[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 181 (Monday, September 18, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56396-56411]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-23462]



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Part III





Department of the Interior





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Fish and Wildlife Service



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50 CFR Parts 25 and 32



2000-2001 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations; Final 
Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 181 / Monday, September 18, 2000 / 
Rules and Regulations  

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Parts 25 and 32

RIN 1018-AG01


2000-2001 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (we or the Service) are adding 
national wildlife refuges (refuges) to the list of areas open for 
hunting and/or sport fishing, along with pertinent refuge-specific 
regulations for such activities, and amending certain regulations on 
other refuges that pertain to migratory game bird hunting, upland game 
hunting, big game hunting, and sport fishing for the 2000-2001 season.

DATES: This rule is effective September 18, 2000.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Wildlife Refuge System 
Administration Act of 1966 (NWRSAA) closes national wildlife refuges to 
all uses until we open them. The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) 
may open refuge areas to any use, including hunting and/or fishing, 
upon a determination that such uses are compatible with the purposes of 
the refuge. The action also must be in accordance with provisions of 
all laws applicable to the areas, must be consistent with the 
principles of sound fish and wildlife management and administration, 
and otherwise must be in the public interest. These requirements ensure 
that we maintain the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental 
health of the National Wildlife Refuge System (System) for the benefit 
of present and future generations of Americans.
    We review refuge hunting and fishing programs annually to determine 
whether to include additional refuges or whether individual refuge 
regulations governing existing programs need modifications, deletions, 
or additions made to them. Changing environmental conditions, State and 
Federal regulations, and other factors affecting wildlife populations 
and habitat may warrant modifications to ensure the continued 
compatibility of hunting and fishing programs and that these programs 
will not materially interfere with or detract from the fulfillment of 
the mission of the System or the purposes of the refuge.
    You may find provisions governing hunting and fishing on national 
wildlife refuges in 50 CFR part 32. We regulate hunting and fishing on 
refuges to:
     Ensure compatibility with the purpose(s) of the refuge;
     Properly manage the fish and wildlife resource;
     Protect other refuge values; and
     Ensure refuge user safety.
    On many refuges for which we decide to allow hunting and fishing, 
our general policy of adopting regulations identical to State hunting 
and fishing regulations is adequate in meeting these objectives. On 
other refuges, we must supplement State regulations with more 
restrictive Federal regulations to ensure that we meet our management 
responsibilities, as outlined under the section entitled ``Statutory 
Authority.'' We issue refuge-specific hunting and sport fishing 
regulations when we open wildlife refuges to either migratory game bird 
hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, or sport fishing. These 
regulations list the wildlife species that you may hunt or those 
species subject to sport fishing, seasons, bag limits, methods of 
hunting or fishing, descriptions of open areas, and other provisions as 
appropriate. You may find previously issued refuge-specific regulations 
for hunting and fishing in 50 CFR part 32. In this rulemaking, we are 
promulgating many of the amendments to these sections to standardize 
and clarify the existing language of these regulations.
    Some refuges make seasonal information available in brochures or 
leaflets to supplement these refuge-specific regulations, which we 
provide for in 50 CFR 25.31.

Plain Language Mandate

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

Statutory Authority

    The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (NWRSAA) of 
1966 (U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), and the Refuge Recreation Act (RRA) of 1962 
(16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4) govern the administration and public use of 
national wildlife refuges.
    Recent amendments enacted by the National Wildlife Refuge System 
Improvement Act (NWRSIA) of 1997 amend and build upon the NWRSAA in a 
manner that provides an improved ``Organic Act'' for the System similar 
to those that exist for other public lands. It serves to ensure that we 
effectively manage the System as a national network of lands, waters, 
and interests for the protection and conservation of our Nation's 
wildlife resources. The NWRSAA states first and foremost that we focus 
the mission of the System on conservation of fish, wildlife, and plant 
resources and their habitat. This Act requires the Secretary, before 
initiating or allowing a new use of a refuge, or before expanding, 
renewing, or extending an existing use of a refuge, to determine that 
the use is compatible and promotes public safety. The NWRSIA 
establishes as the policy of the United States that wildlife-dependent 
recreation, when it is compatible, is a legitimate and appropriate 
public use of the System, through which the American public can develop 
an appreciation for fish and wildlife. The NWRSIA establishes six 
compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the priority general 
public uses of the System. Those priority uses are: hunting, fishing, 
wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education, 
and environmental interpretation.
    The RRA authorizes the Secretary to administer areas within the 
System for public recreation as an appropriate incidental or secondary 
use only to the extent that doing so is practicable and not 
inconsistent with the primary purpose(s) for which Congress and the 
Service established the areas. This act requires that any recreational 
use of refuge lands be compatible with the primary purpose(s) for which 
we established the refuge and not inconsistent with other previously 
authorized operations.
    The NWRSAA and RRA also authorize the Secretary to issue 
regulations to carry out the purposes of the acts and regulate uses.
    We develop hunting and sport fishing plans for each refuge prior to 
opening it to hunting or fishing. In many cases, we develop refuge-
specific regulations to ensure the compatibility of the programs with 
the purposes for which we established the refuge. We have ensured 
initial compliance with the NWRSAA and the RRA for hunting and sport 
fishing on newly acquired refuges through an interim determination of 
compatibility made at the time of acquisition. This policy ensures that 
we make the determinations required by

[[Page 56397]]

these acts prior to adding refuges to the lists of areas open to 
hunting and fishing in 50 CFR part 32. We ensure continued compliance 
by the development of Comprehensive Conservation Plans, long-term 
hunting and sport fishing plans, and by annual review of hunting and 
sport fishing programs and regulations.
    In preparation for new openings, we include the following documents 
in the refuges' ``opening package'': an interim hunting and fishing 
management plan; a Section 7 determination pursuant to the Endangered 
Species Act that these openings will have no effect, or are not likely 
to have an adverse effect, on listed species or critical habitats; a 
letter of concurrence from the affected State(s); interim compatibility 
determinations; and refuge-specific regulations to administer the 
hunting and/or fishing programs. Upon review of these documents, we 
have determined that the opening of these national wildlife refuges to 
hunting and fishing is compatible with the principles of sound fish and 
wildlife management and administration and otherwise will be in the 
public interest.

Response to Comments Received

    In the July 10, 2000, issue of the Federal Register (65 FR 42318) 
we published a proposed rulemaking identifying the refuges and their 
proposed hunting and/or fishing programs and invited public comments. 
We reviewed and considered all substantive comments following a 
30-day public comment period.
    In all we received 10 letters (1 letter represented 21 individuals) 
on the proposed rule.
    Comment: Nine commenters opposed the expansion of hunting and 
fishing programs on national wildlife refuges and wanted to leave 
wildlife refuges for the sanctuary of wildlife and humans. Included in 
these comments were requests to ``reduce the number of hunting 
licenses''and provide information that led to ``the planned increase'' 
of refuges open to hunting and fishing. One commenter believes there is 
an ``absence of thorough and accurate biological data on species 
inhabiting and migrating through the refuge'' to allow hunting.
    Service Response: The Refuge System provides opportunities for 
compatible wildlife-dependent recreational activities. Hunting and 
fishing are integral parts of a comprehensive wildlife management 
program. The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 
1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act 
of 1997 (NWRSIA), identifies them as priority public uses of the 
System. The principal focus of the NWRSIA was to clearly establish a 
wildlife conservation mission for the System and provide managers clear 
direction and procedures for making determinations regarding wildlife 
conservation and public uses within the areas of the System. In passing 
the NWRSIA, Congress reaffirmed that the System was created to conserve 
fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats and that this objective 
had been facilitated by providing Americans opportunities to 
participate in compatible wildlife-dependent recreation, including 
hunting and/or fishing on System lands. The NWRSIA established six 
wildlife-dependent uses as priority general public uses of the System, 
where compatible. These priority uses are: hunting, fishing, wildlife 
observation, wildlife photography, environmental education, and 
interpretation. The NWRSIA directs the Secretary to facilitate those 
uses.
    When lands and waters are under consideration for addition to the 
System, the Refuge Manager will make an interim compatibility 
determination on any existing priority public uses. The record of 
decision establishing the refuge must document the completion of such 
determinations. The results of these determinations are in effect until 
the completion of a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP). During the 
development of the CCP and implementation of the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA) process, we accept and incorporate public comments 
into the hunting/fishing decision on the refuge. Refuge Managers plan 
efforts well in advance of any proposed changes in order to obtain as 
much involvement from groups and individuals as possible. This includes 
public meetings, workshops, news releases, and mailings to interested 
groups. The Refuge Manager consults with any affected Service Regional 
Office, State wildlife agencies, Tribes, and the public before opening 
a refuge to hunting or fishing. The decision to open a refuge to 
hunting or fishing depends on the provisions of laws and regulations 
applicable to the specific refuge and a determination by the Refuge 
Manager that opening an area to hunting will be compatible with the 
refuge purpose(s). This decision must also be consistent with the 
principles of sound wildlife management, applicable wildlife 
objectives, and otherwise be in the public interest (50 CFR 32.1). The 
Refuge Manager must submit a hunting or fishing plan that has undergone 
a public input process as required by NEPA to the Regional Office for 
approval. The Regional Director approves the plan before the rulemaking 
process begins. These hunting/fishing plans contain:
     Step-down hunting/fishing plans (compatibility 
determinations and a step-down plan of the refuge's CCP). The plan 
should be an appendix to the overall plan for providing public uses on 
refuges, providing documentation of the hunting/fishing allowed on a 
refuge, including the relationship of hunting/fishing to refuge 
purpose(s) goals, objectives, and the System mission;
     Appropriate NEPA documentation;
     Appropriate decision documentation;
     Section 7 evaluation;
     Copies of letters requesting State and, where appropriate, 
Tribal involvement and the results of the request;
     Draft news release; and
     Outreach plan.
    Additionally, we review all hunting programs annually to determine 
if they may affect, adversely or beneficially, threatened or endangered 
species and their habitat. The Refuge Manager will initiate 
consultation as appropriate, in accordance with Section 7 of the 
Endangered Species Act and intra-Service consultation procedures.
    The respective State issues hunting/fishing licenses, not the 
System or Refuge Managers. We require hunters/anglers to have all 
applicable Federal, State, and Tribal licenses or stamps in their 
possession when hunting/fishing on a refuge. We periodically adjust the 
hunting/fishing program to ensure that those allowed activities remain 
compatible, that the amount of take per hunter/angler is sustainable, 
and that the take does not affect the viability of a population.
    Comment: We also received a letter from the LaCrosse County 
(Wisconsin) Conservation Alliance concerning wording changes in a 
waterfowl blind requirement for Upper Mississippi National Wildlife 
Refuge in Iowa. To avoid potential problems for law enforcement 
personnel as well as the waterfowl hunter, the Alliance believes we 
need to more clearly state that the individuals who bring manmade 
hunting blind material onto the refuge must remove what they brought.
    Service Response: We agree and have changed our wording for the 
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge to read (in part): 
``At the end of each day's hunt, you must remove any manmade blind 
material you brought onto the refuge.'' Additionally, for consistency 
we are clarifying the wording concerning blinds for Lake

