[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 163 (Tuesday, August 24, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 52128-52149]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-19249]



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Part V





Department of the Interior





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Fish and Wildlife Service



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50 CFR Part 20



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

  Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 163 / Tuesday, August 24, 2004 / 
Proposed Rules  

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 20

RIN 1018-AT53


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

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; supplemental.

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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we) is 
proposing to establish the 2004-05 late-season hunting regulations for 
certain migratory game birds. We annually prescribe frameworks, or 
outer limits, for dates and times when hunting may occur and the number 
of birds that may be taken and possessed in late seasons. These 
frameworks are necessary to allow State selections of seasons and 
limits and to allow recreational harvest at levels compatible with 
population and habitat conditions.

DATES: You must submit comments on the proposed migratory bird hunting 
late-season frameworks by September 3, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Send your comments on the proposals to the Chief, Division 
of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
Department of the Interior, ms MBSP-4107-ARLSQ, 1849 C Street, NW., 
Washington, DC 20240. All comments received, including names and 
addresses, will become part of the public record. You may inspect 
comments during normal business hours at the Service's office in room 
4107, Arlington Square Building, 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 2004

    On March 22, 2004, we published in the Federal Register (69 FR 
13440) 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 2004-05 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 9, 2004, we 
published in the Federal Register (69 FR 32418) a second document 
providing supplemental proposals for early- and late-season migratory 
bird hunting regulations frameworks and the regulatory alternatives for 
the 2004-05 duck hunting season. The June 9 supplement also provided 
detailed information on the 2004-05 regulatory schedule and announced 
the Service Migratory Bird Regulations Committee (SRC) and Flyway 
Council meetings.
    On June 23 and 24, 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 2004-05 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 2004-05 regular 
waterfowl seasons. On July 21, we published in the Federal Register (69 
FR 43694) a third document specifically dealing with the proposed 
frameworks for early-season regulations. In late August, we will 
publish a rulemaking establishing final frameworks for early-season 
migratory bird hunting regulations for the 2004-05 season.
    On July 28-29, 2004, we held open meetings with the Flyway Council 
Consultants, at which the participants reviewed the status of waterfowl 
and developed recommendations for the 2004-05 regulations for these 
species. This document deals specifically with proposed frameworks for 
the late-season migratory bird hunting regulations. It will lead to 
final frameworks from which States may select season dates, shooting 
hours, areas, and limits.
    We have considered all pertinent comments received through July 30, 
2004, in developing this document. In addition, new proposals for 
certain late-season regulations are provided for public comment. The 
comment period is specified above under DATES. We will publish final 
regulatory frameworks for late-season migratory game bird hunting in 
the Federal Register on or about September 20, 2004.

Population Status and Harvest

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

Status of Ducks

    Federal, provincial, and State agencies conduct surveys each spring 
to estimate the size of breeding populations and to evaluate the 
conditions of the habitats. These surveys are conducted using fixed-
wing aircraft and encompass principal breeding areas of North America, 
and cover over 2.0 million square miles. The Traditional survey area 
comprises Alaska, Canada, and the northcentral United States, and 
includes approximately 1.3 million square miles. The Eastern survey 
area includes parts of Ontario, Quebec, Labrador, Newfoundland, Nova 
Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, New York, and Maine, an 
area of approximately 0.7 million square miles.
Breeding Ground Conditions
    Most of the U.S. and Canadian prairies were much drier in May 2004 
than in May 2003, which was reflected in the pond counts for this 
region. For the U.S. Prairies and Canadian Prairie and Parklands 
combined, the May pond estimate was 3.9  0.2 million, which 
is 24% lower than last year's (P < 0.001) and 19% below the long-term 
average (P < 0.001). Pond numbers in both Canada (2.5  0.1 
million) and the U. S. (1.4  0.1 million) were below 2003 
estimates (-29% in Canada and -16% in the U.S.; P <= 0.033). The number 
of ponds in Canada was 25% below the long-term average (P < 0.001).
    Unfortunately, last year's good water conditions on the short-grass 
prairies of southern Alberta and Saskatchewan did not continue in 2004, 
and habitat in these areas went from good last year to fair or poor 
this year. Habitat in southern Manitoba ranged from poor in the east to 
good in the west, conditions similar to last year's. In the Dakotas, a 
slow drying trend seen over the past few years continued, and much of 
eastern South Dakota was in poor condition. Conditions in the Dakotas 
improved to the north, and eastern Montana was a mosaic of poor to good 
conditions, with overall production potential rated only fair. Although 
prairie areas received considerable moisture from snow, including a 
late-spring snowstorm in southern regions, the snowmelt was absorbed by 
the parched ground. Furthermore, snow and cold during May probably 
adversely affected early nesters and young broods. Many prairie areas

