, south on I-93 to MA 3, south on 
MA 3 to U.S. 6, west on U.S. 6 to MA 28, west on MA 28 to I-195, west 
to the Rhode Island border; except the waters, and the lands 150 yards 
inland from the high-water mark, of the Assonet River upstream to the 
MA 24 bridge, and the Taunton River upstream to the Center St.-Elm St. 
bridge shall be in the Coastal Zone.
    Coastal Zone: That portion of Massachusetts east and south of the 
Central Zone.
New Hampshire
    Coastal Zone: That portion of the State east of a line extending 
west from Maine border in Rollinsford on NH 4 to the city of Dover, 
south to NH 108, south along NH 108 through Madbury, Durham, and 
Newmarket to NH 85 in Newfields, south to NH 101 in Exeter, east to NH 
51 (Exeter-Hampton Expressway), east to I-95 (New Hampshire Turnpike) 
in Hampton, and south along I-95 to the Massachusetts border.
    Inland Zone: That portion of the State north and west of the above 
boundary.
New Jersey
    Coastal Zone: That portion of the State seaward of a line beginning 
at the New York border in Raritan Bay and extending west along the New 
York border to NJ 440 at Perth Amboy; west on NJ 440 to the Garden 
State Parkway; south on the Garden State Parkway to the shoreline at 
Cape May and continuing to the Delaware border in Delaware Bay.
    North Zone: That portion of the State west of the Coastal Zone and 
north of a line extending west from the Garden State Parkway on NJ 70 
to the New Jersey Turnpike, north on the turnpike to U.S. 206, north on 
U.S. 206 to U.S. 1 at Trenton, west on U.S. 1 to the Pennsylvania 
border in the Delaware River.
    South Zone: That portion of the State not within the North Zone or 
the Coastal Zone.
New York
    Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and that 
area east and north of a line extending along NY 9B from the Canadian 
border to U.S. 9, south along U.S. 9 to NY 22 south of Keesville; south 
along NY 22 to the west shore of South Bay, along and around the 
shoreline of South Bay to NY 22 on the east shore of South Bay; 
southeast along NY 22 to U.S. 4, northeast along U.S. 4 to the Vermont 
border.
    Long Island Zone: That area consisting of Nassau County, Suffolk 
County, that area of Westchester County southeast of I-95, and their 
tidal waters.
    Western Zone: That area west of a line extending from Lake Ontario 
east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, and south along 
I-81 to the Pennsylvania border.
    Northeastern Zone: That area north of a line extending from Lake 
Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, south 
along I-81 to NY 49, east along NY 49 to NY 365, east along NY 365 to 
NY 28, east along NY 28 to NY 29, east along NY 29 to I-87, north along 
I-87 to U.S. 9 (at Exit 20), north along U.S. 9 to NY 149, east along 
NY 149 to U.S. 4, north along U.S. 4 to the Vermont border, exclusive 
of the Lake Champlain Zone.
    Southeastern Zone: The remaining portion of New York.
Pennsylvania
    Lake Erie Zone: The Lake Erie waters of Pennsylvania and a 
shoreline margin along Lake Erie from New York on the east to Ohio on 
the west extending 150 yards inland, but including all of Presque Isle 
Peninsula.
    Northwest Zone: The area bounded on the north by the Lake Erie Zone 
and including all of Erie and Crawford Counties and those portions of 
Mercer and Venango Counties north of I-80.
    North Zone: That portion of the State east of the Northwest Zone 
and north of a line extending east on I-80 to U.S. 220, Route 220 to I-
180, I-180 to I-80, and I-80 to the Delaware River.
    South Zone: The remaining portion of Pennsylvania.
Vermont
    Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and that 
area north and west of the line extending from the New York border 
along U.S. 4 to VT 22A at Fair Haven; VT 22A to U.S. 7 at Vergennes; 
U.S. 7 to the Canadian border.
    Interior Zone: The remaining portion of Vermont.
West Virginia
    Zone 1: That portion outside the boundaries in Zone 2.
    Zone 2 (Allegheny Mountain Upland): That area bounded by a line 
extending south along U.S. 220 through Keyser to U.S. 50; U.S. 50 to WV 
93; WV 93 south to WV 42; WV 42 south to Petersburg; WV 28 south to 
Minnehaha Springs; WV 39 west to U.S. 219; U.S. 219 south to I-64; I-64 
west to U.S. 60; U.S. 60 west to U.S. 19; U.S. 19 north to I-79, I-79 
north to U.S. 48; U.S. 48 east to the Maryland border; and along the 
border to the point of beginning.

Mississippi Flyway

Alabama
    South Zone: Mobile and Baldwin Counties.
    North Zone: The remainder of Alabama.
Illinois
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending 
east from the Iowa border along Illinois Highway 92 to Interstate 
Highway 280, east along I-280 to I-80, then east along I-80 to the 
Indiana border.
    Central Zone: That portion of the State south of the North Zone to 
a line extending east from the Missouri border along the Modoc Ferry 
route to Modoc Ferry Road, east along Modoc Ferry Road to Modoc Road, 
northeasterly along Modoc Road and St. Leo's Road to

[[Page 52138]]

