[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 187 (Friday, September 26, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55784-55805]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-24386]



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

  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 187 / Friday, September 26, 2003 / 
Rules and Regulations  

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 20

RIN 1018-AI93


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

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) prescribes final 
late-season frameworks from which States may select season dates, 
limits, and other options for the 2003-04 migratory bird hunting 
seasons. These late seasons include most waterfowl seasons, the 
earliest of which commences on September 27, 2003. The effect of this 
final rule is to facilitate the States' selection of hunting seasons 
and to further the annual establishment of the late-season migratory 
bird hunting regulations.

DATES: This rule takes effect on September 26, 2003.

ADDRESSES: States should send their season selections to: 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. You may inspect comments during normal business 
hours at the Service's office in room 4107, 4501 N. Fairfax Drive, 
Arlington, Virginia.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulations Schedule for 2003

    On May 6, 2003, we published in the Federal Register (68 FR 24324) 
a proposal to amend 50 CFR part 20. The proposal provided a background 
and overview of the migratory bird hunting regulations process, and 
dealt with the establishment of seasons, limits, the proposed 
regulatory alternatives for the 2003-04 duck hunting season, and other 
regulations for migratory game birds under Sec. Sec.  20.101 through 
20.107, 20.109, and 20.110 of subpart K. On June 23, 2003, we published 
in the Federal Register (68 FR 37362) a second document providing 
supplemental proposals for early- and late-season migratory bird 
hunting regulations frameworks and the regulatory alternatives for the 
2003-04 duck hunting season. The June 23 supplement also provided 
detailed information on the 2003-04 regulatory schedule and announced 
the Service Migratory Bird Regulations Committee (SRC) and Flyway 
Council meetings.
    On June 18-19, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council 
Consultants at which the participants reviewed information on the 
current status of migratory shore and upland game birds and developed 
recommendations for the 2003-04 regulations for these species plus 
regulations for migratory game birds in Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the 
Virgin Islands, special September waterfowl seasons in designated 
States, special sea duck seasons in the Atlantic Flyway, and extended 
falconry seasons. In addition, we reviewed and discussed preliminary 
information on the status of waterfowl as it relates to the development 
and selection of the regulatory packages for the 2003-04 regular 
waterfowl seasons. On July 17, 2003, we published in the Federal 
Register (68 FR 42546) a third document specifically dealing with the 
proposed frameworks for early-season regulations. In the August 27, 
2003, Federal Register (68 FR 51658), we published final frameworks for 
early migratory bird hunting seasons from which wildlife conservation 
agency officials from the States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands 
selected 2003-04 early-season hunting dates, hours, areas, and limits. 
Subsequently, on August 28, 2003, we published a final rule in the 
Federal Register (68 FR 51832) amending subpart K of title 50 CFR part 
20 to set hunting seasons, hours, areas, and limits for early seasons.
    On July 30-31, 2003, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council 
Consultants, at which the participants reviewed the status of waterfowl 
and developed recommendations for the 2003-04 regulations for these 
species. On August 19, 2003, we published in the Federal Register (68 
FR 50016) the proposed frameworks for the 2003-04 late-season migratory 
bird hunting regulations. This document establishes final frameworks 
for late-season migratory bird hunting regulations for the 2003-04 
season. We will publish State selections in the Federal Register as 
amendments to Sec. Sec.  20.101 through 20.107, and Sec.  20.109 of 
title 50 CFR part 20.

Population Status and Harvest

    A brief summary of information on the status and harvest of 
waterfowl excerpted from various reports was included in the August 19 
supplemental proposed rule. For more detailed information on 
methodologies and results, complete copies of the various reports are 
available at the address indicated under ADDRESSES or from our Web site 
at http://migratorybirds.fws.gov.

Review of Public Comments and Flyway Council Recommendations

    The preliminary proposed rulemaking, which appeared in the May 6, 
2003, Federal Register, opened the public comment period for migratory 
game bird hunting regulations. The supplemental proposed rule, which 
appeared in the June 23, 2003, Federal Register, discussed the 
regulatory alternatives for the 2003-04 duck hunting season. Late-
season comments are summarized below and numbered in the order used in 
the May 6 Federal Register document. We have included only the numbered 
items pertaining to late-season issues for which we received written 
comments. Consequently, the issues do not follow in direct numerical or 
alphabetical order.
    We received recommendations from all four Flyway Councils. Some 
recommendations supported continuation of last year's frameworks. Due 
to the comprehensive nature of the annual review of the frameworks 
performed by the Councils, support for continuation of last year's 
frameworks is assumed for items for which no recommendations were 
received. Council recommendations for changes in the frameworks are 
summarized below.

General

    Written Comments: An individual from New Jersey expressed 
opposition to all hunting and believed that the Flyway Council 
recommendations were not representative of the general U.S. population.
    Service Response: Our long-term objectives continue to include 
providing opportunities to harvest portions of certain migratory game 
bird populations and to limit harvests to levels compatible with each 
population's ability to maintain healthy, viable numbers. Having taken 
into account the zones of temperature and the distribution, abundance, 
economic value, breeding habits and times and lines of flight of 
migratory birds, we believe that the hunting seasons provided herein 
are compatible with the current status of migratory bird populations 
and long-term population goals.
    Additionally, we are obligated to, and do give serious 
consideration to all information received as public comment. While 
there are problems

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inherent with any type of representative management of public-trust 
resources, we believe that the Flyway-Council system of migratory bird 
management has been a longstanding example of State-Federal cooperative 
management since its establishment in 1952. However, as always we 
continue to seek new ways to streamline and improve the process.

1. Ducks

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

A. Harvest Strategy Considerations

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Central, and Pacific Flyway 
Councils and the Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the 
Mississippi Flyway Council recommended the adoption of the ``liberal'' 
regulatory alternative, with the exception of some specific bag limits 
described below in sections 1.B. Regulatory Alternatives and 1.D. 
Special Seasons/Species Management. More specifically, recommendations 
concerned sections iii. Black Ducks, iv. Canvasbacks, v. Pintails, and 
viii. Wood Ducks.
    Service Response: Currently, two stocks of mallards (midcontinent 
and eastern) are recognized for the purposes of Adaptive Harvest 
Management (AHM). This year, we will again use an approach to the 
optimization of these stocks' harvest, whereby the Atlantic Flyway 
regulatory strategy is based exclusively on the status of eastern 
mallards, and the regulatory strategy for the remaining Flyways is 
based exclusively on the status of midcontinent mallards. However, this 
approach continues to be considered provisional until its implications 
are better understood, and until such time that a more comprehensive 
approach to managing multiple duck stocks is developed.
    For the 2003 hunting season, the Service makes two significant 
changes to AHM, based on recommendations from the Flyway Councils: (1) 
The ``very-restrictive'' alternative was eliminated from the set of 
regulatory alternatives, and (2) consideration of a closed season in 
the western three Flyways is restricted to midcontinent (traditional 
survey plus Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan) mallard breeding 
population levels <5.5 million. We also continue to offer extended 
framework dates in the ``moderate'' and ``liberal'' regulatory 
alternatives. The regulatory alternatives were discussed in the June 23 
Federal Register.
    The 2003 optimal regulatory strategy for midcontinent mallards was 
based on: (1) The revised regulatory alternatives, including the 
closed-season constraint; (2) updates of regulation-specific harvest 
rates; (3) current population models and updated model weights; and (3) 
the dual objectives to maximize long-term cumulative harvest and 
achieve a population goal of 8.8 million midcontinent mallards. Based 
on a spring population survey of 8.8 million mallards and 3.5 million 
Canadian ponds, the optimal regulatory choice for 2003 is the 
``liberal'' regulatory alternative in the three western Flyways.
    The optimal regulatory strategy for eastern mallards was based on: 
(1) The revised regulatory alternatives; (2) current population models 
and updated model weights; and (3) an objective to maximize long-term 
cumulative harvest. The spring population size of eastern mallards 
(Northeast plot survey + Canada) this year was 1.04 million, suggesting 
that the ``liberal'' regulatory alternative in 2003 is appropriate for 
the Atlantic Flyway.
    We concur with the recommendations of the four Flyway Councils 
regarding selection of the ``liberal'' regulatory alternative and, 
therefore, will adopt the ``liberal'' alternative, as described in the 
June 23 Federal Register.

B. Regulatory Alternatives

    Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended the 
availability of two daily-bag-limit options, termed Options A and B. 
Under Option A, the daily bag limit would be 6 ducks, with species and 
sex restrictions as follows: 5 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be 
females) 3 scaup, 2 redheads, 2 wood ducks, 1 pintail, 1 mottled duck, 
and 1 canvasback. The season for pintails and canvasbacks would be 
limited to 39 days (see further discussion under section 1.D. Special 
Seasons/Species Management). Under Option B, the daily bag limit would 
be 5 ducks, with species and sex restrictions as follows: 3 scaup, 2 
redheads, 2 wood ducks, and 1 only of pintail, mottled duck, hen 
mallard, or canvasback. There would be no restrictions on the season 
length for canvasbacks or pintails.
    Written Comments: An individual from Minnesota expressed support 
for a 45-day season with a 4-duck daily bag limit.
    Service Response: We do not support the Central Flyway Council's 
Option B. The regulatory alternatives for the 2003-04 hunting season 
were discussed in the June 23 Federal Register. We believe that new 
approaches to multi-species harvest management should be addressed in 
the overall context of AHM harvest management for ducks. The AHM Task 
Force, AHM Working Group, and Flyway Councils are considering 
development of multi-species approaches, and these fora would be 
appropriate places for further discussion of the Central Flyway 
proposal.

D. Special Seasons/Species Management

iii. Black Ducks
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
allowing States the opportunity to return to a 2-black-duck daily bag 
limit, providing they close the black duck season one day for each day 
a 2-black-duck bag limit is employed. No offset would be required for 
days when the black duck bag limit was restricted to 1 bird. Both 
increased bag days and closed days must be consecutive, except that 1 
split would be allowed. This regulation would be evaluated annually by 
the Atlantic Flyway Council.
    Written Comments: The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and 
Wildlife and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries 
expressed disappointment in the Service's decision not to support the 
Atlantic Flyway Council's proposal for an increase in the black duck 
bag limit.
    Service Response: We do not support the Atlantic Flyway Council's 
recommendation. This request is similar to the Council's request last 
year, which the Service denied due to the difficulty in assessing 
options on a Flyway basis and the inability to assess whether or not 
these options are harvest-neutral. Until there is some formal agreement 
to manage black duck harvests on something less than a rangewide basis, 
we believe black ducks should continue to be managed at that level. 
Although black duck numbers may have improved slightly in recent years 
in some areas, they still remain below goal, and this spring's breeding 
population estimates declined 13 percent.
    Presently, we are waiting for the International Black Duck Harvest 
Management Working Group to complete its report, which is due in 
November. Until we have some formal agreement among the stakeholders, 
including the Mississippi Flyway, we believe it is premature to 
consider the

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harvest strategy proposed by the Council.
iv. Canvasbacks
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
modifying the 1994 Canvasback Harvest Strategy to allow for a limited 
canvasback harvest (season within a season) during years when the 
predicted harvest exceeds the allowable harvest, but can still be 
achieved by a more restrictive package (moderate, restrictive, or very 
restrictive). The season closure threshold would remain at a predicted 
spring breeding population of 500,000. For 2003, the Council 
recommended that the Service allow a restrictive canvasback season of 
30 consecutive hunt days for the Atlantic Flyway, with a one-bird daily 
limit.
    The Upper- and Lower-Regulations Committees of the Mississippi 
Flyway Council recommended that the Service allow a restrictive 
canvasback season of 30 consecutive days for the Mississippi Flyway, 
with a one-bird daily limit.
    The Central Flyway Council recommended that the existing interim 
harvest strategy for canvasbacks be followed during the 2003-04 season. 
The Council further recommended under Option A (described in section 
1.B. Regulatory Alternatives) that the canvasback season be 39 days, 
which may be split according to applicable zones/split duck hunting 
configurations approved for each State.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended a canvasback season of 86 
days, plus 2 youth hunt days in the Pacific Flyway, with a daily bag 
limit of 1, and flexibility for States to select dates for canvasback 
seasons during any period within the duck season framework dates.
    Service Response: We continue to support the harvest strategy 
adopted in 1994. This year, the strategy suggests that current 
population and habitat status, combined with the predicted harvests, 
would not support harvest of canvasbacks in the ``liberal'' season 
alternative. This spring, the estimate of canvasback abundance during 
the May survey was 558,000 birds, and the number of ponds in Prairie 
Canada was about 3.5 million. Using the model from the canvasback 
harvest management strategy, the number of birds that could be 
harvested in the United States during the 2003-04 hunting season, while 
still attaining the objective of 500,000 birds next spring, is about 
102,000. The predicted harvest in the United States, associated with 
the ``liberal'' regulatory alternative in the United States, is about 
119,000 birds.
    We believe that, if the harvest strategy indicates a full season 
cannot be allowed, in some cases, a limited harvest might be possible 
and still attain the spring abundance objective. Thus, we will use a 
season length at the level of the ``restrictive'' AHM alternative 
(i.e., 30 days in the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, 39 days in the 
Central Flyway, and 60 days in the Pacific Flyway) for this year. The 
season may be split according to the applicable zone/split duck-hunting 
configuration approved for each State.
    Further, for the second time in the past 3 years, we have departed 
from the 1994 canvasback harvest strategy. During the coming year, we 
will work with the Flyway Councils to review the harvest strategy.
v. Pintails
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council and the Upper- 
and Lower-Regulations Committees of the Mississippi Flyway Council 
recommended that the regulations for pintails in 2003-04 be a 60-day 
season with a 1-bird daily bag limit.
    The Central Flyway Council recommended that the existing interim 
harvest strategy for pintails be followed during the 2003-04 season. 
The Council further recommended under Option A (described in section 
1.B. Regulatory Alternatives) that the pintail season be 39 days, which 
may be split according to applicable zones/split duck hunting 
configurations approved for each State.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended a full-season framework for 
pintails, with a daily bag limit of 1 bird.
    Service Response: Last year, the Flyway Councils and the Service 
agreed to depart from the established pintail harvest strategy and 
implement a ``season-within-a-season'' in all four Flyways for northern 
pintails. The season length employed was the season length for the 
restrictive alternative under the AHM protocol in all four Flyways. The 
overall harvest declined, although not as much as predicted by the 
current models. This year, the breeding population estimate increased 
to 2.6 million; however, this estimate is still about 40 percent below 
the long-term average. The interim strategy recommends a 1-pintail 
daily bag limit nationwide. However, based on the models, the predicted 
harvest (slightly more then 600,000) is projected to result in a lower 
breeding population in 2004. Implementation of another year of the 
restrictive season length for pintails is projected to result in about 
a 7 percent population increase. Since the use of the strategy has not 
achieved the desired population growth, and model projections suggest a 
population decline under a ``liberal'' season length with a 1-bird 
daily bag limit in all four Flyways, we will again depart from the 
harvest strategy and restrict pintail season length to those in the 
``restrictive'' AHM alternative. Season length would be 30 days in the 
Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, 39 days in the Central Flyway, and 60 
days in the Pacific Flyway. The season may be split according to the 
applicable zone/split duck-hunting configuration approved for each 
State.
    Further, for the second year in a row, we are departing from the 
interim harvest strategy for the reasons noted above, and in 
recognition that the habitat conditions in key pintail breeding areas 
offer some real chance to achieve population growth. During the coming 
year, we will work with the Flyway Councils to review the harvest 
strategy, particularly the provision that permits seasons that are 
expected to reduce future breeding populations.
viii. Wood Ducks
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
increasing the wood duck bag limit to three birds during October 1 
through November 6 in the Atlantic Flyway for a 3-year experimental 
period (2003/04-2005/06).
    Written Comments: The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and 
Wildlife and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries 
expressed disappointment in the Service's decision not to support the 
Atlantic Flyway Council's request for a three-wood-duck bag limit in 
October.
    Service Response: We do not support the Atlantic Flyway Council's 
recommendation. We are continuing to evaluate the usefulness of a 
modeling approach to the management of wood duck harvests; however, 
this work is not yet completed and we believe that changes in bag 
limits are premature at this time. Further, we are concerned about the 
potential effects of this change on local breeding populations.

