[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 167 (Tuesday, August 28, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45516-45537]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-21654]



[[Page 45515]]

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

Part IV





Department of the Interior





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



Fish and Wildlife Service



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



50 CFR Part 20



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

  Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 167 / Tuesday, August 28, 2001 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 45516]]


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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 20

RIN 1018-AH79


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

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; supplemental.

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

SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we) is 
proposing to establish the 2001-02 late-season hunting regulations for 
certain migratory game birds. We annually prescribe frameworks, or 
outer limits, for dates and times when hunting may occur and the number 
of birds that may be taken and possessed in late seasons. These 
frameworks are necessary to allow State selections of seasons and 
limits and to allow recreational harvest at levels compatible with 
population and habitat conditions.

DATES: You must submit comments on the proposed migratory bird hunting 
late-season frameworks by September 7, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Send your comments on these proposals to the Chief, Division 
of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
Department of the Interior, room 634-Arlington Square, 1849 C Street, 
NW, Washington, DC 20240. All comments received, including names and 
addresses, will become part of the public record. You may inspect 
comments during normal business hours in room 634, Arlington Square 
Building, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulations Schedule for 2001

    On April 30, 2001, we published in the Federal Register (66 FR 
21298) a proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20. The proposal provided a 
background and overview of the migratory bird hunting regulations 
process, and dealt with the establishment of seasons, limits, and other 
regulations for migratory game birds under Secs. 20.101 through 20.107, 
20.109, and 20.110 of subpart K. On June 14, 2001, we published in the 
Federal Register (66 FR 32297) a second document providing supplemental 
proposals for early- and late-season migratory bird hunting regulations 
frameworks and the proposed regulatory alternatives for the 2001-02 
duck hunting season. The June 14 supplement also provided detailed 
information on the 2001-02 regulatory schedule and announced the 
Service Migratory Bird Regulations Committee (SRC) and Flyway Council 
meetings.
    On June 20-21, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council 
Consultants at which the participants reviewed information on the 
current status of migratory shore and upland game birds and developed 
recommendations for the 2001-02 regulations for these species plus 
regulations for migratory game birds in Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the 
Virgin Islands, special September waterfowl seasons in designated 
States, special sea duck seasons in the Atlantic Flyway, and extended 
falconry seasons. In addition, we reviewed and discussed preliminary 
information on the status of waterfowl as it relates to the development 
and selection of the regulatory packages for the 2001-02 regular 
waterfowl seasons. On July 24, we published in the Federal Register (66 
FR 38494) a third document specifically dealing with the proposed 
frameworks for early-season regulations and the final regulatory 
alternatives for the 2001-02 duck hunting season. We will publish a 
rulemaking establishing final frameworks for early-season migratory 
bird hunting regulations for the 2001-02 season in late August.
    On August 1-2, 2001, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council 
Consultants at which the participants reviewed the status of waterfowl 
and developed recommendations for the 2001-02 regulations for these 
species. This document deals specifically with proposed frameworks for 
the late-season migratory bird hunting regulations. It will lead to 
final frameworks from which States may select season dates, shooting 
hours, areas, and limits.
    We have considered all pertinent comments received through August 
3, 2001, in developing this document. In addition, new proposals for 
certain late-season regulations are provided for public comment. 
Comment periods are specified above under DATES. We will publish final 
regulatory frameworks for late-season migratory game bird hunting in 
the Federal Register on or about September 25, 2001.

Population Status and Harvest

    The following paragraphs provide a brief summary of information on 
the status and harvest of waterfowl excerpted from various reports. For 
more detailed information on methodologies and results, complete copies 
of the various reports are available at the address indicated under the 
caption ADDRESSES or from our website at http://migratorybirds.fws.gov.

Status of Ducks

    Federal, provincial, and State agencies conduct surveys each spring 
to estimate the size of breeding populations and to evaluate the 
conditions of the habitats. These surveys are conducted using fixed-
wing aircraft and encompass principal breeding areas of North America, 
and cover over 2.0 million square miles. The Traditional survey area is 
comprised of Alaska, Canada, and the northcentral U.S., and includes 
approximately 1.3 million square miles. The Eastern survey area 
includes parts of Ontario, Quebec, Labrador, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, 
Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, New York, and Maine, an area of 
approximately 0.7 million square miles.
    Habitat conditions in the traditional survey area were variable, 
and the estimate of May ponds (U.S. and Prairie Canada combined) is up 
(4.6 million  0.1 million, +18 percent) compared to 2000, 
and slightly below (-6 percent), but not statistically different from 
the long-term average. Continued drought produced fair to poor 
conditions in most of Alberta, central and southern Saskatchewan, and 
eastern Montana. By contrast, North and South Dakota generally had good 
to excellent water conditions, with the best conditions in the eastern 
portions of these States, and drier conditions to the north and west. 
Nesting cover in the Dakotas was in above-average condition. Southern 
Manitoba and extreme southeastern Saskatchewan have had higher than 
normal water conditions for the past 2 years, and this water, along 
with above-normal precipitation due to an early, snowy winter, produced 
excellent habitat for breeding ducks. Average to above-average 
precipitation also made for excellent wetland conditions across 
northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The northernmost portion of Alberta 
was the exception to the record drought and poor wetland conditions in 
the rest of the province, as above-average winter and spring 
precipitation filled nearly all available wetland basins. Good 
conditions for breeding ducks prevailed in the Northwest Territories, 
except for a small northern area that was rated only fair due to late 
spring ice conditions that reduced available breeding habitat for 
early-nesting species. Overall, conditions were good in the traditional 
survey area, and

[[Page 45517]]

average to above-average waterfowl production is expected.
    In Alaska, breeding conditions depend largely on the timing of 
spring, as wetland conditions are less variable than on the prairies. 
Although winter temperatures were mild, spring was late, and waterfowl 
production will likely be below average to the north and west, and 
average to the south and east.
    In the eastern survey area, conditions were variable but generally 
good. Southern Ontario and Northern New York had an early spring, and 
with wetland basins nearly full, the outlook for breeding ducks is 
good. Spring was also early in Quebec, with good to excellent habitat 
in the central and northern portions. However, southern Quebec was 
drier with conditions ranging from fair to poor. In Maine and the 
Maritime provinces, spring was late, with lower than normal 
temperatures, but above-average precipitation, and habitat conditions 
were good. Overall, eastern habitats were in good condition, with 
average to above-average production expected.
    The 2001 total duck population estimate for the traditional survey 
area was 36.1  0.6 million birds, 14 percent below last 
year's near-record estimate of 41.8  0.7 million birds, but 
still 9 percent above the 1955-2000 average. Mallard abundance was 7.9 
 0.2 million, which is 17 percent below last year's 
estimate but still 5 percent above the 1955-2000 average. Blue-winged 
teal abundance was estimated at 5.8  0.3 million. This is 
23 percent below last year's record estimate of 7.4 million, but 29 
percent above the 1955-2000 average. Gadwall (2.7  0.1 
million, +66 percent), green-winged teal (2.5  0.2 million, 
+ 39 percent), and northern shovelers (3.3  0.2 million, 
+60 percent) all remained above their long-term averages, while 
American wigeon (2.5  0.1 million), redheads (0.7 
 0.07 million), and canvasbacks (0.6  0.05 
million) did not differ from their long-term averages. Scaup (3.7 
 0.2 million, -31 percent) and northern pintail (3.3 
 0.3 million, -23 percent), were again below their long-
term average.
    The 2001 total duck population estimate for the eastern survey area 
was 3.3  0.2 million birds, similar to last year's estimate 
of 3.2  0.3 million birds. Abundances of individual species 
were similar to those of last year, with the exception of ring-necked 
ducks (353.0  32 thousand, -43 percent) and buffleheads 
(95.0  44 thousand, + 93 percent). Buffleheads, goldeneyes 
and lesser scaup were above the 1996-2000 average in the east. Green-
winged teal and ring-necked ducks were below the 1996-2000 average, and 
other species were similar to their long-term averages.
    The mid-continent mallard fall flight is predicted to be 10.5 
million mallards, 6 percent lower than last year (P = 0.02).

Status of Geese and Swans

    We provide information on the population status and productivity of 
30 populations of North American Canada geese (Branta canadensis), 
brant (B. bernicla), snow geese (Chen caerulescens), Ross's geese (C. 
rossii), emperor geese (C. canagicus), white-fronted geese (Anser 
albifrons) and tundra swans (Cygnus columbianus). Conditions for 
nesting geese in Arctic areas of North America ranged from poor in the 
west to excellent in the east. The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, the North 
Slope, the Mackenzie and Anderson River Deltas, and islands of the 
western Arctic all experienced delayed snowmelt which likely reduced 
goose and swan productivity. In the central Arctic, spring phenology 
was near average. In much of the eastern Arctic, the Hudson Bay 
Lowlands, and Ungava Peninsula, phenology appeared to be earlier than 
average and nesting conditions for geese and swans generally were 
favorable. Of the 27 populations for which current estimates were 
available, 6 exhibited declines of more than 10 percent from previous 
annual estimates. Ten populations (four resident populations of Canada 
geese, cackling Canada geese, Western Central Flyway light geese, 
greater snow geese, and both white-fronted goose populations) displayed 
significant positive trends, and only Short Grass Prairie Canada geese 
exhibited a significant negative trend over the most recent 10-year 
period. Forecasts for production of young in 2001 varied regionally, 
but generally will be reduced in the western areas and improved in the 
eastern portions of North America.

Waterfowl Harvest and Hunter Activity

    During the 2000-01 hunting season, duck stamp sales were slightly 
above sales in 1999 (+1 percent), and hunter numbers remain well below 
the highs observed during the early 1970s. U.S. waterfowl hunters 
hunted about 4 percent fewer days and bagged about 4 percent fewer 
ducks, 2 percent fewer geese and 58 percent fewer coots than in 1999.
    The number of ducks harvested during the 2000-01 hunting season was 
similar to the numbers that were harvested during the early 1970s. The 
increased harvest during the last few years is a reflection of the more 
liberal hunting seasons offered and the increased duck abundance 
resulting from the improved water availability and habitat conditions 
that occurred in the prairie-pothole area. Of the five species of ducks 
that are most important in the bag, in order of importance: the number 
of mallards harvested increased 3 percent; the number of green-winged 
teal decreased 23 percent; the number of gadwall increased 16 percent; 
the number of wood ducks decreased 18 percent; and the number of blue-
winged teal remained the same.
    The overall harvest of geese last year decreased 2 percent from 
that of 2000-01. In the U.S., harvest of Canada geese increased 20 
percent, snow geese decreased 49 percent, blue geese decreased 35 
percent, Ross' geese decreased 66 percent, white-fronted geese 
decreased 19 percent, and brant increased 64 percent from 1999-2000. 
Increases in goose harvests over the last decade largely reflect the 
increased numbers of resident or giant Canada geese, although increases 
in other populations of Canada geese and other goose species, including 
snow geese, have occurred.

Review of Public Comments and Flyway Council Recommendations

    The preliminary proposed rulemaking, which appeared in the April 30 
Federal Register, opened the public comment period for migratory game 
bird hunting regulations. The supplemental proposed rule, which 
appeared in the June 14 Federal Register, defined the public comment 
period for the proposed regulatory alternatives for the 2001-02 duck 
hunting season. The public comment period for the proposed regulatory 
alternatives ended July 6, 2001. Late-season comments and comments 
pertaining to the proposed alternatives are summarized below and 
numbered in the order used in the April 30 Federal Register document. 
We have included only the numbered items pertaining to late-season 
issues and the proposed regulatory alternatives for which we received 
written comments. Consequently, the issues do not follow in direct 
numerical or alphabetical order.
    We received recommendations from all four Flyway Councils. Some 
recommendations supported continuation of last year's frameworks. Due 
to the comprehensive nature of the annual review of the frameworks 
performed by the Councils, support for continuation of last year's 
frameworks is assumed for items for which no recommendations were 
received. Council recommendations for changes in the frameworks are 
summarized below.

[[Page 45518]]

    We seek additional information and comments on the recommendations 
in this supplemental proposed rule. New proposals and modifications to 
previously described proposals are discussed below. Wherever possible, 
they are discussed under headings corresponding to the numbered items 
in the April 30, 2001, Federal Register document.

1. Ducks

    Categories used to discuss issues related to duck harvest 
management are: (A) Harvest Strategy Considerations, (B) Regulatory 
Alternatives, (C) Zones and Split Seasons, and (D) Special Seasons/
Species Management. The categories correspond to previously published 
issues/discussion, and only those containing substantial 
recommendations are discussed below.

B. Regulatory Alternatives

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and 
Pacific Flyway Councils recommended adoption of the ``liberal'' 
regulations package for duck hunting seasons in 2001-02.
    Service Response: The original Adaptive Harvest Management (AHM) 
protocol was based solely on the dynamics of midcontinent mallards, but 
efforts to account for eastern and western mallard stocks are 
progressing. For the 2001 hunting season, we recommend the 
consideration of a regulatory alternative for the Atlantic Flyway that 
depends exclusively on the status of eastern mallards. This arrangement 
should remain provisional, however, until the management implications 
of this approach are better understood. The recommended regulatory 
alternative for the western three flyways should continue to depend 
exclusively on the status of midcontinent mallards. The set of 
regulatory alternatives for this year, including specification of 
season lengths, bag limits, and framework dates, was finalized in the 
July 24 Federal Register, with the finalization of the 2001-02 
regulatory alternatives.
    For the 2001-02 hunting season, we propose the ``liberal'' 
regulatory alternative (as described in the July 24 Federal Register) 
for all Flyways, based on 8.7 million mallards, and 2.7 million ponds 
in Prairie Canada, and 1.0 million eastern mallards.

D. Special Seasons/Species Management

i. Black Ducks
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
allowing States to increase the daily bag limit on black ducks to 2 per 
day for 10 consecutive hunting days, provided the black duck season is 
closed for an equivalent number of days. During the remainder of the 
season, the black duck bag daily bag limit would be 1 bird per day.
    Service Response: We remain concerned about the current level of 
black duck populations and believe the best approach is to focus on the 
International Harvest strategy that has not yet been completed. We 
encourage the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyway Councils to work 
cooperatively with the Service and Canada to develop and implement an 
international harvest strategy as soon as possible so that 
recommendations such as this may be evaluated in a broader context. In 
the absence of this strategy, significant changes in harvest 
regulations likely would complicate negotiations with Canada. Further, 
we are uncertain that the proposed changes would not increase harvest. 
We believe that the current level of harvest reduction on black ducks, 
achieved since the 1983 Environmental Assessment, must be maintained.
ii. Canvasbacks
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
that the Canvasback Harvest Strategy be modified to allow for a limited 
canvasback hunting season of 20 days in the Atlantic and Mississippi 
Flyways, 25 days in the Central Flyway and 39 days in the Pacific 
Flyway during the 2001-02 season, with a daily bag limit of one bird 
per day. States can select these days during any time period within 
their regular duck season.
    The Mississippi and Pacific Flyway Councils recommended an open 
canvasback season with a 1-bird daily bag limit for the entire duck 
season in all four flyways for the 2001-02 season.
    The Central Flyway Council recommended modifying the current 
strategy and recommended two options for individual state selections. 
First, allow a within-season closure for canvasbacks during the regular 
duck hunting season. Season length (daily bag of 1, either sex) would 
be determined by the AHM regulatory alternative when the harvest 
predicted by the canvasback model is less than the allowable harvest. 
For the 2001-2002 duck hunting season, the season length for 
canvasbacks would be 39 days in the Central Flyway, 30 days in the 
Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, and 60 days in the Pacific Flyway. 
States would be allowed to select days during any time period of the 
regular duck hunting season within established criteria for zones and 
splits. Second, offer an aggregate daily bag of 1 canvasback or 1 
redhead for the entire length of the duck hunting season.
    Service Response: Since 1994, the Service has followed a canvasback 
harvest strategy that if population status and production are 
sufficient to permit a harvest of one canvasback per day nationwide for 
the entire length of the regular duck season, while attaining a spring 
population objective of 500,000 birds, the season on canvasbacks should 
be opened. Otherwise, the season on canvasbacks should be closed 
nationwide. This spring, the estimate of canvasback abundance was 
580,000 birds and the number of ponds in Prairie Canada in May (2.7 
million) was 20% below the long-term average. The size of the spring 
population, together with natural mortality and below-average expected 
production due to the relatively dry conditions, is insufficient to 
offset expected mortality associated with a canvasback season lasting 
the entire length of the ``liberal'' regulatory alternative and still 
attain the population objective of 500,000 canvasbacks in the spring of 
2002.
    We continue to support the harvest strategy and the model adopted 
in 1994. However, despite reduced numbers and below-average production 
forecast this year, we believe there is still some opportunity to allow 
a limited harvest this fall without compromising the population's 
ability to reach 500,000 canvasbacks next spring. Thus, we propose a 
very restrictive, shortened season for canvasbacks for the 2001-02 
season. In the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, the season length 
would be 20 days, in the Central Flyway, 25 days, and in the Pacific 
Flyway, 38 days. The days for this limited season must be used 
consecutively. Our objective in making this proposal is to provide some 
hunting opportunity but still assure that the spring population will 
remain above the 500,000 objective level.
    Over the next year, we are willing to discuss the possibility of 
revising the strategy. Because the population model has performed 
relatively well to date, we believe that the most productive area for 
discussion involves subjective aspects of the strategy, such as the 
setting of population objectives. Any proposed changes should have 
broad-based support and reflect the interests of all stakeholders. 
However, we emphasize that discontent with the canvasback strategy this 
year is symptomatic of difficulties associated with the larger issue of 
multi-stock management in the existing AHM framework. For example, how 
should hunting seasons be designed to

