[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 137 (Wednesday, July 17, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47224-47241]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-17937]



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Part VII





Department of the Interior





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Fish and Wildlife Service



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50 CFR Part 20



Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Early-Season Migratory 
Bird Hunting Regulations and Regulatory Alternatives for the 2002-03 
Duck Hunting Season; Notice of Meetings; Proposed Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 17, 2002 / 
Proposed Rules  

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 20

RIN 1018-AI30


Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Frameworks for Early-Season 
Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations and Regulatory Alternatives for the 
2002-03 Duck Hunting Season; Notice of Meetings

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; supplemental.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we) 
is proposing to establish the 2002-03 early-season hunting regulations 
for certain migratory game birds. We annually prescribe frameworks, or 
outer limits, for dates and times when hunting may occur and the 
maximum number of birds that may be taken and possessed in early 
seasons. Early seasons may open as early as September 1, and include 
seasons in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 
These frameworks are necessary to allow State selections of specific 
final seasons and limits and to allow recreational harvest at levels 
compatible with population status and habitat conditions. This 
supplement to the proposed rule of March 19, 2002, also provides the 
final regulatory alternatives for the 2002-03 duck hunting season.

DATES: We will accept all comments on the proposed migratory bird 
hunting-season frameworks for Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Virgin 
Islands, and other early seasons that are postmarked or received in our 
office by July 30, 2002, and for the forthcoming proposed late-season 
frameworks by August 30, 2002.

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 or fax comments to (703) 358-2272. 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, VA.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulations Schedule for 2002

    On March 19, 2002, we published in the Federal Register (67 FR 
12501) 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, the 
proposed regulatory alternatives for the 2002-03 duck hunting season, 
and other regulations for migratory game birds under Secs. 20.101 
through 20.107, 20.109, and 20.110 of subpart K. On June 11, 2002, we 
published in the Federal Register (67 FR 40128) a second document 
providing supplemental proposals for early- and late-season migratory 
bird hunting regulations frameworks and the proposed regulatory 
alternatives for the 2002-03 duck hunting season. The June 11 
supplement also provided detailed information on the 2002-03 regulatory 
schedule and announced the Service Migratory Bird Regulations Committee 
(SRC) and Flyway Council meetings.
    This document, the third in a series of proposed, supplemental, and 
final rulemaking documents for migratory bird hunting regulations, 
deals specifically with proposed frameworks for early-season 
regulations and the final regulatory alternatives for the 2002-03 duck 
hunting season. It will lead to final frameworks from which States may 
select season dates, shooting hours, and daily bag and possession 
limits for the 2002-03 season. We have considered all pertinent 
comments received through June 21, 2002, on the March 19 and June 11, 
2002, rulemaking documents in developing this document. In addition, 
new proposals for certain early-season regulations are provided for 
public comment. Comment periods are specified above under DATES. We 
will publish final regulatory frameworks for early seasons in the 
Federal Register on or about August 20, 2002.

Service Migratory Bird Regulations Committee Meetings

    Participants at the June 19-20, 2002, meetings reviewed information 
on the current status of migratory shore and upland game birds and 
developed 2002-03 migratory game bird regulations recommendations for 
these species plus regulations for migratory game birds in Alaska, 
Puerto Rico, and the U.S. 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. 
Participants at the previously announced July 31 and August 1, 2002, 
meetings will review information on the current status of waterfowl and 
develop recommendations for the 2002-03 regulations pertaining to 
regular waterfowl seasons and other species and seasons not previously 
discussed at the early-season meetings. In accordance with Department 
of the Interior policy, these meetings are open to public observation 
and you may submit written comments to the Director of the Service on 
the matters discussed.

Population Status and Harvest

    The following paragraphs provide preliminary information on the 
status of waterfowl and information on the status and harvest of 
migratory shore and upland game birds.

May Breeding Waterfowl and Habitat Survey

    The May Breeding Waterfowl and Habitat Survey was delayed and 
extended due to the unusually cold and late spring and only recently 
completed. Thus, this information is preliminary and population 
estimates are not yet available. Habitat conditions in May for breeding 
waterfowl in Canada and the U.S. are generally worse this year than 
they were last year, due primarily to lack of water in the prairies and 
cold spring temperatures in the East.
    Most survey areas started this spring with a water deficit left 
over from the winter. Spring rains helped recharge wetlands in the most 
of northeast, but conditions remained very dry in the west. Conditions 
in the southern Saskatchewan prairies were the driest in over 30 years. 
Much of southern Manitoba also was dry this year, and drought continued 
in most of Alberta. There were fewer wetlands available to birds, 
because most temporary and seasonal wetlands were dry. In the Dakotas, 
Montana, and southern Saskatchewan, birds were forced to crowd onto the 
remaining semi-permanent and permanent ponds. A bright spot in the 
prairies was the Dakotas, where permanent wetlands remained in good 
condition from the wet period of 1993-2001. Preliminary reports and 
survey results suggest that many ducks over-flew these dry areas in the 
prairies to the boreal forest, where water levels are more stable.
    A further negative impact on nesting waterfowl this year was the 
cold spring temperatures. Winter-like conditions hit the entire 
surveyed area in early May, and snowstorms and cold temperatures caused 
birds to halt migration. Migration was delayed for several weeks, as 
many birds waited for

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temperatures to warm up and ice to thaw. Snow and cold may have caused 
some nest loss in the prairies. In many of the northern survey areas, 
survey biologists reported that this was the latest spring ice break-up 
in memory. Break-up was so late in northern Ontario, northern Quebec, 
and Labrador that survey biologists suspected that it came too late for 
waterfowl to breed in these northeastern areas. However, spring break-
up was not too late to prevent breeding in the northwestern areas, from 
the northern portions of the prairie provinces to Alaska. Conditions 
there were generally good, but the cold temperatures likely had a 
negative impact on early-nesting species such as mallards, green-winged 
teal, and pintails. The only region where habitat conditions for 
breeding waterfowl are better this year than they were last year is 
Alaska, where conditions went from poor/fair in 2001 to fair/good in 
2002. This improvement is a result of the warmer post-thaw temperatures 
this year than last year. However, because the ice-melt was very rapid 
when it finally happened, nests may have been flooded out in parts of 
Alaska and Labrador.
    Since the surveys were flown, water conditions have improved in 
Montana, the western Dakotas, southern Saskatchewan, and southern 
Alberta. These areas have received from several inches to a foot or 
more of rain and/or snow. However, this amount of moisture in such a 
short period of time has resulted in a lot of flooding, and most 
biologists think that the rain was probably too late to help nesting 
waterfowl this year. These improved conditions may help some broods, 
and may lead to improved water conditions next year.
    In summary, waterfowl production is expected to be below normal in 
most southwestern survey areas, except for the Dakotas, where 
conditions are better. Production in the northwestern survey areas is 
harder to assess, because habitat conditions are good but cold spring 
temperatures likely will have a negative impact on early-nesting 
species. In the eastern survey areas, conditions ranged from good to 
excellent in the southern regions, to poor in the north where ice-thaw 
came too late.

Status of Teal

    Preliminary estimates for blue-winged teal from surveyed areas 
total 4.2 million blue-winged teal, which is below the 4.7 million 
needed to trigger the 16-day teal season in the Central and Mississippi 
Flyways.
    The 2001-02 season was the fourth consecutive year of an extended 
(16 days vs. 9 days) September teal season in the Central and 
Mississippi Flyways. The Atlantic Flyway also had a 9-day teal season. 
Harvest estimates are not available at this time.
    The Division of Migratory Bird Management is working with the 
Central, Mississippi, and Atlantic Flyways on a comprehensive review of 
teal population and harvest information. The purposes of this review 
are to (1) evaluate the effects of extending the September teal season 
from 9 to 16 days in the Central and Mississippi Flyways, (2) evaluate 
the effects of the 9 day teal season in the Atlantic Flyway 
(implemented in 1998), and (3) evaluate the effect of all (September 
and regular season) harvest on teal populations. Progress is continuing 
on this review.

Sandhill Cranes

    The Mid-Continent Population of Sandhill Cranes has generally 
stabilized at comparatively high levels, following increases in the 
1970s. The Central Platte River Valley, Nebraska, spring index for 
2002, uncorrected for visibility, was 313,600 cranes. The photo-
corrected 3-year average for 1999-2001 was 396,167, which is within the 
established population-objective range of 343,000-465,000 cranes. All 
Central Flyway States, except Nebraska, allowed crane hunting in 
portions of their respective States in 2001-02. About 8,650 hunters 
participated in these seasons, which was 24 percent higher than the 
number participating in the previous year. An estimated 13,964 cranes 
were harvested in the Central Flyway during 2001-02 seasons, which was 
similar to the previous year's estimate. Retrieved harvests in the 
Pacific Flyway, Canada, and Mexico were estimated to be about 12,381 
cranes for the 2001-02 period. The total North American sport harvest, 
including crippling losses, was estimated at 28,821, about 13 percent 
lower than the previous year's estimate. The long-term trend analysis 
for the Mid-Continent Population during 1982-2000 indicates that 
harvests have been increasing at a higher rate than the trend in 
population growth over the same period.
    The fall 2001 pre-migration survey estimate for the Rocky Mountain 
Population of sandhill cranes was 16,559, which was similar to the 
previous year's estimate of 19,990. Limited special seasons were held 
during 2001 in portions of Arizona, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, 
and Wyoming, resulting in a record high harvest of 898 cranes.