Illinois Highway 3, north along Illinois 3 to Illinois 159, north along 
Illinois 159 to Illinois 161, east along Illinois 161 to Illinois 4, 
north along Illinois 4 to Interstate Highway 70, east along I-70 to the 
Bond County line, north and east along the Bond County line to Fayette 
County, north and east along the Fayette County line to Effingham 
County, east and south along the Effingham County line to I-70, then 
east along I-70 to the Indiana border.
    South Zone: The remainder of Illinois.
Indiana
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending 
east from the Illinois border along State Road 18 to U.S. Highway 31, 
north along U.S. 31 to U.S. 24, east along U.S. 24 to Huntington, then 
southeast along U.S. 224 to the Ohio border.
    Ohio River Zone: That portion of the State south of a line 
extending east from the Illinois border along Interstate Highway 64 to 
New Albany, east along State Road 62 to State 56, east along State 56 
to Vevay, east and north on State 156 along the Ohio River to North 
Landing, north along State 56 to U.S. Highway 50, then northeast along 
U.S. 50 to the Ohio border.
    South Zone: That portion of the State between the North and Ohio 
River Zone boundaries.
Iowa
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending 
east from the Nebraska border along State Highway 175 to State 37, 
southeast along State 37 to U.S. Highway 59, south along U.S. 59 to 
Interstate Highway 80, then east along I-80 to the Illinois border.
    South Zone: The remainder of Iowa.
Kentucky
    West Zone: All counties west of and including Butler, Daviess, 
Ohio, Simpson, and Warren Counties.
    East Zone: The remainder of Kentucky.
Louisiana
    West Zone: That portion of the State west of a line extending south 
from the Arkansas border along Louisiana Highway 3 to Bossier City, 
east along Interstate Highway 20 to Minden, south along Louisiana 7 to 
Ringgold, east along Louisiana 4 to Jonesboro, south along U.S. Highway 
167 to Lafayette, southeast along U.S. 90 to Houma, then south along 
the Houma Navigation Channel to the Gulf of Mexico through Cat Island 
Pass.
    East Zone: The remainder of Louisiana.
    Catahoula Lake Area: All of Catahoula Lake, including those 
portions known locally as Round Prairie, Catfish Prairie, and Frazier's 
Arm. See State regulations for additional information.
Michigan
    North Zone: The Upper Peninsula.
    Middle Zone: That portion of the Lower Peninsula north of a line 
beginning at the Wisconsin border in Lake Michigan due west of the 
mouth of Stony Creek in Oceana County; then due east to, and easterly 
and southerly along the south shore of, Stony Creek to Scenic Drive, 
easterly and southerly along Scenic Drive to Stony Lake Road, easterly 
along Stony Lake and Garfield Roads to Michigan Highway 20, east along 
Michigan 20 to U.S. Highway 10 Business Route (BR) in the city of 
Midland, east along U.S. 10 BR to U.S. 10, east along U.S. 10 to 
Interstate Highway 75/U.S. Highway 23, north along I-75/U.S. 23 to the 
U.S. 23 exit at Standish, east along U.S. 23 to Shore Road in Arenac 
County, east along Shore Road to the tip of Point Lookout, then on a 
line directly east 10 miles into Saginaw Bay, and from that point on a 
line directly northeast to the Canada border.
    South Zone: The remainder of Michigan.
Mississippi
    Zone 1: Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson Counties.
    Zone 2: The remainder of Mississippi.
Missouri
    North Zone: That portion of Missouri north of a line running west 
from the Illinois border along Interstate Highway 70 to U.S. Highway 
54, south along U.S. 54 to U.S. 50, then west along U.S. 50 to the 
Kansas border.
    South Zone: That portion of Missouri south of a line running west 
from the Illinois border along Missouri Highway 34 to Interstate 
Highway 55; south along I-55 to U.S. Highway 62, west along U.S. 62 to 
Missouri 53, north along Missouri 53 to Missouri 51, north along 
Missouri 51 to U.S. 60, west along U.S. 60 to Missouri 21, north along 
Missouri 21 to Missouri 72, west along Missouri 72 to Missouri 32, west 
along Missouri 32 to U.S. 65, north along U.S. 65 to U.S. 54, west 
along U.S. 54 to Missouri 32, south along Missouri 32 to Missouri 97, 
south along Missouri 97 to Dade County NN, west along Dade County NN to 
Missouri 37, west along Missouri 37 to Jasper County N, west along 
Jasper County N to Jasper County M, west along Jasper County M to the 
Kansas border.
    Middle Zone: The remainder of Missouri.
Ohio
    North Zone: The Counties of Darke, Miami, Clark, Champaign, Union, 
Delaware, Licking (excluding the Buckeye Lake Area), Muskingum, 
Guernsey, Harrison and Jefferson and all counties north thereof.
    Ohio River Zone: The Counties of Hamilton, Clermont, Brown, Adams, 
Scioto, Lawrence, Gallia and Meigs.
    South Zone: That portion of the State between the North and Ohio 
River Zone boundaries, including the Buckeye Lake Area in Licking 
County bounded on the west by State Highway 37, on the north by U.S. 
Highway 40, and on the east by State 13.
Tennessee
    Reelfoot Zone: All or portions of Lake and Obion Counties.
    State Zone: The remainder of Tennessee.
Wisconsin
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending 
east from the Minnesota border along State Highway 77 to State 27, 
south along State 27 and 77 to U.S. Highway 63, and continuing south 
along State 27 to Sawyer County Road B, south and east along County B 
to State 70, southwest along State 70 to State 27, south along State 27 
to State 64, west along State 64/27 and south along State 27 to U.S. 
12, south and east on State 27/U.S. 12 to U.S. 10, east on U.S. 10 to 
State 310, east along State 310 to State 42, north along State 42 to 
State 147, north along State 147 to State 163, north along State 163 to 
Kewaunee County Trunk A, north along County Trunk A to State 57, north 
along State 57 to the Kewaunee/Door County Line, west along the 
Kewaunee/Door County Line to the Door/Brown County Line, west along the 
Door/Brown County Line to the Door/Oconto/Brown County Line, northeast 
along the Door/Oconto County Line to the Marinette/Door County Line, 
northeast along the Marinette/Door County Line to the Michigan border.
    South Zone: The remainder of Wisconsin.

Central Flyway

Kansas
    High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of U.S. 283.
    Low Plains Early Zone: That portion of the State east of the High 
Plains Zone and west of a line extending south from the Nebraska border 
along KS 28 to U.S. 36, east along U.S. 36 to KS 199, south along KS 
199 to Republic County Road 563, south along Republic County Road 563 
to KS 148, east along KS 148 to Republic County Road 138, south along

[[Page 52139]]

Republic County Road 138 to Cloud County Road 765, south along Cloud 
County Road 765 to KS 9, west along KS 9 to U.S. 24, west along U.S 24 
to U.S. 281, north along U.S. 281 to U.S. 36, west along U.S. 36 to 
U.S. 183, south along U.S. 183 to U.S. 24, west along U.S. 24 to KS 18, 
southeast along KS 18 to U.S. 183, south along U.S. 183 to KS 4, east 
along KS 4 to I-135, south along I-135 to KS 61, southwest along KS 61 
to KS 96, northwest on KS 96 to U.S. 56, west along U.S. 56 to U.S. 
281, south along U.S. 281 to U.S. 54, then west along U.S. 54 to U.S. 
283.
    Low Plains Late Zone: The remainder of Kansas.

Montana (Central Flyway Portion)

    Zone 1: The Counties of Blaine, Carbon, Carter, Daniels, Dawson, 
Fallon, Fergus, Garfield, Golden Valley, Judith Basin, McCone, 
Musselshell, Petroleum, Phillips, Powder River, Richland, Roosevelt, 
Sheridan, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Valley, Wheatland, Wibaux, and 
Yellowstone.
    Zone 2: The remainder of Montana.
Nebraska
    High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of highways U.S. 
183 and U.S. 20 from the South Dakota border to Ainsworth, NE 7 and NE 
91 to Dunning, NE 2 to Merna, NE 92 to Arnold, NE 40 and NE 47 through 
Gothenburg to NE 23, NE 23 to Elwood, and U.S. 283 to the Kansas 
border.
    Low Plains Zone 1: That portion of the State east of the High 
Plains Zone and north and east of a line extending from the South 
Dakota border along NE 26E Spur to U.S. 20, west on U.S. 20 to NE 12, 
west on NE 12 to the Knox/Keya Paha County line, south along the county 
line to the Niobrara River and along the Niobrara River to U.S. 183 
(the High Plains Zone line). Where the Niobrara River forms the 
boundary, both banks will be in Zone 1.
    Low Plains Zone 2: That portion of the State east of the High 
Plains Zone and bounded by designated highways and political boundaries 
starting on U.S. 73 at the Kansas border, north to NE 67, north to U.S. 
75, north to NE 2, west to NE 43, north to U.S. 34, east to NE 63, 
north and west to U.S. 77, north to NE 92, west to U.S. 81, south to NE 
66, west to NE 14, south to U.S. 34, west to NE 2, south to I-80, west 
to Hamilton/Hall County line (Gunbarrel Road), south to Giltner Road; 
west to U.S. 34, west to U.S. 136, east on U.S. 136 to NE 10, south to 
the State line, west to U.S. 283, north to NE 23, west to NE 47, north 
to U.S. 30, east to NE 14, north to NE 52, northwesterly to NE 91, west 
to U.S. 281, north to NE 91 in Wheeler County, west to U.S. 183, north 
to northerly boundary of Loup County, east along the north boundaries 
of Loup, Garfield, and Wheeler County, south along the east Wheeler 
County line to NE 70, east on NE 70 from Wheeler County to NE 14, south 
to NE 39, southeast to NE 22, east to U.S. 81, southeast to U.S. 30, 
east along U.S. 30 to U.S. 75, north along U.S. 75 to the Washington/
Burt County line; then east along the county line to the Iowa border.
    Low Plains Zone 3: The area east of the High Plains Zone, excluding 
Low Plains Zone 1, north of Low Plains Zone 2.
    Low Plains Zone 4: The area east of the High Plains Zone and south 
of Zone 2.