[[Page 45519]]

accommodate species' varying abilities to support harvest, when all 
species are subjected to a common sport harvest? We urge the Flyway 
Councils to begin internal discussions toward a strategic, long-term 
view regarding approaches to this and other critical harvest-management 
issues. Such discussions, complemented by ongoing work by the AHM 
working group, will be useful as we begin the development of a new 
Environmental Impact Statement for the sport hunting of migratory 
birds.
    Due to relative lateness of this development, the generally earlier 
opening of duck seasons in Alaska (September 1), and the anticipated 
level of harvest in Alaska, we propose to exempt Alaska from the 
proposed shorter season length. However, we believe that Alaska should 
fully engage in review of population objectives and remain a part of 
the overall harvest strategy for this species.
iii. Pintails
    Council Recommendations: All four Flyway Councils recommended a 
daily bag limit of one pintail in the 2001-02 hunting season as 
prescribed by the Interim Pintail Harvest Strategy.
    Service Response: We propose to continue use of the interim harvest 
strategy for a fifth year. Considering the current status of the 
population (3.3 million breeding birds) and the expected recruitment 
rate (1.01), the strategy prescribes a bag limit of 1 pintail for all 
Flyways under the ``liberal'' alternative.
    Further, we propose that the interim strategy be revised for future 
years by adjusting the equations used to predict pintail harvest to 
more accurately reflect realized harvest based on the experience gained 
during the past four years. The proposed method of adjustment, as well 
as a brief review of the first four years of interim strategy, will be 
provided to the Technical Sections for their review and comment. The 
interim strategy would be used until the development and adoption of a 
direct methodology for incorporation of pintails into the formal AHM 
process. We believe that such an action may be possible by the 2002-03 
hunting season, but several issue remain to be resolved as described in 
this year's AHM report. Recognizing that some of these issues may not 
be resolved by next year, we believe that adjustment to the existing 
interim strategy is a prudent step, and intend to employ the interim 
strategy until formal incorporation of pintail harvest into the 
existing AHM process is accomplished.
iv. Scaup
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central 
Flyway Councils recommended a daily bag limit of three scaup for the 
2001-02 hunting season.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended a daily bag limit of four 
scaup in the Pacific Flyway for the 2001-02 hunting season.
    Service Response: In 1999, we restricted the bag limit of scaup to 
three in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways and four in the 
Pacific Flyway. It is still too early to judge the effects of the 
harvest restriction with only two years' data. This year, we propose 
that the restrictions put in place 2 years ago continue. We note that 
last year, the lesser scaup immature/adult ratio, a measure of annual 
production, was the lowest on record; we remain concerned about the 
status of this species and ask the Flyway Councils to direct their 
technical committees to continue dialog with us, building toward a 
strategy to guide the harvest management of this species.

4. Canada Geese

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council made a number 
of recommendations regarding Canada geese. For Atlantic Population (AP) 
Canada geese, the Council recommended expansion of regular seasons to 
move toward a 10 percent harvest rate on adult AP geese over the 2001-
2002 season. This would allow for a 30-day season with a 2-bird daily 
bag limit in AP areas of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New 
England and for 30-day seasons with a 1-bird daily limit in AP areas of 
Maryland, Delaware and Virginia except for Back Bay. The regular season 
would remain closed in Back Bay, Virginia and the Northeast Hunt Unit 
in North Carolina. Recommended framework dates in New York, New Jersey, 
Pennsylvania, and New England would be the last Saturday in October to 
January 20; while in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia, they would be 
November 15 to January 20.
    In North Carolina, the Council recommended allowing modification of 
the boundary of the Northeast Hunt Unit, and, that North Carolina be 
allowed to select a 50 day season with a 2 bird daily bag limit with 
framework dates of October 1 to December 31 in its Southern James Bay 
Population (SJBP) zone.
    In North Atlantic Population (NAP) hunt areas, the Council 
recommended a 45-day season with a 2 bird daily bag limit between 
October 1 and January 20.
    For resident populations, the Council recommended allowing regular 
seasons designed to maximize harvest of Resident Population (RP) Canada 
geese in designated areas of the Atlantic Flyway beginning in 2001. The 
Council defined designated areas as accounting for no more than 10 
percent of migrant geese (AP, NAP, SJBP) band recoveries during 1950-
1999 in any State, and collectively accounting for less than 5 percent 
of all flyway recoveries of any migrant population. Regular seasons in 
designated RP harvest areas of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, 
would be 70 days, between November 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird 
daily bag limit. In North Carolina, Massachusetts, and New York, the 
framework would be 70 days between the last Saturday in October and 
February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit. These seasons would be in 
lieu of any special late seasons and subject to annual evaluation of 
band recovery and harvest data.
    The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended a number of changes in 
season lengths, bag limits, zones, and quotas for Canada geese. All of 
these changes are based on improved population status and current 
management plans. The Council also recommended that Mississippi Valley 
Population (MVP) and Southern James Bay Population (SJBP) harvest zones 
be established in Michigan.
    Service Response: This spring, the estimated number of AP goose 
breeding pairs in northern Quebec increased by more than 50 percent 
overall from 93,200 to 147,000 pairs. In addition, production prospects 
this year appear to be very good and a larger fall flight is expected. 
In view of this strong recovery, we believe this year presents a good 
opportunity to increase harvest opportunity within the AP zones of the 
Atlantic Flyway. Thus, we concur with the Atlantic Flyway Council's 
recommendation and believe the this proposal continues the responsible 
approach the Council has taken in previous years. Given past history, 
we encourage the States to closely monitor the harvest of this 
population in the next few years.
    We also support the boundary modifications and framework date 
changes in North Carolina and the recommendation for NAP geese.
    Regarding the Atlantic Flyway Council's recommendation for resident 
goose areas, while we support the overall intent of this season, we 
have concerns about how these ``RP'' zones are delineated and would be 
evaluated in the future. The proposal, based on a portion (10 percent) 
of historic band

[[Page 45520]]

recoveries of migrant geese, is difficult to assess because these 
populations are not banded on a representative basis. Also, fall and 
winter distributions are subject to changes over time and often vary 
with habitat and environmental changes. While this proposal would 
appear to take a cautious approach, we are concerned that regular 
seasons continue to provide adequate protection for migrant geese for 
which they were originally designed. Also, we have concerns about how 
these RP zones would continue to be monitored and on what basis they 
would be discontinued if migrant geese are harvested above some 
identified level. For these reasons, we do not support this proposal.
    We concur with the recommended changes in the Mississippi Flyway. 
Most of these changes are based on the current population status of 
geese and are consistent with current management plans.

C. Special Late Seasons

    Council Recommendations: The Mississippi Flyway Council recommended 
that the experimental late season for Canada geese in the Central 
Michigan Goose Management Unit be made operational.
    Service Response: We concur with the recommended change.

6. Brant

    Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended 
allowing Washington's brant season to be split into two segments.
    Service Response: We concur with the recommended change.

8. Swans

    Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended 
swan frameworks as outlined in the Service's 2001 Environmental 
Assessment ``Proposals to establish operational/experimental general 
swan hunting seasons in the Pacific Flyway.''
    Written Comments: The Trumpeter Swan Society requested 
reconsideration of the recent decision regarding tundra and trumpeter 
swan hunting seasons and to close all areas south of the Idaho-Utah 
State border to the take of all trumpeter swans and further to close 
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge to all swan hunting.
    Service Response: The Service has authorized the take of a limited 
number of trumpeter swans in the previously existing tundra swan 
seasons in the Pacific Flyway (excluding Alaska) since the 1995-96 
hunting season. The regulations establishing this limited take were 
first based on a 1995 Environmental Assessment (EA) (Bartonek et 
al.1995) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). Last year, we 
issued a supplemental EA (Trost et al. 2000) and new FONSI. The 
supplemental EA reviewed the first 5 years of the experimental swan 
season and made modifications to the existing season in an attempt to 
reconcile potentially conflicting management strategies for tundra and 
trumpeter swans in the Pacific Flyway.
    During the past year since the release of the supplemental EA, 
actions occurred that have contributed to the Service revising and 
reissuing both a draft and final EA on this issue. First, the Service 
and cooperators (Canadian Wildlife Service, numerous States and 
Provinces, and private conservation groups) conducted a comprehensive 
survey of the number and distribution of breeding trumpeter swans 
throughout their known North American breeding range during the summer 
of 2000, providing new information on the status and population trends 
of trumpeter swans (Caithamer 2001). This new comprehensive survey 
information documents the continued increase of the three recognized 
Trumpeter swan populations in North America, both in numerical 
abundance and in geographic range since the last comprehensive survey 
in 1995. Second, we were challenged in a lawsuit directed at our 
decision last year to allow a limited take of trumpeter swans in the 
2000-01 swan hunting season, and as part of settling that lawsuit, we 
agreed to re-initiate the NEPA process in 2001.
    A swan season that also permitted the take of a limited number of 
trumpeter swans in the Pacific Flyway was instituted in 1995. Prior to 
that time, and beginning in 1962, a tundra swan only season had been in 
effect. During the tundra swan seasons, it was known that some number 
of trumpeter swans were taken by swan hunters who mistook them for 
tundra swans. We looked at this very small take and concluded that any 
impact on trumpeter swan populations would be minor. Because of that 
conclusion, we decided to authorize a limited take incidental to the 
hunting of tundra swans. This limited take was authorized in an attempt 
to reconcile potentially conflicting strategies for managing two swan 
species in the Pacific Flyway. The potentially conflicting strategies 
are: (1) To enhance the winter range distribution of the less abundant 
RMP of trumpeter swans by severely restricting or eliminating swan 
hunting in portions of the Pacific Flyway currently open to hunting 
these species, and (2) to optimize hunting of the more numerous and 
widely distributed Western Population (WP) of tundra swans in the 
Pacific Flyway.
    We issued a FONSI in August of 1995 and again in July of 2000 after 
assessing impacts in two previous EAs on this issue. The proposed 
actions in these EAs represented a balance between the two competing 
management strategies by establishing a general swan season in portions 
of Montana, Utah, and Nevada that allowed the taking of any species of 
swan (Cygnus sp.) subject to the following conditions:
    (1) A limited quota on the take of trumpeter swans, which, upon 
being reached, would trigger the cessation of all swan hunting in the 
designated area,
    (2) Modification of the already limited take and restricted seasons 
on tundra swans to enhance the likelihood that trumpeter swans would be 
successful in expanding their winter range, and,
    (3) The development and implementation of a program to monitor the 
effectiveness of this action.
    Under the new proposed action, identified in the 2001 EA (Trost et 
al. 2001), we would continue to establish a hunting season for tundra 
swans with an authorization of a small take of trumpeter swans in 
designated portions of Montana, Utah and Nevada, within the Pacific 
Flyway. Constraints imposed upon swan hunting seasons implemented last 
year would be continued. Additionally, specific areas open to swan 
hunting in Montana, Utah and Nevada would remain as defined in the 
2000-01 regulations. Further, included is a new requirement for the 
development of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the State of 
Utah and the Service detailing monitoring, hunter training, and season 
closure procedures for the experimental swan hunt in Utah.
    A notice of availability of the draft EA was published in the 
Federal Register on April 25, 2001 (66 FR 20828). In addition, the 
draft EA was posted on the Division of Migratory Bird Management's web 
page and mailed to all organizations and private individuals who 
requested copies. We carefully reviewed all public comments. The 
comments were considered in light of the analysis in the EA. The EA 
addressed all substantive comments received during the 30-day comment 
period. Copies of the EA and the Finding of No Significant Impact are 
available at the address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES or from 
our website at http://migratorybirds.fws.gov.
    Additionally, although not directly related to the issue of hunting 
seasons, we have continued to provide a leadership role in attempting 
to enhance trumpeter swan status and breeding

[[Page 45521]]

distribution within the Pacific Flyway through increased efforts 
directed at establishment of breeding trumpeter swans in suitable 
habitats throughout the Pacific Flyway. We have recently provided 
funding for production of cygnets for later reintroduction into 
suitable habitat. We would also continue to support cooperative efforts 
to address the winter distribution issues by working with State, non-
governmental organizations (NGO) and individual partners. We would 
support limited winter capture and translocation on a case-by-case 
basis when circumstances develop that warrant such activity. We do not 
plan to employ winter translocations as the primary method to address 
the winter distribution problem of RMP trumpeter swans. Rather, 
translocation will be employed as a method to limit risk to swans from 
direct over-winter mortality, on an as needed basis.
    Continued progress toward development of the implementation plan 
(Bouffard et al. 2001) has occurred. We believe the actions outlined in 
the plan will help address concerns regarding the number of swans 
nesting in the Tristate area and help establish new winter distribution 
patterns. Evidence suggests current and past management activities have 
made progress toward improving the winter distribution situation 
(Bouffard 2000). We expect that further actions will continue to 
improve the status and distribution of RMP trumpeter swans. We will 
continue implementation efforts to the greatest extent possible.
    We appreciate the continued support of The Trumpeter Swan Society 
(TSS) in the development of a more comprehensive implementation plan to 
achieve the goals and objectives of the 1998 Pacific Flyway Management 
Plan for the RMP of trumpeter swans. We remain committed to the goals 
and objectives of this plan and will continue to work with all partners 
to achieve these objectives. We have carefully considered all the input 
received from the TSS and other concerned agencies, organizations and 
individuals. In particular, we reconsidered the request to close all 
areas in Utah and Nevada to any legal take of Trumpeter swans and to 
close the Bear River Refuge in Utah to all swan hunting. After a review 
of the situation, the Service stands behind it's conclusions in the 
most recent Environmental Assessment regarding the need to implement 
the specific recommendations of the TSS (Trost et al. 2001: pages 31-32 
and 41-45). We acknowledge a wide disparity of opinion regarding the 
potential impact of a limited take of trumpeter swans in Utah and 
Nevada on achieving the goals and objectives of the 1998 plan. Our 
independent assessment is that the limited take allowed in these 
seasons will not adversely impact management intended to achieve these 
objectives and we conclude that the existing seasons should be 
maintained as described in the Final EA on this issue.

Public Comment Invited

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

NEPA Consideration

    NEPA considerations are covered by the programmatic document, 
``Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual 
Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (FSES 88-
14),'' filed with the Environmental Protection Agency on June 9, 1988. 
We published a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register on June 
16, 1988 (53 FR 22582). We published our Record of Decision on August 
18, 1988 (53 FR 31341). Copies are available from the address indicated 
under the caption ADDRESSES.
    Additionally, issues pertaining to swan hunting in the Pacific 
Flyway were covered under a separate NEPA document, ``Swan Hunting in 
the Pacific Flyway,'' issued June 14, 2001, with a Finding of No 
Significant Impact issued June 14, 2001. Copies are available from the 
address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES.