Woodcock

    Singing-ground and wing-collection surveys were conducted to assess 
the population status of the American woodcock (Scolopax minor). 
Singing-ground Survey data for 2002 indicate that the number of 
displaying woodcock in the Eastern Region was 1.3 percent lower than 
levels observed in 2001; however, this decrease was not significant 
(P0.10). In the Central Region, there was a 7.9 percent 
decrease in the number of woodcock heard displaying; however, this 
change was also not significant. Trends from the Singing-ground Survey 
during 1992-2002 were -2.1 and -1.5 percent change per year for the 
Eastern and Central regions, respectively (P<0.01). There were long-
term (1968-02) declines (P<0.01) of 2.3 percent per year in the Eastern 
Region and 1.6 percent per year in the Central Region.
    The 2001 recruitment index for the Eastern Region (1.4 immatures 
per adult female) was the same as the 2000 index, but was 18 percent 
below the long-term regional average. The recruitment index for the 
Central Region (1.3 immatures per adult females) was slightly higher 
than the 2000 index of 1.2 immatures per female, but was 23 percent 
below the long-term regional average. The index of daily hunting 
success in the Eastern Region was 2.0 woodcock per successful hunt in 
both 2000 and 2001, and seasonal hunting success was 8.7 woodcock per 
successful hunter in both years. In the Central Region, the daily 
success index increased slightly from 2.0 woodcock per successful hunt 
in 2000 to 2.1 in 2001; but seasonal hunting success decreased from 
10.7 to 10.5 woodcock per successful hunter.

Band-tailed Pigeons and Doves

    A significant decline in the Coastal population of band-tailed 
pigeons occurred during 1968-2001, as indicated by the Breeding Bird 
Survey (BBS); however, no trend was noted over the most recent 10 
years. Additionally, mineral-site counts at 10 selected sites in Oregon 
indicate a general increase over the most recent 10 years. Call-count 
surveys conducted in Washington showed a significant increase during 
1997-01 and a non-significant increase during 1975-01. The Interior 
band-tailed pigeon population is stable with no trend indicated by the 
BBS over the short- or long-term periods.
    Analyses of Mourning Dove Call-count Survey data indicated 
significant declines in doves heard over both the most recent 10 years 
and the entire 37 years of the survey in the Central and

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Western Management Units. In the Eastern Unit, a significant decline 
was detected over 37 years but no significant trend was indicated over 
the most recent 10 years. In contrast, a significant increase was found 
for doves seen over the 10-year period, in the Eastern Unit, while no 
trends were found in the Central and Western Units. Over the 37-year 
period, no trend was found for doves seen in the Eastern and Central 
Units, while a decline was indicated for the Western Unit. A project is 
under way to develop mourning dove population models for each unit to 
provide guidance for improving our decision-making process with respect 
to harvest management. Additionally, a small-scale banding study is 
being planned to obtain additional information.
    The number of white-winged doves in Arizona has been fairly stable 
since the 1970s. The average number of doves heard per route in 2002 
was 26.7. Estimated harvests (99,900 in 2001) are low compared to those 
occurring several decades ago. In Texas, the range and density of 
white-winged doves continue to expand. In 2002, the whitewing 
population in Texas was estimated to be 2,329,000 birds, an increase of 
5.7 percent from 2001. A more inclusive count in San Antonio documented 
more than 1 million birds. An estimated 197,000 whitewings were taken 
during the special whitewing season in south Texas, with an additional 
986,000 birds taken statewide during the regular mourning dove season. 
The expansion of whitewings northward and eastward from Texas has led 
to nesting being reported in Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and 
Missouri. They have been sighted in Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, Iowa, 
and Minnesota. Whitewings are believed to be expanding northward from 
Florida and have been seen in Georgia, the Carolinas, and Pennsylvania.
    White-tipped doves are maintaining a relatively stable population 
in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. They are most abundant in 
cities and, for the most part, are not available to hunting. The count 
in 2002 averaged 0.97 birds per stop, a 43 percent increase over the 
count in 2001. The estimated harvest during the special 4-day whitewing 
season was about 2,400 birds.

Review of Public Comments

    The preliminary proposed rulemaking (March 19 Federal Register) 
opened the public comment period for migratory game bird hunting 
regulations and the proposed regulatory alternatives for the 2002-03 
duck hunting season. The supplemental proposed rule (June 11 Federal 
Register) re-opened the public comment period for the proposed 
regulatory alternatives until June 21, 2002. Comments concerning early-
season issues and the proposed alternatives are summarized below and 
numbered in the order used in the March 19 Federal Register document. 
Only the numbered items pertaining to early-seasons issues and the 
proposed regulatory alternatives for which written comments were 
received are included. 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. 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 March 19, 2002, Federal Register document.

1. Ducks

    Categories used to discuss issues related to duck harvest 
management are: (A) General Harvest Strategy, (B) Regulatory 
Alternatives, including specification of framework dates, season 
length, and bag limits, (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.
A. General Harvest Strategy
    Council Recommendations: The Mississippi Flyway Council supported 
the proposed correction factor for biases in predicted annual growth 
rates and revision to the procedure for comparing predicted and 
observed population sizes.
    Written Comments: The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, 
Fisheries, and Parks cited numerous complaints with the Adaptive 
Harvest Management (AHM) process, and recommended that the Service 
temper their use of AHM as the primary decision tool because of its 
current uncertainty and variability.
    The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Georgia Department of 
Natural Resources, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the 
Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Missouri Department of Conservation, 
and 3 individual commented in support of the proposed correction for 
the bias in predicted mallard growth rates and revision to the 
procedure for comparing predicted and observed population sizes.
    The Mississippi Flyway Council reiterated their support for the 
proposed correction factor for biases in predicted annual growth rates 
and revision to the procedure for comparing predicted and observed 
population sizes.
    An organization expressed concern about the AHM population models 
and the reliance on inaccurate population data and models.
    Service Response: AHM was developed cooperatively by the Service, 
the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Flyway Councils, and the States, 
and since its implementation in 1995 has enjoyed widespread support 
among both federal and state waterfowl technicians and administrators. 
Moreover, the AHM process has been subject to extensive, ongoing review 
from the scientific community since its development in the early 
1990's, and no credible technical arguments have been presented that 
would cause us to abandon the process. AHM represents state-of-the-art 
science, and its predictive capabilities provide greater insights to 
population dynamics than that of most other natural-resource management 
programs. Moreover, AHM's iterative process of resource monitoring, 
assessment, and decision-making provides a formal mechanism for 
learning from experience, thus improving future regulatory decisions.
    The essential elements of AHM are: (a) unambiguous management 
objectives; (b) a finite set of regulatory alternatives; (c) 
alternative models (or hypotheses) of population dynamics, which 
predict the effect of hunting regulations and uncontrolled 
environmental factors; and (d) a resource monitoring program. The 
alternative models are the product of over 50 years of waterfowl 
research and assessment, and represent descriptions of duck biology 
that are plausible given the limits of current understanding. The 
alternative models influence the choice of hunting regulations to the 
extent that their respective predictions agree with observations from 
the resource monitoring program. Because of the scrutiny these 
population models receive, the Service and USGS were able to identify a 
bias common to all models