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Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge in Maine and New Hampshire, Big Muddy 
National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri, and Edwin B. Forsythe National 
Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey.

Effective Date

    This rule is effective upon publication. We have determined that 
any further delay in implementing these refuge-specific hunting and 
sport fishing regulations would not be in the public interest in that a 
delay would hinder the effective planning and administration of the 
hunting and fishing programs. We provided a 30-day comment period for 
the July 10, 2000, proposed rule. An additional 30-day delay would 
jeopardize holding the hunting and/or fishing programs this year or 
shorten their duration and thereby lessen the management effectiveness 
of this regulation. Therefore, we find good cause under 5 U.S.C. 
553(d)(3) to make this rule effective upon publication.
    We allow the following wildlife-dependent recreational activities 
for the first time:
    Hunting of migratory game birds on:
 Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana
 Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, Maine and New Hampshire
 McNary National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon
 Balcones Canyonland National Wildlife Refuge, Texas
 Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Texas
 Arid Lands National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Washington

    Upland game hunting on:
 Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana
 Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, Maine and New Hampshire
 McNary National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon
 Arid Lands National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Washington

    Big game hunting on:
 Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana
 Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, Maine and New Hampshire
 San Andres National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico
 McNary National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon and Washington
 Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Texas
 Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia
 Arid Lands National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Washington

    Sport fishing on:
 Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana
 Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana
 Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, Maine
 Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge, South Dakota
 Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge, Texas
 Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia
 Arid Lands National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Washington

    In accordance with NWRSAA and the RRA, we have determined that 
these openings are compatible and consistent with the primary purposes 
for which we established the respective refuges.
    We remove Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon, which had been 
open for migratory game bird hunting, from the list of refuges open for 
wildlife-dependent recreational activities.
    We are correcting an administrative error that occurred when we 
inadvertently dropped ``Sport Fishing'' as an activity open to the 
public in Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge in the State of South 
Dakota from 50 CFR 32.61. Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge has been 
open to sport fishing since December 22, 1978.
    We are making a technical correction to update 50 CFR 25.23 to 
reflect current information collection clearance numbers that the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved for: ``Special Use 
Permit Application on National Wildlife Refuges Outside Alaska'' (1018-
0102, which expires December 31, 2001), and ``Special Use Permit 
Applications on National Wildlife Refuges In Alaska'' (1018-0014, which 
expires August 31, 2003).
    We are removing Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Alabama, from 
the list of proposed refuges open to hunting. Grand Bay did not 
complete its opening package in time for inclusion in the openings for 
the fall 2000 season.
    We incorporate this regulation into Title 50 Code of Federal 
Regulations (50 CFR) parts 25 and 32. Part 25 contains the 
administrative provisions for the National Wildlife Refuge System. Part 
32 contains general provisions and refuge-specific regulations for 
hunting and sport fishing on national wildlife refuges.

Regulatory Planning and Review

    This document is not a significant rule subject to Office of 
Management and Budget review under Executive Order 12866. See 
explanation under Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    a. This rule will not have an annual economic effect of $100 
million or adversely affect an economic sector, productivity, jobs, the 
environment, or other units of government. A cost-benefit and economic 
analysis is not required. This rule is administrative, legal, 
technical, and procedural in nature and makes minor modification to 
existing refuge public use programs. The rule will allow hunting on 
nine refuges where we had prohibited hunting and allow fishing on seven 
refuges where we had prohibited that activity. We estimate that these 
changes will result in 9,440 additional visitor-hunting-days and 49,200 
visitor-fishing-days. The appropriate measure for the net benefits of 
these changes is the additional net economic value experienced by the 
participants. The 1996 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and 
Wildlife-Associated Recreation measured net economic values by activity 
and region. Applying these estimates to the number of additional 
activity-days permitted by this rule yields an estimate of the national 
benefits from increased hunting of $368,000 and from increased fishing 
of $1.6 million (both in 1999 dollars). These estimates are below the 
threshold for a significant rule.
    b. This rule will not create inconsistencies with other agencies' 
actions. Before proposing regulations, we coordinate recreational use 
on national wildlife refuges with State governments as well as other 
Federal agencies having adjoining or overlapping jurisdiction. The 
regulation is consistent with, and not less restrictive than, other 
agencies' rules.
    c. This rule will not materially affect entitlements, grants, user 
fees, loan programs, or the rights and obligations of their recipients. 
The provisions of this rule only apply to persons involved in wildlife-
dependent public use, including regulated hunting and sport fishing, on 
national wildlife refuges, which is a privilege and not a right. User 
fees will not change as a result of this rule.
    d. This rule will not raise novel legal or policy issues. This rule 
continues the practice of requiring public use of refuges to be 
compatible with the primary purpose of the refuge.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Department of the Interior certifies that this rule will not 
have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small 
entities such as businesses, organizations, and governmental 
jurisdictions in the area as defined under the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). A final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis was 
not prepared, and a Small Entity Compliance Guide is not required.
    This rulemaking will not have a significant economic impact on a

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substantial number of small entities (refer to paragraph a. above for 
the net economic values). Congress created the National Wildlife Refuge 
System to conserve fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats. They 
facilitated this conservation mission by providing Americans 
opportunities to visit and participate in compatible wildlife-dependent 
recreation, including hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife 
photography, environmental education, and environmental interpretation 
as priority public uses on national wildlife refuges and to better 
appreciate the value of, and need for, fish and wildlife conservation.
    This rule is administrative, legal, technical, and procedural in 
nature and provides for minor changes to the methods of hunting and 
fishing permitted but does not stop the overall use allowed. This rule 
will not significantly change the number of visitors using refuges or 
their spending and, therefore, will have no significant impact on the 
local economies in their vicinity.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act, as discussed in the 
Regulatory Planning and Review section above. This rule:
    a. Does not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or 
more [This regulation will affect only visitors at national wildlife 
refuges. It will cause a slight change in the number of visitors using 
the refuge (9,440 additional visitor-hunting days and 49,200 visitor-
fishing days).];
    b. Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for 
consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government 
agencies, or geographic regions; and
    c. Does not have significant adverse effects on competition, 
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of 
U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

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

Takings (Executive Order 12630)

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

Federalism (Executive Order 13132)

    As discussed in the Regulatory Planning and Review and Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act sections above, this rule does not have sufficient 
federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism 
Assessment under Executive Order 13132. In preparing this rule, we 
worked with State governments.

Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)

    In accordance with Executive Order 12988, the Office of the 
Solicitor has determined that the rule does not unduly burden the 
judicial system and meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) 
of the Order. The regulation will clarify established regulations and 
result in better understanding of the regulations by refuge visitors.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This regulation does not contain any information collection 
requirements other than those already approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act. OMB has 
approved the information collection and assigned control numbers 1018-
0014 and 1018-0102. An 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.

Section 7 Consultation

    In preparation for new openings, we include Section 7 consultation 
documents approved by the Services' Ecological Services program in the 
refuge's ``openings package'' for Regional review and approval from the 
Washington Office. We reviewed the changes in hunting and fishing 
regulations herein with regard to Section 7 of the Endangered Species 
Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543). For the national wildlife refuges 
proposed to open for hunting and/or fishing, the Service has determined 
that Bayou Cocodrie, Lake Umbagog, Lower Rio Grande, and McNary will 
not likely adversely affect and Rachel Carson, Atchafalaya, San Andres, 
and Mandalay will not affect the continued existence of any endangered 
or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse 
modification of habitat of such species within the System.
    Arid Lands is opening with no Section 7 under an existing record of 
decision with the Department of Energy, who has primary jurisdiction.
    We comply with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 
U.S.C. 1531-1543) when developing Comprehensive Conservation Plans, 
management plans for public use of refuges, and prior to implementing 
any new or revised public recreation program on a refuge as identified 
in 50 CFR 26.32. We also make determinations required by the Endangered 
Species Act on a case-by-case basis before the addition of a refuge to 
the lists of areas open to hunting or fishing as contained in 50 CFR 
32.7.

National Environmental Policy Act

    We analyzed this rule in accordance with the criteria of the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4332(C)) 
and 516 DM 6, Appendix 1. This rule does not constitute a major Federal 
action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. An 
environmental impact statement/assessment is not required.
    A categorical exclusion from NEPA documentation covers this 
amendment of refuge-specific hunting and fishing regulations since it 
is technical and procedural in nature, and the environmental effects 
are too broad, speculative, or conjectural to lend themselves to 
meaningful analysis (516 DM 2, Appendix 1.10).
    Prior to the addition of a refuge to the list of areas open to 
hunting and fishing in 50 CFR part 32, we develop hunting and fishing 
plans for the affected refuges. We incorporate these refuge hunting and 
fishing activities in the refuge CCPs and/or step-down management 
plans, pursuant to our refuge planning guidance in 602 FW 1-4. We 
prepare these plans in compliance with section 102(2)(C) of NEPA, and 
the Council on Environmental Quality's regulations for implementing 
NEPA in 40 CFR parts 1500-1508. We invite the affected public to 
participate in the review, development, and implementation of these 
plans.

Available Information for Specific Refuges

    Individual refuge headquarters retain information regarding public 
use programs and the conditions that apply to their specific programs 
and maps of their respective areas. You may also obtain information 
from the Regional offices at the addresses listed below:


[[Page 56400]]


Region 1--California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. 
Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Eastside Federal Complex, Suite 1692, 911 N.E. 11th Avenue, 
Portland, Oregon 97232-4181; Telephone (503) 231-6214.
Region 2--Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Regional Chief, 
National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Box 
1306, 500 Gold Avenue, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103; Telephone (505) 
248-7419.
Region 3--Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, 
and Wisconsin. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, 1 Federal Drive, Federal Building, Fort 
Snelling, Twin Cities, Minnesota 55111; Telephone (612)-713-5401.
Region 4--Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, 
Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, 
and the Virgin Islands. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge 
System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Boulevard, 
Atlanta, Georgia 30345; Telephone (404) 679-7166.
Region 5--Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New 
Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, 
Virginia, and West Virginia. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge 
System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Westgate Center Drive, 
Hadley, Massachusetts 01035-9589; Telephone (413) 253-8306.
Region 6--Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South 
Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge 
System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 134 Union Blvd., Lakewood, 
Colorado 80228; Telephone (303) 236-8145.
Region 7--Alaska. Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 E. Tudor Rd., Anchorage, Alaska 99503; 
Telephone (907) 786-3545.

Primary Author

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

List of Subjects

50 CFR Part 25

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

50 CFR Part 32

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

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

PART 25--[AMENDED]

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

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

    2. By revising Sec. 25.23 to read as follows:


Sec. 25.23  What are the general regulations and information collection 
requirements?

    The Office of Management and Budget has approved the information 
collection requirements contained in subchapter C, parts 25, 32, and 36 
under 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. and assigned the following clearance 
numbers: Special Use Permit Applications on National Wildlife Refuges 
in Alaska (SUP-AK), clearance number 1018-0014; Special Use Permit 
Applications on National Wildlife Refuges Outside Alaska (SUP), 
clearance number 1018-0102. See Sec. 36.3 of this subchapter for 
further information on Special Use Permit Applications on National 
Wildlife Refuges in Alaska. We are collecting the information to assist 
us in administering these programs in accordance with statutory 
authorities that require that recreational uses be compatible with the 
primary purposes for which the areas were established. We require the 
information requested in the application form for the applicant to 
obtain a benefit. We estimate the public reporting burden for the SUP 
application form to be 30 minutes per response. This includes time for 
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing 
and reviewing the form. Direct comments on the burden estimate or any 
other aspect of this form to the Information Collection Clearance 
Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS 222 ARLSQ, Washington, DC 
20240 (1018-0014 or 1018-0102).

PART 32--[AMENDED]

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

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


Sec. 32.7  [Amended]

    4. In Sec. 32.7 by:
    a. Revising the listing of ``Walnut Creek National Wildlife 
Refuge'' under the State of Iowa to read ``Neal Smith National Wildlife 
Refuge and placing it in alphabetical order;''
    b. Alphabetically adding ``Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge'' 
in the State of Maine;
    c. Alphabetically adding ``Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge'' 
in the State of New Hampshire;
    d. Alphabetically adding ``San Andres National Wildlife Refuge'' in 
the State of New Mexico;
    e. Removing ``Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge'' in the State of 
Oregon;
    f. Revising the listing of ``Klamath Forest National Wildlife 
Refuge'' to read ``Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge'' in the 
State of Oregon;
    g. Alphabetically adding ``McNary National Wildlife Refuge'' in the 
State of Oregon;
    h. Alphabetically adding ``Lower Rio Grande Valley National 
Wildlife Refuge'' in the State of Texas;
    i. Alphabetically adding ``Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge'' 
in the State of Texas;
    j. Alphabetically adding ``Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge'' 
in the State of Virginia; and
    k. Alphabetically adding ``Arid Lands National Wildlife Refuge'' in 
the State of Washington.
    5. In Sec. 32.23 Arkansas by revising paragraphs B. and D.1. of 
Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.23  Arkansas.

* * * * *
    Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge
* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, 
beaver, nutria, raccoon, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following condition: We require permits.
* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
    1. We allow fishing from March 15 through October 31 from sunrise 
to sunset.
* * * * *

    6. In Sec. 32.24 California by:
    a. Adding paragraphs A.5., A.6., B.6., and B.7. of Colusa National 
Wildlife Refuge;
    b. Adding paragraphs A.8., A.9, B.6, and B.7. of Delevan National 
Wildlife Refuge;
    c. Revising paragraph A.2., and adding paragraphs A.2.a., A.2.b. of 
Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge;
    d. Adding paragraphs A.8., A.9., B.6., and B.7. of Sacramento 
National Wildlife Refuge;

[[Page 56401]]

    e. Adding paragraphs A.5., A.6., B.5., and B.6. of Sutter National 
Wildlife Refuge; and
    f. Revising paragraph A.2., adding paragraphs A.2.a. and A.2.b. of 
Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.24  California.