Endangered Species Act Consideration

    Prior to issuance of the 2001-02 migratory game bird hunting 
regulations, we will consider provisions of the Endangered Species Act 
of 1973, as amended, (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543; hereinafter the Act) to 
ensure that hunting is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence 
of any species designated as endangered or threatened or modify or 
destroy its critical habitat and that the proposed action is consistent 
with conservation programs for those species. Consultations under 
Section 7 of this Act may cause us to change proposals in this and 
future supplemental proposed rulemakings.

Executive Order (E.O.) 12866

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

[[Page 45522]]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of the preamble helpful in 
understanding the rule? What else could we do to make the rule easier 
to understand?

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    These regulations have a significant economic impact on substantial 
numbers of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 
U.S.C. 601 et seq.). We analyzed the economic impacts of the annual 
hunting regulations on small business entities in detail and issued a 
Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis) in 1998. The Analysis 
documented the significant beneficial economic effect on a substantial 
number of small entities. The primary source of information about 
hunter expenditures for migratory game bird hunting is the National 
Hunting and Fishing Survey, which is conducted at 5-year intervals. The 
Analysis was based on the 1996 National Hunting and Fishing Survey and 
the U.S. Department of Commerce's County Business Patterns, from which 
it was estimated that migratory bird hunters would spend between $429 
million and $1.084 billion at small businesses in 1998. Copies of the 
Analysis are available upon request from the address indicated under 
the caption ADDRESSES.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

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

Paperwork Reduction Act

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

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    We have determined and certify, in compliance with the requirements 
of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this 
rulemaking will not ``significantly or uniquely'' affect small 
governments, and will not produce a Federal mandate of $100 million or 
more in any given year on local or State government or private 
entities. Therefore, this proposed rule is not a ``significant 
regulatory action'' under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

Civil Justice Reform--E.O. 12988

    The Department, in promulgating this proposed rule, has determined 
that this rule will not unduly burden the judicial system and meets the 
requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of E.O. 12988.

Energy Effects--E.O. 13211

    On May 18, 2001, the President issued an Executive Order (E.O. 
13211) on regulations that significantly affect energy supply, 
distribution, and use. E.O. 13211 requires agencies to prepare 
Statements of Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. While 
this supplemental proposed rule is a significant regulatory action 
under E.O. 12866, it is not expected to adversely affect energy 
supplies, distribution, or use. Therefore, this proposed action is not 
a significant energy action and no Statement of Energy Effects is 
required.

Takings Implication Assessment

    In accordance with E.O. 12630, this proposed rule does not have 
significant takings implications and does not affect any 
constitutionally protected property rights. This rule will not result 
in the physical occupancy of property, the physical invasion of 
property, or the regulatory taking of any property. In fact, this rule 
will allow hunters to exercise otherwise unavailable privileges, and, 
therefore, reduces restrictions on the use of private and public 
property.

Federalism Effects

    Due to the migratory nature of certain species of birds, the 
Federal Government has been given responsibility over these species by 
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We annually prescribe frameworks from 
which the States make selections and employ guidelines to establish 
special regulations on Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. 
This process preserves the ability of the States and Tribes to 
determine which seasons meet their individual needs. Any State or Tribe 
may be more restrictive than the Federal frameworks at any time. The 
frameworks are developed in a cooperative process with the States and 
the Flyway Councils. This allows States to participate in the 
development of frameworks from which they will make selections, thereby 
having an influence on their own regulations. These rules do not have a 
substantial direct effect on fiscal capacity, change the roles or 
responsibilities of Federal or State governments, or intrude on State 
policy or administration. Therefore, in accordance with E.O. 13132, 
these regulations do not have significant federalism effects and do not 
have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a 
Federalism Assessment.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20

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

    The rules that eventually will be promulgated for the 2001-02 
hunting season are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703-712 and 16 U.S.C. 742 
a-j.

    Dated: August 15, 2001.
Joseph E. Doddridge,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

Proposed Regulations Frameworks for 2001-02 Late Hunting Seasons on 
Certain Migratory Game Birds

    Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and delegated 
authorities, the Department has approved frameworks for season lengths, 
shooting hours, bag and possession limits, and outside dates within 
which States may select seasons for hunting waterfowl and coots between 
the dates of September 1, 2001, and March 10, 2002.

General

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

Flyways and Management Units

Waterfowl Flyways

    Atlantic Flyway--includes Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, 
Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, 
North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode

[[Page 45523]]

Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
    Mississippi Flyway--includes Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, 
Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, 
Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
    Central Flyway--includes Colorado (east of the Continental Divide), 
Kansas, Montana (Counties of Blaine, Carbon, Fergus, Judith Basin, 
Stillwater, Sweetgrass, Wheatland, and all counties east thereof), 
Nebraska, New Mexico (east of the Continental Divide except the 
Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation), North Dakota, Oklahoma, South 
Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming (east of the Continental Divide).
    Pacific Flyway--includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, 
Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and those portions of Colorado, 
Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming not included in the Central Flyway.

Management Units

    High Plains Mallard Management Unit--roughly defined as that 
portion of the Central Flyway which lies west of the 100th meridian.
    Definitions: For the purpose of hunting regulations listed below, 
the collective terms ``dark'' and ``light'' geese include the following 
species:
    Dark geese--Canada geese, white-fronted geese, brant, and all other 
goose species except light geese.
    Light geese--snow (including blue) geese and Ross' geese.
    Area, Zone, and Unit Descriptions: Geographic descriptions related 
to late-season regulations are contained in a later portion of this 
document.
    Area-Specific Provisions: Frameworks for open seasons, season 
lengths, bag and possession limits, and other special provisions are 
listed below by Flyway.
    Compensatory Days in the Atlantic Flyway: In the Atlantic Flyway 
States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New 
Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, where Sunday 
hunting is prohibited statewide by State law, all Sundays are closed to 
all take of migratory waterfowl (including mergansers and coots).

Atlantic Flyway

    Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots: Outside Dates: Between October 1 and 
January 20.
    Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: 60 days, except canvasbacks which 
may not exceed 20 consecutive days, and daily bag limit of 6 ducks, 
including no more than 4 mallards (2 hens), 3 scaup, 1 black duck, 1 
pintail, 1 mottled duck, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 2 wood ducks, 2 
redheads, 1 canvasback, and 4 scoters.
    Closures: The season on harlequin ducks is closed.
    Sea Ducks: Within the special sea duck areas, during the regular 
duck season in the Atlantic Flyway, States may choose to allow the 
above sea duck limits in addition to the limits applying to other ducks 
during the regular duck season. In all other areas, sea ducks may be 
taken only during the regular open season for ducks and are part of the 
regular duck season daily bag (not to exceed 4 scoters) and possession 
limits.
    Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit of mergansers is 5, only 1 of 
which may be a hooded merganser.
    Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.
    Lake Champlain Zone, New York: The waterfowl seasons, limits, and 
shooting hours shall be the same as those selected for the Lake 
Champlain Zone of Vermont.
    Connecticut River Zone, Vermont: The waterfowl seasons, limits, and 
shooting hours shall be the same as those selected for the Inland Zone 
of New Hampshire.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, 
North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia may split 
their seasons into three segments; Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, 
New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and West 
Virginia may select hunting seasons by zones and may split their 
seasons into two segments in each zone.
    Canada Geese: Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: Specific 
regulations for Canada geese are shown below by State. Unless specified 
otherwise, seasons may be split into two segments. In areas within 
States where the framework closing date for Atlantic Population (AP) 
goose seasons overlaps with special late season frameworks for resident 
geese, the framework closing date for AP goose seasons is January 14.
    Connecticut: North Atlantic Population (NAP) Zone: A 45-day season 
may be held between October 1 and January 20 with a 2-bird daily bag 
limit.
    Atlantic Population (AP) Zone: A 30-day season may be held between 
last Saturday in October (October 27) and January 20 with a 2-bird 
daily bag limit.
    South Zone: A special experimental season may be held between 
January 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    Delaware: A 30-day season may be held between November 15 and 
January 20 with a 1-bird daily bag limit.
    Florida: A 70-day season may be held between November 15 and 
February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    Georgia: In specific areas, a 70-day season may be held between 
November 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    Maine: A 45-day season may be held Statewide between October 1 and 
January 20 with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    Maryland: Southern James Bay Population (SJBP) Zone: A 40-day 
season may be held between November 15 and January 14, with a 2-bird 
daily bag limit. The season may be split 3-ways. Additionally, an 
experimental season may be held from January 15 to February 15, with a 
5-bird daily bag limit.
    AP Zone: A 30-day season may be held between November 15 and 
January 20 with a 1-bird daily bag limit.
    Massachusetts: NAP Zone: A 45-day season may be held between 
October 1 and January 20 with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Additionally, a 
special season may be held from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-
bird daily bag limit.
    AP Zone: A 30-day season may be held between last Saturday in 
October (October 27) and January 20 with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    New Hampshire: A 45-day season may be held statewide between 
October 1 and January 20 with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    New Jersey: Statewide: A 30-day season may be held between last 
Saturday in October (October 27) and January 20 with a 2-bird daily bag 
limit.
    Special Late Goose Season Area: An experimental season may be held 
in designated areas of North and South New Jersey from January 15 to 
February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    New York: SJBP Zone: A 70-day season may be held between November 1 
and January 30, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    NAP Zone: A 45-day season may be held between October 1 and January 
20 with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    Special Late Goose Season Area: An experimental season may be held 
between January 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit in 
designated areas of Chemung, Delaware, Tioga, Broome, Sullivan, 
Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, Orange, Dutchess, Putnam, and Rockland 
Counties.
    AP Zone: A 30-day season may be held between last Saturday in 
October (October 27) and January 20 with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    North Carolina: A 50-day season may be held between October 1 and 
December 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit, except for the Northeast 
Hunt

[[Page 45524]]

Unit and Northampton County, which is closed.
    Pennsylvania: SJBP Zone: A 40-day season may be held between 
November 15 and January 14, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    AP Zone: A 30-day season may be held between last Saturday in 
October (October 27) and January 20 with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    Special Late Goose Season Area: An experimental season may be held 
from January 15 to February 15 with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    Pymatuning Zone: A 35-day season may be held between October 1 and 
January 20, with a 1-bird daily bag limit.
    Rhode Island: A 45-day season may be held between October 1 and 
January 20 with a 2-bird daily bag limit. An experimental season may be 
held in designated areas from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird 
daily bag limit.
    South Carolina: In designated areas, a 70-day season may be held 
during November 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    Vermont: A 30-day season may be held between last Saturday in 
October (October 27) and January 20 with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    Virginia: SJBP Zone: A 40-day season may be held between November 
15 and January 14, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Additionally, an 
experimental season may be held between January 15 and February 15, 
with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    AP Zone: A 30-day season may be held between November 15 and 
January 20 with a 1-bird daily bag limit.
    Back Bay Area: Season is closed.
    West Virginia: A 70-day season may be held between October 1 and 
January 31, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
    Light Geese: Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may 
select a 107-day season between October 1 and March 10, with a 15-bird 
daily bag limit and no possession limit. States may split their seasons 
into three segments, except in Delaware and Maryland, where, following 
the completion of their duck season, and until March 10, Delaware and 
Maryland may split the remaining portion of the season to hunt on 
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only.
    Brant: Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select 
a 50-day season between October 1 and January 20, with a 2-bird daily 
bag limit. States may split their seasons into two segments.

Mississippi Flyway

    Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots: Outside Dates: Between the Saturday 
nearest October 1 (September 29) and the Sunday nearest January 20 
(January 20). Seasons in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee may extend 
to January 31.
    Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: 60 days (51 days in Alabama, 
Mississippi, and Tennessee), except that the season for canvasbacks may 
not exceed 20 consecutive days. The daily bag limit is 6 ducks, 
including no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be 
females), 3 mottled ducks, 3 scaup, 1 black duck, 1 pintail, 2 wood 
ducks, 1 canvasback, and 2 redheads.
    Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5, only 1 of which may be 
a hooded merganser. In States that include mergansers in the duck bag 
limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, only one of 
which may be a hooded merganser.
    Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, 
Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin 
may select hunting seasons by zones.
    In Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio, 
Tennessee, and Wisconsin, the season may be split into two segments in 
each zone.
    In Arkansas, Minnesota, and Mississippi, the season may be split 
into three segments.
    Geese: Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into three 
segments. Three-way split seasons for Canada geese require Mississippi 
Flyway Council and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval and a 3-year 
evaluation by each participating State.
    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select 
seasons for light geese not to exceed 107 days with 20 geese daily 
between the Saturday nearest October 1 (September 29) and March 10; for 
white-fronted geese not to exceed 86 days with 2 geese daily or 107 
days with 1 goose daily between the Saturday nearest October 1 
(September 29) and the Sunday nearest February 15 (February 17); and 
for brant not to exceed 70 days with 2 brant daily or 107 days with 1 
brant daily between the Saturday nearest October 1 (September 29) and 
January 31. There is no possession limit for light geese. Specific 
regulations for Canada geese and exceptions to the above general 
provisions are shown below by State. Except as noted below, the outside 
dates for Canada geese are the Saturday nearest October 1 (September 
29) and January 31.
    Alabama: In the Southern James Bay Population (SJBP) Goose Zone, 
the season for Canada geese may not exceed 50 days. Elsewhere, the 
season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days in the respective duck-
hunting zones. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    Arkansas: The season for Canada geese may extend for 23 days. The 
season may extend to February 15. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada 
geese.
    Illinois: The total harvest of Canada geese in the State will be 
limited to 54,800 birds. The possession limit is 10 Canada geese.
    (a) North Zone--The season for Canada geese will close after 70 
days or when 7,250 birds have been harvested in the Northern Illinois 
Quota Zone, whichever occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada 
geese.
    (b) Central Zone--The season for Canada geese will close after 70 
days or when 9,250 birds have been harvested in the Central Illinois 
Quota Zone, whichever occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada 
geese.
    (c) South Zone--The harvest of Canada geese in the Southern 
Illinois and Rend Lake Quota Zones will be limited to 16,550 and 2,100 
birds, respectively. The season for Canada geese in each zone will 
close after 70 days or when the harvest limit has been reached, 
whichever occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. In the 
Southern Illinois Quota Zone, if any of the following conditions exist 
after December 20, the State, after consultation with the Service, will 
close the season by emergency order with 48 hours notice:
    (1) Average body weights of adult female geese less than 3,200 
grams as measured from a weekly sample of a minimum of 50 geese.
    (2) Starvation or a major disease outbreak resulting in observed 
mortality exceeding 5,000 birds in 10 days, or a total mortality 
exceeding 10,000 birds.
    In the remainder of the South Zone, the season may extend for 70 
days or until both the Southern Illinois and Rend Lake Quota Zones have 
been closed, whichever occurs first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada 
geese.
    Indiana: The total harvest of Canada geese in the State will be 
limited to 19,200 birds. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (a) North Zone: The season for Canada geese may extend for 50 days.
    (b) SJBP Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 50 days.
    (c) South Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 56 days.
    (d) Ohio River Zone
    (1) Posey County--The season for Canada geese will close after 56 
days or when the Canada goose harvest at Hovey Lake Fish and Wildlife 
Area