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that resulted in overly optimistic projections of population growth. 
This bias has now been corrected, and we appreciate the support we have 
received for implementing this revision.
    While the AHM population models are a product of science, the 
specification of harvest-management objectives and regulatory 
alternatives involve value-based judgements. While decisions regarding 
management objectives and regulatory alternatives certainly have 
biological implications, the decisions are inherently subjective. The 
AHM process merely provides a way to combine these subjective elements 
with population biology to produce hunting opportunities consistent 
with the long-term viability of the waterfowl resource.
    To help chart the future course of AHM with as much of a consensus 
among stakeholders as possible relative to the subjective elements of 
AHM, we are proposing to convene a task force comprised of recognized 
state and federal leaders in waterfowl management, whose charge will be 
to collaborate with the AHM Working Group and Flyway Councils to 
examine current harvest-management goals, objectives, constraints, and 
the set of regulatory alternatives and develop policy-level guidance 
for the Service regarding these non-technical aspects of AHM.
B. Regulatory Alternatives
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
that regulatory alternatives for duck hunting seasons in the Atlantic 
Flyway for 2002-03 should be the same as those used in 1997-2001, 
except that the ``liberal'' and ``moderate'' regulatory alternatives 
should have an opening date of the Saturday nearest September 24th and 
a closing date of the last Sunday in January on an experimental basis. 
The Atlantic Flyway Council also recommended that annual changes in 
regulations should be limited to no more than one step up or down among 
the regulatory alternatives (e.g., from ``liberal'' to ``moderate,'' 
``moderate'' to ``restrictive'').
    The Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the 
Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that the AHM regulatory 
alternatives be modified as follows, beginning in 2002-03: (a) 
Eliminate the ``very restrictive'' alternative; (b) limit increments of 
year-to-year change to single regulation steps; and (c) replace closed 
seasons for some combinations of population size and pond numbers with 
the ``restrictive'' alternative so that seasons could be open at 
similar mallard population levels that were hunted in the past.
    The Upper-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway 
Council recommended that duck season framework dates for 2002-03 be the 
Saturday nearest September 24th and the last Sunday in January in the 
``moderate'' and ``liberal'' regulatory alternatives, as noted in the 
March 19th Federal Register, provided that if the extended framework 
dates result in a more conservative hunting season, mid-latitude States 
(all States in the Upper Region except Minnesota, Wisconsin and 
Michigan) would be allowed an additional 7 days in season length. The 
Lower-Region Regulations Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council 
recommended the outside framework dates for the regular duck season in 
the ``moderate'' and ``liberal'' alternatives be the Saturday nearest 
September 24 and the last Sunday in January with no penalty in season 
length, and that this option be available either Statewide or in 
individual zones.
    The Central Flyway Council recommended the elimination of the 
``very restrictive'' regulatory alternative and the replacement of 
closed-season cells for some combinations of mallard breeding 
population size and pond numbers with the ``restrictive'' alternative 
in order that seasons could be opened when similar population levels 
were hunted in the past. The Central Flyway Council also recommended 
that the Service adopt the proposed 2002-03 regulatory alternatives and 
species/sex restrictions for the Central Flyway, except for the 
following modifications: (a) The opening date will be the Saturday 
closest to September 24th in the ``liberal'' and ``moderate'' AHM 
regulation alternatives, there will be no offset penalties (reduced or 
restricted bag limits or reduction in season length), and the framework 
closing date in the Central Flyway will remain the Sunday closest to 
January 20th; and (b) if the earlier framework dates are selected, the 
Central Flyway Council recommends the Special September Teal Season be 
allowed according to established criteria throughout September without 
penalty (using regular season days).
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended that the Service examine how 
eliminating the closed season and the ``very restrictive'' alternative 
from the set of regulatory alternatives may influence optimal 
regulations decisions, considering proposed model revisions. If the 
results of this evaluation are consistent with past analyses conducted 
by the Mississippi Flyway, the Council would support elimination of the 
``very restrictive'' alternative. The Council believes closed seasons 
should not be considered when breeding populations and pond numbers 
exist at levels at which seasons have been offered in the past. The 
Pacific Flyway Council also supports duck season framework extensions 
and evaluation of their impacts to harvest distribution and rates as 
outlined in the Service's March 19, 2002, Federal Register.
    Written Comments: The Mississippi Flyway Council reiterated their 
previous recommendations to eliminate the ``very restrictive'' 
alternative, limit increments of year-to-year change to single 
regulation steps, and replace closed seasons for some combinations of 
population size and pond numbers with the ``restrictive'' alternative 
so that seasons could be open at similar mallard population levels that 
were hunted in the past.
    The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Illinois Department 
of Natural Resources supported elimination of the ``very restrictive'' 
alternative and providing for open seasons at similar mallard 
population levels that were hunted in the past, but opposed limiting 
increments of year-to-year change to single regulations steps.
    The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Iowa 
Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Department of Natural 
Resources, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Missouri 
Department of Conservation, one organization, and one individual 
supported the recommendations to eliminate the ``very restrictive'' 
regulatory alternative, limit increments of year-to-year change to 
single regulations steps, and provide for open seasons at similar 
mallard population levels that were hunted in the past.
    The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the 
Pennsylvania Game Commission, and the Maryland Department of Natural 
Resources supported limiting increments of year-to-year change to 
single regulations steps.
    The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks supported 
elimination of the ``very restrictive'' alternative and providing for 
open seasons at similar mallard population levels that were hunted in 
the past.
    One individual supported providing for open seasons at similar 
mallard population levels that were hunted in the past, but did not 
support elimination of the ``very restrictive'' alternative or limiting 
increments of year-to-year change to single regulations steps.

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    An organization supported tabling the proposed recommendations from 
the Flyway Councils until a more solid understanding of the various 
outcomes can be generated.
    One individual opposed the recommendations to eliminate the ``very 
restrictive'' regulatory alternative, limit increments of year-to-year 
change to single regulations steps, and provide for open seasons at 
similar mallard population levels that were hunted in the past.
    The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, 
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Alabama Department of 
Conservation and Natural Resources, Georgia Department of Natural 
Resources, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks, 
Pennsylvania Game Commission, two organizations, and five individuals 
supported the proposal to extend the duck hunting framework opening and 
closing dates to the Saturday nearest September 24 and the last Sunday 
in January.
    The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Department 
of Natural Resources, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Kansas 
Department of Wildlife and Parks, Missouri Department of Conservation, 
Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, 
10 organizations, and 39 individuals opposed the extension of framework 
opening and closing dates. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources 
also indicates that if the Service decides to extend framework dates, 
they recommend that mid-latitude states be offered 7 additional days in 
season length for ``restrictive'' and ``moderate'' packages.
    The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommended a 
fixed framework closing date of January 31.
    The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recommended fixed 
framework dates of an October 1 opening, a January 31 closing in the 
``liberal'' regulatory alternative, and a January 20 closing in the 
other alternatives.
    The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources supported the 
extension of framework dates, except that the closing date should be a 
fixed date of January 31.
    The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and 1 individual 
supported the proposed extension of the framework opening date, but 
opposed extension of the closing date.
    The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection opposed the 
extension of the framework opening date and recommended that any 
framework-date changes be limited to the ``liberal'' regulatory 
alternative.
    One organization and one individual opposed the extension of the 
framework opening date. Three individuals opposed any reductions in 
season length. Eight individuals requested that both season length and 
bag limit be reduced. One individual requested that the ``liberal'' 
regulatory alternative not be used. Four individuals requested a longer 
duck season with a lower daily bag limit. One individual requested a 
lower daily bag limit. Five individuals recommended several season-
length and/or bag-limit modifications to the regulatory alternatives.
    Service Response: We have decided to implement the framework-date 
extensions for the ``moderate'' and ``liberal'' regulatory alternatives 
as proposed in the March 19, 2002 Federal Register. In the absence of 
more definitive information, we are assuming that harvest rates of mid-
continent and eastern mallards will increase by 15 percent and 5 
percent, respectively. These projected increases will be taken into 
account in the selection of a regulatory alternative for the 2002-03 
hunting season. Projected changes in mallard harvest rates will be 
revised next year after estimates of harvest rates resulting from 
implementation of the framework-date extensions become available. Our 
ability to predict changes in the mortality and reproductive rates of 
other duck stocks that might occur as a result of the framework-date 
extensions is limited. However, changes in harvest of all duck stocks 
will be closely monitored and regulatory action will be taken if 
adverse impacts are perceived.
    We also considered the requests to modify the set of regulatory 
alternatives in other ways. However, we have decided not to implement 
any of these changes until a more comprehensive review of the 
regulatory alternatives and harvest-management objectives has been 
completed (see our response under A. General Harvest Strategy).
    Therefore, for the 2002-03 hunting season, there will be no 
modifications to the four regulatory alternatives proposed in the March 
19 Federal Register (see accompanying table for specifics). 
Alternatives are specified for each Flyway and are designated as ``VERY 
RES'' for the very restrictive, ``RES'' for the restrictive, ``MOD'' 
for the moderate, and ``LIB'' for the liberal alternative. We will 
propose the choice of regulatory alternative for the 2002-03 hunting 
season in August.
D. Special Seasons/Species Management
i. September Teal Seasons
    Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended 
that the geographic boundaries for the September teal season in 
Colorado be amended to include Lake and Chaffee Counties and all lands 
east of I-25.
    Service Response: We concur with the Central Flyway Council's 
recommendation for a geographic boundary change for the September teal 
season in the Central Flyway portion of Colorado. The change is 
included in the framework proposed.
iv. Canvasbacks
    Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended 
annotation in the Service's Canvasback Harvest Strategy that Alaska 
will retain fixed frameworks in lieu of annual prescriptions.
    Service Response: We concur with the Pacific Flyway Council's 
recommendation.

4. Canada Geese

A. Special Seasons
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
that Georgia and Lake Seminole in Florida be offered an early Canada 
goose hunting season not to exceed 30 days between September 1-30, with 
a bag limit not to exceed 5 geese daily (10 in possession). They 
further recommended that Connecticut's Special September Canada goose 
season framework be extended from September 25 to September 30.
    The Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the 
Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that Minnesota be allowed to 
continue their experimental special September experimental Canada goose 
season (1-week extension) in 2002 while the 3-year evaluation is being 
completed.
    Service Response: We concur with the Atlantic Flyway Council's 
recommended changes. The addition of Georgia and Lake Seminole in 
Florida will have no impact to migrant Canada geese and would allow the 
harvest of resident Canada geese during their September teal season. 
Regarding Connecticut's special September Canada goose season, leg-band 
recoveries and neck-collar observations suggest few migrants are 
available. Additionally, this season would be experimental.
    We also concur with the extension of Minnesota's experimental 
special season to allow completion of the evaluation.

[[Page 47229]]

B. Regular Seasons
    Council Recommendations: The Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations 
Committees of the Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that the 
framework opening date for all species of geese for the regular goose 
seasons in Michigan and Wisconsin be September 16, 2002.
    Service Response: We concur with the earlier regular Canada goose 
season opening dates in Michigan and Wisconsin.

9. Sandhill Cranes

    Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended 
accepting the 2002 Rocky Mountain sandhill crane population harvest 
allocation of 833 birds as proposed by the Pacific Flyway. However, 
during the next revision of the Cooperative Population Management Plan, 
the Council desires a better definition of what factors will be used to 
determine when a survey should be considered unreliable.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended establishing an experimental 
season for Rocky Mountain Population sandhill cranes for 2002-03, in 
Uintah County, Utah. The framework for the 30-day season would be 
September 1 to January 31, 2003, with a bag limit not to exceed 3 daily 
and 9 per season. Participants must have a valid permit, issued by the 
appropriate State, in their possession while hunting. Numbers of 
permits, open areas, season dates, protection plans for other species, 
and other provisions of seasons must be consistent with the management 
plan and approved by the Central and Pacific Flyway Councils.
    Service Response: The Service concurs with the recommended changes.