New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion)

    North Zone: That portion of the State north of I-40 and U.S. 54.
    South Zone: The remainder of New Mexico.
North Dakota
    High Plains Unit: That portion of the State south and west of a 
line from the South Dakota border along U.S. 83 and I-94 to ND 41, 
north to U.S. 2, west to the Williams/Divide County line, then north 
along the County line to the Canadian border.
    Low Plains: The remainder of North Dakota.
Oklahoma
    High Plains Zone: The Counties of Beaver, Cimarron, and Texas.
    Low Plains Zone 1: That portion of the State east of the High 
Plains Zone and north of a line extending east from the Texas border 
along OK 33 to OK 47, east along OK 47 to U.S. 183, south along U.S. 
183 to I-40, east along I-40 to U.S. 177, north along U.S. 177 to OK 
33, west along OK 33 to I-35, north along I-35 to U.S. 60, west along 
U.S. 60 to U.S. 64, west along U.S. 64 to OK 132, then north along OK 
132 to the Kansas border.
    Low Plains Zone 2: The remainder of Oklahoma.
South Dakota
    High Plains Unit: That portion of the State west of a line 
beginning at the North Dakota border and extending south along U.S. 83 
to U.S. 14, east along U.S. 14 to Blunt-Canning Road in Blunt, south 
along Blunt-Canning Road to SD 34, east to SD 47, south to I-90, east 
to SD 47, south to SD 49, south to Colome and then continuing south on 
U.S. 183 to the Nebraska border.
    North Zone: That portion of northeastern South Dakota east of the 
High Plains Unit and north of a line extending east along US 212 to SD 
15, then north along SD 15 to Big Stone Lake at the Minnesota border.
    South Zone: That portion of Gregory County east of SD 47, Charles 
Mix County south of SD 44 to the Douglas County line, south on SD 50 to 
Geddes, east on the Geddes Hwy. to U.S. 281, south on U.S. 281 and U.S. 
18 to SD 50, south and east on SD 50 to Bon Homme County line, the 
Counties of Bon Homme, Yankton, and Clay south of SD 50, and Union 
County south and west of SD 50 and I-29.
    Middle Zone: The remainder of South Dakota.
Texas
    High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of a line 
extending south from the Oklahoma border along U.S. 183 to Vernon, 
south along U.S. 283 to Albany, south along TX 6 to TX 351 to Abilene, 
south along U.S. 277 to Del Rio, then south along the Del Rio 
International Toll Bridge access road to the Mexico border.
    Low Plains North Zone: That portion of northeastern Texas east of 
the High Plains Zone and north of a line beginning at the International 
Toll Bridge south of Del Rio, then extending east on U.S. 90 to San 
Antonio, then continuing east on I-10 to the Louisiana border at 
Orange, Texas.
    Low Plains South Zone: The remainder of Texas.

Wyoming (Central Flyway portion)

    Zone 1: The Counties of Converse, Goshen, Hot Springs, Natrona, 
Platte, Washakie, and that portion of Park County south of T58N and not 
within the boundary of the Shoshone National Forest.
    Zone 2: The remainder of Wyoming.

Pacific Flyway

    Arizona--Game Management Units (GMU) as follows:
    South Zone: Those portions of GMUs 6 and 8 in Yavapai County, and 
GMUs 10 and 12B-45.
    North Zone: GMUs 1-5, those portions of GMUs 6 and 8 within 
Coconino County, and GMUs 7, 9, 12A.
California
    Northeastern Zone: That portion of the State east and north of a 
line beginning at the Oregon border; south and west along the Klamath 
River to the mouth of Shovel Creek; south along Shovel Creek to Forest 
Service Road 46N10; south and east along FS 46N10 to FS 45N22; west and 
south along FS 45N22 to U.S. 97 at Grass Lake Summit; south and west 
along U.S. 97 to I-5 at the town of Weed; south along I-5 to CA

[[Page 52140]]

89; east and south along CA 89 to the junction with CA 49; east and 
north on CA 49 to CA 70; east on CA 70 to U.S. 395; south and east on 
U.S. 395 to the Nevada border.
    Colorado River Zone: Those portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, 
and Imperial Counties east of a line extending from the Nevada border 
south along U.S. 95 to Vidal Junction; south on a road known as 
``Aqueduct Road'' in San Bernardino County through the town of Rice to 
the San Bernardino-Riverside County line; south on a road known in 
Riverside County as the ``Desert Center to Rice Road'' to the town of 
Desert Center; east 31 miles on I-10 to the Wiley Well Road; south on 
this road to Wiley Well; southeast along the Army-Milpitas Road to the 
Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south on the Blythe-Brawley 
paved road to the Ogilby and Tumco Mine Road; south on this road to 
U.S. 80; east seven miles on U.S. 80 to the Andrade-Algodones Road; 
south on this paved road to the Mexican border at Algodones, Mexico.
    Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding 
the Colorado River Zone) south and east of a line extending from the 
Pacific Ocean east along the Santa Maria River to CA 166 near the City 
of Santa Maria; east on CA 166 to CA 99; south on CA 99 to the crest of 
the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest 
of the Tehachapi Mountains to CA 178 at Walker Pass; east on CA 178 to 
U.S. 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on U.S. 395 to CA 58; east on 
CA 58 to I-15; east on I-15 to CA 127; north on CA 127 to the Nevada 
border.
    Southern San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone: All of Kings and Tulare 
Counties and that portion of Kern County north of the Southern Zone.
    Balance-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of California not included 
in the Northeastern, Southern, and Colorado River Zones, and the 
Southern San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone.
Idaho
    Zone 1: Includes all lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian 
Reservation, including private inholdings; Bannock County; Bingham 
County, except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; 
and Power County east of ID 37 and ID 39.
    Zone 2: Includes the following Counties or portions of Counties: 
Adams; Bear Lake; Benewah; Bingham within the Blackfoot Reservoir 
drainage; those portions of Blaine west of ID 75, south and east of 
U.S. 93, and between ID 75 and U.S. 93 north of U.S. 20 outside the 
Silver Creek drainage; Bonner; Bonneville; Boundary; Butte; Camas; 
Caribou except the Fort Hall Indian Reservation; Cassia within the 
Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; Clark; Clearwater; Custer; Elmore 
within the Camas Creek drainage; Franklin; Fremont; Idaho; Jefferson; 
Kootenai; Latah; Lemhi; Lewis; Madison; Nez Perce; Oneida; Power within 
the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; Shoshone; Teton; and Valley 
Counties.
    Zone 3: Includes the following Counties or portions of Counties: 
Ada; Blaine between ID 75 and U.S. 93 south of U.S. 20 and that 
additional area between ID 75 and U.S. 93 north of U.S. 20 within the 
Silver Creek drainage; Boise; Canyon; Cassia except within the Minidoka 
National Wildlife Refuge; Elmore except the Camas Creek drainage; Gem; 
Gooding; Jerome; Lincoln; Minidoka; Owyhee; Payette; Power west of ID 
37 and ID 39 except that portion within the Minidoka National Wildlife 
Refuge; Twin Falls; and Washington Counties.
Nevada
    Lincoln and Clark County Zone: All of Clark and Lincoln Counties.
    Remainder-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of Nevada.
Oregon
    Zone 1: Clatsop, Tillamook, Lincoln, Lane, Douglas, Coos, Curry, 
Josephine, Jackson, Linn, Benton, Polk, Marion, Yamhill, Washington, 
Columbia, Multnomah, Clackamas, Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, 
Morrow and Umatilla Counties.
    Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit: Gilliam, Morrow, and 
Umatilla Counties.
    Zone 2: The remainder of the State.
Utah
    Zone 1: All of Box Elder, Cache, Daggett, Davis, Duchesne, Morgan, 
Rich, Salt Lake, Summit, Unitah, Utah, Wasatch, and Weber Counties and 
that part of Toole County north of I-80.
    Zone 2: The remainder of Utah.
Washington
    East Zone: All areas east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of 
the Big White Salmon River in Klickitat County.
    Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit: Same as East Zone.
    West Zone: All areas to the west of the East Zone.

