[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 153 (Friday, August 8, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47424-47439]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-20290]



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Part III





Department of the Interior





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Fish and Wildlife Service



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50 CFR Part 20



Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on 
Certain Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands for the 2003-04 
Season; Proposed Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 153 / Friday, August 8, 2003 / 
Proposed Rules  

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 20

RIN 1018-AI93


Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Migratory Bird Hunting 
Regulations on Certain Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands for 
the 2003-04 Season

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we) 
proposes special migratory bird hunting regulations for certain Tribes 
on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and ceded 
lands for the 2003-04 migratory bird hunting season.

DATES: We will accept all comments on the proposed regulations that are 
postmarked or received in our office by August 18, 2003.

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, ms MBSP-4107-ARLSQ, 1849 C Street, NW., 
Washington, DC 20240 or fax comments to (703) 358-2272. All comments 
received will become part of the public record. You may inspect 
comments during normal business hours in room 4107, 4501 N. Fairfax 
Drive, Arlington, Virginia.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tina Chouinard, (318) 201-0400, or Ron 
W. Kokel, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, (703) 358-1714.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the May 6, 2003, Federal Register (68 FR 
24324), we requested proposals from Indian Tribes wishing to establish 
special migratory bird hunting regulations for the 2003-04 hunting 
season, under the guidelines described in the June 4, 1985, Federal 
Register (50 FR 23467). In this supplemental proposed rule, we propose 
special migratory bird hunting regulations for 28 Indian Tribes, based 
on the input we received in response to the May 6, 2003, proposed rule. 
As described in that rule, the promulgation of annual migratory bird 
hunting regulations involves a series of rulemaking actions each year. 
This proposed rule is part of that series.
    We developed the guidelines for establishing special migratory bird 
hunting regulations for Indian Tribes in response to tribal requests 
for recognition of their reserved hunting rights and, for some Tribes, 
recognition of their authority to regulate hunting by both tribal and 
nontribal members on their reservations. The guidelines include 
possibilities for:
    (1) On-reservation hunting by both tribal and nontribal members, 
with hunting by nontribal members on some reservations to take place 
within Federal frameworks but on dates different from those selected by 
the surrounding State(s);
    (2) On-reservation hunting by tribal members only, outside of the 
usual Federal frameworks for season dates and length, and for daily bag 
and possession limits; and
    (3) Off-reservation hunting by tribal members on ceded lands, 
outside of usual framework dates and season length, with some added 
flexibility in daily bag and possession limits.
    In all cases, the regulations established under the guidelines must 
be consistent with the March 10 to September 1 closed season mandated 
by the 1916 Convention Between the United States and Great Britain (for 
Canada) for the Protection of Migratory Birds (Treaty). The guidelines 
apply to those Tribes having recognized reserved hunting rights on 
Federal Indian reservations (including off-reservation trust lands) and 
on ceded lands. They also apply to establishing migratory bird hunting 
regulations for nontribal members on all lands within the exterior 
boundaries of reservations where Tribes have full wildlife management 
authority over such hunting or where the Tribes and affected States 
otherwise have reached agreement over hunting by nontribal members on 
lands owned by non-Indians within the reservation.
    Tribes usually have the authority to regulate migratory bird 
hunting by nonmembers on Indian-owned reservation lands, subject to 
Service approval. The question of jurisdiction is more complex on 
reservations that include lands owned by non-Indians, especially when 
the surrounding States have established or intend to establish 
regulations governing hunting by non-Indians on these lands. In such 
cases, we encourage the Tribes and States to reach agreement on 
regulations that would apply throughout the reservations. When 
appropriate, we will consult with a Tribe and State with the aim of 
facilitating an accord. We also will consult jointly with tribal and 
State officials in the affected States where Tribes wish to establish 
special hunting regulations for tribal members on ceded lands.
    Because of past questions regarding interpretation of what events 
trigger the consultation process, as well as who initiates it, we 
provide the following clarification. We routinely provide copies of 
Federal Register publications pertaining to migratory bird management 
to all State Directors, Tribes, and other interested parties. It is the 
responsibility of the States, Tribes, and others to notify us of any 
concern regarding any feature(s) of any regulations. When we receive 
such notification, we will initiate consultation.
    Our guidelines provide for the continued harvest of waterfowl and 
other migratory game birds by tribal members on reservations where such 
harvest has been a customary practice. We do not oppose this harvest, 
provided it does not take place during the closed season defined by the 
Treaty, and does not adversely affect the status of the migratory bird 
resource.
    Before developing the guidelines, we reviewed available information 
on the current status of migratory bird populations; reviewed the 
current status of migratory bird hunting on Federal Indian 
reservations; and evaluated the potential impact of such guidelines on 
migratory birds. We concluded that the impact of migratory bird harvest 
by tribal members hunting on their reservations is minimal.
    One area of interest in Indian migratory bird hunting regulations 
relates to hunting seasons for nontribal members on dates that are 
within Federal frameworks, but which are different from those 
established by the State(s) where the reservation is located. A large 
influx of nontribal hunters onto a reservation at a time when the 
season is closed in the surrounding State(s) could result in adverse 
population impacts on one or more migratory bird species. The 
guidelines make this unlikely, however, because tribal proposals must 
include:
    (a) Harvest anticipated under the requested regulations;
    (b) Methods that will be employed to measure or monitor harvest 
(such as bag checks, mail questionnaires, etc.);
    (c) Steps that will be taken to limit level of harvest, where it 
could be shown that failure to limit such harvest would adversely 
impact the migratory bird resource; and
    (d) Tribal capabilities to establish and enforce migratory bird 
hunting regulations.
    We may modify regulations or establish experimental special hunts, 
after evaluation and confirmation of harvest information obtained by 
the Tribes.
    We believe the guidelines provide appropriate opportunity to

[[Page 47425]]

accommodate the reserved hunting rights and management authority of 
Indian Tribes while ensuring that the migratory bird resource receives 
necessary protection. The conservation of this important international 
resource is paramount. The guidelines should not be viewed as 
inflexible. In this regard, we note that they have been employed 
successfully since 1985. We believe they have been tested adequately 
and, therefore, made them final beginning with the 1988-89 hunting 
season. We should stress here, however, that use of the guidelines is 
not mandatory and no action is required if a Tribe wishes to observe 
the hunting regulations established by the State(s) in which the 
reservation is located.

Population Status

    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

    Habitat conditions for breeding waterfowl have improved over last 
year in the prairie survey areas, except for eastern South Dakota. Most 
prairie areas had warm temperatures and plenty of rain this spring. Two 
areas of dramatic improvement over the past several years were south-
central Alberta and southern Saskatchewan, where conditions went from 
poor to good after much-needed precipitation relieved several years of 
drought. Other areas in the prairies also improved in condition over 
2002, but to a lesser extent. However, years of dry conditions in parts 
of the United States and Canadian prairies, combined with agricultural 
practices, have lessened the quality and quantity of residual nesting 
cover and over-water nest sites in many regions. This could potentially 
limit production for both dabbling and diving ducks, if the warm spring 
temperatures and good moisture of 2003 does not result in rapid growth 
of new cover. Eastern South Dakota was the one area of the prairies 
where wetland habitat conditions were generally worse than last year, 
mostly due to low soil moisture, little winter precipitation, and no 
significant rainfall in April. By the time this region received several 
inches of rain in May, most birds probably had overflown the area to 
wetter conditions in other regions to the north and west.
    In the northwestern survey areas, habitat was in generally good 
condition and most areas had normal water levels. The exception was 
northern Manitoba, where low water levels in small streams and beaver 
ponds resulted in overall breeding habitat conditions that were only 
fair. Warm spring temperatures arrived much earlier this year than the 
exceptionally late spring last year. However, a cold snap in early May 
could have hurt early-nesting species such as mallards and pintails, 
particularly in the northern Northwest Territories.
    Habitat conditions in the eastern survey area ranged from excellent 
to fair. In the southern and western part of this survey area, water 
and nesting cover were plentiful and temperatures were mild this 
spring. Habitat quality decreased to the north, especially in northern 
and western Quebec, where many shallow marshes and bogs were either 
completely dry or reduced to mudflats. Beaver-pond habitat was also 
noticeably less common than normal. To the east in Maine and most of 
the Maritime provinces, conditions were excellent, with adequate water, 
vegetation, and warm spring temperatures.

Status of Teal

    Breeding population estimates for blue-winged teal from surveyed 
areas total 5.5 million blue-winged teal, which is above the 4.7 
million needed to trigger the 16-day teal season in the Central and 
Mississippi Flyways, and the 3.3 million needed to trigger the 9-day 
teal season in the Atlantic Flyway.

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 
2003, uncorrected for visibility, was 316,676 cranes. The most recent 
photo-corrected 3-year average (for 2000-02) was 375,875, 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 2002-03. About 8,800 
hunters participated in these seasons, which was 10 percent higher than 
the number participating in the previous year. An estimated 16,650 
cranes were harvested in the Central Flyway during 2001-02 seasons, 
which was 11% higher than the previous year's estimate. Retrieved 
harvests in the Pacific Flyway, Canada, and Mexico were estimated to be 
about 11,650 cranes for the 2002-03 period. The total North American 
sport harvest, including crippling losses, was estimated at 31,830, 
which is similar to 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 2002 pre-migration survey estimate for the Rocky Mountain 
Population of sandhill cranes was 18,803, which was 12% higher than the 
previous year's estimate of 16,559. Limited special seasons were held 
during 2002 in portions of Arizona, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, 
and Wyoming, resulting in a harvest of 639 cranes, which is 29% below 
the previous year's 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 2003 indicate that the numbers of 
displaying woodcock in the Eastern and Central Regions were unchanged 
from 2002 (P0.10); although the point estimates of the 
trends were higher. Trends from the Singing-Ground Survey during 1993-
2003 were -1.3 and -1.6 percent change per year for the Eastern and 
Central regions, respectively (P<0.05). There were long-term (1968-03) 
declines (P<0.01) of 2.3 percent per year in the Eastern Region and 1.8 
percent per year in the Central Region.
    The 2002 recruitment index for the Eastern Region (1.4 immatures 
per adult female) was similar to the 2001 index, but was 18 percent 
below the long-term average. The recruitment index for the Central 
Region (1.6 immatures per adult female) was 17 percent higher than the 
2001 index of 1.3 immatures per female, and was similar to the long-
term average. The index of daily hunting success in the Eastern Region 
increased slightly from 1.8 woodcock per successful hunt in 2001 to 1.9 
in 2002, but seasonal hunting success declined from 6.9 woodcock per 
successful hunter in 2001 to 6.6 in 2002. In the Central Region, the 
daily success index was 2.1 woodcock per successful hunt in both 2001 
and 2002; but seasonal hunting success increased from 10.0 woodcock per 
successful hunter in 2001 to 11.0 in 2002.