* * * * *

Colusa National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    5. You may enter or exit only at designated locations.
    6. Vehicles may stop only at designated parking areas. We prohibit 
the dropping of passengers or equipment or stopping between designated 
parking areas.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    6. You may enter or exit only at designated locations.
    7. Vehicles may stop only at designated parking areas. We prohibit 
the dropping of passengers or equipment or stopping between designated 
parking areas.
* * * * *

Delevan National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    8. You may enter or exit only at designated locations.
    9. Vehicles may stop only at designated parking areas. We prohibit 
the dropping of passengers or equipment, or stopping between designated 
parking areas.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    6. You may enter or exit only at designated locations.
    7. Vehicles may stop only at designated parking areas. We prohibit 
the dropping of passengers or equipment, or stopping between designated 
parking areas.
* * * * *

Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    2. Shooting hours end at 1:00 p.m. on all California portions of 
the refuge with the following exceptions:
    a. The refuge manager may designate up to 6 afternoon special youth 
or disabled hunter waterfowl hunts per season; and
    b. The refuge manager may designate up to 3 days per week of 
afternoon waterfowl hunting for the general public after December 1.
* * * * *

Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    8. You may enter or exit only at designated locations.
    9. Vehicles may stop only at designated parking areas. We prohibit 
the dropping of passengers or equipment or stopping between designated 
parking areas.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    6. You may enter or exit only at designated locations.
    7. Vehicles may stop only at designated parking areas. We prohibit 
the dropping of passengers or equipment or stopping between designated 
parking areas.
* * * * *

Sutter National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    5. You may enter or exit only at designated locations.
    6. Vehicles may stop only at designated parking areas. We prohibit 
the dropping of passengers or equipment or stopping between designated 
parking areas.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    5. You may enter or exit only at designated locations.
    6. Vehicles may stop only at designated parking areas. We prohibit 
the dropping of passengers or equipment or stopping between designated 
parking areas.
* * * * *

Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    2. Shooting hours end at 1:00 p.m. on all California portions of 
the refuge with the following exceptions:
    a. The refuge manager may designate up to six afternoon special 
youth or disabled hunter waterfowl hunts per season; and
    b. The refuge manager may designate up to 3 days per week of 
afternoon waterfowl hunting for the general public after December 1.
* * * * *
    7. In Sec. 32.27 Delaware by revising paragraphs A.5., A.7., B.3., 
the introductory text of paragraph C., paragraphs C.1., C.3., and C.4. 
and removing paragraphs A.8. and B.4 of Bombay Hook National Wildlife 
Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.27  Delaware.

* * * * *

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    5. The maximum number of hunters permitted per blind is as follows:
    West Waterfowl Area--4; South Waterfowl Area--3; Young Waterfowlers 
Area--2.
* * * * *
    7. Waterfowl hunters may not possess more than 15 shotgun shells 
per day on the West and Young Waterfowlers Hunt Areas.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of turkey and deer on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We require a refuge permit except on the South Upland Hunting 
Area.
* * * * *
    3. We require a valid State permit for turkey hunting.
    4. During firearms deer season, hunters must wear in a conspicuous 
manner as an outer layer on the head, chest, and back a minimum of 400 
square inches (2,600 cm2) of solid-colored orange clothing or material.
* * * * *
    8. In Sec. 32.28 Florida by:
    a. Revising paragraph D. of Chassahowitzka National Wildlife 
Refuge; and
    b. Revising paragraphs A.1., A.5., and A.7. of Merritt Island 
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.28  Florida.

* * * * *

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on the refuge year round subject 
to the following condition: You must fish in accordance with State 
regulations.
* * * * *

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
    1. You must possess a valid refuge hunting permit at all times 
while

[[Page 56402]]

hunting on the refuge. In addition, we annually require a quota permit 
for hunt areas 1 and 4 from the beginning of the regular waterfowl 
season through December 31.
* * * * *
    5. You must complete and carry proof of completing an approved 
hunter safety training course in all hunt areas.
* * * * *
    7. The public may not enter the refuge between sunset and sunrise 
except: You may access the refuge for waterfowl hunting only after 4:00 
a.m. each hunting day during waterfowl hunting season, and a valid 
refuge hunting permit must be in your possession.
* * * * *

    9. In Sec. 32.31 Idaho by:
    a. Revising paragraph B. of Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge;
    b. Revising paragraph B. of Camas National Wildlife Refuge;
    c. Revising paragraph B. of Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge; and
    d. Revising paragraph B.2. of Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge to 
read as follows:


Sec. 32.31  Idaho.

* * * * *

Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of partridge, grouse, and 
cottontail rabbits, including pygmy rabbits, on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following condition: You may possess only 
approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
* * * * *

Camas National Wildlife Refuge

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

Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of forest grouse on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: You 
may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
* * * * *

Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge

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

    10. In Sec. 32.32 Illinois by:
    a. Revising paragraph D. of Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge;
    b. Revising paragraph A.4. and adding paragraph A.5. of Upper 
Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.32  Illinois.

* * * * *

Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow fishing on Lake Chautauqua from January 15 through 
October 15. You may not fish in the Waterfowl Hunting Area during 
waterfowl hunting season.
    2. You may not leave private boats in refuge waters overnight.
    3. We restrict motorboats to ``slow speed/minimum wake.''
    4. The public may not enter Weis Lake on the Cameron-Billsbach Unit 
of Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge from October 16 through January 
14, to provide sanctuary for migratory birds.
* * * * *

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    4. On Pools 4 through 11, you may not place or leave decoys on the 
refuge during the time from \1/2\ hour after the close of legal 
shooting hours, until 1 hour before the start of legal shooting hours.
    5. This condition applies to Pools 4 through 11 only. We prohibit 
construction of permanent hunting blinds using manmade materials. At 
the end of each day's hunt, you must remove all manmade blind materials 
you brought onto the refuge. Any blinds containing manmade materials 
left on the refuge are subject to immediate removal and disposal. 
Manmade materials include, but are not limited to: wooden pallets, 
lumber, railroad ties, fence posts (wooden or metal), wire, nails, 
staples, netting, or tarps. We allow you to leave only seasonal blinds, 
made entirely of natural vegetation and biodegradable twines, on the 
refuge. We consider all such blinds public property and open to use by 
any person on a first-come basis. We allow you to gather only willow, 
grasses, marsh vegetation, and dead wood on the ground from the refuge 
for blind-building materials. We prohibit cutting or removing any other 
refuge trees or vegetation.
* * * * *

    11. In Sec. 32.33 Indiana by revising paragraph D.1. of Muscatatuck 
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.33  Indiana.

* * * * *

Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
    1. You may fish from the bank and from nonmotorized boats on 
Stanfield Lake from May 15 through October 15. You may not boat at 
other times. Stanfield Lake is open to ice fishing when ice conditions 
permit.
* * * * *

    12. In Sec. 32.34 Iowa by revising the heading of Walnut Creek 
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows and placing the listing in 
alphabetical order:


Sec. 32.34  Iowa.

* * * * *

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *

    13. In Sec. 32.37 Louisiana by:
    a. Revising Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge;
    b. Revising paragraphs B., C., and D. of Bayou Cocodrie National 
Wildlife Refuge;
    c. Revising Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge;
    d. Removing paragraphs D.3. and D.4. of Grand Cote National 
Wildlife Refuge;
    e. Revising the introductory text of paragraph A. of Lacassine 
National Wildlife Refuge;
    f. Revising the introductory text of paragraph C. of Lake Ophelia 
National Wildlife Refuge; and
    g. Revising paragraphs A., C., and D. of Mandalay National Wildlife 
Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.37  Louisiana.

* * * * *

Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, coots, snipe, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    1. Hunting must be in accordance with Sherburne Wildlife Management 
Area regulations.
    2. For the Indian Bayou Area, we require an Army Corps of Engineer 
permit.

[[Page 56403]]

    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, 
raccoon, opossum, nutria, muskrat, mink, fox, bobcat, beaver, and otter 
on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. Hunting must be in accordance with Sherburne Wildlife Management 
Area regulations.
    2. For the Indian Bayou Area, we require an Army Corps of Engineer 
permit.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer and turkey on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. Hunting must be in accordance with Sherburne Wildlife Management 
Area regulations.
    2. For the Indian Bayou Area, we require an Army Corps of Engineer 
permit.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow finfishing and shellfishing year round 
in accordance with Sherburne Wildlife Management Area regulations:
    1. We require refuge permits for commercial shellfishing.
    2. For the Indian Bayou Area, we require an Army Corps of Engineer 
permit for commercial shellfishing.
* * * * *

Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrels, rabbit, 
raccoon, and coyote on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following condition: We require refuge permits.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We 
require refuge permits.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. Each boat/vehicle entering the refuge must possess an entrance 
pass.
    2. We allow fishing during daylight hours only.
    3. We allow fishing on the Cross Bayou Cut and all tributaries that 
fill with water from Cocodrie Bayou during high water stages.
    4. We prohibit camping.
    5. We allow only cotton limb lines.
    6. You may not use trotlines, slat traps, or nets while fishing.
* * * * *

Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of migratory 
game birds in designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. We require refuge permits.
    2. Any person entering, using, or occupying the refuge for hunting 
must abide by all terms and conditions in the appropriate refuge 
brochure.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting in designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We require refuge permits.
    2. Any person entering, using, or occupying the refuge for hunting
    must abide by all terms and conditions in the appropriate refuge 
brochure.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer in 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We require refuge permits.
    2. Any person entering, using, or occupying the refuge for hunting 
must abide by all terms and conditions in the appropriate refuge 
brochure.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing in designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following condition: Any person entering, using, 
or occupying the refuge for fishing must abide by all terms and 
conditions in the appropriate refuge brochure.
* * * * *

Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
duck, gallinules, and coots on designated areas of the refuge subject 
to the following conditions:
* * * * *

Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge

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

Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of migratory 
game birds in designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
condition: Any person entering, using, or occupying the refuge for 
hunting must abide by all terms and conditions in the refuge hunting 
brochure.
* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
feral hogs on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
condition: Any person entering, using, or occupying the refuge for 
hunting must abide by all terms and conditions in the refuge hunting 
brochure.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following condition: Any person entering, using, 
or occupying the refuge for fishing must abide by all terms and 
conditions in the refuge fishing brochure.
* * * * *

    14. In Sec. 32.38 Maine by:
    a. Alphabetically adding Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge;
    b. Revising paragraph D. of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge; 
and
    c. Revising paragraph D. of Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife 
Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.38  Maine.