4. Canada Geese

B. Regular Seasons

    The Central Flyway Council recommended that regular-season 
frameworks for dark geese in the west-tier States consist of a 
framework opening date of the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 
27, 2003) and a framework closing date of the Sunday nearest February 
15 (February 15, 2004). The season could be divided into 2 segments, 
except in Wyoming, where

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the season could be divided into 3 segments and evaluated in accordance 
with Service criteria. Season length would be 107 days, except in 
Colorado and Texas, where the season length would be 95 days. The daily 
bag limit would be five dark geese in the aggregate, with the following 
exceptions: (a) In the Western Goose Zone of Texas, the daily bag limit 
would be one white-fronted goose and three other dark geese (in the 
aggregate), and (b) in Colorado, the daily bag limit would be three 
dark geese in the aggregate. The possession limit would be twice the 
daily bag limit.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended increasing the goose season 
length in eastern Washington from 100 to 107 days, creation of a new 
management area within Oregon's Northwest Special Permit Zone, 
elimination of California's San Joaquin Valley Special Management Area, 
and increasing the goose season length in Humboldt and DelNorte 
Counties in California from 9 to 16 days.
    Written Comments: The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and 
the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries requested that the 
daily bag limit for Atlantic Population (AP) Canada geese be increased 
from 1 to 2 for the last 10 days of the 45-day season. They cited the 
fact that while the spring population estimates for 2003 were similar 
to the previous year, production is very good and a larger fall flight 
is expected this year. Further, they noted that AP geese have made a 
remarkable recovery in recent years from the low recorded in 1995, and 
estimated harvest rates from the 2002-03 hunting season were lower than 
projected.
    They believe that this modest liberalization will not deter 
continued growth of this population and is justified to provide greater 
hunting opportunities in the primary AP goose winter area.
    Ten individuals from Virginia and five individuals from Maryland 
requested a two bird daily bag limit for a portion of the AP goose 
season. One individual from Maryland was against this requested 
increase.
    Service Response: We concur with all the Council recommendations 
except for one aspect regarding the creation of a new management area 
within Oregon's Northwest Special Permit Zone. We continue to support 
efforts to address long-standing concerns about agricultural damage 
caused by Canada geese in this area, and would support the creation of 
the recommended zone with the condition that the daily bag limit for 
cackling Canada geese be reduced to two birds in the four-bird goose 
bag during the early portion of the goose season chosen for the new 
zone. We believe this restriction will help to minimize possible 
impacts on cackling Canada geese present in the area during this 
season. Cackling Canada geese are an important sport and subsistence 
resource, and the population is currently 30 percent below objective 
levels and has not shown any increase in recent years. We believe that 
additional take of cackling Canada geese should not be encouraged at 
this time.
    Regarding Maryland and Virginia's request for a 2-bird bag limit 
for a portion of the AP goose season, we are encouraged by the recovery 
of AP Canada geese in recent years and commend the Atlantic Flyway 
Council for its cooperation and support of breeding-ground management 
programs. While harvest rates based on last year's hunting regulations 
appear to be low, these data are based on only one year's information. 
Despite the production outlook, and in view of the history of harvest 
impacts on this population, we suggest a conservative harvest strategy 
for the 2003-04 hunting season. Similarly, the Flyway Council did not 
support a liberalization in bag limits for the Chesapeake Region. 
Therefore, we do not support these requests for liberalization. We 
strongly encourage the Atlantic Flyway to update its management plan 
for AP geese, including specific population objectives and detailed 
strategies to guide future harvest management.

C. Special Late Season

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
that the southern boundary of Massachusetts' late Canada goose coastal 
zone be extended southward from the present boundary in Duxbury to the 
Cape Cod Canal.
    The Upper- and Lower-Region Regulations Committees of the 
Mississippi Flyway Council recommended that the experimental late 
(December) special Canada goose season in Minnesota be granted 
operational status.
    Service Response: We concur.

8. Swans

    Council Recommendations: The Central Flyway Council recommended 
that up to 200 tundra swan permits be temporarily transferred from 
South Dakota to North Dakota beginning in the 2003 season.
    Service Response: We concur. The transfer of swan hunting permits 
within a Flyway is in accordance with guidelines in the Cooperative 
Flyway Management Plan for the Eastern Population of Tundra Swans.
    In addition, the Service has completed the final environmental 
assessment (EA) for general swan seasons in the Pacific Flyway (the 
availability of the draft EA was announced in the May 16, 2003, Federal 
Register [68 FR 26642]). The EA includes a review of the experimental 
general swan hunting seasons that took place from 1995 to 2000, as well 
as a summary of the results of subsequent 2000-03 hunting seasons. 
Information from the most recent breeding and wintering populations 
surveys is also included in the EA. Three alternatives are evaluated to 
address the future of operational swan hunting seasons in Utah, Nevada, 
and the Pacific Flyway portion of Montana. The issuance of a new EA 
fulfills the Service commitment to assess the Pacific Flyway swan 
seasons at the end of the 2002-03 hunting season as established in the 
most recent EA on the issue, the availability of which was announced in 
the April 25, 2001, Federal Register (66 FR 20828). The EA focuses on 
the issue of whether or not to establish an operational approach for 
swan hunting. Related efforts to address population status and 
distributional concerns regarding the Rocky Mountain Population of 
trumpeter swans are also discussed. Three alternatives, including the 
selected action, were considered. Copies are available from the 
Service's Web site at www.migratorybirds.fws.gov or by writing to 
Robert Trost, Pacific Flyway Representative, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Division of Migratory Bird Management, 911 N.E. 11th Avenue, 
Portland, Oregon 97232-4181.

NEPA Consideration

    NEPA considerations are covered by the programmatic document, 
``Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual 
Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (FSES 88-
14),'' filed with the Environmental Protection Agency on June 9, 1988. 
We published a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register on June 
16, 1988 (53 FR 22582) and our Record of Decision on August 18, 1988 
(53 FR 31341). Additional NEPA considerations concerning general swan 
seasons in the Pacific Flyway are covered by the EA, ``Proposal to 
Establish Operational General Swan Hunting Seasons in the Pacific 
Flyway,'' dated August 5, 2003. We published a notice of availability 
in the August 19, 2003, Federal Register (68 FR 50016) containing the 
late season proposed frameworks. Copies of both

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are available from the address indicated under ADDRESSES.
    Additionally, 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. 
We plan to begin the public scoping process in 2005.

Endangered Species Act Consideration

    Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 
1531-1543; 87 Stat. 884), provides that, ``The Secretary shall review 
other programs administered by him and utilize such programs in 
furtherance of the purposes of this Act'' (and) shall ``insure that any 
action authorized, funded or carried out * * * is not likely to 
jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered species or 
threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification 
of [critical] habitat * * *.'' Consequently, we conducted formal 
consultations to ensure that actions resulting from these regulations 
would not likely jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or 
threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification 
of their critical habitat. Findings from these consultations are 
included in a biological opinion, which concluded that the regulations 
are not likely to adversely affect any endangered or threatened 
species. Additionally, these findings may have caused modification of 
some regulatory measures previously proposed, and the final frameworks 
reflect any such modifications. Our biological opinions resulting from 
this Section 7 consultation are public documents available for public 
inspection at the address indicated under ADDRESSES.

Executive Order 12866

    The migratory bird hunting regulations are economically significant 
and were reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under 
Executive Order 12866. As such, a cost/benefit analysis was initially 
prepared in 1981. This analysis was subsequently revised annually from 
1990-96, and then updated in 1998. We will update again in 2004. It is 
further discussed below under the heading Regulatory Flexibility Act. 
Results from the 1998 analysis indicate that the expected welfare 
benefit of the annual migratory bird hunting frameworks is on the order 
of $50 to $192 million. Copies of the cost/benefit analysis are 
available upon request from the address indicated under ADDRESSES.

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 as part of the 
1981 cost-benefit analysis discussed under Executive Order 12866. This 
analysis was revised annually from 1990-95. In 1995, the Service issued 
a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis), which was subsequently 
updated in 1996 and 1998 and will be updated in 2004. 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 1998 Analysis was based on the 1996 National 
Hunting and Fishing Survey and the U.S. Department of Commerce's County 
Business Patterns, from which it was estimated that migratory bird 
hunters would spend between $429 million and $1.084 billion at small 
businesses in 2003. Copies of the Analysis are available upon request 
from the address indicated under 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 plan to use 
the exemption contained in 5 U.S.C. 808 (1) to make this rule effective 
immediately.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    We examined these regulations under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995. We utilize the various recordkeeping and reporting requirements 
imposed under regulations established in 50 CFR part 20, Subpart K, in 
the formulation of migratory game bird hunting regulations. 
Specifically, OMB has approved the information collection requirements 
of the Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program and assigned 
clearance number 1018-0015 (expires 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.
    A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays 
a currently valid OMB control number.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

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

Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 12988

    The Department, in promulgating this 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.

Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

    In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, 
``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal 
Governments'' (59 FR 22951), 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.

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

Takings Implication Assessment

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

[[Page 55789]]

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 (MBTA). Annually, we prescribe frameworks 
from which the States make selections and employ guidelines to 
establish special regulations on Federal Indian reservations and ceded 
lands. We develop the frameworks 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 
ultimately make season selections, thereby having an influence on their 
own regulations. This process preserves the ability of the States and 
Tribes to determine which seasons meet their individual needs. Further, 
any State or Tribe may be more restrictive than the Federal frameworks 
at any time. 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.

Regulations Promulgation

    The rulemaking process for migratory game bird hunting must, by its 
nature, operate under severe time constraints. However, we intend that 
the public be given the greatest possible opportunity to comment. Thus, 
when the preliminary proposed rulemaking was published, we established 
what we believed were the longest periods possible for public comment. 
In doing this, we recognized that when the comment period closed, time 
would be of the essence. That is, if there were a delay in the 
effective date of these regulations after this final rulemaking, States 
would have insufficient time to select season dates and limits; to 
communicate those selections to us; and to establish and publicize the 
necessary regulations and procedures to implement their decisions.
    We therefore find that ``good cause'' exists, within the terms of 5 
U.S.C. 553(d)(3) of the Administrative Procedure Act, and these 
frameworks will, therefore, take effect immediately upon publication.
    Therefore, under authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (July 
3, 1918), as amended, (16 U.S.C. 703-711), we prescribe final 
frameworks setting forth the species to be hunted, the daily bag and 
possession limits, the shooting hours, the season lengths, the earliest 
opening and latest closing season dates, and hunting areas, from which 
State conservation agency officials will select hunting season dates 
and other options. Upon receipt of season and option selections from 
these officials, we will publish in the Federal Register a final 
rulemaking amending 50 CFR part 20 to reflect seasons, limits, and 
shooting hours for the conterminous United States for the 2003-04 
season.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 20

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

    The rules that eventually will be promulgated for the 2003-04 
hunting season are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703-712 and 16 U.S.C. 742 
a-j, Pub. L. 106-108.

    Dated: September 10, 2003.
Craig Manson,
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

Final Regulations Frameworks for 2003-04 Late Hunting Seasons on 
Certain Migratory Game Birds

    Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and delegated 
authorities, the Department has approved the following frameworks for 
season lengths, shooting hours, bag and possession limits, and outside 
dates within which States may select seasons for hunting waterfowl and 
coots between the dates of September 1, 2003, and March 10, 2004.

General

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

Flyways and Management Units

Waterfowl Flyways

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

Management Units

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

Atlantic Flyway

Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots

    Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 
27) and the last Sunday in January (January 25).
    Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: 60 days, except pintails and 
canvasbacks which may not exceed 30 days, and season splits must 
conform to each State's zone/split configuration for duck hunting. The 
daily bag limit is 6 ducks, including no more than 4 mallards (2 hens), 
3 scaup, 1 black duck, 1 pintail, 1 canvasback, 1 mottled duck, 1 
fulvous whistling duck, 2 wood ducks, 2 redheads, and 4 scoters. A 
single pintail

[[Page 55790]]

and canvasback may also be included in the 6-bird daily bag limit for 
designated youth-hunt days.
    Closures: The season on harlequin ducks is closed.
    Sea Ducks: Within the special sea duck areas, during the regular 
duck season in the Atlantic Flyway, States may choose to allow the 
above sea duck limits in addition to the limits applying to other ducks 
during the regular duck season. In all other areas, sea ducks may be 
taken only during the regular open season for ducks and are part of the 
regular duck season daily bag (not to exceed 4 scoters) and possession 
limits.
    Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit of mergansers is 5, only 1 of 
which may be a hooded merganser.
    Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.
    Lake Champlain Zone, New York: The waterfowl seasons, limits, and 
shooting hours shall be the same as those selected for the Lake 
Champlain Zone of Vermont.
    Connecticut River Zone, Vermont: The waterfowl seasons, limits, and 
shooting hours shall be the same as those selected for the Inland Zone 
of New Hampshire.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, 
North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia may split 
their seasons into three segments; Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, 
New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and West 
Virginia may select hunting seasons by zones and may split their 
seasons into two segments in each zone.