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received abundant water after the May surveys, but it likely did not 
alleviate dry conditions, because this precipitation also soaked into 
the ground. Therefore, overall expected production from the prairies 
was only poor to fair this year.
    Spring thaw was exceptionally late this year in the Northwest 
Territories, northern Alberta, northern Saskatchewan, and northern 
Manitoba. This meant that birds that over-flew the prairies due to poor 
conditions encountered winter-like conditions in the bush, and nesting 
may have been curtailed. This is especially true for early-nesting 
species like mallards and northern pintails; late nesters should have 
better success. Overall, the bush regions were only fair to marginally 
good for production due to this late thaw. However, Alaska birds should 
produce well due to excellent habitat conditions there. Areas south of 
the Brooks Range experienced a widespread, record-setting early spring 
breakup, and flooding of nesting areas was minimal.
    Breeding habitat conditions were generally good to excellent in the 
eastern U.S. and Canada. Although spring was late in most areas, it was 
thought nesting was not significantly affected because of abundant 
spring rain and mild temperatures. Production in the east was normal in 
Ontario and the Maritimes, and slightly below normal in Quebec.
Breeding Population Status
    In the traditional survey area, the total duck population estimate 
(excluding scoters, eiders, long-tailed ducks, mergansers, and wood 
ducks) was 32.2  0.6 million birds, 11% below (P < 0.001) 
last year's estimate of 36.2  0.7 million birds, and 3% 
below the long-term (1955-2003) average (P = 0.053). Mallard abundance 
was 7.4  0.3 million birds, which was similar to last 
year's estimate of 7.9  0.3 million birds (P = 0.177) and 
the long-term average (P = 0.762). Blue-winged teal abundance was 4.1 
 0.2 million birds. This value was 26% below last year's 
estimate of 5.5  0.3 million birds (P < 0.001) and 10% 
below the long-term average (P = 0.073). Of the other duck species, 
only estimates of northern shovelers (2.8  0.2 million) and 
American wigeon (2.0  0.1 million) were significantly 
different from 2003 estimates (P < 0.003), and both were 22% below 2003 
estimates. Compared to the long-term averages, gadwall (2.6  0.2 million; +56%), green-winged teal (2.5  0.1 
million; +33%) and shovelers (+32%) were above their 1955-2003 averages 
(P < 0.001), as they were in 2003. In 2004, northern pintails (2.2 + 
0.2 million; -48%) and scaup (3.8  0.2 million; -27%) 
remained well below their long-term averages (P < 0.001). Wigeon also 
were below their long-term average in 2004 (-25%; P < 0.001). Estimates 
of redheads and canvasbacks were unchanged from their previous-year and 
long-term averages (P <= 0.396).
    The eastern survey area comprises strata 51-56 and 62-69. The 2004 
total-duck estimate for this area was 3.9  0.3 million 
birds. This estimate was similar to that of last year and the 1996-2003 
average (P 0.102). Estimates for most individual species were similar 
to last year and to 1996-2003 averages. Only numbers of ring-necked 
ducks were significantly different from 2003 estimates, increasing by 
67% to 0.7  0.2 million birds (P = 0.095). Wigeon (0.1 
 0.1 million; -61%) and goldeneye (0.4  0.1 
million; -42%) were below their 1996-2003 averages (P <= 0.052). All 
other species were similar to 2003 estimates and 1996-2003 averages.
Breeding Activity and Production
    Weather and habitat conditions during the summer months can 
influence waterfowl production. Good wetland conditions increase 
renesting effort and brood survival. In general, 2004 habitat 
conditions stabilized or improved over most of the traditional survey 
area between May and July. This year, we had no traditional July 
Production Survey to verify the early predictions of our biologists in 
the field. However, experienced crew leaders in Montana and the western 
Dakotas, the eastern Dakotas, southern Alberta, and southern 
Saskatchewan returned to their May survey areas in early July to 
qualitatively assess habitat changes between May and July. Biologists 
from other survey areas communicated with local biologists to get their 
impressions of 2004 waterfowl production and monitored weather 
conditions. Habitat in some portions of the prairies, particularly in 
the Dakotas and Alberta, improved between May and July because of 
abundant summer rain. However, there were few birds in these areas 
because many had left the prairies in the early spring when habitat 
conditions were dry. Therefore, the production potential from most 
prairie areas ranged from poor to good and was generally worse than in 
2003. Pilot biologists from other survey areas communicated with local 
biologists to get their impressions of 2004 waterfowl production and 
monitored weather conditions. Habitat conditions in the northern and 
eastern areas are more stable because of the deeper, more permanent 
water bodies there. Because temperatures were so cold in May, the 
outlook for production from these areas remains fair in the northern 
Prairie Provinces, and good to excellent in the eastern survey area.
Fall Flight Estimate
    The mid-continent mallard population is composed of mallards from 
the traditional survey area, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and is 
8.4  0.3 million. This is similar to the 2003 estimate of 
8.8  0.4 million (P = 0.289). The 2004 mid-continent 
mallard fall-flight index is 9.4  0.1 million, 
statistically similar to the 2003 estimate of 10.3  0.1 
million birds (P = 0.467). These indices were based on revised mid-
continent mallard population models and, therefore, differ from those 
previously published.
    See section 1.A. Harvest Strategy Considerations for further 
discussion on the implications of this information for this year's 
selection of the appropriate hunting regulations.