Band-Tailed Pigeons and Doves

    A significant decline in the Coastal population of band-tailed 
pigeons occurred during 1968-2002, 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

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years. Call-Count Surveys conducted in Washington showed a significant 
increase during 1998-02 and a nonsignificant increase during 1975-02. 
According to Harvest Information Program (HIP) surveys, approximately 
9,600 pigeons were taken during the 2002-03 season. The Interior band-
tailed pigeon population is stable with no trend indicated by the BBS 
over the short-or long-term periods. An estimated 3,700 birds were 
taken in 2002-03.
    Analyses of Mourning Dove Call-Count Survey data over the most 
recent 10 years indicated no trend in doves heard in any Management 
Unit. Between 1966 and 2003, all 3 Units exhibited significant 
declines. In contrast, for doves seen over the 10-year period, a 
significant increase was found in the Eastern Unit while no trends were 
found in the Central and Western Units. Over 38 years, no trend was 
found for doves seen in the Eastern and Central Units while a decline 
was indicated for the Western Unit. HIP surveys indicated that about 
22,700,000 mourning doves were bagged nationwide during the 2002-03 
season.
    In Arizona, the white-winged dove population has shown a 
significant decline between 1962 and 2003. However, the number of 
whitewings has been fairly stable since the 1970s and, over the most 
recent 10 years, there is no significant trend indicated. The 2002 
harvest estimate from the HIP survey was 102,700. In Texas, the range 
and density of white-winged doves continue to expand. In 2003, the 
whitewing population in Texas was estimated to be 2,525,000 birds, an 
increase of 8.4 percent from 2002. A more inclusive count in San 
Antonio documented more than 1.3 million birds. HIP surveys indicated a 
harvest of 943,000 whitewings during the 2002-03 season. The expansion 
of whitewings northward and eastward from Texas has led to reports of 
nesting 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 2003 
survey averaged 0.95 birds per stop, a 2 percent decrease over the 2002 
survey. During the special 4-day whitewing season, about 2,700 
whitetips were bagged, according to State harvest-survey estimates.

Hunting Season Proposals From Indian Tribes and Organizations

    For the 2003-04 hunting season, we received requests from 24 Tribes 
and Indian organizations. We actively solicit regulatory proposals from 
other tribal groups that are interested in working cooperatively for 
the benefit of waterfowl and other migratory game birds. We encourage 
Tribes to work with us to develop agreements for management of 
migratory bird resources on tribal lands. It should be noted that this 
proposed rule includes generalized regulations for both early- and 
late-season hunting. A final rule will be published in a mid-August 
2003 Federal Register that will include tribal regulations for the 
early-hunting season.
    The early season generally begins on September 1 each year and most 
commonly includes such species as American woodcock, sandhill cranes, 
mourning doves, and white-winged doves. A final rule will also be 
published in a September 2003 Federal Register that will include 
regulations for late-season hunting. The late season begins on or 
around September 24 and most commonly includes waterfowl species.
    In this current rulemaking, because of the compressed timeframe for 
establishing regulations for Indian Tribes and because final frameworks 
dates and other specific information are not available, the regulations 
for many tribal hunting seasons are described in relation to the season 
dates, season length, and limits that will be permitted when final 
Federal frameworks are announced for early- and late-season 
regulations. For example, daily bag and possession limits for ducks on 
some areas are shown as ``Same as permitted in Pacific Flyway States 
under final Federal frameworks,'' and limits for geese will be shown as 
the same permitted by the State(s) in which the tribal hunting area is 
located.
    The proposed frameworks for early-season regulations were published 
in the Federal Register on July 17, 2003 (68 FR 42546); early-season 
final frameworks will be published in mid-August. Proposed late-season 
frameworks for waterfowl and coots will be published in mid-August, and 
the final frameworks for the late seasons will be published in mid-
September. We will notify affected Tribes of season dates, bag limits, 
etc., as soon as final frameworks are established. As previously 
discussed, no action is required by Tribes wishing to observe migratory 
bird hunting regulations established by the State(s) where they are 
located. The proposed regulations for the 24 Tribes that have submitted 
proposals that meet the established criteria and an additional 4 Tribes 
from whom we expect to receive proposals are shown below.

(a) Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Nett Lake, Minnesota (Tribal Members 
and Non-tribal Hunters)

    The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa is located in northern Minnesota, 
as specified in Federal Register 66, No., 83. Bois Forte is a 103,000-
acre land area, home to 800 Band members. The reservation includes Nett 
Lake, a 7,400-acre wild rice lake.
    In their 2003-04 proposal, dated June 14, 2003, Bois Forte 
requested the authority to establish a waterfowl season on their 
reservation. The season would be the same as that established by the 
State of Minnesota, except that shooting hours on opening day would be 
one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Harvest under their proposal 
would not alter possession limits or species allowances already in 
place in Minnesota. Bois Forte requests these hours on opening day and 
for every hunting day for the remainder of the State's official, 
established season.
    Bag limits for non-tribal hunters will not be changed from current, 
State of Minnesota established levels. Bois Forte requires non-tribal 
persons hunting on Nett Lake on the first day of the season to complete 
a survey upon completion of the day's hunting requesting: (1) Name and 
contact information; (2) hunting permit number (State and tribal); (3) 
number of hours hunted; (4) location of hunting site; (5) tribal guide 
name; (6) number and species of waterfowl harvested in possession; and 
(7) number and species of waterfowl shot but not recovered. Bois Forte 
will collect the results and compare to previous seasons' data.
    Harvest information from the 2002-03 migratory bird season included 
harvest of 1,000 ducks. Of these 1,000 taken, 700 were ring-neck ducks, 
150 were blue/green-winged teal, and 150 were mallards. They had 216 
hunters, similar to levels in the past.
    The Band's Conservation Department regulates non-tribal harvest 
limits under the following regulations: (1) Non-tribal hunters must be 
accompanied at all times by a Band Member guide; (2) non-tribal hunters 
must have in their possession a valid small game hunting license, a 
Federal migratory waterfowl stamp, and a Minnesota State waterfowl 
stamp; (3) non-tribal hunters and Band Members must have only Service-
approved non-toxic shot in possession at all times; (4) non-tribal 
hunters must conform to possession limits established

[[Page 47427]]

and regulated by the State of Minnesota and the Bois Forte Band.
    We propose to approve the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa regulations 
for the 2003-04 hunting season.

(b) Colorado River Indian Tribes, Colorado River Indian Reservation, 
Parker, Arizona (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters)

    The Colorado River Indian Reservation is located in Arizona and 
California. The Tribes own almost all lands on the reservation, and 
have full wildlife management authority.
    In their 2003-04 proposal, the Colorado River Indian Tribes 
requested split dove seasons. They propose their early season begin 
September 1 and end September 15, 2003. Daily bag limits would be 10 
mourning or 10 white-winged doves either singly or in the aggregate. 
The late season for doves is proposed to open November 15, 2003, and 
close December 29, 2003. The daily bag limit would be 10 mourning 
doves. The possession limit would be twice the daily bag limit. 
Shooting hours would be from one-half hour before sunrise to noon in 
the early season and until sunset in the late season. Other special 
tribally set regulations would apply.
    The Tribes also propose duck hunting seasons. The season would 
likely open October 11, 2003, and run until January 25, 2004. The 
Tribes propose the same season dates for mergansers, coots, and common 
moorhens. The daily bag limit for ducks, including mergansers, would be 
seven, except that the daily bag limits could contain no more than two 
hen mallards, two redheads, two Mexican ducks, two goldeneye, and two 
cinnamon teal. The seasons on canvasback and pintail are closed. The 
possession limit would be twice the daily bag limit. The daily bag and 
possession limit for coots and common moorhens would be 25, singly or 
in the aggregate.
    For geese, the Colorado River Indian Tribes propose a season of 
October 18, 2003, through January 25, 2004. The daily bag limit for 
geese would be four, but could include no more than three light geese 
or three dark geese. The possession limit would be six light geese and 
six dark geese.
    In 1996, the Tribe conducted a detailed assessment of dove hunting. 
Results showed approximately 16,100 mourning doves and 13,600 white-
winged doves were harvested by approximately 2,660 hunters who averaged 
1.45 hunter-days. Field observations and permit sales indicate that 
fewer than 200 hunters participate in waterfowl seasons. Under the 
proposed regulations described here and, based upon past seasons, we 
and the Tribes estimate harvest will be similar.
    Hunters must have a valid Colorado River Indian Reservation hunting 
permit in their possession while hunting. As in the past, the 
regulations would apply both to tribal and non-tribal hunters, and 
nontoxic shot is required for waterfowl hunting.
    We propose to approve the Colorado River Indian Tribes regulations 
for the 2003-04 hunting season.

(c) Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Flathead Indian 
Reservation, Pablo, Montana (Nontribal Hunters)

    For the past several years, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai 
Tribes and the State of Montana have entered into cooperative 
agreements for the regulation of hunting on the Flathead Indian 
Reservation. The State and the Tribes are currently operating under a 
cooperative agreement signed in 1990 that addresses fishing and hunting 
management and regulation issues of mutual concern. This agreement 
enables all hunters to utilize waterfowl hunting opportunities on the 
reservation.
    As in the past, tribal regulations for nontribal members would be 
at least as restrictive as those established for the Pacific Flyway 
portion of Montana. Goose season dates would also be at least as 
restrictive as those established for the Pacific Flyway portion of 
Montana. Shooting hours for waterfowl hunting on the Flathead 
Reservation are sunrise to sunset. Steel shot or other Federally-
approved nontoxic shots are the only legal shotgun loads on the 
reservation for waterfowl or other game birds.
    The requested season dates and bag limits are similar to past 
regulations. Harvest levels are not expected to change significantly. 
Standardized check station data from the 1993-94 and 1994-95 hunting 
seasons indicated no significant changes in harvest levels and that the 
large majority of the harvest is by non-tribal hunters.
    We propose to approve the Tribes' request for special migratory 
bird regulations for the 2003-04 hunting season.

(d) Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, Crow Creek Indian Reservation, Fort 
Thompson, South Dakota (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters)

    The Crow Creek Indian Reservation has a checkerboard pattern of 
land ownership, with much of the land owned by non-Indians. Since the 
1993-94 season, the Tribe has selected special waterfowl hunting 
regulations independent of the State of South Dakota. The Tribe 
observes migratory bird hunting regulations contained in 50 CFR part 
20.
    In their 2003 proposal, the Tribe requested a duck and merganser 
season of October 4 to December 16, 2003, with a daily bag limit of six 
ducks, including no more that five mallards (only two of which may be 
hens), two redheads, two wood ducks, and three scaup. The merganser 
daily bag limit would be five and include no more than one hooded 
merganser. The daily bag limit for coots would be 15. The pintail 
season would run from October 4 to December 2, 2003, with a daily bag 
limit of one pintail.
    For Canada geese, the Tribe proposes an October 18, 2003, to 
January 20, 2004, season with a three-bird daily bag limit. For white-
fronted geese, the Tribe proposes a September 27 to December 21, 2003, 
season with a daily bag limit of two. For snow geese, the Tribe 
proposes a September 27, 2003, to January 1, 2004, season with a daily 
bag limit of 20.
    Similar to the last several years, the Tribe also requests a 
sandhill crane season from September 13 to October 19, 2003, with a 
daily bag limit of three. The Tribe proposes a mourning dove season 
from September 1 to October 30, 2003, with a daily bag limit of 15.
    In all cases, except snow geese, the possession limits would be 
twice the daily bag limit. There would be no possession limit for snow 
geese. Shooting hours would be from one-half hour before sunrise to 
sunset.
    The season and bag limits would be essentially the same as last 
year and as such, the Tribe expects similar harvest. In 1994-95, duck 
harvest was 48 birds, down from 67 in 1993-94. Goose harvest during 
recent past seasons has been less than 100 geese. Total harvest on the 
reservation in 2000 was estimated to be 179 ducks and 868 geese.
    We propose to approve the Tribe's requested seasons. We also remind 
the Tribe that all sandhill crane hunters are required to obtain a 
Federal sandhill crane permit. As such, the Tribe should contact us for 
further information on obtaining the needed permits. In addition, as 
with all other groups, we request the Tribe continue to survey and 
report harvest.