[[Page 45525]]

exceeds 960 birds, whichever occurs first.
    (2) Remainder of the Ohio River Zone--The season may extend for 56 
days.
    Iowa: The season may extend for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 2 
Canada geese.
    Kentucky: (a) Western Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend 
for 50 days (65 days in Fulton County), and the harvest will be limited 
to 11,520 birds. Of the 11,520-bird quota, 7,490 birds will be 
allocated to the Ballard Reporting Area and 2,880 birds will be 
allocated to the Henderson/Union Reporting Area. If the quota in either 
reporting area is reached prior to completion of the 50-day season, the 
season in that reporting area will be closed. If the quotas in both the 
Ballard and Henderson/Union reporting areas are reached prior to 
completion of the 50-day season, the season in the counties and 
portions of counties that comprise the Western Goose Zone (listed in 
State regulations) may continue for an additional 7 days, not to exceed 
a total of 50 days (65 days in Fulton County). The season in Fulton 
County may extend to February 15. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada 
geese.
    (b) Pennyroyal/Coalfield Zone--The season may extend for 50 days. 
The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (c) Remainder of the State--The season may extend for 50 days. The 
daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    Louisiana: The season for Canada geese may extend for 9 days. 
During the season, the daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose and 2 white-
fronted geese with an 86-day white-fronted goose season or 1 white-
fronted goose with a 107-day season. Hunters participating in the 
Canada goose season must possess a special permit issued by the State.
    Michigan: (a) MVP Zone--The total harvest of Canada geese will be 
limited to 30,950 birds. The framework opening date for all geese is 
September 16 and the season for Canada geese may extend for 17 days. 
The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (1) Allegan County GMU--The Canada goose season will close after 25 
days or when 1,100 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. 
The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (2) Muskegon Wastewater GMU--The Canada goose season will close 
after 25 days or when 350 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs 
first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (b) SJBP Zone--The framework opening date for all geese is 
September 16 and the season for Canada geese may extend for 30 days. 
The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (1) Saginaw County GMU--The Canada goose season will close after 50 
days or when 2,000 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. 
The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (2) Tuscola/Huron GMU--The Canada goose season will close after 50 
days or when 750 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. The 
daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (c) Southern Michigan GMU--A special Canada goose season may be 
held between January 5 and February 3. The daily bag limit is 5 Canada 
geese.
    (d) Central Michigan GMU--A special Canada goose season may be held 
between January 5 and February 3. The daily bag limit is 5 Canada 
geese.
    Minnesota: (a) West Zone
    (1) West Central Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 
40 days. In the Lac Qui Parle Zone, the season will close after 40 days 
or when 12,000 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. 
Throughout the West Central Zone, the daily bag limit is 1 Canada 
goose.
    (2) Remainder of West Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend 
for 40 days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (b) Northwest Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 40 
days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (c) Remainder of the State--The season for Canada geese may extend 
for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (d) Special Late Canada Goose Season--An experimental special 
Canada goose season of up to 10 days may be held in December, except in 
the West Central and Lac qui Parle Goose zones. During the special 
season, the daily bag limit is 5 Canada geese, except in the Southeast 
Goose Zone, where the daily bag limit is 2.
    Mississippi: The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days. 
The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese.
    Missouri: (a) Swan Lake Zone--The season for Canada geese may 
extend for 70 days, with no more than 30 days occurring after November 
30. The season may be split into 3 segments. The daily bag limit is 2 
Canada geese.
    (b) Southeast Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 
days. The season may be split into 3 segments, provided that at least 1 
segment occurs prior to December 1. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada 
geese through October 31, and 2 Canada geese thereafter.
    (c) Remainder of the State--(1) North Zone--The season for Canada 
geese may extend for 70 days, with no more than 30 days occurring after 
November 30. The season may be split into 3 segments, provided that 1 
segment of at least 9 days occurs prior to October 15. The daily bag 
limit is 3 Canada geese through October 31, and 2 Canada geese 
thereafter.
    (2) Middle Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 
days, with no more than 30 days occurring after November 30. The season 
may be split into 3 segments, provided that 1 segment of at least 9 
days occurs prior to October 15. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese 
through October 31, and 2 Canada geese thereafter.
    (3) South Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days. 
The season may be split into 3 segments, provided that at least 1 
segment occurs prior to December 1. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada 
geese through October 31, and 2 Canada geese thereafter.
    Ohio: The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days in the 
respective duck-hunting zones, with a daily bag limit of 2 Canada 
geese, except in the Lake Erie SJBP Zone, where the season may not 
exceed 35 days and the daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose. A special 
experimental Canada goose season of up to 22 days, beginning the first 
Saturday after January 10, may be held in selected areas of the State. 
During the special season, the daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    Tennessee: (a) Northwest Zone--The season for Canada geese will 
close after 65 days or when 4,300 birds have been harvested, whichever 
occurs first. The season may extend to February 15. A 3,000-bird 
harvest quota will be monitored in the Reelfoot Quota Zone. The 
remaining 1,300 quota will be assigned to the area outside the Reelfoot 
Zone. If the quota in the Reelfoot Quota Zone is reached prior to 
completion of the 65-day season, the season in the entire Northwest 
Zone will close. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (b) Southwest Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 50 
days, and the harvest will be limited to 500 birds. The daily bag limit 
is 2 Canada geese.
    (c) Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Zone--The season for Canada geese may 
extend for 50 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (d) Remainder of the State--The season for Canada geese may extend 
for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    Wisconsin: The total harvest of Canada geese in the State will be 
limited to 46,000 birds. (a) Horicon Zone--The framework opening date 
for all geese is September 17. The harvest of Canada geese is limited 
to 16,900 birds. The season may not exceed 94 days. All Canada geese 
harvested must be tagged.

[[Page 45526]]

The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose, and the season limit will be the 
number of tags issued to each permittee.
    (b) Collins Zone--The framework opening date for all geese is 
September 17. The harvest of Canada geese is limited to 600 birds. The 
season may not exceed 68 days. All Canada geese harvested must be 
tagged. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose, and the season limit 
will be the number of tags issued to each permittee.
    (c) Exterior Zone--The framework opening date for all geese is 
September 22. The harvest of Canada geese is limited to 24,000 birds, 
with 500 birds allocated to the Mississippi River Subzone. The season 
may not exceed 70 days, except in the Mississippi River Subzone, where 
the season may not exceed 80 days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada 
goose. In that portion of the Exterior Zone outside the Mississippi 
River Subzone, the progress of the harvest must be monitored, and the 
season closed, if necessary, to ensure that the harvest does not exceed 
24,000 birds.
    Additional Limits: In addition to the harvest limits stated for the 
respective zones above, an additional 4,500 Canada geese may be taken 
in the Horicon Zone under special agricultural permits.
    Quota Zone Closures: When it has been determined that the quota of 
Canada geese allotted to the Northern Illinois, Central Illinois, 
Southern Illinois, and Rend Lake Quota Zones in Illinois; Posey County 
in Indiana; the Ballard and Henderson-Union Subzones in Kentucky; the 
Allegan County, Muskegon Wastewater, Saginaw County, and Tuscola/Huron 
Goose Management Units in Michigan; the Lac Qui Parle Zone in 
Minnesota; the Northwest Zone in Tennessee; and the Exterior Zone in 
Wisconsin will have been filled, the season for taking Canada geese in 
the respective zone (and associated area, if applicable) will be closed 
by either the Director upon giving public notice through local 
information media at least 48 hours in advance of the time and date of 
closing, or by the State through State regulations with such notice and 
time (not less than 48 hours) as they deem necessary.

Central Flyway

    Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots: Outside Dates: Between September 29 
and January 20.
    Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits:
    (1) High Plains Mallard Management Unit (roughly defined as that 
portion of the Central Flyway which lies west of the 100th meridian): 
97 days, except canvasbacks which may not exceed 25 consecutive days, 
and a daily bag limit of 6 ducks, including no more than 5 mallards (no 
more than 2 of which may be hens), 1 mottled duck, 1 canvasback, 1 
pintail, 2 redheads, 3 scaup, and 2 wood ducks. The last 23 days may 
start no earlier than the Saturday nearest December 10 (December 8).
    (2) Remainder of the Central Flyway: 74 days, except canvasbacks 
which may not exceed 25 consecutive days, and a daily bag limit of 6 
ducks, including no more than 5 mallards (no more than 2 of which may 
be hens), 1 mottled duck, 1 canvasback, 1 pintail, 2 redheads, 3 scaup, 
and 2 wood ducks.
    Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5 mergansers, only 1 of 
which may be a hooded merganser. In States that include mergansers in 
the duck daily bag limit, the daily limit may be the same as the duck 
bag limit, only one of which may be a hooded merganser.
    Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Kansas (Low Plains portion), Montana, 
Nebraska (Low Plains portion), New Mexico, Oklahoma (Low Plains 
portion), South Dakota (Low Plains portion), Texas (Low Plains 
portion), and Wyoming may select hunting seasons by zones.
    In Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, 
South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming, the regular season may be split into 
two segments.
    In Colorado, the season may be split into three segments.
    Geese: Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into three 
segments. Three-way split seasons for Canada geese require Central 
Flyway Council and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval, and a 3-
year evaluation by each participating State.
    Outside Dates: For dark geese, seasons may be selected between the 
outside dates of the Saturday nearest October 1 (September 29) and the 
Sunday nearest February 15 (February 17). For light geese, outside 
dates for seasons may be selected between the Saturday nearest October 
1 (September 29) and March 10. In the Rainwater Basin Light Goose Area 
(East and West) of Nebraska, temporal and spatial restrictions 
consistent with the experimental late-winter snow goose hunting 
strategy endorsed by the Central Flyway Council in July 1999, are 
required.
    Season Lengths and Limits:
    Light Geese: States may select a light goose season not to exceed 
107 days. The daily bag limit for light geese is 20 with no possession 
limit.
    Dark Geese: In Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South 
Dakota, and the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas, States may select a season 
for Canada geese (or any other dark goose species except white-fronted 
geese) not to exceed 95 days with a daily bag limit of 3. Additionally, 
in the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas, an alternative season of 107 days 
with a daily bag limit of 1 Canada goose may be selected. For white-
fronted geese, these States may select either a season of 86 days with 
a bag limit of 2 or a 107-day season with a bag limit of 1.
    In South Dakota, for Canada geese in the Big Stone Power Plant Area 
of Dark Goose Unit 1, the daily bag limit is 3 until November 30 and 2 
thereafter.
    In Colorado, Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming, States may select 
seasons not to exceed 107 days. The daily bag limit for dark geese is 5 
in the aggregate.
    In the Western Goose Zone of Texas, the season may not exceed 107 
days. The daily bag limit for Canada geese (or any other dark goose 
species except white-fronted geese) is 5. The daily bag limit for 
white-fronted geese is 1.

Pacific Flyway

    Ducks, Mergansers, Coots, Common Moorhens, and Purple Gallinules: 
Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: Concurrent 107 days and daily bag 
limit of 7 ducks and mergansers, including no more than 2 female 
mallards, 1 pintail, 4 scaup, 2 redheads. The season on canvasbacks is 
closed, except one canvasback may be included in the daily bag for 38 
consecutive days within the Pacific Flyway duck season. A single 
canvasback may also be included in the 7-bird daily bag limit for 
designated youth-hunt days.
    The season on coots and common moorhens may be between the outside 
dates for the season on ducks, but not to exceed 107 days.
    Coot, Common Moorhen, and Purple Gallinule Limits: The daily bag 
and possession limits of coots, common moorhens, and purple gallinules 
are 25, singly or in the aggregate.
    Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest October 1 (September 
29) and the Sunday nearest January 20 (January 20).
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, 
Oregon, Utah, and Washington may select hunting seasons by zones.
    Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington 
may split their seasons into two segments.
    Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming may split their seasons 
into three segments.
    Colorado River Zone, California: Seasons and limits shall be the 
same as seasons and limits selected in the

[[Page 45527]]

adjacent portion of Arizona (South Zone).
    Geese: Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: Except as 
subsequently noted, 100-day seasons may be selected, with outside dates 
between the Saturday nearest October 1 (September 29), and the Sunday 
nearest January 20 (January 20), and the basic daily bag limits are 3 
light geese and 4 dark geese, except in California, Oregon, and 
Washington, where the dark goose bag limit does not include brant.
    Split Seasons: Unless otherwise specified, seasons for geese may be 
split into up to 3 segments. Three-way split seasons for Canada geese 
and white-fronted geese require Pacific Flyway Council and U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service approval and a 3-year evaluation by each 
participating State.
    Brant Season--A 16-consecutive-day season may be selected in 
Oregon. A 16-day season may be selected in Washington, and this season 
may be split into 2-segments. A 30-consecutive-day season may be 
selected in California. In these States, the daily bag limit is 2 brant 
and is in addition to dark goose limits.
    Arizona: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3.
    California: Northeastern Zone--White-fronted geese and cackling 
Canada geese may be taken only during the first 44 days of the goose 
season. The daily bag limit is 3 geese and may include no more than 2 
dark geese; including not more than 1 cackling Canada goose or 1 
Aleutian Canada goose.
    Balance-of-the-State Zone--A 79-day season may be selected. Limits 
may not include more than 3 geese per day, of which not more than 2 may 
be white-fronted geese and not more than 1 may be a cackling Canada 
goose or Aleutian Canada goose. Three areas in the Balance-of-the-State 
Zone are restricted in the hunting of certain geese:
    (1) In the Counties of Del Norte and Humboldt, there will be no 
open season for Canada geese, except for the Special September Canada 
goose hunt in Humboldt County.
    (2) In the Sacramento Valley Special Management Area (West), the 
season on white-fronted geese must end on or before December 14, and, 
in the Sacramento Valley Special Management Area (East), there will be 
no open season for Canada geese.
    (3) In the San Joaquin Valley Special Management Area, there will 
be no open season for Canada geese.
    Oregon: Except as subsequently noted, the dark goose daily bag 
limit is 4, including not more than 1 cackling Canada goose or Aleutian 
Canada goose.
    Lake County Zone--The daily dark goose bag limit may not include 
more than 2 white-fronted geese.
    Western Zone--In the Special Canada Goose Management Area, except 
for designated areas, there will be no open season on Canada geese. In 
the designated areas, individual quotas will be established that 
collectively will not exceed 165 dusky Canada geese. See section on 
quota zones. In those designated areas, the daily bag limit of dark 
geese is 4 and may include no more than 1 Aleutian Canada goose.
    Closed Zone: Those portions of Coos and Curry Counties west of US 
101 and all of Tillamook and Lincoln Counties.
    Washington: The daily bag limit is 4 geese, including 4 dark geese 
but not more than 3 light geese.
    Southwest Quota Zone--In the Special Goose Management Area, except 
for designated areas, there will be no open season on Canada geese. In 
the designated areas, individual quotas will be established that 
collectively will not exceed 85 dusky Canada geese. See section on 
quota zones. In this area, the daily bag limit of dark geese is 4 and 
may include 4 cackling Canada geese. In Southwest Quota Zone Area 2B 
(Pacific and Grays Harbor Counties) the dark goose bag limit may 
include 1 Aleutian Canada goose.
    Colorado: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3 geese.
    Idaho: Northern Unit--The daily bag limit is 4 geese, including 4 
dark geese, but not more than 3 light geese.
    Southwest Unit and Southeastern Unit--The daily bag limit on dark 
geese is 4.
    Montana: West of Divide Zone and East of Divide Zone--The daily bag 
limit of dark geese is 4.
    Nevada: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3 except in the 
Lincoln and Clark County Zone, where the daily bag limit of dark geese 
is 2.
    New Mexico: The daily bag limit of dark geese is 3.
    Utah: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3 geese.
    Wyoming: The daily bag limit is 4 dark geese.
    Quota Zones: Seasons on dark geese must end upon attainment of 
individual quotas of dusky Canada geese allotted to the designated 
areas of Oregon and Washington. The September Canada goose season, the 
regular goose season, any special late dark goose season, and any 
extended falconry season, combined, must not exceed 107 days, and the 
established quota of dusky Canada geese must not be exceeded. Hunting 
of dark geese in those designated areas will only be by hunters 
possessing a State-issued permit authorizing them to do so. In a 
Service-approved investigation, the State must obtain quantitative 
information on hunter compliance of those regulations aimed at reducing 
the take of dusky Canada geese. If the monitoring program cannot be 
conducted, for any reason, the season must immediately close. In the 
designated areas of the Washington Quota Zone, a special late dark 
goose season may be held between the Saturday following the close of 
the general goose season and March 10. In the Special Canada Goose 
Management Area of Oregon, the framework closing date is extended to 
the Sunday closest to March 1 (March 3). Regular dark goose seasons may 
be split into 3 segments within the Oregon and Washington quota zones. 
The 3-way split seasons are considered experimental for this year. An 
evaluation of the 3-way split seasons is required and must be submitted 
by July 2002.
    Swans: In designated areas of Utah, Nevada, and the Pacific Flyway 
portion of Montana, an open season for taking a limited number of swans 
may be selected. Permits will be issued by States and will authorize 
each permittee to take no more than 1 swan per season. The season may 
open no earlier than the Saturday nearest October 1 (September 29). The 
States must implement a harvest-monitoring program to measure the 
species composition of the swan harvest. In Utah and Nevada, the 
harvest-monitoring program must require that all harvested swans or 
their species-determinant parts be examined by either State or Federal 
biologists for the purpose of species classification. All States should 
use appropriate measures to maximize hunter compliance in providing 
bagged swans for examination or, in the case of Montana, reporting 
bill-measurement and color information. All States must achieve at 
least an 80-percent compliance rate, or subsequent permits will be 
reduced by 10 percent. All States must provide to the Service by June 
30, 2002, a report covering harvest, hunter participation, reporting 
compliance, and monitoring of swan populations in the designated hunt 
areas. These seasons will be subject to the following conditions:
    In Utah, no more than 2,000 permits may be issued. The season must 
end no later than the second Sunday in December (December 9) or upon 
attainment of 10 trumpeter swans in the harvest, whichever occurs 
earliest. Utah must enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the 
Service regarding harvest monitoring, season closure procedures, and 
education requirements for swan seasons in Utah.