Status of Geese and Swans

    We provide information on the population status and productivity of 
North American Canada geese (Branta canadensis), brant (B. bernicla), 
snow geese (Chen caerulescens), Ross's geese (C. rossii), emperor geese 
(C. canagica), white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons) and tundra swans 
(Cygnus columbianus). The timing of spring snowmelt in northern goose 
and swan nesting areas varied in 2004; from very early in western 
Alaska to very late in areas near Hudson Bay and in northern Quebec. 
Reproductive success of geese and swans in areas that experienced near-
average spring phenology might have been reduced by persistent snow 
cover and harsh conditions that encompassed a large expanse of 
migration and staging habitat. Of the 26 populations for which current 
primary population indices were available, 7 populations (Atlantic 
Population, Aleutian, and 3 temperate-nesting populations of Canada 
geese; Pacific Population white-fronted geese; and Eastern Population 
tundra swans) displayed significant positive trends, and only Short 
Grass Prairie Population Canada geese displayed a significant negative 
trend over the most recent 10-year period. The forecast for production 
of geese and swans in North America in 2004 is improved from 2003 in 
the Pacific Flyway, but similar to, or lower than, 2003 for the 
remainder of North America.

Waterfowl Harvest and Hunter Activity

    During the 2003-04 hunting season, duck harvest was about the same 
as the

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previous year, but goose harvest increased. United States hunters 
harvested 13,402,000 ducks in 2003 compared to 12,740,000 in 2002, and 
they harvested 3,828,000 geese, an increase of 13% over the 3,378,600 
geese taken in 2002. The five most commonly harvested duck species were 
mallard (5,019,200), green-winged teal (1,516,000), gadwall 
(1,473,800), wood duck (1,234,500), and blue-winged/cinnamon teal 
(977,600).

Review of Public Comments and Flyway Council Recommendations

    The preliminary proposed rulemaking, which appeared in the March 
22, 2004, Federal Register, opened the public comment period for 
migratory game bird hunting regulations. The supplemental proposed 
rule, which appeared in the June 9, 2004, Federal Register, discussed 
the regulatory alternatives for the 2004-05 duck hunting season. Late-
season comments are summarized below and numbered in the order used in 
the March 22 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 successive 
numerical or alphabetical order.
    We received recommendations from all four Flyway Councils. Some 
recommendations supported continuation of last year's frameworks. Due 
to the comprehensive nature of the annual review of the frameworks 
performed by the Councils, support for continuation of last year's 
frameworks is assumed for items for which no recommendations were 
received. Council recommendations for changes in the frameworks are 
summarized below.
    We seek additional information and comments on the recommendations 
in this supplemental proposed rule. New proposals and modifications to 
previously described proposals are discussed below. Wherever possible, 
they are discussed under headings corresponding to the numbered items 
in the March 22, 2004, Federal Register document.

1. Ducks

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

A. Harvest Strategy Considerations

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Central, and Pacific Flyway 
Councils and the Upper- and Lower-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 section 1.D. Special Seasons/Species Management. 
More specifically, recommendations concerned sections iii. Black Ducks, 
iv. Canvasbacks, and v. Pintails.
    Service Response: The Service is continuing development of an AHM 
protocol that would allow hunting regulations to vary among Flyways in 
a manner that recognizes each Flyway's unique breeding-ground 
derivation of mallards. For the 2004 hunting season, we believe that 
the prescribed regulatory choice for the Mississippi, Central, and 
Pacific Flyways should continue to depend on the status of midcontinent 
mallards. We also recommend that the regulatory choice for the Atlantic 
Flyway continue to depend on the status of eastern mallards.
    For the 2004 hunting season, the Service is continuing to consider 
the same regulatory alternatives as those used last year. The nature of 
the restrictive, moderate, and liberal alternatives has remained 
essentially unchanged since 1997, except that extended framework dates 
have been offered in the moderate and liberal regulatory alternatives 
since 2002. Also, the Service agreed last year to place a constraint on 
closed seasons in the western three Flyways whenever the midcontinent 
mallard breeding-population size (traditional survey area plus 
Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin) is >=5.5 million.
    Optimal AHM strategies for the 2004 hunting season were calculated 
using: (1) Harvest-management objectives specific to each mallard 
stock; (2) the 2004 regulatory alternatives; and (3) current population 
models and associated weights for midcontinent and eastern mallards. 
Based on this year's survey results of 8.36 million midcontinent 
mallards (traditional surveys area plus Minnesota, Michigan, and 
Wisconsin), 2.51 million ponds in Prairie Canada, and 1.11 million 
eastern mallards, the prescribed regulatory choice for all four Flyways 
is the liberal alternative.
    Therefore, we concur with the recommendations of the Atlantic, 
Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyways regarding selection of the 
``liberal'' regulatory alternative and propose to adopt the ``liberal'' 
regulatory alternative, as described in the June 9 Federal Register.