14. Woodcock

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
that the hunting regulations framework dates for American woodcock in 
the Eastern Region be changed back to the pre-1997 dates of October 1 
to January 31.
    Service Response: In 1997, the framework opening date for American 
woodcock in the Eastern Region was changed from October 1 to October 6. 
This change, coupled with a reduction in the season length from 45 days 
to 30 days, was made in an effort to reduce overall harvest. An 
analysis of daily wing-receipt data suggests that changing the 
framework opening date back to October 1 likely will not result in a 
meaningful increase in harvest, given that the season length is only 30 
days. Therefore, we concur with the Council's recommendation.

17. White-Winged and White-Tipped Doves

    Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended 
that the hunting area for white-winged doves be expanded from its 
current area in New Mexico and Texas to include the remainder of the 
Central Flyway States that are in the Central Management Unit. The 
white-winged dove season should run concurrently with the mourning dove 
season with an aggregate bag.
    Service Response: We concur with the Council's recommendation to 
allow all Central-Flyway states in the Central Management Unit to 
select a white-winged dove season that runs concurrently with the 
mourning dove season with an aggregate bag limit. However, we believe 
that this change should apply to all States in the Central Management 
Unit, rather than just those in the Central-Flyway portion of the unit.

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.

Endangered Species Act Consideration

    Prior to issuance of the 2002-03 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 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 Executive Order 12866. Executive Order 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

[[Page 47230]]

answers to questions such as the following: (1) Are the requirements in 
the rule clearly stated? (2) Does the rule contain technical language 
or jargon that interferes with its clarity? (3) Does the format of the 
rule (grouping and order of sections, use of headings, paragraphing, 
etc.) aid or reduce its clarity? (4) Would the rule be easier to 
understand if it were divided into more (but shorter) sections? (5) Is 
the description of the rule in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of 
the preamble helpful in understanding the rule? What else could we do 
to make the rule easier to understand?

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    These regulations have a significant economic impact on substantial 
numbers of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 
U.S.C. 601 et seq.). We analyzed the economic impacts of the annual 
hunting regulations on small business entities in detail and issued a 
Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis) in 1998. The Analysis 
documented the significant beneficial economic effect on a substantial 
number of small entities. The primary source of information about 
hunter expenditures for migratory game bird hunting is the National 
Hunting and Fishing Survey, which is conducted at 5-year intervals. The 
Analysis was based on the 1996 National Hunting and Fishing Survey and 
the U.S. Department of Commerce's County Business Patterns, from which 
it was estimated that migratory bird hunters would spend between $429 
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 10/31/2004). This information is used to 
provide a sampling frame for voluntary national surveys to improve our 
harvest estimates for all migratory game birds in order to better 
manage these populations. OMB has also approved the information 
collection requirements of the Sandhill Crane Harvest Questionnaire and 
assigned control number 1018-0023 (expires 07/31/2003). The information 
from this survey is used to estimate the magnitude and the geographical 
and temporal distribution of harvest, and the portion it constitutes of 
the total population. A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and 
a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information 
unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    We have determined and certify, in compliance with the requirements 
of the Unfunded Mandates 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--Executive Order 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 Executive Order 12988.

Energy Effects--Executive Order 13211

    On May 18, 2001, the President issued Executive Order 13211 on 
regulations that significantly affect energy supply, distribution, and 
use. Executive Order 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of 
Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. As this supplemental 
proposed rule is not expected to significantly affect energy supplies, 
distribution, or use, this proposed action is not a significant energy 
action and no Statement of Energy Effects is required.

Takings Implication Assessment

    In accordance with Executive Order 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 Executive Order 
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 2002-03 
hunting season are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703-712 and 16 U.S.C. 742 
a-j.

    Dated: July 9, 2002.
Paul Hoffman,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

Proposed Regulations Frameworks for 2002-03 Early Hunting Seasons on 
Certain Migratory Game Birds

    Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and delegated 
authorities, the Department of the Interior approved the following 
proposed frameworks, which prescribe season lengths, bag limits, 
shooting hours, and outside dates

[[Page 47231]]

within which States may select hunting seasons for certain migratory 
game birds between September 1, 2002, and March 10, 2003.

General

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

Flyways and Management Units

Waterfowl Flyways

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

Management Units

Mourning Dove Management Units

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

Woodcock Management Regions

    Eastern Management Region--Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, 
Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, 
North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, 
Virginia, and West Virginia.
    Central Management Region--Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, 
Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, 
Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, 
Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
    Other geographic descriptions are contained in a later portion of 
this document.
    Compensatory Days in the Atlantic Flyway: In the Atlantic Flyway 
States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New 
Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, 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).

Special September Teal Season

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

Special September Duck Seasons

    Florida, Kentucky and Tennessee: In lieu of a special September 
teal season, a 5-consecutive-day season may be selected in September. 
The daily bag limit may not exceed 4 teal and wood ducks in the 
aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be wood ducks.
    Iowa: Iowa may hold up to 5 days of its regular duck hunting season 
in September. All ducks that are legal during the regular duck season 
may be taken during the September segment of the season. The September 
season segment may commence no earlier than the Saturday nearest 
September 20 (September 21). The daily bag and possession limits will 
be the same as those in effect last year, but are subject to change 
during the late-season regulations process. The remainder of the 
regular duck season may not begin before October 10.

Special Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days

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

Scoter, Eider, and Oldsquaw Ducks (Atlantic Flyway)

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

[[Page 47232]]

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

Special Early Canada Goose Seasons

Atlantic Flyway

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

Mississippi Flyway

General Seasons
    Canada goose seasons of up to 15 days during September 1-15 may be 
selected, except in the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, where the season 
may not extend beyond September 10. The daily bag limit may not exceed 
5 Canada geese. Areas open to the hunting of Canada geese must be 
described, delineated, and designated as such in each State's hunting 
regulations.
Experimental Seasons
    An experimental Canada goose season of up to 7 consecutive days 
during September 16-22 may be selected by Minnesota, except in the 
Northwest Goose Zone. The daily bag limit may not exceed 5 Canada 
geese.
    An experimental Canada goose season of up to 10 consecutive days 
during September 1-10 may be selected by Michigan for Huron, Saginaw, 
and Tuscola Counties, except that the Shiawassee National Wildlife 
Refuge, Shiawassee River State Game Area Refuge, and the Fish Point 
Wildlife Area Refuge will remain closed. The daily bag limit may not 
exceed 2 Canada geese.

Central Flyway

General Seasons
    Canada goose seasons of up to 15 days during September 1-15 may be 
selected. The daily bag limit may not exceed 5 Canada geese. Areas open 
to the hunting of Canada geese must be described, delineated, and 
designated as such in each State's hunting regulations.
Experimental Seasons
    An experimental Canada goose season of up to 14 consecutive days 
during September 16-27 may be selected by South Dakota. The daily bag 
limit may not exceed 5 Canada geese.
    An experimental Canada goose season of up to 10 consecutive days 
during September 22-30 may be selected by Oklahoma. The daily bag limit 
may not exceed 5 Canada geese.
    An experimental Canada goose season of up to 7 consecutive days 
during September 16-20 may be selected by North Dakota. The daily bag 
limit may not exceed 5 Canada geese.

Pacific Flyway

General Seasons
    California may select a 9-day season in Humboldt County during the 
period September 1-15. The daily bag limit is 2.
    Colorado may select a 9-day season during the period of September 
1-15 in Grand County, excluding Shadow Mountain Reservoir, and that 
portion of Summit County north of U.S. Interstate 70. The daily bag 
limit is 3.
    Oregon may select a special Canada goose season of up to 15 days 
during the period September 1-15. In addition, in the NW goose 
management zone in Oregon, a 15-day season may be selected during the 
period September 1-20. Daily bag limits may not exceed 5 Canada geese.
    Idaho may select a 7-day season in the special East Canada Goose 
Zone, as described in State regulations, during the period September 1-
15. All participants must have a valid State permit, and the total 
number of permits issued is not to exceed 110 for this zone. The daily 
bag limit is 2.
    Idaho may select a 7-day Canada Goose Season during the period 
September 1-15 in Nez Perce County, with a bag limit of 4.
    Washington may select a special Canada goose season of up to 15 
days during the period September 1-15. Daily bag limits may not exceed 
5 Canada geese.
    Wyoming may select an 8-day season on Canada geese between 
September 1-15. This season is subject to the following conditions:
    1. Where applicable, the season must be concurrent with the 
September portion of the sandhill crane season.
    2. All participants must have a valid State permit for the special 
season.
    3. A daily bag limit of 3, with season and possession limits of 6, 
will apply to the special season.
    Areas open to hunting of Canada geese in each State must be 
described, delineated, and designated as such in each State's hunting 
regulations.

Regular Goose Seasons

    Regular goose seasons may open as early as September 16 in 
Wisconsin and Michigan. Season lengths, bag and possession limits, and 
other provisions will be established during the late-season regulations 
process.

Sandhill Cranes

    Regular Seasons in the Central Flyway:
    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and February 28.
    Hunting Seasons: Seasons not to exceed 37 consecutive days may be 
selected in designated portions of North Dakota (Area 2) and Texas 
(Area 2). Seasons not to exceed 58 consecutive days may be selected in 
designated portions of the following States: Colorado, Kansas, Montana, 
North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Seasons not to exceed 93 
consecutive days may be selected in designated portions of the 
following States: New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
    Daily Bag Limits: 3 sandhill cranes, except 2 sandhill cranes in 
designated portions of North Dakota (Area 2) and Texas (Area 2).