* * * * *

Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of ducks, 
geese, common snipe, sora, Virginia rail, common moorhen, and woodcock 
on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
    2. Designated permanent blinds will be available by reservation. We 
allow no other permanent blinds. You must remove your temporary blinds, 
boats, and decoys from the refuge following each day's hunt.
    3. You must wear in a conspicuous manner on the outermost layer of 
the head, chest, and back, a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm\2\) 
of solid-colored hunter orange clothing or material, except when 
hunting ducks or geese.
    4. We allow pre-hunt scouting, however, we will not allow dogs 
during pre-hunt scouts.
    5. We prohibit dog training.
    6. You must unload all firearms outside of legal State hunting 
hours.
    7. We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATV's).
    8. The Refuge will be open to hunting during the hours stipulated 
under Maine hunting regulations, but no longer than from \1/2\ hour 
before legal sunrise to \1/2\ hour after legal sunset.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of coyote, fox, raccoon, 
woodchuck, red squirrel, eastern gray squirrel, porcupine, skunk, 
American crow, showshoe hare, ring-necked pheasant, ruffed grouse, and 
northern bobwhite in designated areas subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
    2. You may only use pursuit or trailing dogs to hunt coyote or 
snowshoe hare.
    3. We allow hunting of snowshoe hare with dogs from November 20 to 
January 1.

[[Page 56404]]

    4. We allow hunting of coyote with dogs from October 20 to November 
9.
    5. We allow a maximum of four dogs per hunter.
    6. Dogs may only be on the refuge when the hunter is present.
    7. You must equip dogs used to hunt coyote with operational 
radiotelemetry collars. You must be in possession of a working 
radiotelemetry receiver that can detect and track the frequency(ies) 
emitted by each radio collar used.
    8. We do not allow hunting for coyote and raccoon from \1/2\ hour 
after sunset to \1/2\ hour before sunrise.
    9. We allow pre-hunt scouting, however, we do not allow dogs during 
pre-hunt scouts.
    10. We prohibit dog training.
    11. You must wear in a conspicuous manner on the outermost layer of 
the head, chest, and back, a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm\2\) 
of solid-colored hunter orange clothing or material.
    12. You must unload all firearms outside of legal State hunting 
hours.
    13. We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATV's).
    14. The refuge will be open to hunting during the hours stipulated 
under Maine hunting regulations, but no longer than from \1/2\ hour 
before legal sunrise to \1/2\ hour after legal sunset.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, moose, 
black bear, and wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject 
to the following conditions:
    1. We allow bear hunting with dogs from October 20 to October 29.
    2. You must equip dogs used to hunt bear with operational 
radiotelemetry collars. You must be in possession of a working 
radiotelemetry receiver that can detect and track the frequency(ies) 
emitted by each radio collar used.
    3. We allow a maximum of four dogs per hunter.
    4. Dogs may only be on the refuge when the hunter is present.
    5. You must take the first bear you tree, except in the case of 
cubs or a sow with cubs.
    6. You must report where you took the bear to the State of Maine.
    7. We allow pre-hunt scouting, however, we will not allow dogs 
during pre-hunt scouts.
    8. We prohibit dog training.
    9. You may use only portable tree stands, and you must remove them 
from the refuge each day.
    10. You must wear in a conspicuous manner on the outermost layer of 
the head, chest, and back a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm\2\) 
of solid-colored hunter orange clothing or material, except when 
hunting turkey.
    11. You must unload all firearms outside of legal State hunting 
hours.
    12. We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATV's).
    13. The refuge will be open to hunting during the hours stipulated 
under Maine hunting regulations, but no longer than from \1/2\ hour 
before legal sunrise to \1/2\ hour after legal sunset.
    D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
* * * * *

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following condition: We allow fishing from 
sunrise to sunset.

Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. You may fish on the waters of and from the banks 
of Baker Brook, Birch Stream, Buzzy Brook, Johnson Brook, Little Birch 
Stream, Little Buzzy Brook, Sandy Stream, and Sunkhaze Stream.

    15. In Sec. 32.40 Massachusetts by:
    a. Revising paragraph D. of Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge;
    b. Adding paragraph D.3. to Nantucket National Wildlife Refuge; and
    c. Revising the introductory text of paragraph B and revising 
paragraph B.3. and adding paragraph B.4. to Oxbow National Wildlife 
Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.40  Massachusetts.

* * * * *

Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing in designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following condition: In addition to daytime 
fishing, we allow fishing after sunset in accordance with State 
regulations.

Nantucket National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
    3. In addition to daytime fishing, we allow fishing after sunset in 
accordance with State regulations.

Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game birds, 
turkey, and small game on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
* * * * *
    3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field, 
except while hunting turkey.
    4. Hunters will comply with all State hunting regulations.
* * * * *
    16. In Sec. 32.42 Minnesota by adding introductory text to 
paragraph A, revising the introductory text of paragraph B. and adding 
paragraphs B.2., B.3., and C.3. to Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge 
to read as follows:


Sec. 32.42  Minnesota.

* * * * *

Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. You may not hunt any migratory 
game birds on the refuge. You may retrieve waterfowl taken outside the 
refuge boundary up to 100 yards (90 m) inside the refuge.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. You may hunt partridge, pheasant, wild 
turkey, gray and fox squirrel, cottontail and jack rabbit, red and gray 
fox, raccoon, and striped skunk on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
* * * * *
    2. You may hunt fox, raccoon, and striped skunk only during open 
seasons for other small game species. You may not use dogs while 
raccoon hunting.
    3. You may hunt only turkey if you have a valid State turkey 
hunting permit in your possession.
    C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    3. You may hunt only deer if you have a valid State permit in your 
possession.
* * * * *

    17. In Sec. 32.44 Missouri by revising paragraphs A., B., and C. of 
Big Muddy National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.44  Missouri.

* * * * *

Big Muddy National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of migratory 
game birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to posted 
regulations and the following conditions:
    1. Hunters may use only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
    2. You must remove all your blinds, boats, and decoys from the 
refuge following each day's hunt except for blinds made entirely of 
marsh vegetation. You may not cut woody vegetation on the refuge for 
blinds.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game animals on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to

[[Page 56405]]

posted regulations and the following conditions:
    1. You may use only approved nontoxic shot while hunting for upland 
game, except wild turkeys. You may use lead shot while hunting for wild 
turkey.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on designated areas 
of the refuge subject to posted regulations and the following 
conditions:
    1. You may not use tree spikes to help you climb trees or hunt on 
the refuge.
    2. You must remove tree stands from the refuge within 24 hours of 
the close of the deer hunting season.
    3. You may not hunt over or place on the refuge any salt or other 
mineral blocks.
* * * * *

    18. In Sec. 32.47 Nevada by:
    a. Revising paragraphs A. and B. of Ash Meadows National Wildlife 
Refuge;
    b. Revising paragraphs A., B., and D.1. of Pahranagat National 
Wildlife Refuge; and
    c. Adding paragraph A.3. and revising the introductory text of 
paragraph D. and paragraph D.2. of Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge.


Sec. 32.47  Nevada.

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, coots, moorhens, snipe, and doves in accordance with State and 
refuge-specific regulations on designated areas of the refuge subject 
to the following conditions:
    1. We allow hunting only on designated days.
    2. We allow only nonmotorized boats or boats with electric motors 
on the refuge hunting area during the migratory waterfowl hunting 
season.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail and rabbit in 
accordance with State and refuge-specific regulations on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow hunting of quail and rabbit only on designated days 
during the regular State season for quail.
    2. We prohibit the discharging of rifles or handguns.
* * * * *

Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, coots, moorhens, snipe, and doves in accordance with State and 
refuge-specific regulations on designated areas of the refuge subject 
to the following conditions:
    1. We allow hunting only on designated days.
    2. We allow only nonmotorized boats or boats with electric motors 
on the refuge hunting area during the migratory waterfowl hunting 
season.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail and rabbit in 
accordance with State and refuge-specific regulations on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We allow 
hunting of quail and rabbit only on designated days during the regular 
State season for quail.
* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
    1. We allow fishing year round with exception of North Marsh, which 
we close October 1 to February 1.
* * * * *

Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    3. The refuge is open to the public from 1 hour before sunrise to 2 
hours after sunset.
* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to Federal and State laws and the following conditions:
* * * * *
    2. We allow fishing on dikes in the areas north of the Brown Dike 
and east of the Collection Ditch with the exception that you may fish 
by wading and from personal flotation devices (float tubes) in 
designated areas.
* * * * *

    19. In Sec. 32.48 New Hampshire by alphabetically adding Lake 
Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.48  New Hampshire.