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 is allowed.
    Service Response: Last fall the Service began working with the 
Atlantic Flyway Council and others to develop assessment procedures 
that could be used to better inform black duck harvest management in 
the United States. These procedures were intended to help the Service 
assess the biological implications of any proposed changes to hunting 
regulations, as well as complement the ongoing effort to develop an 
international program for the adaptive management of black duck 
harvests. Based on one phase of this assessment framework, historical 
harvest rates of black ducks generally have been consistent with the 
dual management objectives of maximizing sustainable harvest and 
attaining the North American Waterfowl Management Plan population goal 
for black ducks. Since 1995, however, overall harvest rates of black 
ducks have been higher than what seems to be optimal for meeting these 
management objectives. Unfortunately, not all phases of the assessment 
work were completed this year, mainly predicting changes in black duck 
harvest rates associated with proposed changes in hunting regulations. 
Therefore, the Service believes that it is premature to adopt any 
proposed changes to black duck hunting regulations without first, 
considering the appropriateness of departing from the traditional 
management objectives. And secondly, if regulatory changes are deemed 
appropriate, that any proposal be accompanied by an assessment to 
predict what changes in harvest rates would result. Additional concerns 
relate to the reliability of the black duck breeding ground survey data 
and the lack of coordination with the Mississippi Flyway or other 
stakeholders. Thus, we do not support the Atlantic Flyway Council's 
proposal and encourage the Atlantic Flyway to

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complete the assessment work we requested last year.
iv. Canvasbacks
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic and Pacific Flyway Councils 
and the Upper- and Lower-Regulations Committees of the Mississippi 
Flyway Council recommended that the Service allow a ``restrictive'' 
canvasback season consisting of a 1-bird daily bag limit and a 30-day 
season in the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways and 60-day season in the 
Pacific Flyway.
    The Central Flyway Council recommended that canvasbacks be managed 
using the ``Hunter's Choice Bag Limit'' (described in the August 19, 
2003, Federal Register (68 FR 50016)). However, until the ``Hunter's 
Choice Bag Limit'' becomes available, the Council recommends a 39-day 
season with a 1-bird daily bag limit, which may be split according to 
applicable zones/split duck hunting configurations approved for each 
State.
    Service Response: Based on regulatory actions in recent years and 
recommendations from the Flyway Councils, the canvasback harvest 
strategy was modified this year in the July 21 Federal Register to 
allow partial seasons within the regular duck season. The modification 
allows a canvasback season length equal to that of the ``restrictive'' 
AHM regulatory alternative if a full season is not supported, but the 
reduced harvest from the restricted season predicts a spring abundance 
the following year equal to or greater than the objective of 500,000 
birds. Otherwise, the season on canvasbacks is closed. Further, based 
on a recommendation from the Pacific Flyway Council, Alaska has a 1-
bird daily bag limit for the entire regular duck season in all years 
unless the Service determines that it is in the best interest of the 
canvasback resource to close the season in Alaska as well as the lower 
48 States.
    This year's spring survey resulted in an estimate of 617,228 
canvasbacks. However, the estimate of ponds in Prairie Canada was 
2,512,608, which was 25% below average. The allowable harvest in the 
United States calculated from these numbers is 109,000, which is below 
the predicted U.S. harvest of 119,000 associated with the ``liberal'' 
duck season alternative. Thus, for 2004-05, a canvasback season the 
entire length of the regular season is not supported. However, the 
``restrictive'' season length within the regular duck season is 
expected to result in a harvest of about 62,000 canvasbacks, and is 
supported. Thus, we propose 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. Seasons may be split according to 
applicable zones/split duck hunting configurations approved for each 
State.
v. Pintails
    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic, Central, and Pacific Flyway 
Councils and the Upper- and Lower-Regulations Committees of the 
Mississippi Flyway Council recommended a ``restrictive'' season for 
pintails consisting of a 1-bird daily bag limit and a 30-day season in 
the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, a 39-day season in the Central 
Flyway, and a 60-day season in the Pacific Flyway.
    Service Response: For the past two years, partial seasons 
(``restrictive'' AHM alternative) have been used for pintails, which 
was a departure from the existing interim pintail harvest strategy. 
This year, the Service requested that the Flyway Councils review the 
existing strategy; specifically, the provision that provides for a full 
season with a 1-bird daily bag limit whenever the pintail population 
exceeds the closure threshold established in the strategy, regardless 
of projected population impacts. Discussions resulted in our July 21 
decision to modify the existing strategy for 2004 as follows:
     Season closed when the breeding-population estimate (BPOP) 
is less than 1.5 million and the projected Fall Flight is less than 2.0 
million.
     Partial season (restrictive alternative) when the BPOP or 
Fall Flight exceeds the closure level but the BPOP is less than 2.5 
million and projections in the strategy predict a decline in the 
following year's BPOP (not including a 6% growth factor).
     Full season, minimum 1-bird daily bag limit when the BPOP 
exceeds 2.5 million, regardless of the following year's BPOP 
projection.
     All other existing provisions of the strategy continue to 
apply.
    Based on the modified strategy, a pintail breeding-population 
estimate of 2.18 million and a Fall-Flight projection of 2.64 million 
results in a projected 20 percent decline in next year's breeding 
population with a full season and 1-bird daily bag limit. Therefore, we 
propose 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. Seasons may be split according to applicable zones/split duck 
hunting configurations approved for each State.
    In addition, we recommend that further review of the strategy be 
cooperatively undertaken during the coming year prior to finalizing a 
pintail strategy to be used until a full incorporation of pintails into 
the formal AHM process is achieved.