[[Page 47233]]

    Permits: Each person participating in the regular sandhill crane 
seasons must have a valid Federal sandhill crane hunting permit and/or, 
in those States where a Federal sandhill crane permit is not issued, a 
State-issued Harvest Information Survey Program (HIP) certification for 
game bird hunting in their possession while hunting.
    Special Seasons in the Central and Pacific Flyways: Arizona, 
Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming may select 
seasons for hunting sandhill cranes within the range of the Rocky 
Mountain Population (RMP) subject to the following conditions:
    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons: The season in any State or zone may not exceed 30 
days.
    Bag limits: Not to exceed 3 daily and 9 per season.
    Permits: Participants must have a valid permit, issued by the 
appropriate State, in their possession while hunting.
    Other provisions: Numbers of permits, open areas, season dates, 
protection plans for other species, and other provisions of seasons 
must be consistent with the management plan and approved by the Central 
and Pacific Flyway Councils with the following exceptions:
    1. In Utah, the requirement for monitoring the racial composition 
of the harvest in the experimental season is waived, and 100 percent of 
the harvest will be assigned to the RMP quota;
    2. In Arizona, the annual requirement for monitoring the racial 
composition of the harvest is changed to once every 3 years;
    3. In Idaho, seasons are experimental, and the requirement for 
monitoring the racial composition of the harvest is waived; 100 percent 
of the harvest will be assigned to the RMP quota; and
    4. In New Mexico, the season in the Estancia Valley is 
experimental, with a requirement to monitor the level and racial 
composition of the harvest; greater sandhill cranes in the harvest will 
be assigned to the RMP quota.

Common Moorhens and Purple Gallinules

    Outside Dates: Between September 1 and January 20 in the Atlantic 
Flyway, and between September 1 and the Sunday nearest January 20 
(January 19) in the Mississippi and Central Flyways. States in the 
Pacific Flyway have been allowed to select their hunting seasons 
between the outside dates for the season on ducks; therefore, they are 
late-season frameworks, and no frameworks are provided in this 
document.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Seasons may not exceed 70 
days in the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways. Seasons may be 
split into 2 segments. The daily bag limit is 15 common moorhens and 
purple gallinules, singly or in the aggregate of the two species.
    Zoning: Seasons may be selected by zones established for duck 
hunting.

Rails

    Outside Dates: States included herein may select seasons between 
September 1 and January 20 on clapper, king, sora, and Virginia rails.
    Hunting Seasons: The season may not exceed 70 days, and may be 
split into 2 segments.
    Daily Bag Limits: Clapper and King Rails--In Rhode Island, 
Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland, 10, singly or in the 
aggregate of the two species. In Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, 
Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and 
Virginia, 15, singly or in the aggregate of the two species.
    Sora and Virginia Rails--In the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central 
Flyways and the Pacific-Flyway portions of Colorado, Montana, New 
Mexico, and Wyoming, 25 daily and 25 in possession, singly or in the 
aggregate of the two species. The season is closed in the remainder of 
the Pacific Flyway.

Common Snipe

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

American Woodcock

    Outside Dates: States in the Eastern Management Region may select 
hunting seasons between October 1 and January 31. States in the Central 
Management Region may select hunting seasons between the Saturday 
nearest September 22 (September 21) and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Seasons may not exceed 30 
days in the Eastern Region and 45 days in the Central Region. The daily 
bag limit is 3. Seasons may be split into two segments.
    Zoning: New Jersey may select seasons in each of two zones. The 
season in each zone may not exceed 24 days.

Band-Tailed Pigeons

Pacific Coast States (California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada)

    Outside Dates: Between September 15 and January 1.
    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 9 consecutive 
days, with a daily bag limit of 2 band-tailed pigeons.
    Zoning: California may select hunting seasons not to exceed 9 
consecutive days in each of two zones. The season in the North Zone 
must close by October 3.

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

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

Mourning Doves

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

Eastern Management Unit

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

Central Management Unit

    Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits: Not more than 70 days with a 
daily bag limit of 12, or not more than 60 days with a daily bag limit 
of 15 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: States may select hunting seasons in each 
of two zones. The season within each zone may be split into not more 
than three periods.

[[Page 47234]]

    Texas may select hunting seasons for each of three zones subject to 
the following conditions:
    A. The hunting season may be split into not more than two periods, 
except in that portion of Texas in which the special white-winged dove 
season is allowed, where a limited mourning dove season may be held 
concurrently with that special season (see white-winged dove 
frameworks).
    B. A season may be selected for the North and Central Zones between 
September 1 and January 25; and for the South Zone between September 20 
and January 25.
    C. Daily bag limits are aggregate bag limits with mourning, white-
winged, and white-tipped doves (see white-winged dove frameworks for 
specific daily bag limit restrictions).
    D. Except as noted above, regulations for bag and possession 
limits, season length, and shooting hours must be uniform within each 
hunting zone.

Western Management Unit

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

White-Winged and White-Tipped Doves

Hunting Seasons and Daily Bag Limits

    Except as shown below, seasons must be concurrent with mourning 
dove seasons.

Eastern Management Unit

    In Florida, the daily bag limit may not exceed 12 mourning and 
white-winged doves (15 under the alternative) in the aggregate, of 
which no more than 4 may be white-winged doves.
    In the remainder of the Eastern Management Unit, the season is 
closed.

Central Management Unit

    In Texas, the daily bag limit may not exceed 12 mourning, white-
winged, and white-tipped doves (15 under the alternative) in the 
aggregate, of which no more than 2 may be white-tipped doves. In 
addition, Texas also may select a hunting season of not more than 4 
days for the special white-winged dove area of the South Zone between 
September 1 and September 19. The daily bag limit may not exceed 10 
white-winged, mourning, and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, of 
which no more than 5 may be mourning doves and 2 may be white-tipped 
doves.
    In the remainder of the Central Management Unit, the daily bag 
limit may not exceed 12 (15 under the alternative) mourning and white-
winged doves in the aggregate.

Western Management Unit

    Arizona may select a hunting season of not more than 30 consecutive 
days, running concurrently with the first segment of the mourning dove 
season. The daily bag limit may not exceed 10 mourning and white-winged 
doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 6 may be white-winged 
doves.
    In the Nevada Counties of Clark and Nye, and in the California 
Counties of Imperial, Riverside, and San Bernardino, the daily bag 
limit may not exceed 10 mourning and white-winged doves in the 
aggregate.
    In the remainder of the Western Management Unit, the season is 
closed.

Alaska

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

Daily Bag and Possession Limits

    Ducks--Except as noted, a basic daily bag limit of 7 and a 
possession limit of 21 ducks. Daily bag and possession limits in the 
North Zone are 10 and 30, and in the Gulf Coast Zone, they are 8 and 
24, respectively. The basic limits may include no more than 1 
canvasback daily and 3 in possession and may not include sea ducks.
    In addition to the basic duck limits, Alaska may select sea duck 
limits of 10 daily, 20 in possession, singly or in the aggregate, 
including no more than 6 each of either harlequin or long-tailed ducks. 
Sea ducks include scoters, common and king eiders, harlequin ducks, 
long-tailed ducks, and common and red-breasted mergansers.
    Light Geese--A basic daily bag limit of 3 and a possession limit of 
6.
    Dark Geese--A basic daily bag limit of 4 and a possession limit of 
8.
    Dark-goose seasons are subject to the following exceptions:
    1. In Units 5 and 6, the taking of Canada geese is permitted from 
September 28 through December 16. A special, permit-only Canada goose 
season may be offered on Middleton Island. No more than 10 permits can 
be issued. A mandatory goose identification class is required. Hunters 
must check-in and check-out. Bag limit of 1 daily and 1 in possession. 
Season to close if incidental harvest includes 5 dusky Canada geese. A 
dusky Canada goose is any dark-breasted Canada goose (Munsell 10 YR 
color value five or less) with a bill length between 40 and 50 
millimeters.
    2. In Unit 10 (except Unimak Island), the taking of Canada geese is 
prohibited.
    3. In Unit 9(D) and the Unimak Island portion of Unit 10, the 
limits for dark geese are 6 daily and 12 in possession.
    Brant--A daily bag limit of 2.
    Common snipe--A daily bag limit of 8.
    Sandhill cranes--Bag and possession limits of 2 and 4, 
respectively, in the Southeast, Gulf Coast, Kodiak, and Aleutian Zones, 
and Unit 17 in the Northern Zone. In the remainder of the Northern Zone 
(outside Unit 17), bag and possession limits of 3 and 6, respectively.
    Tundra Swans--Open seasons for tundra swans may be selected subject 
to the following conditions:
    1. All seasons are by registration permit only.
    2. All season framework dates are September 1-October 31.
    3. In Game Management Unit (GMU) 17, an experimental season may be 
selected. No more than 200 permits may be issued for this during the 
experimental season. No more than 3 tundra swans may be authorized per 
permit with no more than 1 permit issued per hunter per season. An 
evaluation of the season must be completed, adhering to the guidelines 
for experimental seasons as described in the Pacific Flyway Management 
Plan for

[[Page 47235]]

the Western Population of (tundra) Swans.
    4. In Game Management Unit (GMU) 18, no more than 500 permits may 
be issued during the operational season. Up to 3 tundra swans may be 
authorized per permit. No more than 1 permit may be issued per hunter 
per season.
    5. In GMU 22, no more than 300 permits may be issued during the 
operational season. Each permittee may be authorized to take up to 3 
tundra swan per permit. No more than 1 permit may be issued per hunter 
per season.
    6. In GMU 23, no more than 300 permits may be issued during the 
operational season. No more than 3 tundra swans may be authorized per 
permit with no more than 1 permit issued per hunter per season.

Hawaii

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

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

Puerto Rico

Doves and Pigeons

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

Ducks, Coots, Moorhens, Gallinules, and Snipe

    Outside Dates: Between October 1 and January 31.
    Hunting Seasons: Not more than 55 days may be selected for hunting 
ducks, common moorhens, and common snipe. The season may be split into 
two segments.