Geese

Atlantic Flyway

Connecticut
    NAP Zone: Statewide, except for Hartford and Litchfield Counties 
west of the Connecticut River.
    AP Zone: Remainder of the State.
    South Zone: Same as for ducks.
    North Zone: Same as for ducks.
Maryland
    SJBP Zone: Allegheny, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Washington 
counties and the portion of Montgomery County south of Interstate 270 
and west of Interstate 495 to the Potomac River.
    AP Zone: Remainder of the State.
Massachusetts
    NAP Zone: Central Zone (same as for ducks) and that portion of the 
Coastal Zone that lies north of route 139 from Green Harbor.
    AP Zone: Remainder of the State.
New Hampshire
    Same zones as for ducks.
New Jersey
    North--that portion of the State within a continuous line that runs 
east along the New York State boundary line to the Hudson River; then 
south along the New York State boundary to its intersection with Route 
440 at Perth Amboy; then west on Route 440 to its intersection with 
Route 287; then west along Route 287 to its intersection with Route 206 
in Bedminster (Exit 18); then north along Route 206 to its intersection 
with Route 94: then west along Route 94 to the tollbridge in Columbia; 
then north along the Pennsylvania State boundary in the Delaware River 
to the beginning point.
    South--that portion of the State within a continuous line that runs 
west from the Atlantic Ocean at Ship Bottom along Route 72 to the 
Garden State Parkway; then south along the Garden State Parkway to 
Route 9; then south along Route 9 to Route 542; then west along Route 
542 to the Mullica River (at Pleasant Mills); then north (upstream) 
along the Mullica River to Route 206; then south along Route 206 to 
Route 536; then west along Route 536 to Route 322; then west along 
Route 322 to Route 55; then south along Route 55 to Route 553 (Buck 
Road); then south along Route 553 to Route 40; then east along Route 40 
to Route 55; then south along Route 55 to Route 552 (Sherman Avenue); 
then west along Route 552 to Carmel Road; then south along Carmel Road 
to Route 49; then south along Route 49 to Route 50; then east along 
Route 50 to Route 9; then south along Route 9 to Route 625 (Sea Isle 
City Boulevard); then east along Route 625 to the Atlantic Ocean; then 
north to the beginning point.
New York
    Special Late Season Area for Canada Geese: that area of Chemung 
County

[[Page 52141]]

lying east of a continuous line extending south along State Route 13 
from the Schuyler County line to State Route 17 and then south along 
Route 17 to the New York-Pennsylvania boundary; all of Tioga and Broome 
Counties; that area of Delaware, Sullivan, and Orange Counties lying 
southwest of a continuous line extending east along State Route 17 from 
the Broome County line to U.S. Route 209 at Wurtsboro and then south 
along Route 209 to the New York-Pennsylvania boundary at Port Jervis, 
excluding areas on or within 50 yards of the Delaware River between the 
confluence of the West Branch and East Branch below Hancock and the 
mouth of the Shingle Kill (3 miles upstream from Port Jervis); that 
area of Orange, Rockland, Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester Counties 
lying southeast of a continuous line extending north along Route 17 
from the New York-New Jersey boundary at Suffern to Interstate Route 
87, then north along Route 87 to Interstate Route 84, then east along 
Route 84 to the northern boundary of Putnam County, then east along 
that boundary to the New York-Connecticut boundary; that area of Nassau 
and Suffolk Counties lying north of State Route 25A and west of a 
continuous line extending northward from State Route 25A along Randall 
Road (near Shoreham) to North Country Road, then east to Sound Road and 
then north to Long Island Sound and then due north to the New York-
Connecticut boundary.
    Long Island (NAP) Zone: Same as Long Island Duck Zone.
    Southwest (SJBP) Zone: all of Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautaugua 
Counties; that area of Erie, Wyoming and Niagara Counties lying south 
and west of a continuous line extending from the Rainbow Bridge below 
Niagara Falls, north along the Robert Moses Parkway to US Route 62A, 
then east along Route 62A to US Route 62, then southeast along US Route 
62 to Interstate Route 290, then south along Route 290 to Exit 50 of 
the NYS Thruway, then east along I-90 to State Route 98, then south 
along State Route 98 to the Cattaraugus County line; and that area of 
Steuben and Chemung Counties lying south of State Route 17.
    AP Zone: Remainder of the State.
North Carolina
    Regular Season for Canada Geese: Statewide, except for Northampton 
County and the Northeast Hunt Unit--Counties of Bertie, Camden, Chowan, 
Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington.
Pennsylvania
    SJBP Zone: Area from the New York State line west of U.S. Route 220 
to intersection of I-180, west of I-180 to intersection of SR 147, west 
of SR 147 to intersection of U.S. Route 322, west of U.S. Route 322 to 
intersection of I-81, west of I-81 to intersection of I-83, west of I-
83 to I-283, west of I-283 to SR 441, west of SR 441 to U.S. Route 30, 
west of U.S. Route 30 to I-83, west of I-83 to Maryland State line, 
except for the Pymatuning Zone.
    Pymatuning Zone: Area south of SR 198 from the Ohio State line to 
the intersection of SR 18, to the intersection of US Route 322/SR 18, 
to the intersection of SR 3013, then south to the Crawford/Mercer 
County line.
    Special Late Season Area for Canada Geese: Same as SJBP Zone and 
the area from New York State line east of U.S. Route 220 to 
intersection of I-180, east of I-180 to intersection of SR 147, east of 
SR 147 to intersection of U.S. Route 322, east of Route 322 to 
intersection of I-81, north of I-81 to intersection of I-80, north of 
I-80 to New Jersey State line.
    AP Zone: Remainder of the State.
Rhode Island
    Special Area for Canada Geese: Kent and Providence Counties and 
portions of the towns of Exeter and North Kingston within Washington 
County (see State regulations for detailed descriptions).
South Carolina
    Canada Goose Area: Statewide except for Clarendon County and that 
portion of Lake Marion in Orangeburg County and Berkeley County.
Vermont
    Same zones as for ducks.
Virginia
    SJBP Zone and Special Late Season Area for Canada Geese: All areas 
west of I-95.
    Back Bay Area: The waters of Back Bay and its tributaries and the 
marshes adjacent thereto, and on the land and marshes between Back Bay 
and the Atlantic Ocean from Sandbridge to the North Carolina line, and 
on and along the shore of North Landing River and the marshes adjacent 
thereto, and on and along the shores of Binson Inlet Lake (formerly 
known as Lake Tecumseh) and Red Wing Lake and the marshes adjacent 
thereto.
    AP Zone: Remainder of the State.
West Virginia
    Same zones as for ducks.