4. Canada Geese

B. Regular Seasons

    The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended that the Atlantic 
Population (AP) Canada goose season consist of a 45-day season with a 
daily bag limit of 3 geese in the New England and Mid-Atlantic Regions 
with an opening framework date of the fourth Saturday in October and a 
closing date of January 31. In the Chesapeake Region (except Back Bay, 
Virginia), the Council recommended a season length of 45 days, with a 
daily bag limit of 1 goose during the first 25 days and 2 geese during 
the last 20 days of the season. The framework opening date in the 
Chesapeake Region would be November 15 and the closing date would be 
January 31. The Council recommended that remaining AP harvest areas 
(i.e., Northeast Hunt Unit in coastal North Carolina and Back Bay, 
Virginia) remain closed.
    The Upper- and Lower-Regulations Committees of the Mississippi 
Flyway Council recommended a number of changes in season length, season 
dates, bag limits, and quotas for Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri in 
response to changes in the status of the Eastern Prairie Population 
(EPP) Canada goose population and in Kentucky, Tennessee, Wisconsin, 
Michigan, and Illinois in response to changes in the status of the 
Mississippi Valley Population (MVP) Canada goose population.
    The Pacific Flyway Council recommended increasing the season length 
in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties in California from 16 days to 100 
days and increasing the daily bag limit for small Canada geese from 1 
to 2 per day.
    Service Response: We concur with all the Council recommendations. 
Further, last year we encouraged the Atlantic Flyway to specify 
population objectives for AP geese and provide a strategy to guide 
future harvest management. We appreciate the Flyway's effort during 
this past year to provide this information.

C. Special Late Season

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended 
that Connecticut's special late Canada goose season become operational.
    Service Response: We concur.

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5. White-fronted Geese

    Council Recommendations: The Pacific Flyway Council recommended 
increasing the season length in the Balance-of-the-State Zone in 
California from 86 days to 100 days and increasing the daily bag limit 
for white-fronted geese from 2 to 3 per day except in the Sacramento 
Valley Special Management Area (west).
    Service Response: We concur.

6. Brant

    Council Recommendations: The Atlantic Flyway Council recommended a 
50-day season with a 2-bird daily bag limit for Atlantic brant in 2004.
    Service Response: We concur.

Public Comment Invited

    The Department of the Interior's policy is, whenever practicable, 
to afford the public an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking 
process. We intend that adopted final rules be as responsive as 
possible to all concerned interests and, therefore, seek the comments 
and suggestions of the public, other concerned governmental agencies, 
nongovernmental organizations, and other private interests on these 
proposals. Accordingly, we invite interested persons to submit written 
comments, suggestions, or recommendations regarding the proposed 
regulations to the address indicated under ADDRESSES.
    Special circumstances involved in the establishment of these 
regulations limit the amount of time that we can allow for public 
comment. Specifically, two considerations compress the time in which 
the rulemaking process must operate: (1) The need to establish final 
rules at a point early enough in the summer to allow affected State 
agencies to adjust their licensing and regulatory mechanisms; and (2) 
the unavailability, before mid-June, of specific, reliable data on this 
year's status of some waterfowl and migratory shore and upland game 
bird populations. Therefore, we believe that to allow comment periods 
past the dates specified in DATES is contrary to the public interest.
    Before promulgation of final migratory game bird hunting 
regulations, we will take into consideration all comments received. 
Such comments, and any additional information received, may lead to 
final regulations that differ from these proposals. You may inspect 
comments received on the proposed annual regulations during normal 
business hours at the Service's office in room 4107, 4501 North Fairfax 
Drive, Arlington, Virginia. For each series of proposed rulemakings, we 
will establish specific comment periods. We will consider, but possibly 
may not respond in detail to, each comment. However, as in the past, we 
will summarize all comments received during the comment period and 
respond to them in the final rule.