Canada Geese

    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: Specific regulations for 
Canada geese are shown below by State. Unless specified otherwise, 
seasons may be split into two segments. In areas within States where 
the framework closing date for Atlantic Population (AP) goose seasons 
overlaps with special late season frameworks for resident geese, the 
framework closing date for AP goose seasons is January 14.
    Connecticut: North Atlantic Population (NAP) Zone: Between October 
1 and January 31, a 60-day season may be held with a 2-bird daily bag 
limit in the H Unit and a 70-day season with a 3-bird daily bag in the 
L Unit.
    Atlantic Population (AP) Zone: A 45-day season may be held between 
the last Saturday in October (October 25) and January 31, with a 2-bird 
daily bag limit.
    South Zone: A special experimental season may be held between 
January 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    Delaware: A 45-day season may be held between November 15 and 
January 31, with a 1-bird daily bag limit.
    Florida: A 70-day season may be held between November 15 and 
February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    Georgia: In specific areas, a 70-day season may be held between 
November 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    Maine: A 60-day season may be held Statewide between October 1 and 
January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    Maryland: Resident Population (RP) Zone: A 70-day season may be 
held between November 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag 
limit.
    AP Zone: A 45-day season may be held between November 15 and 
January 31, with a 1-bird daily bag limit.
    Massachusetts: NAP Zone: A 60-day season may be held between 
October 1 and January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Additionally, 
a special season may be held from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-
bird daily bag limit.
    AP Zone: A 45-day season may be held between the last Saturday in 
October (October 25) and January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    New Hampshire: A 60-day season may be held statewide between 
October 1 and January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    New Jersey: Statewide: A 45-day season may be held between the last 
Saturday in October (October 25) and January 31, with a 2-bird daily 
bag limit.
    Special Late Goose Season Area: An experimental season may be held 
in designated areas of North and South New Jersey from January 15 to 
February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    New York: Southern James Bay Population (SJBP) Zone: A 70-day 
season may be held between the last Saturday in October (October 25) 
and January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    NAP Zone: Between October 1 and January 31, a 60-day season may be 
held, with a 2-bird daily bag limit in the High Harvest areas; and a 
70-day season may be held, with a 3-bird daily bag limit in the Low 
Harvest areas.
    Special Late Goose Season Area: An experimental season may be held 
between January 15 and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit in 
designated areas of Chemung, Delaware, Tioga, Broome, Sullivan, 
Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, Orange, Dutchess, Putnam, and Rockland 
Counties.
    AP Zone: A 45-day season may be held between the last Saturday in 
October (October 25) and January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    RP Zone: A 70-day season may be held between the last Saturday in 
October (October 25) and February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    North Carolina: SJBP Zone: A 70-day season may be held between 
October 1 and December 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit, except for 
the Northeast Hunt Unit and Northampton County, which is closed.
    RP Zone: A 70-day season may be held between October 1 and February 
15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    Pennsylvania: SJBP Zone: A 40-day season may be held between 
November 15 and January 14, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    Pymatuning Zone: A 35-day season may be held between October 1 and 
January 31, with a 1-bird daily bag limit.
    RP Zone: A 70-day season may be held between November 15 and 
February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    AP Zone: A 45-day season may be held between the last Saturday in 
October (October 25) and January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    Special Late Goose Season Area: An experimental season may be held 
from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    Rhode Island: A 60-day season may be held between October 1 and 
January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. An experimental season may 
be held in designated areas from January 15 to February 15, with a 5-
bird daily bag limit.
    South Carolina: In designated areas, a 70-day season may be held 
during November 15 to February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    Vermont: A 45-day season may be held between the last Saturday in 
October (October 25) and January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit.
    Virginia: SJBP Zone: A 40-day season may be held between November 
15 and January 14, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. Additionally, an 
experimental season may be held between January 15 and February 15, 
with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    AP Zone: A 45-day season may be held between November 15 and 
January 31, with a 1-bird daily bag limit.
    RP Zone: A 70-day season may be held between November 15 and 
February 15, with a 5-bird daily bag limit.
    Back Bay Area: Season is closed.
    West Virginia: A 70-day season may be held between October 1 and 
January 31, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.

Light Geese

    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select a 107-
day

[[Page 55791]]

season between October 1 and March 10, with a 15-bird daily bag limit 
and no possession limit. States may split their seasons into three 
segments, except in Delaware and Maryland, where, following the 
completion of their duck season, and until March 10, Delaware and 
Maryland may split the remaining portion of the season to allow hunting 
on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only.

Brant

    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select a 60-
day season between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 27) and 
January 31, with a 3-bird daily bag limit. States may split their 
seasons into two segments.

Mississippi Flyway

Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots

    Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 
27) and the last Sunday in January (January 25).
    Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: 60 days, except that the season 
for pintails and canvasbacks may not exceed 30 days for each species, 
and season splits must conform to each State's zone/split configuration 
for duck hunting. The daily bag limit is 6 ducks, including no more 
than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be females), 3 mottled 
ducks, 3 scaup, 1 black duck, 1 pintail, 1 canvasback, 2 wood ducks, 
and 2 redheads. A single pintail and canvasback may also be included in 
the 6-bird daily bag limit for designated youth-hunt days.
    Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5, only 1 of which may be 
a hooded merganser. In States that include mergansers in the duck bag 
limit, the daily limit is the same as the duck bag limit, only one of 
which may be a hooded merganser.
    Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, 
Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin 
may select hunting seasons by zones.
    In Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio, 
Tennessee, and Wisconsin, the season may be split into two segments in 
each zone.
    In Arkansas, Minnesota, and Mississippi, the season may be split 
into three segments.

Geese

    Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into three segments. 
Three-way split seasons for Canada geese require Mississippi Flyway 
Council and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval and a 3-year 
evaluation by each participating State.
    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: States may select 
seasons for light geese not to exceed 107 days, with 20 geese daily 
between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 27) and March 10; 
for white-fronted geese not to exceed 86 days, with 2 geese daily or 
107 days with 1 goose daily between the Saturday nearest September 24 
(September 27) and the Sunday nearest February 15 (February 15); and 
for brant not to exceed 70 days, with 2 brant daily or 107 days with 1 
brant daily between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 27) 
and January 31. There is no possession limit for light geese. Specific 
regulations for Canada geese and exceptions to the above general 
provisions are shown below by State. Except as noted below, the outside 
dates for Canada geese are the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 
27) and January 31.
    Alabama: In the SJBP Goose Zone, the season for Canada geese may 
not exceed 50 days. Elsewhere, the season for Canada geese may extend 
for 70 days in the respective duck-hunting zones. The daily bag limit 
is 2 Canada geese.
    Arkansas: In the Northwest Zone, the season for Canada geese may 
extend for 33 days, provided that one segment of at least 9 days occurs 
prior to October 15. In the remainder of the State, the season may not 
exceed 23 days. The season may extend to February 15, and may be split 
into 2 segments. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    Illinois: The total harvest of Canada geese in the State will be 
limited to 126,400 birds. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese. The 
possession limit is 10 Canada geese.
    (a) North Zone--The season for Canada geese will close after 92 
days or when 19,300 birds have been harvested in the Northern Illinois 
Quota Zone, whichever occurs first.
    (b) Central Zone--The season for Canada geese will close after 92 
days or when 24,100 birds have been harvested in the Central Illinois 
Quota Zone, whichever occurs first.
    (c) South Zone--The season for Canada geese will close after 92 
days or when 28,600 birds have been harvested in the Southern Illinois 
Quota Zone, whichever occurs first.
    Indiana: The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days, except 
in the SJBP Zone, where the season may not exceed 50 days. The daily 
bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    Iowa: The season may extend for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 2 
Canada geese.
    Kentucky: (a) Western Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend 
for 66 days (81 days in Fulton County), and the harvest will be limited 
to 20,200 birds. Of the 20,200-bird quota, 13,100 birds will be 
allocated to the Ballard Reporting Area and 5,050 birds will be 
allocated to the Henderson/Union Reporting Area. If the quota in either 
reporting area is reached prior to completion of the 66-day season, the 
season in that reporting area will be closed. If the quotas in both the 
Ballard and Henderson/Union reporting areas are reached prior to 
completion of the 66-day season, the season in the counties and 
portions of counties that comprise the Western Goose Zone (listed in 
State regulations) may continue for an additional 7 days, not to exceed 
a total of 66 days (81 days in Fulton County). The season in Fulton 
County may extend to February 15. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada 
geese.
    (b) Pennyroyal/Coalfield Zone--The season may extend for 50 days. 
The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (c) Remainder of the State--The season may extend for 50 days. The 
daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    Louisiana: The season for Canada geese may extend for 9 days. 
During the season, the daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose and 2 white-
fronted geese with an 86-day white-fronted goose season or 1 white-
fronted goose with a 107-day season. Hunters participating in the 
Canada goose season must possess a special permit issued by the State.
    Michigan: (a) MVP Zone--The total harvest of Canada geese will be 
limited to 94,800 birds. The framework opening date for all geese is 
September 16, and the season for Canada geese may extend for 55 days. 
The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (1) Allegan County GMU--The Canada goose season will close after 50 
days or when 3,000 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. 
The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (2) Muskegon Wastewater GMU--The Canada goose season will close 
after 50 days or when 1,000 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs 
first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (b) SJBP Zone--The framework opening date for all geese is 
September 16, and the season for Canada geese may extend for 30 days. 
The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (1) Saginaw County GMU--The Canada goose season will close after 50 
days or when 2,000 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. 
The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.

[[Page 55792]]

    (2) Tuscola/Huron GMU--The Canada goose season will close after 50 
days or when 750 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. The 
daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (c) Southern Michigan and Central Michigan GMUs--A special Canada 
goose season may be held between January 3 and February 1. The daily 
bag limit is 5 Canada geese.
    Minnesota: (a) West Zone.
    (1) West Central Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 
40 days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (2) Remainder of West Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend 
for 40 days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (b) Northwest Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 40 
days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (c) Remainder of the State--The season for Canada geese may extend 
for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (d) Special Late Canada Goose Season--A special Canada goose season 
of up to 10 days may be held in December, except in the West Central 
Goose zone. During the special season, the daily bag limit is 5 Canada 
geese, except in the Southeast Goose Zone, where the daily bag limit is 
2.
    Mississippi: The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days. 
The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese.
    Missouri: (a) Swan Lake Zone--The season for Canada geese may 
extend for 77 days, with no more than 30 days occurring after November 
30. The season may be split into 3 segments. The daily bag limit is 2 
Canada geese.
    (b) Southeast Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 77 
days. The season may be split into 3 segments, provided that at least 1 
segment occurs prior to December 1. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada 
geese through October 31, and 2 Canada geese thereafter.
    (c) Remainder of the State--
    (1) North Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 77 days, 
with no more than 30 days occurring after November 30. The season may 
be split into 3 segments, provided that 1 segment of at least 9 days 
occurs prior to October 15. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese 
through October 31, and 2 Canada geese thereafter.
    (2) Middle Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 77 
days, with no more than 30 days occurring after November 30. The season 
may be split into 3 segments, provided that 1 segment of at least 9 
days occurs prior to October 15. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada geese 
through October 31, and 2 Canada geese thereafter.
    (3) South Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 77 days. 
The season may be split into 3 segments, provided that at least 1 
segment occurs prior to December 1. The daily bag limit is 3 Canada 
geese through October 31, and 2 Canada geese thereafter.
    Ohio: The season for Canada geese may extend for 70 days in the 
respective duck-hunting zones, with a daily bag limit of 2 Canada 
geese, except in the Lake Erie SJBP Zone, where the season may not 
exceed 35 days and the daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose. A special 
Canada goose season of up to 22 days, beginning the first Saturday 
after January 10, may be held in the following Counties: Allen (north 
of U.S. Highway 30), Fulton, Geauga (north of Route 6), Henry, Huron, 
Lucas (Lake Erie Zone closed), Seneca, and Summit (Lake Erie Zone 
closed). During the special season, the daily bag limit is 2 Canada 
geese.
    Tennessee: (a) Northwest Zone--The season for Canada geese may not 
exceed 72 days, and may extend to February 15. The daily bag limit is 2 
Canada geese.
    (b) Southwest Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend for 50 
days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (c) Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Zone--The season for Canada geese may 
extend for 50 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (d) Remainder of the State--The season for Canada geese may extend 
for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    Wisconsin: The total harvest of Canada geese in the State will be 
limited to 90,000 birds.
    (a) Horicon Zone--The framework opening date for all geese is 
September 16. The harvest of Canada geese is limited to 26,100 birds. 
The season may not exceed 93 days. All Canada geese harvested must be 
tagged. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese, and the season limit 
will be the number of tags issued to each permittee.
    (b) Collins Zone--The framework opening date for all geese is 
September 16. The harvest of Canada geese is limited to 1,000 birds. 
The season may not exceed 68 days. All Canada geese harvested must be 
tagged. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese, and the season limit 
will be the number of tags issued to each permittee.
    (c) Exterior Zone--The framework opening date for all geese is 
September 16. The harvest of Canada geese is limited to 58,400 birds, 
500 of which are allocated to the Mississippi River Subzone. The season 
may not exceed 93 days, except in the Mississippi River Subzone, where 
the season may not exceed 71 days. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada 
geese. In that portion of the Exterior Zone outside the Mississippi 
River Subzone, the progress of the harvest must be monitored, and the 
season closed, if necessary, to ensure that the harvest does not exceed 
57,900 birds.
    Additional Limits: In addition to the harvest limits stated for the 
respective zones above, an additional 4,500 Canada geese may be taken 
in the Horicon Zone under special agricultural permits.
    Quota Zone Closures: When it has been determined that the quota of 
Canada geese allotted to the Northern Illinois, Central Illinois, and 
Southern Illinois Quota Zones in Illinois; the Ballard and Henderson-
Union Subzones in Kentucky; the Allegan County, Muskegon Wastewater, 
Saginaw County, and Tuscola/Huron Goose Management Units in Michigan; 
and the Exterior Zone in Wisconsin will have been filled, the season 
for taking Canada geese in the respective zone (and associated area, if 
applicable) will be closed, either by the Director upon giving public 
notice through local information media at least 48 hours in advance of 
the time and date of closing, or by the State through State regulations 
with such notice and time (not less than 48 hours) as they deem 
necessary.

Central Flyway

Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots

    Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 
27) and the last Sunday in January (January 25).
    Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: (1) High Plains Mallard Management 
Unit (roughly defined as that portion of the Central Flyway which lies 
west of the 100th meridian): 97 days, except pintails and canvasbacks, 
which may not exceed 39 days, and season splits must conform to each 
State's zone/split configuration for duck hunting. The daily bag limit 
is 6 ducks, including no more than 5 mallards (no more than 2 of which 
may be hens), 1 mottled duck, 1 pintail, 1 canvasback, 2 redheads, 3 
scaup, and 2 wood ducks. The last 23 days may start no earlier than the 
Saturday nearest December 10 (December 13). A single pintail and 
canvasback may also be included in the 6-bird daily bag limit for 
designated youth-hunt days.
    (2) Remainder of the Central Flyway: 74 days, except pintails and 
canvasbacks, which may not exceed 39 days, and season splits must 
conform to each State's zone/split configuration for duck hunting. The 
daily bag limit is 6 ducks, including no more than 5 mallards (no more 
than 2 of which may

[[Page 55793]]

be hens), 1 mottled duck, 1 pintail, 1 canvasback, 2 redheads, 3 scaup, 
and 2 wood ducks. A single pintail and canvasback may also be included 
in the 6-bird daily bag limit for designated youth-hunt days.
    Merganser Limits: The daily bag limit is 5 mergansers, only 1 of 
which may be a hooded merganser. In States that include mergansers in 
the duck daily bag limit, the daily limit may be the same as the duck 
bag limit, only one of which may be a hooded merganser.
    Coot Limits: The daily bag limit is 15 coots.
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Kansas (Low Plains portion), Montana, 
Nebraska (Low Plains portion), New Mexico, Oklahoma (Low Plains 
portion), South Dakota (Low Plains portion), Texas (Low Plains 
portion), and Wyoming may select hunting seasons by zones.
    In Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, 
South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming, the regular season may be split into 
two segments.
    In Colorado, the season may be split into three segments.