Mississippi Flyway

Alabama
    Same zones as for ducks, but in addition:
    SJBP Zone: That portion of Morgan County east of U.S. Highway 31, 
north of State Highway 36, and west of U.S. 231; that portion of 
Limestone County south of U.S. 72; and that portion of Madison County 
south of Swancott Road and west of Triana Road.
Arkansas
    East Zone: Arkansas, Ashley, Chicot, Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, 
Cross, Desha, Drew, Greene, Independence, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, 
Lee, Lincoln, Lonoke, Mississippi, Monroe, Phillips, Poinsett, Prairie, 
Pulaski, Randolph, St. Francis, White, and Woodruff Counties.
    West Zone: Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Cleburne, Conway, 
Crawford, Faulkner, Franklin, Fulton, Izard, Johnson, Madison, Marion, 
Newton, Pope, Searcy, Sharp, Stone, Van Buren, and Washington Counties, 
and those portions of Logan, Perry, Sebastian, and Yell Counties lying 
north of a line extending east from the Oklahoma border along State 
Highway 10 to Perry, south on State 9 to State 60, then east on State 
60 to the Faulkner County line.
Illinois
    Same zones as for ducks, but in addition:
    North Zone:
    Northern Illinois Quota Zone: The Counties of McHenry, Lake, Kane, 
DuPage, and those portions of LaSalle and Will Counties north of 
Interstate Highway 80.
    Central Zone:
    Central Illinois Quota Zone: The Counties of Grundy, Woodford, 
Peoria, Knox, Fulton, Tazewell, Mason, Cass, Morgan, Pike, Calhoun, and 
Jersey, and those portions of LaSalle and Will Counties south of 
Interstate Highway 80.
    South Zone:
    Southern Illinois Quota Zone: Alexander, Jackson, Union, and 
Williamson Counties.
    Rend Lake Quota Zone: Franklin and Jefferson Counties.
Indiana
    Same zones as for ducks, but in addition:
    SJBP Zone: Jasper, LaGrange, LaPorte, Starke, and Steuben Counties, 
and that portion of the Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area in 
Pulaski County.
Iowa
    Same zones as for ducks.

[[Page 52142]]

Kentucky
    Western Zone: That portion of the State west of a line beginning at 
the Tennessee border at Fulton and extending north along the Purchase 
Parkway to Interstate Highway 24, east along I-24 to U.S. Highway 641, 
north along U.S. 641 to U.S. 60, northeast along U.S. 60 to the 
Henderson County line, then south, east, and northerly along the 
Henderson County line to the Indiana border.
    Ballard Reporting Area: That area encompassed by a line beginning 
at the northwest city limits of Wickliffe in Ballard County and 
extending westward to the middle of the Mississippi River, north along 
the Mississippi River and along the low-water mark of the Ohio River on 
the Illinois shore to the Ballard-McCracken County line, south along 
the county line to Kentucky Highway 358, south along Kentucky 358 to 
U.S. Highway 60 at LaCenter; then southwest along U.S. 60 to the 
northeast city limits of Wickliffe.
    Henderson-Union Reporting Area: Henderson County and that portion 
of Union County within the Western Zone.
    Pennyroyal/Coalfield Zone: Butler, Daviess, Ohio, Simpson, and 
Warren Counties and all counties lying west to the boundary of the 
Western Goose Zone.
Michigan
    Same zones as for ducks, but in addition:

South Zone

    Tuscola/Huron Goose Management Unit (GMU): Those portions of 
Tuscola and Huron Counties bounded on the south by Michigan Highway 138 
and Bay City Road, on the east by Colwood and Bay Port Roads, on the 
north by Kilmanagh Road and a line extending directly west off the end 
of Kilmanagh Road into Saginaw Bay to the west boundary, and on the 
west by the Tuscola-Bay County line and a line extending directly north 
off the end of the Tuscola-Bay County line into Saginaw Bay to the 
north boundary.
    Allegan County GMU: That area encompassed by a line beginning at 
the junction of 136th Avenue and Interstate Highway 196 in Lake Town 
Township and extending easterly along 136th Avenue to Michigan Highway 
40, southerly along Michigan 40 through the city of Allegan to 108th 
Avenue in Trowbridge Township, westerly along 108th Avenue to 46th 
Street, northerly \1/2\ mile along 46th Street to 109th Avenue, 
westerly along 109th Avenue to I-196 in Casco Township, then northerly 
along I-196 to the point of beginning.
    Saginaw County GMU: That portion of Saginaw County bounded by 
Michigan Highway 46 on the north; Michigan 52 on the west; Michigan 57 
on the south; and Michigan 13 on the east.
    Muskegon Wastewater GMU: That portion of Muskegon County within the 
boundaries of the Muskegon County wastewater system, east of the 
Muskegon State Game Area, in sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 29, 
30, and 32, T10N R14W, and sections 1, 2, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 24, and 
25, T10N R15W, as posted.
    Special Canada Goose Seasons:
    Southern Michigan GMU: That portion of the State, including the 
Great Lakes and interconnecting waterways and excluding the Allegan 
County GMU, south of a line beginning at the Ontario border at the 
Bluewater Bridge in the city of Port Huron and extending westerly and 
southerly along Interstate Highway 94 to I-69, westerly along I-69 to 
Michigan Highway 21, westerly along Michigan 21 to I-96, northerly 
along I-96 to I-196, westerly along I-196 to Lake Michigan Drive (M-45) 
in Grand Rapids, westerly along Lake Michigan Drive to the Lake 
Michigan shore, then directly west from the end of Lake Michigan Drive 
to the Wisconsin border.
    Central Michigan GMU: That portion of the South Zone north of the 
Southern Michigan GMU, excluding the Tuscola/Huron GMU, Saginaw County 
GMU, and Muskegon Wastewater GMU.
Minnesota
    West Zone: That portion of the state encompassed by a line 
beginning at the junction of State Trunk Highway (STH) 60 and the Iowa 
border, then north and east along STH 60 to U.S. Highway 71, north 
along U.S. 71 to Interstate Highway 94, then north and west along I-94 
to the North Dakota border.
    West Central Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the 
intersection of State Trunk Highway (STH) 29 and U.S. Highway 212 and 
extending west along U.S. 212 to U.S. 59, south along U.S. 59 to STH 
67, west along STH 67 to U.S. 75, north along U.S. 75 to County State 
Aid Highway (CSAH) 30 in Lac qui Parle County, west along CSAH 30 to 
the western boundary of the State, north along the western boundary of 
the State to a point due south of the intersection of STH 7 and CSAH 7 
in Big Stone County, and continuing due north to said intersection, 
then north along CSAH 7 to CSAH 6 in Big Stone County, east along CSAH 
6 to CSAH 21 in Big Stone County, south along CSAH 21 to CSAH 10 in Big 
Stone County, east along CSAH 10 to CSAH 22 in Swift County, east along 
CSAH 22 to CSAH 5 in Swift County, south along CSAH 5 to U.S. 12, east 
along U.S. 12 to CSAH 17 in Swift County, south along CSAH 17 to CSAH 9 
in Chippewa County, south along CSAH 9 to STH 40, east along STH 40 to 
STH 29, then south along STH 29 to the point of beginning.
    Lac qui Parle Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at 
the intersection of U.S. Highway 212 and County State Aid Highway 
(CSAH) 27 in Lac qui Parle County and extending north along CSAH 27 to 
CSAH 20 in Lac qui Parle County, west along CSAH 20 to State Trunk 
Highway (STH) 40, north along STH 40 to STH 119, north along STH 119 to 
CSAH 34 in Lac qui Parle County, west along CSAH 34 to CSAH 19 in Lac 
qui Parle County, north and west along CSAH 19 to CSAH 38 in Lac qui 
Parle County, west along CSAH 38 to U.S. 75, north along U.S. 75 to STH 
7, east along STH 7 to CSAH 6 in Swift County, east along CSAH 6 to 
County Road 65 in Swift County, south along County 65 to County 34 in 
Chippewa County, south along County 34 to CSAH 12 in Chippewa County, 
east along CSAH 12 to CSAH 9 in Chippewa County, south along CSAH 9 to 
STH 7, southeast along STH 7 to Montevideo and along the municipal 
boundary of Montevideo to U.S. 212; then west along U.S. 212 to the 
point of beginning.
    Northwest Zone: That portion of the state encompassed by a line 
extending east from the North Dakota border along U.S. Highway 2 to 
State Trunk Highway (STH) 32, north along STH 32 to STH 92, east along 
STH 92 to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 2 in Polk County, north along 
CSAH 2 to CSAH 27 in Pennington County, north along CSAH 27 to STH 1, 
east along STH 1 to CSAH 28 in Pennington County, north along CSAH 28 
to CSAH 54 in Marshall County, north along CSAH 54 to CSAH 9 in Roseau 
County, north along CSAH 9 to STH 11, west along STH 11 to STH 310, and 
north along STH 310 to the Manitoba border.
    Special Canada Goose Seasons:
    Southeast Zone: That portion of the state encompassed by a line 
extending north from the Iowa border along U.S. Highway 63 to State 
Trunk Highway [STH] 30, west on STH 30 to County State Aid Highway 
[CSAH] 13 in Dodge County, north on CSAH 13 to STH 57, north on STH 57 
to U.S. Highway 52, north on U.S. Highway 52 to the south boundary of 
the Twin Cities Metro Goose Zone, east on the south boundary of the 
Twin Cities Metro Goose Zone to the Wisconsin border.
Missouri
    Same zones as for ducks but in addition:

[[Page 52143]]

North Zone

    Swan Lake Zone: That area bounded by U.S. Highway 36 on the north, 
Missouri Highway 5 on the east, Missouri 240 and U.S. 65 on the south, 
and U.S. 65 on the west.