* * * * *

Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of ducks, 
geese, common snipe, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
    2. Designated permanent blinds will be available by reservation. We 
will allow no other permanent blinds. You must remove your temporary 
blinds, boats, and decoys from the refuge following each day's hunt.
    3. You must wear in a conspicuous manner on the outermost layer of 
the head, chest, and back, a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm\2\) 
of solid-colored hunter orange clothing or material, except when 
hunting ducks or geese.
    4. You must unload all firearms outside of legal State hunting 
hours.
    5. We prohibit use of all-terrain vehicles (ATV's).
    6. We allow pre-hunt scouting, however, we do not permit dogs 
during pre-hunt scouts.
    7. We prohibit dog training.
    8. The refuge will be open to hunting during the hours stipulated 
under New Hampshire hunting regulations, but no longer than from \1/2\ 
hour before legal sunrise to \1/2\ hour after legal sunset.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of coyote, fisher, fox, 
raccoon, woodchuck, red squirrel, porcupine, skunk, weasel, American 
crow, mink, muskrat, snowshoe hare, ring-necked pheasant, ruffed 
grouse, and northern bobwhite in designated areas subject to the 
following conditions:
    1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
    2. You may only use pursuit or trailing dogs to hunt coyote or 
snowshoe hare.
    3. We allow hunting of snowshoe hare from November 20 to January 1.
    4. We allow hunting of coyote with dogs from October 20 to November 
9.
    5. We allow a maximum of four dogs per hunter.
    6. Dogs may only be on the refuge when the hunter is present.
    7. You must equip dogs used to hunt coyote with operational 
radiotelemetry collars. You must be in possession of a working 
radiotelemetry receiver that can detect and track the frequency(ies) 
emitted by each radio collar used.
    8. We do not allow hunting for coyote and raccoon from \1/2\ hour 
after sunset to \1/2\ hour before sunrise.
    9. We allow pre-hunt scouting, however, we will not allow dogs 
during pre-hunt scouts.
    10. We prohibit dog training.
    11. You must wear in a conspicuous manner on the outermost layer of 
the head, chest, and back, a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm\2\) 
of solid-colored hunter orange clothing or material.
    12. You must unload all firearms outside of legal State hunting 
hours.
    13. We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATV's).
    14. The refuge will be open to hunting during the hours stipulated 
under New Hampshire hunting regulations, but no longer than from \1/2\ 
hour before legal sunrise to \1/2\ hour after legal sunset.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, moose, 
and black bear on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:

[[Page 56406]]

    1. We allow hunting of bear with dogs from October 20 to November 
9.
    2. You must equip dogs used to hunt bear with operational 
radiotelemetry collars. You must be in possession of a working 
radiotelemetry receiver that can detect and track the frequency(ies) 
emitted by each radio collar used.
    3. We allow a maximum of four dogs per hunter.
    4. Dogs may only be on the refuge when the hunter is present.
    5. You must take the first bear you tree, except in the case of 
cubs or a sow with cubs.
    6. You must report where you took the bear to the State of New 
Hampshire.
    7. We allow pre-hunt scouting, however, we do not allow dogs during 
pre-hunt scouts.
    8. We prohibit dog training.
    9. You may use only portable tree stands, and you must remove them 
from the refuge each day.
    10. You must wear in a conspicuous manner on the outermost layer of 
the head, chest, and back, a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm\2\) 
of solid-colored hunter orange clothing or material.
    11. You must unload all firearms outside of legal State hunting 
hours.
    12. We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATV's).
    13. The refuge will be open to hunting during the hours stipulated 
under New Hampshire hunting regulations, but no longer than from \1/2\ 
hour before legal sunrise to \1/2\ hour after legal sunset.
    D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

    20. In Sec. 32.49 New Jersey by revising paragraphs A., C.1., and 
D.1., revising the introductory text of paragraphs C. and D., and 
adding paragraph D.4 of Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.


Sec. 32.49  New Jersey.

* * * * *

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of waterfowl, 
coots, moorhens, and rails on designated areas of the refuge subject to 
the following conditions:
    1. You must remove all your hunting blind materials, boats, and 
decoys at the end of each hunting day. We do not allow permanent and 
pit blinds.
    2. We may restrict use of Hunting Unit 3 of the Brigantine Division 
to certified Young Waterfowl Program trainees for up to 30 days as 
posted.
    3. You may not possess more than 25 shells per day in Hunting Units 
A, B, and C in the Barnegat Division. You may not possess more than 50 
shells per day in Unit 1 of the Brigantine Division.
    4. In Hunting Unit B of the Barnegat Division, we restrict hunting 
to designated sites, with each site limited to one party of hunters. We 
require a minimum of six decoys per site.
    5. In Hunting Unit D of the Barnegat Division, we require a minimum 
of six decoys and do not allow jump shooting. Access is by boat only; 
we do not allow foot access.
    6. Access is by boat only in all Units except the portion of Unit A 
that is south of West Creek Dock Road, in the Barnegat Division, and 
Unit 5 in the Brigantine Division. You may access these Units by foot 
or boat.
    7. You may occupy no sites or Units before 4:00 a.m. Access is by 
boat only.
    8. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We require a State permit for the appropriate New Jersey Deer 
Management Zone. You must have this permit stamped and validated in 
person at the Refuge Headquarters.
* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow saltwater fishing from the Holgate beach and Little 
Beach Island with the exception of those areas posted as closed. We may 
close the Holgate Unit and Little Beach Island to all public use during 
the migratory bird nesting season. We require a saltwater fishing 
permit to fish from Little Beach Island. You may obtain permits from 
the Refuge Headquarters.
* * * * *
    4. We allow bank fishing and crabbing at designated areas. Contact 
the Refuge Headquarters for locations.
* * * * *

    21. In Sec. 32.50 New Mexico by alphabetically adding San Andres 
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.50  New Mexico.

* * * * *

San Andres National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
    B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of oryx or gemsbok (Oryx 
gazella) on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. We require hunters to check in and out of the hunt area.
    2. We require hunters to attend unexploded ordnance (UXO) training 
prior to entering the hunt area.
    3. We require State permits and payment of a hunt fee.
    D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
* * * * *

    22. In Sec. 32.51 New York by revising paragraphs A.1., B.1., C., 
and D.4, deleting paragraph A.3, and redesignating paragraphs A.4., 
A.5., A.6., A.7., and A.8. as paragraphs A.3., A.4., A.5., A.6. and 
A.7. of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.51  New York.

* * * * *

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
    1. We require refuge permits.
* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
    1. We require refuge permits.
* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer and turkeys on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We 
require refuge permits.
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
    4. We do not allow the use of boats or other flotation devices with 
the exception that you may use nonmotorized boats on Oak Orchard Creek 
east of Route 63.
* * * * *

    23. In Sec. 32.52 North Carolina by:
    a. Revising paragraphs A.2., B.3., and C.3. of Pocosin Lakes 
National Wildlife Refuge; and
    b. Revising paragraphs A. and B. of Roanoke River National Wildlife 
Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.52  North Carolina.

* * * * *

Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    2. Firearms in transport by vehicle or boat under power must remain 
unloaded.
* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    3. Firearms in transport by a vehicle or boat under power must 
remain unloaded.
* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *

[[Page 56407]]

    3. Firearms in transport by a vehicle or boat under power must 
remain unloaded.
* * * * *

Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of ducks and 
coots on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
condition: We require refuge permits.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, raccoon, and 
opossum on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. We require refuge permits.
    2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
* * * * *

    24. In Sec. 32.53 North Dakota by:
    a. Revising paragraphs B. and C. of Lake Zahl National Wildlife 
Refuge; and
    b. Revising paragraph C. of Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge 
to read as follows:


Sec. 32.53  North Dakota.

* * * * *

Lake Zahl National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of ring-necked pheasants, 
sharp-tailed grouse, and gray partridge on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
    2. The upland game bird season opens annually on the day following 
the close of the regular firearm deer season through the end of the 
State season.
    3. Hunters may enter the refuge on foot only.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer on designated areas 
of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow archery hunting through the day before the opening of 
the State waterfowl season and allow it following the deer gun season.
    2. We allow deer gun hunting concurrent with the State deer gun 
season.
    3. Hunters may enter the refuge on foot only.
* * * * *

Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of big game on designated 
areas of the refuge as per State law with certain restrictions as 
posted.
* * * * *

    25. In Sec. 32.54 Ohio by revising paragraph D. of Cedar Point 
National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.54  Ohio.