NEPA Consideration

    NEPA considerations are covered by the programmatic document, 
``Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement: Issuance of Annual 
Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds (FSES 88-
14),'' filed with the Environmental Protection Agency on June 9, 1988. 
We published 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). In addition, 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 the near 
future.

Endangered Species Act Consideration

    Prior to issuance of the 2004-05 migratory game bird hunting 
regulations, we will consider provisions of the Endangered Species Act 
of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543; hereinafter the Act), to 
ensure that hunting is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence 
of any species designated as endangered or threatened or modify or 
destroy its critical habitat, and is consistent with conservation 
programs for those species. Consultations under Section 7 of this Act 
may cause us to change proposals in this and future supplemental 
proposed rulemaking documents.

Executive Order 12866

    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 
1990-1996, and then updated in 1998. We have updated again this year. 
It is further discussed below under the heading Regulatory Flexibility 
Act. Results from the 2004 analysis indicate that the expected welfare 
benefit of the annual migratory bird hunting frameworks is on the order 
of $734 million to $1.064 billion, with a midpoint estimate of $899 
million. Copies of the cost/benefit analysis are available upon request 
from the address indicated under ADDRESSES or from our Web site at 
www.migratorybirds.gov.
    Executive Order 12866 requires each agency to write regulations 
that are easy to understand. We invite comments on how to make this 
rule easier to understand, including answers to questions such as the 
following:
    (1) Are the requirements in the rule clearly stated?
    (2) Does the rule contain technical language or jargon that 
interferes with its clarity?
    (3) Does the format of the rule (grouping and order of sections, 
use of headings, paragraphing, etc.) aid or reduce its clarity?
    (4) Would the rule be easier to understand if it were divided into 
more (but shorter) sections?
    (5) Is the description of the rule in the ``Supplementary 
Information'' section of the preamble helpful in understanding the 
rule?
    (6) What else could we do to make the rule easier to understand?
    Send a copy of any comments that concern how we could make this 
rule easier to understand to: Office of the Executive Secretariat and 
Regulatory Affairs, Department of the Interior, Room 7229, 1849 C 
Street NW., Washington, DC 20240. You may also e-mail comments to this 
address: [email protected].

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    These regulations have a significant economic impact on substantial 
numbers of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 
U.S.C. 601 et seq.). We analyzed the economic impacts of the annual 
hunting regulations on small business entities in detail as part of the 
1981 cost-benefit analysis discussed under Executive Order 12866. This 
analysis was revised annually from 1990 through 1995. In 1995, the 
Service issued a Small Entity Flexibility Analysis (Analysis), which 
was subsequently updated in 1996, 1998, and 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 2004 Analysis was based on the 2001 National 
Hunting and Fishing Survey and the U.S. Department of Commerce's County 
Business Patterns, from which it was estimated that migratory bird 
hunters would spend between $481 million and $1.2 billion at small 
businesses in 2004. Copies of the Analysis are available upon request 
from the address indicated under ADDRESSES or from our Web site at 
www.migratorybirds.gov.

[[Page 52133]]

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    This rule is a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business 
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. For the reasons outlined above, 
this rule has an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. 
However, because this rule establishes hunting seasons, we do not plan 
to defer the effective date required by 5 U.S.C. 801 under the 
exemption contained in 5 U.S.C. 808(1).

Paperwork Reduction Act

    We examined these regulations under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995. The various recordkeeping and reporting requirements imposed 
under regulations established in 50 CFR part 20, Subpart K, are 
utilized in the formulation of migratory game bird hunting regulations. 
Specifically, OMB has approved the information collection requirements 
of the Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program and assigned 
clearance number 1018-0015 (expires 10/31/2004). This information is 
used to provide a sampling frame for voluntary national surveys to 
improve our harvest estimates for all migratory game birds in order to 
better manage these populations. A Federal agency may not conduct or 
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of 
information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

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

Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 12988

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

Takings Implication Assessment

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

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

Federalism Effects

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

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 2004-05 
hunting season are authorized under 16 U.S.C. 703-712 and 16 U.S.C. 742 
a-j.

    Dated: August 16, 2004.
David P. Smith,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

Proposed Regulations Frameworks for 2004-05 Late Hunting Seasons on 
Certain Migratory Game Birds

    Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and delegated 
authorities, the Department has approved frameworks for season lengths, 
shooting hours, bag and possession limits, and outside dates within 
which States may select seasons for hunting waterfowl and coots between 
the dates of September 1, 2004, and March 10, 2005.