(e) Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Cloquet, 
Minnesota (Tribal Members Only)

    Since 1996, the Service and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior 
Chippewa Indians have cooperated to establish special migratory bird 
hunting regulations for tribal members. The Fond du Lac's May 29, 2003, 
proposal

[[Page 47428]]

covers land set apart for the band under the Treaties of 1837 and 1854 
in northeast and east-central Minnesota.
    The band's proposal for 2003-04 is essentially the same as that 
approved last year. Specifically, the Fond du Lac Band proposes a 
September 20 to December 1, 2003, season on ducks, mergansers, coots, 
and moorhens, and a September 2 to December 1, 2003, season for geese. 
For sora and Virginia rails, snipe, and woodcock, the Fond du Lac Band 
proposes a September 2 to December 1, 2003, season. Proposed daily bag 
limits would consist of the following:
    Ducks: 18 ducks, including no more than 12 mallards (only 6 of 
which may be hens), 3 black ducks, 9 scaup, 6 wood ducks, 6 redheads, 3 
pintails, and 3 canvasbacks.
    Mergansers: 15 mergansers, including no more than 3 hooded 
mergansers.
    Geese: 12 geese.
    Coots and Common Moorhens (Common Gallinules): 20 coots and common 
moorhens, singly or in the aggregate.
    Sora and Virginia Rails: 25 sora and Virginia rails, singly or in 
the aggregate.
    Common Snipe: Eight common snipe.
    Woodcock: Three woodcock.
    The following general conditions apply:
    1. While hunting waterfowl, a tribal member must carry on his/her 
person a valid Ceded Territory License.
    2. Except as otherwise noted, tribal members will be required to 
comply with tribal codes that will be no less restrictive than the 
provisions of Chapter 10 of the Model Off-Reservation Code. Except as 
modified by the Service rules adopted in response to this proposal, 
these amended regulations parallel Federal requirements in 50 CFR part 
20 as to hunting methods, transportation, sale, exportation, and other 
conditions generally applicable to migratory bird hunting.
    3. Band members in each zone will comply with State regulations 
providing for closed and restricted waterfowl hunting areas.
    4. There are no possession limits on any species, unless otherwise 
noted above. For purposes of enforcing bag limits, all migratory birds 
in the possession or custody of band members on ceded lands will be 
considered to have been taken on those lands unless tagged by a tribal 
or State conservation warden as having been taken on-reservation. All 
migratory birds that fall on reservation lands will not count as part 
of any off-reservation bag or possession limit.
    The Band anticipates harvest will be fewer than 500 ducks and 
geese.
    We propose to approve the request for special migratory bird 
hunting regulations for the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior 
Chippewas.

(f) Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Suttons Bay, 
Michigan (Tribal Members Only)

    In the 1995-96 migratory bird seasons, the Grand Traverse Band of 
Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and the Service first cooperated to 
establish special regulations for waterfowl. The Grand Traverse Band is 
a self-governing, federally recognized Tribe located on the west arm of 
Grand Traverse Bay in Leelanau County, Michigan. The Grand Traverse 
Band is a signatory Tribe of the Treaty of 1836. We have approved 
special regulations for tribal members of the 1836 treaty's signatory 
Tribes on ceded lands in Michigan since the 1986-87 hunting season.
    For the 2003-04 season, the Tribe requests that the tribal member 
duck season run from September 15, 2003, through January 15, 2004. A 
daily bag limit of 12 would include no more than 2 pintail, 2 
canvasback, 1 hooded merganser, 3 black ducks, 3 wood ducks, 3 
redheads, and 6 mallards (only 3 of which may be hens).
    For Canada geese, the Tribe proposes a September 1 through November 
30, 2003, and a January 1 through February 8, 2004, season. For white-
fronted geese, brant, and snow geese, the Tribe proposes a September 20 
through November 30, 2003, season. The daily bag limit for all geese 
(including brant) would be five birds. Based on our information, it is 
unlikely that any Canada geese from the Southern James Bay Population 
will be harvested by the Tribe.
    For woodcock, the Tribe proposes a September 1 to November 14, 
2003, season. The daily bag limit will not exceed five birds. For 
mourning doves, snipe and rails, the Tribe proposes a September 1 to 
November 14, 2003, season. The daily bag limit would be 10 per species.
    All other Federal regulations contained in 50 CFR part 20 would 
apply. The Tribe proposes to monitor harvest closely through game bag 
checks, patrols, and mail surveys. Harvest surveys from the 2002-03 
hunting season indicated that approximately 34 tribal hunters harvested 
an estimated 200 ducks and 30 Canada geese.
    We propose to approve the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and 
Chippewa Indians' requested 2003-04 special migratory bird hunting 
regulations.

(g) Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, Odanah, Wisconsin 
(Tribal Members Only)

    Since 1985, various bands of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa 
Indians have exercised judicially recognized off-reservation hunting 
rights for migratory birds in Wisconsin. The specific regulations were 
established by the Service in consultation with the Wisconsin 
Department of Natural Resources and the Great Lakes Indian Fish and 
Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC, which represents the various bands). 
Beginning in 1986, a tribal season on ceded lands in the western 
portion of the State's Upper Peninsula was developed in coordination 
with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and we have approved 
special regulations for tribal members in both Michigan and Wisconsin 
since the 1986-87 hunting season. In 1987, the GLIFWC requested, and we 
approved, special regulations to permit tribal members to hunt on ceded 
lands in Minnesota, as well as in Michigan and Wisconsin. The States of 
Michigan and Wisconsin concurred with the regulations, although 
Wisconsin has raised some concerns each year. Minnesota did not concur 
with the regulations, stressing that the State would not recognize 
Chippewa Indian hunting rights in Minnesota's treaty area until a court 
with jurisdiction over the State acknowledges and defines the extent of 
these rights. We acknowledge the State's concern, but point out that 
the U.S. Government has recognized the Indian hunting rights decided in 
the Lac Courte Oreilles v. State of Wisconsin (Voigt) case, and that 
acceptable hunting regulations have been negotiated successfully in 
both Michigan and Wisconsin even though the Voigt decision did not 
specifically address ceded land outside Wisconsin. We believe this is 
appropriate because the treaties in question cover ceded lands in 
Michigan (and Minnesota), as well as in Wisconsin. Consequently, in 
view of the above, we have approved special regulations since the 1987-
88 hunting season on ceded lands in all three States. In fact, this 
recognition of the principle of reserved treaty rights for band members 
to hunt and fish was pivotal in our decision to approve a special 1991-
92 season for the 1836 ceded area in Michigan.
    The GLIFWC proposed off-reservation special migratory bird hunting 
regulations for the 2003-04 seasons on behalf of the member Tribes of 
the Voigt Intertribal Task Force of the GLIFWC (for the 1837 and 1842 
Treaty areas) and the Bay Mills Indian Community (for

[[Page 47429]]

the 1836 Treaty area). Member Tribes of the Task Force are: the Bad 
River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the Lac 
Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, the Lac du 
Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, the Red Cliff Band of 
Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of 
Wisconsin, the Sokaogon Chippewa Community (Mole Lake Band), all in 
Wisconsin; the Mille Lacs Band of Chippewa Indians in Minnesota; the 
Lac Vieux Desert Band of Chippewa Indians and the Keweenaw Bay Indian 
Community in Michigan. Details of the proposed regulations are shown 
below. In general, the proposal is essentially the same as the 
regulations approved for the 2002-03 season.
    Results of 1987-98 hunter surveys on off-reservation tribal duck 
harvest in the Wisconsin/Michigan entire ceded territory ranged from 
1,022 to 2,374 with an average of 1,422. Estimated goose harvest has 
ranged from 72 to 586, with an average of 310. Harvest from 2001 was 
estimated at 1,014 ducks, 81 geese, and 146 coots. Under the proposed 
regulations, harvest is expected to remain within these ranges. Tribal 
harvest in the Minnesota ceded territory is anticipated to be much 
smaller than in the Wisconsin/Michigan area since waterfowl hunting has 
been limited to 10 individuals thus far. Due to the limited 
distribution of doves and dove habitat in the ceded territory, and the 
relatively small number of tribal off-reservation migratory bird 
hunters, harvest is expected to be negligible.
    We believe that regulations advanced by the GLIFWC for the 2003-04 
hunting season are biologically acceptable, and we recommend approval. 
If the regulations are finalized as proposed, we would request that the 
GLIFWC closely monitor the member band's duck harvest and take any 
actions necessary to reduce harvest if locally nesting populations are 
being significantly impacted.
    The Commission and the Service are parties to a Memorandum of 
Agreement (MOA) designed to facilitate the ongoing enforcement of 
Service-approved tribal migratory bird regulations. Its intent is to 
provide long-term cooperative application.
    Also, as in recent seasons, the proposal contains references to 
Chapter 10 of the Migratory Bird Harvesting Regulations of the Model 
Off-Reservation Conservation Code. Chapter 10 regulations parallel 
State and Federal regulations and, in effect, are not changed by this 
proposal.
    The GLIFWC's proposed 2003-04 waterfowl hunting season regulations 
are as follows:
    Ducks
    A. Wisconsin and Minnesota 1837 and 1842 Zones:
    Season Dates: Begin September 15 and end December 1, 2003.
    Daily Bag Limit: 20 ducks, including no more than 10 mallards (only 
5 of which may be hens), 4 black ducks, 4 redheads, 4 pintails, and 2 
canvasbacks.
    B. Michigan 1836 and 1842 Treaty Zones:
    Season Dates: Begin September 15 and end December 1, 2003.
    Daily Bag Limit: 10 ducks, including no more than 5 mallards (only 
2 of which may be hens), 2 black ducks, 2 redheads, 2 pintails, and 1 
canvasback.
    Mergansers: All Ceded Areas
    Season Dates: Begin September 15 and end December 1, 2003.
    Daily Bag Limit: Five mergansers.
    Geese: All Ceded Areas
    Season Dates: Begin September 1 and end December 1, 2003. In 
addition, any portion of the ceded territory that is open to State-
licensed hunters for goose hunting after December 1 will also be open 
concurrently for tribal members.
    Daily Bag Limit: 10 geese in aggregate.
    Other Migratory Birds: All Ceded Areas
    A. Coots and Common Moorhens (Common Gallinules)
    Season Dates: Begin September 15 and end December 1, 2003.
    Daily Bag Limit: 20 coots and common moorhens (common gallinules), 
singly or in the aggregate.
    B. Sora and Virginia Rails
    Season Dates: Begin September 15 and end December 1, 2003.
    Daily Bag Limit: 25 sora and Virginia rails, singly or in the 
aggregate.
    Possession Limit: 25.
    C. Common Snipe
    Season Dates: Begin September 15 and end December 1, 2003.
    Daily Bag Limit: Eight common snipe.
    D. Woodcock
    Season Dates: Begin September 2 and end December 1, 2003.
    Daily Bag Limit: Five woodcock.
    E. Mourning Dove: 1837 and 1842 Ceded Territories
    Season Dates: Begin September 2 and end October 30, 2003.
    Daily Bag Limit: 15 mourning dove.
General Conditions
    A. All tribal members will be required to obtain a valid tribal 
waterfowl hunting permit.
    B. Except as otherwise noted, tribal members will be required to 
comply with tribal codes that will be no less restrictive than the 
model ceded territory conservation codes approved by Federal courts in 
the Voigt and Mille Lacs Band v. State of Minnesota cases. The 
respective Chapters 10 of these model codes regulate ceded territory 
migratory bird hunting. They parallel Federal requirements as to 
hunting methods, transportation, sale, exportation and other conditions 
generally applicable to migratory bird hunting. They also automatically 
incorporate by reference the Federal migratory bird regulations adopted 
in response to this proposal.
    C. Particular regulations of note include:
    1. Nontoxic shot will be required for all off-reservation waterfowl 
hunting by tribal members.
    2. Tribal members in each zone will comply with tribal regulations 
providing for closed and restricted waterfowl hunting areas. These 
regulations generally incorporate the same restrictions contained in 
parallel state regulations.
    3. Possession limits for each species are double the daily bag 
limit, except on the opening day of the season, when the possession 
limit equals the daily bag limit, unless otherwise noted above.
    Possession limits are applicable only to transportation and do not 
include birds that are cleaned, dressed, and at a member's primary 
residence. For purposes of enforcing bag and possession limits, all 
migratory birds in the possession and custody of tribal members on 
ceded lands will be considered to have been taken on those lands unless 
tagged by a tribal or State conservation warden as taken on reservation 
lands. All migratory birds that fall on reservation lands will not 
count as part of any off-reservation bag or possession limit.
    4. The baiting restrictions included in the respective sections 
10.05 (2)(h) of the model ceded territory conservation codes will be 
amended to include language which parallels that in place for non-
tribal members as published in 64 FR 29804, June 3, 1999. This language 
is also included in Appendix 1.
    5. The shell limit restrictions included in the respective sections 
10.05 (2)(b) of the model ceded territory conservation codes will be 
removed.
    D. Michigan--Duck Blinds and Decoys. Tribal members hunting in 
Michigan will comply with tribal codes that contain provisions parallel 
to Michigan law regarding duck blinds and decoys.