[[Page 45528]]

    In Nevada, no more than 650 permits may be issued. The season must 
end no later than the Sunday following January 1 (January 6) or upon 
attainment of 5 trumpeter swans in the harvest, whichever occurs 
earliest.
    In Montana, no more than 500 permits may be issued. The season must 
end no later than December 1.
    Tundra Swans: In the Central Flyway portion of Montana, and in 
North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota (east of the Missouri 
River), and Virginia, an open season for taking a limited number of 
tundra swans may be selected. Permits will be issued by States that 
authorize the take of no more than 1 tundra swan per permit. A second 
permit may be issued to hunters from unused permits remaining after the 
first drawing. The States must obtain harvest and hunter participation 
data. These seasons will be subject to the following conditions:

In the Atlantic Flyway

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

In the Central Flyway

--The season may be 107 days, from the Saturday nearest October 1 
(September 29) to January 31.
--In the Central Flyway portion of Montana, no more than 500 permits 
may be issued.
--In North Dakota, no more than 2,000 permits may be issued.
--In South Dakota, no more than 1,500 permits may be issued.

Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions Ducks (Including Mergansers) and 
Coots

Atlantic Flyway

    Connecticut: North Zone: That portion of the State north of I-95.
    South Zone: Remainder of the State.
    Maine: North Zone: That portion north of the line extending east 
along Maine State Highway 110 from the New Hampshire and Maine border 
to the intersection of Maine State Highway 11 in Newfield; then north 
and east along Route 11 to the intersection of U.S. Route 202 in 
Auburn; then north and east on Route 202 to the intersection of 
Interstate Highway 95 in Augusta; then north and east along I-95 to 
Route 15 in Bangor; then east along Route 15 to Route 9; then east 
along Route 9 to Stony Brook in Baileyville; then east along Stony 
Brook to the United States border.
    South Zone: Remainder of the State.
    Massachusetts: Western Zone: That portion of the State west of a 
line extending south from the Vermont border on I-91 to MA 9, west on 
MA 9 to MA 10, south on MA 10 to U.S. 202, south on U.S. 202 to the 
Connecticut border.
    Central Zone: That portion of the State east of the Berkshire Zone 
and west of a line extending south from the New Hampshire border on I-
95 to U.S. 1, south on U.S. 1 to I-93, south on I-93 to MA 3, south on 
MA 3 to U.S. 6, west on U.S. 6 to MA 28, west on MA 28 to I-195, west 
to the Rhode Island border; except the waters, and the lands 150 yards 
inland from the high-water mark, of the Assonet River upstream to the 
MA 24 bridge, and the Taunton River upstream to the Center St.-Elm St. 
bridge shall be in the Coastal Zone.
    Coastal Zone: That portion of Massachusetts east and south of the 
Central Zone.
    New Hampshire: Coastal Zone: That portion of the State east of a 
line extending west from the Maine border in Rollinsford on NH 4 to the 
city of Dover, south to NH 108, south along NH 108 through Madbury, 
Durham, and Newmarket to NH 85 in Newfields, south to NH 101 in Exeter, 
east to NH 51 (Exeter-Hampton Expressway), east to I-95 (New Hampshire 
Turnpike) in Hampton, and south along I-95 to the Massachusetts border.
    Inland Zone: That portion of the State north and west of the above 
boundary and along the Massachusetts border crossing the Connecticut 
River to Interstate 91 and northward in Vermont to Route 2, east to 
102, northward to the Canadian border.
    New Jersey: Coastal Zone: That portion of the State seaward of a 
line beginning at the New York border in Raritan Bay and extending west 
along the New York border to NJ 440 at Perth Amboy; west on NJ 440 to 
the Garden State Parkway; south on the Garden State Parkway to the 
shoreline at Cape May and continuing to the Delaware border in Delaware 
Bay.
    North Zone: That portion of the State west of the Coastal Zone and 
north of a line extending west from the Garden State Parkway on NJ 70 
to the New Jersey Turnpike, north on the turnpike to U.S. 206, north on 
U.S. 206 to U.S. 1 at Trenton, west on U.S. 1 to the Pennsylvania 
border in the Delaware River.
    South Zone: That portion of the State not within the North Zone or 
the Coastal Zone.
    New York: Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain 
and that area east and north of a line extending along NY 9B from the 
Canadian border to U.S. 9, south along U.S. 9 to NY 22 south of 
Keesville; south along NY 22 to the west shore of South Bay, along and 
around the shoreline of South Bay to NY 22 on the east shore of South 
Bay; southeast along NY 22 to U.S. 4, northeast along U.S. 4 to the 
Vermont border.
    Long Island Zone: That area consisting of Nassau County, Suffolk 
County, that area of Westchester County southeast of I-95, and their 
tidal waters.
    Western Zone: That area west of a line extending from Lake Ontario 
east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, and south along 
I-81 to the Pennsylvania border.
    Northeastern Zone: That area north of a line extending from Lake 
Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81 to NY 
31, east along NY 31 to NY 13, north along NY 13 to NY 49, east along 
NY 49 to NY 365, east along NY 365 to NY 28, east along NY 28 to NY 29, 
east along NY 29 to I-87, north along I-87 to U.S. 9 (at Exit 20), 
north along U.S. 9 to NY 149, east along NY 149 to U.S. 4, north along 
U.S. 4 to the Vermont border, exclusive of the Lake Champlain Zone.
    Southeastern Zone: The remaining portion of New York.
    Pennsylvania: Lake Erie Zone: The Lake Erie waters of Pennsylvania 
and a shoreline margin along Lake Erie from New York on the east to 
Ohio on the west extending 150 yards inland, but including all of 
Presque Isle Peninsula.
    Northwest Zone: The area bounded on the north by the Lake Erie Zone 
and including all of Erie and Crawford Counties and those portions of 
Mercer and Venango Counties north of I-80.
    North Zone: That portion of the State east of the Northwest Zone 
and north of a line extending east on I-80 to U.S. 220, Route 220 to I-
180, I-180 to I-80, and I-80 to the Delaware River.
    South Zone: The remaining portion of Pennsylvania.
    Vermont: Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain 
and that area north and west of the line extending from the New York 
border along U.S. 4 to VT 22A at Fair Haven; VT 22A to U.S. 7 at 
Vergennes; U.S. 7 to the Canadian border.
    Interior Zone: That portion of Vermont west of the Lake Champlain 
Zone and eastward of a line extending from the Massachusetts border at 
Interstate 91; north along Interstate 91 to US 2; east along US 2 to VT 
102; north along VT 102 to VT 253; north along VT 253 to the Canadian 
border.
    Connecticut River Zone: The remaining portion of Vermont east of 
the Interior Zone.

[[Page 45529]]

    West Virginia: Zone 1: That portion outside the boundaries in Zone 
2.
    Zone 2 (Allegheny Mountain Upland): That area bounded by a line 
extending south along U.S. 220 through Keyser to U.S. 50; U.S. 50 to WV 
93; WV 93 south to WV 42; WV 42 south to Petersburg; WV 28 south to 
Minnehaha Springs; WV 39 west to U.S. 219; U.S. 219 south to I-64; I-64 
west to U.S. 60; U.S. 60 west to U.S. 19; U.S. 19 north to I-79, I-79 
north to I-68; I-68 east to the Maryland border; and along the border 
to the point of beginning.

Mississippi Flyway

    Alabama: South Zone: Mobile and Baldwin Counties.
    North Zone: The remainder of Alabama.
    Illinois: North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line 
extending east from the Iowa border along Illinois Highway 92 to 
Interstate Highway 280, east along I-280 to I-80, then east along I-80 
to the Indiana border.
    Central Zone: That portion of the State south of the North Zone to 
a line extending east from the Missouri border along the Modoc Ferry 
route to Modoc Ferry Road, east along Modoc Ferry Road to Modoc Road, 
northeasterly along Modoc Road and St. Leo's Road to Illinois Highway 
3, north along Illinois 3 to Illinois 159, north along Illinois 159 to 
Illinois 161, east along Illinois 161 to Illinois 4, north along 
Illinois 4 to Interstate Highway 70, east along I-70 to the Bond County 
line, north and east along the Bond County line to Fayette County, 
north and east along the Fayette County line to Effingham County, east 
and south along the Effingham County line to I-70, then east along I-70 
to the Indiana border.
    South Zone: The remainder of Illinois.
    Indiana: North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line 
extending east from the Illinois border along State Road 18 to U.S. 
Highway 31, north along U.S. 31 to U.S. 24, east along U.S. 24 to 
Huntington, then southeast along U.S. 224 to the Ohio border.
    Ohio River Zone: That portion of the State south of a line 
extending east from the Illinois border along Interstate Highway 64 to 
New Albany, east along State Road 62 to State Road 56, east along State 
Road 56 to Vevay, east and north on State 156 along the Ohio River to 
North Landing, north along State 56 to U.S. Highway 50, then northeast 
along U.S. 50 to the Ohio border.
    South Zone: That portion of the State between the North and Ohio 
River Zone boundaries.
    Iowa: North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line 
extending east from the Nebraska border along State Highway 175 to 
State Highway 37, southeast along State Highway 37 to U.S. Highway 59, 
south along U.S. 59 to Interstate Highway 80, then east along I-80 to 
the Illinois border.
    South Zone: The remainder of Iowa.
    Kentucky: West Zone: All counties west of and including Butler, 
Daviess, Ohio, Simpson, and Warren Counties.
    East Zone: The remainder of Kentucky.
    Louisiana: West Zone: That portion of the State west and south of a 
line extending south from the Arkansas border along Louisiana Highway 3 
to Bossier City, east along Interstate Highway 20 to Minden, south 
along Louisiana 7 to Ringgold, east along Louisiana 4 to Jonesboro, 
south along U.S. Highway 167 to Lafayette, southeast along U.S. 90 to 
the Mississippi State line.
    East Zone: The remainder of Louisiana.
    Catahoula Lake Area: All of Catahoula Lake, including those 
portions known locally as Round Prairie, Catfish Prairie, and Frazier's 
Arm. See State regulations for additional information.
    Michigan: North Zone: The Upper Peninsula.
    Middle Zone: That portion of the Lower Peninsula north of a line 
beginning at the Wisconsin border in Lake Michigan due west of the 
mouth of Stony Creek in Oceana County; then due east to, and easterly 
and southerly along the south shore of Stony Creek to Scenic Drive, 
easterly and southerly along Scenic Drive to Stony Lake Road, easterly 
along Stony Lake and Garfield Roads to Michigan Highway 20, east along 
Michigan 20 to U.S. Highway 10 Business Route (BR) in the city of 
Midland, easterly along U.S. 10 BR to U.S. 10, easterly along U.S. 10 
to Interstate Highway 75/U.S. Highway 23, northerly along I-75/U.S. 23 
to the U.S. 23 exit at Standish, easterly along U.S. 23 to the 
centerline of the Au Gres River, then southerly along the centerline of 
the Au Gres River to Saginaw Bay, then on a line directly east 10 miles 
into Saginaw Bay, and from that point on a line directly northeast to 
the Canadian border.
    South Zone: The remainder of Michigan.
    Missouri: North Zone: That portion of Missouri north of a line 
running west from the Illinois border (Lock and Dam 25) on Lincoln 
County Highway N to Missouri Highway 79; south on Missouri Highway 79 
to Missouri Highway 47; west on Missouri Highway 47 to Interstate 70; 
west on Interstate 70 to U.S. Highway 54; south on U.S. Highway 54 to 
U.S. Highway 50; west on U.S. Highway 50 to the Kansas border.
    South Zone: That portion of Missouri south of a line running west 
from the Illinois border on Missouri Highway 34 to Interstate 55; south 
on Interstate 55 to U.S. Highway 62; west on U.S. Highway 62 to 
Missouri Highway 53; north on Missouri Highway 53 to Missouri Highway 
51; north on Missouri Highway 51 to U.S. Highway 60; west on U.S. 
Highway 60 to Missouri Highway 21; north on Missouri Highway 21 to 
Missouri Highway 72; west on Missouri Highway 72 to Missouri Highway 
32; west on Missouri Highway 32 to U.S. Highway 65; north on U.S. 
Highway 65 to U.S. Highway 54; west on U.S. Highway 54 to the Kansas 
border.
    Middle Zone: The remainder of Missouri.
    Ohio: North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line 
extending east from the Indiana border along U.S. Highway 30 to State 
Route 37, south along SR 37 to SR 95, east along SR 95 to LaRue-
Prospect Road, east along LaRue-Prospect Road to SR 203, south along SR 
203 to SR 739, east along SR 739 to SR 4, north along SR 4 to SR 309, 
east along SR 309 to U.S. 23, north along U.S. 23 to SR 231, north 
along SR 231 to U.S. 30, east along U.S. 30 to SR 42, north along SR 42 
to SR 603, south along SR 603 to U.S. 30, east along U.S. 30 to SR 60, 
south along SR 60 to SR 39/60, east along SR 39/60 to SR 39, east along 
SR 39 to SR 241, east along SR 241 to U.S. 30, then east along U.S. 30 
to the West Virginia border.
    South Zone: The remainder of Ohio.
    Tennessee: Reelfoot Zone: All or portions of Lake and Obion 
Counties.
    State Zone: The remainder of Tennessee.
    Wisconsin: North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line 
extending east from the Minnesota border along State Highway 77 to 
State 27, south along State 27 and 77 to U.S. Highway 63, and 
continuing south along State 27 to Sawyer County Road B, south and east 
along County B to State 70, southwest along State 70 to State 27, south 
along State 27 to State 64, west along State 64/27 and south along 
State 27 to U.S. 12, south and east on State 27/U.S. 12 to U.S. 10, 
east on U.S. 10 to State 310, east along State 310 to State 42, north 
along State 42 to State 147, north along State 147 to State 163, north 
along State 163 to Kewaunee County Trunk A, north along County Trunk A 
to State 57, north along State 57 to the Kewaunee/Door County Line, 
west along the Kewaunee/Door County Line to the Door/Brown County Line, 
west along the Door/Brown County Line

[[Page 45530]]

to the Door/Oconto/Brown County Line, northeast along the Door/Oconto 
County Line to the Marinette/Door County Line, northeast along the 
Marinette/Door County Line to the Michigan border.
    South Zone: The remainder of Wisconsin.