Daily Bag Limits

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

Virgin Islands

Doves and Pigeons

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

Ducks

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

Special Falconry Regulations

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

Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions

Mourning and White-Winged Doves

Alabama
    South Zone--Baldwin, Barbour, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Dale, 
Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Mobile Counties.
    North Zone--Remainder of the State.
California
    White-winged Dove Open Areas--Imperial, Riverside, and San 
Bernardino Counties.
Florida
    Northwest Zone--The Counties of Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, 
Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, 
Washington, Leon (except that portion north of U.S. 27 and east of 
State Road 155), Jefferson (south of U.S. 27, west of State Road 59 and 
north of U.S. 98), and Wakulla (except that portion south of U.S. 98 
and east of the St. Marks River).
    South Zone--Remainder of State.
Georgia
    Northern Zone--That portion of the State lying north of a line 
running west to east along U.S. Highway 280 from Columbus to Wilcox 
County, thence southward along the western border of Wilcox County; 
thence east along the southern border of Wilcox County to the Ocmulgee 
River, thence north along the Ocmulgee River to Highway 280, thence 
east along Highway 280 to the Little Ocmulgee River; thence southward 
along the Little Ocmulgee River to the Ocmulgee River; thence 
southwesterly along the Ocmulgee River to the western border of Jeff 
Davis County; thence south along the western border of Jeff Davis 
County; thence east along the southern border of Jeff Davis and Appling 
Counties; thence north along the eastern border of Appling County, to 
the Altamaha River; thence east to the eastern border of Tattnall 
County; thence north along the eastern border of Tattnall County; 
thence north along the

[[Page 47236]]

western border of Evans to Candler County; thence east along the 
northern border of Evans County to U.S. Highway 301; thence northeast 
along U.S. Highway 301 to the South Carolina line.
    South Zone--Remainder of the State.
Louisiana
    North Zone--That portion of the State north of Interstate Highway 
10 from the Texas State line to Baton Rouge, Interstate Highway 12 from 
Baton Rouge to Slidell and Interstate Highway 10 from Slidell to the 
Mississippi State line.
    South Zone--The remainder of the State.
Nevada
    White-winged Dove Open Areas--Clark and Nye Counties.
Texas
    North Zone--That portion of the State north of a line beginning at 
the International Bridge south of Fort Hancock; north along FM 1088 to 
TX 20; west along TX 20 to TX 148; north along TX 148 to I-10 at Fort 
Hancock; east along I-10 to I-20; northeast along I-20 to I-30 at Fort 
Worth; northeast along I-30 to the Texas-Arkansas State line.
    South Zone--That portion of the State south and west of a line 
beginning at the International Bridge south of Del Rio, proceeding east 
on U.S. 90 to San Antonio; then east on I-10 to Orange, Texas.
    Special White-winged Dove Area in the South Zone--That portion of 
the State south and west of a line beginning at the International 
Bridge south of Del Rio, proceeding east on U.S. 90 to Uvalde; south on 
U.S. 83 to TX 44; east along TX 44 to TX 16 at Freer; south along TX 16 
to TX 285 at Hebbronville; east along TX 285 to FM 1017; southwest 
along FM 1017 to TX 186 at Linn; east along TX 186 to the Mansfield 
Channel at Port Mansfield; east along the Mansfield Channel to the Gulf 
of Mexico.
    Area with additional restrictions--Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and 
Willacy Counties.
    Central Zone--That portion of the State lying between the North and 
South Zones.

Band-tailed Pigeons

California
    North Zone--Alpine, Butte, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lassen, 
Mendocino, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity 
Counties.
    South Zone--The remainder of the State.
New Mexico
    North Zone--North of a line following U.S. 60 from the Arizona 
State line east to I-25 at Socorro and then south along I-25 from 
Socorro to the Texas State line.
    South Zone--Remainder of the State.

Washington

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

Woodcock

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

Special September Canada Goose Seasons

Atlantic Flyway

Connecticut
    North Zone--That portion of the State north of I-95.
Maryland
    Eastern Unit--Anne Arundel, Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Charles, 
Dorchester, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne's, St. Mary's, Somerset, Talbot, 
Wicomico, and Worcester Counties, and those portions of Baltimore, 
Howard, and Prince George's Counties east of I-95.
    Western Unit--Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Montgomery, 
and Washington Counties, and those portions of Baltimore, Howard, and 
Prince George's Counties west of I-95.
Massachusetts
    Western Zone--That portion of the State west of a line extending 
south from the Vermont border on I-91 to MA 9, west on MA 9 to MA 10, 
south on MA 10 to U.S. 202, south on U.S. 202 to the Connecticut 
border.
    Central Zone--That portion of the State east of the Berkshire Zone 
and west of a line extending south from the New Hampshire border on I-
95 to U.S. 1, south on U.S. 1 to I-93, south on I-93 to MA 3, south on 
MA 3 to U.S. 6, west on U.S. 6 to MA 28, west on MA 28 to I-195, west 
to the Rhode Island border; except the waters, and the lands 150 yards 
inland from the high-water mark, of the Assonet River upstream to the 
MA 24 bridge, and the Taunton River upstream to the Center St.-Elm St. 
bridge shall be in the Coastal Zone.
    Coastal Zone--That portion of Massachusetts east and south of the 
Central Zone.
New York
    Lake Champlain Zone--The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and that 
area east and north of a line extending along NY 9B from the Canadian 
border to U.S. 9, south along U.S. 9 to NY 22 south of Keesville; south 
along NY 22 to the west shore of South Bay, along and around the 
shoreline of South Bay to NY 22 on the east shore of South Bay; 
southeast along NY 22 to U.S. 4, northeast along U.S. 4 to the Vermont 
border.
    Long Island Zone--That area consisting of Nassau County, Suffolk 
County, that area of Westchester County southeast of I-95, and their 
tidal waters.
    Western Zone--That area west of a line extending from Lake Ontario 
east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, and south along 
I-81 to the Pennsylvania border, except for the Montezuma Zone.
    Montezuma Zone--Those portions of Cayuga, Seneca, Ontario, Wayne, 
and Oswego Counties north of U.S. Route 20, east of NYS Route 14, south 
of NYS Route 104, and west of NYS Route 34.
    Northeastern Zone--That area north of a line extending from Lake 
Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, south 
along I-81 to NY 49, east along NY 49 to NY 365, east along NY 365 to 
NY 28, east along NY 28 to NY 29, east along NY 29 to I-87, north along 
I-87 to U.S. 9 (at Exit 20), north along U.S. 9 to NY 149, east along 
NY 149 to U.S. 4, north along U.S. 4 to the Vermont border, exclusive 
of the Lake Champlain Zone.
    Southeastern Zone--The remaining portion of New York.
North Carolina
    Northeast Hunt Unit--Counties of Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, 
Dare, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington.
South Carolina
    Early-season Hunt Unit--Clarendon County and those portions of 
Orangeburg County north of SC Highway 6 and Berkeley County north of SC 
Highway 45 from the Orangeburg County line to the junction of SC 
Highway 45 and State Road S-8-31 and west of the Santee Dam.
Vermont
    Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and that 
area north and west of the line extending from the New York border 
along U.S. 4 to VT 22A at Fair Haven; VT 22A to U.S. 7 at Vergennes; 
U.S. 7 to the Canadian border.
    Interior Zone: That portion of Vermont west of the Lake Champlain 
Zone and eastward of a line extending

[[Page 47237]]

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.