Middle Zone

    Southeast Zone: That portion of the State encompassed by a line 
beginning at the intersection of Missouri Highway (MO) 34 and 
Interstate 55 and extending south along I-55 to U.S. Highway 62, west 
along U.S. 62 to MO 53, north along MO 53 to MO 51, north along MO 51 
to U.S. 60, west along U.S. 60 to MO 21, north along MO 21 to MO 72, 
east along MO 72 to MO 34, then east along MO 34 to I-55.
Ohio
    Same zones as for ducks but in addition:

North Zone

    Lake Erie SJBP Zone: That portion of the state encompassed by a 
line beginning in Lucas county at the Michigan state line on I-75, and 
extending south along I-75 to I-280, south along I-280 to I-80, east 
along I-80 to the Pennsylvania state line in Trumbull county, north 
along the Pennsylvania state line to SR 6 in Ashtabula county, west 
along SR 6 to the Lake/Cuyahoga county line, north along the Lake/
Cuyahoga county line to the shore of Lake Erie.
Tennessee
    Southwest Zone: That portion of the State south of State Highways 
20 and 104, and west of U.S. Highways 45 and 45W.
    Northwest Zone: Lake, Obion and Weakley Counties and those portions 
of Gibson and Dyer Counties not included in the Southwest Tennessee 
Zone.
    Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Zone: That portion of the State bounded on 
the west by the eastern boundaries of the Northwest and Southwest Zones 
and on the east by State Highway 13 from the Alabama border to 
Clarksville and U.S. Highway 79 from Clarksville to the Kentucky 
border.
Wisconsin
    Horicon Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the 
intersection of State Highway 21 and the Fox River in Winnebago County 
and extending westerly along State 21 to the west boundary of Winnebago 
County, southerly along the west boundary of Winnebago County to the 
north boundary of Green Lake County, westerly along the north 
boundaries of Green Lake and Marquette Counties to State 22, southerly 
along State 22 to State 33, westerly along State 33 to U.S. Highway 16, 
westerly along U.S. 16 to Weyh Road, southerly along Weyh Road to 
County Highway O, southerly along County O to the west boundary of 
Section 31, southerly along the west boundary of Section 31 to the 
Sauk/Columbia County boundary, southerly along the Sauk/Columbia County 
boundary to State 33, easterly along State 33 to Interstate Highway 90/
94, southerly along I-90/94 to State 60, easterly along State 60 to 
State 83, northerly along State 83 to State 175, northerly along State 
175 to State 33, easterly along State 33 to U.S. Highway 45, northerly 
along U.S. 45 to the east shore of the Fond Du Lac River, northerly 
along the east shore of the Fond Du Lac River to Lake Winnebago, 
northerly along the western shoreline of Lake Winnebago to the Fox 
River, then westerly along the Fox River to State 21.
    Collins Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the 
intersection of Hilltop Road and Collins Marsh Road in Manitowoc County 
and extending westerly along Hilltop Road to Humpty Dumpty Road, 
southerly along Humpty Dumpty Road to Poplar Grove Road, easterly and 
southerly along Poplar Grove Road to County Highway JJ, southeasterly 
along County JJ to Collins Road, southerly along Collins Road to the 
Manitowoc River, southeasterly along the Manitowoc River to Quarry 
Road, northerly along Quarry Road to Einberger Road, northerly along 
Einberger Road to Moschel Road, westerly along Moschel Road to Collins 
Marsh Road, northerly along Collins Marsh Road to Hilltop Road.
    Exterior Zone: That portion of the State not included in the 
Horicon or Collins Zones.
    Mississippi River Subzone: That area encompassed by a line 
beginning at the intersection of the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe 
Railway and the Illinois border in Grant County and extending northerly 
along the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway to the city limit of 
Prescott in Pierce County, then west along the Prescott city limit to 
the Minnesota border.
    Rock Prairie Subzone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at 
the intersection of the Illinois border and Interstate Highway 90 and 
extending north along I-90 to County Highway A, east along County A to 
U.S. Highway 12, southeast along U.S. 12 to State Highway 50, west 
along State 50 to State 120, then south along 120 to the Illinois 
border.
    Brown County Subzone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at 
the intersection of the Fox River with Green Bay in Brown County and 
extending southerly along the Fox River to State Highway 29, 
northwesterly along State 29 to the Brown County line, south, east, and 
north along the Brown County line to Green Bay, due west to the 
midpoint of the Green Bay Ship Channel, then southwesterly along the 
Green Bay Ship Channel to the Fox River.

Central Flyway

    Colorado (Central Flyway Portion)
    Northern Front Range Area: All lands in Adams, Boulder, Clear 
Creek, Denver, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld Counties west of I-
25 from the Wyoming border south to I-70; west on I-70 to the 
Continental Divide; north along the Continental Divide to the Jackson-
Larimer County Line to the Wyoming border.
    South Park/San Luis Valley Area: Alamosa, Chaffee, Conejos, 
Costilla, Custer, Fremont, Lake, Park, Teller, and Rio Grande Counties 
and those portions of Hinsdale, Mineral, and Saguache Counties east of 
the Continental Divide.
    North Park Area: Jackson County.
    Arkansas Valley Area: Baca, Bent, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero, and 
Prowers Counties.
    Pueblo County Area: Pueblo County.
    Remainder: Remainder of the Central Flyway portion of Colorado.
    Eastern Colorado Late Light Goose Area: That portion of the State 
east of Interstate Highway 25.
Kansas

Light Geese

    Unit 1: That portion of Kansas east of a line beginning at the 
intersection of the Nebraska border and KS 99, extending south along KS 
99 to I-70 to U.S. 75, south on U.S. 75 to U.S. 54, west on U.S. 54 to 
KS 99, and then south on KS 99 to the Oklahoma border.
    Unit 2: The remainder of Kansas, laying west of Unit 1.

Dark Geese

    Marais des Cygnes Valley Unit: The area is bounded by the Missouri 
border to KS 68, KS 68 to U.S. 169, U.S. 169 to KS 7, KS 7 to KS 31, KS 
31 to U.S. 69, U.S. 69 to KS 239, KS 239 to the Missouri border.
    South Flint Hills Unit: The area is bounded by highways U.S. 50 to 
KS 57, KS 57 to U.S. 75, U.S. 75 to KS 39, KS 39 to KS 96, KS 96 to 
U.S. 77, U.S. 77 to U.S. 50.
    Flint Hills Unit: That part of Kansas bounded by a line from the 
junction of I-35 and K-57, then south and east on K-57 to its junction 
US-75, then south on US-75 to its junction with K-39,

[[Page 52144]]

then south and west on K-39 to its junction with K-96, then west on K-
96 to its junction with US-77, then north on US-77 to its junction with 
I-70, then east on I-70 to its junction with US-75, then south on US-75 
to its junction with I-35, then west on I-35 to its junction with K-57, 
except federal and state sanctuaries.