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

[[Page 52134]]

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 
25) and the last Sunday in January (January 30).
    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 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 fourth Saturday in October (October 23) and January 31, with a 3-
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 during the first 25 days and 
a 2-bird daily bag limit during the last 20 days.
    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 during the first 25 days and 
a 2-bird daily bag limit during the last 20 days.
    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 fourth Saturday in 
October (October 23) and January 31, with a 3-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 
fourth Saturday in October (October 23) and January 31, with a 3-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 30) 
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 fourth Saturday in 
October (October 23) and January 31, with a 3-bird daily bag limit.
    RP Zone: A 70-day season may be held between the last Saturday in 
October (October 30) 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.

[[Page 52135]]

    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 fourth Saturday in 
October (October 23) and January 31, with a 3-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 fourth Saturday in 
October (October 23) and January 31, with a 3-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 during the first 25 days and 
a 2-bird daily bag limit during the last 20 days.
    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 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 50-
day season between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 25) and 
January 31, with a 2-bird daily bag limit. States may split their 
seasons into two segments.

Mississippi Flyway

Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots

    Outside Dates: Between the Saturday nearest September 24 (September 
25) and the last Sunday in January (January 30).
    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 25) 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 25) and the Sunday nearest February 15 (February 13); 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 25) 
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 
25) 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 74,200 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 86 
days or when 15,300 birds have been harvested in the Northern Illinois 
Quota Zone, whichever occurs first.
    (a) Central Zone--The season for Canada geese will close after 86 
days or when 17,500 birds have been harvested in the Central Illinois 
Quota Zone, whichever occurs first.
    (c) South Zone--The season for Canada geese will close after 86 
days or when 8,600 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 60 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 10,300 birds. Of the 10,300-bird quota, 6,700 birds will be 
allocated to the Ballard Reporting Area and 2,600 birds will be

[[Page 52136]]

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 50,000 birds. 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) Allegan County GMU--The Canada goose season will close after 25 
days or when 1,500 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. 
The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (2) Muskegon Wastewater GMU--The Canada goose season will close 
after 25 days or when 500 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs 
first. The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (b) SJBP Zone--The framework opening date for all geese is 
September 16, and the season for Canada geese may extend for 30 days. 
The daily bag limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (1) Saginaw County GMU--The Canada goose season will close after 50 
days or when 2,000 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. 
The daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (2) Tuscola/Huron GMU--The Canada goose season will close after 50 
days or when 750 birds have been harvested, whichever occurs first. The 
daily bag limit is 1 Canada goose.
    (c) Southern Michigan and Central Michigan GMUs--A special Canada 
goose season may be held between January 1 and January 30. The daily 
bag limit is 5 Canada geese.
    Minnesota: (a) West Zone. (1) West Central Zone--The season for 
Canada geese may extend for 25 days. The daily bag limit is 1 Canada 
goose.
    (2) Remainder of West Zone--The season for Canada geese may extend 
for 35 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 60 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) 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.
    (b) 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, 2 Canada geese from 
November 1 to November 30, and 1 Canada goose 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, 2 Canada geese from November 1 to November 30, and 
1 Canada goose 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 59 
days, at least 9 of which must occur before Oct. 16. The daily bag 
limit is 2 Canada geese.
    (c) Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Zone--The season for Canada geese may 
extend for 59 days, at least 9 of which must occur before Oct. 16. 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 49,200 birds.
    (a) Horicon Zone--The framework opening date for all geese is 
September 16. The harvest of Canada geese is limited to 19,000 birds. 
The season may not exceed 95 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 700 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 29,500 birds, 
500 of which are allocated to the Mississippi River Subzone. The season 
may not exceed 95 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 
29,000 birds.
    Additional Limits: In addition to the harvest limits stated for the 
respective zones above, an additional 4,500 Canada

[[Page 52137]]

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 
25) and the last Sunday in January (January 30).
    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 11). 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 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 25) and 
the Sunday nearest February 15 (February 13). For light geese, outside 
dates for seasons may be selected between the Saturday nearest 
September 24 (September 25) 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, and 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 
25) and the last Sunday in January (January 30).
    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 2), and the last Sunday in January 
(January 30). Basic

[[Page 52138]]

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 
25), and the last Sunday in January (January 30). 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 6).
    Balance-of-the-State Zone: Limits may not include more than 3 geese 
per day, of which not more than 1 may be a cackling Canada goose or 
Aleutian Canada goose, except in Del Norte and Humboldt Counties where 
the daily bag limit may include 2 Cackling or Aleutian Canada geese. 
Two areas in the Balance-of-the-State Zone are restricted in the 
hunting of certain geese:
    (1) In the Sacramento Valley Special Management Area (West), the 
season on white-fronted geese must begin no earlier than the last 
Saturday in October and end on or before December 14, and the daily bag 
limit shall contain no more than 2 white-fronted geese.
    (2) 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 27). 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 2). 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 12) 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

[[Page 52139]]

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 2) 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, 2004, 
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:

--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 2) 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.

[[Page 52140]]

    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 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

[[Page 52141]]

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 
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.