Geese

    Split Seasons: Seasons for geese may be split into three segments. 
Three-way split seasons for Canada geese require Central Flyway Council 
and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval, and a 3-year evaluation by 
each participating State.
    Outside Dates: For dark geese, seasons may be selected between the 
outside dates of the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 27) and 
the Sunday nearest February 15 (February 15). For light geese, outside 
dates for seasons may be selected between the Saturday nearest 
September 24 (September 27) and March 10. In the Rainwater Basin Light 
Goose Area (East and West) of Nebraska, temporal and spatial 
restrictions consistent with the experimental late-winter snow goose 
hunting strategy endorsed by the Central Flyway Council in July 1999, 
are required.
    Season Lengths and Limits: Light Geese: States may select a light 
goose season not to exceed 107 days. The daily bag limit for light 
geese is 20 with no possession limit.
    Dark Geese: In Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South 
Dakota, and the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas, States may select a season 
for Canada geese (or any other dark goose species except white-fronted 
geese) not to exceed 95 days with a daily bag limit of 3. Additionally, 
in the Eastern Goose Zone of Texas, an alternative season of 107 days 
with a daily bag limit of 1 Canada goose may be selected. For white-
fronted geese, these States may select either a season of 86 days with 
a bag limit of 2 or a 107-day season with a bag limit of 1.
    In South Dakota, for Canada geese in the Big Stone Power Plant Area 
of Canada Goose Unit 3, the daily bag limit is 3 until November 30, and 
2 thereafter.
    In Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming, States may select seasons not 
to exceed 107 days. The daily bag limit for dark geese is 5 in the 
aggregate.
    In Colorado, the season may not exceed 95 days. The daily bag limit 
is 3 dark geese in the aggregate.
    In the Western Goose Zone of Texas, the season may not exceed 95 
days. The daily bag limit for Canada geese (or any other dark goose 
species except white-fronted geese) is 3. The daily bag limit for 
white-fronted geese is 1.

Pacific Flyway

Ducks, Mergansers, Coots, Common Moorhens, and Purple Gallinules

    Hunting Seasons and Duck Limits: Concurrent 107 days, except that 
the season for pintails and canvasbacks may not exceed 60 days, and 
season splits must conform to each State's zone/split configuration for 
duck hunting. The daily bag limit is 7 ducks and mergansers, including 
no more than 2 female mallards, 1 pintail, 1 canvasback, 4 scaup, 2 
redheads. A single pintail and canvasback may also be included in the 
7-bird daily bag limit for designated youth-hunt days.
    The season on coots and common moorhens may be between the outside 
dates for the season on ducks, but not to exceed 107 days.
    Coot, Common Moorhen, and Purple Gallinule Limits: The daily bag 
and possession limits of coots, common moorhens, and purple gallinules 
are 25, singly or in the aggregate.
    Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 
27) and the last Sunday in January (January 25).
    Zoning and Split Seasons: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, 
Oregon, Utah, and Washington may select hunting seasons by zones.
    Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington 
may split their seasons into two segments.
    Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming may split their seasons 
into three segments.
    Colorado River Zone, California: Seasons and limits shall be the 
same as seasons and limits selected in the adjacent portion of Arizona 
(South Zone).

Geese

    Season Lengths, Outside Dates, and Limits: California, Oregon, and 
Washington: Except as subsequently noted, 100-day seasons may be 
selected, with outside dates between the Saturday nearest October 1 
(October 4), and the last Sunday in January (January 25). Basic daily 
bag limits are 3 light geese and 4 dark geese, except in California, 
Oregon, and Washington, where the dark goose bag limit does not include 
brant.
    Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and 
Wyoming: Except as subsequently noted, 107-day seasons may be selected, 
with outside dates between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 
27), and the last Sunday in January (January 25). Basic daily bag 
limits are 3 light geese and 4 dark geese.
    Split Seasons: Unless otherwise specified, seasons for geese may be 
split into up to 3 segments. Three-way split seasons for Canada geese 
and white-fronted geese require Pacific Flyway Council and U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service approval and a 3-year evaluation by each 
participating State.

Brant Season

    A 16-consecutive-day season may be selected in Oregon. A 16-day 
season may be selected in Washington, and this season may be split into 
2-segments. A 30-consecutive-day season may be selected in California. 
In these States, the daily bag limit is 2 brant and is in addition to 
dark goose limits.
    Arizona: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3.

California

    Northeastern Zone: The daily bag limit is 3 geese and may include 
no more than 2 dark geese; including not more than 1 cackling Canada 
goose or 1 Aleutian Canada goose.
    Southern Zone: In the Imperial County Special Management Area, 
light geese only may be taken from the end of the general goose hunting 
season through the first Sunday in February (February 1).
    Balance-of-the-State Zone: An 86-day season may be selected. Limits 
may not include more than 3 geese per day, of which not more than 2 may 
be white-fronted geese and not more than 1 may be a cackling Canada 
goose or Aleutian Canada goose. Two areas in the Balance-of-the-State 
Zone are restricted in the hunting of certain geese:
    (1) In the Counties of Del Norte and Humboldt, the open season for 
Canada geese may be 16 days. The daily bag limit shall contain no more 
than 1

[[Page 55794]]

Canada goose, cackling Canada goose or Aleutian Canada goose.
    (2) In the Sacramento Valley Special Management Area (West), the 
season on white-fronted geese must end on or before December 14, and, 
in the Sacramento Valley Special Management Area (East), there will be 
no open season for Canada geese.
    Oregon: Except as subsequently noted, the dark goose daily bag 
limit is 4, including not more than 1 cackling Canada goose or Aleutian 
Canada goose.
    Harney, Klamath, Lake, and Malheur County Zone--For Lake County 
only, the daily dark goose bag limit may not include more than 2 white-
fronted geese.
    Northwest Special Permit Zone: Except for designated areas, there 
will be no open season on Canada geese. In the designated areas, 
individual quotas will be established that collectively will not exceed 
165 dusky Canada geese. See section on quota zones. In those designated 
areas, the daily bag limit of dark geese is 4 and may include no more 
than 1 Aleutian Canada goose. Season dates in the Lower Columbia / N. 
Willamette Valley Management Area may be different than the remainder 
of the Northwest Special Permit Zone; however, for those season 
segments different from the Northwest Special Permit Zone, the cackling 
Canada goose limit is 2.
    Closed Zone: Those portions of Coos and Curry Counties south of 
Bandon and west of U.S. 101 and all of Tillamook County.
    Washington: The daily bag limit is 4 geese, including 4 dark geese 
but not more than 3 light geese. A 107-day season may be selected in 
Areas 4 and 5 (eastern Washington).
    Southwest Quota Zone: In the Southwest Quota Zone, except for 
designated areas, there will be no open season on Canada geese. In the 
designated areas, individual quotas will be established that 
collectively will not exceed 85 dusky Canada geese. See section on 
quota zones. In this area, the daily bag limit of dark geese is 4 and 
may include 4 cackling Canada geese. In Southwest Quota Zone Area 2B 
(Pacific and Grays Harbor Counties), the dark goose bag limit may 
include 1 Aleutian Canada goose.
    Colorado: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3 geese.

Idaho

    Northern Unit: The daily bag limit is 4 geese, including 4 dark 
geese, but not more than 3 light geese.
    Southwest Unit and Southeastern Unit: The daily bag limit on dark 
geese is 4.

Montana

    West of Divide Zone and East of Divide Zone: The daily bag limit of 
dark geese is 4.
    Nevada: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3 except in the 
Lincoln and Clark County Zone, where the daily bag limit of dark geese 
is 2.
    New Mexico: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3.
    Utah: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 3.
    Wyoming: The daily bag limit for dark geese is 4.
    Quota Zones: Seasons on dark geese must end upon attainment of 
individual quotas of dusky Canada geese allotted to the designated 
areas of Oregon and Washington. The September Canada goose season, the 
regular goose season, any special late dark goose season, and any 
extended falconry season, combined, must not exceed 107 days, and the 
established quota of dusky Canada geese must not be exceeded. Hunting 
of dark geese in those designated areas will only be by hunters 
possessing a State-issued permit authorizing them to do so. In a 
Service-approved investigation, the State must obtain quantitative 
information on hunter compliance of those regulations aimed at reducing 
the take of dusky Canada geese. If the monitoring program cannot be 
conducted, for any reason, the season must immediately close. In the 
designated areas of the Washington Southwest Quota Zone, a special late 
dark goose season may be held between the Saturday following the close 
of the general goose season and March 10. In the Northwest Special 
Permit Zone of Oregon, the framework closing date is extended to the 
Sunday closest to March 1 (February 29). Regular dark goose seasons may 
be split into 3 segments within the Oregon and Washington quota zones.

Swans

    In portions of the Pacific Flyway (Montana, Nevada, and Utah), an 
open season for taking a limited number of swans may be selected. 
Permits will be issued by the State and will authorize each permittee 
to take no more than 1 swan per season. Each State's season may open no 
earlier than the Saturday nearest October 1 (October 4). These seasons 
are also subject to the following conditions:
    Montana: No more than 500 permits may be issued. The season must 
end no later than December 1. The State must implement a harvest-
monitoring program to measure the species composition of the swan 
harvest and should use appropriate measures to maximize hunter 
compliance in reporting bill-measurement and color information.
    Utah: No more than 2,000 permits may be issued. During the swan 
season, no more than 10 trumpeter swans may be taken. The season must 
end no later than the second Sunday in December (December 14) or upon 
attainment of 10 trumpeter swans in the harvest, whichever occurs 
earliest. The Utah season remains subject to the terms of the 
Memorandum of Agreement entered into with the Service in August, 2001, 
regarding harvest monitoring, season closure procedures, and education 
requirements to minimize the take of trumpeter swans during the swan 
season.
    Nevada: No more than 650 permits may be issued. During the swan 
season, no more than 5 trumpeter swans may be taken. The season must 
end no later than the Sunday following January 1 (January 4) or upon 
attainment of 5 trumpeter swans in the harvest, whichever occurs 
earliest.
    In addition, the States of Utah and Nevada must implement a 
harvest-monitoring program to measure the species composition of the 
swan harvest. The harvest-monitoring program must require that all 
harvested swans or their species-determinant parts be examined by 
either State or Federal biologists for the purpose of species 
classification. The States should use appropriate measures to maximize 
hunter compliance in providing bagged swans for examination. Further, 
the States of Montana, Nevada, and Utah must achieve at least an 80-
percent compliance rate, or subsequent permits will be reduced by 10 
percent. All three States must provide to the Service by June 30, 2003, 
a report detailing harvest, hunter participation, reporting compliance, 
and monitoring of swan populations in the designated hunt areas.

Tundra Swans

    In portions of the Atlantic Flyway (North Carolina and Virginia) 
and the Central Flyway (North Dakota, South Dakota [east of the 
Missouri River], and that portion of Montana in the Central Flyway), an 
open season for taking a limited number of tundra swans may be 
selected. Permits will be issued by the States that authorize the take 
of no more than 1 tundra swan per permit. A second permit may be issued 
to hunters from unused permits remaining after the first drawing. The 
States must obtain harvest and hunter participation data. These seasons 
are also subject to the following conditions:
    In the Atlantic Flyway:


[[Page 55795]]


--The season is experimental.
--The season may be 90 days, from October 1 to January 31.
--In North Carolina, no more than 5,000 permits may be issued.
--In Virginia, no more than 600 permits may be issued.
    In the Central Flyway:
--The season may be 107 days, from the Saturday nearest October 1 
(October 4) to January 31.
--In the Central Flyway portion of Montana, no more than 500 permits 
may be issued.
--In North Dakota, no more than 2,200 permits may be issued.
--In South Dakota, no more than 1,300 permits may be issued.

Area, Unit, and Zone Descriptions

Ducks (Including Mergansers) and Coots

Atlantic Flyway

Connecticut

    North Zone: That portion of the State north of I-95.
    South Zone: Remainder of the State.

Maine

    North Zone: That portion north of the line extending east along 
Maine State Highway 110 from the New Hampshire and Maine State line to 
the intersection of Maine State Highway 11 in Newfield; then north and 
east along Route 11 to the intersection of U.S. Route 202 in Auburn; 
then north and east on Route 202 to the intersection of Interstate 
Highway 95 in Augusta; then north and east along I-95 to Route 15 in 
Bangor; then east along Route 15 to Route 9; then east along Route 9 to 
Stony Brook in Baileyville; then east along Stony Brook to the United 
States border.
    South Zone: Remainder of the State.

Massachusetts

    Western Zone: That portion of the State west of a line extending 
south from the Vermont State line on I-91 to MA 9, west on MA 9 to MA 
10, south on MA 10 to U.S. 202, south on U.S. 202 to the Connecticut 
State line.
    Central Zone: That portion of the State east of the Berkshire Zone 
and west of a line extending south from the New Hampshire State line on 
I-95 to U.S. 1, south on U.S. 1 to I-93, south on I-93 to MA 3, south 
on MA 3 to U.S. 6, west on U.S. 6 to MA 28, west on MA 28 to I-195, 
west to the Rhode Island State line; except the waters, and the lands 
150 yards inland from the high-water mark, of the Assonet River 
upstream to the MA 24 bridge, and the Taunton River upstream to the 
Center St.-Elm St. bridge shall be in the Coastal Zone.
    Coastal Zone: That portion of Massachusetts east and south of the 
Central Zone.

New Hampshire

    Coastal Zone: That portion of the State east of a line extending 
west from the Maine State line in Rollinsford on NH 4 to the city of 
Dover, south to NH 108, south along NH 108 through Madbury, Durham, and 
Newmarket to NH 85 in Newfields, south to NH 101 in Exeter, east to NH 
51 (Exeter-Hampton Expressway), east to I-95 (New Hampshire Turnpike) 
in Hampton, and south along I-95 to the Massachusetts State line.
    Inland Zone: That portion of the State north and west of the above 
boundary and along the Massachusetts State line crossing the 
Connecticut River to Interstate 91 and northward in Vermont to Route 2, 
east to 102, northward to the Canadian border.

New Jersey

    Coastal Zone: That portion of the State seaward of a line beginning 
at the New York State line in Raritan Bay and extending west along the 
New York State line to NJ 440 at Perth Amboy; west on NJ 440 to the 
Garden State Parkway; south on the Garden State Parkway to the 
shoreline at Cape May and continuing to the Delaware State line in 
Delaware Bay.
    North Zone: That portion of the State west of the Coastal Zone and 
north of a line extending west from the Garden State Parkway on NJ 70 
to the New Jersey Turnpike, north on the turnpike to U.S. 206, north on 
U.S. 206 to U.S. 1 at Trenton, west on U.S. 1 to the Pennsylvania State 
line in the Delaware River.
    South Zone: That portion of the State not within the North Zone or 
the Coastal Zone.

New York

    Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and that 
area east and north of a line extending along NY 9B from the Canadian 
border to U.S. 9, south along U.S. 9 to NY 22 south of Keesville; south 
along NY 22 to the west shore of South Bay, along and around the 
shoreline of South Bay to NY 22 on the east shore of South Bay; 
southeast along NY 22 to U.S. 4, northeast along U.S. 4 to the Vermont 
State line.
    Long Island Zone: That area consisting of Nassau County, Suffolk 
County, that area of Westchester County southeast of I-95, and their 
tidal waters.
    Western Zone: That area west of a line extending from Lake Ontario 
east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81, and south along 
I-81 to the Pennsylvania State line.
    Northeastern Zone: That area north of a line extending from Lake 
Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to I-81 to NY 
31, east along NY 31 to NY 13, north along NY 13 to NY 49, east along 
NY 49 to NY 365, east along NY 365 to NY 28, east along NY 28 to NY 29, 
east along NY 29 to I-87, north along I-87 to U.S. 9 (at Exit 20), 
north along U.S. 9 to NY 149, east along NY 149 to U.S. 4, north along 
U.S. 4 to the Vermont State line, exclusive of the Lake Champlain Zone.
    Southeastern Zone: The remaining portion of New York.