(h) Jicarilla Apache Tribe, Jicarilla Indian Reservation, Dulce, New 
Mexico (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters)

    The Jicarilla Apache Tribe has had special migratory bird hunting 
regulations for tribal members and

[[Page 47430]]

nonmembers since the 1986-87 hunting season. The Tribe owns all lands 
on the reservation and has recognized full wildlife management 
authority. In general, the proposed seasons would be more conservative 
than allowed by the Federal frameworks of last season and by States in 
the Pacific Flyway.
    The Tribe proposed a 2003-04 waterfowl season beginning with the 
earliest possible opening date in the Pacific Flyway States and a 
closing date of November 30, 2003. Daily bag and possession limits for 
waterfowl would be the same as Pacific Flyway States. The Tribe 
proposes a season on Canada geese with a two-bird daily bag limit. 
Other regulations specific to the Pacific Flyway guidelines for New 
Mexico would be in effect.
    During the Jicarilla Game and Fish Department's 2002-03 season, 
estimated duck harvest was 216, which is within the historical harvest 
range. The species composition in the past has included mainly 
mallards, gadwall, wigeon, and teal. Northern pintail comprised 3 
percent of the total harvest in 2002. The estimated harvest of geese 
was 13 birds.
    The proposed regulations are essentially the same as were 
established last year. The Tribe anticipates the maximum 2003-04 
waterfowl harvest would be around 250-700 ducks and 20-30 geese.
    We propose to approve the Tribe's requested 2003-04 hunting 
seasons.

(i) Kalispel Tribe, Kalispel Reservation, Usk, Washington (Tribal 
Members and Nontribal Hunters)

    The Kalispel Reservation was established by Executive Order in 
1914, and currently comprises approximately 4,600 acres. The Tribe owns 
all Reservation land and has full management authority. The Kalispel 
Tribe has a fully developed wildlife program with hunting and fishing 
codes. The Tribe enjoys excellent wildlife management relations with 
the State. The Tribe and the State have an operational Memorandum of 
Understanding with emphasis on fisheries but also for wildlife. The 
nontribal member seasons described below pertain to a 176-acre 
waterfowl management unit. The Tribe is utilizing this opportunity to 
rehabilitate an area that needs protection because of past land use 
practices, as well as to provide additional waterfowl hunting in the 
area. Beginning in 1996, the requested regulations also included a 
proposal for Kalispel-member-only migratory bird hunting on Kalispel-
ceded lands within Washington, Montana, and Idaho.
    For the 2003-04 migratory bird hunting seasons, the Kalispel Tribe 
proposed tribal and nontribal member waterfowl seasons. The Tribe 
requests that both duck and goose seasons open at the earliest possible 
date and close on the latest date under Federal frameworks. For 
nontribal members, the Tribe requests that the season for ducks begin 
September 20, 2003, and end January 26, 2004. In that period, nontribal 
hunters would be allowed to hunt approximately 101 days. Hunters should 
obtain further information on specific hunt days from the Kalispel 
Tribe.
    The Tribe also requests the season for geese run from September 4 
to September 15, 2003, and from October 1, 2003, to January 26, 2004. 
Total number of days would not exceed 107. Nontribal members should 
obtain further information on specific hunt days from the Tribe. Daily 
bag and possession limits would be the same as those for the State of 
Washington.
    The Tribe reports a 2002-03 nontribal harvest of 55 ducks and 0 
geese. Under the proposal, the Tribe expects harvest to be similar to 
last year and less than 30 geese and 100 ducks.
    All other State and Federal regulations contained in 50 CFR part 
20, such as use of non-toxic shot and possession of a signed migratory 
bird hunting stamp, would be required.
    For tribal members on Kalispel-ceded lands, the Kalispel propose 
outside frameworks for ducks and geese of September 1, 2003, through 
January 26, 2004. The Tribe requests that both duck and goose seasons 
open at the earliest possible date and close on the latest date under 
Federal frameworks. However, during that period, the Tribe proposes 
that the season run continuously. Daily bag and possession limits would 
be concurrent with the Federal rule.
    The Tribe reports that there was no 2002-03 tribal harvest. Under 
the proposal, the Tribe expects harvest to be less than 500 birds for 
the season with less than 200 geese. Tribal members would be required 
to possess a signed Federal migratory bird stamp and a tribal ceded 
lands permit.
    We propose to approve the regulations requested by the Kalispel 
Tribe provided that the nontribal seasons conform to Treaty limitations 
and final Federal frameworks for the Pacific Flyway. For the 2003-04 
season, outside Federal frameworks for ducks in the Pacific Flyway 
under the ``moderate'' and ``liberal'' regulatory alternatives are 
September 20, 2003, through January 26, 2004. For geese, frameworks for 
special early Canada goose seasons are September 1 through September 
15, 2003, while regular seasons frameworks are September 28, 2003, 
through January 26, 2004. All seasons for nontribal hunters must 
conform with the 107-day maximum season length established by the 
Treaty.

(j) Klamath Tribe, Chiloquin, Oregon (Tribal Members Only)

    The Klamath Tribe currently has no reservation, per se. However, 
the Klamath Tribe has reserved hunting, fishing, and gathering rights 
within its former reservation boundary. This area of former 
reservation, granted to the Klamaths by the Treaty of 1864, is over 1 
million acres. Tribal natural resource management authority is derived 
from the Treaty of 1864, and carried out cooperatively under the 
judicially enforced Consent Decree of 1981. The parties to this Consent 
Decree are the Federal Government, the State of Oregon, and the 
Klamaths. The Klamath Indian Game Commission sets the seasons. The 
tribal biological staff and tribal Regulatory Enforcement Officers 
monitor tribal harvest by frequent bag checks and hunter interviews.
    For the 2003-04 season, we have not yet heard from the Tribe 
regarding this season's proposal. Based on last year, we assume the 
Tribe would request proposed season dates of October 1, 2003, through 
January 28, 2004. Daily bag limits would be nine for ducks and six for 
geese, with possession limits twice the daily bag limit. The daily bag 
and possession limit for coots would be 25. Shooting hours would be 
one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Steel shot 
is required.
    Based on the number of birds produced in the Klamath Basin, this 
year's harvest would be similar to last year's. Information on tribal 
harvest suggests that more than 70 percent of the annual goose harvest 
is local birds produced in the Klamath Basin.
    We propose to approve the Klamath Tribe's requested 2003-04 special 
migratory bird hunting regulations upon receipt of their proposal and 
confirmation that the Tribe would like to have a special season.

(k) Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Cass Lake, Minnesota (Tribal Members 
Only)

    The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe is a federally recognized Tribe 
located in Cass Lake, Minnesota. The reservation employs conservation 
officers to enforce conservation regulations. The Service and the Tribe 
have cooperatively established migratory bird hunting regulations since 
2000.
    For the 2003-04 season, the Tribe requests a duck season starting 
on September 13 and ending December 31, 2003. They request a goose 
season to

[[Page 47431]]

run from September 1 through December 31, 2003. Daily bag limits for 
both ducks and geese would be 10. Possession limits would be twice the 
daily bag limit. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to 
one-half hour after sunset.
    The annual harvest by tribal members on the Leech Lake Reservation 
is estimated at 1,000-2,000 birds.
    We propose to approve the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe's requested 
2003-04 special migratory bird hunting regulations.