Central Flyway

    Kansas: High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of U.S. 
283.
    Low Plains Early Zone: That area of Kansas east of U.S. 283, and 
generally west of a line beginning at the Junction of the Nebraska 
border and KS 28; south on KS 28 to U.S. 36; east on U.S. 36 to KS 199; 
south on KS 199 to Republic Co. Road 563; south on Republic Co. Road 
563 to KS 148; east on KS 148 to Republic Co. Road 138; south on 
Republic Co. Road 138 to Cloud Co. Road 765; south on Cloud Co. Road 
765 to KS 9; west on KS 9 to U.S. 24; west on U.S. 24 to U.S. 281; 
north on U.S. 281 to U.S. 36; west on U.S. 36 to U.S. 183; south on 
U.S. 183 to U.S. 24; west on U.S. 24 to KS 18; southeast on KS 18 to 
U.S. 183; south on U.S. 183 to KS 4; east on KS 4 to I-135; south on I-
135 to KS 61; southwest on KS 61 to KS 96; northwest on KS 96 to U.S. 
56; west on U.S. 56 to U.S. 281; south on U.S. 281 to U.S. 54; and west 
on U.S. 54 to U.S. 183; north on U.S. 183 to U.S. 56; southwest on U.S. 
56 to U.S. 283.
    Low Plains Late Zone: The remainder of Kansas.
    Montana (Central Flyway Portion): Zone 1: The Counties of Blaine, 
Carbon, Carter, Daniels, Dawson, Fallon, Fergus, Garfield, Golden 
Valley, Judith Basin, McCone, Musselshell, Petroleum, Phillips, Powder 
River, Richland, Roosevelt, Sheridan, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Valley, 
Wheatland, Wibaux, and Yellowstone.
    Zone 2: The remainder of Montana.
    Nebraska: High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of 
highways U.S. 183 and U.S. 20 from the South Dakota border to 
Ainsworth, NE 7 and NE 91 to Dunning, NE 2 to Merna, NE 92 to Arnold, 
NE 40 and NE 47 through Gothenburg to NE 23, NE 23 to Elwood, and U.S. 
283 to the Kansas border.
    Low Plains Zone 1: That portion of the State east of the High 
Plains Zone and north and west of a line extending from the South 
Dakota border along NE 26E Spur to NE 12, west on NE 12 to the Knox/
Boyd County line, south along the county line to the Niobrara River and 
along the Niobrara River to U.S. 183 (the High Plains Zone line). Where 
the Niobrara River forms the boundary, both banks will be in Zone 1.
    Low Plains Zone 2: Area bounded by designated Federal and State 
highway's and political boundaries beginning at the Kansas-Nebraska 
border on U.S. Hwy. 73; north to NE Hwy. 67 north to U.S. Hwy 136; east 
to the Steamboat Trace (Trace); north to Federal Levee R-562; north and 
west to the Trace/Burlington Northern Railroad right-of-way; north to 
NE Hwy 2; west to U.S. Hwy 75; north to NE Hwy. 2; west to NE Hwy. 43; 
north to U.S. Hwy. 34; east to NE Hwy. 63; north and west to U.S. Hwy. 
77; north to NE Hwy. 92; west to U.S. Hwy. 81; south to NE Hwy. 66; 
west to NE Hwy. 14; south to U.S. Hwy 34; west to NE Hwy. 2; south to 
U.S. Hwy. I-80; west to Gunbarrrel Rd. (Hall/Hamilton county line); 
south to Giltner Rd.; west to U.S. Hwy. 281; south to U.S. Hwy. 34; 
west to NE Hwy 10; north to County Road ``R'' (Kearney County) and 
County Road #742 (Phelps County); west to County Road #438 (Gosper 
County line); south along County Road #438 (Gosper County line) to 
County Road #726 (Furnas County Line); east to County Road #438 (Harlan 
County Line); south to U. S. Hwy 34; south and west to U.S. Hwy. 136; 
east to NE Hwy. 10; south to the Kansas-Nebraska border.
    Low Plains Zone 3: The area east of the High Plains Zone, excluding 
Low Plains Zone 1, north of Low Plains Zone 2.
    Low Plains Zone 4: The area east of the High Plains Zone and south 
of Zone 2.
    New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion): North Zone: That portion of 
the State north of I-40 and U.S. 54.
    South Zone: The remainder of New Mexico.
    North Dakota: High Plains Unit: That portion of the State south and 
west of a line from the South Dakota border along U.S. 83 and I-94 to 
ND 41, north to U.S. 2, west to the Williams/Divide County line, then 
north along the County line to the Canadian border.
    Low Plains: The remainder of North Dakota.
    Oklahoma: High Plains Zone: The Counties of Beaver, Cimarron, and 
Texas.
    Low Plains Zone 1: That portion of the State east of the High 
Plains Zone and north of a line extending east from the Texas border 
along OK 33 to OK 47, east along OK 47 to U.S. 183, south along U.S. 
183 to I-40, east along I-40 to U.S. 177, north along U.S. 177 to OK 
33, west along OK 33 to I-35, north along I-35 to U.S. 412, west along 
U.S. 412 to OK 132, then north along OK 132 to the Kansas border.
    Low Plains Zone 2: The remainder of Oklahoma.
    South Dakota: High Plains Unit: That portion of the State west of a 
line beginning at the North Dakota border and extending south along 
U.S. 83 to U.S. 14, east along U.S. 14 to Blunt-Canning Road in Blunt, 
south along Blunt-Canning Road to SD 34, east to SD 47, south to I-90, 
east to SD 47, south to SD 49, south to Colome and then continuing 
south on U.S. 183 to the Nebraska border.
    North Zone: That portion of northeastern South Dakota east of the 
High Plains Unit and north of a line extending east along US 212 to SD 
15, then north along SD 15 to Big Stone Lake at the Minnesota border.
    South Zone: That portion of Gregory County east of SD 47, Charles 
Mix County south of SD 44 to the Douglas County line, south on SD 50 to 
Geddes, east on the Geddes Hwy. to U.S. 281, south on U.S. 281 and U.S. 
18 to SD 50, south and east on SD 50 to Bon Homme County line, the 
Counties of Bon Homme, Yankton, and Clay south of SD 50, and Union 
County south and west of SD 50 and I-29.
    Middle Zone: The remainder of South Dakota.
    Texas: High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of a line 
extending south from the Oklahoma border along U.S. 183 to Vernon, 
south along U.S. 283 to Albany, south along TX 6 to TX 351 to Abilene, 
south along U.S. 277 to Del Rio, then south along the Del Rio 
International Toll Bridge access road to the Mexico border.
    Low Plains North Zone: That portion of northeastern Texas east of 
the High Plains Zone and north of a line beginning at the International 
Toll Bridge south of Del Rio, then extending east on U.S. 90 to San 
Antonio, then continuing east on I-10 to the Louisiana border at 
Orange, Texas.
    Low Plains South Zone: The remainder of Texas.
    Wyoming (Central Flyway portion): Zone 1: The Counties of Converse, 
Goshen, Hot Springs, Natrona, Platte, and Washakie Counties; and the 
portion of Park County east of the Shoshone National Forest boundary 
and south of a line beginning where the Shoshone National Forest 
boundary meets Park County Road 8VC, east along Park County Road 8VC to 
Park County Road 1AB, continuing east along Park County Road 1AB to 
Wyoming Highway 120, north along WY Highway 120 to WY Highway 294, 
south along WY Highway 294 to Lane 9, east along Lane 9 to Powel and WY 
Highway 14A, and finally east along WY Highway 14A to the Park County 
and Big Horn County line.
    Zone 2: The reminder of Wyoming.

[[Page 45531]]

Pacific Flyway

    Arizona--Game Management Units (GMU) as follows: South Zone: Those 
portions of GMUs 6 and 8 in Yavapai County, and GMUs 10 and 12B-45.
    North Zone: GMUs 1-5, those portions of GMUs 6 and 8 within 
Coconino County, and GMUs 7, 9, 12A.
    California: Northeastern Zone: In that portion of California lying 
east and north of a line beginning at the intersection of the Klamath 
River with the California-Oregon line; south and west along the Klamath 
River to the mouth of Shovel Creek; along Shovel Creek to its 
intersection with Forest Service Road 46N05 at Burnt Camp; west to its 
junction with Forest Service Road 46N10; south and east to its Junction 
with County Road 7K007; south and west to its junction with Forest 
Service Road 45N22; south and west to its junction with Highway 97 and 
Grass Lake Summit; south along to its junction with Interstate 5 at the 
town of Weed; south to its junction with Highway 89; east and south 
along Highway 89 to main street Greenville; north and east to its 
junction with North Valley Road; south to its junction of Diamond 
Mountain Road; north and east to its junction with North Arm Road; 
south and west to the junction of North Valley Road; south to the 
junction with Arlington Road (A22); west to the junction of Highway 89; 
south and west to the junction of Highway 70; east on Highway 70 to 
Highway 395; south and east on Highway 395 to the point of intersection 
with the California-Nevada state line; north along the California-
Nevada state line to the junction of the California-Nevada-Oregon state 
lines west along the California-Oregon line state to the point of 
origin
    Colorado River Zone: Those portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, 
and Imperial Counties east of a line extending from the Nevada border 
south along U.S. 95 to Vidal Junction; south on a road known as 
``Aqueduct Road'' in San Bernardino County through the town of Rice to 
the San Bernardino-Riverside County line; south on a road known in 
Riverside County as the ``Desert Center to Rice Road'' to the town of 
Desert Center; east 31 miles on I-10 to the Wiley Well Road; south on 
this road to Wiley Well; southeast along the Army-Milpitas Road to the 
Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south on the Blythe-Brawley 
paved road to the Ogilby and Tumco Mine Road; south on this road to 
U.S. 80; east seven miles on U.S. 80 to the Andrade-Algodones Road; 
south on this paved road to the Mexican border at Algodones, Mexico.
    Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding 
the Colorado River Zone) south and east of a line extending from the 
Pacific Ocean east along the Santa Maria River to CA 166 near the City 
of Santa Maria; east on CA 166 to CA 99; south on CA 99 to the crest of 
the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest 
of the Tehachapi Mountains to CA 178 at Walker Pass; east on CA 178 to 
U.S. 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on U.S. 395 to CA 58; east on 
CA 58 to I-15; east on I-15 to CA 127; north on CA 127 to the Nevada 
border.
    Southern San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone: All of Kings and Tulare 
Counties and that portion of Kern County north of the Southern Zone.
    Balance-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of California not included 
in the Northeastern, Southern, and Colorado River Zones, and the 
Southern San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone.
    Idaho: Zone 1: Includes all lands and waters within the Fort Hall 
Indian Reservation, including private inholdings; Bannock County; 
Bingham County, except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir 
drainage; and Power County east of ID 37 and ID 39.
    Zone 2: Includes the following Counties or portions of Counties: 
Adams; Bear Lake; Benewah; Bingham within the Blackfoot Reservoir 
drainage; those portions of Blaine west of ID 75, south and east of 
U.S. 93, and between ID 75 and U.S. 93 north of U.S. 20 outside the 
Silver Creek drainage; Bonner; Bonneville; Boundary; Butte; Camas; 
Caribou except the Fort Hall Indian Reservation; Cassia within the 
Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; Clark; Clearwater; Custer; Elmore 
within the Camas Creek drainage; Franklin; Fremont; Idaho; Jefferson; 
Kootenai; Latah; Lemhi; Lewis; Madison; Nez Perce; Oneida; Power within 
the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; Shoshone; Teton; and Valley 
Counties.
    Zone 3: Includes the following Counties or portions of Counties: 
Ada; Blaine between ID 75 and U.S. 93 south of U.S. 20 and that 
additional area between ID 75 and U.S. 93 north of U.S. 20 within the 
Silver Creek drainage; Boise; Canyon; Cassia except within the Minidoka 
National Wildlife Refuge; Elmore except the Camas Creek drainage; Gem; 
Gooding; Jerome; Lincoln; Minidoka; Owyhee; Payette; Power west of ID 
37 and ID 39 except that portion within the Minidoka National Wildlife 
Refuge; Twin Falls; and Washington Counties.
    Nevada: Lincoln and Clark County Zone: All of Clark and Lincoln 
Counties.
    Remainder-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of Nevada.
    Oregon: Zone 1: Clatsop, Tillamook, Lincoln, Lane, Douglas, Coos, 
Curry, Josephine, Jackson, Linn, Benton, Polk, Marion, Yamhill, 
Washington, Columbia, Multnomah, Clackamas, Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, 
Gilliam, Morrow and Umatilla Counties.
    Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit: Gilliam, Morrow, and 
Umatilla Counties.
    Zone 2: The remainder of the State.
    Utah: Zone 1: All of Box Elder, Cache, Daggett, Davis, Duchesne, 
Morgan, Rich, Salt Lake, Summit, Unitah, Utah, Wasatch, and Weber 
Counties and that part of Toole County north of I-80.
    Zone 2: The remainder of Utah.
    Washington: East Zone: All areas east of the Pacific Crest Trail 
and east of the Big White Salmon River in Klickitat County.
    Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit: Same as East Zone.
    West Zone: All areas to the west of the East Zone.

Geese

Atlantic Flyway

    Connecticut: NAP Zone: Statewide, except for Hartford and 
Litchfield Counties west of the Connecticut River.
    AP Zone: Remainder of the State.
    South Zone: Same as for ducks.
    North Zone: Same as for ducks.
    Maryland: SJBP Zone: Allegheny, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, 
Washington counties and the portion of Montgomery County south of 
Interstate 270 and west of Interstate 495 to the Potomac River.
    AP Zone: Remainder of the State.
    Massachusetts: NAP Zone: Central Zone (same as for ducks) and that 
portion of the Coastal Zone that lies north of route 139 from Green 
Harbor.
    AP Zone: Remainder of the State.
    Special Late Season Area: That portion of the Coastal Zone (see 
duck zones) that lies north of Route 14, east of St. George Road, and 
east of the Powder Point Bridge.
    New Hampshire: Same zones as for ducks.
    New Jersey: North--that portion of the State within a continuous 
line that runs east along the New York State boundary line to the 
Hudson River; then south along the New York State boundary to its 
intersection with Route 440 at Perth Amboy; then west on Route 440 to 
its intersection with Route 287; then west along Route 287 to its 
intersection with Route 206 in Bedminster (Exit 18); then north along 
Route 206 to its intersection with Route 94: then west along Route 94 
to the tollbridge in Columbia; then north along the Pennsylvania State 
boundary

[[Page 45532]]

in the Delaware River to the beginning point.
    South--that portion of the State within a continuous line that runs 
west from the Atlantic Ocean at Ship Bottom along Route 72 to Route 70; 
then west along Route 70 to Route 206; then south along Route 206 to 
Route 536; then west along Route 536 to Route 322; then west along 
Route 322 to Route 55; then south along Route 55 to Route 553 (Buck 
Road); then south along Route 553 to Route 40; then east along Route 40 
to Route 55; then south along Route 55 to Route 552 (Sherman Avenue); 
then west along Route 552 to Carmel Road; then south along Carmel Road 
to Route 49; then east along Route 49 to Route 555; then south along 
Route 555 to Route 553; then east along Route 553 to Route 649; then 
north along Route 649 to Route 670; then east along Route 670 to Route 
47; then north along Route 47 to Route 548; then east along Route 548 
to Route 49; then east along Route 49 to Route 50; then south along 
Route 50 to Route 9; then south along Route 9 to Route 625 (Sea Isle 
City Boulevard); then east along Route 625 to the Atlantic Ocean; then 
north to the beginning point.
    New York: Special Late Season Area for Canada Geese: That area of 
Chemung County lying east of a continuous line extending south along 
State Route 13 from the Schuyler County line to State Route 17 and then 
south along Route 17 to the New York-Pennsylvania boundary; all of 
Tioga and Broome Counties; that area of Delaware, Sullivan, and Orange 
Counties lying southwest of a continuous line extending east along 
State Route 17 from the Broome County line to U.S. Route 209 at 
Wurtsboro and then south along Route 209 to the New York-Pennsylvania 
boundary at Port Jervis, excluding areas on or within 50 yards of the 
Delaware River between the confluence of the West Branch and East 
Branch below Hancock and the mouth of the Shingle Kill (3 miles 
upstream from Port Jervis); that area of Orange, Rockland, Dutchess, 
Putnam and Westchester Counties lying southeast of a continuous line 
extending north along Route 17 from the New York-New Jersey boundary at 
Suffern to Interstate Route 87, then north along Route 87 to Interstate 
Route 84, then east along Route 84 to the northern boundary of Putnam 
County, then east along that boundary to the New York-Connecticut 
boundary; that area of Nassau and Suffolk Counties lying north of State 
Route 25A and west of a continuous line extending northward from State 
Route 25A along Randall Road (near Shoreham) to North Country Road, 
then east to Sound Road and then north to Long Island Sound and then 
due north to the New York-Connecticut boundary.
    Long Island (NAP) Zone: Same as Long Island Duck Zone.
    Southwest (SJBP) Zone: All of Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautaugua 
Counties; that area of Erie, Wyoming and Niagara Counties lying south 
and west of a continuous line extending from the Rainbow Bridge below 
Niagara Falls, north along the Robert Moses Parkway to U.S. Route 62A, 
then east along Route 62A to U.S. Route 62, then southeast along U.S. 
Route 62 to Interstate Route 290, then south along Route 290 to Exit 50 
of the NYS Thruway, then east along I-90 to State Route 98, then south 
along State Route 98 to the Cattaraugus County line; and that area of 
Steuben and Chemung Counties lying south of State Route 17.
    AP Zone: Remainder of the State.
    North Carolina: Regular Season for Canada Geese: Statewide, except 
for the Northeast Hunt Unit.
    Northeast Hunt Unit--Counties of Bertie (that portion east of NC-
45, and that portion which is both west of U.S. 17, and east of U.S.-
13), Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Northhampton (that portion 
which is both north of U.S.-158 and east of NC-35), Pasquotank, 
Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington.
    Pennsylvania: SJBP Zone: Area from the New York State line west of 
U.S. Route 220 to intersection of I-180, west of I-180 to intersection 
of SR 147, west of SR 147 to intersection of U.S. Route 322, west of 
U.S. Route 322 to intersection of I-81, west of I-81 to intersection of 
I-83, west of I-83 to I-283, west of I-283 to SR 441, west of SR 441 to 
U.S. Route 30, west of U.S. Route 30 to I-83, west of I-83 to Maryland 
State line, except for the Pymatuning Zone.
    Pymatuning Zone: Area south of SR 198 from the Ohio State line to 
the intersection of SR 18, to the intersection of U.S. Route 322/SR 18, 
to the intersection of SR 3013, then south to the Crawford/Mercer 
County line.
    Special Late Season Area for Canada Geese: Same as SJBP Zone and 
the area from New York State line east of U.S. Route 220 to 
intersection of I-180, east of I-180 to intersection of SR 147, east of 
SR 147 to intersection of U.S. Route 322, east of Route 322 to 
intersection of I-81, north of I-81 to intersection of I-80, north of 
I-80 to New Jersey State line.
    AP Zone: Remainder of the State.
    Rhode Island: Special Area for Canada Geese: Kent and Providence 
Counties and portions of the towns of Exeter and North Kingston within 
Washington County (see State regulations for detailed descriptions).
    South Carolina: Canada Goose Area: Statewide except for Clarendon 
County and that portion of Lake Marion in Orangeburg County and 
Berkeley County.
    Vermont: Same zones as for ducks.
    Virginia: SJBP Zone and Special Late Season Area for Canada Geese: 
All areas west of I-95.
    Back Bay Area: The waters of Back Bay and its tributaries and the 
marshes adjacent thereto, and on the land and marshes between Back Bay 
and the Atlantic Ocean from Sandbridge to the North Carolina line, and 
on and along the shore of North Landing River and the marshes adjacent 
thereto, and on and along the shores of Binson Inlet Lake (formerly 
known as Lake Tecumseh) and Red Wing Lake and the marshes adjacent 
thereto.
    AP Zone: Remainder of the State.
    West Virginia: Same zones as for ducks.