Mississippi Flyway

Illinois
    Northeast Canada Goose Zone--Cook, Du Page, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, 
Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties.
    North Zone: That portion of the State outside the Northeast Canada 
Goose Zone and north of a line extending east from the Iowa border 
along Illinois Highway 92 to Interstate Highway 280, east along I-280 
to I-80, then east along I-80 to the Indiana border.
    Central Zone: That portion of the State outside the Northeast 
Canada Goose Zone and south of the North Zone to a line extending east 
from the Missouri border along the Modoc Ferry route to Modoc Ferry 
Road, east along Modoc Ferry Road to Modoc Road, northeasterly along 
Modoc Road and St. Leo's Road to Illinois Highway 3, north along 
Illinois 3 to Illinois 159, north along Illinois 159 to Illinois 161, 
east along Illinois 161 to Illinois 4, north along Illinois 4 to 
Interstate Highway 70, east along I-70 to the Bond County line, north 
and east along the Bond County line to Fayette County, north and east 
along the Fayette County line to Effingham County, east and south along 
the Effingham County line to I-70, then east along I-70 to the Indiana 
border.
    South Zone: The remainder of Illinois.
Iowa
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending 
east from the Nebraska border along State Highway 175 to State 37, 
southeast along State 37 to U.S. Highway 59, south along U.S. 59 to 
Interstate Highway 80, then east along I-80 to the Illinois border.
    South Zone: The remainder of Iowa.
Michigan
    North Zone: The Upper Peninsula.
    Middle Zone: That portion of the Lower Peninsula north of a line 
beginning at the Wisconsin border in Lake Michigan due west of the 
mouth of Stony Creek in Oceana County; then due east to, and easterly 
and southerly along the south shore of, Stony Creek to Scenic Drive, 
easterly and southerly along Scenic Drive to Stony Lake Road, easterly 
along Stony Lake and Garfield Roads to Michigan Highway 20, east along 
Michigan 20 to U.S. Highway 10 Business Route (BR) in the city of 
Midland, east along U.S. 10 BR to U.S. 10, east along U.S. 10 to 
Interstate Highway 75/U.S. Highway 23, north along I-75/U.S. 23 to the 
U.S. 23 exit at Standish, east along U.S. 23 to Shore Road in Arenac 
County, east along Shore Road to the tip of Point Lookout, then on a 
line directly east 10 miles into Saginaw Bay, and from that point on a 
line directly northeast to the Canada border.
    South Zone: The remainder of Michigan.
Minnesota
    Twin Cities Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone--
    A. All of Hennepin and Ramsey Counties.
    B. In Anoka County, all of Columbus Township lying south of County 
State Aid Highway (CSAH) 18, Anoka County; all of the cities of Ramsey, 
Andover, Anoka, Coon Rapids, Spring Lake Park, Fridley, Hilltop, 
Columbia Heights, Blaine, Lexington, Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, and 
Centerville; and all of the city of Ham Lake except that portion lying 
north of CSAH 18 and east of U.S. Highway 65.
    C. That part of Carver County lying north and east of the following 
described line: Beginning at the northeast corner of San Francisco 
Township; thence west along the north boundary of San Francisco 
Township to the east boundary of Dahlgren Township; thence north along 
the east boundary of Dahlgren Township to U.S. Highway 212; thence west 
along U.S. Highway 212 to State Trunk Highway (STH) 284; thence north 
on STH 284 to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 10; thence north and west 
on CSAH 10 to CSAH 30; thence north and west on CSAH 30 to STH 25; 
thence east and north on STH 25 to CSAH 10; thence north on CSAH 10 to 
the Carver County line.
    D. In Scott County, all of the cities of Shakopee, Savage, Prior 
Lake, and Jordan, and all of the Townships of Jackson, Louisville, St. 
Lawrence, Sand Creek, Spring Lake, and Credit River.
    E. In Dakota County, all of the cities of Burnsville, Eagan, 
Mendota Heights, Mendota, Sunfish Lake, Inver Grove Heights, Apple 
Valley, Lakeville, Rosemount, Farmington, Hastings, Lilydale, West St. 
Paul, and South St. Paul, and all of the Township of Nininger.
    F. That portion of Washington County lying south of the following 
described line: Beginning at County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 2 on the 
west boundary of the county; thence east on CSAH 2 to U.S. Highway 61; 
thence south on U.S. Highway 61 to State Trunk Highway (STH) 97; thence 
east on STH 97 to the intersection of STH 97 and STH 95; thence due 
east to the east boundary of the State.
    Northwest Goose Zone--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.
    Southeast Goose 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.
    Five Goose Zone--That portion of the State not included in the Twin 
Cities Metropolitan Canada Goose Zone, the Northwest Goose Zone, or the 
Southeast Goose Zone.
    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.
Tennessee
    Middle Tennessee Zone--Those portions of Houston, Humphreys, 
Montgomery, Perry, and Wayne Counties east of State Highway 13; and 
Bedford, Cannon, Cheatham, Coffee, Davidson, Dickson, Franklin, Giles, 
Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Macon, Marshall, Maury, Moore, 
Robertson, Rutherford, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson 
Counties.

[[Page 47238]]

    East Tennessee Zone--Anderson, Bledsoe, Bradley, Blount, Campbell, 
Carter, Claiborne, Clay, Cocke, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Grainger, 
Greene, Grundy, Hamblen, Hamilton, Hancock, Hawkins, Jackson, 
Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Loudon, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, 
Morgan, Overton, Pickett, Polk, Putnam, Rhea, Roane, Scott, Sequatchie, 
Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, Union, Van Buren, Warren, Washington, and 
White Counties.
Wisconsin
    Early-Season Subzone A--That portion of the State encompassed by a 
line beginning at the intersection of U.S. Highway 141 and the Michigan 
border near Niagara, then south along U.S. 141 to State Highway 22, 
west and southwest along State 22 to U.S. 45, south along U.S. 45 to 
State 22, west and south along State 22 to State 110, south along State 
110 to U.S. 10, south along U.S. 10 to State 49, south along State 49 
to State 23, west along State 23 to State 73, south along State 73 to 
State 60, west along State 60 to State 23, south along State 23 to 
State 11, east along State 11 to State 78, then south along State 78 to 
the Illinois border.
    Early-Season Subzone B--The remainder of the State.

Central Flyway

Kansas
    September Canada Goose Kansas City/Topeka Unit--That part of Kansas 
bounded by a line from the Kansas-Missouri State line west on K-68 to 
its junction with K-33, then north on K-33 to its junction with U.S.-
56, then west on U.S.-56 to its junction with K-31, then west-northwest 
on K-31 to its junction with K-99, then north on K-99 to its junction 
with U.S.-24, then east on U.S.-24 to its junction with K-63, then 
north on K-63 to its junction with K-16, then east on K-16 to its 
junction with K-116, then east on K-116 to its junction with U.S.-59, 
then northeast on U.S.-59 to its junction with the Kansas-Missouri 
line, then south on the Kansas-Missouri line to its junction with K-68.
    September Canada Goose Wichita Unit--That part of Kansas bounded by 
a line from I-135 west on U.S. 50 to its junction with Burmac Road, 
then south on Burmac Road to its junction with 279 Street West 
(Sedgwick/Harvey County line), then south on 279 Street West to its 
junction with K-96, then east on K-96 to its junction with K-296, then 
south on K-296 to its junction with 247 Street West, then south on 247 
Street West to its junction with U.S.-54, then west on U.S.-54 to its 
junction with 263 Street West, then south on 263 Street West to its 
junction with K-49, then south on K-49 to its junction with 90 Avenue 
North, then east on 90 Avenue North to its junction with KS-55, then 
east on KS-55 to its junction with KS-15, then east on KS-15 to its 
junction with U.S.-77, then north on U.S.-77 to its junction with Ohio 
Street, then north on Ohio to its junction with KS-254, then east on 
KS-254 to its junction with KS-196, then northwest on KS-196 to its 
junction with I-135, then north on I-135 to its junction with U.S.-50.
South Dakota
    September Canada Goose North Unit--Clark, Codington, Day, Deuel, 
Grant, Hamlin, Marshall, and Roberts County.
    September Canada Goose South Unit--Beadle, Brookings, Hanson, 
Kingsbury, Lake, Lincoln, McCook, Miner, Minnehaha, Moody, Sanborn, and 
Turner Counties,

Pacific Flyway

Idaho
    East Zone--Bonneville, Caribou, Fremont, and Teton Counties.
Oregon
    Northwest Zone--Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Lane, 
Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk, Multnomah, Tillamook, Washington, and 
Yamhill Counties.
    Southwest Zone--Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, and 
Klamath Counties.
    East Zone--Baker, Gilliam, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, 
Union, and Wasco Counties.
Washington
    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 that 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 that are not included in Area 4.
Wyoming
    Bear River Area--That portion of Lincoln County described in State 
regulations.
    Salt River Area--That portion of Lincoln County described in State 
regulations.
    Farson-Eden Area--Those portions of Sweetwater and Sublette 
Counties described in State regulations.
    Teton Area--Those portions of Teton County described in State 
regulations.
    Bridger Valley Area--The area described as the Bridger Valley Hunt 
Unit in State regulations.

Ducks

Atlantic Flyway

New York
    Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and that 
area east and north of a line extending along NY 9B from the Canadian 
border to U.S. 9, south along U.S. 9 to NY 22 south of Keesville; south 
along NY 22 to the west shore of South Bay, along and around the 
shoreline of South Bay to NY 22 on the east shore of South Bay; 
southeast along NY 22 to U.S. 4, northeast along U.S. 4 to the Vermont 
border.
    Long Island Zone: That area consisting of Nassau County, Suffolk 
County, that area of Westchester County southeast of I-95, and their 
tidal waters.
    Western Zone: That area west of a line extending from Lake Ontario 
east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, and south along 
I-81 to the Pennsylvania border.
    Northeastern Zone: That area north of a line extending from Lake 
Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, south 
along I-81 to NY 49, east along NY 49 to NY 365, east along NY 365 to 
NY 28, east along NY 28 to NY 29, east along NY 29 to I-87, north along 
I-87 to U.S. 9 (at Exit 20), north along U.S. 9 to NY 149, east along 
NY 149 to U.S. 4, north along U.S. 4 to the Vermont border, exclusive 
of the Lake Champlain Zone.
    Southeastern Zone: The remaining portion of New York.

Mississippi Flyway

Indiana
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending 
east from the Illinois border along State Road 18 to U.S. Highway 31, 
north along U.S. 31 to U.S. 24, east along U.S. 24 to Huntington, then 
southeast along U.S. 224 to the Ohio border.
    Ohio River Zone: That portion of the State south of a line 
extending east from the Illinois border along Interstate Highway 64 to 
New Albany, east along State Road 62 to State 56, east along State 56 
to Vevay, east and north on State 156 along the Ohio River to North 
Landing, north along State 56 to U.S.

[[Page 47239]]

Highway 50, then northeast along U.S. 50 to the Ohio border.
    South Zone: That portion of the State between the North and Ohio 
River Zone boundaries.
Iowa
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending 
east from the Nebraska border along State Highway 175 to State 37, 
southeast along State 37 to U.S. Highway 59, south along U.S. 59 to 
Interstate Highway 80, then east along I-80 to the Illinois border.
    South Zone: The remainder of Iowa.