[[Page 52142]]

    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.
    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; west and south on Interstate 84 to Route 67; north along 
Route 67 to the Litchfield County line,

[[Page 52143]]

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: Allegheny, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, 
Washington Counties and the portion of Montgomery County south of 
Interstate 270 and west of Interstate 495 to the Potomac River.
    AP Zone: Remainder of the State.
    Massachusetts: NAP Zone: Central Zone (same as for ducks) and that 
portion of the Coastal Zone that lies north of route 139 from Green 
Harbor.
    AP Zone: Remainder of the State.
    Special Late Season Area: That portion of the Coastal Zone (see 
duck zones) that lies north of 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 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

[[Page 52144]]

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 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: North Zone: That portion of the State north of U.S. Highway 
20.
    South Zone: The remainder of Iowa.
    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

[[Page 52145]]

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, 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

[[Page 52146]]

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:
    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.
    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

[[Page 52147]]

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: North Zone: Game Management Units 1-5, those portions of 
Game Management Units 6 and 8 within Coconino County, and Game 
Management units 7, 9, and 12A.
    South Zone: Those portions of Game Management Units 6 and 8 in 
Yavapai County, and Game Management Units 10 and 12B-45.
    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 border 
south along U.S. 95 to Vidal Junction; south on a road known as 
``Aqueduct Road'' in San Bernardino County through the town of Rice to 
the San Bernardino-Riverside County line; south on a road known in 
Riverside County as the ``Desert Center to Rice Road'' to the town of 
Desert Center; east 31 miles on I-10 to the Wiley Well Road; south on 
this road to Wiley Well; southeast along the Army-Milpitas Road to the 
Blythe, Brawley, Davis Lake intersections; south on the Blythe-Brawley 
paved road to the Ogilby and Tumco Mine Road; south on this road to 
U.S. 80; east seven miles on U.S. 80 to the Andrade-Algodones Road; 
south on this paved road to the Mexican border at Algodones, Mexico.
    Southern Zone: That portion of southern California (but excluding 
the Colorado River Zone) south and east of a line extending from the 
Pacific Ocean east along the Santa Maria River to CA 166 near the City 
of Santa Maria; east on CA 166 to CA 99; south on CA 99 to the crest of 
the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass; east and north along the crest 
of the Tehachapi Mountains to CA 178 at Walker Pass; east on CA 178 to 
U.S. 395 at the town of Inyokern; south on U.S. 395 to CA 58; east on 
CA 58 to I-15; east on I-15 to CA 127; north on CA 127 to the Nevada 
border.
    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

[[Page 52148]]

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.
    Western Canada Goose Hunt Area: That portion of the above described 
Sacramento Valley Area lying east of a line formed by Butte Creek from 
the Gridley-Colusa Highway south to the Cherokee Canal; easterly along 
the Cherokee Canal and North Butte Road to West Butte Road; southerly 
on West Butte Road to Pass Road; easterly on Pass Road to West Butte 
Road; southerly on West Butte Road to CA 20; and westerly along CA 20 
to the Sacramento River.
    Colorado (Pacific Flyway Portion): West Central Area: Archuleta, 
Delta, Dolores, Gunnison, LaPlata, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, San 
Juan, and San Miguel Counties and those portions of Hinsdale, Mineral, 
and Saguache Counties west of the Continental Divide.
    State Area: The remainder of the Pacific-Flyway Portion of 
Colorado.
    Idaho: Zone 1: Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Clearwater, Idaho, 
Kootenai, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, and Shoshone Counties.
    Zone 2: The Counties of Ada; Adams; Boise; Canyon; those portions 
of Elmore north and east of I-84, and south and west of I-84, west of 
ID 51, except the Camas Creek drainage; Gem; Owyhee west of ID 51; 
Payette; Valley; and Washington.
    Zone 3: The Counties of Blaine; Camas; Cassia; those portions of 
Elmore south of I-84 east of ID 51, and within the Camas Creek 
drainage; Gooding; Jerome; Lincoln; Minidoka; Owyhee east of ID 51; 
Power within the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge; and Twin Falls.
    Zone 4: The Counties of Bear Lake; Bingham within the Blackfoot 
Reservoir drainage; Bonneville, Butte; Caribou except the Fort Hall 
Indian Reservation; Clark; Custer; Franklin; Fremont; Jefferson; Lemhi; 
Madison; Oneida; Power west of ID 37 and ID 39 except the Minidoka 
National Wildlife Refuge; and Teton.
    Zone 5: All lands and waters within the Fort Hall Indian 
Reservation, including private inholdings; Bannock County; Bingham 
County, except that portion within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; 
and Power County east of ID 37 and ID 39.
    In addition, goose frameworks are set by the following geographical 
areas:
    Northern Unit: Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Clearwater, Idaho, 
Kootenai, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, and Shoshone Counties.
    Southwestern Unit: That area west of the line formed by U.S. 93 
north from the Nevada 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 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.

[[Page 52149]]

    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. 04-19249 Filed 8-23-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P