Mississippi Flyway

    Alabama: Same zones as for ducks, but in addition:
    SJBP Zone: That portion of Morgan County east of U.S. Highway 31, 
north of State Highway 36, and west of U.S. 231; that portion of 
Limestone County south of U.S. 72; and that portion of Madison County 
south of Swancott Road and west of Triana Road.
    Illinois: Same zones as for ducks, but in addition:
    North Zone:
    Northern Illinois Quota Zone: The Counties of McHenry, Lake, Kane, 
DuPage, and those portions of LaSalle and Will Counties north of 
Interstate Highway 80.
    Central Zone:
    Central Illinois Quota Zone: The Counties of Grundy, Woodford, 
Peoria, Knox, Fulton, Tazewell, Mason, Cass, Morgan, Pike, Calhoun, and 
Jersey, and those portions of LaSalle and Will Counties south of 
Interstate Highway 80.
    South Zone:
    Southern Illinois Quota Zone: Alexander, Jackson, Union, and 
Williamson Counties.
    Rend Lake Quota Zone: Franklin and Jefferson Counties.
    Indiana: Same zones as for ducks, but in addition:
    SJBP Zone: Jasper, LaGrange, LaPorte, Starke, and Steuben Counties, 
and that portion of the Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area in 
Pulaski County.
    Iowa: Same zones as for ducks.
    Kentucky: Western Zone: That portion of the State west of a line 
beginning at the Tennessee border at Fulton and extending north along 
the Purchase

[[Page 45533]]

Parkway to Interstate Highway 24, east along I-24 to U.S. Highway 641, 
north along U.S. 641 to U.S. 60, northeast along U.S. 60 to the 
Henderson County line, then south, east, and northerly along the 
Henderson County line to the Indiana border.
    Ballard Reporting Area: That area encompassed by a line beginning 
at the northwest city limits of Wickliffe in Ballard County and 
extending westward to the middle of the Mississippi River, north along 
the Mississippi River and along the low-water mark of the Ohio River on 
the Illinois shore to the Ballard-McCracken County line, south along 
the county line to Kentucky Highway 358, south along Kentucky 358 to 
U.S. Highway 60 at LaCenter; then southwest along U.S. 60 to the 
northeast city limits of Wickliffe.
    Henderson-Union Reporting Area: Henderson County and that portion 
of Union County within the Western Zone.
    Pennyroyal/Coalfield Zone: Butler, Daviess, Ohio, Simpson, and 
Warren Counties and all counties lying west to the boundary of the 
Western Goose Zone.
    Michigan: MVP Zone: The MVP Zone consists of an area north and west 
of the point beginning at the southwest corner of Branch county, north 
continuing along the western border of Branch and Calhoun counties to 
the northwest corner of Calhoun county, then easterly to the southwest 
corner of Eaton county, then northerly to the southern border of Ionia 
county, then easterly to the southwest corner of Clinton county, then 
northerly along the western border of Clinton County continuing 
northerly along the county border of Gratiot and Montcalm counties to 
the southern border of Isabella county, then easterly to the southwest 
corner of Midland county, then northerly along the west Midland county 
border to Highway M-20, then easterly to U.S. Highway 10, then easterly 
to U.S. Interstate 75/U.S. Highway 23, then northerly along I-75/U.S. 
23 to the U.S. 23 exit at Standish, then easterly on U.S. 23 to the 
centerline of the Au Gres River, then southerly along the centerline of 
the Au Gres River to Saginaw Bay, then on a line directly east 10 miles 
into Saginaw Bay, and from that point on a line directly northeast to 
the Canadian border.
    SJBP Zone is the rest of the state, that area south and east of the 
boundary described above.
    Tuscola/Huron Goose Management Unit (GMU): Those portions of 
Tuscola and Huron Counties bounded on the south by Michigan Highway 138 
and Bay City Road, on the east by Colwood and Bay Port Roads, on the 
north by Kilmanagh Road and a line extending directly west off the end 
of Kilmanagh Road into Saginaw Bay to the west boundary, and on the 
west by the Tuscola-Bay County line and a line extending directly north 
off the end of the Tuscola-Bay County line into Saginaw Bay to the 
north boundary.
    Allegan County GMU: That area encompassed by a line beginning at 
the junction of 136th Avenue and Interstate Highway 196 in Lake Town 
Township and extending easterly along 136th Avenue to Michigan Highway 
40, southerly along Michigan 40 through the city of Allegan to 108th 
Avenue in Trowbridge Township, westerly along 108th Avenue to 46th 
Street, northerly \1/2\ mile along 46th Street to 109th Avenue, 
westerly along 109th Avenue to I-196 in Casco Township, then northerly 
along I-196 to the point of beginning.
    Saginaw County GMU: That portion of Saginaw County bounded by 
Michigan Highway 46 on the north; Michigan 52 on the west; Michigan 57 
on the south; and Michigan 13 on the east.
    Muskegon Wastewater GMU: That portion of Muskegon County within the 
boundaries of the Muskegon County wastewater system, east of the 
Muskegon State Game Area, in sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 29, 
30, and 32, T10N R14W, and sections 1, 2, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 24, and 
25, T10N R15W, as posted.
    Special Canada Goose Seasons:
    Southern Michigan GMU: That portion of the State, including the 
Great Lakes and interconnecting waterways and excluding the Allegan 
County GMU, south of a line beginning at the Ontario border at the 
Bluewater Bridge in the city of Port Huron and extending westerly and 
southerly along Interstate Highway 94 to I-69, westerly along I-69 to 
Michigan Highway 21, westerly along Michigan 21 to I-96, northerly 
along I-96 to I-196, westerly along I-196 to Lake Michigan Drive (M-45) 
in Grand Rapids, westerly along Lake Michigan Drive to the Lake 
Michigan shore, then directly west from the end of Lake Michigan Drive 
to the Wisconsin border.
    Central Michigan GMU: That portion of the Lower Peninsula north of 
the Southern Michigan GMU but south of a line beginning at the 
Wisconsin border in Lake Michigan due west of the mouth of Stony Creek 
in Oceana County; then due east to, and easterly and southerly along 
the south shore of Stony Creek to Scenic Drive, easterly and southerly 
along Scenic Drive to Stony Lake Road, easterly along Stony Lake and 
Garfield Roads to Michigan Highway 20, easterly along Michigan 20 to 
U.S. Highway 10 Business Route (BR) in the city of Midland, easterly 
along U.S. 10 BR to U.S. 10, easterly along U.S. 10 to Interstate 
Highway 75/U.S. Highway 23, northerly along I-75/U.S. 23 to the U.S. 23 
exit at Standish, easterly along U.S. 23 to the centerline of the Au 
Gres River, then southerly along the centerline of the Au Gres River to 
Saginaw Bay, then on a line directly east 10 miles into Saginaw Bay, 
and from that point on a line directly northeast to the Canadian 
border, excluding the Tuscola/Huron GMU, Saginaw County GMU, and 
Muskegon Wastewater GMU.
    Minnesota: West Zone: That portion of the state encompassed by a 
line beginning at the junction of State Trunk Highway (STH) 60 and the 
Iowa border, then north and east along STH 60 to U.S. Highway 71, north 
along U.S. 71 to Interstate Highway 94, then north and west along I-94 
to the North Dakota border.
    West Central Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the 
intersection of State Trunk Highway (STH) 29 and U.S. Highway 212 and 
extending west along U.S. 212 to U.S. 59, south along U.S. 59 to STH 
67, west along STH 67 to U.S. 75, north along U.S. 75 to County State 
Aid Highway (CSAH) 30 in Lac qui Parle County, west along CSAH 30 to 
the western boundary of the State, north along the western boundary of 
the State to a point due south of the intersection of STH 7 and CSAH 7 
in Big Stone County, and continuing due north to said intersection, 
then north along CSAH 7 to CSAH 6 in Big Stone County, east along CSAH 
6 to CSAH 21 in Big Stone County, south along CSAH 21 to CSAH 10 in Big 
Stone County, east along CSAH 10 to CSAH 22 in Swift County, east along 
CSAH 22 to CSAH 5 in Swift County, south along CSAH 5 to U.S. 12, east 
along U.S. 12 to CSAH 17 in Swift County, south along CSAH 17 to CSAH 9 
in Chippewa County, south along CSAH 9 to STH 40, east along STH 40 to 
STH 29, then south along STH 29 to the point of beginning.
    Lac qui Parle Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at 
the intersection of U.S. Highway 212 and County State Aid Highway 
(CSAH) 27 in Lac qui Parle County and extending north along CSAH 27 to 
CSAH 20 in Lac qui Parle County, west along CSAH 20 to State Trunk 
Highway (STH) 40, north along STH 40 to STH 119, north along STH 119 to 
CSAH 34 in Lac qui Parle County, west along CSAH 34 to CSAH 19 in Lac 
qui Parle County, north and west along CSAH 19 to CSAH 38 in Lac qui 
Parle County, west and north along CSAH 38 to U.S. 75, north along U.S. 
75 to STH 7, east along STH 7 to CSAH 6

[[Page 45534]]

in Swift County, east along CSAH 6 to County Road 65 in Swift County, 
south along County 65 to County 34 in Chippewa County, south along 
County 34 to CSAH 12 in Chippewa County, east along CSAH 12 to CSAH 9 
in Chippewa County, south along CSAH 9 to STH 7, southeast along STH 7 
to Montevideo and along the municipal boundary of Montevideo to U.S. 
212; then west along U.S. 212 to the point of beginning.
    Northwest Zone: That portion of the state encompassed by a line 
extending east from the North Dakota border along U.S. Highway 2 to 
State Trunk Highway (STH) 32, north along STH 32 to STH 92, east along 
STH 92 to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 2 in Polk County, north along 
CSAH 2 to CSAH 27 in Pennington County, north along CSAH 27 to STH 1, 
east along STH 1 to CSAH 28 in Pennington County, north along CSAH 28 
to CSAH 54 in Marshall County, north along CSAH 54 to CSAH 9 in Roseau 
County, north along CSAH 9 to STH 11, west along STH 11 to STH 310, and 
north along STH 310 to the Manitoba border.
    Special Canada Goose Seasons:
    Southeast Zone: That part of the State within the following 
described boundaries: beginning at the intersection of U.S. Highway 52 
and the south boundary of the Twin Cities Metro Canada Goose Zone; 
thence along the U.S. Highway 52 to State Trunk Highway (STH) 57; 
thence along STH 57 to the municipal boundary of Kasson; thence along 
the municipal boundary of Kasson County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 13, 
Dodge County; thence along CSAH 13 to STH 30; thence along STH 30 to 
U.S. Highway 63; thence along U.S. Highway 63 to the south boundary of 
the State; thence along the south and east boundaries of the State to 
the south boundary of the Twin Cities Metro Canada Goose Zone; thence 
along said boundary to the point of beginning.
    Missouri: Same zones as for ducks but in addition:
    North Zone: Swan Lake Zone: That area bounded by U.S. Highway 36 on 
the north, Missouri Highway 5 on the east, Missouri 240 and U.S. 65 on 
the south, and U.S. 65 on the west.
    Middle Zone: Southeast Zone: That portion of the State encompassed 
by a line beginning at the intersection of Missouri Highway (MO) 34 and 
Interstate 55 and extending south along I-55 to U.S. Highway 62, west 
along U.S. 62 to MO 53, north along MO 53 to MO 51, north along MO 51 
to U.S. 60, west along U.S. 60 to MO 21, north along MO 21 to MO 72, 
east along MO 72 to MO 34, then east along MO 34 to I-55.
    Ohio: Same zones as for ducks but in addition:
    North Zone: Lake Erie SJBP Zone: That portion of the State 
encompassed by a line beginning in Lucas County at the Michigan State 
line on I-75, and extending south along I-75 to I-280, south along I-
280 to I-80, east along I-80 to the Pennsylvania State line in Trumbull 
county, north along the Pennsylvania State line to SR 6 in Ashtabula 
county, west along SR 6 to the Lake/Cuyahoga county line, north along 
the Lake/Cuyahoga county line to the shore of Lake Erie.
    Tennessee: Southwest Zone: That portion of the State south of State 
Highways 20 and 104, and west of U.S. Highways 45 and 45W.
    Northwest Zone: Lake, Obion and Weakley Counties and those portions 
of Gibson and Dyer Counties not included in the Southwest Tennessee 
Zone.
    Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Zone: That portion of the State bounded on 
the west by the eastern boundaries of the Northwest and Southwest Zones 
and on the east by State Highway 13 from the Alabama border to 
Clarksville and U.S. Highway 79 from Clarksville to the Kentucky 
border.
    Wisconsin: Same zones as for ducks but in addition: Horicon Zone: 
That area encompassed by a line beginning at the intersection of State 
Highway 21 and the Fox River in Winnebago County and extending westerly 
along State 21 to the west boundary of Winnebago County, southerly 
along the west boundary of Winnebago County to the north boundary of 
Green Lake County, westerly along the north boundaries of Green Lake 
and Marquette Counties to State 22, southerly along State 22 to State 
33, westerly along State 33 to Interstate Highway 39, southerly along 
Interstate Highway 39 to Interstate Highway 90/94, southerly along I-
90/94 to State 60, easterly along State 60 to State 83, northerly along 
State 83 to State 175, northerly along State 175 to State 33, easterly 
along State 33 to U.S. Highway 45, northerly along U.S. 45 to the east 
shore of the Fond Du Lac River, northerly along the east shore of the 
Fond Du Lac River to Lake Winnebago, northerly along the western 
shoreline of Lake Winnebago to the Fox River, then westerly along the 
Fox River to State 21.
    Collins Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the 
intersection of Hilltop Road and Collins Marsh Road in Manitowoc County 
and extending westerly along Hilltop Road to Humpty Dumpty Road, 
southerly along Humpty Dumpty Road to Poplar Grove Road, easterly and 
southerly along Poplar Grove Road to County Highway JJ, southeasterly 
along County JJ to Collins Road, southerly along Collins Road to the 
Manitowoc River, southeasterly along the Manitowoc River to Quarry 
Road, northerly along Quarry Road to Einberger Road, northerly along 
Einberger Road to Moschel Road, westerly along Moschel Road to Collins 
Marsh Road, northerly along Collins Marsh Road to Hilltop Road.
    Exterior Zone: That portion of the State not included in the 
Horicon or Collins Zones.
    Mississippi River Subzone: That area encompassed by a line 
beginning at the intersection of the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe 
Railway and the Illinois border in Grant County and extending northerly 
along the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway to the city limit of 
Prescott in Pierce County, then west along the Prescott city limit to 
the Minnesota border.
    Rock Prairie Subzone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at 
the intersection of the Illinois border and Interstate Highway 90 and 
extending north along I-90 to County Highway A, east along County A to 
U.S. Highway 12, southeast along U.S. 12 to State Highway 50, west 
along State 50 to State 120, then south along 120 to the Illinois 
border.
    Brown County Subzone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at 
the intersection of the Fox River with Green Bay in Brown County and 
extending southerly along the Fox River to State Highway 29, 
northwesterly along State 29 to the Brown County line, south, east, and 
north along the Brown County line to Green Bay, due west to the 
midpoint of the Green Bay Ship Channel, then southwesterly along the 
Green Bay Ship Channel to the Fox River.