Central Flyway

Colorado
    Special Teal Season Area: Lake and Chaffee Counties and that 
portion of the State east of Interstate Highway 25.
Kansas
    High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of U.S. 283.
    Low Plains Early Zone: That portion of the State east of the High 
Plains Zone and west of a line extending south from the Nebraska border 
along KS 28 to U.S. 36, east along U.S. 36 to KS 199, south along KS 
199 to Republic County Road 563, south along Republic County Road 563 
to KS 148, east along KS 148 to Republic County Road 138, south along 
Republic County Road 138 to Cloud County Road 765, south along Cloud 
County Road 765 to KS 9, west along KS 9 to U.S. 24, west along U.S. 24 
to U.S. 281, north along U.S. 281 to U.S. 36, west along U.S. 36 to 
U.S. 183, south along U.S. 183 to U.S. 24, west along U.S. 24 to KS 18, 
southeast along KS 18 to U.S. 183, south along U.S. 183 to KS 4, east 
along KS 4 to I-135, south along I-135 to KS 61, southwest along KS 61 
to KS 96, northwest on KS 96 to U.S. 56, west along U.S. 56 to U.S. 
281, south along U.S. 281 to U.S. 54, then west along U.S. 54 to U.S. 
283.
    Low Plains Late Zone: The remainder of Kansas.
Nebraska
    Special Teal Season Area: That portion of the State south of a line 
beginning at the Wyoming State line; east along U.S. 26 to Nebraska 
Highway L62A; east to U.S. 385; south to U.S. 26; east to NE 92; east 
along NE 92 to NE 61; south along NE 61 to U.S. 30; east along U.S. 30 
to the Iowa border.
New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion)
    North Zone: That portion of the State north of I-40 and U.S. 54.
    South Zone: The remainder of New Mexico.

Pacific Flyway

California
    Northeastern Zone: 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 7 miles on U.S. 80 to the Andrade-Algodones Road; south 
on this paved road to the Mexican border at Algodones, Mexico.
    Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding 
the Colorado River Zone) south and east of a line extending from the 
Pacific Ocean east along the Santa Maria River to CA 166 near the City 
of Santa Maria; east on CA 166 to CA 99; south on CA 99 to the crest of 
the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest 
of the Tehachapi Mountains to CA 178 at Walker Pass; east on CA 178 to 
U.S. 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on U.S. 395 to CA 58; east on 
CA 58 to I-15; east on I-15 to CA 127; north on CA 127 to the Nevada 
border.
    Southern San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone: All of Kings and Tulare 
Counties and that portion of Kern County north of the Southern Zone.
    Balance-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of California not included 
in the Northeastern, Southern, and Colorado River Zones, and the 
Southern San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone.

Canada Geese

Michigan

    North Zone: The Upper Peninsula.
    Middle Zone: That portion of the Lower Peninsula north of a line 
beginning at the Wisconsin border in Lake Michigan due west of the 
mouth of Stony Creek in Oceana County; then due east to, and easterly 
and southerly along the south shore of, Stony Creek to Scenic Drive, 
easterly and southerly along Scenic Drive to Stony Lake Road, easterly 
along Stony Lake and Garfield Roads to Michigan Highway 20, east along 
Michigan 20 to U.S. Highway 10 Business Route (BR) in the city of 
Midland, east along U.S. 10 BR to U.S. 10, east along U.S. 10 to 
Interstate Highway 75/U.S. Highway 23, north along I-75/U.S. 23 to the 
U.S. 23 exit at Standish, east along U.S. 23 to Shore Road in Arenac 
County, east along Shore Road to the tip of Point Lookout, then on a 
line directly east 10 miles into Saginaw Bay, and from that point on a 
line directly northeast to the Canada border.
    South Zone: The remainder of Michigan.

Sandhill Cranes

Central Flyway

Colorado
    The Central Flyway portion of the State except the San Luis Valley 
(Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Hinsdale, Mineral, Rio Grande, and 
Saguache Counties east of the Continental Divide) and North Park 
(Jackson County).
Kansas
    That portion of the State west of a line beginning at the Oklahoma 
border, north on I-35 to Wichita, north on I-135 to Salina, and north 
on U.S. 81 to the Nebraska border.

[[Page 47240]]

New Mexico
    Regular-Season Open Area--Chaves, Curry, De Baca, Eddy, Lea, Quay, 
and Roosevelt Counties.
    Middle Rio Grande Valley Area--The Central Flyway portion of New 
Mexico in Socorro and Valencia Counties.
    Estancia Valley Area--Those portions of Santa Fe, Torrance and 
Bernallilo Counties within an area bounded on the west by New Mexico 
Highway 55 beginning at Mountainair north to NM 337, north to NM 14, 
north to I-25; on the north by I-25 east to U.S. 285; on the east by 
U.S. 285 south to U.S. 60; and on the south by U.S. 60 from U.S. 285 
west to NM 55 in Mountainair.
    Southwest Zone--Sierra, Luna, Dona Ana Counties, and those portions 
of Grant and Hidalgo Counties south of I-10.
Oklahoma
    That portion of the State west of I-35.
Texas
    Area 1--That portion of the State west of a line beginning at the 
International Bridge at Laredo, north along I-35 to the Oklahoma 
border.
    Area 2--That portion of the State east and south of a line from the 
International Bridge at Laredo northerly along I-35 to U.S. 290; 
southeasterly along U.S. 290 to I-45; south and east on I-45 to State 
Highway 87, south and east on TX 87 to the channel in the Gulf of 
Mexico between Galveston and Point Bolivar; EXCEPT: That portion of the 
State lying within the area bounded by the Corpus Christi Bay Causeway 
on U.S. 181 at Portland; north and west on U.S. 181 to U.S. 77 at 
Sinton; north and east along U.S. 77 to U.S. 87 at Victoria; east and 
south along U.S. 87 to Texas Highway 35; north and east on TX 35 to the 
west end of the Lavaca Bay Bridge; then south and east along the west 
shoreline of Lavaca Bay and Matagorda Island to the Gulf of Mexico; 
then south and west along the shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico to the 
Corpus Christi Bay Causeway.
North Dakota
    Area 1--That portion of the State west of U.S. 281.
    Area 2--That portion of the State east of U.S. 281.
South Dakota
    That portion of the State west of U.S. 281.
Montana
    The Central Flyway portion of the State except that area south of 
I-90 and west of the Bighorn River.
Wyoming
    Regular-Season Open Area--Campbell, Converse, Crook, Goshen, 
Laramie, Niobrara, Platte, and Weston Counties.
    Riverton-Boysen Unit--Portions of Fremont County.
    Park and Big Horn County Unit--Portions of Park and Big Horn 
Counties.

Pacific Flyway

Arizona
    Special-Season Area--Game Management Units 30A, 30B, 31, and 32.
Montana
    Special-Season Area--See State regulations.
Utah
    Special-Season Area--Rich, Cache, and Unitah Counties and that 
portion of Box Elder County beginning on the Utah-Idaho State line at 
the Box Elder-Cache County line; west on the State line to the 
Pocatello Valley County Road; south on the Pocatello Valley County Road 
to I-15; southeast on I-15 to SR-83; south on SR-83 to Lamp Junction; 
west and south on the Promontory Point County Road to the tip of 
Promontory Point; south from Promontory Point to the Box Elder-Weber 
County line; east on the Box Elder-Weber County line to the Box Elder-
Cache County line; north on the Box Elder-Cache County line to the 
Utah-Idaho State line.
Wyoming
    Bear River Area--That portion of Lincoln County described in State 
regulations.
    Salt River Area--That portion of Lincoln County described in State 
regulations.
    Eden-Farson Area--Those portions of Sweetwater and Sublette 
Counties described in State regulations.
All Migratory Game Birds in Alaska
    North Zone--State Game Management Units 11-13 and 17-26.
    Gulf Coast Zone--State Game Management Units 5-7, 9, 14-16, and 10 
(Unimak Island only).
    Southeast Zone--State Game Management Units 1-4.
    Pribilof and Aleutian Islands Zone--State Game Management Unit 10 
(except Unimak Island).
    Kodiak Zone--State Game Management Unit 8.
All Migratory Birds in the Virgin Islands
    Ruth Cay Closure Area--The island of Ruth Cay, just south of St. 
Croix.
All Migratory Game Birds in Puerto Rico
    Municipality of Culebra Closure Area--All of the municipality of 
Culebra.
    Desecheo Island Closure Area--All of Desecheo Island.
    Mona Island Closure Area--All of Mona Island.
    El Verde Closure Area--Those areas of the municipalities of Rio 
Grande and Loiza delineated as follows: (1) All lands between Routes 
956 on the west and 186 on the east, from Route 3 on the north to the 
juncture of Routes 956 and 186 (Km 13.2) in the south; (2) all lands 
between Routes 186 and 966 from the juncture of 186 and 966 on the 
north, to the Caribbean National Forest Boundary on the south; (3) all 
lands lying west of Route 186 for 1 kilometer from the juncture of 
Routes 186 and 956 south to Km 6 on Route 186; (4) all lands within Km 
14 and Km 6 on the west and the Caribbean National Forest Boundary on 
the east; and (5) all lands within the Caribbean National Forest 
Boundary whether private or public.
    Cidra Municipality and adjacent areas--All of Cidra Municipality 
and portions of Aguas Buenas, Caguas, Cayey, and Comerio Municipalities 
as encompassed within the following boundary: beginning on Highway 172 
as it leaves the municipality of Cidra on the west edge, north to 
Highway 156, east on Highway 156 to Highway 1, south on Highway 1 to 
Highway 765, south on Highway 765 to Highway 763, south on Highway 763 
to the Rio Guavate, west along Rio Guavate to Highway 1, southwest on 
Highway 1 to Highway 14, west on Highway 14 to Highway 729, north on 
Highway 729 to Cidra Municipality boundary to the point of the 
beginning.

BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

[[Page 47241]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP17JY02.023

[FR Doc. 02-17937 Filed 7-16-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-C