* * * * *

Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. You may fish only during daylight hours during designated dates.
    2. We do not allow boats or flotation devices.
* * * * *
    26. In Sec. 32.55 Oklahoma by:
    a. Revising paragraph A.4., adding paragraph B.5, and revising 
paragraph D. of Little River National Wildlife Refuge; and
    b. Adding paragraph C.4. and revising paragraphs B.2. and D.9. of 
Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.55  Oklahoma.

* * * * *

Little River National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    4. You must possess a refuge permit.
* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    5. You must possess a refuge permit.
* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge.
    1. We prohibit off-road vehicle use.
    2. You must possess a refuge permit.
* * * * *

Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    2. We allow only bows and arrows and shotguns using approved 
nontoxic shot.
* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    4. We prohibit baiting on the refuge and the Wildlife Management 
Unit.
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
    9. You may only take bait for personal use while fishing in the 
refuge in accordance with Oklahoma State law. We do not allow removal 
of bait from the refuge for commercial sales. You cannot release bait 
back into the water.
* * * * *

    27. In Sec. 32.56 Oregon by:
    a. Removing Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge;
    b. Revising paragraphs A.2. and B.2. and adding paragraphs A.7. and 
B.5. of Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge;
    c. Revising the heading of ``Klamath Forest National Wildlife 
Refuge'' to read ``Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge;''
    d. Revising paragraphs A.2. and B.2. of McKay Creek National 
Wildlife Refuge;
    e. Adding McNary National Wildlife Refuge; and
    f. Revising paragraph A. of William L. Finley National Wildlife 
Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.56  Oregon.

* * * * *

Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    2. We allow hunting only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, 
Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
* * * * *
    7. We allow hunting in the Memorial Marsh Unit by designated blind 
sites only.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    2. We allow hunting only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, 
Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
* * * * *
    5. We do not allow hunting of upland game birds until noon of each 
hunt day.
* * * * *

Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *

McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    2. We allow hunting only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, 
Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    2. We allow hunting only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, 
Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
* * * * *

[[Page 56408]]

McNary National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of doves on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
    2. We allow dove hunting on the State Line and Juniper Canyon Units 
on legal hunt days in accordance with State regulations.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
    2. We allow hunting on State Line and Juniper Canyon Units in 
accordance with State regulations.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow deer hunting on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow shotguns and archery only.
    2. We allow hunting on State Line and Juniper Canyon Units in 
accordance with State regulations.
    D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
* * * * *

William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
* * * * *

    28. In Sec. 32.60 South Carolina by:
    a. Revising paragraph D. of Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge; 
and
    b. Revising paragraphs C. and D. of Carolina Sandhills National 
Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.60  South Carolina.

* * * * *

Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing, crabbing, and shell fishing in 
accordance with State regulations, as specifically designated in refuge 
publications, and as posted. Except as posted, we close refuge islands 
at night. We do not allow shrimp baiting from refuge islands or above 
the low tide mark.

Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, turkey, 
and feral hogs on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following condition: We require refuge permits.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on all areas of the refuge, 
except Martins Lake and those areas marked by signs as closed to the 
public for fishing, subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow fishing from \1/2\ hour before sunrise to \1/2\ hour 
before sunset.
    2. We allow nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors. You 
must hand load and unload boats except at designated boat ramps.
    3. We do not allow fish baskets, net, set hooks, and trotlines.
* * * * *

    29. In Sec. 32.61 South Dakota by:
    a. Revising paragraph B. of Pocasse National Wildlife Refuge; and
    b. Revising paragraphs B. and D. of Sand Lake National Wildlife 
Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.61  South Dakota.

* * * * *

Pocasse National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, sharp-tailed 
grouse, and Hungarian partridge on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following condition: You may possess only approved 
nontoxic shot while in the field.
* * * * *

Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of sharp-tailed grouse, 
Hungarian partridge, and pheasant on designated areas of the refuge.
* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing in accordance with State 
law and as specifically designated in refuge publications.

    30. In Sec. 32.63 Texas by:
    a. Revising paragraphs A., B., and C. of Balcones Canyonlands 
National Wildlife Refuge;
    b. Alphabetically adding Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife 
Refuge; and
    c. Alphabetically adding Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge to 
read as follows:


Sec. 32.63  Texas.

* * * * *

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of mourning, 
white-wing, rock, and Eurasian-collared doves on designated areas of 
the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. The length of the hunting season will be concurrent with the 
State season in September and October.
    2. We allow hunting in designated areas, from noon to sunset, 
Saturdays and Sundays.
    3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
    4. We require refuge permits and payment of a hunt fee by all 
hunters.
    5. We prohibit dogs.
    6. All hunters must be 10 years old or older. An adult 21 years of 
age or older must supervise hunters ages 10-17 (inclusive).
    7. We prohibit use or possession of alcohol.
    8. We may immediately close the entire refuge or any portion 
thereof to hunting for the protection of resources, as determined by 
the refuge manager.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of turkey on designated 
areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow hunting in November, December, and/or January.
    2. We require hunters to check in and out of a hunt area.
    3. We allow bows and arrows, shotguns, and rifles.
    4. We may immediately close the entire refuge or any portion 
thereof to hunting for the protection of resources, as determined by 
the refuge manager.
    5. Hunters must be at least 12 years of age. An adult 21 years of 
age or older must supervise hunters between the ages of 12 and 17 
(inclusive).
    6. The refuge will set bag limits.
    7. We require hunters to visibly wear 400 square inches (2,600 
cm2) of hunter orange on the outermost layer of the head, 
chest and back, which must include a hunter orange hat or cap.
    8. We require refuge permits and the payment of a hunt fee.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and 
feral hogs on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. We allow hunting in November, December, and/or January.
    2. We require hunters to check in and out daily at designated check 
stations.
    3. We allow bows and arrows, shotguns, and rifles.
    4. We may immediately close to hunting the entire refuge or any 
portion thereof for the protection of resources as determined by the 
refuge manager.
    5. Hunters must be at least 12 years of age. An adult 21 years of 
age or older must supervise hunters between the ages of 12 and 17 
(inclusive).
    6. The refuge will set bag limits.
    7. We require hunters to wear 400 square inches (2,600 
cm2) of hunter orange on the outermost layer of the head, 
chest, and back, which must include a hunter orange hat or cap.

[[Page 56409]]

    8. We require refuge permits and the payment of a hunt fee.
* * * * *

Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of mourning, 
white-winged, and white-tipped doves in the months of September, 
October, and November on designated areas of the refuge, subject to the 
following conditions:
    1. We require a refuge permit and payment of a fee.
    2. We limit hunting to the months of September, October, and 
November in accordance with the State hunting season.
    3. We allow only shotguns.
    4. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
    5. All hunters must be 12 years of age or older. An adult 21 years 
old or older must accompany hunters 12-17 years of age.
    6. You may park at designated locations only.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, feral 
hogs, and nilgai antelope on designated areas of the refuge subject to 
the following conditions:
    1. We require a refuge permit and payment of a fee.
    2. We will offer hunting during portions of the State hunting 
season.
    3. We enforce a two-deer (one buck only) limit on white-tailed deer 
and no limit on feral hogs and nilgai antelope.
    4. All hunters must be 12 years of age or older. An adult 21 years 
old or older must accompany hunters 12-17 years of age.
    5. We will determine location and method of hunt each year.
    6. You may park at designated locations only.
    7. We prohibit the use of dogs and baiting for hunting.
    D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
* * * * *

Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
    B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on Champion Lake subject to the 
following conditions:
    1. We allow fishing only with pole and line, rod and reel, or hand-
held line.
    2. We do not allow the use of trotlines, setlines, bows and arrows, 
gigs, spears, or fish traps.
    3. We do not allow use of frogs or turtles.
    4. We allow fishing from sunrise to sunset.
    5. We limit motors to a maximum of 10 horsepower. You may not fish 
or enter within 200 yards (180 m) of an established bird rookery from 
March through the end of May. Check at refuge headquarters for rookery 
location(s).

    31. In Sec. 32.65 Vermont by revising paragraphs A.1., A.2., A.4., 
A.5., C.1., C.4., and D. of Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge to read 
as follows:


Sec. 32.65  Vermont.

* * * * *

Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
    1. We require refuge permits to hunt in the Long Marsh Channel--
Metcalfe Island Controlled Hunting Area, the Junior Waterfowl Hunting 
Area, and the Saxe's Pothole-Creek and Shad Island Pothole Hunting 
Area.
    2. You may not possess more than 25 shells per day on the Long 
Marsh Channel-Metcalfe Island Controlled Hunting Area, the Junior 
Waterfowl Hunting Area, and the Saxe's Pothole-Creek and Shad Island 
Pothole Hunting Area.
* * * * *
    4. Within any controlled hunting area, you must hunt within 100 
feet (30 m) of the blind or blind stake for the area except to retrieve 
crippled birds.
    5. You must hunt with one retriever per hunting party of up to two 
hunters per party within the Saxe's Pothole-Creek and Shad Island 
Pothole Hunting Area, the Long Marsh Channel-Metcalfe Island Hunting 
Area, and the Maquam Swamp Hunting Area.
* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
    1. You may use only shotguns and muzzleloaders on that part of the 
refuge east of the Missisquoi River during the State regular season or 
on that part of the refuge north and east of Route 78 during the Youth 
Hunt.
* * * * *
    4. You may use only portable tree stands. You may leave them in 
place during deer seasons with proper notation on the big game permit.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following condition: We allow fishing from refuge 
lands along Lake Champlain and the Missisquoi River, except from any 
refuge dike or from or within any refuge water management unit.