Central Flyway

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

[[Page 45535]]

    Remainder: Remainder of the Central Flyway portion of Colorado.
    Eastern Colorado Late Light Goose Area: that portion of the State 
east of Interstate Highway 25.
    Kansas: Light Geese.
    Unit 1: That portion of Kansas east of a line beginning at the 
intersection of the Nebraska border and KS 99, extending south along KS 
99 to I-70 to U.S. 75, south on U.S. 75 to U.S. 54, west on U.S. 54 to 
KS 99, and then south on KS 99 to the Oklahoma border.
    Unit 2: The remainder of Kansas, laying west of Unit 1.
    Dark Geese:
    Marais des Cygnes Valley Unit: The area is bounded by the Missouri 
border to KS 68, KS 68 to U.S. 169, U.S. 169 to KS 7, KS 7 to KS 31, KS 
31 to U.S. 69, U.S. 69 to KS 239, KS 239 to the Missouri border.
    Southeast Unit: That part of Kansas bounded by a line from the 
Kansas-Missouri State line west on US-160 to its junction with US-69, 
then north on US-69 to its junction with K-39, then west on K-39 to its 
junction with US-169, then south on US-169 to its junction with the 
Kansas-Oklahoma State line, then east on the Kansas-Oklahoma State line 
to its junction with the Kansas-Missouri State line, then north on the 
Kansas-Missouri State line to its junction with US-160, except Federal 
and State sanctuaries.
    Montana (Central Flyway Portion): Sheridan County: Includes all of 
Sheridan County.
    Remainder: Includes the remainder of the Central Flyway portion of 
Montana.
    Nebraska: Dark Geese.
    North Unit: Keya Paha County east of U.S. 183 and all of Boyd 
County, including the boundary waters of the Niobrara River, all of 
Knox County and that portion of Cedar County west of U.S. 81. Where the 
Niobrara river forms the boundary, both banks will be in the north 
Unit.
    Platte River Unit: That area south and west of U.S. 281 at the 
Kansas/Nebraska border, north to Giltner Road (near Doniphan), east to 
NE 14, north to NE 91, west to U.S. 183, south to NE 92, west to NE 61, 
north to U.S. 2, west to the intersection of Garden, Grant, and 
Sheridan counties, then west along the northern border of Garden, 
Morrill, and Scotts Bluff counties to the Wyoming border.
    Northcentral Unit: That area north of the Platte River Unit and 
west of U.S. 183.
    East Unit: The remainder of Nebraska.
    Light Geese:
    Rainwater Basin Light Goose Area (West): The area bounded by the 
junction of U.S. 283 and U.S. 30 at Lexington, east on U.S. 30 to U.S. 
281, south on U.S. 281 to NE 4, west on NE 4 to U.S. 34, continue west 
on U.S. 34 to U.S. 283, then north on U.S. 283 to the beginning.
    Rainwater Basin Light Goose Area (East): The area bounded by the 
junction of U.S. 281 and US 30 at Grand Island, north and east on U.S. 
30 to NE 92, east on NE 92 to NE 15, south on NE 15 to NE 4, west on NE 
4 to U.S. 281, north on U.S. 281 to the beginning.
    Remainder of State: The remainder portion of Nebraska.
    New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion): Dark Geese.
    Middle Rio Grande Valley Unit: Sierra, Socorro, and Valencia 
counties.
    Remainder: The remainder of the Central Flyway portion of New 
Mexico.
    South Dakota: Canada Geese.
    Unit 1: Statewide except for Units 2, 3 and 4.
    Big Stone Power Plant Area: That portion of Grant and Roberts 
Counties east of SD 15 and north of SD 20.
    Unit 2: Brule, Buffalo, Campbell, Charles Mix, Dewey, Gregory, 
Hughes, Hyde, Lyman, Potter, Stanley, Sully, and Walworth Counties and 
that portion of Corson County east of South Dakota State Highway 65.
    Unit 3: Clark, Codington, Day, Deuel, Grant, Hamlin, Marshall, and 
Roberts Counties.
    Unit 4: Bennett County.
    Texas: West Unit: That portion of the State laying west of a line 
from the international toll bridge at Laredo; north along I-35 and I-
35W to Fort Worth; northwest along U.S. 81 and U.S. 287 to Bowie; and 
north along U.S. 81 to the Oklahoma border.
    East Unit: Remainder of State.
    Wyoming (Central Flyway Portion): Area 1: Hot Springs, Natrona, and 
Washakie Counties, and that portion of Park County south of T58N.
    Area 2: Converse and Platte County.
    Area 3: Albany, Big Horn, Campbell, Crook, Fremont, Johnson, 
Laramie, Niobrara, Sheridan, and Weston Counties and those portions of 
Carbon County east of the Continental Divide and Park County north of 
T58N.
    Area 4: Goshen County.

Pacific Flyway

    Arizona: GMU 1 and 27: Game Management Units 1 and 27.
    GMU 22 and 23: Game Management Units 22 and 23.
    Remainder of State: The remainder of Arizona.
    California: Northeastern Zone: In that portion of California lying 
east and north of a line beginning at the intersection of the Klamath 
River with the California-Oregon line; south and west along the Klamath 
River to the mouth of Shovel Creek; along Shovel Creek to its 
intersection with Forest Service Road 46N05 at Burnt Camp; west to its 
junction with Forest Service Road 46N10; south and east to its Junction 
with County Road 7K007; south and west to its junction with Forest 
Service Road 45N22; south and west to its junction with Highway 97 and 
Grass Lake Summit; south along to its junction with Interstate 5 at the 
town of Weed; south to its junction with Highway 89; east and south 
along Highway 89 to main street Greenville; north and east to its 
junction with North Valley Road; south to its junction of Diamond 
Mountain Road; north and east to its junction with North Arm Road; 
south and west to the junction of North Valley Road; south to the 
junction with Arlington Road (A22); west to the junction of Highway 89; 
south and west to the junction of Highway 70; east on Highway 70 to 
Highway 395; south and east on Highway 395 to the point of intersection 
with the California-Nevada state line; north along the California-
Nevada state line to the junction of the California-Nevada-Oregon state 
lines west along the California-Oregon line state to the point of 
origin
    Colorado River Zone: Those portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, 
and Imperial Counties east of a line extending from the Nevada border 
south along U.S. 95 to Vidal Junction; south on a road known as 
``Aqueduct Road'' in San Bernardino County through the town of Rice to 
the San Bernardino-Riverside County line; south on a road known in 
Riverside County as the ``Desert Center to Rice Road'' to the town of 
Desert Center; east 31 miles on I-10 to the Wiley Well Road; south on 
this road to Wiley Well; southeast along the Army-Milpitas Road to the 
Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south on the Blythe-Brawley 
paved road to the Ogilby and Tumco Mine Road; south on this road to 
U.S. 80; east seven miles on U.S. 80 to the Andrade-Algodones Road; 
south on this paved road to the Mexican border at Algodones, Mexico.
    Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding 
the Colorado River Zone) south and east of a line extending from the 
Pacific Ocean east along the Santa Maria River to CA 166 near the City 
of Santa Maria; east on CA 166 to CA 99; south on CA 99 to the crest of 
the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest 
of the Tehachapi Mountains to CA 178 at Walker Pass; east on CA 178 to 
U.S. 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on U.S. 395 to CA 58; east on 
CA 58 to I-15; east on I-15 to CA 127; north on CA 127 to the Nevada 
border.

[[Page 45536]]

    Balance-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of California not included 
in the Northeastern, Southern, and the Colorado River Zones.
    Del Norte and Humboldt Area: The Counties of Del Norte and 
Humboldt.
    Sacramento Valley Special Management Area (East): That area bounded 
by a line beginning at the junction of the Gridley-Colusa Highway and 
the Cherokee Canal; west on the Gridley-Colusa Highway to Gould Road; 
west on Gould Road and due west 0.75 miles directly to Highway 45; 
south on Highway 45 to Highway 20; east on Highway 20 to West Butte 
Road; north on West Butte Road to Pass Road; west on Pass Road to West 
Butte Road; north on West Butte Road to North Butte Road; west on North 
Butte Road and due west 0.5 miles directly to the Cherokee Canal; north 
on the Cherokee Canal to the point of beginning.
    Sacramento Valley Special Management Area (West): That area bounded 
by a line beginning at Willows south on I-5 to Hahn Road; easterly on 
Hahn Road and the Grimes-Arbuckle Road to Grimes; northerly on CA 45 to 
the junction with CA 162; northerly on CA 45/162 to Glenn; and westerly 
on CA 162 to the point of beginning in Willows.
    San Joaquin Valley Special Management Area: That area bounded by a 
line beginning at the intersection of Highway 5 and Highway 120; south 
on Highway 5 to Highway 33; southeast on Highway 33 to Crows Landing 
Road; north on Crows Landing Road to Highway 99; north on Highway 99 to 
Highway 120; west on Highway 120 to the point of beginning.
    Western Canada Goose Hunt Area: That portion of the above described 
Sacramento Valley Area lying east of a line formed by Butte Creek from 
the Gridley-Colusa Highway south to the Cherokee Canal; easterly along 
the Cherokee Canal and North Butte Road to West Butte Road; southerly 
on West Butte Road to Pass Road; easterly on Pass Road to West Butte 
Road; southerly on West Butte Road to CA 20; and westerly along CA 20 
to the Sacramento River.
    Colorado (Pacific Flyway Portion): West Central Area: Archuleta, 
Delta, Dolores, Gunnison, LaPlata, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, San 
Juan, and San Miguel Counties and those portions of Hinsdale, Mineral, 
and Saguache Counties west of the Continental Divide.
    State Area: The remainder of the Pacific-Flyway Portion of 
Colorado.
    Idaho: Zone 1: Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Clearwater, Idaho, 
Kootenai, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, and Shoshone Counties.
    Zone 2: The Counties of Ada; Adams; Boise; Canyon; those portions 
of Elmore north and east of I-84, and south and west of I-84, west of 
ID 51, except the Camas Creek drainage; Gem; Owyhee west of ID 51; 
Payette; Valley; and Washington.
    Zone 3: The Counties of Blaine; Camas; Cassia; those portions of 
Elmore south of I-84 east of ID 51, and within the Camas Creek 
drainage; Gooding; Jerome; Lincoln; Minidoka; Owyhee east of ID 51; 
Power within the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; and Twin Falls.
    Zone 4: The Counties of Bear Lake; Bingham within the Blackfoot 
Reservoir drainage; Bonneville, Butte; Caribou except the Fort Hall 
Indian Reservation; Clark; Custer; Franklin; Fremont; Jefferson; Lemhi; 
Madison; Oneida; Power west of ID 37 and ID 39 except the Minidoka 
National Wildlife Refuge; and Teton.
    Zone 5: All lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian 
Reservation, including private inholdings; Bannock County; Bingham 
County, except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; 
and Power County east of ID 37 and ID 39.
    In addition, goose frameworks are set by the following geographical 
areas:
    Northern Unit: Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Clearwater, Idaho, 
Kootenai, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, and Shoshone Counties.
    Southwestern Unit: That area west of the line formed by U.S. 93 
north from the Nevada border to Shoshone, northerly on ID 75 (formerly 
U.S. 93) to Challis, northerly on U.S. 93 to the Montana border (except 
the Northern Unit and except Custer and Lemhi Counties).
    Southeastern Unit: That area east of the line formed by U.S. 93 
north from the Nevada border to Shoshone, northerly on ID 75 (formerly 
U.S. 93) to Challis, northerly on U.S. 93 to the Montana border, 
including all of Custer and Lemhi Counties.
    Montana (Pacific Flyway Portion):
    East of the Divide Zone: The Pacific Flyway portion of the State 
located east of the Continental Divide.
    West of the Divide Zone: The remainder of the Pacific Flyway 
portion of Montana.
    Nevada: Lincoln Clark County Zone: All of Lincoln and Clark 
Counties.
    Remainder-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of Nevada.
    New Mexico (Pacific Flyway Portion): North Zone: The Pacific Flyway 
portion of New Mexico located north of I-40.
    South Zone: The Pacific Flyway portion of New Mexico located south 
of I-40.
    Oregon: Southwest Zone: Douglas, Coos, Curry, Josephine, and 
Jackson Counties.
    Northwest Special Permit Zone: That portion of western Oregon west 
and north of a line running south from the Columbia River in Portland 
along I-5 to OR 22 at Salem; then east on OR 22 to the Stayton Cutoff; 
then south on the Stayton Cutoff to Stayton and due south to the 
Santiam River; then west along the north shore of the Santiam River to 
I-5; then south on I-5 to OR 126 at Eugene; then west on OR 126 to 
Greenhill Road; then south on Greenhill Road to Crow Road; then west on 
Crow Road to Territorial Hwy; then west on Territorial Hwy to OR 126; 
then west on OR 126 to OR 36; then north on OR 36 to Forest Road 5070 
at Brickerville; then west and south on Forest Road 5070 to OR 126; 
then west on OR 126 to the Pacific Coast.
    Northwest Zone: Those portions of Clackamas, Lane, Linn, Marion, 
Multnomah, and Washington Counties outside of the Northwest Special 
Permit Zone.
    Closed Zone: Those portions of Coos and Curry Counties west of US 
101 and all of Tilamook and Lincoln Counties.
    Eastern Zone: Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Morrow, 
Umatilla, Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Wheeler, Grant, Baker, Union, 
and Wallowa Counties.
    Lake County Zone: All of Lake County.
    Utah: Washington County Zone: All of Washington County.
    Remainder-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of Utah.
    Washington: Area 1: Skagit, Island, and Snohomish Counties.
    Area 2A (SW Quota Zone): Clark County, except portions south of the 
Washougal River; Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties.
    Area 2B (SW Quota Zone): Pacific and Grays Harbor counties.
    Area 3: All areas west of the Pacific Crest Trail and west of the 
Big White Salmon River which are not included in Areas 1, 2A and 2B.
    Area 4: Adams, Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Kittitas, 
Lincoln, Okanogan, Spokane, and Walla Walla Counties.
    Area 5: All areas east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of the 
Big White Salmon River which are not included in Area 4.
    Wyoming (Pacific Flyway Portion): See State Regulations.
    Bear River Area: That portion of Lincoln County described in State 
regulations.

[[Page 45537]]

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

Swans

Central Flyway

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

Pacific Flyway

    Montana: (Pacific Flyway Portion).
    Open Area: Cascade, Chouteau, Hill, Liberty, and Toole Counties and 
those portions of Pondera and Teton Counties lying east of U.S. 287-89.
    Nevada: Open Area: Churchill, Lyon, and Pershing Counties.
    Utah: Open Area: Those portions of Box Elder, Weber, Davis, Salt 
Lake, and Toole Counties lying west of I-15, north of I-80 and south of 
a line beginning from the Forest Street exit to the Bear River National 
Wildlife Refuge boundary, then north and west along the Bear River 
National Wildlife Refuge boundary to the farthest west boundary of the 
Refuge, then west along a line to Promontory Road, then north on 
Promontory Road to the intersection of SR 83, then north on SR 83 to I-
84, then north and west on I-84 to State Hwy 30, then west on State Hwy 
30 to the Nevada-Utah state line, then south on the Nevada-Utah state 
line to I-80.

[FR Doc. 01-21654 Filed 8-27-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P