(l) Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Manistee, Michigan (Tribal 
Members Only)

    The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians is a self-governing, 
federally recognized Tribe located in Manistee, Michigan, and a 
signatory Tribe of the Treaty of 1836. We have approved special 
regulations for tribal members of the 1836 treaty's signatory Tribes on 
ceded lands in Michigan since the 1986-87 hunting season. Ceded lands 
are located in Lake, Mason, Manistee, and Wexford Counties.
    For the 2003-04 season, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians 
proposes duck, merganser, coot, and common moorhen seasons from 
September 29 through December 5, 2003. A daily bag limit of eight ducks 
would include no more than one pintail, one canvasback, one black duck, 
two wood ducks, two redheads, three scaup, and five mallards (only one 
of which may be a hen). The daily bag limit for mergansers would be 
five, of which only one could be a hooded merganser. Possession limits 
for mergansers is 10, only 2 of which may be hooded mergansers. The 
daily bag limit for coots and common moorhens would be 12. Possession 
limits would be twice the daily bag limit.
    For Canada geese, white-fronted geese, snow geese, Ross geese, and 
brant, the Tribe proposes a September 1 through November 30, 2003, 
season. Daily bag limits would be 5 Canada geese and a combination of 
10 of all other species. For Canada geese only, the Tribe proposes a 
January 1, 2004, through February 7, 2004, season with a daily bag 
limit of five Canada geese. The possession limit would be twice the 
daily bag limit.
    For snipe, woodcock, and rails, the Tribe proposes a September 1 to 
November 14, 2003, season. The daily bag limit would be 10 common 
snipe, 5 woodcock, and 10 rails. Possession limits for all species 
would be twice the daily bag limit. For mourning dove, the Tribe 
proposes a September 15 to November 14, 2003, season. The daily bag 
limit would be 10 and possession limit of 20.
    The Tribe proposes to monitor harvest through mail surveys. General 
Conditions are as follows:
    A. All tribal members will be required to obtain a valid tribal 
resource card and 2003-04 hunting license.
    B. Except as modified by the Service rules adopted in response to 
this proposal, these amended regulations parallel all Federal 
regulations contained in 50 CFR part 20.
    C. Particular regulations of note include:
    (1) Nontoxic shot will be required for all waterfowl hunting by 
tribal members.
    (2) Tribal members in each zone will comply with tribal regulations 
providing for closed and restricted waterfowl hunting areas. These 
regulations generally incorporate the same restrictions contained in 
parallel State regulations.
    (3) Possession limits for each species are double the daily bag 
limit, except on the opening day of the season, when the possession 
limit equals the daily bag limit, unless otherwise noted above.
    D. Tribal members hunting in Michigan will comply with tribal codes 
that contain provisions parallel to Michigan law regarding duck blinds 
and decoys.
    We propose to approve Little River Band of Ottawa Indians' 
requested 2003-04 special migratory bird hunting regulations.

(m) The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Petoskey, Michigan 
(Tribal Members Only)

    The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians is a self-governing, 
federally recognized Tribe located in Petoskey, Michigan, and a 
signatory Tribe of the Treaty of 1836. We have approved special 
regulations for tribal members of the 1836 treaty's signatory Tribes on 
ceded lands in Michigan since the 1986-87 hunting season.
    For the 2003-04 season, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa 
Indians propose regulations similar to other Tribes in the 1836 treaty 
area. The tribal member duck season would run from September 15, 2003, 
through January 20, 2004. A daily bag limit of 12 would include no more 
than 2 pintail, 2 canvasback, 1 hooded merganser, 3 black ducks, 3 wood 
ducks, 2 redheads, and 6 mallards (only 3 of which may be hens). For 
Canada geese, the Tribe proposes a September 1, 2003, through November 
30, 2003, and January 1, 2004, through February 7, 2004, season. For 
white-fronted geese, brant, and snow geese, the Tribe proposes a 
September 1 through November 30, 2003, season. The daily bag limit for 
Canada geese would be 5 birds, and for snow geese, brant, and white-
fronted geese, 10 birds. Based on our information, it is unlikely that 
any Canada geese from the Southern James Bay Population would be 
harvested by the Tribe. Possession limits are twice the daily bag 
limit.
    For woodcock, the Tribe proposes a September 1, 2003, to November 
14, 2003, season. The daily bag limit will not exceed five birds. For 
snipe, mourning doves, and sora rail, the Tribe proposes a September 1 
to November 14, 2003, season. The daily bag limit will not exceed 10 
birds per species. The possession limit will not exceed two days bag 
limit for all birds.
    All other Federal regulations contained in 50 CFR part 20 would 
apply. The Tribe proposes to monitor harvest closely through game bag 
checks, patrols, and mail surveys. In particular, the Tribe proposes 
monitoring the harvest of Southern James Bay Canada geese to assess any 
impacts of tribal hunting on the population.
    We propose to approve the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa 
Indians' requested 2003-04 special migratory bird hunting regulations.

(n) Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Lower Brule Reservation, Lower Brule, 
South Dakota (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters)

    The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe first established tribal migratory bird 
hunting regulations for the Lower Brule Reservation in 1994. The Lower 
Brule Reservation is about 214,000 acres in size and is located on and 
adjacent to the Missouri River, south of Pierre. Land ownership on the 
reservation is mixed, and until recently, the Lower Brule Tribe had 
full management authority over fish and wildlife via an MOA with the 
State of South Dakota. The MOA provided the Tribe jurisdiction over 
fish and wildlife on reservation lands, including deeded and Corps of 
Engineers taken lands. For the 2003-04 season, the two parties have 
come to an agreement that provides the public a clear understanding of 
the Lower Brule Sioux Wildlife Department license requirements and 
hunting season regulations. The Lower Brule Reservation waterfowl 
season is open to tribal and non-tribal hunters.
    For the 2003-04 migratory bird hunting season, the Lower Brule 
Sioux Tribe proposes a nontribal member duck, merganser, and coot 
season length of 97 days, the same number of days tentatively allowed 
under the ``liberal''

[[Page 47432]]

regulatory alternative in the High Plains Management Unit for this 
season. The Tribe's proposed season would run from October 4, 2003, 
through January 8, 2004. The daily bag limit would be six birds, 
including no more than five mallards (only one of which may be a hen), 
one pintail, two redheads, two wood ducks, three scaup, and one mottled 
duck. The canvasback season for nontribal members is closed. The daily 
bag limit for mergansers would be five, only one of which could be a 
hooded merganser. The daily bag limit for coots would be 15. Possession 
limits would be twice the daily bag limits. The Tribe also proposes a 
youth waterfowl hunt on September 27-28, 2003.
    The Tribe's proposed nontribal member Canada goose season would run 
from October 18, 2003, through January 20, 2004, with a daily bag limit 
of three Canada geese. The Tribe's proposed nontribal member white-
fronted goose season would run from October 18, 2003, through January 
11, 2004, with a daily bag limit of two white-fronted geese. The 
Tribe's proposed nontribal member light goose season would run from 
October 18, 2003, through January 17, 2004, and February 26 through 
March 10, 2004. The light goose daily bag limit would be 20. Possession 
limits would be twice the daily bag limits.
    For tribal members, the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe proposes a duck, 
merganser, and coot season from October 4, 2003, through March 9, 2004. 
The daily bag limit would be six birds, including no more than five 
mallards (only one of which may be a hen), one pintail, two redheads, 
one canvasback, two wood ducks, three scaup, and one mottled duck. The 
daily bag limit for mergansers would be five, only one of which could 
be a hooded merganser. The daily bag limit for coots would be 15. 
Possession limits would be twice the daily bag limits. The Tribe also 
proposes a youth waterfowl hunt on September 27-28, 2003.
    The Tribe's proposed Canada goose season for tribal members would 
run from October 18, 2003, through March 9, 2004, with a daily bag 
limit of three Canada geese. The Tribe's proposed white-fronted goose 
tribal season would run from October 18, 2003, through March 9, 2004, 
with a daily bag limit of two white-fronted geese. The Tribe's proposed 
light goose tribal season would run from October 18, 2003, through 
March 9, 2004. The light goose daily bag limit would be 20. Possession 
limits would be twice the daily bag limits.
    In the 2002-03 season, hunters harvested an estimated 1,785 geese 
and 660 ducks. In the 2002-03 season, duck harvest species composition 
was primarily mallard (60 percent), green-winged teal (19 percent), 
gadwall (10 percent), blue-winged teal (7 percent), and wood duck, 
scaup, pintail, and wigeon (4 percent collectively). Goose harvest 
species composition in 2002 at Mni Sho Sho was approximately 86 percent 
Canada geese, 8 percent snow geese, and 6 percent white-fronted geese. 
Harvest of geese harvested by other hunters was approximately 96 
percent Canada geese, 3 percent snow geese, and 1 percent white-fronted 
geese. However, typical harvest is 100 percent Canada geese with less 
than 1 percent snow geese.
    The Tribe anticipates a duck harvest similar to the 9-year average 
(403) and a goose harvest below the target harvest level of 3,000 to 
4,000 geese. All basic Federal regulations contained in 50 CFR part 20, 
including the use of steel shot, Migratory Waterfowl Hunting and 
Conservation Stamp, etc., would be observed by the Tribe's proposed 
regulations. In addition, the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe has an official 
Conservation Code that was established by Tribal Council Resolution in 
June 1982 and updated in 1996.
    We propose to approve the Tribe's requested regulations for the 
Lower Brule Reservation.

(o) Makah Indian Tribe, Neah Bay, Washington (Tribal Members Only)

    The Makah Indian Tribe and the Service have been cooperating to 
establish special regulations for migratory game birds on the Makah 
Reservation and traditional hunting land off the Makah Reservation 
since the 2001-02 hunting season. Lands off the Makah Reservation are 
those contained within the boundaries of the State of Washington Game 
Management Units 601-603 and 607.
    The Makah Indian Tribe proposes a duck and coot hunting season from 
September 15, 2003, to January 13, 2004. The daily bag limit is seven 
ducks including no more than one canvasback and one redhead. The daily 
bag limit for coots is 25. The Tribe has a year-round closure on wood 
ducks and harlequin ducks. For geese, the Tribe proposes the season 
open on September 15, 2003, and close January 13, 2004. The daily bag 
limit for geese is four. The Tribe notes that there is a year-round 
closure on Aleutian and Dusky Canada geese. For band-tailed pigeons, 
the Tribe proposes the season open September 1, 2003, and close October 
31, 2003. The daily bag limit for band-tailed pigeons is two. Shooting 
hours for all species of waterfowl are one-half hour before sunrise to 
sunset.
    The Tribe anticipates that harvest under this regulation will be 
relatively low since fewer than 20 hunters are likely to participate at 
this time. The Tribe expects fewer than 70 ducks and 20 geese are 
expected to be harvested during the 2003-04 migratory bird hunting 
season.
    All other Federal regulations contained in 50 CFR part 20 would 
apply. The following restrictions are also proposed by the Tribe: (1) 
As per Makah Ordinance 44, only shotguns may be used to hunt any 
species of waterfowl. Additionally, shotguns must not be discharged 
within 0.25 miles of an occupied area; (2) Hunters must be eligible, 
enrolled Makah tribal members and must carry their Indian Treaty 
Fishing and Hunting Identification Card while hunting. No tags or 
permits are required to hunt waterfowl; (3) The Cape Flattery area is 
open to waterfowl hunting, except in designated wilderness areas, or 
within one mile of Cape Flattery Trail, or in any area that is closed 
to hunting by another ordinance or regulation; (4) The use of live 
decoys and/or baiting to pursue any species of waterfowl is prohibited; 
(5) Steel or bismuth shot only for waterfowl is allowed; the use of 
lead shot is prohibited; (6) The use of dogs is permitted to hunt 
waterfowl.
    We propose to approve the Makah Indian Tribe's requested 2003-04 
special migratory bird hunting regulations.