Pennsylvania

    Lake Erie Zone: The Lake Erie waters of Pennsylvania and a 
shoreline margin along Lake Erie from New York on the east to Ohio on 
the west extending 150 yards inland, but including all of Presque Isle 
Peninsula.
    Northwest Zone: The area bounded on the north by the Lake Erie Zone 
and including all of Erie and Crawford Counties and those portions of 
Mercer and Venango Counties north of I-80.
    North Zone: That portion of the State east of the Northwest Zone 
and north of a line extending east on I-80 to U.S. 220, Route 220 to I-
180, I-180 to I-80, and I-80 to the Delaware River.
    South Zone: The remaining portion of Pennsylvania.

Vermont

    Lake Champlain Zone: The U.S. portion of Lake Champlain and that 
area north and west of the line extending from the New York State line 
along U.S. 4 to VT 22A at Fair Haven; VT 22A to U.S. 7 at Vergennes; 
U.S. 7 to the Canadian border.
    Interior Zone: That portion of Vermont west of the Lake Champlain 
Zone and eastward of a line extending from the Massachusetts State line 
at Interstate 91; north along Interstate 91 to U.S. 2; east along U.S. 
2 to VT 102; north along VT 102 to VT 253; north along VT 253 to the 
Canadian border.
    Connecticut River Zone: The remaining portion of Vermont east of 
the Interior Zone.

West Virginia

    Zone 1: That portion outside the boundaries in Zone 2.
    Zone 2 (Allegheny Mountain Upland): That area bounded by a line 
extending south along U.S. 220 through Keyser to U.S. 50; U.S. 50 to WV 
93; WV 93 south to WV 42; WV 42 south to Petersburg; WV 28 south to 
Minnehaha Springs; WV 39 west to U.S. 219; U.S. 219 south to I-64; I-64 
west to U.S. 60; U.S. 60 west

[[Page 55796]]

to U.S. 19; U.S. 19 north to I-79, I-79 north to I-68; I-68 east to the 
Maryland State line; and along the State line to the point of 
beginning.

Mississippi Flyway

Alabama

    South Zone: Mobile and Baldwin Counties.
    North Zone: The remainder of Alabama.

Illinois

    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending 
east from the Iowa State line along Illinois Highway 92 to Interstate 
Highway 280, east along I-280 to I-80, then east along I-80 to the 
Indiana State line.
    Central Zone: That portion of the State south of the North Zone to 
a line extending east from the Missouri State line along the Modoc 
Ferry route to Modoc Ferry Road, east along Modoc Ferry Road to Modoc 
Road, northeasterly along Modoc Road and St. Leo's Road to Illinois 
Highway 3, north along Illinois 3 to Illinois 159, north along Illinois 
159 to Illinois 161, east along Illinois 161 to Illinois 4, north along 
Illinois 4 to Interstate Highway 70, east along I-70 to the Bond County 
line, north and east along the Bond County line to Fayette County, 
north and east along the Fayette County line to Effingham County, east 
and south along the Effingham County line to I-70, then east along I-70 
to the Indiana State line.
    South Zone: The remainder of Illinois.

Indiana

    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending 
east from the Illinois State line along State Road 18 to U.S. Highway 
31, north along U.S. 31 to U.S. 24, east along U.S. 24 to Huntington, 
then southeast along U.S. 224 to the Ohio State line.
    Ohio River Zone: That portion of the State south of a line 
extending east from the Illinois State line along Interstate Highway 64 
to New Albany, east along State Road 62 to State Road 56, east along 
State Road 56 to Vevay, east and north on State 156 along the Ohio 
River to North Landing, north along State 56 to U.S. Highway 50, then 
northeast along U.S. 50 to the Ohio State line.
    South Zone: That portion of the State between the North and Ohio 
River Zone boundaries.

Iowa

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

Kentucky

    West Zone: All counties west of and including Butler, Daviess, 
Ohio, Simpson, and Warren Counties.
    East Zone: The remainder of Kentucky.

Louisiana

    West Zone: That portion of the State west and south of a line 
extending south from the Arkansas State line along Louisiana Highway 3 
to Bossier City, east along Interstate Highway 20 to Minden, south 
along Louisiana 7 to Ringgold, east along Louisiana 4 to Jonesboro, 
south along U.S. Highway 167 to Lafayette, southeast along U.S. 90 to 
the Mississippi State line.
    East Zone: The remainder of Louisiana.
    Catahoula Lake Area: All of Catahoula Lake, including those 
portions known locally as Round Prairie, Catfish Prairie, and Frazier's 
Arm. See State regulations for additional information.

Michigan

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

Missouri

    North Zone: That portion of Missouri north of a line running west 
from the Illinois State line (Lock and Dam 25) on Lincoln County 
Highway N to Missouri Highway 79; south on Missouri Highway 79 to 
Missouri Highway 47; west on Missouri Highway 47 to Interstate 70; west 
on Interstate 70 to U.S. Highway 54; south on U.S. Highway 54 to U.S. 
Highway 50; west on U.S. Highway 50 to the Kansas State line.
    South Zone: That portion of Missouri south of a line running west 
from the Illinois State line on Missouri Highway 34 to Interstate 55; 
south on Interstate 55 to U.S. Highway 62; west on U.S. Highway 62 to 
Missouri Highway 53; north on Missouri Highway 53 to Missouri Highway 
51; north on Missouri Highway 51 to U.S. Highway 60; west on U.S. 
Highway 60 to Missouri Highway 21; north on Missouri Highway 21 to 
Missouri Highway 72; west on Missouri Highway 72 to Missouri Highway 
32; west on Missouri Highway 32 to U.S. Highway 65; north on U.S. 
Highway 65 to U.S. Highway 54; west on U.S. Highway 54 to the Kansas 
State line.
    Middle Zone: The remainder of Missouri.

Ohio

    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending 
east from the Indiana State line along U.S. Highway 30 to State Route 
37, south along SR 37 to SR 95, east along SR 95 to LaRue-Prospect 
Road, east along LaRue-Prospect Road to SR 203, south along SR 203 to 
SR 739, east along SR 739 to SR 4, north along SR 4 to SR 309, east 
along SR 309 to U.S. 23, north along U.S. 23 to SR 231, north along SR 
231 to U.S. 30, east along U.S. 30 to SR 42, north along SR 42 to SR 
603, south along SR 603 to U.S. 30, east along U.S. 30 to SR 60, south 
along SR 60 to SR 39/60, east along SR 39/60 to SR 39, east along SR 39 
to SR 241, east along SR 241 to U.S. 30, then east along U.S. 30 to the 
West Virginia State line.
    South Zone: The remainder of Ohio.

Tennessee

    Reelfoot Zone: All or portions of Lake and Obion Counties.
    State Zone: The remainder of Tennessee.

Wisconsin

    North Zone: That portion of the State north of a line extending 
east from the Minnesota State line along State Highway 77 to State 27, 
south along State 27 and 77 to U.S. Highway 63, and continuing south 
along State 27 to Sawyer County Road B, south and east along County B 
to State 70, southwest along State 70 to State 27, south along State 27 
to State 64, west along State 64/27 and south along State 27 to U.S. 
12, south and east on State 27/U.S. 12 to U.S. 10, east on U.S. 10 to 
State 310, east along State 310 to State 42, north

[[Page 55797]]

along State 42 to State 147, north along State 147 to State 163, north 
along State 163 to Kewaunee County Trunk A, north along County Trunk A 
to State 57, north along State 57 to the Kewaunee/Door County Line, 
west along the Kewaunee/Door County Line to the Door/Brown County Line, 
west along the Door/Brown County Line to the Door/Oconto/Brown County 
Line, northeast along the Door/Oconto County Line to the Marinette/Door 
County Line, northeast along the Marinette/Door County Line to the 
Michigan State line.
    South Zone: The remainder of Wisconsin.

Central Flyway

Kansas

    High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of U.S. 283.
    Low Plains Early Zone: That area of Kansas east of U.S. 283, and 
generally west of a line beginning at the Junction of the Nebraska 
State line and KS 28; south on KS 28 to U.S. 36; east on U.S. 36 to KS 
199; south on KS 199 to Republic Co. Road 563; south on Republic Co. 
Road 563 to KS 148; east on KS 148 to Republic Co. Road 138; south on 
Republic Co. Road 138 to Cloud Co. Road 765; south on Cloud Co. Road 
765 to KS 9; west on KS 9 to U.S. 24; west on U.S. 24 to U.S. 281; 
north on U.S. 281 to U.S. 36; west on U.S. 36 to U.S. 183; south on 
U.S. 183 to U.S. 24; west on U.S. 24 to KS 18; southeast on KS 18 to 
U.S. 183; south on U.S. 183 to KS 4; east on KS 4 to I-135; south on I-
135 to KS 61; southwest on KS 61 to KS 96; northwest on KS 96 to U.S. 
56; west on U.S. 56 to U.S. 281; south on U.S. 281 to U.S. 54; and west 
on U.S. 54 to U.S. 183; north on U.S. 183 to U.S. 56; southwest on U.S. 
56 to U.S. 283.
    Low Plains Late Zone: The remainder of Kansas.

Montana (Central Flyway Portion)

    Zone 1: The Counties of Blaine, Carbon, Carter, Daniels, Dawson, 
Fallon, Fergus, Garfield, Golden Valley, Judith Basin, McCone, 
Musselshell, Petroleum, Phillips, Powder River, Richland, Roosevelt, 
Sheridan, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Valley, Wheatland, Wibaux, and 
Yellowstone.
    Zone 2: The remainder of Montana.

Nebraska

    High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of highways U.S. 
183 and U.S. 20 from the South Dakota State line to Ainsworth, NE 7 and 
NE 91 to Dunning, NE 2 to Merna, NE 92 to Arnold, NE 40 and NE 47 
through Gothenburg to NE 23, NE 23 to Elwood, and U.S. 283 to the 
Kansas State line.
    Low Plains Zone 1: That portion of the State east of the High 
Plains Zone and north and west of a line extending from the South 
Dakota State line along NE 26E Spur to NE 12, west on NE 12 to the 
Knox/Boyd County line, south along the county line to the Niobrara 
River and along the Niobrara River to U.S. 183 (the High Plains Zone 
line). Where the Niobrara River forms the boundary, both banks will be 
in Zone 1.
    Low Plains Zone 2: Area bounded by designated Federal and State 
highways and political boundaries beginning at the Kansas-Nebraska 
State line on U.S. Hwy. 73; north to NE Hwy. 67 north to U.S. Hwy 136; 
east to the Steamboat Trace (Trace); north to Federal Levee R-562; 
north and west to the Trace/Burlington Northern Railroad right-of-way; 
north to NE Hwy 2; west to U.S. Hwy 75; north to NE Hwy. 2; west to NE 
Hwy. 43; north to U.S. Hwy. 34; east to NE Hwy. 63; north and west to 
U.S. Hwy. 77; north to NE Hwy. 92; west to U.S. Hwy. 81; south to NE 
Hwy. 66; west to NE Hwy. 14; south to U.S. Hwy 34; west to NE Hwy. 2; 
south to U.S. Hwy. I-80; west to Gunbarrrel Rd. (Hall/Hamilton County 
line); south to Giltner Rd.; west to U.S. Hwy. 281; south to U.S. Hwy. 
34; west to NE Hwy 10; north to County Road ``R'' (Kearney County) and 
County Road 742 (Phelps County); west to County Road 
438 (Gosper County line); south along County Road 438 
(Gosper County line) to County Road 726 (Furnas County Line); 
east to County Road 438 (Harlan County Line); south to U.S. 
Hwy 34; south and west to U.S. Hwy. 136; east to NE Hwy. 10; south to 
the Kansas-Nebraska State line.
    Low Plains Zone 3: The area east of the High Plains Zone, excluding 
Low Plains Zone 1, north of Low Plains Zone 2.
    Low Plains Zone 4: The area east of the High Plains Zone and south 
of Zone 2.

New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion)

    North Zone: That portion of the State north of I-40 and U.S. 54.
    South Zone: The remainder of New Mexico.

North Dakota

    High Plains Unit: That portion of the State south and west of a 
line from the South Dakota State line along U.S. 83 and I-94 to ND 41, 
north to U.S. 2, west to the Williams/Divide County line, then north 
along the County line to the Canadian border.
    Low Plains: The remainder of North Dakota.

Oklahoma

    High Plains Zone: The Counties of Beaver, Cimarron, and Texas.
    Low Plains Zone 1: That portion of the State east of the High 
Plains Zone and north of a line extending east from the Texas State 
line along OK 33 to OK 47, east along OK 47 to U.S. 183, south along 
U.S. 183 to I-40, east along I-40 to U.S. 177, north along U.S. 177 to 
OK 33, west along OK 33 to I-35, north along I-35 to U.S. 412, west 
along U.S. 412 to OK 132, then north along OK 132 to the Kansas State 
line.
    Low Plains Zone 2: The remainder of Oklahoma.

South Dakota

    High Plains Unit: That portion of the State west of a line 
beginning at the North Dakota State line and extending south along U.S. 
83 to U.S. 14, east along U.S. 14 to Blunt-Canning Road in Blunt, south 
along Blunt-Canning Road to SD 34, east to SD 47, south to I-90, east 
to SD 47, south to SD 49, south to Colome and then continuing south on 
U.S. 183 to the Nebraska State line.
    North Zone: That portion of northeastern South Dakota east of the 
High Plains Unit and north of a line extending east along U.S. 212 to 
the Minnesota State line.
    South Zone: That portion of Gregory County east of SD 47, Charles 
Mix County south of SD 44 to the Douglas County line, south on SD 50 to 
Geddes, east on the Geddes Hwy. to U.S. 281, south on U.S. 281 and U.S. 
18 to SD 50, south and east on SD 50 to Bon Homme County line, the 
Counties of Bon Homme, Yankton, and Clay south of SD 50, and Union 
County south and west of SD 50 and I-29.
    Middle Zone: The remainder of South Dakota.

Texas

    High Plains Zone: That portion of the State west of a line 
extending south from the Oklahoma State line along U.S. 183 to Vernon, 
south along U.S. 283 to Albany, south along TX 6 to TX 351 to Abilene, 
south along U.S. 277 to Del Rio, then south along the Del Rio 
International Toll Bridge access road to the Mexico border.
    Low Plains North Zone: That portion of northeastern Texas east of 
the High Plains Zone and north of a line beginning at the International 
Toll Bridge south of Del Rio, then extending east on U.S. 90 to San 
Antonio, then continuing east on I-10 to the Louisiana State line at 
Orange, Texas.
    Low Plains South Zone: The remainder of Texas.

[[Page 55798]]

Wyoming (Central Flyway portion)

    Zone 1: The Counties of Converse, Goshen, Hot Springs, Natrona, 
Platte, and Washakie; and the portion of Park County east of the 
Shoshone National Forest boundary and south of a line beginning where 
the Shoshone National Forest boundary meets Park County Road 8VC, east 
along Park County Road 8VC to Park County Road 1AB, continuing east 
along Park County Road 1AB to Wyoming Highway 120, north along WY 
Highway 120 to WY Highway 294, south along WY Highway 294 to Lane 9, 
east along Lane 9 to Powel and WY Highway 14A, and finally east along 
WY Highway 14A to the Park County and Big Horn County line.
    Zone 2: The remainder of Wyoming.

Pacific Flyway

    Arizona--Game Management Units (GMU) as follows:
    South Zone: Those portions of GMUs 6 and 8 in Yavapai County, and 
GMUs 10 and 12B-45.
    North Zone: GMUs 1-5, those portions of GMUs 6 and 8 within 
Coconino County, and GMUs 7, 9, 12A.