Montana (Central Flyway Portion)

    Sheridan County: Includes all of Sheridan County.
    Remainder: Includes the remainder of the Central Flyway portion of 
Montana.
Nebraska

Dark Geese

    North Unit: Keya Paha County east of U.S. 183 and all of Boyd 
County, including the boundary waters of the Niobrara River, all of 
Knox County and that portion of Cedar County west of U.S. 81.
    Southcentral Unit: That area south and west of U.S. 281 at the 
Kansas/Nebraska border, north to Giltner Road (near Doniphan), east to 
NE 14, north to NE 91, west to U.S. 183, south to NE 92, west to NE 61, 
north to U.S. 2, west to the intersection of Garden, Grant, and 
Sheridan counties, then west along the northern border of Garden, 
Morrill, and Scotts Bluff counties to the Wyoming border.
    Northcentral Unit: That area north of the Southcentral Unit and 
west of U.S. 183.
    East Unit: The remainder of Nebraska.

Light Geese

    Rainwater Basin Light Goose Area (West): The area bounded by the 
junction of U.S. 283 and U.S. 30 at Lexington, east on U.S. 30 to U.S. 
281, south on U.S. 281 to NE 4, west on NE 4 to U.S. 34, continue west 
on U.S. 34 to U.S. 283, then north on U.S. 283 to the beginning.
    Rainwater Basin Light Goose Area (East): The area bounded by the 
junction of U.S. 281 and US 30 at Grand Island, north and east on U.S. 
30 to NE 92, east on NE 92 to NE 15, south on NE 15 to NE 4, west on NE 
4 to U.S. 281, north on U.S. 281 to the beginning.
    Remainder of State: The remainder portion of Nebraska.

New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion)

Dark Geese

    Middle Rio Grande Valley Unit: Sierra, Socorro, and Valencia 
counties.
    Remainder: The remainder of the Central Flyway portion of New 
Mexico.
North Dakota

Canada Geese

    September Canada Goose Unit: Richland and Sargent Counties.
    Statewide: The remainder of North Dakota.
South Dakota

Canada Geese

    Unit 1: Statewide except for Units 2.
    Big Stone Power Plant Area: That portion of Grant and Roberts 
Counties east of SD 15 and north of SD 20.
    Unit 2: Brule, Buffalo, Campbell, Charles Mix, Dewey, Gregory, 
Hughes, Hyde, Lyman, Potter, Stanley, Sully, and Walworth Counties and 
that portion of Corson County east of South Dakota State Highway 65.
Texas
    West Unit: That portion of the State laying west of a line from the 
international toll bridge at Laredo; north along I-35 and I-35W to Fort 
Worth; northwest along U.S. 81 and U.S. 287 to Bowie; and north along 
U.S. 81 to the Oklahoma border.
    East Unit: Remainder of State.

Wyoming (Central Flyway Portion)

    Area 1: Hot Springs, Natrona, and Washakie Counties, and that 
portion of Park County south of T58N.
    Area 2: Converse and Platte County.
    Area 3: Albany, Big Horn, Campbell, Crook, Fremont, Johnson, 
Laramie, Niobrara, Sheridan, and Weston Counties and those portions of 
Carbon County east of the Continental Divide and Park County north of 
T58N.
    Area 4: Goshen County.

Pacific Flyway

Arizona
    GMU 22 and 23: Game Management Units 22 and 23.
    Remainder of State: The remainder of Arizona.
California
    Northeastern Zone: That portion of the State east and north of a 
line beginning at the Oregon border; south and west along the Klamath 
River to the mouth of Shovel Creek; south along Shovel Creek to Forest 
Service Road 46N10; south and east along FS 46N10 to FS 45N22; west and 
south along FS 45N22 to U.S. 97 at Grass Lake Summit; south and west 
along U.S. 97 to I-5 at the town of Weed; south along I-5 to CA 89; 
east and south along CA 89 to the junction with CA 49; east and north 
on CA 49 to CA 70; east on CA 70 to U.S. 395; south and east on U.S. 
395 to the Nevada border.
    Colorado River Zone: Those portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, 
and Imperial Counties east of a line extending from the Nevada border 
south along U.S. 95 to Vidal Junction; south on a road known as 
``Aqueduct Road'' in San Bernardino County through the town of Rice to 
the San Bernardino-Riverside County line; south on a road known in 
Riverside County as the ``Desert Center to Rice Road'' to the town of 
Desert Center; east 31 miles on I-10 to the Wiley Well Road; south on 
this road to Wiley Well; southeast along the Army-Milpitas Road to the 
Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south on the Blythe-Brawley 
paved road to the Ogilby and Tumco Mine Road; south on this road to 
U.S. 80; east seven miles on U.S. 80 to the Andrade-Algodones Road; 
south on this paved road to the Mexican border at Algodones, Mexico.
    Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding 
the Colorado River Zone) south and east of a line extending from the 
Pacific Ocean east along the Santa Maria River to CA 166 near the City 
of Santa Maria; east on CA 166 to CA 99; south on CA 99 to the crest of 
the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest 
of the Tehachapi Mountains to CA 178 at Walker Pass; east on CA 178 to 
U.S. 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on U.S. 395 to CA 58; east on 
CA 58 to I-15; east on I-15 to CA 127; north on CA 127 to the Nevada 
border.
    Balance-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of California not included 
in the Northeastern, Southern, and the Colorado River Zones.
    Del Norte and Humboldt Area: The Counties of Del Norte and 
Humboldt.
    Sacramento Valley Special Management Area (East): That area bounded 
by a line beginning at the junction of the Gridley-Colusa Highway and 
the Cherokee Canal; west on the Gridley-Colusa Highway to Gould Road; 
west on Gould Road and due west 0.75 miles directly to Highway 45; 
south on Highway 45 to Highway 20; east on Highway 20 to West Butte 
Road; north on West Butte Road to Pass Road; west on Pass Road to West 
Butte Road; north on West Butte Road to North Butte Road; west on North 
Butte Road and due west 0.5 miles directly to the Cherokee Canal; north 
on the Cherokee Canal to the point of beginning.
    Sacramento Valley Special Management Area (West): That area bounded 
by a line beginning at Willows south on I-5 to Hahn Road; easterly on 
Hahn Road and the Grimes-Arbuckle Road to Grimes; northerly on CA 45 to 
the junction with CA 162; northerly on CA 45/162 to Glenn; and westerly 
on

[[Page 52145]]

CA 162 to the point of beginning in Willows.
    San Joaquin Valley Special Management Area: That area bounded by a 
line beginning at the intersection of Highway 5 and Highway 120; south 
on Highway 5 to Highway 33; southeast on Highway 33 to Crows Landing 
Road; north on Crows Landing Road to Highway 99; north on Highway 99 to 
Highway 120; west on Highway 120 to the point of beginning.
    Western Canada Goose Hunt Area: That portion of the above described 
Sacramento Valley Area lying east of a line formed by Butte Creek from 
the Gridley-Colusa Highway south to the Cherokee Canal; easterly along 
the Cherokee Canal and North Butte Road to West Butte Road; southerly 
on West Butte Road to Pass Road; easterly on Pass Road to West Butte 
Road; southerly on West Butte Road to CA 20; and westerly along CA 20 
to the Sacramento River.