(p) Navajo Nation, Navajo Indian Reservation, Window Rock, Arizona 
(Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters)

    Since 1985, we have established uniform migratory bird hunting 
regulations for tribal members and nonmembers on the Navajo Indian 
Reservation (in parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah). The Navajo 
Nation owns almost all lands on the reservation and has full wildlife 
management authority.
    The Tribe requests special migratory bird hunting regulations on 
the reservation for both tribal and nontribal members for the 2003-04 
hunting season for ducks (including mergansers), Canada geese, coots, 
band-tailed pigeons, and mourning doves. For ducks, mergansers, Canada 
geese, and coots, the Navajo Nation requests the earliest opening dates 
and longest seasons, and the same daily bag and possession limits 
permitted Pacific Flyway States under final Federal frameworks.
    For both mourning dove and band-tailed pigeons, the Navajo Nation 
proposes seasons of September 1 through 30, 2003, with daily bag limits

[[Page 47433]]

of 10 and 5 for mourning dove and band-tailed pigeon, respectively. 
Possession limits would be twice the daily bag limits.
    The Nation requires tribal members and nonmembers to comply with 
all basic Federal migratory bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20 
pertaining to shooting hours and manner of taking. In addition, each 
waterfowl hunter 16 years of age or over must carry on his/her person a 
valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) signed 
in ink across the face of the stamp. Special regulations established by 
the Navajo Nation also apply on the reservation.
    The Tribe anticipates a total harvest of less than 100 mourning 
doves, 20 band-tailed pigeons, 500 ducks, coots, and mergansers, and 
300 Canada geese for the 2003-04 season. Harvest will be measured by 
mail survey forms. Through the established Tribal Nation Code, Title 17 
and 18 U.S.C. 1165, the Tribe will take action to close the season, 
reduce bag limits, or take other appropriate actions if the harvest is 
detrimental to the migratory bird resource.
    We propose to approve the Navajo Nation's request for these special 
regulations for the 2003-04 migratory bird hunting seasons.

(q) Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin, Oneida, Wisconsin (Tribal 
Members Only)

    Since 1991-92, the Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin and the 
Service have cooperated to establish uniform regulations for migratory 
bird hunting by tribal and non-tribal hunters within the original 
Oneida Reservation boundaries. Since 1985, the Oneida Tribe's 
Conservation Department has enforced their own hunting regulations 
within those original reservation limits. The Oneida Tribe also has a 
good working relationship with the State of Wisconsin and the majority 
of the seasons and limits are the same for the Tribe and Wisconsin.
    In a May 13, 2003, letter, and a June 26, 2003 supplemental letter, 
the Tribe proposed special migratory bird hunting regulations. For 
ducks, the Tribe described the general ``outside dates'' as being 
September 27 through December 7, 2003, with a closed segment of 
November 22 through 30. The Tribe proposes a daily bag limit of six 
birds, which could include no more than six mallards (three hen 
mallards), five wood ducks, one redhead, two pintails, and one hooded 
merganser.
    For geese, the Tribe requests a season between September 1 and 
December 31, 2003, with a daily bag limit of three Canada geese. 
Hunters will be issued three tribal tags for geese in order to monitor 
goose harvest. An additional three tags will be issued each time birds 
are registered. The Tribe will close the season November 22 to 30, 
2003. If a quota of 150 geese is attained before the season concludes, 
the Tribe will recommend closing the season early.
    For woodcock, the Tribe proposes a season between September 13 and 
November 16, 2003, with a daily bag and possession limit of 5 and 10, 
respectively.
    For mourning dove, the Tribe proposes a season between September 1 
and November 16, 2003, with a daily bag and possession limit of 10 and 
20, respectively.
    The Tribe proposes shooting hours be one-half hour before sunrise 
to one-half hour after sunset.
    Nontribal members hunting on the Reservation or on lands under the 
jurisdiction of the Tribe must comply with all State of Wisconsin 
regulations, including shooting hours of one-half hour before sunrise 
to sunset, season dates, and daily bag limits. Tribal members and 
nontribal members hunting on the Reservation or on lands under the 
jurisdiction of the Tribe will observe all basic Federal migratory bird 
hunting regulations found in 50 CFR part 20, with the following 
exceptions: Oneida members would be exempt from the purchase of the 
Migratory Waterfowl Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp); and 
shotgun capacity is not limited to three shells. Tribal member shooting 
hours will be from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after 
sunset.
    The Service proposes to approve the request for special migratory 
bird hunting regulations for the Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin.

(r) Point No Point Treaty Tribes, Kingston, Washington (Tribal Members 
Only)

    Since 1996, the Service and the Point No Point Treaty Tribes, 
consisting of the Skokomish, Port Gamble S'klallam, Jamestown 
S'klallam, and Elwha S'klallam Tribes, have cooperated to establish 
special regulations for migratory bird hunting. The four Tribes have 
reservations located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. All four 
Tribes have successfully administered tribal hunting regulations since 
1985, and each Tribe has a comprehensive hunting ordinance.
    For the 2003-04 season, the Tribe requests seasons for ducks, 
geese, brant, coots, snipe, band-tailed pigeons, and mourning doves. 
For ducks, coots, geese, and snipe, the season would run from September 
15, 2003, to March 10, 2004, with a daily bag limit of 7 ducks, 25 
coots, 4 geese (including no more than 3 light geese), and 8 snipe. The 
duck daily bag limit would include mergansers and could include no more 
than two hen mallards, one pintail, one canvasback, one harlequin, and 
two redheads. The goose daily bag limit is to include no more than 
three light geese. The season is closed on Aleutian Canada geese. For 
brant, the season would run from November 1, 2003, to March 10, 2004. 
The daily bag limit for brant would be two. All possession limits would 
be twice the daily bag limit. For band-tailed pigeons and mourning 
doves, the season would start September 1, 2003, and end March 10, 
2004. The band-tailed pigeon daily bag limit would be 2, with a 
possession limit of 4, and the mourning dove daily bag limit would be 
10, possession limit of 20.
    The Tribes require that all hunters authorized to hunt migratory 
birds on the reservation obtain a tribal hunting permit from the 
respective Tribe. Hunters are also required to adhere to a number of 
special regulations available at the tribal office. Tribal harvest in 
2002-03 under similar regulations was approximately 150 ducks, 20 
geese, and 25 coots.
    We propose to approve the Point No Point Treaty Tribe's 2003-04 
regulations.

(s) Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Fort Hall Indian Reservation, Fort Hall, 
Idaho (Nontribal Hunters)

    Almost all of the Fort Hall Indian Reservation is tribally owned. 
The Tribes claim full wildlife management authority throughout the 
reservation, but the Idaho Fish and Game Department has disputed tribal 
jurisdiction, especially for hunting by non-tribal members on 
reservation lands owned by non-Indians. As a compromise, since 1985, we 
have established the same waterfowl hunting regulations on the 
reservation and in a surrounding off-reservation State zone. The 
regulations were requested by the Tribes and provided for different 
season dates than in the remainder of the State. We agreed to the 
season dates because they seemed to provide additional protection to 
mallards and pintails. The State of Idaho concurred with the zoning 
arrangement. We have no objection to the State's use of this zone again 
in the 2003-04 hunting season, provided the duck and goose hunting 
season dates are the same as on the reservation.
    In a proposal for the 2003-04 hunting season, the Shoshone-Bannock 
Tribes

[[Page 47434]]

requested a continuous duck (including mergansers) season with the 
maximum number of days and the same daily bag and possession limits 
permitted for Pacific Flyway States, under final Federal frameworks. 
The Tribes propose that, if the same number of hunting days are 
permitted as last year, the season would have an opening date of 
October 4, 2003, and a closing date of January 11, 2004. Coot and snipe 
season dates would be the same as for ducks, with the same daily bag 
and possession limits permitted for Pacific Flyway States. The Tribes 
anticipate harvest will be between 2,000 and 5,000 ducks.
    The Tribes also requested a continuous goose season with the 
maximum number of days and the same daily bag and possession limits 
permitted in Idaho under Federal frameworks. The Tribes propose that, 
if the same number of hunting days are permitted as in previous years, 
the season would have an opening date of October 4, 2003, and a closing 
date of January 4, 2004. The Tribes anticipate harvest will be between 
4,000 and 6,000 geese.
    The Tribe requests a common snipe season with the maximum number of 
days and the same daily bag and possession limits permitted in Idaho 
under Federal frameworks. The Tribes propose that, if the same number 
of hunting days are permitted as in previous years, the season would 
have an opening date of October 4, 2003, and a closing date of January 
11, 2004.
    Nontribal hunters must comply with all basic Federal migratory bird 
hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20 pertaining to shooting hours, use 
of steel shot, and manner of taking. Special regulations established by 
the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes also apply on the reservation.
    We note that the requested regulations are nearly identical to 
those of last year and propose they be approved for the 2003-04 hunting 
season.

(t) Squaxin Island Tribe, Squaxin Island Reservation, Shelton, 
Washington (Tribal Members Only)

    The Squaxin Island Tribe of Washington and the Service have 
cooperated since 1995 to establish special tribal migratory bird 
hunting regulations. These special regulations apply to tribal members 
on the Squaxin Island Reservation, located in western Washington near 
Olympia, and all lands within the traditional hunting grounds of the 
Squaxin Island Tribe.
    For the 2003-04 season, the Tribe requests to establish duck and 
coot seasons that would run from September 15, 2003, through January 
15, 2004. The daily bag limit for ducks is five per day and could 
include only one canvasback. The season on harlequin ducks is closed. 
For coots the daily bag limit is 25. For snipe, the Tribe proposes the 
season start on September 15, 2003, and end on January 15, 2004. The 
daily bag limit for snipe is eight.
    For geese, the Tribe proposes establishing a season that would run 
from September 15, 2003, through January 15, 2004. The daily bag limit 
for geese is four and could include only two snow geese. The season on 
Aleutian and cackling Canada geese is closed. For brant, the Tribe 
proposes to establish a September 15 to December 31, 2003, season with 
a daily bag limit of two. The Tribe also proposes a September 1 to 
December 31, 2003, season for band-tailed pigeons with a daily bag 
limit of five.
    In all cases, the possession limit would be twice the daily bag 
limit. Shooting hours would be from one-half hour before sunrise to 
one-half hour after sunset, and steel shot would be required for 
migratory bird hunting. Further, the Tribe requires that all harvest be 
reported to their Natural Resources Office within 72 hours.
    In 1995, the Tribe reported no harvest of any species. Tribal 
regulations are enforced by the Tribe's Law Enforcement Department.
    We propose to approve the Squaxin Island Tribe's requested 2003-04 
special migratory bird hunting regulations.