California

    Northeastern Zone: In that portion of California lying east and 
north of a line beginning at the intersection of the Klamath River with 
the California-Oregon line; south and west along the Klamath River to 
the mouth of Shovel Creek; along Shovel Creek to its intersection with 
Forest Service Road 46N05 at Burnt Camp; west to its junction with 
Forest Service Road 46N10; south and east to its Junction with County 
Road 7K007; south and west to its junction with Forest Service Road 
45N22; south and west to its junction with Highway 97 and Grass Lake 
Summit; south along to its junction with Interstate 5 at the town of 
Weed; south to its junction with Highway 89; east and south along 
Highway 89 to Main Street Greenville; north and east to its junction 
with North Valley Road; south to its junction of Diamond Mountain Road; 
north and east to its junction with North Arm Road; south and west to 
the junction of North Valley Road; south to the junction with Arlington 
Road (A22); west to the junction of Highway 89; south and west to the 
junction of Highway 70; east on Highway 70 to Highway 395; south and 
east on Highway 395 to the point of intersection with the California-
Nevada State line; north along the California-Nevada State line to the 
junction of the California-Nevada-Oregon State lines; west along the 
California-Oregon State line to the point of origin.
    Colorado River Zone: Those portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, 
and Imperial Counties east of a line extending from the Nevada State 
line south along U.S. 95 to Vidal Junction; south on a road known as 
``Aqueduct Road'' in San Bernardino County through the town of Rice to 
the San Bernardino-Riverside County line; south on a road known in 
Riverside County as the ``Desert Center to Rice Road'' to the town of 
Desert Center; east 31 miles on I-10 to the Wiley Well Road; south on 
this road to Wiley Well; southeast along the Army-Milpitas Road to the 
Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south on the Blythe-Brawley 
paved road to the Ogilby and Tumco Mine Road; south on this road to 
U.S. 80; east seven miles on U.S. 80 to the Andrade-Algodones Road; 
south on this paved road to the Mexican border at Algodones, Mexico.
    Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding 
the Colorado River Zone) south and east of a line extending from the 
Pacific Ocean east along the Santa Maria River to CA 166 near the City 
of Santa Maria; east on CA 166 to CA 99; south on CA 99 to the crest of 
the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest 
of the Tehachapi Mountains to CA 178 at Walker Pass; east on CA 178 to 
U.S. 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on U.S. 395 to CA 58; east on 
CA 58 to I-15; east on I-15 to CA 127; north on CA 127 to the Nevada 
State line.
    Southern San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone: All of Kings and Tulare 
Counties and that portion of Kern County north of the Southern Zone.
    Balance-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of California not included 
in the Northeastern, Southern, and Colorado River Zones, and the 
Southern San Joaquin Valley Temporary Zone.

Idaho

    Zone 1: Includes all lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian 
Reservation, including private inholdings; Bannock County; Bingham 
County, except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; 
and Power County east of ID 37 and ID 39.
    Zone 2: Includes the following Counties or portions of Counties: 
Adams; Bear Lake; Benewah; Bingham within the Blackfoot Reservoir 
drainage; those portions of Blaine west of ID 75, south and east of 
U.S. 93, and between ID 75 and U.S. 93 north of U.S. 20 outside the 
Silver Creek drainage; Bonner; Bonneville; Boundary; Butte; Camas; 
Caribou except the Fort Hall Indian Reservation; Cassia within the 
Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; Clark; Clearwater; Custer; Elmore 
within the Camas Creek drainage; Franklin; Fremont; Idaho; Jefferson; 
Kootenai; Latah; Lemhi; Lewis; Madison; Nez Perce; Oneida; Power within 
the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; Shoshone; Teton; and Valley 
Counties.
    Zone 3: Includes the following Counties or portions of Counties: 
Ada; Blaine between ID 75 and U.S. 93 south of U.S. 20 and that 
additional area between ID 75 and U.S. 93 north of U.S. 20 within the 
Silver Creek drainage; Boise; Canyon; Cassia except within the Minidoka 
National Wildlife Refuge; Elmore except the Camas Creek drainage; Gem; 
Gooding; Jerome; Lincoln; Minidoka; Owyhee; Payette; Power west of ID 
37 and ID 39 except that portion within the Minidoka National Wildlife 
Refuge; Twin Falls; and Washington Counties.

Nevada

    Lincoln and Clark County Zone: All of Clark and Lincoln Counties.
    Remainder-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of Nevada.

Oregon

    Zone 1: Clatsop, Tillamook, Lincoln, Lane, Douglas, Coos, Curry, 
Josephine, Jackson, Linn, Benton, Polk, Marion, Yamhill, Washington, 
Columbia, Multnomah, Clackamas, Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, 
Morrow and Umatilla Counties.
    Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit: Gilliam, Morrow, and 
Umatilla Counties.
    Zone 2: The remainder of the State.

Utah

    Zone 1: All of Box Elder, Cache, Daggett, Davis, Duchesne, Morgan, 
Rich, Salt Lake, Summit, Unitah, Utah, Wasatch, and Weber Counties, and 
that part of Toole County north of I-80.
    Zone 2: The remainder of Utah.

Washington

    East Zone: All areas east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of 
the Big White Salmon River in Klickitat County.
    Columbia Basin Mallard Management Unit: Same as East Zone.
    West Zone: All areas to the west of the East Zone.

Geese

Atlantic Flyway

Connecticut

    NAP L-Unit: That portion of Fairfield County north of Interstate 95 
and that portion of New Haven County: starting at I-95 bridge on 
Housatonic River; north of Interstate 95; west of Route 10 to the 
intersection of Interstate 691; west along Interstate 691 to Interstate 
84;

[[Page 55799]]

west and south on Interstate 84 to Route 67; north along Route 67 to 
the Litchfield County line, then extending west along the Litchfield 
County line to the Shepaug River, then south to the intersection of the 
Litchfield and Fairfield County lines.
    NAP H-Unit: All of the rest of the State not included in the AP or 
NAP-L descriptions.
    AP Unit: Litchfield County and the portion of Hartford County, west 
of a line beginning at the Massachusetts State line in Suffield and 
extending south along Route 159 to its intersection with Route 91 in 
Hartford, and then extending south along Route 91 to its intersection 
with the Hartford/Middlesex County line.
    South Zone: Same as for ducks.
    North Zone: Same as for ducks.

Maryland

    SJBP Zone: Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Washington 
Counties and the portion of Montgomery County south of Interstate 270 
and west of Interstate 495 to the Potomac River.
    AP Zone: Remainder of the State.

Massachusetts

    NAP Zone: Central Zone (same as for ducks) and that portion of the 
Coastal Zone that lies north of route 139 from Green Harbor.
    AP Zone: Remainder of the State.
    Special Late Season Area: That portion of the Coastal Zone (see 
duck zones) that lies north of the Cape Cod Canal and east of Route 3, 
north to the New Hampshire line.
    New Hampshire: Same zones as for ducks.

New Jersey

    North--that portion of the State within a continuous line that runs 
east along the New York State boundary line to the Hudson River; then 
south along the New York State boundary to its intersection with Route 
440 at Perth Amboy; then west on Route 440 to its intersection with 
Route 287; then west along Route 287 to its intersection with Route 206 
in Bedminster (Exit 18); then north along Route 206 to its intersection 
with Route 94: then west along Route 94 to the tollbridge in Columbia; 
then north along the Pennsylvania State boundary in the Delaware River 
to the beginning point.
    South--that portion of the State within a continuous line that runs 
west from the Atlantic Ocean at Ship Bottom along Route 72 to Route 70; 
then west along Route 70 to Route 206; then south along Route 206 to 
Route 536; then west along Route 536 to Route 322; then west along 
Route 322 to Route 55; then south along Route 55 to Route 553 (Buck 
Road); then south along Route 553 to Route 40; then east along Route 40 
to route 55; then south along Route 55 to Route 552 (Sherman Avenue); 
then west along Route 552 to Carmel Road; then south along Carmel Road 
to Route 49; then east along Route 49 to Route 555; then south along 
Route 555 to Route 553; then east along Route 553 to Route 649; then 
north along Route 649 to Route 670; then east along Route 670 to Route 
47; then north along Route 47 to Route 548; then east along Route 548 
to Route 49; then east along Route 49 to Route 50; then south along 
Route 50 to Route 9; then south along Route 9 to Route 625 (Sea Isle 
City Boulevard); then east along Route 625 to the Atlantic Ocean; then 
north to the beginning point.

New York

    Lake Champlain Area: that area east and north of a continuous line 
extending along Route 11 from the New York-Canada boundary south to 
Route 9B, south along Route 9B to Route 9, south along Route 9 to Route 
22 south of Keeseville, south along Route 22 to the west shore of South 
Bay along and around the shoreline of South Bay to Route 22 on the east 
shore of South Bay, southeast along Route 22 to Route 4, northeast 
along Route 4 to the New York-Vermont State line.
    St. Lawrence Area: New York State Wildlife Management Units (WMUs): 
6A, 6C, and 6H.
    Northeast Area: that area north of a continuous line extending from 
Lake Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to 
Interstate 81, south along Interstate Route 81 to Route 31, east along 
Route 31 to Route 13, north along Route 13 to Route 49, east along 
Route 49 to Route 365, east along Route 365 to Route 28, east along 
Route 28 to Route 29, east along Route 29 to Interstate Route 87, north 
along Interstate Route 87 to Route 9 (at Exit 20), north along Route 9 
to Route 149, east along Route 149 to Route 4, north along Route 4 to 
the New York-Vermont boundary, excluding the Lake Champlain and St. 
Lawrence Areas.
    Southwest Area: consists of the following WMUs: 9C, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 
9M, 9N, and 9R; that part of WMU 9A lying south of a continuous line 
extending from the New York-Ontario boundary east along Interstate 
Route 190 to State Route 31, then east along Route 31 to Route 78 in 
Lockport; that part of WMU 9F lying in Erie County; and that part of 
WMU 8G lying south and west of a continuous line extending from WMU 9F 
east along the NYS Thruway to Exit 48 in Batavia, then south along 
State Route 98 to WMU 9H.
    South Central Area: consists of the following WMUs: 3A, 3C, 3H, 3K, 
3N, 3P, 3R, 4G, 4H, 4N, 4O, 4P, 4R, 4W, 4X, 7R, 7S, 8T, 8W, 8X, 8Y, 9P, 
9S, 9T, 9W, 9X, and 9Y; that part of WMU 3G lying in Putnam County; 
that part of WMU 3S lying northwest of Interstate Route 95; and that 
part of WMU 7M lying south of a continuous line extending from IR 81 at 
Cortland east along 41 Route to Route 26, then north along Route 26 to 
Route 23, then east along Route 23 to Route 8 at South New Berlin.
    West Central Area: that area west of a continuous line extending 
from Lake Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to 
Interstate Route 81 and then south along Interstate Route 81 to the New 
York-Pennsylvania boundary, excluding the Southwest and South Central 
Areas.
    East Central Area: that area east of Interstate 81 that is south of 
a continuous line extending from Interstate Route 81 east along Route 
31 to Route 13, north along Route 13 to Route 49, east along Route 49 
to Route 365, east along Route 365 to Route 28, east along Route 28 to 
Route 29, east along Route 29 to Interstate Route 87, north along 
Interstate Route 87 to Route 9 (at Exit 20), north along Route 9 to 
Route 149, east along Route 149 to Route 4, north along Route 4 to the 
New York-Vermont boundary, and northwest of Interstate Route 95 in 
Westchester County, excluding the South Central Area.
    Western Long Island Area: that area of Westchester County and its 
tidal waters southeast of Interstate Route 95 and that area of Nassau 
and Suffolk Counties lying west of a continuous line extending due 
south from the New York-Connecticut boundary to the northern end of 
Sound Road (near Wading River), then south along Sound Road to North 
Country Road, then west along North Country Road to Randall Road, then 
south along Randall Road to State Route 25A, then west along Route 25A 
to the William Floyd Parkway (County Route 46), then south along 
William Floyd Parkway to Fire Island Beach Road, then due south to 
International waters.
    Eastern Long Island Area: that area of Suffolk County that is not 
part of the Western Long Island Area.
    Special Late Hunting Area: consists of that area of Westchester 
County lying southeast of Interstate Route 95 and that area of Nassau 
and Suffolk Counties lying north of State Route 25A and west of a 
continuous line extending northward from State Route 25A along Randall 
Road (near Shoreham) to North

[[Page 55800]]

Country Road, then east to Sound Road and then north to Long Island 
Sound and then due north to the New York-Connecticut boundary.

North Carolina

    SJBP Hunt Zone: Includes the following counties or portions of 
counties: Anson, Cabarrus, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Halifax (that 
portion east of NC 903), Iredell (that portion south of Interstate 40), 
Montgomery (that portion west of NC 109), Northampton (all of the 
county with the exception of that portion that is both north of U.S. 
158 and east of NC 35), Richmond (that portion south of NC 73 and west 
of U.S. 220 and north of U.S. 74), Rowan, Stanly, Union, and Wake.
    RP Hunt Zone: Includes the following counties or portions of 
counties: Alamance, Alleghany, Alexander, Ashe, Avery, Beaufort, Bertie 
(that portion south and west of a line formed by NC 45 at the 
Washington Co. line to U.S. 17 in Midway, U.S. 17 in Midway to U.S. 13 
in Windsor, U.S. 13 in Windsor to the Hertford Co. line), Bladen, 
Brunswick, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Carteret, Caswell, Catawba, 
Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Davie, Duplin, 
Edgecombe, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Gates, Graham, Granville, Greene, 
Guilford, Halifax (that portion west of NC 903), Harnett, Haywood, 
Henderson, Hertford, Hoke, Iredell (that portion north of Interstate 
40), Jackson, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Lincoln, McDowell, Macon, 
Madison, Martin, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Montgomery (that portion that 
is east of NC 109), Moore, Nash, New Hanover, Onslow, Orange, Pamlico, 
Pender, Person, Pitt, Polk, Randolph, Richmond (all of the county with 
exception of that portion that is south of NC 73 and west of U.S. 220 
and north of U.S. 74), Robeson, Rockingham, Rutherford, Sampson, 
Scotland, Stokes, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Vance, Warren, Watauga, 
Wayne, Wilkes, Wilson, Yadkin, and Yancey.
    Northeast Hunt Unit: Includes the following counties or portions of 
counties: Bertie (that portion north and east of a line formed by NC 45 
at the Washington County line to U.S. 17 in Midway, U.S. 17 in Midway 
to U.S. 13 in Windsor, U.S. 13 in Windsor to the Hertford Co. line), 
Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Northampton (that portion that 
is both north of U.S. 158 and east of NC 35), Pasquotank, Perquimans, 
Tyrrell, and Washington.