Colorado (Pacific Flyway Portion)

    West Central Area: Archuleta, Delta, Dolores, Gunnison, LaPlata, 
Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, San Juan, and San Miguel Counties and those 
portions of Hinsdale, Mineral and Saguache Counties west of the 
Continental Divide.
    State Area: The remainder of the Pacific-Flyway Portion of 
Colorado.
Idaho
    Zone 1: Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Clearwater, Idaho, Kootenai, 
Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, and Shoshone Counties.
    Zone 2: The Counties of Ada; Adams; Boise; Canyon; those portions 
of Elmore north and east of I-84, and south and west of I-84, west of 
ID 51, except the Camas Creek drainage; Gem; Owyhee west of ID 51; 
Payette; Valley; and Washington.
    Zone 3: The Counties of Blaine; Camas; Cassia; those portions of 
Elmore south of I-84 east of ID 51, and within the Camas Creek 
drainage; Gooding; Jerome; Lincoln; Minidoka; Owyhee east of ID 51; 
Power within the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; and Twin Falls.
    Zone 4: The Counties of Bear Lake; Bingham within the Blackfoot 
Reservoir drainage; Bonneville, Butte; Caribou except the Fort Hall 
Indian Reservation; Clark; Custer; Franklin; Fremont; Jefferson; Lemhi; 
Madison; Oneida; Power west of ID 37 and ID 39 except the Minidoka 
National Wildlife Refuge; and Teton.
    Zone 5: All lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian 
Reservation, including private inholdings; Bannock County; Bingham 
County, except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; 
and Power County east of ID 37 and ID 39.
    In addition, goose frameworks are set by the following geographical 
areas:
    Northern Unit: Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Clearwater, Idaho, 
Kootenai, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, and Shoshone Counties.
    Southwestern Unit: That area west of the line formed by U.S. 93 
north from the Nevada border to Shoshone, northerly on ID 75 (formerly 
U.S. 93) to Challis, northerly on U.S. 93 to the Montana border (except 
the Northern Unit and except Custer and Lemhi Counties).
    Southeastern Unit: That area east of the line formed by U.S. 93 
north from the Nevada border to Shoshone, northerly on ID 75 (formerly 
U.S. 93) to Challis, northerly on U.S. 93 to the Montana border, 
including all of Custer and Lemhi Counties.

Montana (Pacific Flyway Portion)

    East of the Divide Zone: The Pacific Flyway portion of the State 
located east of the Continental Divide.
    West of the Divide Zone: The remainder of the Pacific Flyway 
portion of Montana.
Nevada
    Lincoln Clark County Zone: All of Lincoln and Clark Counties.
    Remainder-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of Nevada.

New Mexico (Pacific Flyway Portion)

    North Zone: The Pacific Flyway portion of New Mexico located north 
of I-40.
    South Zone: The Pacific Flyway portion of New Mexico located south 
of I-40.
Oregon
    Southwest Zone: Douglas, Coos, Curry, Josephine and Jackson 
Counties.
    Northwest Special Permit Zone: That portion of western Oregon west 
and north of a line running south from the Columbia River in Portland 
along I-5 to OR 22 at Salem; then east on OR 22 to the Stayton Cutoff; 
then south on the Stayton Cutoff to Stayton and due south to the 
Santiam River; then west along the north shore of the Santiam River to 
I-5; then south on I-5 to OR 126 at Eugene; then west on OR 126 to 
Greenhill Road; then south on Greenhill Road to Crow Road; then west on 
Crow Road to Territorial Hwy; then west on Territorial Hwy to OR 126; 
then west on OR 126 to OR 36; then north on OR 36 to Forest Road 5070 
at Brickerville; then west and south on Forest Road 5070 to OR 126; 
then west on OR 126 to the Pacific Coast.
    Northwest Zone: Those portions of Clackamas, Lane, Linn, Marion, 
Multnomah, and Washington Counties outside of the Northwest Special 
Permit Zone.
    Closed Zone: Those portions of Coos, Curry, Douglas and Lane 
Counties west of US 101.
    Eastern Zone: Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Morrow, 
Umatilla, Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Wheeler, Grant, Baker, Union, 
and Wallowa Counties.
    Lake County Zone: All of Lake County.
Utah
    Washington County Zone: All of Washington County.
    Remainder-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of Utah.
Washington
    Eastern Washington: All areas east of the Pacific Crest Trail and 
east of the Big White Salmon River in Klickitat County.
    Area 1: Lincoln, Spokane, and Walla Walla Counties; that part of 
Grant County east of a line beginning at the Douglas-Lincoln County 
line on WA 174, southwest on WA 174 to WA 155, south on WA 155 to US 2, 
southwest on US 2 to Pinto Ridge Road, south on Pinto Ridge Road to WA 
28, east on WA 28 to the Stratford Road, south on the Stratford Road to 
WA 17, south on WA 17 to the Grant-Adams County line; those parts of 
Adams County east of State Highway 17; those parts of Franklin County 
east and south of a line beginning at the Adams-Franklin County line on 
WA 17, south on WA 17 to US 395, south on US 395 to I-182, west on I-
182 to the Franklin-Benton County line; those parts of Benton County 
south of I-182 and I-82; and those parts of Klickitat County east of 
U.S. Highway 97.
    Area 2: All of Okanongan, Douglas, and Kittitas Counties and those 
parts of Grant, Adams, Franklin, and Benton Counties not included in 
Eastern Washington Goose Management Area 1.
    Area 3: All other parts of eastern Washington not included in 
Eastern Washington Goose Management Areas 1 and 2.
    Western Washington: All areas west of the East Zone.
    Area 1: Skagit, Island, and Snohomish Counties.
    Area 2: Clark County, except portions south of the Washougal River, 
Cowlitz, Pacific, and Wahkiakum Counties, and that portion of Grays 
Harbor County south of U.S. highway 12 and east of U.S. Highway 101.

[[Page 52146]]

    Area 3: All parts of western Washington not included in Western 
Washington Goose Management Areas 1 and 2.
    Lower Columbia River Early-Season Canada Goose Zone: Beginning at 
the Washington-Oregon border on the I-5 Bridge near Vancouver, 
Washington; north on I-5 to Kelso; west on Highway 4 from Kelso to 
Highway 401; south and west on Highway 401 to Highway 101 at the 
Astoria-Megler Bridge; west on Highway 101 to Gray Drive in the City of 
Ilwaco; west on Gray Drive to Canby Road; southwest on Canby Road to 
the North Jetty; southwest on the North Jetty to its end; southeast to 
the Washington-Oregon border; upstream along the Washington-Oregon 
border to the point of origin.
    Wyoming (Pacific Flyway Portion): See State Regulations.
    Bear River Area: That portion of Lincoln County described in State 
regulations.
    Salt River Area: That portion of Lincoln County described in State 
regulations.
    Eden-Farson Area: Those portions of Sweetwater and Sublette 
Counties described in State regulations.

Swans

Central Flyway

    South Dakota: Aurora, Beadle, Brookings, Brown, Brule, Buffalo, 
Campbell, Clark, Codington, Davison, Deuel, Day, Edmunds, Faulk, Grant, 
Hamlin, Hand, Hanson, Hughes, Hyde, Jerauld, Kingsbury, Lake, Marshall, 
McCook, McPherson, Miner, Minnehaha, Moody, Potter, Roberts, Sanborn, 
Spink, Sully, and Walworth Counties.

Pacific Flyway

Montana (Pacific Flyway Portion)

    Open Area: Cascade, Chouteau, Hill, Liberty, and Toole Counties and 
those portions of Pondera and Teton Counties lying east of U.S. 287-89.
Nevada
    Open Area: Churchill, Lyon, and Pershing Counties.
Utah
    Open Area: Those portions of Box, Elder, Weber, Davis, Salt Lake, 
and Toole Counties lying south of State Hwy 30, I-80/84, west of I-15, 
and north of I-80.

[FR Doc. 99-24812 Filed 9-24-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P