(u) Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, Arlington, Washington (Tribal 
Members Only)

    The Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians and the Service have cooperated 
to establish special regulations for migratory game birds since 2001. 
The Tribe is proposing regulations to hunt all open and unclaimed lands 
under the Treaty of Point Elliott of January 22, 1855, including their 
main hunting grounds around Camano Island, Skagit Flats, Port Susan to 
the border of the Tulalip Tribe's Reservation. Ceded lands are located 
in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, and Kings Counties, and a portion of 
Pierce County, Washington. The Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians is a 
federally recognized Tribe and reserves the Treaty Right to hunt (U.S. 
v. Washington).
    The Tribe proposes that duck (including mergansers, sea ducks, and 
coots), goose, and snipe seasons run from October 1, 2003, to January 
31, 2004. The daily bag limit on ducks (including sea ducks and 
mergansers) is 10 and must include no more than 7 mallards (only 3 of 
which can be hens), 3 pintail, 3 redhead, 3 scaup, and 3 canvasback. 
The daily bag limit for coot is 25. For geese, the daily bag limit is 
six. The daily bag limit on brant is three. The daily bag limit for 
snipe is ten. Possession limits are totals of two daily bag limits.
    Harvest is regulated by a punch card system. Tribal members hunting 
on lands under this proposal will observe all basic Federal migratory 
bird hunting regulations found in 50 CFR part 20, which will be 
enforced by the Stillaguamish Tribal Law Enforcement. Tribal members 
are required to use steel shot or a non-toxic shot as required by 
Federal regulations.
    The Tribe anticipates a total harvest of 200 ducks, 100 geese, 50 
mergansers, 50 brant, 100 coots, and 100 snipe. Anticipated harvest 
needs include subsistence and ceremonial needs. Certain species may be 
closed to hunting for conservation purposes, and consideration for the 
needs of certain species will be addressed.
    The Service proposes to approve the request for special migratory 
bird hunting regulations for the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians.

(v) Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, LaConner, Washington (Tribal 
Members Only)

    In 1996, the Service and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community 
began cooperating to establish special regulations for migratory bird 
hunting. The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community is a Federally 
recognized Indian Tribe consisting of the Suiattle, Skagit, and 
Kikialos. The Swinomish Reservation was established by the Treaty of 
Point Elliott of January 22, 1855, and lies in the Puget Sound area 
north of Seattle, Washington.
    For the 2003-04 season, the Tribe requests to establish a migratory 
bird hunting season on all areas that are open and unclaimed and 
consistent with the meaning of the treaty. The Tribe requests to 
establish duck, merganser, Canada goose, brant, and coot seasons 
opening on the earliest possible date allowed by the final Federal 
frameworks for the Pacific Flyway and closing 30 days after the State 
of Washington closes its season. The Swinomish requests an additional 
three birds of each species over that allowed by the State for daily 
bag and possession limits.
    The Community normally anticipates that the regulations will result 
in the harvest of approximately 300 ducks, 50 Canada geese, 75 
mergansers, 100 brant, and 50 coot. The Swinomish utilize a report card 
and permit system to monitor harvest and will implement steps to limit 
harvest where conservation is needed. All tribal

[[Page 47435]]

regulations will be enforced by tribal fish and game officers.
    On reservation, the Tribal Community proposes a hunting season for 
the above-mentioned species beginning on the earliest possible opening 
date and closing March 9, 2004. The Swinomish manage harvest by a 
report card permit system, and we anticipate harvest will be similar to 
that expected off reservation.
    We believe the estimated harvest by the Swinomish will be minimal 
and will not adversely affect migratory bird populations. We propose to 
approve the Tribe's requested 2003-04 special migratory bird hunting 
regulations.

(w) The Tulalip Tribes of Washington, Tulalip Indian Reservation, 
Marysville, Washington (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters)

    The Tulalip Tribes are the successors in interest to the Tribes and 
bands signatory to the Treaty of Point Elliott of January 22, 1855. The 
Tulalip Tribes' government is located on the Tulalip Indian Reservation 
just north of the City of Everett in Snohomish County, Washington. The 
Tribes or individual tribal members own all of the land on the 
reservation, and they have full wildlife management authority. All 
lands within the boundaries of the Tulalip Tribes Reservation are 
closed to nonmember hunting unless opened by Tulalip Tribal 
regulations.
    The Tulalip Tribes proposed tribal and nontribal hunting 
regulations for the 2003-04 season. Migratory waterfowl hunting by 
Tulalip Tribal members is authorized by Tulalip Tribal Ordinance No. 
67. For ducks, mergansers, coot, and snipe, the proposed season for 
tribal members would be from September 15, 2003, through February 29, 
2004. In the case of nontribal hunters hunting on the reservation, the 
season would be the latest closing date and the longest period of time 
allowed under final Pacific Flyway Federal frameworks. Daily bag and 
possession limits for Tulalip Tribal members would be 7 and 14 ducks, 
respectively, except that for blue-winged teal, canvasback, harlequin, 
pintail, and wood duck, the bag and possession limits would be the same 
as those established in accordance with final Federal frameworks. For 
nontribal hunters, bag and possession limits would be the same as those 
permitted under final Federal frameworks. Nontribal members should 
check with the Tulalip tribal authorities regarding additional 
conservation measures which may apply to specific species managed 
within the region. Ceremonial hunting may be authorized by the 
Department of Natural Resources at any time upon application of a 
qualified tribal member. Such a hunt must have a bag limit designed to 
limit harvest only to those birds necessary to provide for the 
ceremony.
    For geese, tribal members are proposed to be allowed to hunt from 
September 15, 2003, through February 29, 2004. Non-tribal hunters would 
be allowed the longest season and the latest closing date permitted for 
Pacific Flyway Federal frameworks. For tribal hunters, the goose daily 
bag and possession limits would be 7 and 14, respectively, except that 
the bag limits for brant, cackling Canada geese, and dusky Canada geese 
would be those established in accordance with final Federal frameworks. 
For nontribal hunters hunting on reservation lands, the daily bag and 
possession limits would be those established in accordance with final 
Federal frameworks for the Pacific Flyway. The Tulalip Tribes also set 
a maximum annual bag limit for those tribal members who engage in 
subsistence hunting of 365 ducks and 365 geese.
    All hunters on Tulalip Tribal lands are required to adhere to 
shooting hour regulations set at one-half hour before sunrise to 
sunset, special tribal permit requirements, and a number of other 
tribal regulations enforced by the Tribe. Nontribal hunters 16 years of 
age and older, hunting pursuant to Tulalip Tribes' Ordinance No. 67, 
must possess a valid Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation 
Stamp and a valid State of Washington Migratory Waterfowl Stamp. Both 
stamps must be validated by signing across the face of the stamp.
    Although the season length requested by the Tulalip Tribes appears 
to be quite liberal, harvest information indicates a total take by 
tribal and nontribal hunters under 1,000 ducks and 500 geese, annually.
    We propose approval of the Tulalip Tribe's request for the above 
seasons. We request that harvest be monitored closely and regulations 
be reevaluated for future years if harvest becomes too great in 
relation to population numbers.

(x) Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Sedro Woolley, Washington (Tribal 
Members Only)

    The Upper Skagit Indian Tribe and the Service have cooperated to 
establish special regulations for migratory game birds since 2001. The 
Tribe has jurisdiction over lands within Skagit, Island, and Whatcom 
Counties, Washington. Tribal hunters are issued a harvest report card 
that will be shared with the State of Washington.
    For the 2003-04 duck season, the Tribe requests a season of 
November 1, 2003, and ending February 8, 2004. The Tribe proposes a 
daily bag limit of 15 with a possession limit of 20. The coot daily bag 
limit is 20 with a possession limit of 30.
    The Tribe proposes a goose season from November 1, 2003, to 
February 8, 2004, with a daily bag limit of seven geese and five brant. 
The possession limit for geese and brant are seven and five, 
respectively.
    The Tribe proposes a mourning dove season between September 1 to 
December 31, 2003, with a daily bag limit of 12 and possession limit of 
20.
    The anticipated migratory bird harvest under this proposal would be 
100 ducks, 5 geese, 2 brant, and 10 coots. Tribal members must have the 
tribal identification and harvest report card on their person to hunt. 
Tribal members hunting on the Reservation will observe all basic 
Federal migratory bird hunting regulations found in 50 CFR, except 
shooting hours would be one-half hour before official sunrise to one-
half hour after official sunset.
    The Service proposes to approve the request for special migratory 
bird hunting regulations for the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe. We request 
that the Tribe closely monitor harvest of this special migratory bird 
hunting season.

(y) Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head, Aquinnah, Massachusetts (Tribal 
Members Only)

    The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head is a federally-recognized Tribe 
located on the island of Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts. The Tribe 
has approximately 560 acres of land, which it manages for wildlife 
through its natural resources department. The Tribe also enforces its 
own wildlife laws and regulations through the natural resources 
department.
    For the 2003-04 season, the Tribe proposes a duck season of 
November 1, 2003, to February 28, 2004. The Tribe proposes a daily bag 
limit of six birds, which could include no more than two hen mallards, 
two black ducks, two mottled ducks, one fulvous whistling duck, four 
mergansers, three scaup, one hooded merganser, two wood ducks, one 
canvasback, two redheads, and one pintail. The season for harlequins 
would be closed. The Tribe proposes a teal (green-winged and blue) 
season of October 18, 2003, to January 31, 2004. A daily bag limit of 
six teal would be in addition to the daily bag limit for ducks.
    For sea ducks, the Tribe proposes a season between October 18, 
2003, and February 28, 2004, with a daily bag limit

[[Page 47436]]

of seven, which could include no more than one hen eider and four of 
any one species unless otherwise noted above.
    For geese, the Tribe requests a season between September 13 to 
September 27, 2003, and November 1, 2003, through February 28, 2004, 
with a daily bag limit of 5 Canada geese during the first period and 3 
Canada geese during the second period. They propose a daily bag limit 
of 15 snow geese.
    For woodcock, the Tribe proposes a season between October 18 and 
November 29, 2003, with a daily bag limit of three.
    The Tribe currently has 22 registered tribal hunters and estimates 
harvest to be no more than 40 geese, 50 mallards, 50 teal, 50 black 
ducks, and 50 of all other species combined. Tribal members hunting on 
the Reservation will observe all basic Federal migratory bird hunting 
regulations found in 50 CFR part 20. Hunters will be required to 
register with the HIP program.
    The Service proposes to approve the request for special migratory 
bird hunting regulations for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head.