    32. In Sec. 32.66 Virginia by:
    a. Adding paragraph D.3. of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge;
    b. Revising paragraph A. of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge; 
and
    c. Alphabetically adding Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge to 
read as follows:


Sec. 32.66  Virginia.

* * * * *

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. * * *
* * * * *
    3. We require a refuge permit to fish in ``D'' Pool.
* * * * *

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of migratory 
waterfowl and rails on designated areas of the refuge subject to the 
following conditions:
    1. We require a refuge permit to hunt in designated public hunting 
areas.
    2. We allow guided hunting in designated areas of Wildcat Marsh 
with refuge-designated commercial guides.
* * * * *

Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. [Reserved]
    B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer on designated areas 
of the refuge subject to the following condition: We require refuge 
permits.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow fishing only from sunrise to sunset from March 15 
through October 15.
    2. You must attend all fishing lines.
    3. We do not allow airboats.
* * * * *

    33. In Sec. 32.67 Washington by:
    a. Alphabetically adding Arid Lands National Wildlife Refuge 
Complex;
    b. Revising paragraphs A.1., A.3., and C. of Columbia National 
Wildlife Refuge;
    c. Revising McNary National Wildlife Refuge;
    d. Removing paragraphs A.4. and B.4., paragraphs A.5, A.6., and 
B.5. as A.4., A.5., and B.4. and revising newly redesignated paragraphs 
A.4., A.5. and B.4. of Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge; and
    e. Revising paragraphs A. and D. of Willapa National Wildlife 
Refuge to read as follows:

[[Page 56410]]

Sec. 32.67  Washington.

* * * * *

Arid Lands National Wildlife Refuge Complex

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of migratory 
game birds on the Wahluke Wildlife Recreation Unit of the Complex 
subject to the following condition: You may possess only approved 
nontoxic shot while in the field.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on the 
Wahluke Wildlife Recreation Unit of the Complex subject to the 
following conditions:
    1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
    2. We allow only shotguns.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of big game on the Wahluke 
Wildlife Recreation Unit of the Complex subject to the following 
condition: We allow only shotgun, muzzle loader, and archery hunting.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
Wahluke Wildlife Recreation Unit of the Complex.

Columbia National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
    1. In Marsh Unit 1 and Farm Units 226-227, we allow hunting only on 
Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays.
* * * * *
    3. In Marsh Unit 1, concurrent with the State's designated Youth 
Day prior to the opening of the waterfowl season, an adult at least 18 
years of age who is not hunting must accompany hunters under 16 years 
of age.
* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer on designated areas 
of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. We allow only shotgun and archery hunting.
    2. We allow hunting of deer only during State seasons that run 
concurrently with the State waterfowl season.
* * * * *

McNary National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, coots, doves, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge 
subject to the following conditions:
    1. On the McNary Division, we allow hunting by refuge permit only. 
On the first Saturday in December, only youth aged 10-17 and an 
accompanying adult aged 18 or over may hunt.
    2. We allow dove hunting only on the Wallula, Two Rivers, 
Peninsula, State line, and Juniper Canyon Units on legal hunt days in 
accordance with State regulations.
    3. We allow waterfowl hunting on the Wallula and Two Rivers Units 7 
days a week during State waterfowl season.
    4. We allow waterfowl hunting on the Peninsula Unit Friday through 
Monday during State waterfowl season subject to the following 
condition: Hunting on the east side of the Peninsula and in the goose 
pits is by assigned blinds on a first-come, first-served basis.
    5. The refuge is open from 5:00 a.m. to 1\1/2\ hours after sunset. 
You may not leave decoys and other personal property on the refuge 
overnight.
    6. You may not possess more than 25 approved nontoxic shells while 
in the field.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on 
designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. On the McNary Division, we allow hunting only on Wednesdays, 
Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's 
Day. We do not allow hunting until noon of each hunt day. Hunting is 
for pheasant and quail only. On the first Saturday in December, only 
youth aged 10-17 and an accompanying adult aged 18 or over may hunt.
    2. You may not possess more than 25 approved nontoxic shot shells 
while in the field.
    3. We allow upland game hunting on the Wallula, Two Rivers, State 
line, and Juniper Canyon Units in accordance with State regulations.
    4. We do not allow hunting on the Peninsula Unit until noon on 
legal goose hunting days.
    C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer only on the Wallula, 
Two Rivers, Peninsula, State line, and Juniper Canyon Units subject to 
the following condition: We allow shotguns and archery only in 
accordance with State regulations.
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the 
refuge subject to the following conditions:
    1. On the McNary Division, visiting hours are from sunrise to 
sunset. We do not allow the use of boats and other flotation devices.
    2. We allow fishing only with hook and line.
    3. We allow fishing on the Wallula, Two Rivers, and Peninsula Units 
in accordance with State regulations.
* * * * *

Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. * * *
* * * * *
    4. Snipe hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in 
the field.
    5. On the Halvorson and Webb Units, you may hunt on Wednesdays, 
Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day 
only. On the Robbins Road Unit, you may hunt on Tuesdays, Thursdays, 
Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day 
only. Pumphouse, Isiri, Petty, and Chambers Units are open 7 days a 
week during waterfowl season.
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    4. On the Halvorson and Webb Units, you may hunt on Wednesdays, 
Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day 
only. On the Robbins Road Unit, you may hunt on Tuesdays, Thursdays, 
Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day 
only. Pumphouse, Isiri, Petty, and Chambers Units are open 7 days a 
week during waterfowl season.
* * * * *

Willapa National Wildlife Refuge

    A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of geese, 
ducks, and coots on designated areas of Riekkola and Lewis Units, in 
accordance with State hunting regulations and subject to the following 
conditions:
    1. Prior to entering the hunt area at the Riekkola Unit, we require 
you to obtain a refuge permit, pay a recreation user fee, and obtain a 
blind assignment.
    2. At the Riekkola Unit, you may take ducks and coot only 
coincidental to hunting geese.
    3. We allow hunting in the Riekkola Unit only from established 
blinds on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
    4. You may possess no more than 25 approved nontoxic shells per day 
while in the field.
* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing along the shoreline of 
Willapa Bay and Bear River on refuge-owned lands in accordance with 
State regulations.

    34. In Sec. 32.68 West Virginia by adding paragraph C.2. in Canaan 
Valley National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.68  West Virginia.

* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *

[[Page 56411]]

    2. We allow shotgun and muzzle-loader hunting only with the 
possession of approved nontoxic shot size #4 or smaller for hunting of 
wild turkey. We prohibit rifle hunting.
* * * * *

    35. In Sec. 32.69 Wisconsin by revising paragraphs B.2., C.1., and 
C.2. of Necedah National Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.69  Wisconsin.

* * * * *

Necedah National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    B. Upland Game Hunting. * * *
* * * * *
    2. During the spring turkey season, we allow unarmed hunters who 
have an unexpired spring turkey permit in their possession to scout the 
hunt area. We allow this scouting beginning on the Saturday immediately 
prior to the opening date listed on their State turkey hunting permit.
* * * * *
    C. Big Game Hunting. * * *
    1. You may not possess a loaded firearm or a nocked arrow on a bow 
within 50 feet (15 m) of the centerline of all public roads. Also, 
during the gun deer season, you may not possess a loaded firearm within 
50 feet (15 m) of the center of refuge trails, nor may you discharge a 
gun from across, down, or alongside these trails.
    2. You may not construct or use permanent blinds, stands, or 
ladders.
* * * * *

    36. In Sec. 32.71 United States Unincorporated Pacific Insular 
Possessions by revising paragraph D. of Johnston Atoll National 
Wildlife Refuge to read as follows:


Sec. 32.71  United States Unincorporated Pacific Insular Possessions.

Johnston Atoll National Wildlife Refuge

* * * * *
    D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing only in accordance with posted 
regulations (Conservation of Natural Resources and Protection of Fish 
and Wildlife on Johnston Atoll National Wildlife Refuge), which are 
available at refuge headquarters. Other special restrictions apply on 
this refuge, and we outline them in the regulations.
* * * * *

    Dated: August 24, 2000.
Stephen C. Saunders,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 00-23462 Filed 9-15-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P