Pennsylvania

    Resident Canada Goose Zone: All of Pennsylvania except for 
Crawford, Erie, and Mercer Counties and the area east of I-83 from the 
Maryland State line to the intersection of U.S. Route 30 to the 
intersection of SR 441 to the intersection of I-283, east of I-283 to 
I-83, east of I-83 to the intersection of I-81, east of I-81 to the 
intersection of U.S. Route 322, east of U.S. Route 322 to the 
intersection of SR 147, east of SR 147 to the intersection of I-180, 
east of I-180 to the intersection of U.S. Route 220, east of U.S. Route 
220 to the New York State line.
    SJBP Zone: Erie, Mercer and Crawford Counties, except for the 
Pymatuning Zone (the area south of SR 198 from the Ohio State line to 
the intersection of SR 18 to the intersection of U.S. Route 322/SR 18, 
to the intersection of SR 3013, south to the Crawford/Mercer County 
line).
    Pymatuning Zone: The area south of SR 198 from the Ohio State line 
to the intersection of SR 18 to the intersection of U.S. Route 322/SR 
18, to the intersection of SR 3013, south to the Crawford/Mercer County 
line.
    AP Zone: The area east of I-83 from the Maryland State line to the 
intersection of U.S. Route 30 to the intersection of SR 441 to the 
intersection of I-283, east of I-283 to I-83, east of I-83 to the 
intersection of I-81, east of I-81 to the intersection of U.S. Route 
322, east of U.S. Route 322 to the intersection of SR 147, east of SR 
147 to the intersection of I-180, east of I-180 to the intersection of 
U.S. Route 220, east of U.S. Route 220 to the New York State line.
    Special Late Canada Goose Season Area: The SJBP zone (excluding the 
Pymatuning zone) and the northern portion of the AP zone defined as 
east of U.S. Route 220 from the New York State line, east of U.S. Route 
220 to the intersection of I-180, east of I-180 to the intersection of 
SR 147, east of SR 147 to the intersection of U.S. Route 322, east of 
U.S. Route 322 to the intersection of I-81, north of I-81 to the 
intersection of I-80, and north of I-80 to the New Jersey State line.

Rhode Island

    Special Area for Canada Geese: Kent and Providence Counties and 
portions of the towns of Exeter and North Kingston within Washington 
County (see State regulations for detailed descriptions).

South Carolina

    Canada Goose Area: Statewide except for Clarendon County and that 
portion of Lake Marion in Orangeburg County and Berkeley County.
    Vermont: Same zones as for ducks.

Virginia

    AP Zone: The area east and south of the following line--the 
Stafford County line from the Potomac River west to Interstate 95 at 
Fredericksburg, then south along Interstate 95 to Petersburg, then 
Route 460 (SE) to City of Suffolk, then south along Route 32 to the 
North Carolina line.
    SJBP Zone: The area to the west of the AP Zone boundary and east of 
the following line: the ``Blue Ridge'' (mountain spine) at the West 
Virginia-Virginia Border (Loudoun County--Clarke County line) south to 
Interstate 64 (the Blue Ridge line follows county borders along the 
western edge of Loudoun-Fauquier-Rappahannock-Madison-Greene-Albemarle 
and into Nelson Counties), then east along Interstate Rt. 64 to Route 
15, then south along Rt. 15 to the North Carolina line.
    RP Zone: The remainder of the State west of the SJBP Zone.
    Back Bay Area: The waters of Back Bay and its tributaries and the 
marshes adjacent thereto, and on the land and marshes between Back Bay 
and the Atlantic Ocean from Sandbridge to the North Carolina line, and 
on and along the shore of North Landing River and the marshes adjacent 
thereto, and on and along the shores of Binson Inlet Lake (formerly 
known as Lake Tecumseh) and Red Wing Lake and the marshes adjacent 
thereto.
    West Virginia: Same zones as for ducks.

Mississippi Flyway

    Alabama: Same zones as for ducks, but in addition:
    SJBP Zone: That portion of Morgan County east of U.S. Highway 31, 
north of State Highway 36, and west of U.S. 231; that portion of 
Limestone County south of U.S. 72; and that portion of Madison County 
south of Swancott Road and west of Triana Road.
    Arkansas: Northwest Zone: Benton, Carroll, Baxter, Washington, 
Madison, Newton, Crawford, Van Buren, Searcy, Sebastion, Scott, 
Franklin, Logan, Johnson, Pope, Yell, Conway, Perry, Faulkner, Pulaski, 
Boone, and Marion Counties.
    Illinois: Same zones as for ducks, but in addition:
    North Zone: Northern Illinois Quota Zone: The Counties of McHenry, 
Lake, Kane, DuPage, and those portions of LaSalle and Will Counties 
north of Interstate Highway 80.
    Central Zone: Central Illinois Quota Zone: The Counties of 
Woodford, Peoria, Knox, Fulton, Tazewell, Mason, Cass, Morgan, Pike, 
Calhoun, and Jersey, and those portions of Grundy, LaSalle

[[Page 55801]]

and Will Counties south of Interstate Highway 80.
    South Zone: Southern Illinois Quota Zone: Alexander, Jackson, 
Union, and Williamson Counties.
    Indiana: Same zones as for ducks, but in addition:
    SJBP Zone: Jasper, LaGrange, LaPorte, Starke, and Steuben Counties, 
and that portion of the Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area in 
Pulaski County.
    Iowa: Same zones as for ducks.

Kentucky

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

Michigan

    MVP Zone: The MVP Zone consists of an area north and west of the 
point beginning at the southwest corner of Branch county, north 
continuing along the western border of Branch and Calhoun counties to 
the northwest corner of Calhoun county, then easterly to the southwest 
corner of Eaton county, then northerly to the southern border of Ionia 
County, then easterly to the southwest corner of Clinton County, then 
northerly along the western border of Clinton County continuing 
northerly along the county border of Gratiot and Montcalm Counties to 
the southern border of Isabella County, then easterly to the southwest 
corner of Midland County, then northerly along the west Midland County 
border to Highway M-20, then easterly to U.S. Highway 10, then easterly 
to U.S. Interstate 75 / U.S. Highway 23, then northerly along I-75 / 
U.S. 23 to the U.S. 23 exit at Standish, then easterly on U.S. 23 to 
the centerline of the Au Gres River, then southerly along the 
centerline of the Au Gres River to Saginaw Bay, then on a line directly 
east 10 miles into Saginaw Bay, and from that point on a line directly 
northeast to the Canadian border.
    SJBP Zone is the rest of the State, that area south and east of the 
boundary described above.
    Tuscola/Huron Goose Management Unit (GMU): Those portions of 
Tuscola and Huron Counties bounded on the south by Michigan Highway 138 
and Bay City Road, on the east by Colwood and Bay Port Roads, on the 
north by Kilmanagh Road and a line extending directly west off the end 
of Kilmanagh Road into Saginaw Bay to the west boundary, and on the 
west by the Tuscola-Bay County line and a line extending directly north 
off the end of the Tuscola-Bay County line into Saginaw Bay to the 
north boundary.
    Allegan County GMU: That area encompassed by a line beginning at 
the junction of 136th Avenue and Interstate Highway 196 in Lake Town 
Township and extending easterly along 136th Avenue to Michigan Highway 
40, southerly along Michigan 40 through the city of Allegan to 108th 
Avenue in Trowbridge Township, westerly along 108th Avenue to 46th 
Street, northerly \1/2\ mile along 46th Street to 109th Avenue, 
westerly along 109th Avenue to I-196 in Casco Township, then northerly 
along I-196 to the point of beginning.
    Saginaw County GMU: That portion of Saginaw County bounded by 
Michigan Highway 46 on the north; Michigan 52 on the west; Michigan 57 
on the south; and Michigan 13 on the east.
    Muskegon Wastewater GMU: That portion of Muskegon County within the 
boundaries of the Muskegon County wastewater system, east of the 
Muskegon State Game Area, in sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 29, 
30, and 32, T10N R14W, and sections 1, 2, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 24, and 
25, T10N R15W, as posted.
    Special Canada Goose Seasons: Southern Michigan GMU: That portion 
of the State, including the Great Lakes and interconnecting waterways 
and excluding the Allegan County GMU, south of a line beginning at the 
Ontario border at the Bluewater Bridge in the city of Port Huron and 
extending westerly and southerly along Interstate Highway 94 to I-69, 
westerly along I-69 to Michigan Highway 21, westerly along Michigan 21 
to I-96, northerly along I-96 to I-196, westerly along I-196 to Lake 
Michigan Drive (M-45) in Grand Rapids, westerly along Lake Michigan 
Drive to the Lake Michigan shore, then directly west from the end of 
Lake Michigan Drive to the Wisconsin State line.
    Central Michigan GMU: That portion of the Lower Peninsula north of 
the Southern Michigan GMU but south of a line beginning at the 
Wisconsin State line in Lake Michigan due west of the mouth of Stony 
Creek in Oceana County; then due east to, and easterly and southerly 
along the south shore of Stony Creek to Scenic Drive, easterly and 
southerly along Scenic Drive to Stony Lake Road, easterly along Stony 
Lake and Garfield Roads to Michigan Highway 20, easterly along Michigan 
20 to U.S. Highway 10 Business Route (BR) in the city of Midland, 
easterly along U.S. 10 BR to U.S. 10, easterly along U.S. 10 to 
Interstate Highway 75/U.S. Highway 23, northerly along I-75/U.S. 23 to 
the U.S. 23 exit at Standish, easterly along U.S. 23 to the centerline 
of the Au Gres River, then southerly along the centerline of the Au 
Gres River to Saginaw Bay, then on a line directly east 10 miles into 
Saginaw Bay, and from that point on a line directly northeast to the 
Canadian border, excluding the Tuscola/Huron GMU, Saginaw County GMU, 
and Muskegon Wastewater GMU.

Minnesota

    West Zone: That portion of the State encompassed by a line 
beginning at the junction of State Trunk Highway (STH) 60 and the Iowa 
State line, then north and east along STH 60 to U.S. Highway 71, north 
along U.S. 71 to Interstate Highway 94, then north and west along I-94 
to the North Dakota State line.
    West Central Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the 
intersection of State Trunk Highway (STH) 29 and U.S. Highway 212 and 
extending west along U.S. 212 to U.S. 59, south along U.S. 59 to STH 
67, west along STH 67 to U.S. 75, north along U.S. 75 to County State 
Aid Highway (CSAH) 30 in Lac qui Parle County, west along CSAH 30 to 
the western boundary of the State, north along the western boundary of 
the State to a point due south of the intersection of STH 7 and CSAH 7 
in Big Stone County, and continuing due north to said intersection, 
then north along CSAH 7 to CSAH 6 in Big Stone County, east along CSAH 
6 to CSAH 21 in Big Stone County, south along CSAH 21 to CSAH 10 in Big 
Stone County, east along CSAH 10 to CSAH 22 in Swift County, east along 
CSAH 22 to CSAH 5 in Swift County, south along CSAH 5 to U.S. 12,

[[Page 55802]]

east along U.S. 12 to CSAH 17 in Swift County, south along CSAH 17 to 
CSAH 9 in Chippewa County, south along CSAH 9 to STH 40, east along STH 
40 to STH 29, then south along STH 29 to the point of beginning.
    Northwest Zone: That portion of the State encompassed by a line 
extending east from the North Dakota State line along U.S. Highway 2 to 
State Trunk Highway (STH) 32, north along STH 32 to STH 92, east along 
STH 92 to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 2 in Polk County, north along 
CSAH 2 to CSAH 27 in Pennington County, north along CSAH 27 to STH 1, 
east along STH 1 to CSAH 28 in Pennington County, north along CSAH 28 
to CSAH 54 in Marshall County, north along CSAH 54 to CSAH 9 in Roseau 
County, north along CSAH 9 to STH 11, west along STH 11 to STH 310, and 
north along STH 310 to the Manitoba border.
    Special Canada Goose Seasons: Southeast Zone: That part of the 
State within the following described boundaries: beginning at the 
intersection of U.S. Highway 52 and the south boundary of the Twin 
Cities Metro Canada Goose Zone; thence along the U.S. Highway 52 to 
State Trunk Highway (STH) 57; thence along STH 57 to the municipal 
boundary of Kasson; thence along the municipal boundary of Kasson 
County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 13, Dodge County; thence along CSAH 13 
to STH 30; thence along STH 30 to U.S. Highway 63; thence along U.S. 
Highway 63 to the south boundary of the State; thence along the south 
and east boundaries of the State to the south boundary of the Twin 
Cities Metro Canada Goose Zone; thence along said boundary to the point 
of beginning.
    Missouri: Same zones as for ducks but in addition:

North Zone

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

Middle Zone

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

North Zone

    Lake Erie SJBP Zone: That portion of the State encompassed by a 
line beginning in Lucas County at the Michigan State line on I-75, and 
extending south along I-75 to I-280, south along I-280 to I-80, east 
along I-80 to the Pennsylvania State line in Trumbull County, north 
along the Pennsylvania State line to SR 6 in Ashtabula County, west 
along SR 6 to the Lake/Cuyahoga County line, north along the Lake/
Cuyahoga County line to the shore of Lake Erie.

Tennessee

    Southwest Zone: That portion of the State south of State Highways 
20 and 104, and west of U.S. Highways 45 and 45W.
    Northwest Zone: Lake, Obion, and Weakley Counties and those 
portions of Gibson and Dyer Counties not included in the Southwest 
Tennessee Zone.
    Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Zone: That portion of the State bounded on 
the west by the eastern boundaries of the Northwest and Southwest Zones 
and on the east by State Highway 13 from the Alabama State line to 
Clarksville and U.S. Highway 79 from Clarksville to the Kentucky State 
line.
    Wisconsin: Same zones as for ducks but in addition:
    Horicon Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the 
intersection of State Highway 21 and the Fox River in Winnebago County 
and extending westerly along State 21 to the west boundary of Winnebago 
County, southerly along the west boundary of Winnebago County to the 
north boundary of Green Lake County, westerly along the north 
boundaries of Green Lake and Marquette Counties to State 22, southerly 
along State 22 to State 33, westerly along State 33 to Interstate 
Highway 39, southerly along Interstate Highway 39 to Interstate Highway 
90/94, southerly along I-90/94 to State 60, easterly along State 60 to 
State 83, northerly along State 83 to State 175, northerly along State 
175 to State 33, easterly along State 33 to U.S. Highway 45, northerly 
along U.S. 45 to the east shore of the Fond Du Lac River, northerly 
along the east shore of the Fond Du Lac River to Lake Winnebago, 
northerly along the western shoreline of Lake Winnebago to the Fox 
River, then westerly along the Fox River to State 21.
    Collins Zone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at the 
intersection of Hilltop Road and Collins Marsh Road in Manitowoc County 
and extending westerly along Hilltop Road to Humpty Dumpty Road, 
southerly along Humpty Dumpty Road to Poplar Grove Road, easterly and 
southerly along Poplar Grove Road to County Highway JJ, southeasterly 
along County JJ to Collins Road, southerly along Collins Road to the 
Manitowoc River, southeasterly along the Manitowoc River to Quarry 
Road, northerly along Quarry Road to Einberger Road, northerly along 
Einberger Road to Moschel Road, westerly along Moschel Road to Collins 
Marsh Road, northerly along Collins Marsh Road to Hilltop Road.
    Exterior Zone: That portion of the State not included in the 
Horicon or Collins Zones.
    Mississippi River Subzone: That area encompassed by a line 
beginning at the intersection of the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe 
Railway and the Illinois State line in Grant County and extending 
northerly along the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway to the city 
limit of Prescott in Pierce County, then west along the Prescott city 
limit to the Minnesota State line.
    Rock Prairie Subzone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at 
the intersection of the Illinois State line and Interstate Highway 90 
and extending north along I-90 to County Highway A, east along County A 
to U.S. Highway 12, southeast along U.S. 12 to State Highway 50, west 
along State 50 to State 120, then south along 120 to the Illinois State 
line.
    Brown County Subzone: That area encompassed by a line beginning at 
the intersection of the Fox River with Green Bay in Brown County and 
extending southerly along the Fox River to State Highway 29, 
northwesterly along State 29 to the Brown County line, south, east, and 
north along the Brown County line to Green Bay, due west to the 
midpoint of the Green Bay Ship Channel, then southwesterly along the 
Green Bay Ship Channel to the Fox River.