(z) White Earth Band of Ojibwe, White Earth, Minnesota (Tribal Members 
Only)

    The White Earth Band of Ojibwe is a federally-recognized tribe 
located in northwest Minnesota and encompasses all of Mahnomen County 
and parts of Becker and Clearwater Counties. The reservation employs 
conservation officers to enforce migratory bird regulations. The Tribe 
and the Service first cooperated to establish special tribal 
regulations in 1999.
    For the 2003-04 migratory bird hunting season, the White Earth Band 
of Ojibwe request a duck and merganser season to start September 13 and 
end December 14, 2003. For ducks, they request a daily bag limit of 10 
including no more than 2 mallards and 2 canvasback. The merganser daily 
bag limit would be 5 with no more than 2 hooded mergansers. For geese, 
the Tribe proposes a September 1 to December 14, 2003, season with a 
daily bag limit of five geese.
    For coots, dove, rail, woodcock, and snipe, the Tribe proposes a 
September 7 to December 31, 2003, season with daily bag limits of 20 
coots, 25 doves, 25 rails, 10 woodcock, and 10 snipe. Shooting hours 
are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. 
Nontoxic shot is required.
    Based on past harvest surveys, the Tribe anticipates harvest of 
1,000 to 2,000 Canada geese and 1,000 to 1,500 ducks. The White Earth 
Reservation Tribal Council employs four full-time Conservation Officers 
to enforce migratory bird regulations.
    We propose to approve the White Earth Band of Ojibwe's requested 
2003-04 special migratory bird hunting regulations for this year.

(aa) White Mountain Apache Tribe, Fort Apache Indian Reservation, 
Whiteriver, Arizona (Tribal Members and Nontribal Hunters)

    The White Mountain Apache Tribe owns all reservation lands, and the 
Tribe has recognized full wildlife management authority. The White 
Mountain Apache Tribe has requested regulations that are essentially 
unchanged from those agreed to since the 1997-98 hunting year.
    The hunting zone for waterfowl is restricted and is described as: 
the length of the Black River west of the Bonito Creek and Black River 
confluence and the entire length of the Salt River forming the southern 
boundary of the reservation; the White River, extending from the Canyon 
Day Stockman Station to the Salt River; and all stock ponds located 
within Wildlife Management Units 4, 5, 6, and 7. Tanks located below 
the Mogollon Rim, within Wildlife Management Units 2 and 3 will be open 
to waterfowl hunting during the 2003-04 season. The length of the Black 
River east of the Black River/Bonito Creek confluence is closed to 
waterfowl hunting. All other waters of the reservation would be closed 
to waterfowl hunting for the 2003-04 season.
    For nontribal and tribal hunters, the Tribe proposes a continuous 
duck, coot, merganser, gallinule, and moorhen hunting season, with an 
opening date of October 11, 2003, and a closing date of January 25, 
2004. The Tribe proposes a separate pintail season, with an opening 
date of October 11, 2003, and a closing date of December 10, 2003. The 
season on canvasback is closed. The Tribe proposes a daily duck 
(including mergansers) bag limit of seven, which may include no more 
than two redheads, one pintail (when open), and seven mallards 
(including no more than two hen mallards). The daily bag limit for 
coots, gallinules, and moorhens would be 25, singly or in the 
aggregate.
    For geese, the Tribe is proposing a season from October 11, 2003, 
through January 25, 2004. Hunting would be limited to Canada geese, and 
the daily bag limit would be three.
    Season dates for band-tailed pigeons and mourning doves would run 
concurrently from September 3 through September 17, 2003, in Wildlife 
Management Unit 10 and all areas south of Y-70 in Wildlife Management 
Unit 7, only. Proposed daily bag limits for band-tailed pigeons and 
mourning doves would be 3 and 10, respectively.
    Possession limits for the above species are twice the daily bag 
limits. Shooting hours would be from one-half hour before sunrise to 
sunset. There would be no open season for sandhill cranes, rails, and 
snipe on the White Mountain Apache lands under this proposal. A number 
of special regulations apply to tribal and nontribal hunters, which may 
be obtained from the White Mountain Apache Tribe Game and Fish 
Department.
    We propose to approve the regulations requested by the Tribe for 
the 2003-04 season.

(bb) Yankton Sioux Tribe, Marty, South Dakota (Tribal Members and 
Nontribal Hunters)

    On May 28, 2003, the Yankton Sioux Tribe submitted a waterfowl 
hunting proposal for the 2003-04 season. The Yankton Sioux tribal 
waterfowl hunting season would be open to both tribal members and 
nontribal hunters. The waterfowl hunting regulations would apply to 
tribal and trust lands within the external boundaries of the 
reservation.
    For ducks (including mergansers) and coots, the Yankton Sioux Tribe 
proposes a season starting October 9, 2003, and running for the maximum 
amount of days allowed under the final Federal frameworks. The Tribe 
indicated that if the Service decided to close the canvasback season, 
the Tribe would close theirs. Daily bag and possession limits would be 
6 ducks, which may include no more than 5 mallards (no more than 2 
hens), 1 canvasback (if open), 2 redheads, 3 scaup, 1 pintail, or 2 
wood ducks. The bag limit for mergansers is 5, which would include no 
more than 1 hooded merganser. The coot daily bag limit is 15.
    For geese, the Tribe has requested a dark geese (Canada geese, 
brant, white-fronts) season starting October 29, 2003, and closing 
January 31, 2004. The daily bag limit would be three geese (including 
no more than one whitefront or brant). Possession limits would be twice 
the daily bag limit.
    For white geese, the proposed hunting season would start October 
29, 2003, and run for the maximum amount of days allowed under the 
final Federal frameworks. Daily bag and possession limits would be the 
maximum as those allowed under Federal frameworks.
    All hunters would have to be in possession of a valid tribal 
license while hunting on Yankton Sioux trust lands. Tribal and 
nontribal hunters must comply with all basic Federal migratory

[[Page 47437]]

bird hunting regulations in 50 CFR part 20 pertaining to shooting hours 
and the manner of taking. Special regulations established by the 
Yankton Sioux Tribe also apply on the reservation.
    During the 2002-03 hunting season, the Tribe reported that 65 
nontribal hunters took 350 Canada geese, 25 light geese, and 75 ducks. 
One hundred and twenty-two tribal members harvested less than 50 geese 
and 50 ducks.
    We concur with the Yankton Sioux proposal for the 2003-04 hunting 
season.

Public Comment Invited

    We intend that adopted final rules be as responsive as possible to 
all concerned interests and, therefore, desire to obtain the comments 
and suggestions of the public, other governmental agencies, 
nongovernmental organizations, and other private interests on these 
proposals. However, special circumstances are involved in the 
establishment of these regulations, which 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 appropriately 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 the comment period past the date specified in DATES is 
contrary to the public interest.
    The Department of the Interior's policy is, whenever practicable, 
to afford the public an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking 
process. Accordingly, we invite interested persons to submit written 
comments, suggestions, or recommendations regarding the proposed 
regulations. 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. We invite 
interested persons to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments to the address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES. 
You may inspect comments received on the proposed annual regulations 
during normal business hours at the Service's office in room 4107, 4501 
North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia.
    Our practice is to make comments, including names and addresses of 
respondents, available for public review during regular business hours. 
Individual respondents may request that we withhold their home address 
from the rulemaking record, which we will honor to the extent allowable 
by law. In some circumstances, we would withhold from the rulemaking 
record a respondent's identity, as allowable by law. If you wish for us 
to withhold your name and/or address, you must state this prominently 
at the beginning of your comment. However, we will not consider 
anonymous comments. We will make all submissions from organizations or 
businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as 
representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, available 
for public inspection in their entirety.
    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. As in the past, we will summarize all comments 
received during the comment period and respond to them after the 
closing date in the final rules.

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 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). In addition, an August 1985 environmental 
assessment entitled ``Guidelines for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations 
on Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands'' is available from the 
address indicated under the caption ADDRESSES.
    In a proposed rule published in the April 30, 2001, Federal 
Register (66 FR 21298), we expressed our intent to begin the process of 
developing a new EIS for the migratory bird hunting program.

Endangered Species Act Consideration

    Prior to issuance of the 2003-04 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 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 rulemaking documents.

Executive Order 12866

    This rule is economically significant and was reviewed by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under Executive Order 12866. The 
migratory bird hunting regulations are economically significant and are 
annually reviewed by OMB under Executive Order 12866. As such, a cost/
benefit analysis was prepared in 1998 and is further discussed below 
under the heading Regulatory Flexibility Act. Copies of the cost/
benefit analysis are available upon request from the address indicated 
under the caption ADDRESSES.
    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 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?
    (6) What else could we do to make the rule easier to understand?
    Send a copy of any comments that concern how we could make this 
rule easier to understand to: Office of the Executive Secretariat and 
Regulatory Affairs, Department of the Interior, Room 7229, 1849 C 
Street NW, Washington, DC 20240. You may also e-mail comments to this 
address: [email protected].

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 2003. The Analysis 
documented the significant beneficial economic effect on a substantial 
number of small entities.

[[Page 47438]]

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 
2001 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 $470 million and $1.2 
billion at small businesses in 2003. 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 required by 5 U.S.C. 801 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 
clearance 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 clearance 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 the 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 impose a cost of $100 million or more in any given 
year on local or State government or private entities. Therefore, this 
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.

Takings Implication Assessment

    In accordance with Executive Order 12630, this proposed rule, 
authorized by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 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, these rules allow hunters to exercise 
otherwise unavailable privileges and, therefore, reduce restrictions on 
the use of private and public property.

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. While this proposed 
rule is a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866, it 
is not expected to adversely affect energy supplies, distribution, or 
use. Therefore, this action is not a significant energy action and no 
Statement of Energy Effects is required.

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 regarding the hunting of migratory 
birds, and we 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 
process 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.

Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

    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. Thus, in accordance with the President's 
memorandum of April 29, 1994, ``Government-to-Government Relations with 
Native American Tribal Governments'' (59 FR 22951), Executive Order 
13175, and 512 DM 2, we have evaluated possible effects on Federally 
recognized Indian tribes and have determined that there are no effects 
on Indian trust resources. However, by virtue of the tribal proposals 
contained in this proposed rule, we have consulted with all the tribes 
affected by this rule.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20

    Exports, Hunting, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Transportation, Wildlife.
    Based on the results of soon-to-be-completed migratory game bird 
studies, and having due consideration for any data or views submitted 
by interested parties, this proposed rulemaking may result in the 
adoption of special hunting regulations for migratory birds beginning 
as early as September 1, 2003, on certain Federal Indian reservations, 
off-reservation trust lands, and ceded lands. Taking into account both 
reserved hunting rights and the degree to which tribes have full 
wildlife management authority, the regulations only for tribal members 
or for both tribal and nontribal members may differ from those 
established by States in which the reservations, off-reservation trust 
lands, and ceded lands are located. The regulations will specify open 
seasons, shooting hours, and bag and possession limits for rails, coot, 
gallinules (including moorhen), woodcock, common snipe, band-tailed 
pigeons, mourning doves, white-winged doves, ducks (including 
mergansers), and geese.

[[Page 47439]]

    The rules that eventually will be promulgated for the 2003-04 
hunting season are authorized under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act 
(MBTA) of July 3, 1918 (40 Stat. 755; 16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.), as 
amended. The MBTA authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Interior, 
having due regard for the zones of temperature and for the 
distribution, abundance, economic value, breeding habits, and times and 
lines of flight of migratory game birds, to determine when, to what 
extent, and by what means such birds or any part, nest, or egg thereof 
may be taken, hunted, captured, killed, possessed, sold, purchased, 
shipped, carried, exported, or transported.

    Dated: July 30, 2003.
Craig Manson,
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 03-20290 Filed 8-7-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P