Central Flyway

Colorado (Central Flyway Portion)

    Northern Front Range Area: All lands in Adams, Boulder, Clear 
Creek, Denver, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld Counties west of I-
25 from the Wyoming State line south to I-70; west on I-70 to the 
Continental Divide; north along the Continental Divide to the Jackson-
Larimer County Line to the Wyoming State line.
    South Park/San Luis Valley Area: Alamosa, Chaffee, Conejos, 
Costilla, Custer, Fremont, Lake, Park, Teller, and Rio Grande Counties 
and those portions of Hinsdale, Mineral, and Saguache Counties east of 
the Continental Divide.
    North Park Area: Jackson County.

[[Page 55803]]

    Arkansas Valley Area: Baca, Bent, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero, and 
Prowers Counties.
    Pueblo County Area: Pueblo County.
    Remainder: Remainder of the Central Flyway portion of Colorado.
    Eastern Colorado Late Light Goose Area: That portion of the State 
east of Interstate Highway 25.

Nebraska

Dark Geese
    Niobrara Unit: Keya Paha County east of U.S. 183 and all of Boyd 
County, including the boundary waters of the Niobrara River. Where the 
Niobrara River forms the boundary, both banks will be in the Niobrara 
Unit.
    East Unit: That area north and east of U.S. 281 at the Kansas/
Nebraska State line, north to Giltner Road (near Doniphan), east to NE 
14, north to NE 66, east to U.S. 81, north to NE 22, west to NE 14 
north to NE 91, east to U.S. 275, south to U.S. 77, south to NE 91, 
east to U.S. 30, east to Nebraska-Iowa State line.
    Platte River Unit: That area south and west of U.S. 281 at the 
Kansas/Nebraska State line, north to Giltner Road (near Doniphan), east 
to NE 14, north to NE 66, east to U.S. 81, north to NE 22, west to NE 
14 north to NE 91, west along NE 91 to NE 11, north to the Holt County 
line, west along the northern border of Garfield, Loup, Blaine and 
Thomas Counties to the Hooker County line, south along the Thomas/
Hooker County lines to the McPherson County line, east along the south 
border of Thomas County to the western line of Custer County, south 
along the Custer/Logan County line to NE 92, west to U.S. 83, north to 
NE 92, west to NE 61, north along NE 61 to NE 2, west along NE 2 to the 
corner formed by Garden--Grant--Sheridan Counties, west along the north 
border of Garden, Morrill and Scotts Bluff Counties to the Wyoming 
State line.
    North-Central Unit: The remainder of the State.
Light Geese
    Rainwater Basin Light Goose Area (West): The area bounded by the 
junction of U.S. 283 and U.S. 30 at Lexington, east on U.S. 30 to U.S. 
281, south on U.S. 281 to NE 4, west on NE 4 to U.S. 34, continue west 
on U.S. 34 to U.S. 283, then north on U.S. 283 to the beginning.
    Rainwater Basin Light Goose Area (East): The area bounded by the 
junction of U.S. 281 and U.S. 30 at Grand Island, north and east on 
U.S. 30 to NE 92, east on NE 92 to NE 15, south on NE 15 to NE 4, west 
on NE 4 to U.S. 281, north on U.S. 281 to the beginning.
    Remainder of State: The remainder portion of Nebraska.

New Mexico (Central Flyway Portion)

Dark Geese
    Middle Rio Grande Valley Unit: Sierra, Socorro, and Valencia 
Counties.
    Remainder: The remainder of the Central Flyway portion of New 
Mexico.

South Dakota

Canada Geese
    Unit 1: Statewide except for Units 2, 3, and 4.
    Big Stone Power Plant Area: That portion of Grant and Roberts 
Counties east of SD 15 and north of SD 20.
    Unit 2: Brule, Buffalo, Charles Mix, Gregory, Hughes, Hyde, Lyman, 
Potter, Stanley, and Sully Counties and that portion of Dewey County 
south of U.S. 212.
    Unit 3: Clark, Codington, Day, Deuel, Grant, Hamlin, Marshall, and 
Roberts Counties.
    Unit 4: Bennett County.

Texas

    Northeast Goose Zone: That portion of Texas lying east and north of 
a line beginning at the Texas-Oklahoma border at U.S. 81, then 
continuing south to Bowie and then southeasterly along U.S. 81 and U.S. 
287 to I-35W and I-35 to the juncture with I-10 in San Antonio, then 
east on I-10 to the Texas-Louisiana border.
    Southeast Goose Zone: That portion of Texas lying east and south of 
a line beginning at the International Toll Bridge at Laredo, then 
continuing north following I-35 to the juncture with I-10 in San 
Antonio, then easterly along I-10 to the Texas-Louisiana border.
    West Goose Zone: The remainder of the State.

Wyoming (Central Flyway Portion)

Dark Geese
    Area 1: Converse, Hot Springs, Natrona, and Washakie Counties, and 
the portion of Park County east of the Shoshone National Forest 
boundary and south of a line beginning where the Shoshone National 
Forest boundary crosses Park County Road 8VC, easterly along said road 
to Park County Road 1AB, easterly along said road to Wyoming Highway 
120, northerly along said highway to Wyoming Highway 294, southeasterly 
along said highway to Lane 9, easterly along said lane to the town of 
Powel and Wyoming Highway 14A, easterly along said highway to the Park 
County and Big Horn County Line.
    Area 2: Albany, Big Horn, Campbell, Crook, Fremont, Johnson, 
Laramie, Niobrara, Sheridan, and Weston Counties, and that portion of 
Carbon County east of the Continental Divide; that portion of Park 
County west of the Shoshone National Forest boundary, and that portion 
of Park County north of a line beginning where the Shoshone National 
Forest boundary crosses Park County Road 8VC, easterly along said road 
to Park County Road 1AB, easterly along said road to Wyoming Highway 
120, northerly along said highway to Wyoming Highway 294, southeasterly 
along said highway to Lane 9, easterly along said lane to the town of 
Powel and Wyoming Highway 14A, easterly along said highway to the Park 
County and Big Horn County Line.
    Area 3: Goshen and Platte Counties.

Pacific Flyway

Arizona

    GMU 1 and 27: Game Management Units 1 and 27.
    GMU 22 and 23: Game Management Units 22 and 23.
    Remainder of State: The remainder of Arizona.

California

    Northeastern Zone: In that portion of California lying east and 
north of a line beginning at the intersection of the Klamath River with 
the California-Oregon line; south and west along the Klamath River to 
the mouth of Shovel Creek; along Shovel Creek to its intersection with 
Forest Service Road 46N05 at Burnt Camp; west to its junction with 
Forest Service Road 46N10; south and east to its Junction with County 
Road 7K007; south and west to its junction with Forest Service Road 
45N22; south and west to its junction with Highway 97 and Grass Lake 
Summit; south along to its junction with Interstate 5 at the town of 
Weed; south to its junction with Highway 89; east and south along 
Highway 89 to main street Greenville; north and east to its junction 
with North Valley Road; south to its junction of Diamond Mountain Road; 
north and east to its junction with North Arm Road; south and west to 
the junction of North Valley Road; south to the junction with Arlington 
Road (A22); west to the junction of Highway 89; south and west to the 
junction of Highway 70; east on Highway 70 to Highway 395; south and 
east on Highway 395 to the point of intersection with the California-
Nevada State line; north along the California-Nevada State line to the 
junction of the California-Nevada-Oregon State lines west along the 
California-Oregon State line to the point of origin.
    Colorado River Zone: Those portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, 
and

[[Page 55804]]

Imperial Counties east of a line extending from the Nevada State line 
south along U.S. 95 to Vidal Junction; south on a road known as 
``Aqueduct Road'' in San Bernardino County through the town of Rice to 
the San Bernardino-Riverside County line; south on a road known in 
Riverside County as the ``Desert Center to Rice Road'' to the town of 
Desert Center; east 31 miles on I-10 to the Wiley Well Road; south on 
this road to Wiley Well; southeast along the Army-Milpitas Road to the 
Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south on the Blythe-Brawley 
paved road to the Ogilby and Tumco Mine Road; south on this road to 
U.S. 80; east 7 miles on U.S. 80 to the Andrade-Algodones Road; south 
on this paved road to the Mexican State line at Algodones, Mexico.
    Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding 
the Colorado River Zone) south and east of a line extending from the 
Pacific Ocean east along the Santa Maria River to CA 166 near the City 
of Santa Maria; east on CA 166 to CA 99; south on CA 99 to the crest of 
the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest 
of the Tehachapi Mountains to CA 178 at Walker Pass; east on CA 178 to 
U.S. 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on U.S. 395 to CA 58; east on 
CA 58 to I-15; east on I-15 to CA 127; north on CA 127 to the Nevada 
State line.
    Imperial County Special Management Area: The area bounded by a line 
beginning at Highway 86 and the Navy Test Base Road; south on Highway 
86 to the town of Westmoreland; continue through the town of 
Westmoreland to Route S26; east on Route S26 to Highway 115; north on 
Highway 115 to Weist Rd.; north on Weist Rd. to Flowing Wells Rd.; 
northeast on Flowing Wells Rd. to the Coachella Canal; northwest on the 
Coachella Canal to Drop 18; a straight line from Drop 18 to Frink Rd.; 
south on Frink Rd. to Highway 111; north on Highway 111 to Niland 
Marina Rd.; southwest on Niland Marina Rd. to the old Imperial County 
boat ramp and the water line of the Salton Sea; from the water line of 
the Salton Sea, a straight line across the Salton Sea to the Salinity 
Control Research Facility and the Navy Test Base Road; southwest on the 
Navy Test Base Road to the point of beginning.
    Balance-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of California not included 
in the Northeastern, Southern, and the Colorado River Zones.
    Del Norte and Humboldt Area: The Counties of Del Norte and 
Humboldt.
    Sacramento Valley Special Management Area (East): That area bounded 
by a line beginning at the junction of the Gridley-Colusa Highway and 
the Cherokee Canal; west on the Gridley-Colusa Highway to Gould Road; 
west on Gould Road and due west 0.75 miles directly to Highway 45; 
south on Highway 45 to Highway 20; east on Highway 20 to West Butte 
Road; north on West Butte Road to Pass Road; west on Pass Road to West 
Butte Road; north on West Butte Road to North Butte Road; west on North 
Butte Road and due west 0.5 miles directly to the Cherokee Canal; north 
on the Cherokee Canal to the point of beginning.
    Sacramento Valley Special Management Area (West): That area bounded 
by a line beginning at Willows south on I-5 to Hahn Road; easterly on 
Hahn Road and the Grimes-Arbuckle Road to Grimes; northerly on CA 45 to 
the junction with CA 162; northerly on CA 45/162 to Glenn; and westerly 
on CA 162 to the point of beginning in Willows.

Colorado (Pacific Flyway Portion)

    West Central Area: Archuleta, Delta, Dolores, Gunnison, LaPlata, 
Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, San Juan, and San Miguel Counties and those 
portions of Hinsdale, Mineral, and Saguache Counties west of the 
Continental Divide.
    State Area: The remainder of the Pacific-Flyway Portion of 
Colorado.

Idaho

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

Montana (Pacific Flyway Portion)

    East of the Divide Zone: The Pacific Flyway portion of the State 
located east of the Continental Divide.
    West of the Divide Zone: The remainder of the Pacific Flyway 
portion of Montana.

Nevada

    Lincoln Clark County Zone: All of Lincoln and Clark Counties.
    Remainder-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of Nevada.

New Mexico (Pacific Flyway Portion)

    North Zone: The Pacific Flyway portion of New Mexico located north 
of I-40.
    South Zone: The Pacific Flyway portion of New Mexico located south 
of I-40.

Oregon

    Southwest Zone: Douglas, Coos, Curry, Josephine, and Jackson 
Counties.
    Northwest Special Permit Zone: That portion of western Oregon west 
and north of a line running south from the Columbia River in Portland 
along I-5 to OR 22 at Salem; then east on OR 22 to the Stayton Cutoff; 
then south on the Stayton Cutoff to Stayton and due south to the 
Santiam River; then west along the north shore of the Santiam River to 
I-5; then south on I-5 to OR 126 at Eugene; then west on OR 126 to 
Greenhill Road; then south on Greenhill Road to Crow Road; then west on 
Crow Road to Territorial Hwy; then west on Territorial Hwy to OR 126; 
then west on OR 126 to OR 36; then north on OR 36 to Forest Road 5070 
at Brickerville; then west and south on Forest Road 5070 to OR 126; 
then west on OR 126 to Milepost 19, north to the intersection of

[[Page 55805]]

the Benton and Lincoln County line, north along the western boundary of 
Benton and Polk Counties to the southern boundary of Tillamook County, 
west along the Tillamook County boundary to the Pacific Coast.
    Lower Columbia/N. Willamette Valley Management Area: Those portions 
of Clatsop, Columbia, Multnomah, and Washington Counties within the 
Northwest Special Permit Zone.
    Northwest Zone: Those portions of Clackamas, Lane, Linn, Marion, 
Multnomah, and Washington Counties outside of the Northwest Special 
Permit Zone and all of Lincoln County.
    Closed Zone: Those portions of Coos and Curry Counties south of 
Bandon and west of U.S. 101 and all of Tillamook and Lincoln Counties.
    Eastern Zone: Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Morrow, 
Umatilla, Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Wheeler, Grant, Baker, Union, 
and Wallowa Counties.
    Harney, Klamath, Lake, and Malheur County Zone: All of Harney, 
Klamath, Lake, and Malheur Counties.

Utah

    Washington County Zone: All of Washington County.
    Remainder-of-the-State Zone: The remainder of Utah.

Washington

    Area 1: Skagit, Island, and Snohomish Counties.
    Area 2A (SW Quota Zone): Clark County, except portions south of the 
Washougal River; Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties.
    Area 2B (SW Quota Zone): Pacific and Grays Harbor Counties.
    Area 3: All areas west of the Pacific Crest Trail and west of the 
Big White Salmon River that are not included in Areas 1, 2A, and 2B.
    Area 4: Adams, Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Kittitas, 
Lincoln, Okanogan, Spokane, and Walla Walla Counties.
    Area 5: All areas east of the Pacific Crest Trail and east of the 
Big White Salmon River that are not included in Area 4.

Wyoming (Pacific Flyway Portion)

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

Swans

Central Flyway

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

Pacific Flyway

Montana (Pacific Flyway Portion)

    Open Area: Cascade, Chouteau, Hill, Liberty, and Toole Counties and 
those portions of Pondera and Teton Counties lying east of U.S. 287-89.

Nevada

    Open Area: Churchill, Lyon, and Pershing Counties.

Utah

    Open Area: Those portions of Box Elder, Weber, Davis, Salt Lake, 
and Toole Counties lying west of I-15, north of I-80 and south of a 
line beginning from the Forest Street exit to the Bear River National 
Wildlife Refuge boundary, then north and west along the Bear River 
National Wildlife Refuge boundary to the farthest west boundary of the 
Refuge, then west along a line to Promontory Road, then north on 
Promontory Road to the intersection of SR 83, then north on SR 83 to I-
84, then north and west on I-84 to State Hwy 30, then west on State Hwy 
30 to the Nevada-Utah State line, then south on the Nevada-Utah State 
line to I-80.
[FR Doc. 03-24386 Filed 9-25-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P